Operations Manual 12-001

Operations Manual National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)

Response System

September 2012

i

Foreword

This operations manual provides a guide for Department of Homeland Security(DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel to perform Federaldisasterresponseoperationsduringmajordisastersoremergencies.The National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System provides for thecoordination,development,andmaintenanceoftheFederaleffortwithresourcesto locateand extricate victims, provide immediate medical treatment to survivors trapped incollapsedstructures,andconductotherlife‐savingoperations.TheNationalUS&RResponseSystem’sorganization,capabilities,methodsofoperation,andprocedures for pre‐response preparedness activities regarding mobilization, on‐siteoperations, and demobilization are described in this document, which complies with thegoalsoftheNationalIncidentManagementSystem(NIMS).Questions, comments, and suggested improvements related to this document areencouraged.Inquiries,information,andrequestsforadditionalcopiesshouldbedirectedinwriting to the FEMA Office of Response and Recovery, Response Directorate, OperationsDivision,US&RBranch,OperationsSection,500CStreetSW,Washington,DC20472.

____________________________________________FREDENDRIKATBranchChiefUS&RBranch

OperationsDivisionResponseDirectorate

OfficeofResponseandRecovery

______________________________________________DEANSCOTTSectionChief

OperationsSectionUS&RBranch

OperationsDivisionResponseDirectorate

OfficeofResponseandRecovery

MANUAL 12-001

NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE

RESPONSE SYSTEM

OPERATIONS MANUAL

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TableofContents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1

1-1. Purpose ........................................................................................................................................................ 1

1-2. National US&R Response System Overview ............................................................................................. 1

1-3. The National US&R Response System within the National Response Framework (NRF) ....................... 3

I. Types of Search and Rescue ....................................................................................................................... 6

II. NRF Field-Level Organization ................................................................................................................... 9

III. NRF Organizational Structure .................................................................................................................... 9

IV. NRF Field-Level Teams ........................................................................................................................... 12

1-4. Sequence of ESF #9 Activation ................................................................................................................ 16

I. Event Occurs and Local Agencies May Respond ..................................................................................... 16

II. FEMA Region Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 17

III. FEMA Headquarters Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 17

1-5. Task Force Composition and Functions ................................................................................................... 17

I. Management .............................................................................................................................................. 17

II. Search ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

III. Rescue ....................................................................................................................................................... 18

IV. Medical ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

V. Planning .................................................................................................................................................... 18

VI. Logistics .................................................................................................................................................... 18

VII. Hazardous Materials ................................................................................................................................. 18

CHAPTER 2: NATIONAL US&R RESPONSE SYSTEM OVERVIEW........................................................... 19

2-1. National US&R Response System Advisory Organization ...................................................................... 19

2-2. Components of the US&R Advisory Organization .................................................................................... 19

I. Office of Response and Recovery ............................................................................................................. 19

II. Response Directorate ................................................................................................................................ 19

III. Operations Division .................................................................................................................................. 19

IV. FEMA US&R Branch ............................................................................................................................... 19

V. US&R Strategic Group ............................................................................................................................. 19

VI. US&R Operations Group .......................................................................................................................... 20

VII. Work Group .............................................................................................................................................. 21

VIII. Sub-Group ................................................................................................................................................. 21

IX. Ad Hoc Work Group ................................................................................................................................. 22

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X. Task Force Representatives (TFR) ........................................................................................................... 23

2-3. Membership .............................................................................................................................................. 23

2-4. Selection and Appointment Process .......................................................................................................... 24

I. Work Group Appointment Process ........................................................................................................... 24

II. Operations Group Chair ............................................................................................................................ 25

III. Task Force Representatives - Divisional (TFR-D) ................................................................................... 26

IV. Task Force Representative - National (TFR-N) ........................................................................................ 26

V. Sponsoring Agency Chief/Head Representatives - Divisional (SACR-D) ............................................... 26

VI. Work Group and Sub-Group Chairs ......................................................................................................... 26

VII. Member Removal Process ........................................................................................................................ 27

2-5. National US&R Response System Decision Process ............................................................................... 27

I. Tactical Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 28

II. Strategic Recommendations...................................................................................................................... 28

2-6. Decision Process Sequence ........................................................................................................................ 28

CHAPTER 3: NATIONAL US&R RESPONSE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION AND AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................................................................... 33

3-1. Federal Emergency Management Agency ................................................................................................ 33

I. FEMA Headquarters ................................................................................................................................. 33

II. FEMA Regional Offices ........................................................................................................................... 33

III. Supporting Federal Agencies .................................................................................................................... 34

3-2. States ......................................................................................................................................................... 34

I. Affected States .......................................................................................................................................... 34

II. Responding States ..................................................................................................................................... 35

3-3. Jurisdictions .............................................................................................................................................. 35

I. Affected Jurisdiction ................................................................................................................................. 35

II. Sponsoring Agency ................................................................................................................................... 35

3-4. Emergency Support Function (ESF) #9 (Search and Rescue) .................................................................. 36

3-5. Incident Support Team .............................................................................................................................. 38

I. