AAFAF - Autoridad de Asesoría Financiera y Agencia Fiscal de Puerto Rico
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COVID-19 Resource Center
The Government of Puerto Rico has developed new reports detailing the deployment of COVID-19 emergency funds.
General Information
on COVID-19

In response to the global emergency and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (FAFAA) continues to work diligently to support Puerto Rico’s path to economic recovery. The United States Federal Government and the Government of Puerto Rico have established several stimulus programs to aid individuals, families, and businesses during this pandemic.

As part of the Government of Puerto Rico’s commitment to transparency and accountability, FAFAA has developed this section containing the most up to date information on state and federal relief programs available as part of the COVID-19 emergency response. As part of these efforts, the Government of Puerto Rico has developed new reports detailing the deployment of COVID-19 emergency funds.

Federal Aid Package

In its effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government has dedicated a historic amount of financial support through both monetary and fiscal policy actions. The total impact of the federal monetary and fiscal stimulus programs so far exceeds $6.8 trillion.

Actions
Est. Amount (billions)
Phase 1: Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act
$8
Phase 2: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
104
Phase 3: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
2,283
Phase 3.5: April 2020 Package
484
Subtotal Fiscal Policy Action
$2879
Estimated Monetary Policy Actions
4,000
Estimated Total Impact
$6,879

On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration allows the administration to utilize the Stafford Act, a federal law governing disaster-relief efforts. The declaration makes $50 billion in emergency funding available to states and territories.

The emergency declaration follows a $8.3 billion emergency COVID-19 aid package signed by the President on March 6, 2020, known as the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. At least $1.05 billion of this package will go to state, local and tribal efforts through grants and cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or as reimbursements from the Federal Government. The initial federal aid package was focused largely on public health concerns.

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Aid Package was enacted. The bill includes free COVID-19 testing for those uninsured, emergency paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave programs, unemployment assistance, food aid and federal funding for Medicaid.

A third phase of federal COVID-19 relief, the CARES Act, was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The relief package, as amended on April 24, 2020, allocates an estimated $2.8 trillion to battle the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (Exhibit 7). The package is the biggest fiscal stimulus package in modern American history. As one of the main categories of the stimulus bill, state and local governments will receive $150 billion to help fund the unanticipated costs of fighting the pandemic. Additionally, the bill establishes a ~$500 billion lending fund for businesses, states and cities. Eligible taxpayers will receive a $1,200 direct payment and $500 for each dependent child.

On April 24, 2020, the PPP and Health Care Enhancement Act was signed into law as an amendment to the CARES Act. The $484 billion package includes $310 billion for the SBA’s PPP with $60 billion allocated for loans made by small lenders and community-based institutions, $50 billion for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, and $10 billion for the SBA’s Emergency Economic Injury Grant program. It also includes the HHS Hospital and Provider Grants under the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund that provides an additional $75 billion to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue due to COVID-19. Finally, it provides $25 billion for necessary expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests.

Click HERE to read a Summary of the CARES Act
Coronavirus Relief Fund

On April 22, 2020, the Government of Puerto Rico announced that it received over $2.2 billion from the U.S Treasury Department as part of the CARES Act stimulus package to assist the island with emergency expenses and mitigate the effects of the global pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn. The Government of Puerto Rico is fully committed to assisting individuals, businesses, and the municipalities with these funds, while following the U.S. Treasury Department guidelines.

The plan allocates funding for three main components: (i) testing, contact tracing, isolation and treatment, (ii) reactivating the economy and protecting jobs and (iii) Government service continuity.

i. The first component is the allocation of funds to expand and continue the COVID-19 testing program (both rapid and molecular tests), purchase sanitizing products and protective equipment and materials, as well as screening and isolation programs for people infected or suspected of being infected with COVID-19. This component is critical as it will assist the Government’s efforts to attend the emergency, contain the spread and prepare a short, medium and long-term plan for the gradual reopening of public and private sector operations on the Island.

ii. The second component will allocate funds to compensate various economic sectors and industries for the business interruption losses experienced as a result of COVID-19. Among those targeted by these funds are the healthcare and tourism industries, small and medium sized businesses and the self-employed. This component includes the private sector PPP which will partially reimburse employers that continue to pay their employees despite having their operations affected by COVID-19.

iii.The third component will address the continuity of Government services during the COVID-19 emergency. The Government will allocate funds to Municipalities and correctional facilities for eligible expenditures under the CARES Act and hardware and software programs for public sector employees to work remotely.

