Although many first-time grantees are familiar with regular CDBG programs, there are important differences between the two — from federal regulation requirements to the funds allocation and the application processes. Grantees must identify areas where the programs differ in order to develop new processes or adjust existing CDBG processes to meet the needs of the… Read more
Disaster recovery projects carried out using federal funding, including FEMA, SBA, HUD, and the Buereau of Land Management’s programs, typically must adhere to National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 requirements. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) provides answers to frequently asked questions on the role of Section 106 in disaster recovery programs, in addition… Read more
Many first-time grantees and subgrantees are not aware that they can request waivers from to circumvent or alter HUD regulations. Waivers give grantees more flexibility to meet their specific recovery needs, allowing communities to build back stronger and more quickly. These tips provide a basic overview of waivers for program administrators and others involved with… Read more
Whether your community is a grantee or subgrantee of a award, you will be required to complete an unmet needs assessment to help prioritize your recovery projects and determine how your funding will be allocated between housing, economic development, and infrastructure recovery projects. Based on IBTS’s experience conducting unmet needs assessments across the country, IBTS… Read more
During contractor procurement, grantees are required to meet the federal minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) goals to remain in compliance with the program. This guidance document includes checklists for meeting minimum acceptable outreach standards; guidelines for M/WBE outreach programs; section 3 requirements; and compliance and recordkeeping requirements. Guidance on Minority Business Enterprise and Women’s… Read more
This FEMA video explains the shelter at home program and how it was implemented in Louisiana after the catastrophic August 2016 floods left thousands of residents with severely damaged homes. The shelter at home program is funded through FEMA’s program and in no way detracts from a homeowner’s eligibility to receive from FEMA. The program… Read more
CDBG-DR monitoring is an important process to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations and to prevent any findings from HUD. IBTS developed this on-site monitoring review checklist for use in Cleveland County, Oklahoma’s, CDBG-DR program, which funded 10 infrastructure projects and other smaller projects. The checklist was strategically designed by IBTS… Read more
IBTS recommends using the WH-347 form — a standardized fillable PDF payroll form recognized by every federal agency — to track disaster related time and cost expenditures. If payroll is not properly documented during disaster response and recovery, municipalities may not be eligible for FEMA reimbursement or may be forced to return their funds years after the… Read more
“The biggest mistake I’ve seen across the country in programs is not following proper procurement,” says IBTS Corporate Disaster Recovery Executive Mike Spletto. “I’ve seen local governments have the entire procurement become null and void for not following federal competitive bid requirements.” Because the CDBG-DR program is federally funded, grantees must follow federal procurement policies when… Read more
Many grantees are unfamiliar with federal procurement policies, which must be followed when procuring goods and services with CDBG-DR funds. In the urgency of post-disaster recovery it’s easy for grantee’s to overlook program procurement requirements, however if you don’t comply you may be forced to repay your funds. This toolkit provides guidance to help CDBG-DR… Read more
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