CohnReznick.pdf

State of Nebraska State Purchasing Bureau Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Programs

CohnReznick Proposal

RFP 124469 O5

Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Programs

March 3, 2026

Prepared for State of Nebraska State Purchasing Bureau

March 3, 2026

Craig Palik and Clinton Paul, Procurement Contract Officers Nebraska State Purchasing Bureau 1526 K Street, Suite 130 Lincoln, NE 68508

RE: Solicitation Number 124469 O5 – Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Services

Dear Craig Palik and Clinton Paul, On behalf of CohnReznick Advisory LLC (CohnReznick), I am pleased to submit our proposal in response to the State of Nebraska’s Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 124469 O5 for Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Services. We appreciate the opportunity to support the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in its mission to provide timely and effective assistance to communities impacted by disasters.

Our team, which includes subcontractors Emergency Management (EM) Partners and Acurance, brings extensive experience in federal and state disaster recovery programs, including Public Assistance (PA), Individual Assistance (IA), and Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), as administered under the Stafford Act and the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA). We are confident in our ability to deliver high-quality personnel and technical support tailored to the State’s needs.

Included in our submission are all required components of the solicitation response, including Attachment A – Bidder Questionnaire and Hourly Rates, Sections II through IV, and Supplementary Attachment B – Proprietary Information Justification. Our redacted copy, entitled “Proprietary Information” is attached separately. We affirm our compliance with all terms and conditions outlined in the RFP and have disclosed any relevant relationships or potential conflicts of interest as required.

We look forward to the opportunity to partner with the State of Nebraska and contribute to its disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, Abigail “Abby” H. Rollins Partner – Government and Public Sector Advisory CohnReznick Advisory LLC

01.

02.

Contractual Agreement Form

Attachment A - Bidder Questionnaire

03. Sections II - IV 42

04. Supplementary Attachment B -- Proprietary Information Justification

05. Proprietary Information Redacted Copy (under separate cover)

NA

Table of Contents - RFP 124469 O5

01.

Contractual Agreement Form

RFP 124469 O5

02.

Attachment A

Bidder Questionnaire

Attachment A

Bidder Questionnaire

Bidder Name: ___CohnReznick Advisory LLC______________________________________________

Bidder should provide a response to all questions in this attachment to meet the requirements of the

RFP.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

1.1

BIDDER IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION

The bidder should provide the full company or corporate name, address of the company's headquarters, entity organization (corporation, partnership, proprietorship), state in which the bidder is incorporated or otherwise organized to do business, year in which the bidder first organized to do business and whether the name and form of organization has changed since first organized.

Response:

Table 1: Bidder Identification and Information

Requirement CohnReznick Response

Full company name CohnReznick Advisory LLC

Address of the headquarters LoDo Towers, 1331 17th St #710, Denver, CO 80202

State Incorporated CohnReznick is incorporated in the State of Delaware and is fully authorized to conduct business in Nebraska as a foreign limited liability company. We maintain all required registrations and certifications to operate in Nebraska, including compliance with state licensing and jurisdictional requirements for professional services.

Year Organized CohnReznick Advisory LLC was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on February 19, 2025.

Change in Organization

In March 2025, CohnReznick accepted a strategic private equity investment from Apax Partners, which led to an Alternative Practice Structure (APS) effective April 1, 2025. Under this structure:

• CohnReznick LLP remains a licensed CPA firm and provides all attest services.

• CohnReznick Advisory LLC, which is not a licensed CPA firm, provides all non-attest, tax, and business advisory services.

This restructuring ensures compliance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.

1.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The bidder should provide financial statements applicable to the firm. If publicly held, the bidder should provide a copy of the corporation's most recent audited financial reports and statements, and the name, address, and telephone number of the fiscally responsible representative of the bidder’s financial or banking organization.

If the bidder is not a publicly held corporation, either the reports and statements required of a publicly held corporation, or a description of the organization, including size, longevity, client base, areas of specialization and expertise, and any other pertinent information, should be submitted in such a manner that solicitation evaluators may reasonably formulate a determination about the stability and financial strength of the organization. Additionally, a non-publicly held firm should provide a banking reference.

The bidder must disclose any and all judgments, pending or expected litigation, or other real or potential financial reversals, which might materially affect the viability or stability of the organization, or state that no such condition is known to exist.

The State may elect to use a third party to conduct credit checks as part of the corporate overview evaluation.

Response:

CohnReznick affirms that we are financially stable and fully capable of performing under any resulting contract associated with this RFP. Our firm maintains a strong balance sheet, consistent revenue growth, and sufficient liquidity to support all contractual obligations.

