FEMA says it will limit ongoing reimbursements for PPE, cleaning supplies

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
September 2, 2020

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) this week said that that after Sept. 15, it would no longer fund acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning materials, and other equipment unless for “qualifying emergency work.”

In addition, FEMA noted that it would move to limit the amount of stockpiling for emergencies of PPE that would be covered to a 60-day supply of PPE.

FEMA released the document, “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Work Eligible for Public Assistance (Interim),” on Sept. 1.

FEMA Assistant Administrator for Recovery Keith Turi said that as of Sept. 15, PPE and other materials for non-emergency settings will be classified as “increased operating costs” for public services, and therefore will not be covered by FEMA’s public assistance program. Turi made his comments during a call with state and local officials.

The FEMA document, which is available here, includes details on what emergency protective measures (and activities related to those measures) FEMA will continue to provide public assistance.