On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of Stafford Act, increasing federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its role as the lead federal agency for the ongoing Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response. Under this declaration, FEMA, in coordination with HHS, will assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public.

FEMA Public Assistance for COVID

To maintain potential eligibility for reimbursement for management costs or direct project-related costs, all cost-related documentation must be collected and retained (e.g. procurement process, contracts, invoices, timesheets and payroll information, fringe benefit calculations, equipment and vehicle usage logs, materials records and inventory, rental and lease agreements, etc.). All Federal, State and local procurement laws must be followed and documented. Applicants must comply with relevant sections of the Public Assistance (PA) Program and Policy Guide and other applicable Federal and State regulations. All or part of these services may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

What it Means

Current FEMA guidelines in place for disaster relief were not designed to address the specific viral nature of COVID-19. This unprecedented event has prompted them to adjust definitions, reimbursement eligibility criteria, and deadlines to meet the growing need of pandemic-related expenditures.

What YOU can do

Because guideline language is being updated every day, the best step you can take right now is to document everything. And we mean everything because the rate at which things are changing, you need to collect the most information you can get to maximize your options when sorting through what will and won’t be applicable.

What WE can do for you

Maser Consulting is offering a streamlined GIS-based program designed to help your organization track activities and reporting of support documentation related to COVID-19 for FEMA reimbursables. Our GIS specialists can roll-out a GIS program, or extension to your existing program, to help you collect the information you need in an accurate and organized manner from your home, office or mobile device.  We also have Grants and Funding specialists in place to guide you through all available grant opportunities, current funding guidelines, applications, and follow-up reporting processes available.

1. Grant Coordination

Our Grant Writing team can assist you in completing the FEMA Request for Public Assistance and other emerging state or local funding options as based on the scale and scope of the eligible activities. This includes compiling all supporting documents for requests for reimbursement related to Federal emergency and major disaster declarations for COVID-19.

2. Documentation Support

Our GIS Team can help you track your COVID-19 reimbursable activities, including photo or video documentation, with user-friendly smart forms that enable you to collect data through your web-connected computer or mobile device. These response forms can document time, cost, and location of COVID-19 response activities, and be as simple or detailed as needed.

Access this QR code with your smart phone camera to see a sample of a 123 Arcgis Activity Tracking Form

To See How the ACTIVITY TRACKING FORM Works, CLICK HERE, or access the QR Code with your smart phone camera.

3. COVID-19 Response Mapping

Working closely with your organization, our GIS team can also help you create maps to document your response efforts using GIS web maps, dashboard apps, and story maps. These maps enable you to communicate current support activities and available resources, in real-time, throughout your organization, public community or both. They can also be configured to include activities at public facilities, medical resources and testing centers, emergency response efforts, availability of equipment, goods and services, and more. Having 24/7 accessibility also improves access to information while reducing the number of incoming calls making inquiries more manageable.

For a STORY MAP CLICK HERE! See how the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County California provided the latest public information on COVID-19 to its community! (Source: Homeland Security Advisory Council at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy)

We can help you!

Our Team of professionals has a complete understanding of your needs and is here to help you for the duration of the unique environment the COVID-19 pandemic has created.  Allow us to help you maximize your outreach resources and gain the essential reimbursements needed to sustain your organization and community.

Learn more about all or any part of our services!

GIS Contact: Suzanne Zitzman / szitzman@maserconsulting.com |Phone: 732.239.0493

Grant & Funding Contact: Kelsey Howard / khoward@maserconsulting.com | Phone: 908.433.1029

 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

Our COVID-19 Reimbursable Support Services

FEMA COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Assistance Simplified Application

FEMA Procurement Under Grants Conducted Under Exigent or Emergency Circumstances

FEMA Contract Provisions Template