To demonstrate financial solvency and capacity, we are providing the following supporting documentation:

These documents collectively confirm our ability to meet all performance and financial requirements outlined in the solicitation.

Summary of Key Financial Metrics

CohnReznick maintains a strong and resilient financial position, as demonstrated in our 2024 Annual Report (excerpted below).

Our annual revenue exceeds $1 billion, reflecting consistent growth across our assurance, tax, and advisory practices. This performance is supported by diversified service offerings and strategic investments in technology, talent, and infrastructure to ensure long-term stability. Our governance framework and internal controls safeguard assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. With more than 4,500 professionals, 32 U.S. offices, and global offshore capabilities, we have the scale and resources to fulfill the requirements of this RFP reliably and efficiently.

In February 2025, we announced a strategic investment in CohnReznick by Funds advised by Apax Partners LLP. The partnership with Apax will enable CohnReznick to accelerate our investment in top-tier talent, future-focused AI and automation-driven technology, geographic expansion, and value-creating service lines.

These factors collectively demonstrate our financial capability, solvency, and capacity to deliver on complex government engagements.

1.3

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

If any change in ownership or control of the company is anticipated during the twelve (12) months following the solicitation response due date, the bidder should describe the circumstances of such change and indicate when the change will likely occur. Any change of ownership to an awarded bidder(s) will require notification to the State.

Response: No change in ownership or control of CohnReznick is anticipated during the twelve (12) months following the solicitation response due date.

1.4

OFFICE LOCATION

The bidder’s office location responsible for performance pursuant to an award of a contract with the State of Nebraska should be identified.

Response: The office location responsible for performance under any awarded contract with the State of Nebraska is 1331 17th Street, Suite 710 LoDo Towers, Denver, CO 80202.

1.5

RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE STATE

The bidder should describe any dealings with the State over the previous ten (10) years. If the organization, its predecessor, or any Party named in the bidder’s solicitation response has contracted with the State, the bidder should identify the contract number(s) and/or any other information available to identify such contract(s). If no such contracts exist, so declare.

Response: CohnReznick has no contracts or dealings with the State within the previous ten (10) years. Neither the organization, its predecessors, nor any party named in this solicitation response has entered into any agreements with the State.

1.6

BIDDER'S EMPLOYEE RELATIONS TO STATE

If any Party named in the bidder’s solicitation response is or was an employee of the State within the past twelve (12) months, identify the individual(s) by name, State agency with whom employed, job title or position held with the State, and separation date.

If no such relationship exists or has existed, so declare.

If any employee of any agency of the State of Nebraska is employed by the bidder or is a subcontractor to the bidder, as of the due date for solicitation response submission, identify all such persons by name, position held with the bidder, and position held with the State (including job title and agency). Describe the responsibilities of such persons within the proposing organization. If, after review of this information by the State, it is determined that a conflict of interest exists or may exist, the bidder may be disqualified from further consideration in this solicitation. If no such relationship exists, so declare.

Response: None of the parties named in this bidder’s solicitation response is or was an employee of the State within the past twelve (12) months.

1.7

CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

If the bidder or any proposed subcontractor has had a contract terminated for default during the past ten (10) years, all such instances must be described as required below. Termination for default is defined as a notice to stop performance delivery due to the bidder’s non-performance or poor performance, and the issue was either not litigated due to inaction on the part of the bidder or litigated and such litigation determined the bidder to be in default.

It is mandatory that the bidder submit full details of all termination for default experienced during the past ten (10) years, including the other Party's name, address, and telephone number. The response to this section must present the bidder’s position on the matter. The State will evaluate the facts and will score the bidder’s solicitation response accordingly. If no such termination for default has been experienced by the bidder in the past ten (10) years, so declare.

If at any time during the past five (5) years, the bidder has had a contract terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason, describe fully all circumstances surrounding such termination, including the name and address of the other contracting Party.

Response:

CohnReznick affirms that we have not experienced any contract terminations for default during the past ten (10) years. We have no instances to disclose under this requirement. Additionally, during the past five (5) years, we have not had any contracts terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason. Accordingly, there are no instances of contract termination to disclose under this requirement.

Emergency Management Partners, LLC has not had any contracts terminated for default within the past ten (10) years. At no time has EM Partners, nor any proposed subcontractor, received a notice to stop performance due to non-performance or poor performance, nor has EM Partners been found in default through litigation or any other formal determination. Additionally, within the past five (5) years, EM Partners LLC has not had any contracts terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or for any other reason. All contracts executed by EM Partners have been completed in good standing or are currently active and being performed in accordance with contractual requirements. Accordingly, there are no instances of contract termination to disclose under this requirement.

