Hurricane Katrina Emergency Contracting Information

IMPORTANT - For the latest Contracting Headlines and Subcontracting Opportunities, visit APTAC at http://www.aptac-us.org/new/katrina.php

Steps for Maine Contractors

Due to the immediacy of emergency relief needed by the federal government, a majority of the contracts dealing with Hurricane Katrina will be advertised directly from the federal agencies. The information below provides guidance to companies that are interested in providing products or services for the states in need.

1.  The Commerce Department recently announced the creation of an interagency contracting center designed to guide small and minority-owned businesses through the procurement process.  The center will operate a website, www.rebuildingthegulfcoast.gov allowing companies to register with the agencies and get basic information on doing business with the government.  Representatives from the agencies also will staff a call center

(at 1-888-4USADOC) to provide information on contracting opportunities.

2.  Go to FedBizOpps at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/katrina.html and scroll through the list of web sites related to emergency contracting information. At this site, several agencies provide guidance on where to go or who to contact for disaster contracting/subcontracting information and registration.  In addition, you may register to receive automatic notification by clicking on the Vendor Notification Service link, entering your email address and entering your list of Federal Supply Codes.

3.  Register your company information and capabilities at the Department of Homeland Security National Emergency Resource Registry site at: http://www.swern.gov/emergency/asset_app.php. SWERN is the central repository for all hurricane relief. This site allows registration for both volunteer and fee for services, supplies, and equipment.

4.  Monitor solicitations for the National Guard units by going to http://www.nationalguardcontracting.org and clicking on any of the states listed. Many of the individual National Guard units will be purchasing goods and services from this site.

5.  Register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov.  Though CCR is not currently necessary for emergency credit card buys, your company should become registered.  This will serve two purposes: (1) your company information may be found in the event government buyers are searching for sources, and (2) it will ensure a smoother transition for payment should a contract ensue.