Project scoping/advance assistance activities are designed to bridge the gap in the level of detail between the actions contained in the current approved hazard mitigation plan and project subapplications. Project scoping/advance assistance activities are also designed to obtain data to complete HMA subapplications in a timely manner, resulting in either an improvement in the capability to identify appropriate mitigation projects or in the development of an application-ready mitigation project.
Project scoping and advance assistance refer to the same activities. However, under HMGP and HMGP Post Fire, the HMA Guide uses the term “advance assistance” to align with program statutes. The name change of this activity to “project scoping” for BRIC and FMA was made to align with the purpose of this project type and provide clarity.
Advance assistance is authorized under Section 404(e)[355] of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act).[356] Under this provision, FEMA is authorized to advance up to 25% of the HMGP ceiling or HMGP Post Fire available assistance amount, or $10 million (whichever is less) to applicants or subapplicants to accelerate the implementation of HMGP or HMGP Post Fire. Advance assistance is not automatic and is included in the HMGP ceiling amount or HMGP Post Fire available assistance amount.
Project scoping is authorized under BRIC and FMA. For more information on BRIC and FMA, including governing policies, visit the FEMA “Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” and “Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant” webpages.