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Contractors Supporting a DHS-Issued, Priority-Rated Contract

When you're involved with a priority-rated contract issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Federal Priorities and Allocations System (FPAS), it's important to know what's expected of you, whether you're a prime contractor or a sub-tier supplier.

Here's what you need to know.

Understanding Your Role

Prime Contractors

You receive your contracts directly from DHS. Your job is to complete the work as outlined in your contract.

Sub-tier Suppliers

You get your contracts through the prime contractor. Your role is to support the prime contractor by providing necessary materials or services.

What You Must Do

Accept Contracts

You have 15 working days to decide whether to accept a priority-rated order. This applies even if the materials or services are ones you normally provide.

Meet Deadlines

Your main goal is to make sure you meet the delivery dates agreed upon in the contract. You might need to prioritize these contracts over others to meet these deadlines.

Work with Subcontractors

If you need to hire subcontractors to help complete a DHS contract, they must also prioritize this work. You are responsible for passing on the priority rating to any subcontractors you use.

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You won’t face any penalties for issues that arise from following these rules, but intentional failure to comply can lead to serious consequences.

If Problems Arise

If you run into a problem that might delay your work:

  • Inform your customer immediately.
  • Explain what caused the delay, what you're doing to fix it, and how the delay could affect the delivery schedule.

Communication is Key

Keep the line of communication open. If the delay affects your ability to meet deadlines, your customer needs to know right away.

They, in turn, will inform their own customer up the chain, all the way back to the DHS contracting officer.

DHS Contract Officer’s Role

They will review the situation and decide on the next steps. They may need to gather more information to find a solution and ensure minimal disruption.

Always keep your DHS contracting officer in the loop about any potential issues. They are there to help navigate challenges and ensure the contract is fulfilled as smoothly as possible.

When you're involved with a priority-rated contract issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Federal Priorities and Allocations System (FPAS), it's important to know what's expected of you, whether you're a prime contractor or a sub-tier supplier.

Here's what you need to know.

Understanding Your Role

Prime Contractors

You receive your contracts directly from DHS. Your job is to complete the work as outlined in your contract.

Sub-tier Suppliers

You get your contracts through the prime contractor. Your role is to support the prime contractor by providing necessary materials or services.

What You Must Do

Accept Contracts

You have 15 working days to decide whether to accept a priority-rated order. This applies even if the materials or services are ones you normally provide.

Meet Deadlines

Your main goal is to make sure you meet the delivery dates agreed upon in the contract. You might need to prioritize these contracts over others to meet these deadlines.

Work with Subcontractors

If you need to hire subcontractors to help complete a DHS contract, they must also prioritize this work. You are responsible for passing on the priority rating to any subcontractors you use.

alert - warning

You won’t face any penalties for issues that arise from following these rules, but intentional failure to comply can lead to serious consequences.

If Problems Arise

If you run into a problem that might delay your work:

  • Inform your customer immediately.
  • Explain what caused the delay, what you're doing to fix it, and how the delay could affect the delivery schedule.

Communication is Key

Keep the line of communication open. If the delay affects your ability to meet deadlines, your customer needs to know right away.

They, in turn, will inform their own customer up the chain, all the way back to the DHS contracting officer.

DHS Contract Officer’s Role

They will review the situation and decide on the next steps. They may need to gather more information to find a solution and ensure minimal disruption.

Always keep your DHS contracting officer in the loop about any potential issues. They are there to help navigate challenges and ensure the contract is fulfilled as smoothly as possible.

More Information

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Full Guidance

For details on the regulations and responsibilities of contractors supporting a DHS-issued, priority-rated contract, view the full guidance.

If you have questions or need assistance with FPAS, you can contact our designated FPAS officer at FEMA-DPA@fema.dhs.gov.