Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Dos and

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery: Do’s and Don’ts Lee W. Smithson Executive Director

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Disaster Procurement Do’s and Don’t’s § Pre-approved, pre-disaster standby contracts are excellent. § Be wary of consultants and contractors that promise the world. § Don’t go to jail and don’t risk not being reimbursed.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Disaster Procurement Do’s and Don’t’s § Contracts must be secured through a competitive process. § Cast a wide net to get more competition. § Stay away from prohibited contracts. § You CANNOT expand existing contracts to include disaster services. § Disaster costs must be eligible and reasonable. § MEMA is here to help you get you every penny you deserve but not a penny more! § DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT!

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency § MEMA is available to help guide you through the procurement and contracting process. § MEMA Senior Attorney: Larissa Womack lwomack@mema. ms. gov Office: 601 -933 -6384

Community Based Recovery Committee – A CBRC is a Community Based Recovery Committee made up of community faith based groups, local organizations, etc. Its purpose is to identify and assist with the recovery efforts of the disaster stricken community(s) and its survivors. Meredith Lee, MEMA Coordinator mlee@mema. ms. gov

Community Based Recovery Committee • Organizations providing resources in the recovery process 3 M’s: § MONEY § MANPOWER § MATERIALS • Representatives from faith and other organizations • Local agencies where regular programs extend to disaster-related needs • Groups with funds collected for disaster recovery • Groups who provide volunteer labor • Groups and businesses who can donate materials

SOURCES OF HELP Just a few…. 7

Disabilities Advisor • 23 % of Mississippians have a disability. • MEMA is committed to inclusiveness and accessibility in every aspect. Christy Dunaway cdunaway@mema. ms. gov • Recovery Centers, Shelters, Reservists, etc…

Disaster Reservists • On track for 300 reservists registered by the end of 2016. • Available to respond on an as-needed basis to any disaster with $23/hr compensation. • MEMA provides training for deployment. • Apply at www. msema. org.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Questions? Lee W. Smithson Executive Director lsmithson@mema. ms. gov 601 -850 -6362