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IS-0215 Unified Federal Review Advisor Training:
An Overview of the UFR Process

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Table of Contents:

Lesson 1: Introduction and Course Overview


Course Welcome

This course is designed to help you understand Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation Review (UFR) Process for environmental and historic preservation reviews for disaster recovery projects. This course will:

This course is a prerequisite for obtaining the UFR Advisor specialty.


Course Structure

clockThis course should take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. You must complete each lesson entirely to receive credit.


Lesson 1: Overview

We’ll now continue with the content of the first lesson. This lesson presents:

clockThis lesson should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.


Course Objectives

By the end of this course you should be able to:


Screen Features


Navigating Using Your Keyboard

Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard.


Receiving Credit

To receive credit for this course, you must:


Lesson 1 Summary

This lesson presented the following topics:

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Lesson 2: The UFR Process and Interagency Coordination

Lesson 2: Overview

Objectives: This lesson will cover the following topics about the UFR Process:

clockThis lesson should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.


Statutory Authority

The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA)

Added Section 429 to the Stafford Act, directing the President, in consultation with DHS, FEMA, CEQ, and ACHP, to “establish an expedited and unified interagency review process to ensure compliance with environmental and historic requirements under federal law relating to disaster recovery projects, in order to expedite the recovery process, consistent with applicable law.

Click here to read Section 429 of the Stafford Act.

Photo of Oglala Sioux Tribal Leadership and FEMA dignitaries commemorate Federal Tribal Agreement signing (photo credit FEMA/Christopher Mardorf)

Oglala Sioux Tribal Leadership and FEMA dignitaries commemorate Federal Tribal Agreement signing (photo credit FEMA/Christopher Mardorf)


The UFR Process Established

An interagency MOU was executed by eleven departments and agencies on July 29, 2014, which committed them to support the UFR Process in the following ways:

  • Provide staffing and resources.
  • Distribute and use the Tools and Mechanisms and provide lessons learned and training to staff.

In addition, the MOU established an issue elevation process, to be followed as appropriate, to quickly resolve any issues or disputes that arise during the EHP review of a disaster recovery project.

Text description of image: Logo images of all eleven agencies that are signatories to the UFR MOU: 1-U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2-United States of America Department of Energy, 3-U.S. Department of the Interior, 4-United States Environmental Protection Agency, 5-U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 6-Executive Office of the President of the United States, 7-United States of America Department of Transportation, 8-United States Department of Agriculture, 9-Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, 10-Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 11-United States of America Department of Commerce.

Logos of all eleven agencies that make up the UFR Process. See above for a text description of image.

Interagency Oversight

The UFR Steering Group oversees the development and
implementation of the UFR Process.

Please refer to text description below.

Text description of image: Diagram of the UFR Steering Group, surrounded by organizations that its membership represents: the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Council on Environmental Quality, Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The UFR Working Group assists in furthering development and
implementation of the UFR Process.

Please refer to text description below.

Text description of image: Diagram of the UFR Working Group, surrounded by federal agencies that its membership represents: Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Transportation.


UFR Process Overview

What is the UFR Process?

What is the goal of the UFR Process?

How do I implement the UFR Process?


UFR Integration with National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF)

The UFR Process integrates with the NDRF, complementing its goals and aligning with the NDRF organizational structure.

More information on the NDRF can be found at this link.


UFR Advisor in the Context of the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator/ Recovery Support Function Management Structure

Organizational chart showing lines of communication and oversight between various positions and groups. The positions and groups are described below.

Click on each position/group for a description.

More information is available in Lesson 3 on how the UFR Advisor interacts and coordinates with some of the positions and groups displayed above.


When is the UFR Process Applicable?

Lesson 5 presents two examples of how the UFR Process can be applied.


UFR Process During Disaster Recovery

Diagram of UFR Process during Disaster Recovery. Please refer to text description below.

