Project Description
The Valley County Water District (VCWD) sought a qualified consultant to provide FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) advisory and implementation support for its “Seismic Upgrades to Potable Water Reservoirs” project. This engagement was structured as a pre-event, on-call contract supporting both Phase I (feasibility study and design) and potential Phase II (construction and grant management) under FEMA’s broader Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) framework.
CSA provides comprehensive advisory services to support project formulation, grant compliance, and lifecycle execution. Services include coordination with VCWD staff, FEMA, and State representatives to develop and advance HMGP project applications; preparation of project documentation and technical analyses; and identification and mitigation of risks that could impact funding eligibility or reimbursement. CSA supports development of detailed scopes of work, cost estimates, and supporting documentation required for FEMA review and approval, while also assisting in the preparation of hazard mitigation strategies and alternative project solutions.
In addition, CSA develops and implements structured processes for document control, data management, and audit readiness, ensuring that all project records, procurement documentation, and financial data align with federal requirements. This includes support for project amendments, extensions, appeals, and compliance with applicable regulations. Through this integrated advisory approach, CSA enables VCWD to advance complex infrastructure mitigation projects while maintaining alignment with FEMA program requirements and long-term resiliency objectives.
Key Outcome: Demonstrated end-to-end HMGP advisory and project development capabilities, positioning a complex infrastructure mitigation project for successful FEMA funding, compliance, and lifecycle execution.
Project Implementation
CSA delivers coordinated program and project support services in collaboration with VCWD staff, FEMA, and State agencies to advance HMGP-funded mitigation initiatives from formulation through implementation. Services include project development, preparation of FEMA-compliant documentation, cost estimating, and coordination of project meetings with federal and state stakeholders.
CSA supports ongoing program requirements, including development of documentation systems for audit readiness, preparation of project amendments and extensions, and assistance with first and second-level FEMA appeals, as needed. CSA also provides oversight and coordination of engineering, design, and construction activities to ensure alignment with FEMA eligibility, cost reasonableness, and regulatory requirements.
In addition, CSA supports financial and grant management functions, including tracking of project costs, reconciliation of expenditures, and validation of force account labor and procured services. Procurement and contract compliance support is provided to ensure adherence to federal requirements, including 2 CFR 200 standards and benefit-cost analysis (BCA) development. CSA also implements data management and reporting processes to maintain visibility across project activities and ensure documentation is sufficient to withstand audit and review.
Through proactive advisory, structured workflows, and integrated program support, CSA enables VCWD to effectively manage HMGP project requirements, reduce compliance risk, and advance mitigation projects from concept through construction.