Acurance affirms that we have not experienced any contract terminations for default during the past ten (10) years. We have no instances to disclose under this requirement. Additionally, during the past five (5) years, we have not had any contracts terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason. Accordingly, there are no instances of contract termination to disclose under this requirement.

1.8

SUMMARY OF BIDDER’S CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

The bidder should provide a summary matrix listing the bidder’s previous projects similar to this Solicitation in size, scope, and complexity. The State will use no more than three (3) narrative project descriptions submitted by the bidder during its evaluation of the solicitation response.

The bidder should address the following:

i. Provide narrative descriptions to highlight the similarities between the bidder’s experience and this Solicitation. These descriptions should include:

a) The time period of the project,

b) The scheduled and actual completion dates,

c) The bidder’s responsibilities,

d) For reference purposes, a customer name (including the name of a contact person, a current telephone number, a facsimile number, and e-mail address); and

e) Each project description should identify whether the work was performed as the prime Vendor or as a subcontractor. If a bidder performed as the prime Vendor, the description should provide the originally scheduled completion date and budget, as well as the actual (or currently planned) completion date and actual (or currently planned) budget.

ii. Bidder and Subcontractor(s) experience should be listed separately. Narrative descriptions submitted for Subcontractors should be specifically identified as subcontractor projects.

iii. If the work was performed as a subcontractor, the narrative description should identify the same information as requested for the bidders above. In addition, subcontractors should identify what share of contract costs, project responsibilities, and time period were performed as a subcontractor.

Response:

CohnReznick brings 30+ years of disaster recovery and grant management expertise, supporting 50+ disaster declarations and managing $67B in federal funding across 9 of 10 FEMA regions. Our team has deep experience with FEMA Public Assistance (PA), Hazard Mitigation (HM), Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG), and HUD CDBG-DR/MIT programs. We have delivered recovery and mitigation services for major events such as the Texas Hill Country Flooding, Hurricanes Sandy, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael, and Ida, the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas wildfires, South Carolina wildfires, and numerous flooding disasters.

The CohnReznick team’s proven expertise in managing recovery from severe storms, flooding, and winter weather directly aligns with Nebraska’s recent disaster declarations. Our team has successfully supported FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs for major flood and storm events, similar to the August 2025 severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding (FEMA-4896-DR-NE) impacting multiple counties across the state. We also bring deep experience with emergency protective measures and cost reconciliation for severe winter storms, critical as Nebraska addresses events like the March 2025 winter storm and straight-line winds (FEMA-4868-DR-NE). This experience enables us to deliver rapid mobilization, regulatory compliance, and optimized funding outcomes for Nebraska’s needs. Figure 2 summarizes our experience.

Project Narratives

On the following pages, CohnReznick and our two subcontractors EM Partners and Acurance have provided evidence of our three project narratives (Tables 3-11) as requested.

Table 2: Summary Matrix CohnReznick Emergency Management Agencies Supported Across 11 States

Similar Size, Scope, and Complexity

• Florida Emergency Management Services

• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

• Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency

Management

• Kansas Department of Administration

• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

• Montana Disaster and Emergency Services

• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

• New York Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery

• North Carolina Emergency Management

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division

• Texas Division of Emergency Management

Table 3

CohnReznick Project Narrative 1:

The time period of the project July 2020 – Present

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • Full lifecycle FEMA PA/IA grant administration

• SOP development

• Applicant outreach & training

• Reimbursement processing

• Compliance monitoring

• Closeout

• Reporting

• Surge staffing for Tropical Storm Helene

• Workflow improvements in EMGrants Pro

Customer contact name Current telephone number Facsimile E-mail address

Prime/subcontractor

Project Description

CohnReznick is prime contractor to providing comprehensive PA/IA grant management – procedures, systems, technical assistance, reimbursement validation, closeout, reporting, site inspections, and corrective action tracking across in program costs; surge staffing mobilized within days for Helene.

Similarities to Solicitation

Table 4

Project Narrative 2:

The time period of the project April 2020 – October 2025

The bidder’s responsibilities • Coordinated statewide FEMA PA Category B efforts

• Conducted eligibility reviews

• Provided applicant training and technical assistance

• Implemented SharePoint-based grant management solution

• Developed onboarding training materials for hundreds of applicants

Customer contact name Current telephone number

CohnReznick is supporting in administering the largest federally declared disaster in history ( ), serving over municipal, county, and nonprofit applicants—many as first-time recipients of federal disaster funding. The engagement covers end-to-end grants management and compliance monitoring for all applicants and subsequent federally funded projects, ensuring efficient, effective, and federally compliant administration of over in disaster recovery funding.

