In an era when climate change and natural disasters continue to disrupt communities, New Jersey is doubling down on resilience. The state has officially extended its long-term partnership with CGI, one of the world’s largest technology and professional services firms, to ensure stronger disaster recovery operations for years to come.
The newly awarded 10-year contract, announced on August 26, reaffirms CGI’s role in supporting New Jersey’s State Integrated Recovery Operations Management System (SIROMS)—a platform that has become central to how the Garden State manages federal disaster relief funds and delivers aid to residents.
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A Partnership Born from Superstorm Sandy
The origins of this collaboration date back to Superstorm Sandy in 2012, one of the most devastating events in New Jersey’s history. In the storm’s aftermath, CGI helped the state develop SIROMS to track, distribute, and manage billions in federal recovery funds.
What began as an emergency response tool has since evolved into New Jersey’s system of record for disaster recovery. Over the past decade, SIROMS has helped the state oversee the distribution of more than $7.2 billion in recovery funds, ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency.
How SIROMS Transforms Recovery
The SIROMS platform is designed to do more than just track dollars—it has become a comprehensive hub for disaster recovery management. Key features include:
- Financial Accountability: Every dollar is traceable, ensuring transparency for residents, oversight officials, and federal partners like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Efficiency Gains: By streamlining operations, New Jersey has been able to make faster, data-driven decisions that shorten recovery timelines.
- Audit Readiness: With more than 10,000 individual reports tracked and 48 quarterly updates submitted to HUD, SIROMS is designed to withstand intense scrutiny.
- Shared Innovation: The system is built to evolve—incorporating enhancements from other states and sharing New Jersey’s innovations in return, fostering a growing network of collaborative disaster resilience.
In practice, this means residents see aid distributed more quickly, local governments experience fewer bureaucratic delays, and the state reduces the overall costs associated with long-term recovery.
Expanding Resilience for the Future
Officials emphasize that the partnership with CGI is not just about recovery from the past—it’s about preparing for the future. With hurricanes, flooding, and extreme weather events becoming more common, New Jersey needs systems that can adapt to new challenges.
“Our partnership with CGI has been instrumental in helping New Jersey respond effectively to major disasters and prepare for those yet to come,” said Parth Sampath, State Contract Manager at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA). “This agreement ensures we have both the technology and expertise in place to protect our residents and communities while reducing the cost and complexity associated with long-term disaster recovery.”
CGI executives echoed this sentiment, noting that their continued collaboration with the state demonstrates the potential of modern, adaptable technology platforms to serve citizens when they need it most.
New Jersey as a Model for Other States
New Jersey’s disaster recovery model is increasingly being looked at by other states and municipalities. By combining technology innovation with intergovernmental collaboration, SIROMS has become a blueprint for effective disaster management.
The platform’s ability to evolve—incorporating lessons from across the country while sharing homegrown innovations—creates a national network of resilience. This collaborative framework means New Jersey isn’t just protecting its own residents; it’s actively shaping best practices for disaster response nationwide.
With this new 10-year agreement, New Jersey and CGI are reinforcing a partnership that has already proven its value in some of the state’s darkest hours. As climate challenges continue to grow, the investment in SIROMS ensures that New Jersey is not only prepared to respond quickly and effectively but also to lead by example in how communities recover, rebuild, and strengthen resilience.
From Sandy to Today: A Decade of Disaster Recovery in New Jersey
2012 – Superstorm Sandy Strikes
- One of the most devastating natural disasters in state history.
- Billions in federal aid needed for housing, infrastructure, and community recovery.
- New Jersey partners with CGI to begin developing a centralized recovery management platform.
2013 – Launch of SIROMS
- The State Integrated Recovery Operations Management System (SIROMS) debuts.
- Designed to manage federal recovery funds, improve accountability, and speed relief distribution.
2015 – Expanding Capabilities
- SIROMS incorporates more advanced tracking features.
- Helps state agencies coordinate across housing, infrastructure, and community development programs.
2018 – Audit and Compliance Strengthened
- With more than 5,000 reports logged, SIROMS earns recognition for financial transparency.
- New Jersey becomes a national example for disaster recovery oversight.
2020 – Pandemic and Extreme Weather
- SIROMS adapts to handle recovery reporting for COVID-19 response funds while continuing to support storm-related recovery.
- New Jersey begins sharing innovations with other states, creating a collaborative network.
2022 – 10 Years After Sandy
- The state highlights over $7 billion in federal recovery funds successfully tracked and distributed through SIROMS.
- Over 40 quarterly reports submitted to HUD without error or delay.
2025 – New 10-Year Contract with CGI
- State renews its commitment with CGI for another decade.
- SIROMS now supports 10,000+ individual reports, comprehensive audit readiness, and enhanced disaster resilience planning.
- Expansion ensures readiness for future hurricanes, flooding events, and extreme weather driven by climate change.
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