Need Resources? Find them in the: Resource Kit

RESOURCES

Below you will find documentation on setup, installation and usage of the BC Software.

CURRENT BCA USERS

This Web site is for the new Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool development.

If you are looking for guidance and assistance on the current BCA software, please call (866) 222-3580 or e-mail bchelpline@dhs.gov.

Welcome to the BCA Tool Kit, Version 4.5, for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program. We have recently updated the software to include:

  • Targeted dynamic user guidance
  • Modified economic values to reflect current information
  • Updated resource documents
  • Expanded BCA file import and export capabilities
  • Enhanced ability to do earthquake mitigation projects for bridges and utilities
  • Improved ability to use negative elevations in the flood module

Please note that subapplicants are required to use BCA software, Version 4.0 or higher, for the four non-disaster FY10 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs, and for HMGP applications for disaster declarations after June 1, 2009.

This enhanced tool kit confirms FEMA’s continued commitment to offering hazard mitigation grant applicants and evaluators an innovative software package to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of proposed mitigation projects and to determine project eligibility for federal funding.

The FEMA BCA team will utilize this latest version of the software for all future BCA training sessions. This website has been updated to incorporate the latest information and resources with BCA. The BC Helpline has resources such as Methodology Reports, Data Documentation Templates (DDTs), BCA training schedule, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). I would like to bring your attention to four important items on the BC Helpline:

Please download and review the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide prior to installing the BCA Software Version 4.5.

If you have any questions about the new BCA software program, please contact the BC Helpline at bchelpline@dhs.gov or at 1-866-222-3580.

What is BC Helpline.com?

Since the early 1990s, thousands of grantees have used the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) tool to determine the cost-effectiveness of proposed mitigation projects for several FEMA mitigation grant programs.

Today, FEMA is enhancing the BCA tool and updating its resource documents. Over 200 stakeholders have been involved in the development of the current tool, and the team is always looking for improvements from current users. BCHelpline.com has been designed to connect current and prospective users to the Benefit-Cost Analysis team.

Specifically, this Web site has been created to:

  • receive feedback from existing users on enhanced features
  • answer questions about the re-engineering process
  • keep users informed about program updates and rollout schedules
  • provide resources for more information about BCA

About the Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool

The original BCA program consists of methodologies and software modules for a range of major natural hazards, including:

  • Flood Flood (Riverine, Coastal Zone A, Coastal Zone V)
  • Hurricane Hurricane Wind
  • Earthquake Earthquake
  • Tornado Tornado
  • Widfire Wildfire
  • Damage Frequency Assessment Damage Frequency Assessment (formerly known as Limited Data)

Today, FEMA is improving the BCA program with updates to guidelines, program data, default and standard values, user manuals, and training. This streamlined program will make it easier for users and evaluators to conduct and review BCAs and to address multiple buildings and hazards in a single BCA module run.