The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has helped communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic since it began. While assistance associated with the public health emergency was extended, FEMA recently announced that July 1, 2022, is the deadline for submitting Requests for Public Assistance (RPA), the eligibility-determining process.
Additionally, FEMA set December 31, 2022, as the interim deadline for applicants to submit project applications for work related to the COVID-19 pandemic completed from January 20, 2020, through July 1, 2022, the end of 100% federal cost-share.
FEMA has helped support projects to assist states, Tribal nations, localities, federal territories, and eligible not-for-profit organizations in soliciting public assistance for 100% federal cost-share. As the pandemic crisis appears to be waning, FEMA has established critical deadlines to apply for FEMA funding.
What You Need to Know
In order to access the Grants Portal application system, an entity must first submit the RPA, which is the process of confirming your organization’s status as an eligible governmental, Tribal, or private not-for-profit entity. The deadline to submit the RPA is July 1, 2022.
You’ll need basic demographic information about your organization, including your legal business name, address, federal tax identification number, your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI, which can be found on SAM.gov), your Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, and two points of contact.
Other Important Details
The interim application deadline is December 31, 2022, for costs that were incurred on or before July 1, 2022. These are covered at 100% federal cost-share.
Starting July 2, 2022, the federal cost-share is reduced to 90%, which is still greater than the 75% rate typical of other disasters.
The disaster is ongoing with no end date specified by FEMA yet.
Eligible Expenses
To the extent that funding continues to be available and applicants provide sufficient documentation, FEMA can reimburse expenses related to COVID-19 emergency work, including:
- Medical care of COVID-19 positive and suspected cases, including medical supplies and equipment
- Temporary medical facilities such as tents and trailers
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Disinfection supplies
- Medical waste disposal
- Movement of supplies and persons
- Security services
- Communications of general health and safety information, such as signage
- Labor costs for eligible work, such as employee overtime and contract labor
Like other federal funding programs, applicants must ensure that expenses haven’t been reimbursed from another source, including payments directly from patients or payors. Unlike the Provider Relief Fund, FEMA can’t reimburse applicants for any lost revenue.
We’re Here to Help
Moss Adams can help you navigate the FEMA application process, including determining eligible expenses, project prioritization, crafting applications, and submitting the required documentation.
Throughout the pandemic, we have worked extensively with governmental and not-for-profit hospitals, long-term care providers, and Tribes, to obtain FEMA funding. For assistance applying, or for more information about our Health Care services, contact your Moss Adams professional.