Expert Advice

Fire, Hurricane, and Other Disaster Contracting – What to Do Now

3 July, 2018

Unfortunately, disasters are inevitable. If your business offers a product and/or service that can help with recovery efforts, consider preparing now to ensure you are able to participate when they strike.  Priority vendor lists do not exist and hoping that informal contracting agreements made on the ground will be exercised, are unreliable at best.   The following are a few steps a small contractor should take to be prepared:

Step 1: Registrations – Make sure registrations are complete:

  • Systems for Award Management (SAM) (be sure to complete the Disaster Response section) link here
  • Complete FEMA’s Industry Liaison Profile Form link here

Step 2: Research

  • Federal Business Opportunities; Contract Opportunities exceeding $25,000; Create a search agent based on keywords that will notify you of opportunities link here
  • DHS Advance Acquisition Planning System; Search the forecast and subscribe to notifications link here
  • Find potential Subcontracting Opportunities with DHS Prime Contractors link here

Step 3: Build Relationships with municipal and county governmentsReach out to advocates, local buyers, and procurement departments

  • Find out if there are current lists for routine incidents; these contracts will likely be used in the case of a disaster.

Christina Jones, Norcal PTAC Procurement Specialist