What an Incredible Team!

I want to take a moment to convey my sincere appreciation to the entire FEMA Housing Inspection Services (HIS) project team: our leaders, our staff, and our inspector cadre. Your dedication, quality service, and compassion have made a significant impact and are vital to our success. You are truly an amazing team!  On behalf of WSP, I thank you for your outstanding support and exceptional work!

2024: A Challenging Year

We continue to see a rise in the volume and severity of disasters. 2024 was among the worst years for disaster declarations in thirty years. Nearly 100 weather-related emergency or major disaster declarations were issued, almost double the annual average of 55. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was extremely active and destructive, becoming the third costliest on record. The season featured 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.

Outstanding Service

In 2024, Over 2,100 WSP inspectors delivered hundreds of thousands of inspections for survivors impacted by wildfires, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, floods, mudslides, landslides, and five hurricanes (Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene, and Milton) across 17 task orders. WSP inspectors worked in 354 counties and parishes across 14 states. Impressive!

Hourly Wage Increase for Disaster Housing Inspectors

I am pleased to announce that the hourly wage for disaster housing inspectors has been increased to $33.19 for regular hours, up from $32.56. The rate for authorized overtime is now $49.785 per hour. Additionally, the vacation hourly rate has also risen; for more information, check What's New | WSP USA Inspection Services.

Expanding WSP’s READI, FAST, QC, and FIS Teams 

Congratulations to the inspectors who have recently qualified and become part of WSP’s Regionally Equipped Assessors Deployable Immediately (READI) tier! We are also excited to welcome new members to our First Action Strike Team (FAST) and new quality control (QC) mentors and field inspector supervisors (FIS). Tier eligibility requires demonstrated excellence, consistent performance benchmarks, and adherence to WSP’s policies and directives. This achievement marks a significant milestone for a WSP inspector. I genuinely appreciate your dedication to exceptional customer service and excellence, and I encourage others to keep pursuing these opportunities.

2025 Hurricane Season Forecast to be Above-Average

We are actively preparing for the next hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1. Early predictions indicate that we may face another busy season. Experts project above-average storm activity, forecasting between 13 and 18 named storms, including 7 to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or above, with three to six direct impacts on the U.S. This forecast emphasizes the continued need for inspectors to be available to provide the critical services essential for survivor recovery.

Inspector Services are Highly Valued and Essential

WSP, FEMA, and the disaster survivors we serve depend on WSP inspectors. To maintain eligibility and readiness:  

• Stay Informed: Check out WSP’s disaster awareness report at the Daily DART - WSP USA Inspection Services.  It’s a great way to stay in the loop on the latest disaster activity and upcoming task orders.
• Maintain Your Badge and Security Status: Check your email regularly for any notices or directives regarding the renewal of your badge or the upgrade of your background check. You must maintain both to remain eligible for work.
• Visit Your WSP Inspector Webpage. Update your deployment availability and complete outstanding tasks in your WSP to-do list.

The Future of WSP and FEMA

A number of you have expressed concerns about the future of our services related to FEMA. The administration is gathering industry and community feedback to implement changes aimed at enhancing FEMA’s services. While specifics are yet to be determined, I strongly believe in our frontline workforce's vital role in furthering FEMA’s mission to assist people. As partners with FEMA on this program for nearly 30 years, we know that change is the only constant.  Your dedication underscores how essential our services are to FEMA and disaster survivors, and we are steadfast in our commitment to providing the high-quality services FEMA expects from WSP. I remain very hopeful as we move forward. 

Thank you once again for all that you do, and your continuous demonstration that our work matters.  

Sincerely,

Jarad Kapsa, FEMA HIS Managing Director

WSP USA Inspections Services