Private Sector Initiative (PSI): Providing Training and Technical Support to HAZUS-MH Users

The release of HAZUS-MH, FEMA's multi-hazard loss estimation methodology and software application, marks an important milestone in the development of risk assessment tools and technology in the U.S. HAZUS-MH-which has evolved through a decade of FEMA-supported risk assessment research and modeling-provides decision makers with a powerful, sophisticated tool for estimating potential damage and economic losses to buildings and lifelines (transportation and utilities) from hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. It also allows users to estimate the impacts of these hazards on populations. Future versions will link "third party models" that estimate exposure and loss from manmade hazards, including blast and releases of chemical, biological and radiological agents.

It is anticipated that the new capabilities in HAZUS-MH will lead to a significant increase in the number of users. One study (HAZUS Market Characterization Study, FEMA 2002) estimates that by 2008, the potential market of HAZUS users will grow to 20,000. This includes the nearly 20,000 communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as the 994 communities that participate in the NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS). HAZUS-MH will also stimulate the continued growth of HAZUS User Groups (HUGs), which have been formed across the U.S. to coordinate and promote the use of HAZUS-MH. To date, more than 15 HUGs have been formed.

The Basics of Private Sector Initiative: What is it?

In recognition of the unprecedented demand for HAZUS-MH training and technical assistance from an expanding and increasingly diverse group of users, FEMA launched the Private Sector Initiative (PSI) in 2002. The goal of the PSI is to establish a self-sufficient program, administered through the private sector, that will provide a broad range of fee-based services to the next generation of HAZUS-MH users, including training, technical assistance, software troubleshooting, on-site support in the application of HAZUS-MH, and other technical services.

The centerpiece of PSI is the HAZUS Vendor Program (HVP). The goal of the HVP is to recruit, train, authorize and register a core group of "vendors" who will take the lead in providing training and technical assistance to HAZUS-MH users in three technical service areas: Hurricane-Wind Analysis, Flood Analysis and Earthquake Analysis. The vendors will bring a unique combination of skills and experience to the HVP, including experience in the use of HAZUS-MH, a strong background in geographic information systems, expertise in hurricane-wind, flood and/or earthquake hazards, experience in computer-based training, and an understanding of the needs, priorities, and capabilities of a broad range of HAZUS-MH users.

To date, priority has been given to publicizing the PSI and identifying interested and qualified private sector and nonprofit organizations. The outreach program was accelerated and expanded through 2004.

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HAZUS-MH Vendor and Trainer Programs - Training and Authorization

HAZUS-MH Vendor Program
The objective is to fully prepare vendors to provide a consistently high level of HAZUS-MH training, technical assistance and software troubleshooting support for a diverse group of potential users. In May and June, 2004, the first class of HAZUS-MH vendors completed training and testing.

Each week-long training program focuses in considerable detail on the HAZUS-MH loss estimation methodologies, vulnerability functions, data structure and software applications. Candidates are tested on their abilities to successfully troubleshoot software problems, and to isolate and solve a range of technical problems related to HAZUS-MH. Practice teaching will be featured, and "real-world" problems, issues and challenges associated with HAZUS-MH instruction will be discussed at length. Because of the accelerated nature of the vendor training, candidates are strongly encouraged to have successfully completed the HAZUS-MH Basic course prior to enrolling in the HAZUS Vendor Program.

HAZUS-MH Trainer Program
The HVP is augmented with a HAZUS-MH Trainer Program - administered through PSI to train and authorize a group of HAZUS-MH trainers in the three technical service areas. The HAZUS-MH trainers will be required to demonstrate an expertise in one of the HAZUS perils, and have a working knowledge of GIS. The primary difference between the HAZUS-MH trainer Program and the HAZUS-MH Vendor Program is that the latter goes into considerably more detail and depth in the training on the HAZUS technology, data and software implementation.

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Bold Planning Solutions: A Private Sector Initiative Success Story

The goal of FEMA's Private Sector Initiative is to recruit and train GIS professionals from businesses large and small who can then provide HAZUS-MH training and technical assistance to a wide range of customers.

