FEMA Should Increase Oversight to Prevent Misuse of Humanitarian Relief Funds

Date Issued

Thursday, March 30, 2023

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-23-20

Report Description

FEMA awarded $110 million in humanitarian relief funds provided by ARPA to the EFSP National Board to provide services to families and individuals encountered by DHS in communities most impacted by the humanitarian crisis at the Southwest border. As of September 8, 2021, the National Board awarded $80.6 million of the funds to 25 local recipient organizations (LRO) in California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. We reviewed $12.9 million from 18 LROs and found they did not always use the funds consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Humanitarian Relief Funding and Application Guidance (funding and application guidance).

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Open Recommendations

This report has 2 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$0
We recommend the FEMA Administrator ensure that the EFSP National Board resolve the $7.4 million in questioned costs and incorporate controls in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Humanitarian Relief Funding and Application Guidance to minimize future reimbursements of unsupported costs. Additionally, the FEMA Administrator should ensure the labor hour reimbursements made to the COVID-19 testing contractor are appropriately supported.
2	No	$0	$0
We recommend the FEMA Administrator ensure the EFSP National Board implements oversight measures to enforce the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Humanitarian Relief Funding and Application Guidance for future supplemental appropriations. Specifically, develop a risk-based methodology to review a sample of ongoing funding execution for future supplemental appropriations to ensure funds approved are: reviewed and reconciled for completeness and accuracy; and  supported with appropriate documentation, including rosters or other documentation for the number of people served.