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Atkins JV picked again to count housing costs of US natural disasters

A joint venture between Atkins and Tidal Basin Government Consulting has been reselected by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to inspect homes after natural disasters so the federal government can calculate aid grants.

A member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, Atkins said the multimillion-dollar contract includes a one-year ordering period and may be extended up to four additional year-long ordering periods.

Their JV, called Vanguard, won its first such contract in 2013.

FEMA will use data collected from Vanguard’s housing inspections to verify damages to help the US government determine the amount of federal aid to be granted to citizens.

"We look forward to this great opportunity to continue working with communities to help them recover and rebuild after disaster strikes," said Cathy Clinch, civilian sector manager at Atkins. "The housing inspection process is a critical first step for homeowners seeking federal assistance to rebuild their damaged properties."

This contract will be reported under SNCL Engineering Services, which Atkins said was a "key pillar" of SNC-Lavalin’s growth strategy.

In August, Atkins announced it had been selected to help administer $1.9bn in federal funds to assist Puerto Rico’s residents still recovering from damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria, which struck the island in September 2017. 

Photograph: A US Air Force rescue officer comforts a householder after Hurricane Ike tore through Texas in 2008 (US Air Force/Public domain)

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