NEMA_RFQ_Amendment.docx

The purpose of this procurement is manage the National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC), which consists of facilitating information sharing, relationship building as well as fostering pre-existing relationships already forged over the history of this effort by NEMA, and solving the many complex challenges facing state and local governments.

In 2002, the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) began to regularly convene national associations representing state and local officials with responsibilities for emergency management, homeland security, law enforcement, fire, National Guard, emergency communications, public health, public works, agriculture, and emergency medical services. In 2005, the NHSC was created as an outgrowth of the “partnership summits” hosted by NEMA from 2002-2005.

Since the Consortium was established, NEMA has served as the sole administrative arm of the group and was chosen by the membership itself to serve in that position. The membership also selected NEMA to be a permanent Tri-Chair given its ability to provide ongoing leadership, securing funding support, administering grants, and providing full-time staff support. There is no other organization that is recognized by the Consortium membership to serve as its administrative arm, including securing funding, managing grants and providing financial oversight.

The success of the NHSC is due to the trust that has been established between the participating organizations established by NEMA, many of which have varied and sometimes divergent interests. The NEMA leadership and professional staff have an in-depth understanding of the sensitivities of dealing with many individual organizations that have different processes, procedures and approaches to policy development. The NHSC looks to NEMA to facilitate challenging policy discussions and issues resolution and to represent the interests and positions of the group to the federal government and other decision-makers. NEMA has a 20+ year history of working with FEMA and has worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security since its creation.

The work of the Consortium is focused on solving the many complex challenges facing state and local governments and the private sector in all hazards emergency preparedness. NEMA possesses the unique subject matter expertise and the experience to facilitate intergovernmental policy development and consensus building. NEMA has been recognized by the NHSC membership as their sole trusted agent and full-time administrator.

Interested parties who believe they possess requisite capabilities shall submit a corporate capabilities statement, no more than (5) pages addressing the requirement. All submissions shall be received by COB, Friday, August 9, 2013.