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Notice of Federal Assistance FEMA Public Assistance Program DR4854 - Public Infrastructure

FEMA-4854-DR-OREGON

Declared: January 1, 2025

Oregon 2024 Wildfires

 

FEMA Public Assistance Program Overview

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) is available to state, local and Tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler counties.

All potential applicants must submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) by January 30, 2025, to be considered for funding under DR4854 – Wildfire.

 

What the Program Covers: The Public Assistance Program provides federal funds to help with emergency work and the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by wildfires in Oregon from July 10 to August 23, 2024. The federal government covers at least 75% of eligible costs.

 

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Local and Tribal governments
  • Special districts
  • State agencies
  • Private nonprofits (PNPs) that provide government-like services and have 501(c), (d), or (e) tax-exempt status*

*PNPs are entities that provide a governmental type of service, and have a 501(c), (d) or (e) tax-exempt status. PNP applicants should refer to FEMA Public Assistance Program and Guide, page 43 regarding PNP eligible facilities and required documentation. 

Note: Some private nonprofits with facility damage must apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan before seeking FEMA funds. Be aware of SBA application deadlines (see attached SBA Release OR 20946-01).

 

How to Apply for FEMA Public Assistance

Steps to Apply

  1. Register in FEMA Grants Portal
    • Visit: https://grantee.fema.gov/
    • Create an organization profile (basic information about your organization).
    • The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) must approve your account before you can submit an RPA.
  2. Submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA)
    • Log into Grants Portal after your account is approved.
    • Complete and submit your RPA.

 

Already Registered? If your organization is already registered, log in and submit your RPA directly, https://grantee.fema.gov/.

 

Need Help? If you have issues accessing Grants Portal or need help creating an account, email: oem.pa-recovery@oem.oregon.gov.

 

SAM.gov registration: You must have an active registration on SAM.gov to apply for FEMA funding.


To register your organization, you must have:

1. Active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

 

If your organization does not have a UEI or active SAM.gov registration, the following website provides information on creating or obtaining one:

https://sam.gov/content/home

 

What Happens After You Apply

  1. Exploratory call: After your RPA is approved, FEMA and the State will assign a Program Delivery Manager (PDMG) who will reach out to your primary point of contact. They will set up an introductory call to explain the Public Assistance process. This may take a few weeks after approval.
    • To prepare for this call, applicants may complete the Damage Inventory Form (attached). This form helps organize and prioritize your claims and makes it easier to discuss project plans and damages.
  2. Recovery Scoping Meeting (RSM): The RSM is a detailed meeting with FEMA to go over your damages. This meeting starts a 60-day window for reporting all damages.

 

Important Deadlines

  • RPA submission deadline: January 30, 2025.
  • Damage reporting deadline: 60 days after your Recovery Scoping Meeting (RSM).

 

Applicant Briefing: The Applicant Briefing is an informational presentation hosted by OEM staff and representatives that explains the FEMA Public Assistance program and process. While attendance is optional, applicants are strongly encouraged to participate. The announcement will be distributed upon scheduling.

 

Other Considerations

  • Environmental compliance: Compliance with environmental and historical preservation laws is required. FEMA will prepare a “Green Sheet” with guidance. Failure to comply with applicable federal, tribal, state, and local environmental and historical preservation laws could jeopardize or delay federal funding. 
  • Contracting requirements: Failure to follow federal contracting rules could jeopardize or delay federal reimbursement of otherwise eligible expenses. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants/procurement.

 

Attachments:

 

Additional Resources:

 

Questions? For inquiries related specifically to FEMA Public Assistance: oem.pa-recovery@oem.oregon.gov 

 

For more information about other types of assistance that may be available, please contact oem.recovery@oem.oregon.gov