How to Do Business with FEMA: Podcast for Government Contractors

FEMA seeks local companies within a disaster area for goods and services.

In this episode of FedBiz’5 we are hosting Ashley Duwel, Government Contracting Senior Analyst, to discuss how to do business with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).

With the recent disaster events like the tornados that moved across western Kentucky, disaster relief has been a hot topic in the government contracting community.

To help our country be better prepared the Department of Homeland Security has established FEMA’s Industry Liaison Program (“ILP”).  The ILP creates strategic relationships with suppliers and stakeholders; serves as an information provider for suppliers seeking to do business with the FEMA; and connects suppliers with program offices in support of FEMA’s mission.

FEMA’s goal with the ILP is to seek local companies within the disaster area for goods and services related to a specific disaster when practical and feasible. In fiscal year 2021, FEMA awarded $2.1 billion or 22% of its total spending ($9.4 billion) to small businesses.

In addition, FEMA funding flows down to the state level that also issues awards directly to small businesses.

When considering how to do business with FEMA, the first steps are to make sure FEMA buys what you sell, and your registrations are in order. This includes checking the box in your SAM registration to be included in the disaster response registry and ILP.

For a closer look into FEMA, what they buy, how they buy, when they buy, and from whom – be sure to check out FedBiz Access’ 2021 FEMA Annual Agency Report, now available through the website.

The report provides information on the top spending categories by NAICS and PSC codes, spending by FEMA offices, how contracts were competed and issued, and top prime contractors used.

There are also strategic sourcing contracts which open multiple opportunities to small business for subcontracting. This requires reaching out to the prime contractors, which is also detailed in the FEMA report.

In addition, the report includes access to a 90-minute video from a former top contracting officer within FEMA on how to best do business with the agency. The video gives you an inside look into how FEMA operates

FedBiz Access works with its clients across industries to complete their vendor profile for the ILP as part of establishing their foundation in government contracting by ensuring their registrations are current, complete, and compliant. 

FedBiz Access’ business development services include one-on-one engagement coaching, targeted market research, set-aside certifications filings, and GSA Schedule registrations.

FedBiz Access helps companies build a clear path from registration to award.