By Jon Olsen, KYPTAC Senior Procurement Consultant
This article was originally published in our monthly KYPTAC Newsletter. If you have any questions about this topic, your KYPTAC consultant is here to help! Not a client? Sign up here.
Everyone is aware of the recent devastation and destruction caused by the flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Procurement consultants at the Kentucky Procurement Technical Assistance Center (KYPTAC) have received numerous questions and requests for information concerning how to help our friends and neighbors in the Eastern Kentucky region with recovery efforts. This article highlights several resources currently available to Kentucky business owners who need assistance in rebuilding their business or who wish to participate in disaster relief efforts.
KYPTAC has gathered and cataloged a wealth of information and resources for access by our clients, and we are sharing this information via a designated page on our website. We are working to keep this page as up-to-date as possible and will continue to update as new information becomes available.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster loan assistance to both businesses and individuals in the portions of Eastern Kentucky affected by the flood disaster. SBA has also established six Business Recovery Centers in Clay, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties to provide face-to-face support with the filing process for disaster loans.
For KYPTAC clients seeking to assist in clean-up and recovery efforts in the Eastern Kentucky region, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Corps of Engineers have resources available to facilitate either direct awards or subcontracts for needed supplies and services. FEMA’s website includes information about how to do business with FEMA, and the FEMA Industry Liaison Program has a vendor profile form for prospective vendors to register with the agency. The US Army Corps of Engineers has a similar database to register with their agency.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a listing of large business Prime Contractors who are interested in subcontracting with small businesses. The DHS also provides a resource page for businesses interested in doing business with the agency.
For all federal contract opportunities, businesses should ensure that they have a current and active System for Award Management (SAM) account and that they are registered in the disaster relief registry. Your KYPTAC procurement consultant is a great resource to assist your business in navigating the SAM registration process.
In addition to exploring federal contracting opportunities, companies should also reach out to local governments in the region and contact the mayor’s office, Judge Executive and other county or city officials for potential contract opportunities. KYPTAC clients can take advantage of our Bid Match service that pairs businesses with contracting opportunities appropriate for the goods and services provided. If you are interested in learning more about our Bid Match system, contact your KYPTAC procurement consultant for details.
KYPTAC’s expert team of procurement consultants remains available and ready to assist Kentucky businesses in navigating the information and processes established for contracting with the government at the federal, state and local levels. If you are not sure how to connect with your consultant, you can request assistance by contacting us at kyptacinfo@kstc.com or by registering on our website.