FEMA has recently released new public assistance program requirements and processes for the new year.
Beginning January 1, 2027, all quarterly progress reporting (“QPR”) is to be completed and submitted through an automated process using FEMA’s Grants Portal. This is a departure from the current customary process whereas FEMA healthcare applicants (i.e., sub-recipients) manually submit quarterly reports directly through the applicable state-managed process. This pending change is intended to assist with streamlining the reporting process and to ensure data integrity and consistency across all states.
FEMA’s QPR change impacts public assistance sub-recipients having pending large and/or Cat. Z management cost claims for the COVID-19 disaster declaration; or any other such public assistance projects pending under an alternative FEMA emergency/disaster declaration. Sub-recipients are required to submit a separate quarterly report through the FEMA grants portal for each of these project types that have been obligated, but not yet formally closed out. The scope of data required to complete the quarterly reports remains substantially the same:
- Expenditures incurred and % of claim work completed
- Projected or actual work completion dates
- Identification of current work phase as applicable (Planning, Design, Procurement, Construction, or Completion)
- Comments on any applicable project matters, issues or potential project delay risks
Once submitted, the applicable state(s) will review and electronically advance sub-recipient’s QPRs for FEMA processing.
Key Deadlines & Requirements
FEMA requires states to review and transmit QPRs submitted by sub-recipients to FEMA within 30 days following the end of each quarter:
- Q1 (Oct 1 – Dec 31): Due Jan 30
- Q2 (Jan 1 – Mar 31): Due Apr 30
- Q3 (Apr 1 – Jun 30): Due Jul 30
- Q4 (Jul 1 – Sep 30): Due Oct 30
Individual states will likely impose their own earlier due date for when sub-recipients are required to complete QPRs in FEMA’s Grants portal. Sub-recipients are urged to contact their assigned state public assistance contact to confirm QPR due dates. Late or incomplete QPR submissions will be deemed non-compliant and could result in FEMA issuing potential sanctions upon the sub-recipient, including grant termination.
Published November 12, 2026