Individual Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessments: An Overview for Government Officials. As the Federal government’s lead for disaster assistance, FEMA coordinates with various federal agencies, and state and local governments to provide a full range of disaster assistance. This video will focus on the types of assessments for losses that directly impact individuals and households, known as an Individual Assistance PDA, and the role it plays in the disaster declaration process. It is designed to promote a standardized Individual Assistance PDA process while defining the roles of those involved with the PDA team, and describing how the information is gathered and used.