DISASTER RECOVERY EXPERTS

DRE is a small California-based business specializing in disaster recovery programs, emergency management, grant management, compliance, and technical support services. Founded in 2021 with a mission to support communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters, DRE has become a recognized leader in disaster recovery and grant management services across California. With over 150 years of combined experience in disaster response, preparedness, and recovery, our team has successfully assisted state agencies, local governments, special districts, publicly owned utilities, and other public entities in navigating the complexities of federal and state disaster recovery programs.

DRE specializes in supporting public agencies with securing, managing, and administering disaster-related funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program, Individual Assistance (IA) Program, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). Our team has successfully guided numerous jurisdictions through the complexities of FEMA and Cal OES programs, helping maximize reimbursement, maintain audit readiness, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.

Our services support the full disaster recovery lifecycle, beginning with Initial Damage Estimates (IDE) immediately following an incident and Joint FEMA-State Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA), and continuing through the development of Project Worksheets (PW), detailed damage descriptions and dimensions (DDD), scopes of work (SOW), cost estimates, and grant application development, through project closeout. DRE provides technical assistance in identifying eligible costs, preparing reimbursement requests, developing hazard mitigation proposals under Sections 404 and 406 of the Stafford Act, and supporting debris management and infrastructure recovery efforts. DRE also assists clients with expenditure tracking, documentation organization, appeals, compliance reviews, and audit preparation.

DRE’s leadership has extensive experience supporting the recovery and restoration of critical public infrastructure, including drinking water and wastewater systems, water conveyance facilities, dams, levees, flood-control systems, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and public facilities. This experience provides DRE with a practical understanding of the engineering, environmental, regulatory, operational, and funding considerations associated with restoring essential public infrastructure.

DRE’s approach emphasizes strategic guidance, detailed documentation, and proactive coordination with FEMA and Cal OES to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. We develop practical systems for grant reporting, expenditure tracking, and documentation management to ensure eligible costs are properly documented, defensible, and aligned with FEMA requirements for reimbursement, compliance, and successful project closeout.

In addition to recovery operations, DRE provides emergency management and preparedness support, including development of emergency operations plans, recovery frameworks, and operational procedures. Our team brings hands-on experience in disaster response and coordination, including working within Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), leading and supporting Incident Management Teams (IMT), supporting damage assessments, and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. This experience allows DRE to serve as an extension of the client, providing both strategic and operational support during disaster events.

Through proven experience, technical expertise, and strong understanding of federal and state emergency management and disaster recovery programs, DRE delivers effective, scalable, and compliant disaster readiness and recovery solutions that support public agencies in preparing for disasters, mitigating potential impacts, maintaining compliance, and successfully navigating recovery efforts.

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