SAIC Helps in Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts

Ahead of The Storm

In the days before Hurricane Sandy hit, SAIC prepared to support our existing customers in the state of Connecticut, as well as other communities along the Eastern Seaboard. Our teams tracked the storm in order to be ready to mobilize quickly and provide emergency management preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery services for state and local government customers in the areas affected most by Sandy.

In the wake of the super storm, SAIC disaster recovery teams were on the ground helping public organizations conduct the post-event operations — and recover more quickly from what forecasters are calling the largest storm to hit the Eastern Seaboard in decades. Within days, SAIC had deployed more than 50 staff and debris field monitors to support emergency cleanup efforts in Connecticut and other communities.

"Our number one concern is assisting local authorities as they get their communities back on their feet quickly," said Jonathan Burgiel, vice president and operations manager for SAIC's disaster recovery division. "Having served more than 340 state/local customers, representing 1,500 communities and more than 30 million people nationally, we have the expertise and experience to help our customers get back on their feet."

Hands-On Experience in Post-Event Operations

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, government organizations face the overwhelming task of coordinating, implementing, and managing a disaster recovery effort while trying to provide normal day-to-day services and respond to customer concerns. Since the 1970s, SAIC has provided services to help during and after many natural and man-made emergencies. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, SAIC has worked with local governments (cities/counties), private and non-profit organizations, state governments, public utilities, and universities to recover from more than 25 different nationally declared disaster events.

In SAIC's planning efforts, the company provides multi-jurisdictional coordination as well as debris contractor procurement so the agreements are in place and crews can be mobilized within hours of an event. "We understand the importance of a unified message and chain of command, especially when disseminating critical information," said John Buri, director of client services for SAIC’s disaster recovery division.

SAIC is experienced in the operational processes and procedures required to help customers receive maximum reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and/or state emergency management agencies. We provide compliance monitoring and audit oversight and appeals support when disputes occur. Our post-event response services routinely include program management, collection and disposal monitoring, geographical information system (GIS) and mapping services, and call center operations.

"Helping communities respond to disasters is an integral part of what we do at SAIC," Burgiel said. "Helping them respond to an ever-changing emergency management environment is just as vital. SAIC is committed to staying on the cutting edge of disaster recovery and to providing outstanding service to our customers.”