National Community Development Association
Washington Report
The National Community Development Association continues to play a lead role in the collaborative efforts made by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coalition. The CDBG Coalition is a network of 32 national organizations. Read the July 2019 CDBG Coalition Report for more information on the state of CDBG within our communities.
The excerpts from the Washington Report will be a month or two behind in order to encourage each organization to join the National Organization rather than getting all the information free from the NCDA Region VI website.
NCDA Washington Report
GAO Releases Report on CDBG-DR; Recommends Permanent Authorization and Better Monitoring
On March 25, 2019, GAO released a report on the federal government’s response to the 2017 hurricanes (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) which devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and caused extensive damage in Florida and Texas. To date, the federal government has approved $35 billion in disaster aid to these areas in the form of CDBG-DR grants.
What the Report Found
The report found that HUD lacks adequate processes for reviewing grantees’ capacity and procurement processes. The report noted that HUD staff use checklists to determine if grantees include certain information, such as its procurement process, but does not evaluate the adequacy of the information. The report noted that HUD also does not have adequate monitoring oversight in place for the grantees and has not developed a workforce plan to address HUD staffing gaps.
Unlike other federal disaster programs, the CDBG-DR program has not been permanently authorized by Congress. HUD uses Federal Register notices to customize grant requirements for each disaster which is time-consuming and delays the disbursement of funds. In a July 2018 report, HUD’s Office of Inspector General found that as of September 2017, HUD used 61 notices to oversee 112 active CDBG-DR grants.
Report Recommendations
The report recommends that HUD develop additional guidance for HUD staff to use when assessing the capacity and unmet needs assessments that grantees develop. The report also recommends that HUD develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring plan for the 2017 grants.
The report recommends that Congress permanently authorize a disaster assistance program to meet disaster needs in a timely manner. The report further recommends that HUD conduct workforce planning to ensure it has enough staff with appropriate skills to manage the disaster grants.
NCDA Washington Report
GAO Releases Report on CDBG-DR; Recommends Permanent Authorization and Better Monitoring
On March 25, 2019, GAO released a report on the federal government’s response to the 2017 hurricanes (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) which devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and caused extensive damage in Florida and Texas. To date, the federal government has approved $35 billion in disaster aid to these areas in the form of CDBG-DR grants.
What the Report Found
The report found that HUD lacks adequate processes for reviewing grantees’ capacity and procurement processes. The report noted that HUD staff use checklists to determine if grantees include certain information, such as its procurement process, but does not evaluate the adequacy of the information. The report noted that HUD also does not have adequate monitoring oversight in place for the grantees and has not developed a workforce plan to address HUD staffing gaps.
Unlike other federal disaster programs, the CDBG-DR program has not been permanently authorized by Congress. HUD uses Federal Register notices to customize grant requirements for each disaster which is time-consuming and delays the disbursement of funds. In a July 2018 report, HUD’s Office of Inspector General found that as of September 2017, HUD used 61 notices to oversee 112 active CDBG-DR grants.
Report Recommendations
The report recommends that HUD develop additional guidance for HUD staff to use when assessing the capacity and unmet needs assessments that grantees develop. The report also recommends that HUD develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring plan for the 2017 grants.
The report recommends that Congress permanently authorize a disaster assistance program to meet disaster needs in a timely manner. The report further recommends that HUD conduct workforce planning to ensure it has enough staff with appropriate skills to manage the disaster grants.