States, federally recognized tribes and territories are eligible applicants for HMA programs. The applicant is responsible for soliciting subapplications from eligible subapplicants and assisting in the preparation, review and submission of eligible and complete subapplications to FEMA. Applicants receive HMA awards. When assistance is awarded, the applicant then becomes the recipient and a pass-through entity. A recipient receives a federal award directly from FEMA to carry out an activity under an HMA program.[45] Pass-through entities are responsible for administering the award and complying with program requirements and other applicable federal, state, tribal and territorial laws and regulations. The pass-through entity is also responsible for the financial management of the program and oversight of all approved activities.[46]
To be eligible for HMA programs, applicants must have a FEMA-approved state or tribal hazard mitigation plan that has been adopted by the jurisdiction in accordance with 44 CFR Part 201 and state or tribal mitigation planning policy. For more information on who or which entities are eligible applicants, refer to Part 4.