We have previously posted information to help those in areas affected by Hurricane Helene identify federal resources, primarily through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This post is directed to companies wondering how to assist in the emergency response, either through contracting or donations.
Is it possible to contract with FEMA to provide emergency response services? It may be. FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is one point of contact for award of contracts to provide help. FEMA coordinates and collaborates with federal, state, local and tribal agencies to get assistance to survivors.
When FEMA responds to a disaster, FEMA’s goal is to contract with local businesses in the affected area(s), whenever practical and feasible. Businesses interested in contacting opportunities should review FEMA’s informational page here to understand registration requirements (System for Award Management (SAM) and to identify contact points.
What goods or services are useful to support FEMA’s response? While every disaster brings its own, specific needs, FEMA’S website lists the following as “most needed items”:
- Infant/Toddler Products
- Durable Medical Equipment Kits
- Consumable Medical Supplies Kits
- Plastic Sheeting
- Tarps
- Blankets
- Comfort/ Hygiene Kits
- Water
- Meals
- Forklift Rentals
- Cargo Vans
- Security Guard Services
- Generators
- Cots
- Joint Field Office Kit
- Leased Copiers
- Leased Generators
- Office Supplies
- Shredded Bins
- Portable Toilets
- Sign Language
- Temporary Labor
- Janitorial Services
- Transportation
- Transitional Shelter
- Debris Removal
If you believe your business can provide any of the above, send an email with “CUSI Information Request” in the subject line to the FEMA Industry Liaison Program. A program representative will respond if there is a potential basis to do business. (If you provide debris removal services, you can sign up with the Corps of Engineers Contractor Registry AND you can also register your business information (including your capabilities and locations served).
Alternately, FEMA maintains a list of trusted, recognized disaster relief organizations through National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD). These organizations and their partners know what items and quantities are needed and often buy in bulk with discounts. They may be open to contracting; they are certainly open to accepting donations.
Contracting with FEMA doesn’t seem possible right now; how can companies donate efficiently and responsibly?
FEMA’s website provides information on submitting in-kind donations and cash donations through FEMA’s trusted, to recognized disaster relief organizations; and also provides contact information for the FEMA Donations Unit , which can answer specific questions or to help direct an in-kind donation.
FEMA emphasizes the importance of donating and volunteering responsibly, and notes that although donated items – in-kind donations, are needed,
“. . . without thoughtful planning donated goods can further burden a community that is already in crisis. Knowing what is needed, where it is needed, and getting it there at the right time is the key. Critical needs change rapidly. Before collecting, confirm the need.
- Not everything is needed. Used clothing is never needed.
- Bulk donations are best. Pallet loads of a single item, sorted, and boxed.
- Timing is important. Too soon or too late and no one wins.
- Transportation needs to be worked. How will it get to where it is needed?”
For that reason, FEMA urges that –
“Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.”
National VOAD Members and Partners are currently assisting communities in need due to the impact of Hurricane Helene through the Southeast United States. The National VOAD website states: “There is currently no request for donations outside of cash. Please do not send unsolicited donated goods.”
The National VOAD website provides a list of more than 70 member organizations, and provides direct links to the State/Territory VOAD websites for Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia VOADs.
