The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Accenture a US $58 million contract to provide program-management and business-architecture services for the agency's Flood Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning ("Risk MAP") program, which is designed to help reduce the nation's vulnerability to natural hazards. The competitively bid contract has a one-year base period and four one-year options.

Through collaboration with state, local and tribal entities, the Risk MAP program will provide an integrated national assessment of flooding risks based on digital flood-hazard data and Web-accessible data. This information will enable communities to develop action plans and make informed risk-management decisions that reduce the loss of life and property.

Under the contract, Accenture will work with FEMA's mitigation directorate to manage the Risk MAP program, including the work and activities of multiple organizations across several other Risk MAP contracts; integrate the work and activities of other contractors with FEMA's efforts; design and implement a nationwide communications and outreach strategy; and foster partnerships with key FEMA stakeholders.

"The work we'll be doing with FEMA on Risk MAP aligns with our commitment to helping our clients serve their clients — in this case, people who live in areas that are prone to weather-related issues," said Jerry Briggs, managing director of Accenture's U.S. federal practice.