Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The term “Public-Private Partnership” is often a confusing term that many in the
Emergency Management community have grappled with for the past several years.
However, it is important for Emergency Managers to have a consistent understand-
ing of what Public-Private Partnerships are, and how critical they are to emergency
and disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts on
a day-to-day basis. This chapter examines the types of Public-Private Partnerships,
why they are needed, some of the obstacles that may be encountered when develop-
ing these partnerships, and how they can be developed. Public-Private Partnerships
are sometimes known as PPPs or P3.
Types of Public-Private Partnerships
PPPs have existed in government and businesses for decades, including in Emergency
Management and in its predecessor, Civil Defense. Here are the general definitions
for some types of PPPs:
Joint Public-Private Partnership
This type of PPP occurs when a government entity(ies) and a private sector
entity(ies) use their own personnel, funding, equipment, or other resources to
collectively complete a project or enlist a service. Many times, such a partner-
ship occurs via a contract between the two entities. An example of this could
be a construction project that enhances ingress and egress of traffic to and
from a particular location. From an Emergency Manager's standpoint, an
emergency preparedness public outreach project may warrant a partnership
that can be formed with private sector business owners, as well as with gov-
ernment agencies. Funding of the project could come from public and private
sector entities. From the business standpoint, there could be some direct or
indirect advertising, as well as an opportunity to provide community service.
From the public sector standpoint, the project would be funded (in part or in
full), allowing for a more comprehensive or complete public education effort.
Another example of this type of partnership, from an Emergency
Management standpoint, is an information sharing partnership for weather
information, disaster preparedness and recovery information, and postevent
situation status.
Private to Government PPP
This type of PPP involves the private-sector interests making a capital
investment with government entities to provide agreed-upon services. In
most cases, the private sector pays the government for services. However,
other arrangements that do not require funding can also take place.
An example of this type of partnership could be a private sector chemical
company that contracts with a local fire department for hazardous materials
planning and response services. Another example of this type of partnership
