Photo Credit: Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Commission – FEMA Public Assistance Grant Administration

Overview of projects

Since 2012, Vanir has managed the Audubon Commission’s FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program. This has included the closeout of 120 project worksheets, development of alternate and improved projects, processing of reimbursement requests and other accounting and audit support services.

We provided extensive programmatic expertise that led to the resolution of the Commission’s private insurance reconciliation, the successful closeout of its force account labor claims and the successful resolution of funding issues related to its consolidated improved projects for the Louisiana Nature Center. More importantly, we assisted the Commission in eliminating the risk of overpayment and duplication of benefits caused by initial insurance allocations.

Immediately following the COVID-19 major disaster declaration on March 13, 2020, the Vanir team began the process of assisting the Commission with gathering the documentation needed to track and submit the FEMA Public Assistance Streamlined Application for Category B, Emergency Protective Measures. In addition to our grant administration services, Vanir has provided program and project management services for the Commission’s Community Development Block Grant project, involving the restoration of a park adjacent to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in Downtown New Orleans.

Results

Vanir aided the Commission in closing grants for five hurricane disasters (Katrina, Gustav, Isaac, Nate and Barry) with no risk of having funds withheld or deobligated due to non-compliance with program guidelines.

FEMA project worksheets

Obligated: 120
Completed: 120

 
 
 
New Orleans, Louisiana
Audubon Commission
Project Cost/Funding
$11.5 Million in Disaster-Related Costs
Start Date
2012
Completion Date
2020