ESBD_487724_1770386164534_Exhibit J.7 - State of Texas Fire Management Assistance Grant Program.pdf
PDF 743 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Grant Compliance Monitoring Services
- Solicitation number
- TDEM-RFQ-1545
- Issued by
- Texas
About this file
This is a State Administrative Plan annex document prepared by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that establishes policies and procedures for administering the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) for the State of Texas. The plan outlines the roles, responsibilities, and staffing requirements for managing the FMAGP, which is a cost-matching grant program available from FEMA when qualifying wildfires occur within the state. The plan is effective for fires occurring after January 1, 2025, and will be reviewed and updated annually at minimum. The document establishes that the Governor or Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) initiates requests for FMAG declarations while fires are actively burning, and eligible subrecipients—including state agencies, local governments, and tribal nations—must submit Requests for Fire Management Assistance (RFMA) within 30 days after the close of the incident period. The state must submit its grant application including the SF-424 form and all required attachments within nine months of the declaration, with possible extensions of up to three additional months upon justification. Project Worksheets cannot be written for costs of less than $1,000, and the state procedures include receiving, reviewing, and submitting RFMAs from subrecipients to FEMA, certifying costs, and developing project documentation with technical assistance provided through local points of contact.
The FMAGP provides 75 percent federal funding with a required 25 percent non-federal cost share, as outlined in the FEMA-State Agreement. Eligible costs include personal comfort and safety items for firefighters, firefighting supplies and materials, equipment operation and maintenance, labor costs, travel and per diem, field camps and meals, mobilization and demobilization, and temporary repairs to facilities damaged by firefighting activities—all of which must be incurred within the declared incident period with limited exceptions. Pre-positioning of federal, out-of-state, and international resources for up to 21 days prior to the incident period is eligible if resources are ultimately used in response to the declared fire and FEMA is notified immediately. The plan mandates that TDEM monitor subrecipients' progress continuously through site visits, desk audits of documentation, and quarterly progress reports to prevent improper expenditure of federal funds and duplication of disaster expenditures. FMAG funds may not duplicate benefits from insurance, other assistance programs, or legal awards, and subrecipients must seek all available benefits and notify TDEM of any received or anticipated benefits for the same purpose. A FEMA-approved State Hazard Mitigation Plan is required for the state to receive funding; Texas's current plan was approved and adopted on October 4, 2023, with an expiration date of October 4, 2028. The state's administrative costs and TDEM's indirect costs based on an approved rate are also allowable, subject to proper documentation and FEMA Regional Administrator approval.
View the file
Other files
Show all 11
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
STATE OF TEXAS
ADMINISTRATIVE
PLAN
F I R E M A N A G E M E N T A S S I S T A N C E G R A N T P R O G R A M
A N N E X T O T H E 2 0 2 5 P U B L I C A S S S I T A N C E S T A T E A D M I N I S T R A T I V E P L A N
2 0 2 5
Revisions
Rev. 1: Overall language revisions to improve clarity.
Rev. 2: Revised mention of 2024 SAP to 2025 SAP.
The State Fire Management Assistance Grant Program Annex, prepared by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, provides citations of the laws, regulations, and policies that state procedures must comply with to meet Federal program and grant administrative requirements.
Table of Contents
PREFACE
PURPOSE, AUDIENCE AND AUTHORITY
PURPOSE
AUDIENCE
STATE AUTHORITIES
FEDERAL AUTHORITIES
ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS
ADMINISTRATION
PERSONNEL
REQUIREMENTS
PROJECT FORMULATION
DIRECTION AND CONTROL
POST DECLARATION ACTIVITIES
FIRE MANAGEMENT GRANT ADMINISTRATION
FMAG PROCESS – TIMELINE & REQUIREMENTS
DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS
ATTACHMENT A: SUBRECIPIENT’S BRIEFING OUTLINE
ATTACHMENT B: FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROJECT CHECKLIST
ATTACHMENT C: FMAG ELIGIBLE COSTS
FMAGP Annex 2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 1
Preface The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) is a cost-matching grant available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Governor, or the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR), initiates a request for this grant when a qualifying wildfire occurs within the state. FEMA defines what constitutes a qualifying fire and establishes procedures for applying for the grant. FEMA determines what entities may apply for subgrants and defines the type of work that is eligible for reimbursement. The FMAGP does not cover all expenses created by a qualifying fire, nor does it provide assistance to the private sector.
