Disaster Contract Improvement Act

The Disaster Contract Improvement Act (HR 6997) requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory group with state, tribal, local governments, and debris removal industry experts to improve oversight of federal disaster debris removal contracts. Within one year, FEMA must develop new guidance for states and localities to take primary oversight of these contracts, streamline cost reimbursement, and reduce duplication in debris management. The bill also mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to examine advance contracts, reimbursement rates, fraud prevention, and reporting processes for debris removal programs. This legislation directly affects states, tribes, and local communities receiving federal disaster relief funds for debris removal operations.