Good afternoon -

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is about to launch a Pilot Program for F-ROC (Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation) and have asked to have 2-3 co-ops to participate.

As you may recall, the end purpose of F-ROC is to reduce applicant risk and simplify the Public Assistance (PA) process thereby getting FEMA obligated funds back to applicants in a more expeditious manner.  One of the factors that FDEM will consider when evaluating an applicants risk is whether or not the applicant used the FDEM-approved standardized forms which FDEM believes establishes clearer documentation and promotes a streamlined PA process.  The finalization of the standardized forms is coming soon and FDEM now wants volunteers to participate in a F-ROC Pilot Program to gather information (good or bad) on the efficiencies of these forms.  We believe this is an important program that needs input from the electric utility sector to ensure the forms are sufficient in content, not unduly burdensome and streamlined with FEMA requirements.  Also, this is a program that needs volunteers who directly deal with FEMA/FDEM forms and reimbursement issues.  Once these forms are finalized, FDEM will expect applicants to use them and they will become the "lay  of the land" going forward.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Pilot Program please let me know as soon as possible and I will forward your contact information to FDEM so you begin to get information directly.  Below is what FDEM has sent out so far on the Pilot Program and associated timelines.

Timeline: The Pilot Program will run concurrent with the 2022 hurricane season, June 1 - November 30.

  *   Phase I: Kickoff and Training
     *   The Division will host two (2) 90-minute Kickoff/Training sessions.
     *   Purpose: Understand what forms are there and how to use them.
     *   Expectation of Participants: Attend both sessions and ensure you are properly trained to use the forms.
  *   Phase II: Testing of Forms
     *   Purpose: Test the functionality of the forms and provide feedback to the Division.
     *   Expectation of Participants: Test the forms by filling out samples and sending them back to the Division with feedback.  We may assign different forms to different participants, depending on which forms are applicable during a disaster.
     *   If needed, the Division will hold 30-minute review sessions on an individual basis to participants who may need further instruction or guidance.
  *   Phase III: Utilization of Forms for Project Development
     *   Purpose: Test the success of the forms as it relates to project development, as well as State and Federal review of developed projects.
     *   Expectation of Participants: Utilize the standardized F-ROC forms and checklists to build Public Assistance projects for any declared events this season.
     *   The assigned FDEM Programmatic Reviewer for the Participants/Applicants, as well we any additional staff necessary, will be available for questions as you develop your projects.
  *   Pilot Program Maintenance
     *   The Division will provide a list of FDEM personnel resources who will be available to provide assistance throughout the duration of the Pilot Program.
     *   The Division will hold 60-minute check-in calls/meetings with the group every two weeks throughout the duration of the Pilot Program.  In the event of a declared storm, we may switch the focus of these calls to the participants who have been directly affected.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Michelle Hershel
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Florida Electric Cooperatives Assoc.
2916 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL  32301
Cell:  (850) 510-1693
(850)877-6166, ext. 3

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