The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Finance partnered with campus to submit information to various state and federal agencies in order to facilitate COVID-19 recovery efforts. This includes submitting estimated COVID-19 costs monthly to UCOP and the Department of Finance and submitting a Request for Public Assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Controller’s Office worked with Student Affairs and Government and Community Relations to distribute Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) funding and Provider Relief Fund funding.
State and federal assistance
Department of Finance
The California Department of Finance asked all state agencies to begin reporting costs related to COVID-19 on a monthly basis so that we would be well-positioned for potential reimbursement of these expenses by the federal or state government. UC Berkeley, along with the other campuses submitted monthly reports to the UC Office of the President on costs related to COVID-19.
Request for Public Assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
On April 10, 2020, UC Berkeley submitted the request for public assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for COVID-19 related eligible costs. FEMA provides reimbursement for specific emergency protective measures taken by entities such as ours to protect the health and safety of people and personal property during this COVID-19 pandemic. Vice Chancellor Rae convened a disaster recovery working group of staff from across campus to consider how best to track eligible activities and associated costs (and revenues) and develop FEMA policy-driven guidelines on how to gather the information needed to package and submit an application for Public Assistance.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides funding to address higher education challenges created by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Of the funding we received, approximately 50% was directed to emergency financial aid grants for student cost of attendance, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. The other 50% was directed to the institution to defray operational expenses related to the impact of COVID-19. The funds could not be used for endowments, athletic or religious facilities, or enrollment recruitment contractors.
To review our HEERF reporting information, please visit the HEERF Reporting page.
Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund
Two weeks after enactment of the CARES Act, on April 10, 2020, HHS announced $30 billion in the Phase 1 General Distribution funding to eligible providers who billed Medicare fee-for-service in order to provide financial relief during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. UC Berkeley received $31,427.54 in April of 2020 which was allocated to the School of Optometry to use to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and for related expenses or lost revenues attributable to coronavirus. Specifically, the funds were used to help facility operations and patient care by allowing the School of Optometry to buy Personal Protective gear and other equipment (e.g. gloves, masks, gowns, etc.) and supplies (e.g. ventilators, etc.).