On May 15, 2020, Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced issued Executive Order OE-2020-040 establishing Puerto Rico´s Strategic Disbursement Plan for the Coronavirus Relief Fund under the CARES Act.

Click HERE to read the Strategic Disbursement Plan.
Click HERE to read Executive Order OE-2020-040.

Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidelines

The U.S. Treasury Department published the Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments. These guidelines provide guidance to recipients—including Puerto Rico and its municipalities—of the funding available under the CARES Act, particularly the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The guidance sets forth the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s interpretation of the CARES ACT limitation on the permissible use of CRF payments.

From time to time, the U.S. Treasury Department publishes updated Frequently Asked Questions to supplement the Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments.

The Assistance Program to Private Hospitals under the Coronavirus Relief Fund is intended to provide emergency assistance (grants or short-term loans) to private hospitals for necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency. The allocation to each institution will be based on a necessity standard.

Investment: $150,000,000

Restrictions: These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private insurance programs that the institutions may have, including funds received through the CARES Act’s Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. Entities that receive these funds will not be able to use them to pay executive bonuses, debt refinancing or other expenses that are determined to be ineligible. Likewise, the beneficiary entities must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries must spend the money on or before December 30, 2020. This will be a first come, first served basis program.

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines.
  • Click HERE to download the CRF Grant Application.
  • Please submit your duly completed CRF Grant Application, the required reports and any questions you may have about the program to: crfhospitals@aafaf.pr.gov.

To allocate of funds for all public hospitals of the Government of Puerto Rico and the instrumentalities of the Executive Branch, and municipalities for eligible and necessary expenses related to the COVID-19 emergency. These expenses include, among others, medicines to treat symptoms of COVID-19, equipment, materials, personal protective equipment, ventilators, the establishment of negative pressure and isolation rooms, the purchase of disinfectant products, as well as tests for COVID-19.

Investment: $50,000,000

Restrictions: Funds may only be used for eligible expenses. These funds may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal programs, including funds received through the CARES Act’s Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund or from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines.
  • Click HERE to download the CRF Grant Application.
  • Please submit your duly completed CRF Grant Application, the required reports and any questions you may have about the program to: crfhospitals@aafaf.pr.gov.

Under this program, CRF funds will be transferred to municipalities for eligible expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency, as provided in CARES and in the guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Investment: $100,000,000
Restrictions: Funds may only be used for eligible expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency, as provided in CARES and in the guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The funds must be spent on or before December 30, 2020.

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines.
  • Click HERE to download the CRF Grant Application.
  • Click HERE to download the Program Allocation Limits.
  • Click HERE to download the Special Memorandum No. 019-2020.
  • Please submit your duly completed CRF Grant Application, the required reports and any questions you may have about the program to: crfmunicipalities@aafaf.pr.gov.

To provide emergency assistance of up to $5,000 to each small business or micro-enterprise with between 2 and 49 employees, duly registered in the Merchants Registry of the Department of the Treasury, for the losses caused by the interruption of operations caused by the COVID-19 emergency and/or for necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19. This will be a first come, first served basis program. This includes non-profit organizations that provide direct assistance or services to the citizenry.

Investment: $250,000,000

Restrictions: This aid would be subject to terms and conditions to ensure that its use is limited to matters related to the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, the entities that receive them may not use the funds to pay executive bonuses, or to refinance debt, or for other expenses determined to be ineligible. This program will not apply to entities that participate in other programs described in this plan, including the private sector payroll protection plan. Beneficiaries must spend the money on or before December 30, 2020.