Text description of image: Timeline of the UFR Process during the phases of disaster recovery. The five phases are: 1) Pre-Disaster, 2) Disaster Occurs, 3) Recovery Planning, 4) Disaster Recovery, 5) Restored and More Resilient Community. During the Pre-Disaster phase, the following takes place: UFR MOU defines agency roles and responsibilities; Unification & standardization of EHP requirements across agencies; Training for Recovery Leadership and UFR Advisors; Interagency agreements (e.g., PPA, Data sharing, etc.); and Pre-Disaster Planning. When the disaster occurs, a Presidential disaster declaration triggers EHP requirements. During Recovery Planning, the following takes place: Interagency coordination group forms and data collection simplifies reviews (e.g., FEMA/HUD checklist); Practitioner Guidance helps EHP staff facilitate efficient and informed impacts analysis and better planning decisions; Disaster-specific MOUs executed; Applicant Guide informs permit applications and compliance; Programmatic reviews of project types; Interagency agreements. During Disaster Recovery, the following takes place: UFR Advisor activated; NCR RSF teams activate with appropriate training, staff resources and data access; Proposed project or grant application; Initial eligibility determination; Impacts analysis; Decision; Permits; Funds to grantee.


Benefits of the UFR Process

The UFR Process improves federal decision making to allow for more timely and integrated processes, resulting in better outcomes for communities and the environment when federal funds and permits are used for disaster recovery projects.

Diagram of the six benefits of the UFR Process in a continuing circular cycle: Coordination with Agencies, Data Sharing, Improved Consistency, Expedited Determinations, Informed Decisions and Improved, Resilient Communities

How Can the UFR Process Assist Agencies?

UFR Process can assist agencies to: UFR Process is not intended to:
Create opportunities for greater coordination across agencies to expedite EHP requirements. Circumvent or supersede any existing federal, tribal, state, or local EHP requirements.
Strive to reduce duplication of information provided by applicants working with multiple agencies. Eliminate requirements for consultations between agencies and between agencies and applicants.
Leverage existing and develop new interagency agreements, such as MOUs and programmatic agreements. Change existing interagency agreements.
Align review processes and prepare joint reviews with other agencies to satisfy one or more EHP requirements. Establish a single review process for agencies funding a single project.


For More Information

The UFR Webpage is a one stop source for information about the UFR Process. It contains Tools and Mechanisms such as:

To access the UFR Webpage, click here.


Lesson 2 Summary

This lesson presented the following topics about the UFR Process:

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Lesson 3: The UFR Advisor

Lesson 3: Overview

Objectives: This lesson will cover the following topics about the UFR Advisor:

clockThis lesson should take approximately 40 minutes to complete.


How Do FEMA EHP Staff Qualify to Serve as UFR Advisors?


When Might I be Activated? (FDRC Scenario)

If an FDRC is appointed:


How Does My Role Fit in the Disaster Recovery Process?

Scenario: The RSFs are activated and the FDRC is appointed.

Flow chart depicting the sequence of the disaster recovery process. Please refer to text description below.

Text description of this image: Flow chart depicting the sequence of the disaster recovery process. Steps are as follows: 1) Disaster Event; 2) Presidential Declaration; 3) Advance Evaluation Process; 4) FDRC Appointed; 5) UFR Advisor Activated; 6) UFR MSA; 7) RSF Activation, Mission Assignments; 8) Recovery Support Strategy (RSS) Development; 9) RSS Implementation; 10) Applicant Briefings; 11) Kickoff Meetings; 12) EHP Reviews; and 13) Transition to Steady State.

Click on each operational milestone on the figure to learn more about it.


The UFR Advisor’s Relationship to Other Disaster Recovery Positions

Please refer to text descriptions below.

Click each other disaster recovery position to learn more about other parties involved in EHP reviews and the various ways in which the UFR Advisor interacts with them.


UFR Advisor Mission Scoping Assessment

If an FDRC is appointed, the UFR Advisor activates for approximately 30 days and will develop the UFR Advisor Mission Scoping Assessment (UFR MSA) that identifies UFR opportunities and scopes their mission for the disaster. The UFR Advisor will use the template UFR MSA to develop the document, which contains criteria for the UFR Advisor to assess if there is a UFR mission.


What is the Role of the UFR Advisor?

The UFR Advisor:


What Are the Core Duties as UFR Advisor?

