Appendix L › Steps 1–2 Verify the Estimate; Eligible Items Only

What does FEMA check first when it reviews our cost estimate?

FEMA term

Validation of applicant-provided cost estimates: initial verification

Short answer

FEMA staff must use the Appendix L checklist for large permanent work estimates. First they confirm a licensed engineer, architect or certified cost estimator prepared and certified it, that it uses unit costs rather than lump sums, and that it is detailed enough to match the scope. Then they check that every item is required by the agreed damage, removing or returning anything ineligible.

What FEMA requires

FEMA PA staff must use this checklist to review applicant cost estimates for large permanent work projects, and may use parts of it for emergency work.
Step 1: verify the estimate is prepared by a licensed professional engineer or other estimating professional (licensed architect or certified professional cost estimator) who certifies it follows industry standards; certifies the cost directly corresponds to repairing the agreed damage; is based on unit costs for each scope component, not a lump sum; and is detailed enough to validate every component against the agreed scope.
Step 2: verify only eligible items are included, based on the agreed damage description and dimensions. If ineligible items are found, FEMA removes them and documents why, or returns the estimate to you to revise.

<table class="pt-table"><thead><tr><th>Step</th><th>FEMA verifies</th><th>If not met</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1. Preparer and certification</td><td>Licensed PE, licensed architect or certified cost estimator certifies it meets industry standards and matches the agreed damage</td><td>Estimate not accepted</td></tr><tr><td>1. Format</td><td>Unit costs for each scope component, not lump sums, with enough detail to match the scope</td><td>Returned for revision</td></tr><tr><td>2. Eligible items</td><td>Every scope item is required by the agreed damage description and dimensions</td><td>FEMA removes ineligible items with an explanation, or returns the estimate</td></tr></tbody></table>

Documentation

A signed estimate from a licensed professional engineer, licensed architect or certified professional cost estimator, with a certification that it follows industry standards and corresponds to the agreed damage; unit costs for each scope component; and the agreed damage description and dimensions.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Ask your estimator to build the estimate to the Appendix L checklist from the start. An estimate that fails step 1 never gets to the reasonableness review and simply comes back.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.