The Flood That Triggered Federal Action
On July 4, 2025, historic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, following heavy rainfall that began late the night before. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, overtaking roads, homes, and critical infrastructure. More than 100 people lost their lives across the region, making it the deadliest flash flood Texas has seen in over 20 years.
As preventable injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States, June emphasizes the importance of safety and recognizes National Safety Month. [1] To raise awareness, USFCR is currently highlighting opportunities and resources to help businesses, nonprofits, and individuals continue to aid in injury prevention and preparation for potential disasters.
Natural disasters are occurring more often than ever, and as a business owner, it’s no longer enough to hope for the best. Being prepared for a natural disaster must be a part of your business strategy. According to a 2025 report by the Congressional Research Service, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and another 25% fail within a year.1 It’s a clear reminder that having a plan in place before disaster strikes can mean the difference between recovery and permanent closure. You can’t predict when a weather emergency will occur, but you can make sure your business is ready when it does.
The 2025 hurricane season isn’t just a headline. For federal contractors, it’s a signal. The latest projections from Colorado State University show an above-average Atlantic season. That means more storms, more landfalls, and more government contracts issued on short notice to businesses that are ready to respond.
If your business can deliver emergency services, housing, cleanup, logistics, or construction, this forecast could shape your next win.
The Disaster Expo USA, March 5 & 6th, is the premier event for professionals in disaster response, emergency preparedness, and resilience planning. Hosted in Miami, this expo gathers industry leaders, government agencies, and businesses specializing in disaster mitigation and recovery solutions. Attendees gain access to cutting-edge innovations, expert discussions, and networking opportunities that shape the future of disaster management.
Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and winter storms are becoming more frequent, intense, and expensive. Climate change is leading to more extreme weather, aging infrastructure struggles to withstand disasters, and population growth in high-risk areas means more damage when disaster strikes.
The numbers don’t lie. In the 1980s, the U.S. spent around $18 billion annually on disaster recovery. By the 2010s, that number had jumped to $81 billion per year—with individual disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey surpassing $100 billion each. And the trend isn’t slowing down.
When disaster strikes, the federal government steps in with massive funding to aid recovery efforts. But where does that money go, and how can businesses benefit from these opportunities? This article breaks down federal spending priorities, highlights which agencies manage funds, and explains how businesses can position themselves to secure emergency-related contracts.
Wildfire disaster recovery involves a wide range of services—from clearing debris to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring the environment. Contractors looking to secure federal contracts for these projects need to identify the correct NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes to align their services with federal opportunities. This guide explains the most relevant NAICS codes for wildfire recovery and how to use them effectively.
NAICS codes are critical for federal contracting. They categorize businesses based on their industries and services, helping federal agencies match contractors to specific project needs. For wildfire recovery, choosing the right NAICS code is essential to:
Ensure your business is visible for relevant contract opportunities.
Qualify for set-aside contracts tailored to small or disadvantaged businesses.
Streamline the federal contracting process by accurately defining your services.
Here are the most commonly used NAICS codes for wildfire disaster response and recovery:
561730 – Landscaping Services
Clearing trees, brush, and debris from wildfire-affected areas.
562998 – All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services
Handling specialized waste management tasks, such as removing hazardous debris.
624230 – Emergency and Other Relief Services
Providing temporary housing, food distribution, and emergency logistics.
621910 – Ambulance Services
Medical transport and emergency response in disaster areas.
238910 – Site Preparation Contractors
Grading, excavation, and preparation for rebuilding efforts.
237310 – Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Restoring damaged roads and bridges in wildfire-affected areas.
541330 – Engineering Services
Planning and engineering recovery efforts, such as rebuilding infrastructure and erosion control.
562910 – Remediation Services
Cleaning up hazardous materials and remediating contaminated sites.
113310 – Logging
Salvaging timber and managing forest health post-fire.
115310 – Support Activities for Forestry
Managing reforestation efforts and implementing wildfire prevention measures.
Follow these steps to ensure your business is using the most relevant NAICS codes for wildfire recovery:
Evaluate Your Services: Identify the core services your business provides that align with wildfire recovery needs.
Research Federal Opportunities: Look at active RFPs in wildfire disaster recovery to see which NAICS codes are being used.
Update Your SAM Profile: Ensure your SAM registration includes all applicable NAICS codes. This increases your chances of being matched to the right opportunities.
Highlight in Proposals: Clearly list your NAICS codes in your capability statement and proposals to show alignment with federal requirements.
Many wildfire recovery contracts are awarded through set-asides, which are opportunities reserved for small and disadvantaged businesses. By selecting the correct NAICS codes, you can qualify for:
Small Business Set-Asides: Contracts reserved exclusively for small businesses.
HUBZone Set-Asides: Opportunities for businesses located in historically underutilized business zones.
8(a) Program: Contracts for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
Some contractors still reference Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. While NAICS has largely replaced SIC, understanding how these systems relate can be helpful for businesses working with older clients or transitioning to federal work.
Stay Updated: NAICS codes evolve over time. Regularly review your codes to ensure they reflect your services accurately.
Seek Guidance: If you’re unsure which codes apply to your business, USFCR can help you analyze your services and update your SAM profile.
Be Proactive: Start researching wildfire-related RFPs early to identify trends in NAICS code usage.
Navigating NAICS codes and federal contracting can be overwhelming, but USFCR simplifies the process. Learn more about how USFCR can help you succeed in wildfire recovery through the VIPR Program. From SAM registration to proposal writing, we ensure your business is well-positioned for success in wildfire recovery projects. Contact us today to get started.
California’s 2025 wildfire season has already inflicted wide-ranging devastation, with Los Angeles County experiencing major blazes like the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst. Together, these fires have consumed over 40,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures, and pushed the estimated damage to $250 billion.
The Federal VIPR Program is now open for the 2025 season, running from January 1, 2025, to March 10, 2025, to help rebuild and bring in skilled professionals. This specialized initiative connects qualified contractors with federal funding opportunities, enabling them to assist in debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and community rehabilitation.
