GovCon Academy · Intermediate
FEMA Contracting
15 min read
FEMA and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) represent one of the most accessible and consistently funded segments of federal contracting. Disaster declarations trigger immediate procurement needs — and prepared small businesses win the work.
How FEMA Procurement Works
FEMA procurement happens through two channels: pre-positioned contracts (awarded before disasters) and post-disaster emergency procurement (awarded rapidly after a declaration).
Pre-Positioned Contracts
FEMA awards master contracts before disaster season for logistics, commodities, and services. Vendors on these contracts get first call when disaster strikes.
- • FEMA LPRO (Logistics)
- • Public Assistance contracts
- • Mission Assignment vehicle orders
Emergency Procurement
After a disaster declaration, FEMA can use simplified acquisition procedures and sole-source awards. Response is measured in hours, not weeks.
- • Sole-source awards under $250K
- • Emergency FAR 6.302-2 exceptions
- • State pass-through grants
You've seen how FEMA procurement works. The full playbook continues with the rest of this lesson:
- The 13 key FEMA NAICS codes to add to your SAM.gov profile
- How to find State Emergency Management (SEMA) opportunities off SAM.gov
- A 6-step plan to position your business before the next disaster declaration
The full lesson is included with the GovCon Academy membership, along with course progress, quizzes, readiness reassessment, and monthly group learning events.