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Federal Excess Property Program rules (FEPP)

Federal Excess Property Program rules (FEPP)

DNR Summary and Rules for the Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP)

Introduction:

The Federal Excess Personal Property program refers to U.S. Forest Service-owned property that is on loan to state foresters for the purpose of wildland and rural firefighting. Most of the property originally belonged to the Department of Defense. Once acquired by the Forest Service, it is loaned to state cooperators for firefighting purposes. The property is then loaned to the state forester, who may then place it with local departments to improve local fire programs. State foresters and the Forest Service have participated in the FEPP since 1956.

The DNR does all it can to make equipment available to all fire departments in Michigan. Sometimes there are multiple requests for the same type of equipment. To keep the request process fair, and to give everyone an equal chance to get equipment, the following conditions must be followed:

  • Fire departments are required to keep an up-to-date Cooperative Mutual Aid Fire Control Agreement on file with the DNR. 
  • Fire protection is the only authorized use of property acquired through these programs. Non-fire use must be limited to 10 percent or less.
  • Equipment must be restored and ready for use within one year.
  • Property acquired under this program is on loan to the department; we do not own it. When we no longer need the property, it is disposed of and any proceeds return to the federal government.
  • Personal transportation vehicles (pickups, sport-utility vehicles, etc.) are almost exclusively acquired through this program.
  • FRD must retain control of property acquired through the FEPP program.

General guidelines:

  • All Forest Service FEPP is on loan from the Federal Government to State cooperators; the title stays with the Federal Government and property must be either returned to the Government following use or disposed of with Forest Service approval following Federal procedures.
  • FEPP Inventory property must be accounted for from acquisition until it is consumed, returned, or properly disposed of.
  • FEPP property must be verified and a 100% physical inventory must be completed every two years.
  • Before FEPP may be sub loaned or transferred by the State Agency, a current FEPP cooperative agreement must be in effect between the State and the cooperating fire department/district. A fire department or district must meet certain eligibility requirements to have FEPP property.
  • The local State district or region may administer FEPP property for local fire departments/districts.

Acquisition: 

  • Fire districts/departments cannot acquire FEPP property without prior approval of the State and Forest Service.
  • Certain types of equipment may not be acquired, as outlined in the FEPP Desk Guide.
  • All FEPP equipment will be acquired for the intent of using the equipment for a fire protection program.

Use:

  • Except in emergencies (when life or property are threatened), FEPP must be used for direct fire protection program purposes a minimum of 90%.
  • State cooperators are permitted to plan 10% usage of FEPP for non-fire use.
  • No personal use of FEPP is allowed - NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • FEPP must be maintained and stored to avoid excessive deterioration.
  • FEPP rolling stock must be painted in accordance with the State Handbook.
  • FEPP inventory tags must be attached in a visible location on all inventoried items (with the exception of installed component parts).
  • Serial numbers and property data plates must remain on FEPP property.
  • FEPP property cannot be sold, loaned, disposed of, or transferred without Forest Service permission.
  • FEPP equipment that is uneconomical to repair will be reported to the Forest Service as excess or as an item for parts only within 2 years of acquisition. Parts items will retain their identify as a part.
  • Excess items must be reported for final disposal in a timely manner.
  • Parts items with an acquisition cost of $5,000.00 or greater will be placed on the Federal inventory.
  • FEPP aircraft that is acquired to be put into use must be restored and ready for use within 4 years of acquisition. If after 4 years the aircraft has not been put into service, the State Forester will prepare a Plan of Work to be kept on file with the Forest Service regional PMO and the Washington Office Program Manager, identifying the progress on the refurbishment and note the expected date of completion. A 1-year extension can be approved by the Regional PMO, after that time the aircraft will need to be reported for excess if not put into service.
  • FEPP aircraft that are acquired for parts will be placed on the Federal Inventory as aircraft component parts and will not be identified as an aircraft.

Accountability: 

  • All FEPP must be accountable.
  • Federal property items (with the exception of component part and consumable items) must have a FEPP property sticker or FEPP plate in a visible location.
  • Federal inventoried property must be marked with a serial number and/or NFC ID number.
  • 100% physical inventories will be done a minimum of every 2 years verifying all pertinent information; including serial number, manufacturer, model, year, physical location, fuel type, and condition.
  • Inventory “Certification” will be done in FEPMIS and PROP at a minimum of once every two years.
  • Anytime Federal inventoried FEPP property changes physical location, a reissue of property must be done in FEPMIS.

Disposal:

  • The State FEPP Handbook disposal procedures must be followed.
  • All disposal of FEPP property must be approved in advance by the State and the Forest Service.

Reviews:

  • Fire district cooperator FEPP programs will be reviewed a minimum of once every two years by the State agency. Any violations of FEPP program rules and regulations must be immediately corrected.
  • Forest Service reviews will be conducted at a minimum of once every five years or as needed.
  • Forest Service reviews that result in 3 or more “NO’s” in the “Critical Items” of the “Review Summary” will require a follow-up review within 18 months.
  • Repeated or major violations of the program rules can result in loss of acquisition privileges or complete program termination, including the return of existing equipment.