FEMA is authorized to provide PA funding for debris removal, clearance, and disposal when it is in the public interest because it is necessary to eliminate immediate threats to lives, public health and safety, eliminate immediate threats of damage to improved public or private property as a result of the disaster. Contract costs may be eligible based on the terms of the contract if the applicant meets Federal procurement and contracting requirements. The Applicant’s documentation demonstrates that the requested work was necessary to reduce an immediate threat and completed in accordance with contract terms. Additionally, under the alternative procedures authorized by Section 428 of the Stafford Act, if an applicant opts to participate in the straight-time procedure for debris removal, straight-time labor costs are eligible for budgeted employees conducting eligible debris removal activities. The Applicant has thus demonstrated that its employees were engaged in eligible work. As a result, the claimed labor costs are eligible for PA funding.

FEMA finds the Applicant’s documentation demonstrates that the costs were incurred in the performance of eligible work and adequately documented. Therefore, the appeal is granted.

Stafford Act §§ 403(a)(3), 407(a), 428(e)(2)(D). 2 C.F.R. § 200.320(f). 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.223(a)(1), 206.224(a). PAPPG, at 21, 24, 30, 44, 57.