Emergency response contract means a contract with private entities that supports assistance activities in a major disaster or emergency area, such as debris clearance, distribution of supplies, or reconstruction.

Local firm means a private organization, firm, or individual residing or doing business primarily in a major disaster or emergency area.

Major disaster or emergency area means the area included in the official Presidential declaration(s) and any additional areas identified by the Department of Homeland Security. Major disaster declarations and emergency declarations are published in the Federal Register and are available at http://www.fema.gov/news/disasters.fema.