NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF HUD COMPLIANT MANUFACTURED HOUSING   (MOBILE HOMES) OFFERED BY FEMA TO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS with    ATTACHED OFFICIAL REQUEST FORM 
 
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUEST FORM:  OCTOBER 15, 2007 
 
 
Dear Tribal Leader: 
 
This letter is to request that you submit your Tribes official request for surplus unused manufactured housing units to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not later than October 15, 2007.  One thousand (1000) units are being made available in accordance with the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, and in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of the Interiors Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). 
 
This letter includes an attachment which gives specific information on the program.   
 
We understand that you may have submitted an earlier request in response to a letter from BIA asking for comments on the allocation method for the units.  If so, such a request does not satisfy this requirement.  We respectfully ask that you sign and submit the attached Request Form, which is the official procedure to request the mobile homes.     
 
The Request Form should be faxed to: 
 
FEMA Emergency Housing Unit 
(202) 646-3669 
Attn:  Elizabeth Kelley 
 
In addition to faxing the form, please mail it to:  
 
FEMA 
Emergency Housing Unit 
Logistics Management Directorate 
500 C St. S.W. 
Washington, D.C.  20472  
 
Two forms are provided in this letter; please sign both forms and keep one for your records. 
 
 
 
 
If you have any questions about this program, or wish to verify your fax was received, please contact Elizabeth Kelley, a member of my staff, at (202) 646-3752. 
 
FEMA is proud to participate in this program, and we thank you for your interest.   
 
Sincerely,  
 
 
Harvey E. Johnson, Jr. 
Deputy Administrator/Chief Operating Officer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ATTACHMENT 
 
AVAILABILITY OF HUD COMPLIANT MANUFACTURED HOUSING OFFERED BY FEMA TO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS 
 
INFORMATION AND REQUEST FORM 
 
COST 
 
The approximately 1000 available units are free of charge; however there are costs associated with transportation, unit set up, and if necessary, retrofitting.  Tribes must pay for transportation and in some instances the cost to make the unit road worthy.  Tribes must also pay for set up costs, and any retrofitting costs incurred.  However, transportation and set up costs, and if necessary, retrofitting costs, are eligible under the Indian Housing Block Grant program (see section titled Transportation and Set Up for additional details).   
 
CONDITION 
 
(See also the section titled Transfer of Title/Pick Up) 
 
The manufactured housing units are single wide units, range in size from 14X64 to 16x84, and were manufactured in 2004 and 2005.  The manufacturing companies include, but arent limited to:  Cavalier, Fleetwood, Giles, Clayton, Southern Energy, Skyline, and Palm Harbor.  
 
These homes were manufactured in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards set forth in 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3280, commonly called the HUD code.  The HUD code requires formaldehyde emission levels in manufactured housing not to exceed .2 parts per million (ppm) for plywood and .3 ppm for particleboard materials.  The HUD standards also require that a Health Notice on formaldehyde emissions be posted in each manufactured home as required by 24 CFR 3280.309 of the Standards. (See attached Important Health Notice).   
 
FLOOD INSURANCE and CLIMATE ZONES 
 
FEMA encourages participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and the purchase of flood insurance by unit recipients. 
 
Described in the aforementioned HUD code there are three thermal zones, three wind speed zones, and three roof load zones.  Please see the attached maps for more details. 
 
The standards for these zones are shown on the next page. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THERMAL ZONES 
 
Thermal Zone 
 
Uo value (transmission of heat in BTUs per hour per square foot related to indoor design temperature of 70 degrees F (oF)) 
 States in Each Zone 
 
(also see attached map) 
 
Zone 1 
 .116 BTU/(hour)(square foot)(oF) 
 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas 
 
Zone 2 
 .096 BTU/(hour)(square foot)(oF) 
 Arizona, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee 
 
Zone 3 
 .079 BTU/(hour)(square foot)(oF) 
 All other states 
 


  
WIND SPEED ZONES 
 
Wind Speed Miles Per Hour (mph) 
 States 
 
Zone I 
 70 mph 
 See attached map 
 
Zone II 
 100 mph 
 See attached map 
 
Zone III 
 110 mph 
 See attached map 
 


 
 
ROOF LOAD ZONES 
 
Roof Load 
 
Pounds Per Square Foot (PSF) 
 States 
 
South Zone 
 20 PSF 
 See Attached Map 
 
Middle Zone 
 30 PSF 
 See Attached Map 
 
North Zone 
 40 PSF 
 See Attached Map 
 


 
 
 
 
 
Most of the mobile homes currently available are rated only for the southern climate roof load zone.  There are not many mobile homes available that meet the roof load zones for the northern states or Alaska.   We have 5 units that meet the criteria for the northern roof load zone, and approximately 69 units that meet the criteria for the middle roof load zone (the roof load zone for the states in the northern continental U.S.)  However, there are approximately 250 southern roof load zone units that fall into the thermal zone 3 category, the thermal zone for the northern states in the continental United States.   
 