The UFR Advisor serves as the interagency coordinator for EHP compliance. In this role, the UFR Advisor:


EHP Roles in Disaster Recovery

UFR Advisor FEMA EHP Advisor NCR RSF
  • Mission: Interagency EHP Coordination
  • Reports to: FDRC
  • Activated: If an FDRC is appointed (Stafford Act only)
  • Build relationships with stakeholders and federal agencies.
  • Communicate relevant EHP information to stakeholders and federal agencies.
  • Determine opportunities for coordination in meeting EHP requirements.
  • Identify and develop programmatic solutions for interagency efficiencies.
  • Mission: FEMA EHP Compliance
  • Reports to: FCO
  • Activated: Most Stafford Act events
  • Identify the level of EHP review required for a FEMA project.
  • Assist with consultations or permits, if necessary, for FEMA projects.
  • Build relationships with stakeholders and federal agencies.
  • Communicate relevant EHP information to FEMA applicants.
  • Identify and develop programmatic options for meeting FEMA regulatory obligations.
  • Mission: Assist states and tribes with long-term environmental and cultural resource recovery planning
  • Reports to: FDRC
  • Activated: If an AET determines necessary, Stafford Act or non-Stafford Act
  • Gather data on natural and historic resources in the disaster area.
  • Develop a pre-disaster NCR RSF action plan to identify and communicate priority actions.
  • Promote the principles of sustainable and disaster resilient communities through the protection of natural resources.

Are There Additional Parties Involved in EHP Reviews?

In coordinating and expediting EHP reviews for disaster recovery projects, the UFR Advisor will also interact with the following parties.

Party Party Description UFR advisor's Interaction
EHP Practitioners Agency staff responsible for conducting or contributing to EHP reviews, including HUD responsible entities under HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program Encourages EHP Practitioners to build interagency relationships and advises them on implementing UFR aspects of the Recovery Support Strategy
Applicants Organizations or governments who apply for direct federal funding or assistance Builds transparency and awareness of EHP compliance
Other Government Entities Tribal, state, and/or local government representatives Maintains coordination throughout EHP scoping, consultation, and analysis

When Might I be Activated? (Non-FDRC Scenario)

If an FDRC is not appointed:


How Does My Role Fit in the Disaster Recovery Process?

Scenario: The RSFs have not been activated and the FDRC is not appointed.

Please refer to text descriptions below.

Text description of this image: Flow chart depicting the sequence of the disaster recovery process. Steps are as follows: 1) Disaster Event; 2) Presidential Declaration; 3) Advance Evaluation Process; 4) EHP Advisor Activates; 5) Mission Assignments (Potential UFR Advisor Activation, per EHP Advisor Decision); 6) Applicant Briefings; 7) Kickoff Meetings; 8) EHP Reviews; and 9) Transition to Steady State.

Click on each operational milestone on the figure to learn more about it.


Roles and Responsibilities of EHP Cadre Staff

Once activated, the EHP cadre staff member will assist the EHP Advisor in the following ways:


When Long Will I be Activated?


Lesson 3 Summary

This lesson presented the following topics:

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Lesson 4: Tools and Mechanisms of the UFR Process

Lesson 4: Overview

Objectives: This lesson will cover the following topics about the Tools and Mechanisms:

clockThis lesson should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.


UFR Process - Tools and Mechanisms


What are the Tools and Mechanisms?

Tools of the UFR Process Mechanisms of the UFR Process
UFR Webpage Memorandum of Understanding Establishing the Unified Federal EHP Review Process
EHP Agency Point of Contact List UFR Guidance for EHP Practitioners
IT Resources List FEMA Prototype Programmatic Agreement for Section 106 of the NHPA (PPA)
EHP Disaster Recovery Skills Checklist Template Disaster-Specific Memorandum of Understanding
Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation Guide for Federal Disaster Recovery Assistance Applicants Data Sharing Agreement Content
Template Environmental Checklist for FEMA and HUD Data Standards List
UFR Advisor and Disaster Recovery Leadership Training

What is My Role in Implementing the Tools and Mechanisms?

You should understand the Tools and Mechanisms and how/when they can be used so you can:


How Do the Tools and Mechanisms Support Disaster Recovery?


