Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy
the private sector program within MEMA ; 2 ) establishing an operational role for the Private Sector Liaison and the PSIP ( e . g ., the MBEOC ); 3 ) identifying private sector needs and creating products to answer those needs ; and 4 ) recruiting private sector members through digital outreach , statewide outreach , and private-public partnership events .
In general , to achieve such goals , government-private sector engagement programs require dedicated resources and commitment both internally and across organizations . These four goals established a solid footing for the program and laid groundwork for the COVID-19 response . The achievement of these impacts made a difference not only to Maryland ’ s private sector , but to the State as a whole . Most notably , operationalizing the PSIP through the MBEOC could bypass , when warranted , bureaucracy to provide immediate and transparent solutions while keeping stakeholders accountable .
Methods
A qualitative data collection and analysis approach was used to provide a context and information for Maryland ’ s experience working with the private sector . The MBEOC operated for 127 days , from the beginning of the response in February until June .
The approach included leveraging a case-study research design and involved gathering data from a variety of sources throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic . Post-incident interviews were conducted as part of an after action review process . To provide additional context , the authors also collected supporting data through unobtrusive measures , primarily consisting of open-access government documents , reports generated during the COVID-19 response , and other supporting data . Finally , both authors organized their first-hand accounts responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland through an integrated auto ethnography that complemented the study findings .
Results
Over the past decade , MEMA has striven to develop the relationships which would lead to successful operations . In 2020 , the result of these collaborative strategic efforts , PSIP was available for deployment in the COVID-19 pandemic . For over 100 operational periods , MEMA coordinated the Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center ( MBEOC ), making a direct connection to critical infrastructure and private sector providers . In addition to other benefits , this coordination resulted in over two million donated units of personal protective equipment ( PPE ). These partnership actions reduced risk and suffering , while also improving overall response efforts across State . These actions fully engaged the pre-established relationships that are core to the PSIP program .
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