These grants cover 75 percent of eligible costs and require a 25-percent cost share as outlined in the FEMA-State Agreement.
This is an annex to the 2025 State of Texas Administrative Plan for Public Assistance (SAP).
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 2
Purpose, Audience, and Authority
Purpose The purpose of this plan is to identify the roles and responsibilities of the state of Texas in administering the FMAGP and to outline staffing requirements and the policies and procedures.
The state of Texas assures FEMA that it will comply with all applicable federal statutes and regulations in effect with respect to the periods for which it receives grant funding. The state of Texas acknowledges that funding under the FMAGP is conditional upon the state’s compliance with all terms and conditions of this plan, including having an approved State Mitigation Plan.
This plan is effective for fires occurring after January 1, 2025. In accordance with 44 CFR § 204.51(d), this plan will be updated or amended as needed following each major disaster declaration. At a minimum this plan is updated annually. Any revised plan will be submitted to FEMA for approval of the regional administrator prior to the award of program funding.
Technical assistance from FEMA was not requested for the development of this plan (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(ii)).
Audience Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)1 Texas A&M Forest Service
State Authorities Texas Disaster Act of 1975, as amended Executive Orders of the Governor State of Texas Emergency Management Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Fire Suppression Operations, Addendum L, to the State Operations Center (SOC)
SOP
Uniform Grant and Contract Management Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 783) State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan
Federal Authorities Public Law 93-288, as amended (Stafford Act) Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 FEMA Regulations, 44 CFR Part 204, Fire Management Assistance Grant Program, 206
Federal Disaster Assistance
1 Designated as the State Agency having responsibility for program Administration (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(A))
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 3
Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Programs and Activities Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension Executive Order 12612, Federalism Executive Order 12699, Seismic Design Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice Coastal Barrier Resources Act, Public Law 97-348 Single Audit Act, Public Law 98-502 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. § 470, Endangered Species Act References, 16 U.S.C. § 1531, FEMA program publications, guidance, and policies FEMA-State Agreements
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 4
Acronyms and Definitions Declared Fire: An uncontrolled fire or fire complex, threatening such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, which the Regional Administrator has approved in response to a state’s request for an FMAG declaration.
Demobilization: The process and procedures for deactivating, disassembling, and transporting back to their points of origin all resources that had been provided to respond to and support a declared fire.
Fire Complex: Two or more individual fires located in the same general area, which are assigned to a single incident commander.
Incident Period: The time interval during which the declared fire burns. The Regional Administrator, in consultation with the GAR and the principal advisor, will establish the incident period. Generally, costs must be incurred during the incident period to be considered eligible.
Mobilization: The process and procedures used for activating, assembling, and transporting all resources that the Grantee requested to respond to support a declared fire.
Pre-positioning: Moving existing fire prevention or suppression resources from an area of lower fire danger to one of higher fire danger in anticipation of an increase in fire activity likely to constitute the threat of a major disaster.
Request for Fire Management Assistance (RFMA) Subgrant (FEMA Form 089-0-24): The form a potential subrecipient uses to apply for assistance. The applicant must submit the RFMA to the grantee no later than 30 days after the close of the incident period.
