After submitting the Request for Public Assistance and once both the Recipient and FEMA approve it, FEMA assigns a Program Delivery Manager to the Applicant. The Program Delivery Manager will be the main point of contact from FEMA to the Applicant.

The Program Delivery Manager will set up an appointment to call the Applicant and discuss the Public Assistance process, the Applicant's damages, and to build a relationship. This is known as the Exploratory Call.