Special Solicitations for Disasters & Emergencies

Emergencies and disasters are defined as any hurricane, tornado storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, fire, explosion, or other catastrophe in any part of the world. Upon written request, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may grant permission for special solicitations of Federal employees, outside of the CFC under Federal Regulations 5 C.F.R. § 950.102.

Guidance for specific disasters and emergencies by year are provided below followed by General Guidance topics. Federal employees interested in requesting a special solicitation are advised to work through their agency heads for approval.

2008: Hurricanes

• Authorization for Advance Disbursements of Cash/Check Contributions Towards Hurricane Gustav Relief

2007: California Wildfires

• Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies for Assistance to Those Affected by Wildfires in California

2005: Huricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma

• Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma Disaster Relief Organizations
• CFC Memorandum 2005-10: Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma Relief Contributions and the Combined Federal Campaign
• Check/Cash Contributions towards Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma Relief
• Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief
• Hurricane Katrina

2005: Asian Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster

• CFC Memorandum 2005-1: Processing Special Solicitations for Victims of the Asian Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster
• Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Special Solicitations For Victims of the Asian Earthquake and Tsunami

2001: Victims of Terrorist Actions

• CFC Memorandum 2001-7, Questions and Answers Regarding Special Solicitations; Use of Special Codes for the Designation of Disaster Relief Funds.
• CFC Memorandum 2001-6, Guidance on Special Solicitations and CFC Contributions for Victims of Terrorist Actions

General Guidance

• Frequently Asked Questions: Special Solicitations During Emergencies and Disasters
• Emergency Procedures and Continuity of Operations Plan
• HR Flexibilities Available to Assist Federal Employees Affected by Severe Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters