Transitional Shelter Units

Request for Information Transitional Shelter Units INTRODUCTION The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is interested in expanding its temporary sheltering operational capability to improve assistance to disaster survivors during major and catastrophic events. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek industry input regarding innovative, temporarily placed congregate and non-congregate shelter units. Units could provide separate sleeping quarters for individual households with common services or contain multiple households in a single facility. We are considering all types of materials and designs but primarily those that can be connected to an HVAC system and can resist inclement weather conditions. Structures must be able to be assembled quickly by unskilled labor. BACKGROUND During an initial disaster response, when requested by an affected State, FEMA provides mass care support to disaster survivors in congregate and non-congregate shelters. When Federal and State programs are not capable of identifying sufficient or alternate accommodations (such as hotels/motels, rental assistance and travel trailers/manufactured housing), FEMA may be asked to provide an alternative solution. Currently, FEMA does not have a mechanism to support States with this type of request. The agency is committed to improve its sheltering capability by identifying innovative options for assisting survivors with temporary solutions for sheltering/housing shortfalls. Solutions should include a range of alternatives, such as erecting small, easily transported and affordable units that can be located in cluster sites and/or on a survivor's private property. ASSUMPTIONS Units will be easily transportable by standard tractor trailers or smaller vehicles Units will sleep a minimum of two adults Units can be secured by a locking mechanism on all ingress/egress routes Units will be made of fire-resistant material Units will be suitable for occupancy for up to six months but are not intended for permanent use Units will require minimal set-up: - o Can be erected/installed by unskilled labor - o If energized, units should be "plug and play" - o If wet, potable water should be provided by standard water hose REQUIRED INFORMATION Provide detail on unit's ability to withstand winds Provide R value for the shell, indicating shelter insulation capabilities Provide roof snow load Provide fire rating for materials used in construction Cite use of any recognized building codes (HUD, IRC, IBC) Provide detailed foundation requirements, including type of material Provide both inventory volume and weekly manufacturing capability Provide pictures of completely installed units, for reference Provide specifics on when and if the unit has been used previously in a disaster response Provide the number of untrained crew required to set up the unit Provide the total time for an untrained crew to set up the unit Specify whether the unit - in its "As Is" condition - can accommodate individuals with functional support needs Provide information as to whether or not the unit will meet ADA requirements Provide information on the interior air quality when used Provide information as to whether or not the materials are recyclable and reusable Provide information as to whether the materials and construction meet Buy American Act requirements Provide information as to whether or not the unit can be retrofitted, modified or expanded to meet the requirements of the RFI INNOVATION The use of innovative technologies in the manufacturing, delivery, set up, occupancy and deactivation of shelter units should be taken into account when submitting proposals. The following list provides examples of innovation that FEMA would consider, and is not meant to be comprehensive. Use of solar cells to provide power Green technology Self contained Folding/collapsible for delivery and storage Easy-to-install foundations Recyclable/reusable materials POTENTIAL SHELTERING SCENARIOS - 1) A Presidential declaration leads to an affected State requesting sheltering support from FEMA. Existing congregate shelters are not sufficient and additional, innovative sheltering solutions are required, as traditional temporary housing has a potentially significant ramp-up time. Cluster sites are established to provide survivor households with units that provide more privacy and stability than a traditional congregate setting, but with lower set-up and space requirements than temporary housing. Wrap-around services to sustain survivors may be provided at cluster sites until temporary or permanent housing can be established. - 2) The disaster survivor's home sustains damage during the disaster event. While the home was not destroyed, it requires repairs lasting up to six months before it is habitable. Rather than remaining in a congregate shelter or hotel room, the survivor is provided with a shelter unit on their property, adjacent to their damaged dwelling. This shelter unit allows the homeowner to remain near their home to safeguard their property and oversee repairs. Having this option available will potentially eliminate the need for more expensive traditional temporary housing options that require extensive set-up time. After catastrophic events (depending on various situational factors), wrap around services may be provided on private sites, serviced by volunteer agencies or the local, state, or federal government, to support the needs of disaster survivors. RESPONSE REQUIREMENT FEMA requests that the industry provides suggested solutions to the transitional sheltering requirements expressed in this Request for Information. Please submit your responses to: Sean Williams @ Sean.g.williams@dhs.gov by Feb 25, 2011. This request is for information gathering only. No contract will result from this RFI. No discussions are being held.