On October 5, 2018, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) was signed into law, providing for major reforms to FEMA Programs, including Section 1234, which are the reforms to FEMA’s PDM Program. This includes a vastly restructured PDM Program with an expanded National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund as well as many other sub-applicant opportunities for project work. Among its changes include:

Although the NOFO for the FY 2019 PDM Program grants has not yet been announced, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) [DHSEM is the designated applicant for this grant program responsible for soliciting sub-applications from eligible sub-applicants] encourages early submission of Notice of Interest (NOI) forms to them to allow more time for the state to assist in the application preparation and review process.

To qualify, sub-applicants must have a current FEMA-approved Local or Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) by the application deadline and it must be valid at the time of federal obligation of the grant funds. Applications for updating or developing a new mitigation plan do not have to meet this requirement.

CDR|M provides our clients and impacted communities and stakeholders with a local and nationally recognized team of disaster / emergency and hazard mitigation planners and technical experts. Our team can coordinate closely with both your local jurisdictions, businesses, and residents to develop robust hazard mitigation plans that are implementable, and truly integrated with other community planning processes. Only by reducing or eliminating the long-term risk of hazards, can a community begin to accomplish increased resiliency towards them.

The CDR|M Team is ready to respond at a moment’s notice. We can assist by conducting damage assessments, providing EOC support, formulating project worksheets, utilizing the FEMA Grants Portal, and packaging documentation for closeout. Our team of grant managers and subject matter experts work with community leaders to be sure the appropriate staff members are available during each phase of recovery.

FEMA’s latest Public Assistance (PA) Model utilizes a web-based Grants Management portal that acts as an online storehouse for FEMA required documentation. The new model puts much of the responsibility for project documentation and justification on applicants; learning how to utilize and navigate the portal properly is essential in advancing a community’s recovery. CDR|M ’s Team is well-versed in the FEMA Grant Portal and can provide guidance to expedite your project formulation, scoping and obligations.

CDR|M believes that mitigation and preparedness are the cornerstones of any emergency management program. Knowing and staying up to date on current policy can be quite a significant battle for smaller EM teams and, that is why we are here. CDR|M establishes effective plans that are compliant with existing policies and regulations for communities. Blue skies are the best time to prepare; let CDR|M demonstrate how to leverage grant management dollars.