Table 5

Project Narrative 3:

The time period of the project July 1, 2023 – Present

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • Developing and refining grant management processes and workbooks for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) portfolio

• Supporting BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) FY23 appeal development

• Responding to FEMA Requests for Information (RFIs)

• Producing reporting products to strengthen mitigation program administration

• Delivering guidance on eligibility, documentation, and compliance

• Supporting the state in navigating complex federal requirements and deadlines

Customer contact name Current telephone number

CohnReznick supports in administering and enhancing the state’s HMA programs, including BRIC appeals and FEMA RFI responses. The engagement focuses on building and implementing grant management tools, refining processes, and delivering technical assistance to ensure compliance, timely reimbursement, and successful project closeout. The team’s work strengthens capacity to manage complex mitigation projects and maintain audit readiness.

Table 6

EM Partners Project Narrative 1:

The time period of the project 2004 -- Present

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • Comprehensive emergency management and disaster recovery support

• PA, IA, and HMA Customer contact name Current telephone number

EM Partners has supported the since 2004, providing comprehensive assistance across preparedness, response, recovery, intergovernmental affairs, and private‑sector coordination. This work has included legislative research and development, strategic briefing support, and direct consultation to leadership. EM Partners has also produced customized documentation, tracking tools, and instructional materials for Grants Division, strengthening statewide consistency and easing the administrative burden for local emergency managers. During , EM Partners enhanced Private Sector Program by establishing data‑tracking processes, outreach procedures, standard operating protocols, and a consistent engagement rhythm to coordinate testing, public information, vaccination operations, and access to critical resources—allowing to maintain focus on immediate response priorities while building a durable, lessons‑learned‑driven public‑private coordination framework.

Through this work, EM Partners supported recovery efforts

Most recently, EM Partners supported in developing a comprehensive

This effort strengthens ability to coordinate debris operations during state‑declared emergencies by leading a collaborative, multi‑agency planning process that includes stakeholder engagement across more than a dozen state agencies, legal and policy research, analysis of existing plans, and the development of planning assumptions, a debris concept of operations, and detailed operational procedures. The project concludes with the delivery of the finalized appendix and EM Partners’ facilitation of a seminar and tabletop exercise to validate the plan and enhance statewide readiness.

Table 7

Project Narrative 2:

The time period of the project January 2017 – Present

The bidder’s responsibilities • FEMA Public Assistance program support

Customer contact name Current telephone number

EM Partners is a subcontractor on a contract that began in 2017 and was renewed for an additional five-years from 2024-2029 supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The contract provides recovery services to FEMA’s Public Assistance Division’s Technical Assistance Contracts IV (PA-TAC IV). This is part of a new approach by FEMA to align PA-TAC IV contractors with one of four (4) geographical zones to more effectively provide resource support.

Through this program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, and restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit organizations. EM Partners staff have deployed to more than federally declared disasters since 2019, serving in a variety of capacities, including Site Inspectors, Program Delivery Managers, Policy Specialists, Environmental and Historical Specialists, Quality Control Specialists, and Costing Specialists. During these deployments, EM Partners team members represented dozens of municipalities, counties, parishes, and local governmental agencies, including police, fire, public works, parks and recreation, and schools.

Table 8

Project Narrative 3:

The time period of the project October 2024 – Ongoing

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • FEMA PA Grant Management

Customer contact name Current telephone number

EM Partners is currently supporting in recovering from the extensive damage caused by . The service area—

—experienced widespread destruction, including thousands of miles of damaged conduit, conductor, broadband lines, and poles. hydroelectric plant was also inundated, with roughly debris deposited into the dam spillway. EM Partners is managing all FEMA Public Assistance (PA) claims, assisting with comprehensive damage identification, scope‑of‑work development, and funding formulation across multiple PA categories, including debris removal, a expedited emergency power and communications project, dam repairs, permanent system restoration, and repair or replacement of . The team is also pursuing Section 428 Alternative Procedures to enable fixed‑cost funding and greater flexibility for resilient, cost‑effective project delivery, with an anticipated in eligible FEMA PA funding, including hazard mitigation opportunities.

To support full recovery, EM Partners is formulating all projects and amendments; compiling and validating documentation for force account labor, equipment, materials, mutual aid, and contracted work; and coordinating with key state and federal agencies such as stakeholders to address requirements related to waterways, floodplains, and environmental and historic preservation. All projects are submitted through the FEMA Grants Portal on behalf of , including a specialized reimbursement request for interest on emergency loans used to restore power. EM Partners will continue managing the reimbursement process with by submitting payment requests and reconciling reimbursements against obligated funds, ensuring regulatory compliance and complete, defensible documentation throughout the lifecycle of recovery.

