Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy Volume 1, Number 2, Fall/Winter 2020 | Page 170

Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy
Communication , Information Management & Coordination Public-Private Partnership Call
The MBEOC organized a twice-a-week call with the private sector beginning on April 14 . This communication was designed to encourage information exchange and to provide private sector partners the opportunity to brief out operational information on industry , success stories , issues at hand , and future supply chain concerns . The calls also collected information to assist with state operations and potential supply chain interruptions . Stakeholders appreciated the opportunity to engage the public sector with their questions and concerns in real-time .
Virtual Private Sector Support
As noted , the MBEOC maintained a virtual clearinghouse accessible information for the Maryland business community . It was also a channel allowing private sector entities to learn about emergency operations and offer supporting operational capabilities to MBEOC . The MBEOC staff directed private sector members to this resource , which proved vital in managing the deluge of rapidly changing information that characterized the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response .
Daily Situation Reports ( SitRep )
MBEOC distributed a daily SitRep aimed at disseminating timely and accurate information and resources to stakeholders . While the information on the virtual platform had to be truncated due to platform space constraints , the information found on the SitRep was pulled from more sources and delivered more detailed information . The SitRep allowed the convenience of clickable links . Since it was sent out at the end of the day , it was able to summarize the previous operational period in a succinct manner . The daily SitRep proved to be a useful tool to provide targeted information to private sector partners during response efforts .
Resource Management
MBEOC coordinated resource management and sharing activities between private sector donations and identified resource gaps . This included coordinating the flow and receipt of donations , connecting private organizations wishing to provide services , and coordinating PPE resource needs . The following section outlines the MBEOC outcomes in these areas .
Private Sector Donations
The MBEOC fielded and processed offers from private sector entities that could bulk-donate goods and services to the State . A donation database was maintained to identify potential private sector donors who were willing to provide capabilities during future emergencies . Through the private sector donations program , the
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