Units will be matched to the corresponding wind zone (Wind Zone I, II, or III). 
 
Mobile homes that are rated for a lower (warmer) zone will be allocated to Tribes located in a higher (colder) zone, if the Tribe signs a waiver of liability (included in the Request Form), holding the federal government harmless from any liability arising from any harm that may occur to anyone using a mobile home in the wrong zone. 
 
We encourage Tribes to retrofit the units to the appropriate climate zone, if necessary.  We understand that tribal governments and tribal housing authorities will comply with tribal and/or local building codes and that these code regulations will ultimately define the use of the units.  
 
TRANSPORTATION AND SET UP 
 
Tribes considering applying for transfer of these mobile homes should obtain their own bid estimates for these costs.  The following costs are estimates only: 
 
Transportation: Fixed cost per mile, may average $5.50 - $7.50 per mile (including     permits) 
Dead Head:  Cost per mile for hauling empty trailer on return trip: $1.90 per mile.  May    be negotiable depending on number of units. 
Fuel Surcharge: Charge per mile based on the price of fuel:  $.45 (45 cents) per mile. 
Hook-Up:  Hitch, lights, etc. $197.00 per unit.  May be negotiable based on the     number of units. 
Escort Car:  $1.40 per mile, depending on route, state regulations, etc. 
Permits:  Average per state:  $25.00 
Tires:   $40.00 per tire.  Necessary in the event of blow outs or flats. 
Setting and Leveling: $500.00 per unit. 
Blocks:  $150.00 
Anchors:  $140.00 (4 anchors) 
Water and Sewer: $180.00 plus materials for water, $200.00 plus materials for sewer. 
Skirting:  $1,500.00 - $1,800.00 for hardi-board 
Steps:   $150.00 
Electrical:  Pole installation, meter.  $200.00  $250.00 depending on distance. 
 
Tribes may use funds provided by HUD through the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program to pay for the cost of transporting and setting up the mobile homes, and if necessary, for retrofitting the mobile homes.  If a Tribe uses the IHBG funds for this purpose, all current program rules and regulations will apply.  The Tribe may need to amend its Indian Housing Plan, and the Tribe must obtain environmental clearances relative to the relocation site of the mobile homes.  For more information related to the use of these funds, please contact your regional HUD Area Office of Native American Programs. 
 
Tribes not using the IHBG funds to transport the mobile homes must use their own funds or funds from other sources to cover the costs.  GSA solicited special transportation rates for transporting FEMA surplus mobile homes.  Tribes can use GSA approved transportation service providers and rates for transporting the mobile homes only if IHBG funds are not involved.  The bids submitted by the transportation service providers apply only for the transportation of the mobile homes and do not include other services such as set-up, skirting, and hook-ups.  Tribes may contact GSA representatives listed below for a listing of the qualified carriers and rates: 
 
Ray Price  (703) 605-2890 
Yolanda Miller (703) 605-5618 
Maria Gutierrez (415) 522-2846 
Mary Keenan  (404) 331-0532 
John Wheeler  (202) 619-8958 
 
ALLOCATION 
 
BIA received numerous replies for its request for comments on the allocation method outlined in its June 20, 2007, letter to Tribes.  Based on these comments, the participating agencies have determined that the method outlined below would be the fairest and simplest method, and would allow the Tribes to receive units in the shortest amount of time:   
 
FEMA, in consultation with the other Agencies, will randomly allocate one mobile home to each requesting Tribe until all Tribes that have requested a mobile home have been allocated one.  Tribes, if any, which have requested only one mobile home, would have received their entire request and would be removed from the allocation process.  FEMA and the aforementioned collaborating agencies will then randomly allocate a second mobile home to each Tribe that has requested at least two mobile homes until all Tribes that have requested two mobile homes have been allocated a second unit.  Any Tribes that have requested only two units will then be removed from the allocation process.  The allocation process will continue in this manner until all the available mobile homes have been allocated.   
 
