Foster Fuels awarded contract to provide fuel to FEMA in emergency situations

By Bryan Gentry

Published: May 4, 2008

Foster Fuels has been awarded a contract to be on call for the federal government in case of an emergency.

The contract calls for Foster Fuels to supply up to $55 million of ground fuel support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency after hurricanes or other disasters.

The Defense Logistics Agency announced the contract April 11. The initial contract is for one year, but could be renewed for up to two years after that, the announcement said.

“It’s just a piece of business that we do with the government,” said Watt Foster, president of Foster Fuels. “It’s just in place for them if they need help.”

Foster Fuels, based in Brookneal, doesn’t actually get a check unless its services are needed.

In its 87th year, Foster Fuels delivers diesel fuel, propane, heating oil and kerosene in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The company has 65 employees, Foster said.

When hurricane Katrina and several others struck the mainland in 2005, Foster Fuels participated as a subcontractor.

It provided fuel for the military during evacuation and rescue operations. It also supplied fuel for hospitals and fire trucks.

“We do whatever they want us to do,” Foster said. “We go where ever they want us to go.”

Jack Hooper, chief of media relations for the Defense Logistics Agency, said Foster Fuels was the only applicant for the contract this year. However, the company had a good rating and was offering a lower price than the previous contractor, he said.

This year, Foster Fuels is the primary contractor. Foster said his company has subcontractors lined up in Florida and Louisiana to help provide support.

Foster said he’s glad his company has the opportunity to do this work if it is needed. “I’m proud that we are selected,” he said.