In response to COVID-19 declarations, FEMA may provide assistance to all eligible PA applicants for measures implemented to facilitate the safe opening and operation of all eligible facilities. In considering the allowability of costs, FEMA will evaluate whether the cost was necessary and reasonable to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information provided with the appeal demonstrates that the Applicant used the Kaivac systems in to increase the frequency with which it cleaned and disinfected facility restrooms, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidance, and that the associated costs exceeded its budget for custodial supplies. The Applicant purchased the Kaivac systems early in the pandemic, having expended its pre-pandemic budget. It incorporated the Kaivac systems into a larger plan for cleaning and disinfecting its facilities. Given the circumstances, the costs for the Kaivac systems were a reasonable and necessary response to the pandemic.

The Applicant has demonstrated that the use of the Kaivac systems was associated with an eligible emergency protective measure taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that costs totaling $102,092.79 for the purchase of the Kaivac systems were reasonable and necessary. Therefore, this appeal is granted.

Stafford Act § 403(a)(3). 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.403(a), 200.404. 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.223(a)(1), 206.225(a). PAPPG, at 57. O&O Policy, at 3-5.