DHS Establishes Coronavirus Procurement Team, Provides Additional Contractor Guidance

The Department of Homeland Security announced last week a specialized team dedicated to procurement related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Procurement & Acquisition Innovation Response (PAIR) Team is providing support to DHS components, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in reviewing, vetting, and coordinating procurement inquiries.

In a notice by Chief Procurement Officer Soraya Correa, the agency explains that it has received a “significant surge” in inquiries and offers to assist in the COVID-19 response by industry partners. The PAIR team will help components work through these inquiries with a focus on “new and innovative ideas and solutions” to the problems being experienced.

The notice directs industry partners to continue submitting offers to assist by email and informs them that the email inbox is being “monitored constantly.”

“As these messages are reviewed, they are immediately referred to those teams who can most quickly respond and utilize the information. This may include referral to my Strategic Sourcing Program Office for validation and tracking of sources of critically needed supplies, or, to the PAIR Team,” the notice explains. “The COVID-19 PAIR team is ensuring that DHS is maximizing procurement flexibilities and innovative approaches to meet the requirements for COVID-19 response.”

This notice is Correa’s second coronavirus related note to DHS industry partners. In a March 25 note, Correa notified contractors working with the agency of new safety measures being implemented at DHS offices to prevent the spread of the virus, including temperature checks upon entrance at certain facilities.

“People without proper credentials or documentation, people who may be ill, and/or people who may pose a risk to others will not be granted access. Contractor and subcontractor employees who are denied access to DHS facilities or work spaces should notify their employer of the denial and the basis for it. Companies doing business with DHS should take the appropriate action to keep the employees and their coworkers safe and healthy. The health, welfare, and safety of the DHS federal and contractor workforce is paramount during this unprecedented time,” the notice reads.

Contractors are instructed to assume these conditions will continue for at least 30 days, at which point they will be reassessed.