Table 9

Acurance Project Narrative 1:

The time period of the project July 2013 – Present

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • Disaster Recovery

• Grant Management/Monitoring

• Financial Compliance

• Procurement Reviews

• Data Analysis

Customer contact name Current telephone number

Acurance supports the by providing comprehensive disaster recovery and grant management services that strengthen statewide consistency, financial stewardship, and program compliance. Through this engagement, Acurance has developed deep expertise in procedures, policies, and operational best practices, enabling the team to deliver precise, efficient, and audit-ready program support across multiple federal disaster declarations for Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance programs. As part of its supporting role to works closely with FEMA and staff, participating in joint coordination calls to assess damages, formulate projects, and evaluate eligibility.

Acurance also leads a comprehensive accounting reconciliation effort across numerous municipalities and local entities. The team conducts detailed risk assessments and compliance reviews of reimbursement requests, applying rigorous reviews to validate cost reasonableness, eligibility, and adherence to procurement and documentation standards. Acurance

, enhancing the State’s capacity to proactively identify and mitigate compliance vulnerabilities.

In addition, Acurance prepares, reviews, and approves payment requests in alignment with federal, state, local, and contractual requirements—streamlining the reimbursement process and ensuring timely delivery of funds to subgrantees. The team has supported recovery operations across numerous disasters, including

This work spans both Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects, where Acurance has performed extensive project worksheet reviews, facilitated closeout package development, and ensured full compliance with FEMA’s regulations, including 44 CFR and 2 CFR 200.

Table 10

Project Narrative 2:

The time period of the project October 2024 – Present

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • Cost forecasting and budgetary modifications

• Cost validation and reconciliation

• Disaster recovery

• Technical assistance and project formulation

• PA/IA expenditure tracking

• Grant management monitoring

Customer contact name Current telephone number

Acurance supports the by providing targeted disaster recovery and grant management services that strengthen the State’s ability to deliver timely, compliant, and well-documented federal assistance. Through this engagement, Acurance contributes to efforts across response, recovery, and statewide financial tracking, offering analytical support and subject-matter expertise to navigate FEMA program requirements and State-level oversight responsibilities.

As part of this work, Acurance provides research and technical guidance on disaster-specific policies, including program interpretations and procedural recommendations related to The team collaborates closely with FEMA and personnel in joint field office operations to assess project eligibility and damages and attend exploratory and recovery scoping meetings for project formulation. Acurance also develops and manages a used to track ongoing State expenditures, providing with real-time visibility into financial activity across Public Assistance (PA), Individual Assistance (IA), and Disaster Case Management programs. In addition, Acurance forecasts statewide expenditures, helping leadership anticipate resource needs and budget impacts across multiple disaster programs.

Table 11

Project Narrative 3:

The time period of the project October 2019 – October 2020

The scheduled and actual completion dates

The bidder’s responsibilities • Disaster recovery

• Project formulation

• Application process

• Procurement reviews

• FEMA PA

• Grant management/monitoring

Customer contact name Current telephone number

Acurance supports the , providing full-service Disaster Recovery Services for severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. As part of this work, Acurance aided and provided grant program insight to applicants throughout their grant application process and project formulation by keeping consistent communication with subrecipients through in person meetings and electronic communication. As a team, Acurance worked closely with FEMA PDMGs, and region FEMA leadership to oversee sub-recipient projects to ensure continued progress, performed financial compliance and state desktop reviews, and collectively gathered all required FEMA and required documentation to facilitate submissions for project formulation through the CRC and expedite FEMA obligations while facilitating the process of RFR submissions and closeouts.

1.9

SUBCONTRACTORS

If the awarded bidder(s) intends to subcontract any part of its performance hereunder, the awarded bidder(s) should provide:

i. name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor(s),

ii. specific tasks for each subcontractor(s),

iii. percentage of performance hours intended for each subcontract; and

iv. total percentage of subcontractor(s) performance hours.

No Response Required:

TECHNICAL RESPONSE

2.1

Describe bidder’s process for providing PA technical services.

i. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipients not yet obligated by FEMA

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient) Response:

Our CohnReznick team will support each Subrecipient and NEMA by conducting a structured, beginning to end review process for all FEMA Public Assistance projects through damage assessments, grouping damages and through pending obligation. Our seasoned expertise among the team will ensure that each project is clear, complete, well documented, and positioned for timely FEMA approval while reducing the likelihood of Requests for Information (RFIs), eligibility issues, or delays. We have the experience to anticipate concerns and mitigate red flags early while setting realistic expectations.

