FEMA's disaster assistance improvement plan

We audited the Federal Emergency Management Agency's progress in improving the delivery of federal disaster assistance. FEMA faces challenges in implementing a "one-stop" disaster assistance application system because of the inability of partner agencies' systems to interface with DisasterAssistance.gov, and partner agencies' reluctance to provide funding to support the program. FEMA was in the process of drafting internal control standard operating procedures but had not yet developed, implemented, or strengthened controls. Further, the agency was in the process of coordinating with state, local, and voluntary organizations to integrate forms of assistance administered at the state and local level. The Federal Emergency Management Agency needs to implement a funding model to ensure that it is capable of supporting the entire Disaster Assistance Improvement Plan program to include current contributions made by partner agencies. Further, FEMA needs to develop, implement, and strengthen internal controls to prevent improper payments and other forms of fraud, waste, and abuse. Finally, FEMA needs to assist pilot states with integration capabilities to interface with the Disaster Assistance Improvement Plan.