Doing Business with FEMA

This guide outlines the steps and resources available to businesses interested in contracting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It includes information on how to register, the types of products and services FEMA procures during disasters, and additional resources for getting involved in federal contracting.

Source: Information collected from FEMA’s website.

FEMA’s Approach to Local Business Contracts

When FEMA responds to a disaster, the agency strives to contract with local businesses in the affected area whenever practical and feasible. This guide explains the four-step process your company can follow to do business with FEMA.

Step 1: Talk to Your Local National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX)

Government contracting can be complex, especially for small businesses entering the market for the first time. National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) offers personalized assistance to help you understand how to secure contracts with the government. With over 300 NAPEX locations across the country, these centers are a vital resource for businesses navigating government procurement.

Find your local NAPEX near you www.napex.us.

Step 2: Register in the System for Award Management (SAM)

Before you can do business with FEMA or any other federal agency, you must register your company on SAM.gov. This registration is free and is essential for any business seeking federal contracts. You will need:

  • Unique Entity ID (UEI): This 12-character alphanumeric ID is assigned to your business during the registration process.
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN): Obtainable from IRS.gov.

If you are already registered in SAM: Ensure your SAM registration is up-to-date and that your company’s profile accurately reflects the goods and services you offer. Check that the NAICS codes associated with your company match the types of FEMA contracts you’re interested in.

 

Step 3: Understand FEMA’s Mission and Goals

FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. The agency collaborates with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to deliver assistance to survivors following a presidential disaster or emergency declaration.

Key FEMA Programs:
  • Emergency Support Functions (ESFs): Resources coordinated through ESFs are assigned where needed in response operations.
  • Mission Assignments: These allow FEMA to leverage federal resources to support disaster needs. These assignments are triggered by a presidential declaration.
  • State Emergency Management Agencies: Each state coordinates resources during emergencies to support local governments in response and recovery efforts.

For more information about how your business can assist FEMA in disaster scenarios, refer to the National Response Framework, which guides national disaster response strategies.

Know what FEMA buys.

FEMA procures a wide variety of goods and services during disaster responses. Below is a list of top commodities FEMA purchases, which can help guide your business offerings:

  • Infant/Toddler Products
  • Durable Medical Equipment Kits
  • Consumable Medical Supplies Kits
  • Plastic Sheeting and Tarps
  • Blankets
  • Comfort/Hygiene Kits
  • Water
  • Meals
  • Forklift Rentals
  • Cargo Vans
  • Security Guard Services
  • Generators
  • Cots
  • Joint Field Office Kits
  • Leased Copiers and Generators
  • Office Supplies
  • Shredded Bins
  • Portable Toilets
  • Sign Language Services
  • Temporary Labor
  • Janitorial Services
Step 4: Register in FEMA’s Contracting Vendor Database

FEMA’s vendor registration is now a separate step from SAM. You need to fill out the Vendor Profile Form, which provides FEMA with information about your capabilities and experience. Submit this form via email to the FEMA Industry Liaison Program (ILP) at [email protected].

Register in FEMA’s Contracting Vendor Database: Completing the Vendor Profile Form allows your company to be listed in FEMA’s internal database, which FEMA contracting officers use to identify potential vendors. This database is separate from SAM, and completing the profile form is essential for being considered for FEMA-specific opportunities.

 

Complete FEMA’s Vendor Profile Form: Link to FEMA’s Online Vendor Profile Form.
Step 5: Monitor Contracting Opportunities

You can find contract opportunities with FEMA and other federal agencies on SAM.gov for contracts over $25,000. The site is an essential tool for tracking federal procurement actions.

For additional opportunities:

  • FedBid (now Unison Marketplace): A fully managed marketplace connecting sellers to federal and commercial buyers.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Planning Forecast System: A portal for small businesses to view anticipated contracts valued above $250,000.

Contacts:

  • SAM.gov Federal Service Desk: 1-866-606-8220
  • Unison Marketplace Customer Support: 1-877-933-3243

Subcontracting Opportunities

If your company is interested in subcontracting opportunities with large prime contractors, several databases are available:

Small Business Resources and Training

There are numerous resources and training opportunities available to small businesses interested in government contracting. Below are key organizations and programs to explore:

Resources:
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Minority Business Development Agency
  • System for Award Management (SAM)
  • FedConnect
  • Federal OSDBU Council
  • Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
  • SCORE
  • Dynamic Small Business Search
  • Federal Acquisition Regulations
  • EPA Acquisition Regulation
  • GSA SmartPay Program
  • SBA Subcontracting Network (SubNet)
  • USA.gov
  • HUBZone Contractors National Council
  • National Women’s Business Council
  • U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
  • Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
  • National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Additional FEMA Resources

Here are other resources to help you navigate FEMA contracts and disaster recovery work:

This document provides a comprehensive overview of how to do business with FEMA. By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, your company can better position itself for federal contracts in response to disasters.