Mechanism – UFR MOU

MOU Establishing the Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation Review Process (UFR MOU)

Benefit: The UFR MOU provides a commitment (for example, providing staff and resources, training, interagency communication, and oversight) to expedite EHP review for disaster recovery projects.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Mechanism – Practitioner Guidance

UFR Guidance for EHP Practitioners (Practitioner Guidance)

Benefit: The Practitioner Guidance familiarizes EHP Practitioners with the UFR Process by connecting them with UFR Tools and Mechanisms as well as providing practical tips for implementing their role in the UFR Process.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Mechanism – FEMA Prototype Programmatic Agreement

FEMA Prototype Programmatic Agreement for Section 106 of the NHPA (PPA)

Benefit: The PPA 1) defines specific activities that have limited potential to affect historic properties and for which expedited consultation is acceptable 2) proposes pre-negotiated treatment measures to address adverse effects.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Mechanism – Disaster-Specific MOU

Disaster-Specific MOU

Benefit: A Disaster-Specific MOU increases communication, collaboration, and transparency among Agencies participating in disaster recovery.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms and an example disaster-specific MOU among FEMA, NPS, and FHA for UFR of the Pu’u ‘O’o Volcanic Eruption and Lava Flow in the UFR Library.


Mechanism – Data Sharing

Data Sharing Agreement Content

Data Standards List

Benefits: A data sharing agreement enables the exchange of information between two or more parties in a way that helps ensure that the parties have the same understanding of what is being represented by the data and can exchange that information in a useful, meaningful, and efficient way.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Tool – UFR Webpage

UFR Webpage

Benefit: The UFR Webpage provides a one stop source for EHP information resources and facilitates the sharing of best practices. The website provides guidance and resources for practitioners and applicants.

Click here to view the UFR Webpage.


Tool – Agency POC List

EHP Agency Point of Contact List (Agency POC List)

Benefit: The Agency POC List provides a one stop source of information to identify appropriate POCs for EHP reviews based on disaster type and location.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Tools – Resource and Skills Lists

IT Resources List - This is a matrix of existing IT resources (e.g., databases, decision support systems, websites, GIS mapping tools and authoritative data set sources)

EHP Disaster Recovery Skills Checklist - This is a checklist to assist the coordinating agency to identify appropriate staff to activate in support of the NCR RSF under the NDRF.

Benefits: These Tools consolidate existing data sources useful for EHP reviews and assist agencies in quickly identifying appropriate staff to activate in support of the UFR Process.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Tool – Applicant Guide

Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation Review Guide for Federal Disaster Recovery Assistance Applicants (Applicant Guide)

Benefit: The Applicant Guide includes a checklist summarizing information applicants typically need to provide to funding agencies and a checklist designed to increase the likelihood of project compliance with EHP laws, regulations, and Executive orders. The checklists and tables of requirements guide applicants on their responsibilities when applying for funding from multiple agencies.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Tool – Environmental Checklist

Template Environmental Checklist for FEMA and HUD

Benefit: This template provides a blueprint for FEMA/HUD and other agencies to standardize information to ensure that all EHP regulations are considered prior to jointly funding a project.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Tools – Training

UFR Advisor Training (this training)

Training for Disaster Recovery Leadership

Benefit: The trainings explain how EHP reviews may be expedited or coordinated by disaster recovery staff. This course is a prerequisite for obtaining the UFR Advisor specialty. The leadership training supports FDRC professional development.

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.


Lesson 4 Summary

This lesson presented the following topics:

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Lesson 5: Disaster Recovery Scenarios and Implementation of the UFR Process

Lesson 5: Overview

Objectives: This lesson will cover the following topics:

clockThis lesson should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.


UFR Process During Disaster Recovery

Diagram of UFR Process during Disaster Recovery. Please refer to text description below.

