Contracting for SBA

Small businesses can contract with the federal government to assist in relief and recovery efforts following a major disaster.

Disaster response contracts

When national emergencies or natural disasters occur, supplies and services need to be rushed to affected areas quickly. Small businesses can contract with the federal government to assist in relief and recovery efforts following a major disaster.

Disaster Response Registry

Government agencies search the Disaster Response Registry of the System for Award Management (SAM) to find contractors that can help respond to disasters. The registry lists contractors that offer debris removal, distribution of supplies, reconstruction, and other disaster or emergency relief supplies and services.

Register your business with SAM to be eligible for disaster relief contracting opportunities. On average, it takes 2-3 days to complete the registration process. Once your registration is active, you'll be added to the Disaster Response Registry.

During registration, you must indicate you want to participate in the Disaster Response Registry and provide the required information on the Disaster Response Information page within the Assertions module.

Local firms affected by a Presidential major disaster or emergency declaration may be given contracting preference.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires potential vendors to complete the Industry Liaison Program (ILP) Vendor Profile form and submit it to fema-industry@fema.dhs.gov.

Contact the Federal Service Desk to get help registering. If you're located in the United States and its outlying areas, you can get free support from your local APEX Accelerator (formerly known as a Procurement Technical Assistance Center), an official resource for government contracting assistance.

Posting of solicitations

Federal agencies will be posting solicitations for disaster related contracts. Search contract opportunities within SAM using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code or use in combination with a keyword such as hurricane or disaster to see what opportunities are being posted right now.

Interested contractors can also pursue state and local opportunities. FEMA lists contact information for each state on its website.

Contact your local SBA district office for assistance with emergency contracting matters.

Last updated August 9, 2024