Project Assessment

Coordination and Collaboration with Subrecipients

Documentation Review and Compliance Verification

Scope of Work Validation and Cost Accuracy

Final Review and Submission

Tracking and Reporting

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

CohnReznick’s team, grounded in accounting, uses GAAP to develop a risk-based review process that addresses NEMA’s risks and resolves compliance issues with a solutions-oriented mindset. Our team provides comprehensive post obligation support to ensure Subrecipients receive timely and accurate reimbursement while maintaining full compliance with FEMA Public Assistance requirements. Our approach focuses on guiding Subrecipients through project execution, documentation management, scope of work supervision, financial oversight, and closeout. We also assist the Subrecipient with time extensions, quarterly reporting, and all administrative requirements tied to the lifecycle of obligated projects. Figure 6 presents our approach overview, with details following.

Post Obligation and Project Management-Obligation

Project Oversight and Technical Assistance

Reimbursement Requests & Cost Eligibility

Project Overview

Time Extensions Submissions

Quarterly Reporting Submissions

Closeout Ready

Closeout Submission and Audit Ready

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient)

Narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient

2.2 Describe bidder’s process for providing IA technical

services.

Response:

CohnReznick provides Individual Assistance (IA) technical services through a structured, compliance‑driven process designed to support the State in delivering equitable and timely assistance while maintaining full adherence to FEMA program requirements and reducing instances of fraud, waste or abuse. Our primary objective is to support disaster survivors in receiving resources they need for recovery while ensuring programmatic and financial compliance, reduce the risk of disallowed costs or questioned eligibility, prevent duplication of benefits, and protect FEMA funding throughout the lifecycle of IA activities. Figure 11 presents an overview of our approach, with details to follow.

Program Optimization, Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance Framework

Eligibility, Documentation, and Loss Verification Support

Duplication of Benefits (DOB) Prevention

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) Risk Mitigation

Ongoing Oversight, Appeals, and Closeout Support

2.3

Describe bidder’s process for providing HMGP technical services.

i. Bidder’s process to review applications for eligibility and completeness to FEMA approval

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient)

Response:

As Hazard Mitigation specialists, we apply FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Program and Policy Guide, program‑specific regulations, and 2 CFR Part 200 requirements in a manner that is both technically rigorous and operationally practical. Our focus is on ensuring that all activities—from application intake through final closeout—are eligible, fully documented, and audit‑ready, while proactively identifying compliance issues before they result in disallowed costs or delays.

Our approach integrates regulatory interpretation, technical review, and hands‑on sub‑recipient support to maintain FEMA eligibility and safeguard grant funds throughout the lifecycle of each HMGP project.

We implement a compliance‑driven application review process designed to ensure that only complete, eligible, and technically defensible sub-applications are submitted to FEMA. This process mirrors FEMA’s own eligibility framework and reduces Requests for Information (RFIs) and approval delays. Figure 13 below provides a summary of this approach, with details to follow.

Key elements of the process include:

Eligibility Screening Against Statute and Policy

Completeness and Documentation Review

Technical and Regulatory Validation

Risk Identification and Mitigation

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

Following FEMA obligation, our role shifts to active compliance oversight and payment validation, ensuring that all reimbursements are eligible, properly supported, and consistent with the approved award. Figure 14 below provides a summary of this approach, with details to follow. Our post‑obligation review process includes:

Payment Eligibility and Cost Validation

Documentation and Audit Readiness

Change Management and Compliance Controls

Maximizing Available Funding

Closeout Preparation and Verification

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient)

We work directly with subrecipients as both technical advisors and compliance partners, ensuring that project needs are met without compromising FEMA eligibility or financial integrity. Figure 18 provides a summary of our approach. This includes:

Early and Ongoing Technical Assistance

Problem‑Solving Within Regulatory Boundaries

Reliable Guidance

Focus on Long‑Term Success and Compliance

Narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient

HOURLY RATES

Bidders should provide not-to-exceed hourly rates that will be used for Task Orders as they are issued. There is no guarantee on the number of hours that will be used.

The hourly rates provided below will not be a scored item for the evaluation of this solicitation, but all responses will be reviewed for cost realism and reasonableness.

The roles listed below are mandatory roles that the bidder must be able to provide the State (See RFP Section V.F. for more detailed role descriptions). Bidders may add additional roles/titles as they see fit. The hourly rates shall be inclusive of labor, overhead, and all other expenses, with the exception of travel costs, which will be factored in as needed on task orders as they are issued to awarded bidders.

These not-to-exceed rates will be fixed for the first two (2) years of the contract. Any request for a price increase subsequent to the first two (2) years of the contract shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the price proposed for the period. Increases shall not be cumulative and will only apply to that period of the contract. The request for a price increase must be submitted in writing to the State Purchasing Bureau a minimum of 120 days prior to the end of the current contract period. Documentation may be required by the State to support the price increase.

