§657j Information Tracking and Follow-up System for Disaster Assistance

Summary

The Administrator must set up and run a single computer system that keeps a record of every time agency staff talk or write with someone applying for disaster help. The system must note how the person contacted the agency, the date, which staff member was involved, and a short summary of what was discussed. The agency must also send follow-up messages by phone, mail, or email at key steps, such as when more information is needed, when a loan is approved or denied, or when the main contact person for the application changes. Within 90 days after November 25, 2015, the Administrator must send a report to the Senate and House small business committees about making a web portal where applicants can check their application status. The report must say how the tracking system is progressing, give recommendations and best-practice examples for the portal, list any costs or staff needed, explain privacy and security plans, say whether the portal would cut down on duplicate work, reduce calls and paperwork, and include any other information the Administrator thinks is needed.