Making Communities Stronger - FEMA selects Michael Baker International/Ogilvy Public Relations to Lead Community Engagement and Risk Communication Services

ALEXANDRIA, VA., March 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded a five-year, $130 million contract to a joint venture (JV) managed by Michael Baker International to provide risk communication and mitigation planning services. Resilience Action Partners JV is comprised of Michael Baker International and Ogilvy Public Relations.

Resilience Action Partners unites two industry leaders to help FEMA reduce flood risk in communities across the nation as part of FEMA's Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) Program. The Community Engagement and Risk Communication (CERC) contract will assist FEMA in collaborating with state, local, and tribal entities to increase the public's risk awareness, drive action to reduce risk and help communities become more resilient when confronting natural disasters.

"This CERC contract is a new opportunity for both FEMA and the JV team," said Michael Baker International's Jeff Sparrow, P.E., CFM, senior vice president and FEMA Market National Director. "Never before has FEMA placed such significant emphasis on risk communication and risk awareness to achieve mitigation actions. Resilience Action Partners combines Michael Baker International's technical expertise with Ogilvy's communications and engagement strengths in support of this new focus."

The CERC contract extends Michael Baker International's 40-plus year relationship with FEMA. Dale Gray, Michael Baker International assistant vice president, will lead the Resilience Action Partners JV team as deputy project director.

About Michael Baker International, LLC
Michael Baker International, LLC is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services which includes planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 5,000 employees in over 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more visit www.mbakerintl.com.