Overview
This section mandates that contracting officers utilize the Disaster Response Registry within the System for Award Management (SAM) to identify potential vendors for emergency relief, debris removal, and reconstruction efforts following a disaster.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Consultation: Contracting officers are required to consult the registry to determine contractor availability for disaster or emergency relief activities within the United States and its outlying areas.
- Scope of Work: The registry is specifically used for debris removal, distribution of supplies, reconstruction, and other essential disaster-related services.
- Voluntary Participation: Inclusion in the registry is voluntary for prospective vendors.
- SAM Registration Requirement: To be listed in the Disaster Response Registry, contractors must first be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Accessibility: The list is accessed via the Advanced Search tool on SAM.gov by selecting the "Disaster Response Contractors" criteria.
Practical Implications
- For Contractors: Businesses seeking to provide emergency relief services must proactively opt-in to the Disaster Response Registry during their SAM registration to ensure visibility to federal procurement officials during a crisis.
- For Government: The registry serves as a primary market research tool that allows contracting officers to rapidly identify and vet capable vendors under the time-sensitive pressures of disaster recovery operations.