•   Sunday
• 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
• Level - Beginner
• Track - Emergency
• Speaker - Vonda Melchior, CPPB, C.P.M.

When disaster strikes, FEMA funding can be your jurisdiction's saving grace, but does your procurement function know when, what, and how to ensure that your entity gets the funding you need when you need it? Understanding the procurement function’s timeline can help you land millions of dollars but missing or ignoring it could cost even more. Learn the phases and timing that your procurement entity needs to know in order to qualify for FEMA funds in this targeted session, exploring the nuances of federal regulation and discovering the surprising truths about FEMA deadlines.

•   Monday
• 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
• Level - Intermediate
• Track - Emergency
• Speakers - Jason Reed and Debbie Wellnitz, MBA

With the ever-increasing rise of manmade and natural disasters happening across the country, it is crucial for public entities to be prepared to react at a moment’s notice. When it comes to activating in response to tragedy, no entity is more important than the procurement professional, who must be on the front lines to secure necessary funding during activated emergencies. Join us as we discuss and share FEMA guidelines, required forms, the importance of documentation, and many other attributes that are critical to helping you and your entity develop and pass a disaster procurement policy.

•   Monday
• 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
• Level - Advanced
• Track - Emergency
• Speaker - Nicky Dare, MBA

Seemingly more so than ever before, today’s world is filled with disasters and tragedies that challenge us to respond with precision in order to have immediate impact. Whether natural or man-made, disasters by their very nature are unexpected and difficult to anticipate, requiring us to be constantly vigilant and prepared to face adversity should it arise. Join us as we discuss how prevention, preparedness, forward thinking, and sustainability can help you and your entity prepare for the worst, exploring how risk management, emergency action, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans can proactively mitigate the risks inherent in emergency disaster management.

•   Tuesday
• 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
• Level - Advanced
• Track - Emergency
• Speakers - Kim Abrego, PT, DPT and Shelley Vineyard, MBA, RTSBA

Over 80% of FEMA’s Public Assistance dollars are allocated to the purchase of goods and professional services to recover/rebuild property lost to disaster. While testimonials run rampant concerning funding de-obligation, the procurement department is oftentimes pulled into recovery planning much too late. Join us and learn how you can take a seat at the recovery planning table, discussing proofing your procurement processes, required cost/price analyses, application of the most restrictive procurement and contracting rules (i.e. federal vs. state vs. local), and practical ways to meet the Six Affirmative Steps to assure that minority-owned and women-owned businesses are afforded contracting opportunities.

•   Tuesday
• 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
• Level - Intermediate
• Track - Emergency
• Speaker - Jesus Amezcua, PhD, CPA, RTSBA

Local and state governments are subject to the uniform grant guidance of CFR 200, a federal law that details many requirements that impact procurement processes and programs. To acquire federal funding from several agencies, including Health and Human Services, Education, FEMA, NASA, and the Agriculture Departments, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) adopted several policies to better coordinate and comply with this code. Join us as we review the implemented policies and procedures with emphasis on the cost analysis and some exceptions to the CFR 200, exploring how HCDE created an automated workflow to document its cost analysis review for its audit files in this informative and thought-provoking session.

•   Tuesday
• 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
• Level - Advanced
• Track - Emergency
• Speakers - Kim Abrego, PT, DPT and Shelley Vineyard, MBA, RTSBA

FEMA recently shared that disaster cost recovery training is one of the weakest links in emergency management. With many de-obligated dollars attributed to procurement, the procurement professional’s guidance is invaluable toward protecting FEMA recovery dollars. Join us as we dive into topics that will arm you to not only take a seat at the recovery planning table, but also inspire your organization to save you a seat because of your advanced knowledge navigating FEMA recovery pitfalls in this lecture-style session.

•   Wednesday
• 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
• Level - Advanced
• Track - Emergency
• Speakers - Tammy Rimes, MPA and Duff Erholtz

When disaster strikes, the 9-1-1 call comes in—but who do you call after the first responders are dispatched? Why Procurement, of course! Procurement preparedness before the emergency is important, with ready-to-go contracts and a packed “to-go” bag key to your entity’s success. Learn how “Plan B” comes into effect during the emergency, when plans go awry or new situations arise. After the smoke clears or the flood waters dry, it’s just as important for be aware of the after emergency activities to rebuild and recover. Join this special panel of disaster-oriented procurement professionals, with real-life stories, as they share insights on how their procurement teams helped “save the day,” discovering the top 3 things to stay in compliance with FEMA guidelines. Within this interactive session, take away ideas to strengthen your own preparations and leave with free copies of the NCPP’s First Aid Kit for Emergency Preparedness.