Sandy related: anyone worked as a FEMA contractor?
 

My company has been asked by the NYC mayor's office to work with FEMA. We are assessing the natural gas piping of homes in Rockaway and Staten Island that were especially hard hit by Hurricane Sandy as part of the ongoing relief efforts.

Currently we have mobilized 20 men to inspect the gas piping and heating systems and they have just called us and asked if we could double the manpower.

We have no problem doing so. But, it becomes a payroll burden as we are still awaiting the terms of our agreement.

Our main focus as NYC contractors at this time is to get people back into warm homes. We will bite the bullet if needed.

So, I was just wondering if any of yoose have ever worked as a contractor doing this type of work for FEMA and what has been your experience.

Thanks in advance.

Before signing the contract, you need to understand HOW you need to submit invoices to be paid. The different agencies have different ways of getting you paid...

All our work is city, state & federal so we kind of get the payment thing, red tape and BS.

We just have never worked with this crew, FEMA. And after hearing things in the past (Katrina) I am a little leary.

We are meeting with FEMA tomorrow to iron out the details. We'll see where this goes.

Let us know, I'm curious.

My company has a six figure contract with FEMA. It's not my account, but in my experience in dealing with other federal agencies, they require billing in arrears, usually net 30. There are exceptions when a vendor has large upfront costs and then can submit upfront billing. Otherwise, if it's under a certain dollar amount, the agency can pay with a credit card as soon as invoiced. I would think FEMA would be the best agency to deal with this way, since they expect to have to cough up lots of cash to ad hoc, non-CCR vendors in shaky conditions.

We've added another 20 men to the effort, now a total of 44. We are a CCR'd contractor so hopefully that will help with payments.

I am being reassured and told "not to worry" by the local gov't.

The stories of the destruction and how the families affected are pouring in from the field. I have never heard so many heartbreaking stories, like the elderly couple in Staten Island where the husband went into the basement and was overwhelmed by the surge of water filling up the basement. The gentleman tried to make it out but to no avail. His wife was on the other side of a door and heard her husband struggle and drown.

Very sad stories indeed. It's starting to get to me, but there is work to be done.

NY, I want to thank you for going ahead with the work that is so seriously need, and being willing to deal with the payment issues afterwords. Great priorities, and big commitment on your part! Well done!

I really hope you are not disappointed with the outcome.

Cheers Richard

We just bought over 200 boilers, 200 water heaters and related equipment in anticipation of repairs. We should be setting up shops and field offices in a few days in the areas that are hardest hit. City hall wants the heat back on. We'll hire 40 more men if needed.

We are hiring guys (union) that live in affected areas or have been displaced as a result of the storm and have been out of work. Listening to their stories is truly heartbreaking.

It's snowing now and cold. I spoke to one of my field supers who told me of a couple in Staten Island sleeping in the kitchen to keep warm by the heat of the stove.

The husband is a FDNY firefighter and his wife a RN. They won't leave the house for fear of looters.

We should be issuing each home a Mossberg.

My company is purchasing blankets, jackets and woolen hats to distribute to those without heat and are staying in their homes.

No thanks needed. We feel it is our moral obligation to help our communities and fellow citizens.

My company has major IDIQ contracts with FEMA and we probably to $300m+ a year during bad disaster times. Ive been doing FEMA work for 20+ years and have seen the good, bad and ugly. dont do it anymore because of this.

IF YOU ARE WORKING DIRECTLY for FEMA, you will probably be okay. If you are working for and being paid by a city, county, etc. who has to apply for FEMA funding under the Public Assistance Program, be careful. Your line of work sounds pretty safe. If you do debris removal or any other work that is provided on a no bid basis as rapid response after the storm, you may, and probably will, have trouble getting paid. FEMA scrutinizes these type contacts carefully and often denies the costs as excessive, unnecessary, or illegal as they violate public bid laws.

Make damn sure you keep accurate reports, time sheets, trip mileage, photos, etc. Document the heck out of everything and get and direction from your client in writing. Also, one of my favorite, make sure your workers are qualified to do the work they are performing. I recall during Katrina a to remain unnamed FEMA contractor hired a bunch of unemployed hair dressers to monitor debris removal. Didn't end well for them. Your employees have to be qualified to inspect gas lines if that is what their task is. Just sayin'.

Hope it works out for you.

Thanks for the input Mark. We are licensed plumbers and PE's. Our plumbers are supervised by a licensed plumber in the field and are all qualified to do a visual inspection.

Mike,
No experience with FEMA but thanks very much for being a decent human being

you may need extra clerical help to deal with gov paper blizzard

we as a county dept got lots of extra paper work when FEMA was paying
post andrew in 1992 in south dade