He where contractors were positioned before an event and others where the response moved slowly. has seen communities
“Lives are at stake when national disasters happen, and the contractors need to be ready, ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
“I can tell you this: lives are saved when the response is quick.”
For Knellinger, small businesses are not peripheral to disaster recovery. “When the rubber meets the road and we have a disaster, it’s the backbone of small businesses that carry a community, a state through those disasters.”
But readiness is not just paperwork.
Eric Knellinger President, USFCR
Eric Knellinger President, USFCR
“What does your team look like?” he asks. “Because your team is going to equal your success.” That may mean employees, subcontractors, proposal professionals and prime contractors already positioned to move when an opportunity appears. Stephanie says teaming is especially important for companies breaking into government contracting. Working as a subcontractor can build past performance and credibility before a company pursues larger prime opportunities. During disaster recovery, established contractors may suddenly need additional help with “trucking, debris removal, roofing or blue tarping.” For a newer business, that subcontract can become the first real doorway into the federal marketplace.
“Technology is great and it can be a great tool, but it can’t be a crutch. You have to have a human touch.”
Stephanie Desautels Business Development Manager, USFCR
Stephanie Desautels Business Development Manager USFCR
Technology Still Needs a Human Being
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2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITY EXPO HOUSTON EDITION
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