One of the success stories of the PSI initiative is Florida-based Bold Planning Solutions.  Immediately after the company became a PSI vendor in 2006, two significant HAZUS projects were launched:

   1. GIS Inventory Enhancement: Collier County, Florida; and
   2. Use of HAZUS to develop the Arkansas Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Collier County project involves the incorporation of HAZUS "Level II" data into the countywide GIS inventory.  In close collaboration with the county's GIS Department and Property Appraiser's Office, Bold Planning Solutions replaced HAZUS-MH default inventory data with updated data (including demographic, essential facilities, General Building Stock).   By incorporating the most up-to-date local GIS information into HAZUS-MH, Collier County is now able to produce more detailed modeling results which better reflect the effects a disaster event on this rapidly developing jurisdiction.

Earthquakes are the focus of the Arkansas project, which includes on-site verification of building inventory data for 1,300 "high value" state facilities.   Bold Planning Solutions will use the enhanced inventory for a comprehensive risk assessment and revision of the State of Arkansas Natural Hazard Mitigation, with emphasis on earthquakes.

For more information about the Collier County and State of Arkansas HAZUS-MH projects, please contact Chad Bowers of Bold Planning Solutions at (941) 497-3110 or email info@BoldPlanning.com.

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Helping HAZUS-MH Users

How can PSI Help HAZUS-MH Users?
The Private Sector Initiative (PSI) will become a valuable source of technical assistance, training, and software troubleshooting for an expanding population of HAZUS-MH users. Vendor teams will be available in every region of the nation to provide users with a wide spectrum of fee-based services.

Technical Support for HAZUS-MH Training and Applications
A national database placed on a PSI registry will have the names of the individuals who are trained and authorized as HAZUS-MH vendors and trainers (and the companies and nonprofit organizations they represent). It will be accessible to customers across the U.S. who are interested in HAZUS-MH training and technical assistance. The registry, which will be managed by PBS&J, will enable customers to search for vendors and trainers by geographic area, technical service area, course offering, and specialized HAZUS-MH expertise and services that are available through the PSI.

HAZUS-MH Training
The vendor teams will take the lead in providing HAZUS-MH training to states, communities, private sector customers and other users. As new applications are identified, new courses will be developed and offered through PSI. Among the courses offered  include the following:

A unique feature of the HAZUS-MH training is the availability of Mobile Education Teams (METs) that will provide on-site computer-based instruction to HAZUS-MH clients (that meet minimum facility requirements). There are many advantages of on-site instruction, including cost savings and client convenience. Since the METs are completely "self-contained" (the authorized vendors will provide the hardware, software, and instructional materials), computer software and hardware related problems are greatly minimized, ensuring that the instruction is delivered in a professional learning environment.

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Technical Assistance and Software Troubleshooting

The HAZUS-MH vendors will be trained and authorized to assist states, communities and individuals in the use of HAZUS-MH for a range of applications, including the preparation of risk assessments and mitigation plans in compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The vendors can be viewed as "technical ombudsmen" who are available to work with states and communities to provide a range of services, from software troubleshooting to customized technical support, including:

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Establishing a Network of Diversified HAZUS-MH Vendors and Trainers Through PSI

When implemented, PSI will result in a national cadre of HAZUS-MH vendors and trainers who are drawn from business, nonprofit organizations, academia and state and local government. This diversity will strengthen PSI, bringing together researchers and practitioners who have experience in the successful application of HAZUS-MH; a strong background in GIS; and a common commitment to providing training and technical assistance to HAZUS-MH users.

In an effort to encourage broad participation in PSI-including minority-owned and woman-owned businesses-a PSI Scholarship Program is being instituted that will provide funding support to eligible vendor and trainer candidates. The objective is to reach out to a broad spectrum of small businesses and non-profit organizations that are well positioned and qualified to provide HAZUS-MH training and technical assistance.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Aug-2008 14:33:03 EDT

Fast Facts

In recognition of the unprecedented demand for HAZUS- MH training and technical assistance from an expanding and increasingly diverse group of users, FEMA launched the Private Sector Initiative (PSI) in 2002.

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