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NEHRP Earthquake State Assistance (FEMA) - FAQs

What is the NEHRP Earthquake State Assistance grant opportunity?

The NEHRP Earthquake State Assistance grant opportunity is a FEMA program created under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and reinforced by the NEHRP Reauthorization Act of 2004. Its purpose is to strengthen and sustain practical earthquake risk-reduction efforts across the United States, with an emphasis on real-world actions that improve preparedness, mitigation, and safety outcomes through state and local implementation.

What is the main goal of this program?

The central goal is to reduce the risk of death, injury, and property damage from future earthquakes by supporting practical earthquake risk-reduction activities that can be implemented effectively at the state and local levels.

Is this program focused on research?

No. The description emphasizes that the program is not limited to research. It is designed to support real-world actions that improve preparedness, mitigation, and earthquake safety outcomes.

What type of funding mechanism is used?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement within the Disaster Prevention and Relief funding activity category.

What does a "cooperative agreement" mean for applicants and recipients?

A cooperative agreement indicates FEMA expects substantial involvement in the funded work. This typically includes coordination, oversight, and technical partnership while the recipient carries out eligible earthquake safety and mitigation activities.

Does this grant have a cost-share or matching requirement?

Yes. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning recipients must contribute non-federal resources in addition to the federal funds.

Why does the program require cost-sharing or matching?

The notice suggests cost-sharing helps ensure local investment and supports long-term follow-through on earthquake risk-reduction activities.

Which funding activity and CFDA number are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is within the Disaster Prevention and Relief funding activity category and references CFDA 97.082 (Earthquake Consortium).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to a specific set of states and territories listed in the announcement. The notice also categorizes eligible applicants as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," which indicates the full announcement should be consulted for details on which state entities or designated organizations may apply on behalf of the state.

Which states and territories are listed as eligible in the announcement?

The announcement lists the following as eligible: New York, Puerto Rico, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Why are only certain states and territories eligible?

The listing indicates the program is targeted toward jurisdictions with notable earthquake exposure or where strengthening local capacity for earthquake risk reduction is a priority.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DHS-12-MT-082-009-99.

When was this funding opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on August 24, 2012, created on August 29, 2012, and closed on September 7, 2012.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date listed is October 7, 2012.

How much total funding was estimated for this opportunity?

FEMA estimated total funding at $1,114,533.

Are there minimum or maximum award amounts per recipient?

The award ceiling and award floor are both listed as $0. This usually means the notice did not specify per-award minimums or maximums in that field, and applicants would need to consult the full announcement for details on how funding would be allocated (for example, by state allotments, competitive selection, or negotiated budgets).

What kinds of activities is the program intended to support?

Based on the description provided, the program supports practical earthquake risk-reduction efforts that improve preparedness, mitigation, and safety outcomes, carried out through state and local implementation. The notice frames these as eligible earthquake safety and mitigation activities, with FEMA involved through coordination and technical partnership.

How does FEMA support awardees during implementation?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, FEMA is expected to have substantial involvement, typically through coordination, oversight, and technical partnership as the recipient implements the work.

Who is the point of contact for questions or access issues related to the full announcement?

The listed point of contact is Claudette Fernandez, NEHRP/Earthquake State Assistance Program Manager (Lead), Building Science Branch, Risk Reduction Division, DHS/FEMA Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.

What is the contact email for the program point of contact?

Claudette.fernandez@fema.dhs.gov

Where should applicants look for clarification on eligibility details?

The notice indicates applicants should rely on the full announcement, especially the "Additional Information on Eligibility" text field, for clarification about which state entities or designated organizations may apply on behalf of the state.

How should this program be understood at a high level?

The program is described as a mechanism for FEMA to provide direct support to eligible states and territories so they can carry out earthquake risk reduction activities at the local level, translating national policy goals into on-the-ground improvements in earthquake safety and mitigation.