State Hazard Mitigation Plan: A requirement of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) that includes a systematic evaluation of the nature and extent of vulnerability to the effects of natural hazards and identifies the actions needed to minimize future vulnerability to said hazards. The plan further delineates state agency responsibilities, both pre- and post-disaster, in implementing the State Hazard Mitigation Program. This plan is approved under 44 CFR part 201, as a condition of receiving Stafford Act Assistance as outlined in 201.4. This plan is reviewed and revised every five years. If it is warranted and time permits, it will also be revised after each presidentially-declared disaster.
Threat of a major disaster: The potential impact of the fire or fire complex is of a severity and magnitude that would result in a presidential major disaster declaration for the Public Assistance Program, the Individual Assistance Program, or both.
Uncontrolled fire: Any fire not safely confined to predetermined control lines as established by firefighting resources.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 5
Administration
Personnel In accordance with 44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(B), staffing follows the Recovery personnel outlined in the
2025 SAP.
Requirements
State Hazard Mitigation Plan A FEMA-approved state hazard mitigation plan is required for the State, as a recipient, to receive funding under a fire management assistance grant. The current state of Texas hazard mitigation plan was updated in 2023, approved and adopted October 4, 2023, with an expiration of October 4, 2028. The TDEM Mitigation Division Chief / State Hazard Mitigation Officer is responsible for maintenance of this plan. Working with several other state agencies as well as select universities and technical associations, the Mitigation Division updates this plan every five years in accordance with 44 CFR. This process ensures the eligibility of the state to apply for and receive pre- and post-disaster federal mitigation funds.
In accordance with 44 CFR § 204.51(d)(2), the plan identifies the natural hazards that affect the state, determines vulnerabilities, and establishes the strategy the State will use to reduce the risk to the population and property within the borders of Texas. The State of Texas Mitigation Strategy is continuously reviewed and updated as necessary to prioritize the mitigation goals created during the mitigation planning process.
Determination FEMA determines whether a fire is eligible for the FMAGP based upon information supplied by the state and the United States Forest Service (USFS) Principal Advisor.
These criteria are as follows:
The fire threatens such destruction as would constitute a major disaster (as defined by the Stafford Act) including threat to life, improved property, critical facilities/infrastructure and critical watersheds;
Availability of state and local firefighting resources;
High fire danger conditions, as indicated by nationally accepted indices such as the
National Fire Danger Ratings System; and Potential major economic impact.
The Governor, the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR), or Alternate GAR (Alt-GAR) must submit the request while the fire is burning uncontrolled (44 CFR § 204.22).
Appeal The GAR may appeal the FEMA decision to deny an FMAG declaration in writing within 30 days after the date of the letter denying the request.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 6
Declaration Date and Incident Period The declaration date of the fire is the date on which the FEMA Region VI Administrator declared that the fire in question is eligible for FMAG assistance. This date may or may not be the same as the start of the incident period (IP).
The incident period of an eligible fire generally begins on the date of declaration. Any request for an incident period start date that is earlier than the requested date will be documented by the GAR for approval by the FEMA Region VI Administrator. All FMAG IPs administratively begin at 0001 (12:01 am) in the time zone of the fire on the approved declaration date and end at 2359 (11:59 pm) in the time zone of the fire on the approved date of closure. The FEMA Region VI Administrator, in consultation with the USFS Principal Advisor and the GAR, establishes the exact end of the incident period.
Project Formulation The state will submit its grant application, including the SF-424 and all required attachments, within nine months of the declaration (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)). Upon receipt of the written request from the State, the FEMA Regional Administrator may grant an extension for up to three months. The State's request must include a justification for the extension.
Costs All eligible work and related costs must occur within the incident period of a declared fire, with certain exceptions as noted. These costs are as follows:
(a) Personal comfort and safety items normally provided by the state under field conditions for firefighter health and safety.
(b) Firefighting supplies, tools, and materials, expended or lost, not covered by reasonable insurance, will be replaced with comparable items.
(c) Operation and maintenance costs of publicly owned, contracted, rented, or volunteer firefighting department equipment used in eligible firefighting activities to the extent any of these costs are not included in applicable equipment rates.