Units will be matched as much as possible to the corresponding roof load zone and thermal zone for each Tribe.  Due to the very limited number of northern and middle roof load zone units, the northern and middle roof load zone units will be allocated to appropriate climate areas separately, until these units are depleted.  If the number of requested northern and middle roof load zone units exceeds our supply, units will be allocated according to the highest poverty level and lack of complete plumbing and kitchen facilities data from the U.S. Census of the year 2000.  Units will match corresponding wind zones. 
 
All units allocated to northern Tribes may not match the northern roof load and thermal climate zones.  Tribes will have the opportunity to turn down units they have been allocated that do not match their climate zones after receiving their award letter. 
 
 
 
 
 
RETROFITTING 
 
We do not have estimates on the cost for retrofitting units, but we do recommend Tribes prepare a cost benefit analysis to compare the transportation, hook up, and retrofitting costs on units versus purchasing a new unit locally with the correct climate zone.  Manufacturers should have information on retrofitting. 
 
TRANSFER OF TITLE/PICK UP 
 
The mobile homes are located in Hope, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas.  
 
After the units are allocated to Tribes, HUD will notify Tribes by letter of how many units they are to receive, with the corresponding Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), a Standard Form 122 (transfer order), and a Release Authorization Form.  Once Tribes receive this award letter, they should contact the appropriate storage facility (either Texarkana, Texas or Hope, Arkansas) to schedule pick up of the unit(s).  We expect units to be ready for pick up at the end of October, 2007. 
 
If a Tribe hires a transportation contractor to pick up the units, the contractor must present the previously signed (by an authorized tribal representative) Standard Form 122 listing the VINs that the Tribe has accepted, and a Release Authorization Form signed by the Tribal representative which allows the contractor(s) to pick up the unit(s).   If a Tribe is picking up the units using internal transportation, the drivers must present valid Tribal Identification to pick up the units along with the Standard Form 122. 
 
Tribes will have the opportunity to reject any or all units allocated to them at the time of pick up, but cannot select other units as replacement for any not accepted.  Tribes will have a minimum of 30 days and maximum of 60 days from the date of the award letters certified mail receipt to pick up the units from the FEMA facilities unless otherwise coordinated with the FEMA storage facility contact listed below.  Manufactured homes (mobile homes) not picked up within the pickup period may be allocated to another tribe if arrangements are not made. 
  
The contacts for the FEMA storage facilities are: 
 

Texarkana, Texas 
Highway 82 West 
Texarkana, TX  75505 
Contact:  Carrie Black or Brian Hall 
903-334-4659 or 903-334-4468 
Cell 703-399-0494 
 
Hope, Arkansas 
3910 Hwy 278 W 
Hope, AR  71801  
Contact:  Ruth Pierce or Jenifer Williamson 
870-777-3343 
Cell 832-851-4125 
 

 
 
 
 
 
APPLICATION 
 
To apply, Tribes should fax a copy of the attached form, signed by the tribal chairperson or the tribal leader authorized to sign on behalf of the Tribe, to: 
 
FAX:  202-646-3669 
ATTN:  Elizabeth Kelley, Emergency Housing Unit 
 
 
The Tribe should also mail in the form (and keep a copy for its records), with the original signature, to: 
 
Federal Emergency Management Agency 
Emergency Housing Unit, Logistics Management Directorate 
500 C Street, S.W. 
Washington, D.C.  20472 
Attn:  Elizabeth Kelley 
  
 
Thank you. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REQUEST FOR HUD COMPLIANT MANUFACTURED HOUSING (MOBILE HOMES) 
OFFERED BY FEMA 
 
REQUEST FORM 
 
RETURN BY FAX TO FEMA AT 202-646-3669 
 
DUE DATE:  OCTOBER 15, 2007 
 
We would like to request the following number of unused mobile homes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the authority of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act: 
 
________ Number of Unused Housing Units 
 
  _______ 1 Bedroom 
 
  _______ 2 Bedroom 
 
  _______ 3 Bedroom 
 
  _______ 4 Bedroom 
 
(Number of bedrooms will be matched as much as possible; Tribes may not receive the exact number of bedrooms that they request). 
 