The State reserves the right to deny any requested price increase. No price increases are to be billed to any State Agencies prior to written amendment of the contract by the parties.

The State will be given full proportionate benefit of any decreases for the term of the contract.

Required Personnel Roles (See RFP Section V.F.) Standard Hourly

Not-to-Exceed Rate

Overtime Hourly Not-to-Exceed

Rate

1. Project Manager $215.00 NA

2. Senior Advisor for Public Assistance $205.00 NA

3. Public Assistance Program Liaison $185.00 NA

4. Public Assistance Technical Assistance Liaison $195.00 NA

5. Appeals Specialist $190.00 NA

6. Senior Debris Specialist $195.00 NA

7. Senior Advisor for Hazard Mitigation Assistance $205.00 NA

8. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Liaison $170.00 NA

9. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Benefit-Cost Analysis Specialist $195.00 NA

10. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Technical Liaison $185.00 NA

11. Lead Individual Assistance Specialist $185.00 NA

12. Individual Assistance Specialist $170.00 NA

13. Closeout Specialist $185.00 NA

14. Disaster Recovery Specialist $170.00 NA

15. Accounting Analyst $165.00 NA Additional Personnel Roles/Titles (Add Rows as Necessary) Standard Hourly

Not-to-Exceed Rate

Overtime Hourly Not-to-Exceed

Rate No additional roles proposed NA NA

03.

Sections II-IV

II. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Bidder should read the Terms and Conditions within this section and must initial either “Accept All Terms and Conditions Within Section as Written” or “Exceptions Taken to Terms and Conditions Within Section as Written” in the table below.

If exception is not taken to a provision, it is deemed accepted as stated. If the bidder takes any exceptions, they must provide the following within the “Exceptions” field of the table below (Bidder may provide responses in separate attachment if multiple exceptions are taken):

1. The specific clause, including section reference, to which an exception has been taken;

2. An explanation of why the bidder took exception to the clause; and

3. Provide alternative language to the specific clause within the solicitation response.

By signing the solicitation, bidder agrees to be legally bound by all the accepted terms and conditions, and any proposed alternative terms and conditions submitted with the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to negotiate rejected or proposed alternative language. If the State and bidder fail to agree on the final Terms and Conditions, the State reserves the right to reject the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to reject solicitation responses that attempt to substitute the bidder’s commercial contracts and/or documents for this solicitation.

Accept All Terms and Conditions

Within Section as

Written (Initial)

Exceptions Taken to

Terms and Conditions

Within Section as

Written (Initial)

Exceptions:

(Bidder must note the specific clause, including section reference, to which an exception has been taken, an explanation of why the bidder took exception to the clause, and provide alternative language to the specific clause within the solicitation response.)

AHR

The bidders should submit with their solicitation response any license, user agreement, service level agreement, or similar documents that the bidder wants incorporated in the Contract. The State will not consider incorporation of any document not submitted with the solicitation response as the document will not have been included in the evaluation process. These documents shall be subject to negotiation and will be incorporated as addendums if agreed to by the Parties.

If a conflict or ambiguity arises after the Addendum to Contract Award has been negotiated and agreed to, the Addendum to Contract Award shall be interpreted as follows:

1. If only one (1) Party has a particular clause, then that clause shall control,

2. If both Parties have a similar clause, but the clauses do not conflict, the clauses shall be read together,

3. If both Parties have a similar clause, but the clauses conflict, the State’s clause shall control.

GENERAL

1. The contract resulting from this Solicitation shall incorporate the following documents:

a. Solicitation, including any attachments and addenda;

b. Questions and Answers;

c. Bidders properly submitted solicitation response, including any terms and conditions or agreements submitted by the bidder;

d. Addendum to Contract Award (if applicable); and

e. Amendments to the Contract. (if applicable)

These documents constitute the entirety of the contract.

Unless otherwise specifically stated in a future contract amendment, in case of any conflict between the incorporated documents, the documents shall govern in the following order of preference with number one (1) receiving preference over all other documents and with each lower numbered document having preference over any higher numbered document: 1) Amendment to the executed Contract with the most recent dated amendment having the highest priority, 2) Executed Contract and any attached Addenda 3) Addendums to the solicitation and any Questions and Answers, 4) the original solicitation document and any Addenda or attachments, and 5) the Vendor’s submitted solicitation response, including any terms and conditions or agreements that are accepted by the State.

