Taking Wildfire Innovation to Capitol Hill
Last week, the Wildfire Industry Collective (WIC) took our voices up to Capitol Hill. We weren't there to simply state concerns; we were there to champion the small businesses on the frontlines of wildfire management and advocate for solutions that benefit them, and ultimately, public safety.
Lagging Supply Chains, Stifled Innovation:
One major issue we highlighted is the hamstrung supply chains businesses face in supplying the federal government. Lengthy procurement processes, burdensome paperwork, and lack of clarity create a system that leaves smaller, innovative players struggling to contribute, creating greater instability in the industrial base. Each business member who came to DC shared the lead times their companies face to fulfill orders. These times ranged anywhere from 1 – 5 years, from garments to pumps, chemistry, to aircraft, packs to apps. Federal procurement forecasting does not take into consideration the current supply chain environment. This is a disservice to the agility and creativity that small businesses bring to the table.
Bridging the Divide: Collaboration, not Silos:
WIC addressed the lack of cooperation between federal land management agencies and industry when it comes to research and development (R&D). Currently, agencies like the Forest Service and Department of Interior largely operate in silos, (rarely coordinating and communicating with one another let alone with industry) replicating existing efforts in the research and development space, hindering the adoption of innovative solutions developed by the private sector. Imagine the improved efficiency and effectiveness of wildfire management if industry-developed innovative tools and technologies could be readily embraced and implemented. Instead, industry perceives federal land management agencies as being unnecessarily duplicative by restudying things that have already been investigated by academia and industry.
Transparency: Building Trust and Efficiency:
Finally, we emphasized the need for greater transparency in the budget process from agencies. Currently, the lack of clarity makes it difficult for small businesses to plan and invest in the specific needs of government contracts. Transparency would not only build trust but also increase efficiency, allowing businesses to allocate resources toward developing solutions that address specific agency needs. In the process, businesses would be able to provide superior lifesaving products and services to wildland firefighters while also providing much-needed good-paying jobs where they are.
Our Collective Voice Made a Difference:
WIC's visit to Capitol Hill was a resounding success. We had impactful conversations with members of Congress and their staff, sharing the challenges and proposing solutions that benefit both small businesses and the overall effectiveness of wildfire management. WIC made it clear that we are partners in an issue that routinely puts people, communities, and our way of life in harm’s way.
By working together, we can advocate for change and create a system that fosters innovation, empowers small businesses, and ultimately keeps everyone safer from wildfires.
Join the Collective!
Does your business care about the future of wildfire management? Do you believe your business plays a role in or could be a part of the industrial base that supports wildfire management? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the issue, or better yet, hear from you directly. Reach out to us.
