FEMA PA APPEAL SHORT SUMMARY & LINKS TO FEMA PA APPEAL WEBSITE

This is in response to a letter from your office dated August 16, 2016, submitting the referenced second appeal of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of $48,102.56 in costs pertaining to meals and refreshments provided to individuals at the state emergency operations center (SEOC). As explained in the enclosed analysis, I have determined that the referenced costs were ineligible because there was no policy in place prior to the disaster making it the Grantee’s legal responsibility to provide complimentary meals and refreshments at the SEOC. I have also determined, however, that section 705(c) of Stafford Act, as implemented by FP-205-081-2, Stafford Act Section 705, Disaster Grant Closeout Procedures, prevents FEMA from recovering the funds previously awarded under PW 19. Accordingly, I am partially granting this appeal. This determination is the final decision on this matter pursuant to 44 C.F.R. § 206.206, Appeals.