Upon review of the mobile home zone maps, we determined that the Tribe is located (and the unused mobile home units will be located) within the following geographic thermal, roof load, and wind zone areas: 
 
_______ Thermal Zone (1, 2, or 3) 
 
_______ Roof Load Zone (South, Middle, North) 
 
_______ Wind Zone (1, 2, or 3) 
 
AGREEMENT 
 
Please check: 
 
_____We agree to hold the Federal Government and its entities harmless from any liability for any damage to persons or property that may occur from using a mobile home built for a lower thermal, roof load, and/or wind speed zone in a higher zone(s).     
 
_____We certify that we have enough money for the transportation and set up of the units that we have requested. 
 
 
REQUEST FORM 
 
Page Two 
 
 
_____We agree to accept the units allocated to us in an as is condition. 
 
Please check if applicable: 
 
_____We cannot accept housing units that do not correspond to our areas climate zone.  Please amend our request by only selecting units that match our (check all that apply):  ____Roof Load Zone ___ Thermal Zone ____ Wind Zone and re-allocate incompatible units to another Tribe.  We understand this will most likely decrease the number of housing units we will receive through this program.  
 
 
FOR: __________________________________ 
   NAME OF TRIBE 
 
_______________________________________ 
Name 
 
_______________________________________ 
Title 
 
_______________________________________ 
Signature                                                       Date 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FEMA COPY 
 
REQUEST FOR HUD COMPLIANT MANUFACTURED HOUSING (MOBILE HOMES) 
OFFERED BY FEMA 
 
REQUEST FORM 
 
RETURN BY FAX TO FEMA AT 202-646-3669 
 
DUE DATE:  OCTOBER 15, 2007 
 
We would like to request the following number of unused mobile homes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the authority of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act: 
 
________ Number of Unused Housing Units 
 
  _______ 1 Bedroom 
 
  _______ 2 Bedroom 
 
  _______ 3 Bedroom 
 
  _______ 4 Bedroom 
 
(Number of bedrooms will be matched as much as possible; Tribes may not receive the exact number of bedrooms that they request). 
 
Upon review of the mobile home zone maps, we determined that the Tribe is located (and the unused mobile home units will be located) within the following geographic thermal, roof load, and wind zone areas: 
 
_______ Thermal Zone (1, 2, or 3) 
 
_______ Roof Load Zone (South, Middle, North) 
 
_______ Wind Zone (1, 2, or 3) 
 
AGREEMENT 
 
Please check: 
 
_____We agree to hold the Federal Government and its entities harmless from any liability for any damage to persons or property that may occur from using a mobile home built for a lower thermal, roof load, and/or wind speed zone in a higher zone(s).     
 
_____We certify that we have enough money for the transportation and set up of the units that we have requested. 
 
REQUEST FORM 
 
Page Two 
 
 
_____We agree to accept the units allocated to us in an as is condition. 
 
Please check if applicable: 
 
_____We cannot accept housing units that do not correspond to our areas climate zone.  Please amend our request by only selecting units that match our (check all that apply):  ____Roof Load Zone ___ Thermal Zone ____ Wind Zone and re-allocate incompatible units to another Tribe.  We understand this will most likely decrease the number of housing units we will receive through this program.  
 
 
FOR: __________________________________ 
   NAME OF TRIBE 
 
_______________________________________ 
Name 
 
_______________________________________ 
Title 
 
_______________________________________ 
Signature                                                       Date 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRIBE COPY 
Important Health Notice 
 
Extracted from the Code of Federal Regulations 24, Section 3280 
 
Some of the building materials used in this home emits formaldehyde.  Eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, nausea, and variety of asthma-like symptoms, including shortness of breath, have been reported as a result of formaldehyde exposure.  Elderly persons and young children, as well as anyone with a history of asthma, allergies, or lung problems may be at greater risk.  Research is continuing on the possible long-term effects of exposure to formaldehyde.  
 
Reduced ventilation resulting from energy efficiency standards may allow formaldehyde and other contaminants to accumulate in the indoor air. Additional ventilation to dilute the indoor air may be obtained from a passive or mechanical ventilation system offered by the manufacturer.  Consult your dealer for information about the ventilation options offered with this home.  
 
High indoor temperatures and humidity raise formaldehyde levels.  When a home is to be located in areas subject to extreme summer temperatures, an air conditioning system can be used to control indoor temperature levels.  Check the comfort-cooling certificate to determine if this home has been equipped or designed for the installation of an air conditioning system. 
 
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of formaldehyde, consult your doctor or local health department.