General
What is the LABEOC?
Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center was established to provide support to the business community in times of disaster.
The LABEOC was founded on June 1, 2010, by the National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies (NIMSAT) Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The team oversees the daily operations and mobilizes during an activation. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Louisiana Economic Development collaborates with NIMSAT on this mission to ensure preparedness and rapid response to emergencies.
The goal is to assist Louisiana businesses and non-profit organizations in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to ensure community stability, resilience, and economic revitalization.
The LABEOC members are businesses, volunteer organizations, and the public sector in Louisiana and beyond. The center enhances response capabilities, promotes self-sufficiency, and reduces dependence on FEMA and other federal support, to restore normal business operations as swiftly as possible and ensure economic stability.
Visit the About Us page
Why should I join the LABEOC Network?
- Receive immediate notification of state and parish decisions that may affect your business. These notifications (evacuation, road closure, etc.) are pertinent to your business disaster plan and employee safety. Rather than searching for information online or in other forms of media, the most up-to-date information is listed in one place.
- Receive notification of emerging state needs. As needs arise during the response and recovery from an emergency, you can receive alerts as a business, nonprofit, government agency, or concerned citizen. These notifications are designed to engage businesses throughout the state and stimulate our economy.
- Situational Awareness. We may ask you to report post-storm status, recovery issues, economic impact, or supply chain demands. By gauging the situational awareness of local businesses, officials can make informed decisions and avoid duplication or conflict of efforts from different sectors.
How do I join the network?
Register here to receive notifications about updates and product needs or services. The LABEOC assists in making connections between businesses and state agencies. Please ensure you are ready to do business and registered with the Louisiana Division of Administration to be considered.
No governmental agency can guarantee the utilization of any business during an activation of the LABEOC.
As a business member, you will provide us with your contact information, and details about the products and services your business might provide to support the state’s disaster response. Your information is confidential and will not be shared publicly, except as required by law.
Note: Please do not contact us for sales, to arrange product demonstrations, or to discuss your products or services. We do not evaluate specific products and services or accept solicitations.
What is your privacy policy?
Your information is confidential and will not be shared publicly except as required by law.
Contact Us
How do I contact the LABEOC?
- Training, exercises, preparedness plans, or operations? Contact Jim Williams, MBA, LEM-P, Public-Private Partnership Operations Officer, at 337.482.0633 or by email.
- Research opportunities or collaborations? Contact Shannon Strother, NIMSAT Director, at 337.482.0609 or by email.
- Media inquiries? Contact Andrea Frey, External Affairs Officer, at 337-482-0627 or by email.
Please call 337-482-0627 or email us for all other questions.
Where can I find the latest news for the business community?
How can I update my contact information if there are any changes?
- Visit register.labeoc.org and log in. Reset your password if necessary.
- Look for a section where you can update your business contact details, including any changes.
- Submit your updated information.
Remember, keeping your details current helps maintain effective communication during emergencies!
Procurement
I am interested in doing business with the state. Where do I begin?
- Become a State Contractor
- Division of Administration (State Contracts)
- Vendor Resources
- LA PAC
- LA PAC Bid By Department
- Louisiana Apex (formerly the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center)
- Louisiana’s Veteran Initiative (LaVetBiz)
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana
Remember, joining the LABEOC Network does not ensure you will receive a contract. You must register with doa.la.gov to be on the official vendor list.
Resources
How do I protect my business and family before and after a disaster?
Take our risk assessment to find the most vulnerable parts of your business.
What incentives or benefits exist for businesses that participate in emergency preparedness efforts?
Actively participating in emergency preparedness efforts offers several incentives and benefits for businesses:
- Community Resilience: Collaboration with public and private sectors strengthens community resilience. When businesses contribute to disaster planning and response, the entire community benefits.
- Shorter Disruption Periods: By engaging in preparedness, businesses can reduce downtime following a disaster, minimizing disruptions to operations.
- Efficient Service Delivery: Businesses’ involvement ensures more efficient delivery of lifesaving and life-sustaining services during emergencies.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Public-private partnerships contribute to resilient lifelines, critical infrastructure, and supply chains 1.
Remember, when the public and private sectors work together, they make a significant impact on disaster recovery!
How can I find training opportunities near me?
- Head over to the Latest News to find information about scheduled events.
- Check out the GOHSEP Training + Events Schedule for details on training sessions, education, outreach, and exercises.
- The Louisiana Small Business Administration hosts many events annually.
Remember, being informed, and prepared contributes to a resilient Louisiana!