Text description of image: Timeline of the UFR Process during the phases of disaster recovery. The six phases are: 1) Pre-Disaster, 2) Disaster Occurs, 3) Emergency Response, 4) Recovery Planning, 5) Disaster Recovery, 6) Restored and More Resilient Community. During the Pre-Disaster phase, the following takes place: UFR MOU defines agency roles and responsibilities; Formalizing the unification & standardization of EHP requirements; Federal Disaster Recovery Leadership Training; and Pre-Disaster Planning. During the Pre-Disaster phase and when the Disaster Occurs, the following takes place: Interagency agreements (e.g., PPA, Data sharing, etc.) and UFR Advisor Training. During Emergency Response, the following takes place: Presidential disaster declaration (EHP review requirements triggered). During Recovery Planning, the following takes place: Interagency forms and data collection simplifies reviews (e.g., FEMA/HUD checklist); Practitioner Guidance helps EHP staff facilitate efficient and informed impacts analysis and better planning decisions; Disaster-specific MOUs executed; Applicant Guide informs permit applications and compliance; Programmatic reviews of project types; Interagency agreements. During Disaster Recovery, the following takes place: UFR Advisor activated; NCR RSF teams activate with appropriate training, staff resources and data access; Proposed project or grant application; Initial eligibility determination; Impacts analysis; Decision; Permits; Funds to grantee.


Disaster Scenario 1: Annual Seasonal Flooding

Photo of flooding aftermath of July 2013 in Bannack State Park, Montana (photo credit Carl Davis, U.S.  Forest Service).

Photo of aftermath of July 2013 in Bannack State Park, Montana (photo credit Carl Davis, U.S. Forest Service).


Annual Seasonal Flooding: Disaster Overview

The event:

  • Warm spring temperatures in Montana
  • Heavy rain and wind from spring thunderstorms
  • Small scale flooding
  • Exceeds capacity of state and local government
  • Results in a presidential disaster declaration

Agencies involved:

  • Department of Transportation (DOT), FEMA, HUD, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
  • State agencies

Other factors:

  • FDRC appointed and activated
  • 2-3 RSFs are activated
  • UFR Advisor is activated
Photo of workers diverting creek to begin repairs on bridge (photo credit HUD)

Workers divert creek to begin repairs on
bridge (photo credit HUD)


Annual Seasonal Flooding: Pre-Disaster

Diagram of Disaster Recovery Process: (Circled) Pre-Disaster; Disaster Occurs; Emergency Response; Recovery Planning; Disaster Recovery; Restored and More Resilient Community

Annual Seasonal Flooding: Recovery Planning

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.

Diagram of Disaster Recovery Process: Pre-Disaster; Disaster Occurs; Emergency Response; (Circled) Recovery Planning; Disaster Recovery; Restored and More Resilient Community

Annual Seasonal Flooding: Disaster Recovery

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.

Diagram of Disaster Recovery Process: Pre-Disaster; Disaster Occurs; Emergency Response;  Recovery Planning; (Circled) Disaster Recovery; Restored and More Resilient Community

EHP Review With and Without the UFR Process - Section 106 Consultation

Before the UFR Process Under the UFR Process
Prior to the FEMA Prototype Programmatic Agreement (PPA), FEMA and other Federal agencies (OFA) independently analyzed the project’s potential to affect historic properties using separate processes/programmatic approaches. When executed, the PPA allows OFA to sign onto the PPA in order to utilize the agreement to satisfy their Section 106 responsibilities when appropriate. This allows the OFA to utilize the same benefits and efficiencies offered to FEMA.
Agency and State/Tribal Historic Preservation Office (SHPO/THPO) staff time was spent identifying, evaluating, and assessing effects of projects that would have No Effect or No Adverse Effect on historic properties. PPA establishes an abbreviated process to streamline activities that have no effects historic properties, thus avoiding the lengthy review time.
FEMA and OFAs separately identified and evaluated historic properties for the NRHP and submitted its findings to SHPO and/or THPO for concurrence. The federal agency made a determination of effects on the historic properties. FEMA and OFA will identify opportunities to coordinate Section 106 reviews for jointly funded projects, thus reducing duplication of effort and overburdening the SHPO/THPO.

How the UFR Process Enhanced Disaster Recovery

Diagram of two text boxes. Please refer to text description below.

