Mr. Corbitt has significant experience with the laws, regulations, and administrative procedures governing eligibility for federal disaster and mitigation assistance. He regularly advises state and local governments, non-profit utilities, and other non-profit entities on compliance with federal grant requirements, with a particular focus on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs.
Mr. Corbitt assists clients throughout the full lifecycle of federally funded disaster recovery projects, including pre disaster compliance planning, emergency work substantiation, procurement and contracting for long-term recovery efforts, cost and work eligibility, documentation, audit readiness, and administrative appeals and arbitrations before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA).
FEMA Public Assistance Program – Dispute Resolution
Mr. Corbitt has represented numerous clients in first- and second-level FEMA appeals and in arbitration proceedings before the CBCA. In response to an adverse FEMA determination, applicants are entitled to first and second appeals to challenge FEMA's decision. Mr. Corbitt has drafted more than 50 first and second appeals on behalf of clients nationwide to ensure clients are able to maximize federal reimbursement consistent with FEMA guidance.
Congress amended the Stafford Act in 2018 to establish a separate arbitration process in lieu of a second appeal for events declared on or after January 1, 2016. Mr. Corbitt has participated in more than 20 arbitration proceedings, including drafting briefs, preparing witness testimony, cross-examining FEMA fact and expert witnesses, and presenting oral arguments. Mr. Corbitt's experience in administrative appeals and arbitrations ensure clients are well-positioned to respond to adverse FEMA determinations.