FEMA will use the information provided in the subapplication—including the scope of work, the budget and supporting documentation—to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed mitigation project (for mitigation project types only).
FEMA accepts the engineering design for a project if a licensed professional engineer (or other professional licensed by the state to practice in the discipline being certified by the individual) certifies that the design meets the appropriate code or industry design and construction standards. FEMA will accept the certified engineering design in lieu of a comprehensive technical feasibility review. Specific design and construction standards are included by project type in Part 12. If accepted codes/standards are used, no additional documentation is required. The application must include the codes or standards that will be used for the design and the version and date of the codes or standards used.
If an alternative design is proposed, the application and subapplication should contain:
- Applicable building code/edition or engineering standard used.
- Level of protection provided by the proposed project and description of how the proposed activity will mitigate future losses.
- For the retrofit of existing buildings or infrastructure protection projects, an assessment of the vulnerabilities of the existing building.
- Any remaining risk to the structure after project implementation.
- Proposed schematic drawings or designs (as applicable).
Project subapplications lacking the appropriate documentation to support the determination of feasibility and effectiveness may be removed from consideration. Upon request, FEMA will provide technical assistance regarding engineering documentation.
If future conditions such as climate change–related factors (e.g., sea level rise or increased precipitation) are included in the analysis, the studies or reports documenting the increased risk and how it was applied to the project design must be included and document how the project effectiveness was calculated.