Text description of image: Diagram of two text boxes: one listing Tools/Mechanisms used during disaster connected with an arrow pointing to the other text box that lists Benefits of the UFR Process, illustrating that benefits arise from the use of the Tools and Mechanisms. The Tools and Mechanisms used during the disaster include: - Programmatic Environmental Assessment; - Data Sharing Agreements; - Practitioner Guidance; - PPA; and - Template Checklist for FEMA/HUD. The benefits of the UFR Process include: - Expedited federal determinations for disaster recovery projects; - Consistency and coordination among various agency environmental and historic preservation reviews; - Leveraged and efficient use of agency staff and funds; - Quick resolution of coordination challenges; and - More informed federal decision making.


Disaster Scenario 2: Major Hurricane

Photo of an aerial view of damage caused by the storm surge of Hurricane Sandy on the coastline of New York, Nov. 2012 (photo credit Jocelyn Augustino, FEMA).

Photo of an aerial view of damage caused by the storm surge of Hurricane Sandy on the
coastline of New York, Nov. 2012 (photo credit Jocelyn Augustino, FEMA)


Major Hurricane: Disaster Overview

The event:

  • Mass evacuations and record floods in NY and NJ
  • Utility infrastructure is damaged
  • Debris accumulates
  • Sensitive environmental areas impacted
  • Homes destroyed
  • Presidential disaster declaration

Agencies involved:

  • DOT, FEMA, HUD, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), tribes and state and local governments

Other factors:

  • FDRC appointed and activated
  • RSFs are activated
  • UFR Advisor is activated
Photo of Breezy Point, New York after Hurricane Sandy storm surges and related fire ravaged the neighborhood, Oct. 2012 (photo credit FEMA)

Photo of Breezy Point, New York after Hurricane Sandy
storm surges and related fire ravaged the
neighborhood, Oct. 2012 (photo credit FEMA)


Major Hurricane: Pre-Disaster

Diagram of Disaster Recovery Process: (Circled) Pre-Disaster; Disaster Occurs; Emergency Response; Recovery Planning; Disaster Recovery; Restored and More Resilient Community

Major Hurricane: Recovery Planning

UFR Advisor assists parties to develop a Disaster-Specific MOU for:

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.

Diagram of Disaster Recovery Process: Pre-Disaster; Disaster Occurs; Emergency Response; (Circled) Recovery Planning; Disaster Recovery; Restored and More Resilient Community

Major Hurricane: Disaster Recovery

Click here to view the Tools and Mechanisms in the UFR Library.

Diagram of Disaster Recovery Process: Pre-Disaster; Disaster Occurs; Emergency Response;  Recovery Planning; (Circled) Disaster Recovery; Restored and More Resilient Community

EHP Review With and Without the UFR Process - Coordination of Agencies – Section 7 Consultation

Before the UFR Process Under the UFR Process
Multiple agencies respond with assistance for disaster recovery efforts. Multiple agencies respond with assistance for disaster recovery efforts.
Each agency (FEMA, HUD, DOT, etc.) independently completes EHP review (including consultation with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)/FWS. Agencies sign the Disaster-Specific MOU which identifies recovery project priorities, information sharing opportunities and roles and responsibilities of each agency.
Applicants/agencies collect data/information about the species that could be affected and the effect of their project on the species. Using the Practitioner Guidance agencies share data / project information. The ESA Matrix is used to quickly assess species impacts.
NMFS/FWS are overwhelmed with requests from multiple agencies concurrently. Agencies coordinate on ESA consultations by submitting a joint consultation request to NMFS/FWS.
Federal agency effort may be duplicated. Staff resources may not be focused on the highest priority projects for recovery. Reduced duplication of agency effort, allowing for determinations to be made quicker. Agencies share information/perspective on the projects improving the decision making. Highest priority projects are expedited.

