Independent FEMA Public Assistance resource. Not affiliated with FEMA.Start hereReform trackerContact
Get technical assistance
Home / PAPPG v5.0
Chapter 9 › II.B Expedited Projects for Emergency Work

Can we get emergency work funding before the project is finished?

FEMA term
Expedited projects for emergency work
Short answer

Yes, for large debris removal and emergency protective measures projects. Ask within 60 days of your recovery scoping meeting, with enough information for FEMA to validate the work and costs, and FEMA may fund 50 percent of the federal share of the estimate, aiming to obligate within 90 days. The rest follows once you document the full cost.

What FEMA requires

  • Applies to Category A or B projects that meet or exceed the large project threshold.
  • Submit the request within 60 days of the recovery scoping meeting, with enough information for FEMA to validate eligibility, broken down by monthly or bi-weekly operational periods.
  • FEMA funds 50 percent of the federal share of the estimated cost and works to obligate within 90 days of the request.
  • Obligation does not let the recipient advance funds without documentation. Advances are limited to the minimum amounts needed, timed to actual, immediate cash needs.
  • If an increased federal cost share period applies, separate work in that period from work after it.
  • Without enough cost information, FEMA may use average historical pricing. For contract work it may use the contract unit costs if reasonable, but still reviews procurement compliance before or at closeout.
<table class="pt-table"><thead><tr><th>Step</th><th>Rule</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Which projects</td><td>Category A or B projects at or above the large project threshold</td></tr><tr><td>Request deadline</td><td>Within 60 days of your recovery scoping meeting</td></tr><tr><td>Amount</td><td>50 percent of the federal share of the estimated cost</td></tr><tr><td>FEMA target</td><td>Obligate within 90 days of receiving the request</td></tr><tr><td>Remaining 50 percent</td><td>Once you provide all documentation supporting the estimated cost</td></tr></tbody></table>

Documentation

  • Work: the immediate threat, the work done or planned, locations, and for debris, estimated quantities by type. Break everything down by monthly or bi-weekly operational period.
  • Costs: an itemized estimate with its basis (actual costs, historical or local unit costs, quotes or pre-qualified contracts) and insurance policies.
  • Labor: regular and overtime hours with average rates for budgeted employees, unbudgeted employees, and mutual aid, National Guard or prison labor, plus the mutual aid agreements.
  • Equipment and supplies: type, usage and rate for owned equipment; type and cost for purchased equipment; type and rate for rentals; type, quantity and cost for purchased and stock supplies.
  • Contracts: requests for proposals, bids or contracts supporting the estimate, and debris monitoring information.
  • Other: travel, meals and miscellaneous costs with number of people, purpose, duration and average rate.
Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Expedited money is not a blank check. The recipient can only release what you need for immediate cash requirements, and FEMA still reviews your procurement at closeout. A noncompliant debris contract funded on an expedited basis can be clawed back later.

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.