By Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland
June 18, 2007

Although the federal government has provided significant funding for homeland security and disaster assistance, cities have often had trouble meeting the spending and procurement deadlines set in statute. To help respond to the needs of cities, the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance has awarded a contract for homeland security and disaster assistance commodities through a public solicitation. This solicitation was done on behalf of all local and state public agencies, as well as for non-profit organizations serving local governments.

A team of professional public procurement officials from cities and counties across the United States structured the homeland security solicitation to meet the needs of the Homeland Security Administration and the Office of Domestic Preparedness for the use of federally-funded support to local and state agencies. The contract contains thousands of safety and security-related products in twelve categories:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Explosive Device Mitigation and Remediation Equipment

• CBRNE Search & Rescue Equipment

• Interoperable Communications Equipment

• Detection Equipment

• Decontamination Equipment

• Physical Security Enhancement Equipment

• Terrorism Incident Prevention Equipment

• CBRNE Logistical Support Equipment

• Medical Supplies

• CBRNE Reference Materials

• Other non-listed Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Fire Equipment

Most of the products offered qualify for funding under the Homeland Security Administration guidelines.

Over 300 manufacturers are represented through the contract; therefore, it is important to engage with the supplier early in the procurement process to identify needs and determine alternatives that are available. Pricing has been established at a 39 percent discount off the supplier’s most current price list. Freight terms are FOB Destination and quantity discounts may be available through the contract.

In addition, the supplier can provide agencies with the ability to track all of their procurement spending through their Grant Tracker program. This web-based program provides agencies with the detailed information they need to track spending histories and monitor grant compliance.

In light of the recent disasters across the Gulf States, Texas, Oklahoma and California, this contract also provides significant support for disaster assistance and relief. Coupled with the new MRO contract, the existing technology, electrical and communications/data contracts, U.S. Communities provides a comprehensive strategic sourcing program for public agencies across the United States.

U.S. Communities is open to all local and state public agencies and non-profits in the United States and Canada. The program charges no fees to pubic agencies, requires no minimum spending and provides oversight by professional public procurement officials from across the country.

For more information on the U.S. Communities Program, contact Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland at 301-460-5251 or send e-mail to kweyland@usmayors.org.