EDA Was Effective in Implementing the Requirements for Awarding Funds Under the CARES Act

This memorandum provides the results of our evaluation of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) plan for the implementation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)1 funding. Our objective was to determine whether EDA implemented and followed the requirements of the CARES Act. Specifically, we determined (1) what steps EDA took in implementing the CARES Act, (2) challenges EDA faced during implementation, and (3) EDA’s ongoing efforts in awarding funds under the CARES Act. Overall, we found that EDA implemented and followed the requirements of the CARES Act. EDA has put in place measures to mitigate challenges resulting from employees working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is on track to obligate all CARES Act funds before September 30, 2022. EDA, however, still faces challenges in its workforce planning for emergency and disaster relief efforts.