(d) Use of federally owned equipment based on reasonable costs as billed by the federal agency and paid by the state.
(e) Repair of equipment damaged in firefighting activities to the extent not covered by reasonable insurance.
(f) Replacement of equipment lost or destroyed in firefighting activities, to the extent not covered by reasonable insurance, will be replaced with comparable equipment.
(g) Overtime labor for permanent or reassigned State and local employees.
(h) Regular time and overtime for temporary and contract employees hired to perform fire-related activities.
(i) Travel and per diem of employees who are providing services directly associated with eligible fire-related activities.
(j) Provision of field camps and meals when made available in place of per diem.
(k) Pre-positioning federal, out-of-state, and international resources for up to 21 days prior to the start of the incident period when those resources are used in response to a declared fire. [Note: The state must notify FEMA immediately if pre-positioning costs are going to be claimed. FEMA may require additional documentation.]
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 7
(l) Assistance given by local governments, Tribal Nations, or other state agencies in support of firefighting activities for a declared fire including, but not limited to, the following:
Police barricading and traffic control, Extraordinary Emergency Operations Center expenses, Evacuations and sheltering, Search and rescue, Arson investigation teams, Public information, Limited removal of trees that pose a threat to the general public, Temporary repair of damage caused by firefighting activities including, but not limited to, the following:
• Repairs to bulldozer lines, camps, and staging areas to address safety concerns
• Minimal repairs to damaged facilities such as fences, buildings, bridges, and roads. [Note: All temporary repairs must be completed within 30 days of the end of the incident period.]
(m)Mobilization and de-mobilization costs.
(n) Fires on co-mingled federal/non-federal land where the state has responsibility for suppression activities under a written agreement with the responsible federal agency.
Mutual Aid or Emergency Management Assistance Compact Reimbursement Mutual Aid or Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) reimbursement of costs to an eligible (receiving) entity may include costs to reimburse mutual aid or EMAC costs related to eligible emergency work. Normally there will be a written agreement, and the reimbursements may be limited under that agreement (i.e., no cost reimbursement for the first 24 hours).
FEMA will not reimburse costs not due under such an agreement. Additionally, costs under the agreement must apply reimbursement rules uniformly to both federal and non-federal awards and cannot be limited to only federally declared emergencies.
Management Costs The subrecipients may claim costs associated with requesting, obtaining, and administering a subgrant, including regular and overtime pay and travel expenses for permanent, reassigned temporary and contract employees who assist in administering the FMAG subgrant. TDEM may claim management costs as described above in addition to appropriate indirect costs based on an approved rate. TDEM may also submit requests to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for administering the grant for management cost approval by the FEMA Regional Administrator. All management costs must be supported by proper documentation.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 8
Direction and Control
Post Declaration Activities
Notifying Potential Subrecipients (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)(1)) In addition to those entities listed in the SAP, the Texas A&M Forest Service may be utilized to notify potential subrecipients of the assistance that is available and the time and date of the subrecipient's briefing/kickoff meeting which will be held in their area.
TDEM will assist FEMA in screening potential subrecipients for eligibility (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)(2)).
Subrecipient's Briefing/Kickoff Meeting The attachments to this document outline the Subrecipient briefing and kickoff meeting needs, timelines, and expectations.
Attachment 1: The Subrecipient Briefing Outline lays out the information covered during this briefing.
Attachment 2: The FMAG Project Checklist annex gives subrecipients additional information regarding necessary documentation.
Attachment 3: The FMAG Eligible Costs gives a listing of eligible costs that are typically reimbursable for the FMAG Program.
All three of these attachments are provided to potential subrecipients during the initial meeting.
Request for Fire Management Assistance (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(C)(3)) A potential subrecipient will be required to submit a Request for Fire Management Assistance (RFMA) to the state within 30 days from the end of the incident period. RFMAs submitted after this 30-day period are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if warranted, are forwarded to FEMA for consideration. If necessary, TDEM will request that the deadline for filing the RFMAs be extended.
