The intent of a FEMA Request for Information is to obtain all disaster-related documentation or information related to a Public Assistance project. A Request for Information may come from various FEMA sources and may vary in importance relative to the incident.

If an Applicant receives a Request for Information from FEMA, the Applicant should make sure to include all information requested to expedite the processing of the case.

When the information is received, it becomes part of the Applicant's administrative record.

If FEMA discovers that more information is needed to determine an Applicant’s eligibility, FEMA will issue an initial informal Request for Information.

First Level Informal Request for Information

If the Applicant does not provide sufficient documentation to satisfy the initial informal Request for Information, the Program Delivery Manager will meet with the Applicant to inform the Applicant that a first level Informal Request for Information will be issued.

Second Level Formal Request for Information

If the Applicant still does not provide enough information to satisfy the Informal Request for Information, the FEMA Program Delivery Manager will meet with the Applicant to begin the Formal Request for Information process.

Lesson 2 will discuss the Request for Information process in further detail.

Most Public Assistance projects run smoothly and are free of eligibility disputes. When eligibility issues do arise, FEMA is usually able to resolve them quickly.

When eligibility issues cannot be worked out, FEMA will issue a formal eligibility determination letter, setting forth an Applicant's appeal rights, with an accompanying memorandum that explains the basis for the denial. The eligibility Determination Memorandum will clearly explain why the determination was made and specifically reference applicable provisions of law, regulation, and policy supporting the determination.

Eligibility determination letters with attached eligibility Determination Memorandum will be issued when:

• Request for Public Assistance is denied
• Applicant, facility, work, and/or cost is wholly or partially ineligible
• Applicant or Recipient has not complied with the terms of the grant

If an Applicant receives a Determination Memorandum and letter, it has the right to use FEMA's two-tiered administrative appeal process. The Applicant has 60 days from its receipt of the determination letter and memorandum to submit its first appeal, beginning the appeal process.

The appeal must be sent to the Recipient, which has 60 days to review and forward it, along with a written recommendation, to the appropriate FEMA Regional Administrator. The Recipient has full discretion to support or oppose all or part of the Applicant's position in the appeal.

The first appeal will be reviewed by the Regional Administrator of the applicable FEMA Region. Once received, the FEMA Regional Administrator has 90 days to render a first appeal decision or request additional information from the Applicant.

Upon receipt of a first appeal decision that is either a complete or partial denial, Applicants can appeal the determination to the Assistant Administrator for Recovery at FEMA Headquarters.

The second level appeal must be sent to the Recipient within 60 days of receiving the determination of the first appeal. The Recipient then has 60 days from receipt of the second appeal to review and forward it with a recommendation to the FEMA Regional Administrator, who forwards it to the Assistant Administrator for Recovery. Just as with the first appeal, the Recipient can express support for or disagreement with the Applicant's position in the appeal.

FEMA Headquarters has 90 days upon receipt of the second level appeal to render a decision or request more information from the Applicant. Second level appeal decisions are FEMA's final administrative decision.

The Appeals process will be discussed in detail in Lesson 5.