Request for Information - FEMA Public-Assistance Technical Assistance (PA-TAC) VI Contract

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from interested contractors regarding FEMA's anticipated acquisition for PA-TAC VI. The goal is to understand market capabilities and inform the development of a potential future solicitation or PWS. FEMA reserves the right to use non-proprietary technical information submitted in future acquisition documents.

• NAICS Code: 541611

• PSC Code: R429

• Anticipated Period of Performance Start Date: October 2026

• Submission Deadline: 2:00 PM EST, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

• Submission Method: Electronically to Sharon Edwards (Sharon.Edwards3@fema.dhs.gov) and Erich Ducote (erich.ducote@fema.dhs.gov).

• Email Subject Line: "RFI #2 Response for PA-TAC VI - (Company Name)"

• Required Content: Responses must include company name, address, UEI, point of contact, business size status (relative to NAICS code size standards), and GSA Schedule/DHS Strategic Sourcing Vehicle information. Use the provided "v2 Answers template".

Respondents are asked to provide feedback on:

• Clarity and sufficiency of the draft PWS for proposal development and cost estimation.

• Adequacy of a 30-day proposal preparation period.

• Company capabilities, staffing, and mobilization for concurrent operations.

• Financial resources to meet base contract requirements and sustain operations during periods of low activity.

• Ability to develop, administer, and document PA-related training.

• Recommendations for achieving the lowest practicable fully burdened labor rates.

• Sufficiency of proposed labor categories and quantities.

• Concerns or recommendations regarding the draft PWS.

• Ability to comply with Limitations on Subcontracting (FAR 52.219-14(e)(1)) if a small business.

• Capability to staff all required labor categories.

• Experience with Time-and-Materials or Cost Reimbursement contracts over $25 million.

• Sufficiency of technical and financial resources to sustain base contract obligations and retain Key Personnel during inactive periods.

• Adequacy of accounting systems for Time-and-Materials and Labor Hour contracts, including experience with DCAA audits and financial capacity to manage reimbursement lag.

• All costs incurred in responding to this RFI are the sole responsibility of the respondent.

• FEMA incurs no obligation for costs incurred.

• Proprietary information should be clearly marked. FEMA may use non-proprietary technical information in future solicitations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a template for vendors to provide answers and recommendations regarding a draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) and related solicitation details. It is designed to gather vendor feedback on clarity, sufficiency, and feasibility of requirements, as well as their company's capabilities and capacity.

• RFI Questions: A series of numbered questions (1-15) covering:
  • Clarity and sufficiency of the draft PWS for proposal development and cost estimation.
  • Adequacy of the proposed proposal submission timeframe (30 days).
  • Company capabilities to perform all requirements, including staffing and mobilization.
  • Financial resources to meet base contract requirements and sustain operations during periods of low activity or reimbursement lag.
  • Recommendations for achieving the lowest practicable labor rates.
  • Sufficiency of proposed labor categories.
  • Concerns, comments, or recommendations regarding the draft PWS.
  • Small business concerns, including limitations on subcontracting and NAICS code qualifications.
  • Experience with Time-and-Materials or Cost Reimbursement contracts, and DCAA audits.
  • Adequacy of accounting systems for Time-and-Materials and Labor Hour contracts.
• Vendor Response Fields: Columns for "Vendor Answers or Recommendation for PWS Statement (if applicable)", "FEMA's RESPONSE", "For OCCPO Action", "For PMO Action", "Document to be edited", and "Completed".

This template is crucial for potential bidders to provide structured feedback on the draft PWS and solicitation. Completing this document will help FEMA refine the requirements and understand vendor capabilities and concerns. It also serves as a mechanism for vendors to highlight potential challenges or suggest improvements that could impact their ability to submit a compliant and competitive proposal. Specific questions address financial capacity, staffing, and accounting system requirements, which are critical for bidders to assess their suitability for the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing questions posed to vendors regarding a Request for Information (RFI) for the PA-TAC VI opportunity. It includes specific questions about the clarity and sufficiency of the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), proposal preparation timelines, vendor capabilities, small business limitations, financial resources, labor categories, and invoicing procedures. The spreadsheet also provides columns for vendor answers or recommendations and FEMA's responses.

• Vendor Name Sheet: Contains numbered questions (1-16) covering various aspects of the draft PWS and contract requirements.
• Specific Areas of Inquiry: Includes questions on PWS clarity, proposal timeline sufficiency, company capabilities (staffing, mobilization), small business limitations (FAR 52.219-14), financial resources for base contract and potential lag time, labor categories, invoicing processes (TMC reports, SF 1408 criteria), and DCAA audit experience.
• Small Business Specific Questions: Dedicated questions (e.g., 4, 9, 11, 15b, 16) address small business status, subcontracting limitations, and financial capacity for small businesses.
• Response Fields: Columns are provided for vendors to input their answers, recommendations, and for FEMA to provide official responses.

