October 11, 2005 - The U.S. Department of Commerce has established a clearinghouse for businesses seeking hurricane rebuilding and recovery work. The Hurricane Contracting Information Center (HCIC) provides all necessary information to participate in contracting, subcontracting or reconstruction efforts.

HCIC provides a central point of reference for businesses, especially minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and small- and medium-sized enterprises, to register for and become aware of federal contracting opportunities in the Gulf Coast.

"The administration is reaching out to companies of all sizes, especially minority-owned enterprises, to guarantee that those seeking to join the rebuilding efforts can navigate federal agencies and bid for contracts with ease," said Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez. "This center provides the necessary information to U.S. businesses to participate in Gulf Coast contracting, subcontracting and reconstruction."
The HCIC is an interagency effort to provide a centralized location for information and services available throughout the government geared to help in the contracting process. The HCIC is being staffed by representatives from various federal agencies including: Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Department of Education, General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The HCIC includes a website, www.rebuildingthegulfcoast.gov, that allows companies to register with government agencies that are providing contracts to rebuild the Gulf Coast. The website also provides basic information on doing business with the government, e-mail alerts regarding specific contracting opportunities, links to other government and local agencies, and information about minority business services.

The HCIC also includes a call center (1-888-4USADOC) with representatives from different government agencies on site to provide information on rebuilding opportunities. The call center will help businesses navigate the state and federal contracting process.

The HCIC will provide information and add transparency to the contracting process, but will not award contracts. Those responsibilities will remain with the specific government agencies.

Back to HCB News

More Industry Headlines