Forward Edge-AI to Improve FEMA’s Procurement Processes Under Phase III SBIR Contract

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has selected Forward Edge-AI’s technology to modernize the agency’s procurement processes as part of FEMA’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Forward Edge-AI was awarded a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contract to transform acquisition methods and provide greater spending visibility through the use of blockchain, robotic process automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence. The technologies are expected to streamline disaster and humanitarian response and drive overall performance for government IT management, Forward Edge-A said.

According to Eric Adolphe, Forward Edge-AI’s CEO, a modern procurement system will enable FEMA and its partners to meet their mission of helping people before, during and after disasters.

“Forward Edge-AI is well positioned to support the bold vision and ambitious goals of the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan, which includes equity in emergency management,” Adolphe said.

FEMA most recently performed disaster response activities in Florida, which was hit by Hurricane Ian. FEMA urban search and rescue teams from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Defense, among other agencies, performed rescue operations in cooperation with local officials. FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance teams focused on the hardest-hit communities to help survivors sign up for assistance and identify immediate and emerging threats.

A day after the storm made landfall on the western coast of Florida on Sept. 28, President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration through which FEMA and other federal agencies provided immediate assistance to remove debris and restore electricity, communications and other systems and utilities.