# Businesses Build Disaster-Response Partnerships

Former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell argues that businesses should establish disaster-response partnerships with government and nonprofit organizations before emergencies occur. Drawing on Hurricane Isaias examples, she points to private-sector capabilities in communications, power, transportation, and essential supplies. The article identifies no solicitation, contract award, or direct procurement opportunity; its relevance is preparedness and relationship-building across the emergency-response ecosystem.

- Companies with response-relevant capabilities can identify how their services or supplies could support emergency managers and relief organizations before a disaster occurs.
- Procurement professionals may find value in including private-sector and nonprofit coordination in preparedness planning, while recognizing that the article does not announce a specific purchasing requirement or funding opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** November 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

### Sources
- [When the storm hits, the private sector must show up | FedScoop](https://fedscoop.com/fema-storm-response-private-sector-assistance) - FedScoop