After Action Reports and Improvement Plans - TEMA

2026-11-03

In response to the catastrophic impacts of Tropical Storm Helene ( DR - 4832 - TN ) and Winter Storm Fern ( DR - 4898 - TN ) ( the “ Disaster ”), the State of Tennessee is seeking a Contractor to complete comprehensive After Action Review to evaluate operational performance , strengthen intergovernmental coordination , and enhance preparedness for future large - scale flooding and wind events . Tropical Storm Helene struck Tennessee in late September 2024 , bringing historic flooding , destructive winds , and widespread devastation , particularly across Northeast and East Tennessee . The storm , intensified by a preceding frontal system , caused rivers including the Nolichucky to overflow violently , inundating mountain communities and damaging critical infrastructure . Counties including but not limited to Washington , Carter , Unicoi , Johnson , Greene , and Cocke were among the most affected , with extensive road and bridge damage prompting long - term closures and detours . The storm also led to significant agricultural losses , estimated between $ 300 million and $ 1 . 12 billion , and caused one of the highest hurricane - related death tolls in the region ' s history . Given the scale and complexity of Tropical Storm Helene ’ s impacts , Tennessee needs a comprehensive After Action Review ( AAR ) process — not only to evaluate the response to this Disaster but to strengthen preparedness for future incidents . Similarly , following Winter Storm Fern ’ s widespread utility disruption and infrastructure damage , Winter Storm Fern struck Tennessee in late January 2026 , resulting in large amounts of ice and widespread devastation of utility infrastructure , impassible roads , and downed trees across more than 50 counties . A robust AAR framework will allow state agencies , local governments , and emergency responders to systematically assess what worked , what failed , and where coordination or communication broke down in both events . This process should include input from affected communities , integrate data from multiple sectors ( infrastructure , agriculture , public health ), and result in actionable recommendations .

Tennessee

2026-05-05