To provide emergency assistance of up to $10,000 to each medium-sized company with between 50 and 500 employees, duly registered in the Merchants Registry of the Department of the Treasury, for the losses caused by the interruption of operations caused by the COVID-19 emergency and/or for necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19. This will be a first come, first served basis program. This includes non-profit organizations that provide direct assistance or services to people.

Investment: $100,000,000
Restrictions: This aid would be subject to terms and conditions to ensure that its use is limited to matters related to or the product of the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, the entities that receive them may not use the funds to pay executive bonuses, or to refinance debt, or for other expenses determined to be ineligible. This program will not apply to entities that participate in other programs described in this plan, including the private sector payroll protection plan. Beneficiaries must spend the money on or before December 30, 2020.

To provide emergency assistance to businesses related to the tourism industry, specifically hotels and “paradores”, for necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency. This aid is subject to terms and conditions to ensure that its use its limited to businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.

Investment: $50,000,000

Restrictions: These funds will be available only to cover necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency that have not been covered, or will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private insurance programs that the institutions may have, including other COVID-19 related business grant or loan programs under the CARES Act. Entities that receive these funds will not be able to use them to pay executive bonuses, debt refinancing or other expenses that are determined to be ineligible. Likewise, the beneficiary entities must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries must spend the money on or before December 30, 2020. This will be a first come, first served basis program.

This Program makes up to $50 million in immediate CRF funds available to ensure that 2020 high school graduates who are enrolled to begin a postsecondary two- or four-year degree program during 2020 will have access to the technology and connectivity needed to participate in distance learning programs.

This Program will be implemented in accordance with applicable federal regulations. It will be conducted in partnership with local technology and connectivity vendors from whom eligible students may purchase devices and services needed to engage in distance learning resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. Each eligible student will be permitted up to a maximum expenditure of $1,000.

Investment: $50,000,000

Restrictions: Funds may only be used for eligible expenses. These funds may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal programs.

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines.
  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines in Spanish.
Program benefits for new college students

To implement the remote work and distance education program of the employees of the Government of Puerto Rico. This program will establish processes through which public employees can fulfill their workday and execute their tasks outside the regular office space as required to comply with COVID-19 health precautions. This program shall also allow employees of the Government of Puerto Rico to acquire new skills through distance education. This also includes minor renovations or construction works in public buildings to promote social distancing. For this program, the funds can be used to purchase laptops, tablets, servers, hotspots and other equipment, as well as software and licenses that allow government operations to continue during the COVID-19 emergency. The Government will also evaluate providing a stipend to government employees who use their personal technological equipment as part of the remote work program.

Investment: $40,000,000

Restrictions: Funds may only be used for eligible expenses. These funds may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal programs, including any from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).

To cover non-budgeted expenses in the prisons of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation related to the emergency of COVID-19. This includes protection and disinfection equipment, masks, gloves, tests, as well as other expenses related to isolation of personnel or inmates, among others.

Investment: $10,000,000

Restrictions: Funds may only be used for eligible expenses. These funds may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal programs, including any from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).

For the purchase of protective, disinfecting and cleaning equipment and materials to be distributed in all government facilities, including police headquarters, fire stations, government centers, facilities where services are provided, hospitals, schools, courts and others. This includes, but is not limited to, masks and respirators, gloves, face shields, hand sanitizers, alcohol, soap, disinfectants, thermometers, infrared cameras, wipes, and disinfection stations. This also includes minor renovations or construction works in public buildings to promote social distancing. The inclusion of the private and nonprofit sector in the distribution of these materials and equipment will be evaluated, as the Government establishes a centralized distribution center. Purchases under this line will be additional to those eligible that can be made under FEMA category B.

Investment: $100,000,000

Restrictions: Funds may only be used for eligible expenses. These funds may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal programs, including any from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines.
  • Click HERE to download the Materials and Protective Equipment Evaluation Form

To provide emergency assistance to private employers with 500 employees or less, duly registered in the Merchants Registry of the Department of the Treasury, who continued to pay their employees during the COVID-19 emergency despite the fact that their operations were interrupted. This aid is in the form of a grant. Businesses are eligible to apply for more than one CRF program if the business does not submit the same line item expense through multiple programs.

