FEMA Provides Expedited Period of Performance Extension Process for Preparedness Grants
In light of the COVID-19 disruptions, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently took steps to help recipients of certain Emergency Preparedness grants seek period of performance (PoP) extensions to prior year awards a bit easier.
In an informational bulletin to state, local and tribal emergency management and transportation security directors, FEMA said it would provide an expedited submission, review and decision process for grant recipient PoP extension requests for federal fiscal year (FY) 2017 and 2018 preparedness grant programs in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. “FEMA recognizes that state and local government resources continue to be constrained as a result of pandemic response activities,” the agency said. “Therefore, to relieve some of the administrative burden on grant recipients, FEMA is instituting a streamlined process for COVID-19-related extension requests.” The process is similar to one FEMA used in April 2020 for FY 2016 and 2017 preparedness grants.
Grant programs applicable are the Homeland Security Grant program, Nonprofit Security Grant program, Tribal Homeland Security Grant program, Port Security Grant program, Transit Security Grant program and the Intercity Passenger Rail program. This bulletin involves period of performance extensions, but does not pertain to liquidation extensions and closeout reporting extensions.
For all extension requests, recipients must submit a PoP amendment in FEMA’s ND Grants system by May 28 and upload a copy of the informational bulletin at the at the time of request to serve as FEMA’s approval authorizing document. Recipients will also need to include a brief explanation (i.e., no more than one paragraph) for the request. No additional attachment, justification or documentation is required. FEMA will either approve or disapprove the request and notify the recipient through the normal ND Grants electronic notification process.
For all open FY 2017 preparedness grant awards with a PoP set to expire on or before Dec 31, in which a recipient is requesting a PoP extension due to COVID-19-related delays, the recipient may only request an extension for up to 12 months beyond the current end date of their award or May 31, 2022, whichever is earlier. FEMA cannot extend FY 2017 preparedness grant funds beyond the statutory five-year appropriations limit. For all open FY 2018 awards set to expire on or before Dec. 31, 2021, requested extensions will be approved for up to 12 months.
Join us for our following Thompson Grants events:
Subaward Compliance Management: How to Effectively Monitor Subrecipients | March 25, 2021
Virtual Federal Grants Forum: For State & Local Governments | May 11 - 12, 2021