Project Worksheet (Subgrant) Preparation The state will prepare a Project Worksheet (PW) for each project. Where appropriate the State may request that FEMA prepare or assist the state with preparation of a PW. A PW cannot be written for costs of less than $1,000. This minimum threshold does not apply to PWs submitted for the direct and indirect costs related to the administration of a fire grant, as defined in 44 CFR § 204.63.
The state procedures for the development and review of project in the FMAGP process include:
Receiving, reviewing, and submitting RFMA from subrecipients to FEMA.
Certifying subrecipient costs during project development and prior to submittal.
Developing, reviewing, and submitting prepared Project Worksheets to FEMA in conjunction with the subrecipient.
Submit project to FEMA for review within six (6) months of the end of the incident period. If an extension (maximum of three (3) months) is necessary, it must be requested before the due date.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 9
The subrecipient will be required to provide a local point of contact (POC) who will assist the state team during the project preparation process. The State will provide technical assistance to the subrecipient through the local POC on procedures, eligibility, guidance, and deadlines (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(c)(9)).
The local POC will be responsible for:
Providing a list of damages and costs for projects.
Resolving and submitting insurance coverage and settlements.
Providing supporting documentation for all costs related to the projects, including any insurance policies to TDEM, within 90 days of the end of the incident. If an extension (maximum 30 days) is necessary, it must be requested before the due date.
Denial of a PW may be appealed by the subrecipient.
Donated resource credit can be used toward the calculation of the federal cost share for
“in kind” contributions from volunteer labor, equipment and materials used related to the FMAG. Subrecipients will be required to provide appropriate supporting documentation before this credit can be submitted on a PW. For more information see FEMA Policy No. 9525.2.
Fire Management Grant Administration
Timelines and Appeals In accordance with 44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)(8), TDEM will ensure that all actions are completed within the following timeframes:
Appeals Timeframe
Appeals of FMAG Declaration Denials
All appeals must be filed within 30 days of the date of receipt of the letter denying request.
Appeals of Eligibility Subrecipients must submit to TDEM within 60 days after the receipt of notice of the action being appealed. TDEM must submit to FEMA within 60 days of receipt of appeal from subrecipients.
Duplication, Limitation, & Recovery of Funds FMAGP funds may not duplicate benefits received by or available to the subrecipient from insurance, other assistance programs, legal awards, or any other source to address the same purpose.
A subrecipient must notify TDEM of all benefits that it receives or anticipates from other sources for the same purpose and must seek all such benefits available to them. TDEM will reduce the grant by the amounts available for the same purpose from another source.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 10
The subrecipient will be liable to TDEM for any duplicative amounts that it receives or has available to it from other sources and must repay TDEM for such amounts.
FMAGP will not provide assistance to a subrecipient for costs attributable to subrecipient’s own negligence. If the subrecipient suspects negligence by a third party for causing a condition, the subrecipient is responsible for taking all reasonable steps to recover all costs attributable to the negligence of the third party.
Financial and Performance Reports (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)(5)) TDEM will monitor and evaluate the progress and completion of each subrecipient’s projects on a continuous basis. The purpose of this monitoring is to help prevent the risk of improper expenditure of federal funds and the duplication of disaster expenditures between projects.
Monitoring and evaluating will include monitoring of contracting processes (including proof of checking the debarment list of eligible contractors), and maintenance of project and financial records. These actions are intended to improve the subrecipient’s performance, reduce program non-compliance, and diminish any issues that may arise early on in the process. The monitoring process may include a combination of personal visits, phone calls, and email exchanges with the subrecipient, site visits/inspections of the project, desk audits of invoices and other supporting documentation, and quarterly progress reports.
