These are FEMA’s guidelines that will determine the cost of rebuilding and whether the project will follow the course of a Standard Project. It is extremely important to work with FEMA to ensure that the scope and cost of the Standard Project is as accurate as possible.
A thorough evaluation of Codes and Standards and repair vs. replacement costs should be completed at this stage. We have compiled some suggestions for ensuring accurate scopes and costs for Standard Projects.
First, for the structure itself, where applicable and possible, provide the state and FEMA with original plans and drawings for the facility in question, cost data from recent improvements or additions, copies of all applicable codes and standards, and pre-event photographs.
Also, it is advisable to provide historical cost data if available for applicable trades, such as electrical, mechanical, HVAC, roofing and other necessary systems or services.
Where applicable, incorporate engineering reports detailing repair scope, code-necessitated upgrades, and available mitigation opportunities into the Project Worksheet. If time permits, provide contractor estimates with these engineering reports.
If the work has been bid in advance of FEMA’s Project Worksheet development, provide the scope and cost from the selected bidder. Ideally the bidder will have provided all of the information necessary for FEMA to develop the Project Worksheet.
If FEMA uses its Cost Estimating Format (CEF), stay involved with the process not only in “part A,” which develops a model for the scope and cost of the project, but also in the development of the percentage-based factors...