FEMA seeks contractor for asset-tracking system

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants a logistics software contractor who can develop and manage an asset-tracking service to provide greater visibility of activities that involve the agency’s disaster relief efforts concerning food and supplies.

FEMA published an updated Request for Information today asking contractors to submit their ideas for asset-tracking services to support  its Total Asset Visibility program in its logistics management unit.

The contractor must provide for asset-tracking devices and supplemental equipment, ensure secure data sharing and maintain detailed account balances. Prospective bidders should provide a description of their concept of operations and how they would support and improve FEMA’s asset-tracking program. Responses are due on April 17.

FEMA said it's using a government off-the-shelf system that provides logistics information on road and rail shipments. The vehicles and rail cars are tagged with global positioning system transponders to track their locations. The agency said it has several operational problems with the current system, including a limited ability to deploy new devices, to receive status messages and to be interoperable with partner systems.

FEMA said it's looking for a service provider rather than a manufacturer. The provider must have a capability to supply asset-tracking and monitoring services, and must have program management and integration experience.