Contracting in Times of Disaster

Contracting in Times of Disaster

Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM · 39 min. (America/Los_Angeles)
Room 317
Breakout Sessions 1
Public Works

Information

Whether it be from natural disasters or coordinated attacks, every state is faced with a crisis at some point or another. In 2025, Washington State had over 1,800 fires. Following every disaster, APEX Accelerators are flooded with phone calls of “How can I get FEMA contracts?” The answer: “Once a disaster strikes, it’s already too late.” Contrary to popular belief, contracting during times of disaster doesn’t start with FEMA. In this session you can learn how contracting during disasters really works so you can prepare BEFORE disaster strikes.

Learn:

  • How disasters are declared and who is in charge
  • Contracting with state and local governments during disasters
  • Changes and flexibilities in acquisition rules, dollar thresholds, and regulations (FAR Parts 18 and 26)
  • Doing business with FEMA
  • Role of the US Army Corps of Engineers
  • Locating solicitations, needs and opportunities
APEX AcceleratorsSame Great Service Washington APEX Accelerator assists businesses through the government-contracting marketplace. Washington APEX's mission is to increase the number of government contracts awarded to Washington firms so that those firms can grow. We provide no cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments. American Indian Chamber APEX Accelerator works with Native American businesses and Tribal enterprises to help businesses pursue and perform under contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors. We do this by providing confidential, no cost, one-on-one counseling to small businesses throughout three Bureau of Indian Regions (Pacific, Western, and the Northwest) North Olympic Peninsula APEX Accelerator provides no-cost advising, training, and technical assistance to help businesses successfully compete for local, state, and federal government contracts. Our mission is to strengthen the regional economy by equipping businesses with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to navigate the government marketplace. We assist with SAM registration, certifications, bid matching, proposal support, compliance guidance, and strategic planning so businesses are prepared, competitive, and positioned for long-term success in government contracting. Serving Clallam and Jefferson Counties hosted by Clallam EDC Northwest Native APEX Accelerator Government Contracting for American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native-Hawaiian owned businesses, Tribes, and Tribal Enterprises in OR, WA and ID. Oregon APEX Accelerator's mission is to assist Oregon small businesses to succeed in obtaining Government Contracts, which stimulate the growth of Oregon's economy. For over 30 years GCAP has assisted Oregon small businesses in creating jobs, fostering economic diversity, and becoming successful government contractors. Inland Empire APEX Accelerator Assisting Riverside and San Bernardino businesses in government contracting since 1996 All APEX Accelerators are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.

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