Governor Culver and FEMA Announce Decision to Allow the Purchase of Mobile Homes Locally
Release Date: August 9, 2008
Release Number: 1763-145
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa Governor Chet Culver and the Federal Emergency Management Agency today announced a decision to allow the purchase of qualified "off-the lot" three-bedroom mobile homes. This decision follows a recommendation from the Governor last month and will allow suppliers of mobile homes from Iowa and other states to bid on the delivery of housing units.
This decision is a double plus for Iowans, Culver said.
"First, it could open the door for a local supply of mobile homes to provide safe housing to Iowans," Culver stressed. "Second, it could be an economic boost for Iowa suppliers and manufacturers."
FEMA said the decision was one of an array of options made available in its 2008 Disaster Housing Plan. By using a variety of housing solutions, FEMA is better positioned to meet the current and future disaster-related housing needs of disaster victims.
"FEMA is committed to providing safe temporary housing that meets the needs of disaster victims," said FEMA Administrator David Paulison. "This solicitation demonstrates FEMA's continued commitment to explore the variety of options that can serve as a valuable resource in support of the National Disaster Housing Strategy."
Culver stressed that all units used in Iowa will meet the state's safety standards. Providing safe housing for Iowans is a primary mission of the Rebuild Iowa Office and FEMA, he noted. "This step will help us meet the need of Iowans."
Friday, FEMA released a solicitation to purchase qualified, "off-the-lot," three-bedroom units from the manufactured housing industry. Included within FEMA's specifications is the requirement that units be tested for formaldehyde in accordance with standards established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and that the certified level must fall below .04 parts per million (ppm). This is the level accepted by Midwest states with declared disasters and direct housing missions.
Units purchased will support housing operations in the Midwest states. In addition, the solicitation indicates a local purchase preference intended to help stimulate the economies of the Midwest states impacted by the floods.
Today's solicitation is the first time FEMA has purchased units "off-the-lot" since identifying specifications for indoor air quality earlier this year. This solicitation follows recent awards for units constructed to meet FEMA's strict, new procurement specifications for indoor air quality, including a requirement that formaldehyde emission levels must be significantly reduced inside the units. FEMA is reviewing proposals from industry for alternative disaster housing units to pilot test in the field.
FEMA's specifications for off-the-lot purchases, HSFEHQ-08-R-0159, are posted at www.fbo.gov.
For more information on the Housing Strategy, visit www.fema.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 11-Aug-2008 10:22:10