H.R. 3177 — To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that cost estimates, acquisition of proper materials, and any other activity related to certain projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are performed by professionals licensed in the relevant State, and for other purposes.

This section requires the FEMA Administrator to use appropriately licensed professionals—state-licensed engineers, architects, builders, tradespersons, or related professions—for covered activities (i.e., preparing cost estimates and purchasing materials, equipment, vehicles, or other items) for projects eligible for assistance under sections 406 (public and private nonprofit facility repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement) or 428 (alternative repair procedures) of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5172, 5189f). It specifies that (1) the Administrator may not disapprove plans, proposals, or purchases without the professional's consent and must approve their suggested purchases; (2) plans, projects, or materials from such professionals may not be rejected unless fraud is evident; (3) the Administrator may not reject state- or locally suggested contracts with such professionals; (4) states must hire such professionals to develop project scopes of work; and (5) FEMA employees managing such projects must be appropriately licensed. The Administrator must update regulations as necessary to implement these requirements.