Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation Review (Section 1220)
This section requires FEMA to study the inter-agency expedited environmental and historical review process and provide a report to Congress.
Closeout Incentives (Section 1221)
The section authorizes FEMA to develop “incentives and penalties” to state, local, tribal and territorial governments to ensure their timely closeout of disaster grants.
Stafford Act to Title 5 Appointment Authority (Section 1222)
This section amends the Stafford Act to authorize FEMA’s Cadre of Response and Recovery Employees an opportunity, under certain conditions, to apply for open positions at FEMA in the same manner as competitive service employees.
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
As of July 30, 2019, new FEMA PFT job announcements on USAJOBS include Special Authority language.
Study to Streamline and Consolidate Information Collection (Section 1223)
This section requires an inter-agency study to streamline information collection from disaster assistance applicants and grantees, and the establishment of a public website to present the data.
Agency Accountability (Section 1224)
Requires the online publication of a variety of disaster data. This section also requires the collection of FEMA contract information to be made available to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and congressional oversight committees upon request.
Audit of Contracts (Section 1225)
Prohibits FEMA from providing reimbursement to any state, local, tribal or territorial government, or private non-profit for activities made pursuant to a contract that purports to prohibit audits or internal reviews by the FEMA Administrator or the Comptroller General.
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
Procurement Disaster Assistance (PDAT) Field Manual updated in October 2019.
Inspector General Audit of FEMA Contracts for Tarps and Plastic Sheeting (Section 1226)
Requires the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) to provide an audit report on the FEMA contracts to purchase tarps and plastic sheeting for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria.
Expanding Relief Organizations (Section 1227)
Adds long-term recovery groups and domestic hunger relief to organizations that FEMA coordinates with.
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
Memoranda of Agreement with Send Relief organization executed on June 12, 2019.
Guidance on Inundated and Submerged Roads (Section 1228)
Requires FEMA, in coordination with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, to issue guidance regarding the eligibility of inundated and submerged roads under the Public Assistance Grant program.
Extension of Assistance for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Section 1229)
Extends Disaster Unemployment Assistance from 26 to 52 weeks for Hurricane Irma and Maria survivors in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
Retroactive payments began in early 2019.