At a minimum, all subrecipients receive the same level of support and monitoring as described above. Subrecipients are presented with relevant grant guidance information and training opportunities are made available. All procurement actions, payment requests, and quarterly submissions undergo the same level of review regardless of the subrecipients experience, which is documented in the workflows of TDEM’s Grants Management System (GMS).
Additional monitoring requirements would address any deficiencies or non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the subaward, Single Audit findings, or corrective action considerations.
Final financial reports will be submitted to FEMA as a part of the closeout process. The reports shall include a record of expenditures considered to be statutory administrative costs and/or state management administrative costs.
The Cash Transaction Report showing the amounts drawn from SmartLink, per grant, will be completed each quarter to allow time to review and certify the report online by the required deadline. This report is the basic Federal reporting requirement for retaining access to SmartLink draws. The transactions must be certified no later than the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter.
See chart below for FMAG process, timelines related to applications, payments, and closeout.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 11
FMAG PROCESS – TIMELINE & REQUIREMENTS
DATES, APPLICATION & CLOSEOUT REQUIREMENTS
DEFINITION – PERIOD OF
PERFORMANCE (POP) - The time interval designated in block 13 on the Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) for the Grantee and all subrecipients to submit eligible costs and have those costs processed, obligated, and closed out by FEMA.
[9 MONTHS + 3 MONTHS EXTENSION]
See below
SUBRECIPIENT REQUEST PERIOD – State, local, and tribal governments interested in applying for subgrants under an approved fire management assistance grant must submit a Request for Fire Management Assistance to the Grantee in accordance with State procedures and within timelines set by the Grantee, but no longer than 30 days after the close of the incident period.
GRANTEE APPLICATION PACKET
PERIOD – The state should submit its grant application including the SF-424 within nine months of the declaration. Upon receipt of the written request from the State, the Regional Administrator may grant an extension for up to three months. The State's request must include a justification for the extension.
FEMA APPLICATION PACKET
APPROVAL PERIOD – The Regional Administrator has 45 days from receipt the state's grant application or an amendment to the state's grant application, including attached supporting Project Worksheet(s), to review and approve or deny the grant application or amendment; or to notify the grantee of a delay in processing funding.
STATE CLOSEOUT PERIOD –Within 90-days of the performance period expiration date, the state will submit a final Financial Status Report (FEMA Form 20-10), which reports all costs incurred within the incident period and all administrative costs incurred within the performance period; and perform all audits.
START – FIRE OCCURS
Incident Period begins
FIRE REACHES FMAG THRESHOLD –
Application by TFS to FEMA for approval while fire still burning
FMAG APPROVED BY FEMA –
Declaration Date
FIRE OUT/
RESOURCES RELEASED
Incident Period ends
SUBRECIPIENT – Submit a Request Assistance to the within 30 days after the close of the incident period.
TDEM works with Subrecipient to collect all related invoices and other supporting documents
Up to three months from close of incident period or
* may ask for up to a two-month extension for a total of five months
TDEM writes the PW and gets the subrecipient and state approval
TDEM submits the entire packet to FEMA with all the PWs.
(Should include a review of paperwork and compliance audit)
Up to three months from close of incident or * may ask for up to three month extension from the FEMA Region Administrator for a total of six months
FEMA approves PWs and obligates funds
Up to 45 days
TDEM pays all federal funds to the subrecipient.
Up to 45 days
TDEM – completes financial reconciliation and audit of expenses both subrecipient and M&A.
Up to 60 days
Note: PW timelines are based from the close of the incident period, but POP deadlines are from the date of the declaration. This would mean that if the declaration occurred several weeks before the incident closed, then the PW timeline needs to be adjusted to ensure it does not exceed the POP deadline
FEMA closes the Disaster.
TDEM
submits the Grantee Application packet (with
SF-424).
Up to nine months from declaration, but as soon as possible to facilitate obligations.
EXCEPTION:
The US Forest Service Bill – It often takes more than a year to receive a bill from the US Forest Service related to costs of that agency providing firefighting services. Every effort will be made to close this final PW as expeditiously as possible, but the state has no control over the billing from this federal agency.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 12
Development and Maintenance This annex will be reviewed and updated annually. Amendments will be made to meet current policy guidelines, as required.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 13
Attachments and Exhibits
Attachments Attachment A: Subrecipient’s Briefing Outline Attachment B: FMAG Project Checklist Attachment C: FMAG Eligible Costs
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 14
Attachment A: Subrecipient’s Briefing Outline
General Sign-In Sheet Subrecipient Packet
Overview The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) is a reimbursement program that provides funding in the form of grants on a percentage basis to eligible subrecipients who have incurred significant costs toward the suppression of wildfires that have received a FMAG declaration. Funding under this program is limited to eligible expenses incurred due to firefighting activities.
Introduction Authority - PL 93-288, as amended, Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 44 CFR Part 204
Declaration Process Threat to life, improved property, critical infrastructure Availability of state and local firefighting resources High fire danger conditions (red flag warnings) Potential for economic impact Must be requested while fire is actively burning
Eligible Sub-recipients State agencies and authorities Local governments Tribal Nations or tribal organizations
Entities that are not eligible to apply for a subgrant as identified above, such as privately owned entities and volunteer firefighting organizations, may be reimbursed through a contract or compact with an eligible subrecipient for eligible costs associated with the fire or fire complex.
Request for Fire Management Assistance Subgrant (RFFMA) Completion of the form Must be submitted within 30 days of receiving an FMAG declaration
Designation of the Subrecipient’s Agent Completion of form, submitted to the state
Direct Deposit Authorization Completion of form, submitted to the state
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 15
Project Preparation Subrecipient’s Briefing/Kick-Off Meeting (this meeting) Project Worksheet Donated Resources FEMA Cost Codes and Equipment Rates Mutual aid agreements Management Costs Supporting Documentation Insurance 2 CFR 200 Introduction Procurement Rules Subrecipient must submit promptly Normally the state has up to six months to submit to FEMA
Project Application Grant (Subrecipient) application signatures required prior to funding Grant Terms and Conditions
Project Funding 75 percent federal share and 25 percent non-federal (local) share Contingent on mutual aid agreements already in place or statewide mutual aid law
Appeals Any state or FEMA determination Written notification submitted within 60 days
TFS Fire Department Fire Reporting Web Application http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/FireReporting/vfd/default.asp
FEMA Grant Outcomes (FEMA GO) https://go.fema.gov/
Checklists (Attachment 2) Given to each subrecipient present
FEMA Eligible Costs (Attachment 3)
Questions / Answers http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/FireReporting/vfd/default.asp https://go.fema.gov/
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 16
Attachment B: Fire Management Assistance Project Checklist
To prepare for Recovery Coordinators In order to expedite the project process, subrecipients should take the following steps and be aware of the following procedures before the subrecipient’s briefing/kick-off meeting (or first visit) with the state team from the Texas Division of Emergency Management:
Mark the location of each designated fire on a suitable map and develop a route of travel to each site. The subrecipient should attempt to identify all damages/expenses before the Recovery/Mitigation coordinators arrive.
Compile a detailed breakdown of labor (including fringe benefits), equipment, and material costs for each project that is complete. While a variety of forms can be used to summarize these items, the format chosen must document the type and location of work performed on a daily basis.
Provide force account equipment use in a manner compatible with the FEMA Schedule of Equipment Rates. Keep damaged equipment and parts for a review and inspection by the survey team.
List equipment, materials or inventory lost as a result of the fire. Provide copies of estimates, bids, purchase orders, invoices, inventory records or other substantiating evidence to verify loss values or replacement cost.
Provide Recovery/Mitigation coordinators with policy information on insurance coverage and any proceeds received or anticipated.
