Comment Submitted by California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

California appreciates the opportunity to comment on FEMA’s proposed extension of the information collection requirements associated with requests for Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs), requests for supplemental disaster assistance, appeals, and requests for cost share adjustments. While these comments are informed by California’s operational experience administering disaster recovery programs, they are specifically intended to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and practical utility of the information FEMA collects and relies upon when evaluating these requests. California’s recommendations are based on repeated challenges encountered during the collection, submission, review, and evaluation of disaster assistance documentation. These challenges increase the administrative burden on applicants and FEMA alike, delay funding decisions, and reduce the overall utility of the information collection process. Accordingly, the recommendations below are offered to improve the quality, clarity, timeliness, and usefulness of the information collected under this information collection request. FEMA should streamline the information collection required during the PDA process by eliminating duplicative documentation requests, standardizing required data elements, and improving guidance for applicants. These changes would reduce administrative burden while improving the quality and consistency of the information FEMA receives.