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118-s-310118th Congress

Disaster Contract Improvement Act

Sponsored By: Senator Scott, Rick [R-FL]

Became Law

Summary

Improving oversight and coordination of disaster debris removal. This law creates an advisory working group and new FEMA guidance so State, Tribal, and local governments lead contract oversight, streamline reimbursements, and reduce fraud and duplication.

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  • States, Tribal governments, and local governments will take the primary role in overseeing debris-removal contracts when they receive a debris removal grant. FEMA must supply checklists, job aids, sample bids, eligibility and contract requirements, and outreach to support local monitors.
  • The advisory working group must include Federal partners, State and Tribal representatives, subject matter experts, and at least one representative from the debris services contractor industry, so industry gets a formal voice in guidance and best practices.
  • FEMA must assess within one year whether current guidance is sufficient and, if not, develop new procedures to streamline reimbursement and reduce contract duplication. The Comptroller General must complete a study within one year on advance contracts, reimbursement rates, penalties, and fraud with recommendations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

FEMA sets stronger debris cleanup oversight

Within one year of enactment, FEMA reviews debris contract oversight and costs. If current rules are not enough, FEMA develops and implements new guidance. States, Tribal governments, and local governments that get debris grants must lead oversight. FEMA provides checklists, clear monitoring duties, sample bids, and guidance to streamline reimbursements and reduce duplicate work. FEMA also does outreach to States, Tribes, and local governments on these materials.

New debris cleanup coordination group

FEMA creates a debris cleanup advisory group. It includes FEMA, the Army Corps, the Natural Resources Conservation Service at USDA, States, Tribal and local officials, and debris experts, including at least one contractor. The group helps share information and improve coordination during cleanup. The law also defines the FEMA Administrator as the "Administrator" and the debris removal program as the program under the Stafford Act.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Scott, Rick [R-FL]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 2/9/2023

  • Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 2/9/2023

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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