Here's a breakdown of FEMA's Mutual Aid requirements for reimbursement following a disaster:

What is Mutual Aid?

• Mutual aid is a voluntary agreement between two or more jurisdictions (states, localities, tribes) to share resources and personnel during emergencies.
• This allows jurisdictions to supplement their own response capabilities with assistance from others.

Reimbursement under Mutual Aid:

• FEMA will reimburse the assisting jurisdiction (sending party) for eligible costs incurred while providing mutual aid to the requesting jurisdiction (receiving party).
• However, reimbursement is not automatic and requires following specific guidelines.

Key Requirements for Reimbursement:

1. Pre-existing Mutual Aid Agreement:
   • A formal written agreement, signed by authorized officials from both parties, outlining the terms of mutual aid is essential. This agreement should be established before the disaster occurs.
2. Documented Request and Response:
   • The requesting jurisdiction must formally request assistance, specifying the type and duration of needed resources.
   • The sending jurisdiction must document their response and the resources provided (personnel, equipment, etc.).
3. Direct Connection to Disaster:
   • The provided assistance must be directly related to the disaster response and recovery efforts.
4. Eligible Costs:
   • FEMA reimburses costs considered allowable under the Public Assistance (PA) program. These typically include:
     • Salaries and benefits of deployed personnel
     • Travel, meals, and lodging for deployed personnel
     • Costs of operating and maintaining equipment used in the response
     • Consumables and expendable supplies
5. Proper Documentation:
   • The sending jurisdiction must provide detailed documentation to support all claimed costs. This might include timesheets, receipts, equipment logs, and mission activity reports.

Additional Considerations:

• FEMA may have specific reporting requirements for mutual aid reimbursements.
• It's important to consult with FEMA beforehand to understand the latest guidelines and ensure your documentation meets their standards.
• Some states have established their own mutual aid reimbursement processes that might  supplement or differ slightly from FEMA's requirements.

Resources for More Information:

• FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Guideline for Mutual Aid: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_nims_mutual_aid_guideline_20171105.pdf
  • This document provides a comprehensive overview of mutual aid principles and reimbursement procedures.
• FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program: https://www.fema.gov/
  • The PA program page details eligible costs for reimbursement under FEMA grants.
• Your State Emergency Management Agency: Your state agency might have additional resources and information specific to mutual aid procedures and reimbursement in your state.

By understanding and adhering to these requirements, jurisdictions participating in mutual aid can ensure a smoother process for receiving reimbursement from FEMA for their disaster response efforts. Remember, consulting directly with FEMA for the most up-to-date information is always recommended.

‍