That’s apparently New Jersey’s idea when it comes to technology designed to help the state recover from disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Sandy.
The state has signed a 10-year deal with Canada-based technology and services firm CGI.
The contract covers what a statement called “the continued development, enhancement and support” of New Jersey’s State Integrated Recovery Operations Management Systems (SIROMS).
The company started work with the state after Sandy devastated parts of the country in 2012. CGI helped the state distribute, track and otherwise manage a $4.1 billion federal grant that went to housing assistance.
SIROMS also found use during the pandemic and Hurricane Ida, which drenched the state. The system now serves to manage other natural disaster recovery efforts, with more than $7.2 billion having moved through SIROMS since its launch, according to the statement.
“Our partnership with CGI has been instrumental in helping New Jersey respond effectively to major disasters and prepare for those yet to come,” Parth Sampath, state contract manager at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, said in the statement. “This agreement ensures we have both the technology and expertise in place to protect our residents and communities while reducing the cost and complexity associated with long-term disaster recovery.”
SIROMS has helped the state make better use of data in recovery decisions, according to the statement, and has increased “transparency for residents and oversight officials.”
SIROMS has tracked more than 10,000 individual reports.
“Our ongoing partnership with the State of New Jersey reaffirms CGI’s commitment to helping governments enhance resilience and accelerate recovery from natural disasters,” Scott Burghoff, CGI senior vice president and business unit leader, said in the statement. “Our collaboration over the past decade has demonstrated the power of a modern, adaptable technology platform to serve citizens when they need it most.”
The move is just the latest effort to bring better technology to disaster recovery.
Leaders in Los Angeles County — the site of wildfires earlier this year and known for earthquakes — are considering a registry that would help seniors and people with disabilities connect with fire, medical and police personnel during emergencies.
