A policy push to reform FEMA can reshape disaster funding, acquisition rules, and mitigation priorities—directly affecting federal contractors across logistics, construction, IT, and resilience. Learn how potential shifts in Stafford Act thresholds, cost shares, emergency flexibilities, and domestic preference could alter pipelines, compliance duties, and performance expectations.

GAO’s new report (GAO-25-107474) finds extreme heat affects 97% of U.S. counties, yet FEMA funding and policies only marginally support heat as a primary hazard. No heat-only disaster declarations, few BRIC awards, and new rules curtail stand-alone heat retrofits. Federal contractors should pursue multi-hazard projects, strengthen BCA evidence, and align proposals to programs where heat is a co-benefit.

Former FEMA administrator Brock Long argues that FEMA’s survival depends on redefining its mission, curbing mission creep, and restoring focus on community lifelines, local-state-federal partnerships, and citizen preparedness. His call for a holistic, time-phased reform highlights the urgent need to rethink disaster management in the United States.