Investment: $350,000,000
Restrictions: 
This aid would be subject to terms and conditions to ensure that its use is limited to matters related to or the product of the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, the entities that receive them may not use the funds to pay executive bonuses, or to refinance debt, or for other expenses determined to be ineligible. Likewise, the beneficiary entities must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries must spend the money on or before December 30, 2020. This will be a first come, first served basis program.

To provide emergency assistance in the form of grants to entities of Puerto Rico’s Health Care System to ensure that citizens have access to health services during the COVID-19 emergency to limit the exposure to the coronavirus. Allowable expenses under this award include, among others, technological software, hardware, and infrastructure required to implement or expand a telemedicine program, as well as clinical, technical, and administrative payroll for dedicated personnel required to implement or expand a telemedicine program.

Investment: $40,000,000
Restrictions:
This aid would be subject to terms and conditions to ensure that its use is limited to matters related to or the product of the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, the beneficiary entities must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries must spend the money on or before December 30, 2020.

Puerto Rico Fiscal Measures
In Response to
COVID-19 Pandemic

This is the official dashboard on COVID-19 statistics of the Government of Puerto Rico. This dashboard contains the latest data related to the virus in the island.

Emergency Funds

The Oversight Board has also authorized the use of the Emergency Reserve to manage expenses related to the pandemic.

• Click here to view a table of Puerto Rico Government Fiscal Measures.
• For an updated report of disbursements of these funds, please click here.

Emergency Relief Measures Package (787MM) Report

In addition to the federal stimulus package, the Government announced an unprecedented package of direct assistance to workers and businesses which totals $787 million and is intended to supplement the federal aid and help alleviate the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 15, 2021
January 8, 2021
January 1, 2021
December 25, 2020
December 18, 2020
December 11, 2020
December 4, 2020
November 27, 2020
November 20, 2020
November 13, 2020
November 6, 2020
October 30, 2020
October 23, 2020
October 16, 2020
October 9, 2020
October 2, 2020
September 25, 2020
September 18, 2020
September 11, 2020
September 4, 2020
August 28, 2020
August 21, 2020
August 14, 2020
August 7, 2020
July 31, 2020
July 24, 2020
July 17, 2020
July 10, 2020
July 3, 2020
June 26, 2020
June 19, 2020
June 12, 2020
June 5, 2020
June 1, 2020
May 26, 2020
May 18, 2020
May 8, 2020

Each person has the citizen’s responsibility to report any act of fraud, waste, abuse, orembezzlement of the Coronavirus Relief Funds.

Fraud, Waste and Abuse… What are these?

What is Fraud?

Simply – fraud is a false representation about a material fact. It is any intentional deception designed to deprive the United States, Puerto Rico or AAFAF, unlawfully of something of value, or to secure from the United States Puerto Rico or AAFAF, for an individual, a benefit, privilege, allowance or consideration to which he or she is not entitled.

What is Waste?

It is the extravagant, careless or needless expenditure of government funds, or the consumption of government property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls or decisions. The term also includes improper practices not involving prosecutable fraud.

What is Abuse?

It is the intentional or improper use of government resources. Examples include misuse of rank, position or authority and misuse of resources such as tools, vehicles or copying machines.

Accurate and complete information is a great help in our fight against acts of corruption. To provide complete information, the complainant must be able to include in the complaint the answers of the following questions:

1. What? Summary of events

2. Who? Name of the person or persons involved

3. When? Date or range of dates, time and frequency of events

4. Where? Specific location

5. How? Narrative of how the acts were performed

Any person who suspects of, witnessed, or discovered any fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement, relating to the Coronavirus Relief Funds, should report it immediately to any of the following:

To the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority at the email:

CRF-Hotline@aafaf.pr.gov

Puerto Rico COVID-19 Dashboard

This is the official dashboard on COVID-19 statistics of the Government of Puerto Rico. This dashboard contains the latest data related to the virus in the island.

Click HERE to view the dashboard
Links to Other Relevant Information on the COVID-19 Emergency

• National Governors Association (NGA)
• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)



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