EHP Review With and Without the UFR Process - Coordination of Agencies – NEPA

Before the UFR Process Under the UFR Process
Multiple agencies respond with assistance for disaster recovery efforts. Multiple agencies respond with assistance for disaster recovery efforts.
Each agency independently completes EHP review for its own assistance programs and projects including compliance with NEPA. Agencies sign the Disaster-Specific MOU which identifies information sharing opportunities and roles and responsibilities of each agency. Applicants notify agencies of joint funding efforts allowing them to better align NEPA timing and analyses.
Applicants/funding agencies collect data/information about the projects and analyze the effect of their project on the environment. Agencies share data and project information and also coordinate analysis needs for related projects.
Agencies complete their own NEPA analyses on separate timelines and using different levels of NEPA analysis. Coordination of analysis requirements for related projects allows one agency to adopt another agency’s NEPA analysis.
Federal agency effort may be duplicated. Applicants await the results of multiple overlapping NEPA analyses before proceeding with their project. Reduced duplication of agency effort, allowing for determinations to be made quicker. Agencies share information/perspective on the projects improving the decision making.

How the UFR Process Enhanced Disaster Recovery

Diagram of two text boxes. Please refer to text description below.

Text description of image: Diagram of two text boxes: one listing Tools/Mechanisms used during disaster connected with an arrow pointing to the other text box that lists Benefits of the UFR Process, illustrating that benefits arise from the use of the Tools and Mechanisms. The Tools and Mechanisms used during the disaster include: - PPA; - ESA Matrix; - Disaster-Specific MOU; and - Applicant Guide. The benefits of the UFR Process include: - Expedited federal determinations for disaster recovery projects; - Consistency and coordination among various agency EHP reviews; - Leveraged and efficient use of agency staff and funds; - Quick resolution of coordination challenges; and - More informed federal decision making.


Lesson 5 Summary

This lesson presented the following topics:

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Lesson 6: Course Summary

Lesson 6: Overview

Objectives: The purpose of this lesson is to:

clockThis lesson should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.


Review – Lesson 2: The UFR Process and Interagency Coordination

Establishment: The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 required development of an expedited process for EHP reviews following disasters and the UFR MOU formally established the UFR Process.

The UFR Process is integrated with the NDRF and the IRC.

Applicability: The UFR Process applies whenever multiple agencies are engaged in similar disaster recovery efforts following a presidentially declared disaster.

Benefits: The UFR Process improves coordination, reduces duplication of effort, leverages existing agreements, and aligns multiple agency review processes.


Review – Lesson 3: The UFR Advisor

Role: The UFR Advisor is the interagency coordinator for EHP compliance who educates staff about the UFR Process and recommends Tools and Mechanisms to support disaster recovery.

Activation: After a disaster occurs and an FDRC is appointed, the UFR Advisor activates. The nature of further UFR Advisor responsibilities depends on the outcome of the Mission Scoping Assessment. If an FDRC is not appointed, an EHP Advisor may request the assistance of a staff member with the UFR specialty within the EHP cadre.

Interface: The UFR Advisor works with the National and Regional UFR Coordinators, the FEMA Regional Environmental Officer, Recovery Support Function Field Coordinators, the FEMA EHP Advisor, and Disaster Recovery Leadership.


Review – Lesson 4: Tools and Mechanisms of the UFR Process

The Tools and Mechanisms expedite EHP reviews by addressing gaps, increasing consistency, and leveraging existing resources.

Tools Mechanisms
UFR Webpage UFR MOU
Agency POC List Practitioner Guidance
IT Resources List FEMA Prototype Programmatic Agreement
EHP Disaster Recovery Skills Checklist Disaster-Specific MOU
Applicant Guide Data Sharing
Template Environmental Checklist
Training

Review – Lesson 5: Disaster Recovery Scenarios and Implementation of the UFR Process

The UFR Tools and Mechanisms are used both before a disaster occurs and throughout the recovery planning and recovery processes.

The UFR Tools and Mechanisms can be applied to multiple stages of disaster recovery efforts.

The UFR Process can expedite Section 106 Consultation, Section 7 Consultation, and NEPA analysis as well as other regulatory requirements.


Lesson 6 Summary

You have now completed the overview of the UFR Process and the role of the UFR Advisor.

As you perform the duties of this position, remember that your primary responsibility is to coordinate EHP compliance across federal agencies, provide expertise for the implementation of the UFR Process, and determine what specific Tools and Mechanisms are going to be used for the specific disaster event to further EHP compliance as part of the UFR Process.


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