Unless otherwise specifically agreed to in writing by the State, the State’s standard terms and conditions, as executed by the State, shall always control over any terms and conditions or agreements submitted or included by the Vendor.

Any ambiguity or conflict in the contract discovered after its execution, not otherwise addressed herein, shall be resolved in accordance with the rules of contract interpretation as established in the State of Nebraska.

NOTIFICATION

Bidder and State shall identify the contract manager who shall serve as the point of contact for the executed contract.

Communications regarding the executed contract shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered personally; electronically, return receipt requested; or mailed, return receipt requested. All notices, requests, or communications shall be deemed effective upon receipt.

Either party may change its address for notification purposes by giving notice of the change and setting forth the new address and an effective date.

BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The State reserves the right to appoint a Buyer's Representative to manage or assist the Buyer in managing the contract on behalf of the State. The Buyer's Representative will be appointed in writing, and the appointment document will specify the extent of the Buyer's Representative authority and responsibilities. If a Buyer's Representative is appointed, the bidder will be provided a copy of the appointment document and is expected to cooperate accordingly with the Buyer's Representative. The Buyer's Representative has no authority to bind the State to a contract, amendment, addendum, or other change or addition to the contract.

GOVERNING LAW (Nonnegotiable) Notwithstanding any other provision of this contract, or any amendment or addendum(s) entered into contemporaneously or at a later time, the parties understand and agree that, (1) the State of Nebraska is a sovereign state and its authority to contract is therefore subject to limitation by the State’s Constitution, statutes, common law, and regulation; (2) this contract will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Nebraska; (3) any action to enforce the provisions of this agreement must be brought in the State of Nebraska per state law; (4) the person signing this contract on behalf of the State of Nebraska does not have the authority to waive the State's sovereign immunity, statutes, common law, or regulations; (5) the indemnity, limitation of liability, remedy, and other similar provisions of the final contract, if any, are entered into subject to the State's Constitution, statutes, common law, regulations, and sovereign immunity; and, (6) all terms and conditions of the final contract, including but not limited to the clauses concerning third party use, licenses, warranties, limitations of liability, governing law and venue, usage verification, indemnity, liability, remedy or other similar provisions of the final contract are entered into specifically subject to the State's Constitution, statutes, common law, regulations, and sovereign immunity.

The Parties must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, orders, and regulations.

BEGINNING OF WORK & SUSPENSION OF SERVICES

The bidder shall not commence any billable work until a valid contract has been fully executed by the State and the successful Vendor. The Vendor will be notified in writing when work may begin.

The State may, at any time and without advance notice, require the Vendor to suspend any or all performance or deliverables provided under this Contract. In the event of such suspension, the Contract Manager or POC, or their designee, will issue a written order to stop work. The written order will specify which activities are to be immediately suspended and the reason(s) for the suspension. Upon receipt of such order, the Vendor shall immediately comply with its terms and take all necessary steps to mitigate and eliminate the incurrence of costs allocable to the work affected by the order during the period of suspension. The suspended performance or deliverables may only resume when the State provides the Vendor with written notice that such performance or deliverables may resume, in whole or in part.

AMENDMENT

This Contract may be amended in writing, within scope, upon the agreement of both parties.

CHANGE ORDERS OR SUBSTITUTIONS

The State and the Vendor, upon the written agreement, may make changes to the contract within the general scope of the solicitation. Changes may involve specifications, the quantity of work, or such other items as the

State may find necessary or desirable. Corrections of any deliverable, service, or work required pursuant to the contract shall not be deemed a change. The Vendor may not claim forfeiture of the contract by reasons of such changes.

The Vendor shall prepare a written description of the work required due to the change and an itemized cost sheet for the change. Changes in work and the amount of compensation to be paid to the Vendor shall be determined in accordance with applicable unit prices if any, a pro-rated value, or through negotiations. The State shall not incur a price increase for changes that should have been included in the Vendor’s solicitation response, were foreseeable, or result from difficulties with or failure of the Vendor’s solicitation response or performance.

No change shall be implemented by the Vendor until approved by the State, and the Contract is amended to reflect the change and associated costs, if any. If there is a dispute regarding the cost, but both parties agree that immediate implementation is necessary, the change may be implemented, and cost negotiations may continue with both Parties retaining all remedies under the contract and law.

In the event any good or service is discontinued or replaced upon mutual consent during the contract period or prior to delivery, the State reserves the right to amend the contract to include the alternate product at the same price.

***Vendor will not substitute any item that has been awarded without prior written approval of SPB***

RECORD OF VENDOR PERFORMANCE

The State may document the vendor’s performance, which may include, but is not limited to, the customer service provided by the vendor, the ability of the vendor, the skill of the vendor, and any…