The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has finalized a rule known as the Emergency Management Priorities and Allocations System (EMPAS), which allows it to prioritize certain contracts that promote national defense. This rule is part of FEMA's response to the COVID-19 emergency and aims to ensure critical materials and resources are available domestically. The rule, effective January 8, 2021, was established under the Defense Production Act and involves giving some contracts priority for health and medical resources needed to combat COVID-19. It follows the interim rule published in May 2020, with minor technical changes.
Simple Explanation
FEMA has made a rule that helps them make sure the most important things, like masks and medicines, are made and sent out quickly to help with emergencies like the COVID-19 situation. This means some companies have to make and send these things really fast, even if they have other orders to fill.