NEA
National Emergency Assistance, Inc.
NEA is celebrating its 35th anniversary!
For 35 years, TVA has supported FEMA through the non-profit TVA-initiated retiree organization, Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. (BVI) and National Emergency Assistance (NEA). In the last 35 years, NEA has been deployed to no less than 42 states and two US territories. NEA specializes in helping FEMA with Public Assistance, focusing on damages incurred to private nonprofit organizations and publicly owned facilities (roads, bridges, courthouses, schools, wastewater treatment plants, electrical distribution, city parks, etc.)
Thank you to all of our wonderful NEA volunteers who make all of this work possible!
NEA is not hiring at this time.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT NEA AND WHAT WE DO
WHY IT MATTERS: While FEMA can fully support some disasters that impact the nation, FEMA also relies on augmentation from their Federal Partners. NEA, representing TVA, is a key player in FEMA’s disaster operations.
THE BIG PICTURE: NEA has almost a 35-year relationship with FEMA. Although small, NEA is mighty and integral to national disaster support.
· NEA employees are mostly retirees and range in age from mid-50s to mid-80s. NEA employees’ work experiences are valued by FEMA.
· NEA employees have been deployed to > 35 states and two US territories. Standard deployments are 3 – 4 months away from home.
· NEA employees specialize in FEMA’s Public Assistance program (damaged roads, bridges, courthouses, schools, wastewater treatment plants, electrical distribution systems, city parks, etc.).
· NEA provides a 2-week required training class in FEMA’s policies, regulations, and methods.
· When a candidate is deployed, an experienced NEA Coach will be assigned to assist with the OJT qualification requirements.
THE WAY TO WIN: Because NEA is sponsored by one Federal Agency (TVA) and supports another Federal Agency (FEMA), requirements for employment abound. Be patient.
· Candidates must have above-average computer skills and will be evaluated prior to employment.
· Candidates must pass a stringent background check to obtain a TVA Tier 2 Security Clearance prior to deploying. This process is called adjudication.
· Candidates can expect approximately a 6 to 9-month timelapse between applying and being eligible for the first deployment.
· NEA requires each employee to deploy at least once per year.
THE BOTTOM LINE: If this interests you, please keep an eye out for future employment opportunities with NEA that will be posted on this site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are BVI and NEA the same?
No, but they are closely related. BVI began to represent TVA in the relationship with FEMA in 1989. In 2002, a separate non-profit organization was created to support FEMA for TVA. This organization is called National Emergency Assistance and continues to be managed by BVI.
Where can you be deployed?
All 50 states and five inhabited territories. The territories are American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.
How long has TVA been helping FEMA?
Since 1989.
Can anyone be an NEA employee?
No, only those that have been a direct employee of a Federal Agency or the US Military. Prior TVA employees are preferred.
Will I be a Volunteer or a paid employee?
A paid employee of NEA. You will earn a wage and be reimbursed for Travel Expenses while deployed.
Am I a Contractor or an Employee of NEA?
You are an employee.
Is Health Insurance or Retirement offered?
No. NEA offers a small monthly stipend toward reimbursement of health insurance. The program has IRS-regulated limitations, and you must qualify to receive this stipend. Currently, NEA does not offer a 401k program for employees.
Is training offered before I am deployed?
Yes, it is required. The course is a two-week class that teaches you the basics of FEMA regulations and policies, and hands-on practice with a simulation of the computer software program FEMA uses called Grants Manager.
How long will it take to get deployed?
The first deployment will take a while. The TVA adjudication process (background check) can take 6 to 9 months. Once that is complete, you can obtain a FEMA badge. In addition to the FEMA badge, you will have to have successfully passed the two-week PDMG class. Then it is a matter of waiting for a deployment that will accept Trainees.
Does NEA handle the Travel Arrangements?
No, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements for a deployment. Don’t use a Travel Agent or sites like Travelocity or TripAdvisor. Make your arrangements directly with the airlines, hotel, and rental car companies.