In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant cost reductions achieved by the Disaster Cost Management Company (DCMC) following a thorough review of their contract. Initially, DCMC's monthly expenses exceeded $24,000, but after scrutiny, costs were slashed to $6,000 per month. This reduction is fully reimbursable through grants provided under the Stafford Act, which supports recovery efforts.
The meeting highlighted the importance of DCMC's role in managing disaster recovery funds, with officials noting that their services are billed on an hourly basis. The evaluation process for their services includes a rate sheet, which allows for flexibility depending on the extent of damage incurred during disasters. In scenarios with no damage, costs could potentially be zero, while significant catastrophes could lead to much higher expenses.
Officials expressed confidence in the value of their investment in DCMC, citing a potential return of $1 million for the services rendered. The company is tasked with navigating the complex paperwork necessary to secure funding for recovery projects, underscoring their critical role in the financial management of disaster response efforts.