The following is an important special message sent on behalf of Brian Kamoie, Assistant Administrator for Grant Programs, DHS/FEMA.
As many of you are aware, Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 funding for the Federal Government expires on September 30, 2013. However, there is enough time for Congress to pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to maintain our current operations and prevent a lapse in funding on October 1.
Prudent management requires that we be prepared for all contingencies, including the possibility of a government hiatus. If funding lapses on October 1, many government activities will cease because they no longer have the authority to incur further financial obligations, except those necessary to suspend operations. Employees who are associated with those activities would be temporarily furloughed.
To prepare for this possibility, we are working to update our contingency plans for executing an orderly shutdown of activities that would be affected by a lapse in appropriations.
Impacts that FEMA Grantees Can Expect in the Event of a Lapse in FY2014 Appropriations
In the event of a lapse of FY14 appropriations, we have prepared the following information to address the questions of many of our grant recipients:
Will the lapse affect my grant?
- Grant-funded projects for which funding has been awarded, obligated, and released by FEMA will not be affected by the lapse of FY14 appropriations and work can continue unimpeded.
- Grantees will not be able to draw down funds for Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG), or Fire Prevention and Safety grants because these rely on manual processes that will not be staffed during a lapse in appropriations.
- FEMA will not announce FY13 AFG or SAFER awards during the lapse in appropriations and reimbursement for SAFER invitational travelers will be delayed.
- FEMA staff is working to release as many fund holds as possible prior to close of business on Monday, September 30, 2013.
What if I have questions or need help with my grant?
- Unfortunately, no FEMA grant staff will be available to answer grantee questions during a lapse in FY14 appropriations; however, we will work closely with grantees who have questions once the lapse has ended.
- FEMA’s grant help desks will not be staffed, including the Centralized Information and Scheduling Desk (ASKCSID), Grant Award and Administration Control Desk, and Assistance to Firefighters Grants Help Desk.
- During the lapse, FEMA grant staff will not be able to address rejected payment requests or problems related to holds, missing reports, or to reset passwords for grants processed through the PARS and Smart-link systems.
I know that the budget uncertainties put our workforce in a difficult situation and that many employees, as well as those we serve every day, would face hardships should a funding lapse occur. As we approach the end of the month, I am committed to providing you with updated and timely information on any further developments.
Situations like this are always difficult and your hard work, dedication, and patience through this process are appreciated. Thank you for your continued service to our mission and to the Nation.