Maximizing Assistance to Respond to COVID-19

This memorandum directs FEMA to fully fund (100%) COVID-19 testing sites requested by states, tribes, and territories through mission assignments to HHS, with HHS operating the sites in coordination with local public health departments. It establishes a streamlined process for federal testing assistance under the Stafford Act's emergency authorities.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 27

Impact dates

Date TBD
FEMA to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Key directives

FEMA shall issue mission assignments to HHS for direct federal assistance to establish or expand COVID-19 testing sites
HHS shall provide testing sites launched and operated in close coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial public health departments
HHS shall adjudicate requests through Emergency Support Function #8 Advisory Council
FEMA shall fund 100 percent of costs for testing site mission assignments
FEMA Administrator shall publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

FEMA authorized to issue mission assignments to HHS for testing sites
100% federal funding for testing site activities takes effect

Near term (90d)

HHS to launch and operate testing sites in coordination with state/local/tribal/territorial health departments
State/tribal/territorial requests to be adjudicated through Emergency Support Function #8 Advisory Council

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Subject to availability of appropriations may limit actual funding despite 100% cost pledge
Coordination requirement between HHS and multiple jurisdictional levels could create implementation friction
Vague on duration of this assistance policy