S. 1619: Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

The Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act aims to create a system for increasing transparency regarding federal disaster assistance provided to various recipient entities. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would establish and implement:

Establishment of an Online Repository

The bill proposes the creation of a dedicated subpage on the existing federal funding transparency website. This subpage will be managed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in collaboration with the Secretary of the Treasury and heads of involved federal agencies.

Reporting Requirements

Federal agencies that provide disaster assistance will be required to report specific information on this online repository. This information must be made available to the public within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Key aspects of the required reporting include:

• The total amount of disaster assistance given by the agency during the quarter.
• The portion of the assistance that has been spent or committed (obligated) to various projects or activities.
• A detailed list of all projects or activities that received funding, including:
  • Name and description of each project or activity.
  • Evaluation of the current completion status of each project or activity.
  • A unique identification number for the project.
  • Catalog for Disaster Assistance number provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
  • The geographical location of the project, including ZIP codes.
  • Any additional reporting requirements specified by the agency regarding that disaster assistance.

Guidance and Collaboration

Each covered federal agency, in conjunction with the OMB and the Treasury, is responsible for issuing necessary guidance to comply with the reporting requirements outlined in the bill.

Additionally, if needed for transparency purposes, the OMB Director may collaborate with private entities, including nonprofit organizations, to assist in developing the required online repository.

Definitions in the Bill

The bill provides specific definitions to clarify its terms:

• Covered Federal Agency: This includes agencies that offer assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Disaster Assistance: It covers federal funds made available in response to declared natural disasters, including various types of assistance from federal agencies.
• Eligible Recipient: Refers to any entity (excluding individuals) that directly receives disaster assistance from the federal government, such as states and local governments.
• Specified Natural Disaster: Defined as disasters like major fires or emergencies declared under federal law.

Overall Goals

The overall aim of the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act is to enhance transparency and accountability regarding federal disaster assistance funds. By creating this online repository, the bill seeks to provide the public with clearer visibility into how disaster assistance is allocated and utilized, thus promoting responsible management of federal resources during times of crisis.

Relevant Companies

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