r/fema

The August 2026 reporting details a formal bid protest filed in connection with GSA's procurement/leasing process for the FEMA headquarters space. Donohoe is challenging the terms, requirements, or handling of the competitive lease solicitation as landlords compete to secure or retain the major federal lease in Southwest D.C.

I have an upcoming class in Anniston. There is a 5 hour arrival window in Atlanta. Should I plan to arrive as close to the end of that time period as possible so I don’t get stuck waiting at the airport for 5 hours or do they fill up buses and send them up during that time period? In the past I have always driven so taking the bus is a new thing for me. Thank you for your advice!

Hello! I am a 18m in Chicago looking to get into emergency management. My original career path was to become a dispatcher due me finding a huge interest in it while volunteer firefighter! However after a wave of tornadoes and strong winds I knew i had to do something more boots on the ground and with the help of family members already in FEMA i was encouraged to go and do FEMA CORPS. which I am in the process of doing (i’m on step 5) and awaiting invitation!

However I must admit i’m very clueless on what to do or how to even go about really maxing my career in emergency management. I thought that doing FEMA EMI certificates would help but after researching it seems like it’s not cared for. After looking into getting an emergency management degree it’s also seemed to not to be cared for. And now I really don’t know where else to look and doing this job has a very personal and emotional connection to me and I want to seek out as much wisdom as I can to really start doing the best I can.

Right now i’m just going over things like NIMS and the NRF, while also learning GIS because I heard that’s also helpful but i don’t want to either do too less and not get in and also not do too much and having extra things not looked at. I love nature and conservation and I’m interested into getting a degree in it if needed (ideally not) But ultimately I want to pursue and do whatever I need to as i’m a huge open book! I’m ok with computers, administrative, reconstruction, etc. To me I just want to learn and be useful in anyway i can to help others! and while im not 100% on board with college other then like a academy or trade I am willing to go and pursue a degree if it means the greater good for my FEMA career. I cant say specifically what I want to most get into because I think everything within it is cool and my interests for things is to just get my hands on everything and expand my knowledge the best i can.

I’ve been trying to help anyone and everyone I can while also not over achieving? or trying to take over/do the work of others. So my biggest question is please give me advice on what to do and how can I make the most out of this career. I understand to some it’s not that deep but to me it’s a very important goal of mines and something I truly inspire to work in and with the help of family and other workers I am asking for any advice and what I can do and the things you did to get into E.M as this has been something on my mind since I was at least 16!

Thank you so so much for reading and I really do hope to hear from you guys! and sorry for any grammar or typos i made i don’t have my computer on and i hate typing on phone .

Just got the announcement today that John Scardena has joined FEMA as the new Chief of Staff. His company seems to be mainly focused on school/ facility/ venue emergency planning, doing threat assessments, and selling kits. Doesn’t look like much grants management, recovery, mitigation, response, etc….

Claim to fame is his podcast on which CamHam was a guest multiple times following his initial release and they got along swimmingly.

I have lots of thoughts. But curious to hear others..

NOTE: I’m posting for @Anonymouspirits707 they have had trouble trying to post this on our Subreddit. Admins, if not allowed my apologies and please delete. See request for help below:

Do you know how FEMA Reservist folks can get support when their employers violate the USERRA & CREW Acts?

My employer made huge mistakes and violated the law 4x in 2yrs and now has me allegedly on the hook for $12k from their mistakes (5th violation), after interfering with my benefits and pay repeatedly. I’ve already reported it to DOL. Legal Aid sent me to Swords + Plowshares but I’m a FEMA Reservist and not a vet, want to respectfully stay in my lane. I’m looking for resources and referrals, not seeking legal representation here (against the subreddit rules). Honestly, I’m not sure where to turn. Thanks.

curious on a pulse check! hearing mixed things.

Ive heard from people that the hiring freeze for FEMA was lifted, however I attended a job fair today and representatives from FEMA told me the freeze was still in effect, but were collecting applications in "anticipation of the freeze being lifted."

I am deeply confused.