FEMA Needs to Improve Oversight and Management of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Property Acquisitions

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Date Issued

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Submitting OIG

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Homeland Security

Components

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Report Number

OIG-22-46

Report Description

FEMA did not oversee and manage Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) property acquisition projects efficiently or effectively, nor can FEMA provide assurance that projects are awarded equitably.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Open Recommendations

This report has 4 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience implement financial management procedures to ensure FEMA regional officials monitor and close HMGP property acquisition projects in a timely manner, and that they conduct Strategic Funds Management reviews, document review decisions, and implement such decisions where appropriate. These actions will help minimize as much as $134,911,248 in funds that FEMA could put to better use.
2	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience implement management procedures to ensure HMGP property acquisition project applications and project information are complete and accurate when submitted, reviewed, closed, and maintained by FEMA.
3	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience direct FEMA regions to ensure states monitor, inspect, and report to FEMA on acquired HMGP properties in accordance with grant requirements to confirm the properties are maintained as open space.
4	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience and FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights continue initiatives to reduce barriers and increase opportunities pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for applying for and receiving FEMA HMGP property acquisition grants. Additionally, we recommend that FEMA develop guidance and implement equity considerations in program delivery, including the states’ use of demographic, economic, and other required data when selecting projects for HMGP property acquisition.