Preventing and responding to disasters can be a very difficult and resource-intensive ordeal. As a result, various governmental agencies and institutions look to help in the private sector when preparing for and dealing with emergencies. Many companies want to do their part in saving the lives and property of fellow Americans in need, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has the Industry Liaison program designed to help private businesses get involved.

How to Get Listed

To get listed with the Industry Liaison program, a company needs to first be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) database (www.federalcontractorregistry.com). After that, a FEMA vendor profile form needs to be filled out. This provides FEMA Contract Officers with the information necessary to consider a business for FEMA’s needs, including being part of market research, acquisitions, and vendor listings. Perhaps most importantly, the Industry Liaison keeps an industry-wide repository of vendors who have contacted FEMA.

If a company fills out a Vendor Profile Form without first having completed a CCR registration, there can be significant delays to being added to the repository. On the other hand, registering on the CCR database may allow the company to be seen more easily by FEMA Contract Officers, but for the best results, a company should be listed on both databases. Registered companies may find Federal procurement opportunities at www.fbo.gov.

FEMA’s Industry Liaison Program has further benefits to private companies. The office acts as an industry advocate, and encourages the growth and quality of the industry through information sharing and the communication of FEMA requirements. Vendors wishing to present their products and services may attend FEMA-organized Industry Days. These Industry Days also provide an opportunity for local businesses to become better-known by both public and private interests.

Industry Liaison Program Goals

Since FEMA isn’t just an agency for handling emergencies, but for helping local and state services to prepare for disasters, being registered with the Industry Liaison can help a company get involved where they’re needed. By keeping a record of many companies within the industry, FEMA and its associates can decide which private businesses are best positioned to provide the aid necessary in emergencies. Whether involved in preparedness and prevention or response and containment, a business involved with FEMA may find itself well-positioned to help save lives.