FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Program reimburses eligible entities for the costs of permanent work necessary to repair or replace facilities damaged by disasters. Here's a breakdown of how FEMA develops the eligible scope of work for permanent work reimbursement:

Collaboration and Documentation:

• The process starts with collaboration between the applicant (state, tribe, territory, or eligible non-profit) and FEMA.
• The applicant identifies damaged facilities and submits project descriptions outlining the scope of work needed for repairs or replacements.  This scope of work should detail the specific activities and materials required to restore the facility to its pre-disaster condition.

Damage Assessment and Eligibility Review:

• FEMA reviews the proposed scope of work to ensure it aligns with eligible permanent work activities.
• This involves assessing the extent of damage and determining if repairs are necessary to restore the facility's functionality.
• FEMA might utilize engineers or other specialists to evaluate the damage and validate the proposed repairs.

FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF):

• For large construction projects, FEMA utilizes the Cost Estimating Format (CEF) to establish the eligible cost of permanent work.
• The CEF breaks down project costs into various categories like materials, labor, and equipment.  Applicants might need to justify their cost estimates using the CEF format.

Compliance and Legal Considerations:

• FEMA ensures the proposed scope of work adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and building codes.
• This includes considerations like environmental regulations, floodplain management standards, and accessibility requirements for public facilities.

Negotiation and Approval:

• Once FEMA has reviewed the scope of work, cost estimates, and compliance factors, they might negotiate specific details with the applicant.
• This could involve adjusting the scope of work to ensure it's truly necessary for permanent repairs while staying within eligible costs.
• Upon reaching an agreement, FEMA formally approves the final scope of work for permanent work reimbursement.

Resources:

• FEMA Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program Guide for Permanent Work Version 3: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_PAAP-perm-work-guide-V3_3-29-2016.pdf
• FEMA Public Assistance Policy Guide (PAPPG): While there isn't a single online version of the latest PAPPG, most chapters are available on FEMA's website. Search for "FEMA Public Assistance Policy Guide" + Chapter number (e.g., Chapter 3).

Additional Points:

• The specific process for developing the eligible scope of work might vary depending on the project size, complexity, and your state or FEMA regional office.
• It's crucial to maintain clear communication and collaboration with FEMA program specialists throughout the process to ensure your proposed scope of work is aligned with FEMA's eligibility criteria.

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