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.

Within 48 hours, President Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration. That declaration set federal contracts into motion. FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies began deploying aid, equipment, and emergency response services. As always, that response includes rapid awards to pre-registered vendors.

When Texas Floods, Federal Agencies Buy Fast

Texas sees recurring flood disasters nearly every year. And every time, federal contracts follow.

• FEMA leads emergency response and coordinates resource distribution

• The Corps handles engineering, water management, and debris work

• GSA awards contracts for fuel, equipment, logistics, and emergency supplies

It happened after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It’s happening now in Kerr County. And it will continue throughout the 2025 storm season. Agencies are issuing simplified contracts under $250,000 and calling vendors who are already eligible in SAM.

What Contractors Are Being Hired to Do

The types of services awarded right now match the flood’s impact:

• Debris removal and waste hauling (NAICS 562119)

• Mold and water remediation (NAICS 562910)

• Portable toilets, water delivery, and sanitation

• Generators, diesel fuel, and shelter infrastructure

• Labor, transportation, and staging crews for FEMA sites

These awards go out quickly. Many are filled in under a week. But they only go to businesses that are active, visible, and aligned with the disaster needs.

What Disqualifies Most Businesses

Here’s what prevents contractors from being selected during these events:

• SAM profile is expired or still processing

• NAICS codes are outdated or don’t match flood services

• Business isn’t listed in the Disaster Response Registry

• Contact information is incorrect or incomplete

• No capabilities statement ready for contracting officers

This is where most businesses lose out. The government doesn’t follow up to fix errors. They award to the next vendor on the list who’s ready now.

A Pattern, Not a One-Time Event

Central Texas is historically prone to flash flooding. Kerr County isn’t the exception. It’s part of a long-standing floodplain with a track record of rapid water rise and infrastructure damage.

NOAA continues to report conditions that support ongoing rainfall and high-impact flood potential through late summer. That means more storms, more declarations, and more opportunities for contractors who can respond.

How USFCR Helps Contractors Respond

We work with businesses that want to be eligible before the next contract drops. Our support focuses on federal visibility and award readiness.

This includes:

• SAM registration and renewal

• CAGE code validation

• Correct disaster-aligned NAICS codes

• Disaster Response Registry opt-in

• Capability statement built for emergency response

• Simplified acquisition compliance setup

We’ve supported thousands of businesses across disaster declarations, including in construction, logistics, sanitation, fuel supply, and mobile support. We don’t guess at what the government needs. We’ve worked inside these systems and understand what makes your business visible when FEMA starts buying.

If you’re a contractor in Texas or can serve the region, this is when federal contracting opportunities appear. But to qualify, your business must be ready in SAM and match what federal buyers are looking for.

FAQ
How many people were killed in the Kerr County flood?
As of July 8, at least 84 people were confirmed dead in Kerr County, with over 100 deaths across all affected counties. This is one of the deadliest floods in Texas's history.

Is the Disaster Response Registry required?
It’s not mandatory, but FEMA and the Corps use it to identify vendors during urgent disaster response. It improves your visibility during time-sensitive awards.

How long does SAM registration take right now?
SAM registration or fixes typically take 3 to 30 days, though delays may occur due to government processing times or incomplete submissions. USFCR works to expedite this process by addressing issues proactively.

View full FAQ page

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