This document is crucial for potential bidders to understand the government's specific concerns and information needs related to the PA-TAC VI opportunity. It guides vendors on what aspects of their capabilities, financial health, and understanding of the PWS the government is most interested in. Responding to these questions will help vendors prepare a more compliant and competitive proposal and allows FEMA to gather critical feedback to refine the solicitation.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for the Public Assistance – Technical Assistance Contract VI (PA-TAC VI) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The objective is to procure Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to support FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) activities and other FEMA missions in response to major disasters and emergencies.

The contract will support FEMA's mission by providing qualified technical personnel to assist with the PA Program. Key support areas include:

• Site Inspection (SI) support
• Field Technical support
• Program Delivery Manager (PDMG) support
• Technical support for equipment rates and the Community Disaster Loan (CDL) Program
• PA appeals, audits, and arbitration support
• PA program analysis
• Cost Estimating Format (CEF) support
• Consolidated Resource Center (CRC) support
• National-level mission support tasks (training, planning, project management)
• Additional technical support as identified at the order level.

Up to five vendors will be selected through competition, with orders awarded based on specific needs.

Contractors must adhere to quality standards outlined in the PWS and applicable documents. Reporting requirements include weekly security rosters, monthly Technical Monitor Certification (TMC) reports, and annual/final reports. Specific performance requirements will be detailed in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) and at the order level.

The contract has a base period from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, with four option periods extending through September 30, 2031. The Place of Performance will be specified at the order level and may include contractor sites, FEMA offices, or remote locations. FEMA will authorize remote work to the maximum extent possible.

• Personnel: Qualified personnel are required, with specific qualifications detailed in Attachment 1. Key Personnel (Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager) must be designated. Background investigations (Tier 1, T2, or T4 depending on risk) are mandatory for all personnel accessing FEMA systems or sensitive information.
• Security: Adherence to DHS and FEMA security directives, including IT security awareness training, privacy training, safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and background investigations.
• Contract Type: A hybrid contract with Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Labor Hour (LH), and Time & Materials (T&M) CLINs is anticipated.
• Deliverables: Various reports, management plans, quality control plans, and training plans are required.
• Other: Compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards, DHS Enterprise Architecture, Federal Records Act, and specific clauses related to AI, geospatial information, foreign travel, and information sharing.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from interested contractors regarding FEMA's anticipated Performance Work Statement (PWS) for PA-TAC VI. The goal is to gather market research to identify potential technical solution providers and inform the acquisition strategy. Respondents are advised that any costs incurred in responding are their own responsibility, and FEMA incurs no obligation.

Respondents are asked to provide feedback on the draft PWS, including:

• Clarity and sufficiency of the PWS for proposal development.

• Adequacy of a 30-day proposal preparation timeframe.

• Company's ability to perform all requirements, including staffing and mobilization.

• Ability to meet Limitations on Subcontracting (FAR 52.219-14(e)(1)) if a small business.

• Financial resources to meet base contract requirements and sustain operations, especially concerning proposed minimum funding.

• Recommendations for achieving the lowest fully-burdened labor rates.

• Sufficiency of proposed labor categories and quantities.

• General concerns, comments, or recommendations regarding the draft PWS.

• Deadline: 2:00 PM EST, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

• Submission Method: Electronically to Sharon Edwards (Sharon.Edwards3@fema.dhs.gov) and Erich Ducote (erich.ducote@fema.dhs.gov).

• Email Subject: "RFI #2 Response for PA-TAC VI - (Company Name)"

• Format: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf).

• Page Limit: Maximum 5 pages (excluding cover page). No promotional materials.

• Content: Responses must include specific company information (Name, Address, UEI, POC, business size status, NAICS size standard, GSA Schedule/DHS Vehicle info if applicable) and address all applicable questions. Incomplete responses may be disregarded.

• NAICS Code: 541611

• PSC Code: R429

• Anticipated Period of Performance Start Date: October 2026

• Proprietary Information: Respondents must identify any proprietary information. FEMA may use non-proprietary technical information in future solicitations.

• Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI): Respondents should be aware of and mitigate any potential OCIs per FAR Part 9.5.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) Contracts to support FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) activities, serving as a follow-on to the PA-TAC V contract. The primary goal is to provide qualified contractor personnel to assist FEMA in delivering the PA Program effectively and efficiently in response to Presidentially declared disasters and other emergencies.

