Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025
Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would make it easier for local governments to hire construction managers when rebuilding after disasters using FEMA disaster aid. Currently, local governments must prioritize price when selecting construction managers. This bill would allow them to instead prioritize qualifications (experience, expertise, track record) over price, similar to how they already can for architects and engineers. The bill also raises the cost limit for using simplified FEMA procedures from its current level to $3 million per project. **Who It Affects:** Local governments and communities recovering from disasters would be the primary beneficiaries, as they'd have more flexibility in selecting construction managers they believe are best qualified for the job.
Ultimately, this could affect disaster survivors whose reconstruction projects depend on these hiring decisions. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Gregory Steebe (R-FL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No action has been taken as of now.
CRS Official Summary
Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025This bill permits local governments to use certain procurement methods for hiring construction managers under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA's) Public Assistance (PA) program. It also raises to $3 million the maximum project cost threshold for PA’s simplified procedures.Under existing regulations governing procurement using federal funds, local governments hiring a construction manager at risk (i.e., contractor who oversees construction and is responsible for costs exceeding a maximum project price) must consider the prices of proposals as a primary selection factor. Currently, local governments may not use qualifications-based procurement, where price is not used as a primary selection factor, unless it is only for architectural and engineering services.The bill requires FEMA to issue regulations allowing local governments to hire construction managers at risk using qualifications-based procurement, regardless of the types of services procured, when using PA funds to restore or replace disaster-damaged facilities.Also, the bill increases from $1 million to $3 million the project cost threshold below which FEMA is authorized to provide PA funds based on approved cost estimates rather than the documented incurred costs required to receive PA funds for larger projects.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.