Notify TDEM as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days from the date of the initial subrecipient’s briefing/kick-off meeting, of any additional damages or expenses that have been identified.
Make sure any procurement follows federal guidelines.
Be aware that a statement of non-concurrence must be attached to any project in which the local representative does not agree with the proposed scope of work.
2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 17
Attachment C: FMAG Eligible Costs
All eligible work and related costs must occur within the incident period of a declared fire, with certain exceptions as noted. These costs are as follows:
(a) Personal comfort and safety items normally provided by the state under field conditions for firefighter health and safety.
(b) Firefighting supplies, tools, and materials, expended or lost, not covered by reasonable insurance, will be replaced with comparable items.
(c) Operation and maintenance costs of publicly owned, contracted, rented, or volunteer firefighting department equipment used in eligible firefighting activities to the extent any of these costs are not included in applicable equipment rates.
(d) Use of federally-owned equipment based on reasonable costs as billed by the federal agency and paid by the state.
(e) Repair of equipment damaged in firefighting activities to the extent not covered by reasonable insurance.
(f) Replacement of equipment lost or destroyed in firefighting activities, to the extent not covered by reasonable insurance, will be replaced with comparable equipment.
(g) Overtime labor for permanent or reassigned State and local employees.
(h) Regular time and overtime for temporary and contract employees hired to perform fire-related activities.
(i) Travel and per diem of employees who are providing services directly associated with eligible fire-related activities.
(j) Provision of field camps and meals when made available in place of per diem.
(k) Pre-positioning federal, out-of-state, and international resources for up to 21 days prior to the start of the incident period when those resources are used in response to a declared fire. [Note: The state must notify FEMA immediately if pre-positioning costs are going to be claimed. FEMA may require additional documentation.]
(l) Assistance given by local governments, Tribal Nations, or other state agencies in support of firefighting activities for a declared fire including, but not limited to, the following:
Police barricading and traffic control, Extraordinary Emergency Operations Center expenses, Evacuations and sheltering, Search and rescue, Arson investigation teams, Public information, 2025 State of Texas State Administrative Plan 18
Limited removal of trees that pose a threat to the general public, Temporary repair of damage caused by firefighting activities including, but not limited to, the following:
• Repairs to bulldozer lines, camps, and staging areas to address safety concerns
• Minimal repairs to damaged facilities such as fences, buildings, bridges, and roads. [Note: All temporary repairs must be completed within 30 days of the end of the incident period.]
(m) Mobilization and de-mobilization costs.
(n) Fires on co-mingled federal/non-federal land where the state has responsibility for suppression activities under a written agreement with the responsible federal agency.
Adapted from 44 CFR § 204.42 (October 1, 2018 revision)
| Preface |
| Purpose, Audience, and Authority |
| Purpose |
| Audience |
| State Authorities |
| Federal Authorities |
| Acronyms and Definitions |
| Administration |
| Personnel |
| Requirements |
| State Hazard Mitigation Plan |
| Determination |
| Appeal |
| Declaration Date and Incident Period |
| Project Formulation |
| Costs |
| Management Costs |
| Direction and Control |
| Post Declaration Activities |
| Notifying Potential Subrecipients (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)(1)) |
| Subrecipient's Briefing/Kickoff Meeting |
| Request for Fire Management Assistance (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(C)(3)) |
| Project Worksheet (Subgrant) Preparation |
| Fire Management Grant Administration |
| Timelines and Appeals |
| Duplication, Limitation, & Recovery of Funds |
| Financial and Performance Reports (44 CFR § 204.51(d)(1)(i)(C)(5)) |
| FMAG PROCESS – TIMELINE & REQUIREMENTS |
| Development and Maintenance |
| Attachments and Exhibits |
| Attachment A: Subrecipient’s Briefing Outline |
| Attachment B: Fire Management Assistance Project Checklist |
| Attachment C: FMAG Eligible Costs |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .