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What is the MAT Program?

The Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Program is an updated and enhanced version of FEMA's previous Building Performance Assessment Team (BPAT) Program. Drawing on the combined resources of a federal, state, local, and private sector partnership, the MAT Program allows FEMA to assemble and quickly deploy teams of investigators. These investigators evaluate the performance of buildings and related infrastructure in response to the effects of natural and man-made hazards. The teams conduct field investigations at disaster sites; work closely with local and state officials to develop recommendations for improvements in building design and construction; and develop recommendations concerning code development and enforcement, and mitigation activities that will lead to greater resistance to hazard events.

The observations and recommendations of MATs are presented in reports published by FEMA. The award-winning MAT Program, operated by a consulting engineering firm under contract to FEMA, has been covered by the national media and featured in numerous technical and professional journals.

Since the early 1990s, FEMA has deployed assessment teams in response to Hurricanes Andrew, Iniki, Opal, Fran, Georges, Charley, Ivan, and Katrina. FEMA has also deployed MATs in response flood disasters in California, Georgia, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Texas; tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas; the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City; and the attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City. The most recent MAT deployment was in response to Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

What are the objectives of the MAT?

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Who are the members of the MAT?

FEMA MATs typically include the following types of members:

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How can I become part of the MAT Program?

FEMA is recruiting investigators willing to serve as members of MATs. Qualified applicants are listed in FEMA's MAT Roster Database, from which team members are selected for future MATs. View the investigative fields.

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Who is responsible for the MAT Program?

The MAT Program is administered by FEMA's Building Science Branch, which is responsible for the overall management of the program. FEMA establishes MAT goals and objectives, selects the contractor who will support FEMA in MAT program management, makes operational decisions such as whether or not to deploy MATs, and provides MAT leadership both in and out of the field. For further information regarding MAT Program management, contact:

Chris Hudson
Mitigation Directorate
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St., S.W.
Washington, DC 20472
(voice) 202-646-2653  (fax) 202-646-3055
Christopher.A.Hudson@dhs.gov

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What have we learned from these teams?

MATs deployed after hurricanes have focused on the performance of residential construction affected by high-velocity flood flow, wave action, the impact of waterborne debris, erosion and localized scour, and high winds. The MAT deployed after the tornadoes in Kansas and Oklahoma evaluated the effects of high winds and assessed shelter options. The Oklahoma City MAT investigated structural failure modes associated with the blast and the potential for reciprocal benefits from blast-resistant and earthquake-resistant design. The World Trade Center assessment team investigated the potential failure mechanisms that led to the destruction of the twin towers and the damage incurred by nearby buildings. The MAT reports for Hurricanes Katrina, Charley, and Ivan provide observations, conclusions, and recommendations on the performance of buildings and other structures impacted by wind and flood forces.

Lessons learned from MAT findings help establish improved disaster-resistant construction codes and standards, designs, methods, and materials used for both new construction and post-disaster repair and recovery.

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What is the next step in the hazard mitigation process?

Successful hazard mitigation depends in part on the application of MAT findings and recommendations to new construction and retrofitting through technology transfer. The transfer of information by FEMA to state and local governments and the private sector is critical to this process. FEMA widely distributes this information using a variety of media, including:

By increasing public awareness and encouraging community involvement, FEMA increases the opportunity for long-term success.

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Where can I find answers to specific questions about MAT deployments?

FEMA has prepared a MAT predeployment package for subcontractors, subconsultants, MAT roster members, and other potential members of MATs such as Federal employees “mission assigned” to the MAT by FEMA. The predeployment package answers commonly asked questions such as “What type of equipment should I take?”

MAT Predeployment Package (PDF 122KB, TXT 8KB)

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Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Mar-2009 10:23:17 EDT