How to do Business with FEMA After a Disaster

LOS ANGELES – FEMA works with private sector vendors to help fulfill the response and recovery needs for disasters like the recent Los Angeles County Wildfires.

The Doing Business with FEMA webpage outlines the steps that companies and small businesses looking to compete for federal contracts should take. During response and recovery, FEMA’s goal is to contract with local businesses in the affected area whenever practical and feasible.

FEMA will only engage with companies through the federal procurement process. Business solicitations sent to individual members of the FEMA workforce will not be processed. The FEMA website outlines how companies can see and respond to the agency’s solicitations. The key steps to beginning the process are:

• Consult your local procurement center: We recommend you consider consulting with these Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.
• Register with SAM.gov: This is the System for Award Management. Entity registrations are free, and registration is required to do business with the federal government.
• Understand the FEMA mission: FEMA’s mission, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Act, is to help people before, during and after disasters.
• Monitor contracting sites for opportunities: Contracting sites are listed on FEMA’s webpage.

Debris removal is often contracted locally after a disaster. If your company provides debris removal services, you can sign up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contractor Registry. You can also register your business information (including capabilities and locations served).

Additional information can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. 

California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.