The contract will involve up to ten (10) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, awarded competitively within five defined zones (Atlantic, East, Central, West, HQ & CRC). Key services include:

• Site Inspection (SI) support
• Field Technical support
• Program Delivery Manager (PDMG) support
• Technical support for equipment rates and the PA Community Disaster Loan (CDL) Program
• PA appeals, audits, and arbitration support
• PA program analysis
• Cost Estimating Format (CEF) support
• Consolidated Resource Center (CRC) support
• National-level mission support tasks (training, planning, project management)

Contractors must adhere to quality standards outlined in the PWS and applicable documents. Performance will be monitored via a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Specific reporting requirements include a Management Plan, Quality Control Plan (QCP), Training Plan, Security Startup Roster, Final Voucher and Closeout Tracker, and Annual/Final Reports.

The contract includes a base period and four option periods, extending from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031. The Place of Performance will be specified at the Task Order Proposal Request (TOPR) level and may include contractor sites, FEMA offices, or remote locations within the U.S. and its territories.

• Personnel: Requires qualified personnel with specific labor categories (detailed in Table 1), including Key Personnel (Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager) with defined experience and qualifications. Background investigations (Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 4) are mandatory for all personnel based on risk designation.
• Security: Adherence to strict security protocols, including safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), IT security awareness training, privacy training, and background investigations.
• Compliance: Must comply with all applicable federal regulations, including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, CFR, FAR, and DHS directives.
• Reporting: Regular reporting on performance, personnel, and contract status is required.
• Use of Local Firms: Contractors are encouraged to utilize local firms where feasible.
• Contract Type: Hybrid IDIQ with Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Labor Hour (LH), and Time & Materials (T&M) CLINs.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains vendor questions and FEMA's responses regarding a Request for Information (RFI) related to PA-TAC VI. It aims to clarify requirements and gather feedback on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• PWS Clarity: Vendors were asked if the draft PWS is clear and sufficient for proposal development. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• Proposal Timeline: The RFI questioned if 30 days is sufficient for proposal preparation for a full trade-off best value source selection. Vendors were asked to provide a reasonable timeframe if 30 days is insufficient. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• Company Capabilities: Vendors were asked to detail their ability to perform all requirements, including current capabilities, staff availability, and mobilization speed for concurrent FEMA operations. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• Small Business Limitations: Certified Small Businesses were asked about their ability to meet requirements while conforming to FAR 52.219-14(e)(1), Limitations on Subcontracting. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• Financial Resources: Vendors were questioned on their financial capacity to meet base contract requirements and sustain out-of-pocket expenditures, specifically addressing the development of PA-related training and provision of services under PWS 4, given the proposed guaranteed minimum funding. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• Labor Rates: Vendors were asked for recommendations to enable proposing the lowest fully-burdened labor rates and any associated tradeoffs or risks. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• Labor Categories: The sufficiency of proposed labor categories and quantities in PWS 2.3 was questioned, along with suggestions for inclusions/exclusions. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).
• General PWS Comments: Vendors were invited to provide any concerns, comments, or recommendations regarding the draft PWS. (No specific response provided in the extracted text).

This RFI and its responses (when available) will inform the final solicitation by clarifying requirements, potentially adjusting timelines, and ensuring the PWS is clear and achievable for potential bidders. The questions highlight key areas of concern for vendors regarding capability, financial capacity, and proposal preparation.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct market research regarding industry capabilities and interest for Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contracts (PA-TAC VI). This is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded from this RFI. FEMA is seeking industry comments on a draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) to inform future acquisition strategies.

FEMA is requesting feedback on the following:

• Clarity, conciseness, and sufficiency of the draft PWS for proposal development.

• Adequacy of a 30-day proposal preparation timeframe for a full trade-off best value source selection.

• Company capabilities to perform all requirements, including staff mobilization for concurrent operations.

• Ability of Small Businesses to meet subcontracting limitations (FAR 52.219-14(e)(1)).

• Financial resources to meet contract requirements, including training and other applicable conditions, given the proposed minimum funding.

• Recommendations for achieving the lowest fully-burdened labor rates and any associated trade-offs.

• Sufficiency of proposed Labor Categories and quantities, and suggestions for additions/deletions.

• General concerns, comments, or recommendations regarding the draft PWS.

• The draft PWS outlines support for the Public Assistance (PA) Program and FEMA in CONUS and OCONUS.

• The NAICS code for this procurement is 541611.

• Responses are voluntary and will not be paid for.

• Submissions must be in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PDF format.

• A capability statement (max 3 pages) and answers in an attached Q&A spreadsheet are required.

• Responses must be emailed to Sharon Edwards (sharon.edwards3@fema.dhs.gov) and Erich Ducote (erich.ducote@fema.dhs.gov) with the subject line: “RFI Response – (Company Name), PA-TAC VI”.

• Responses are due by Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 2:00 pm ET.

• Respondents will not be automatically notified of any future solicitation.

• Interested parties should monitor www.fbo.gov for official announcements.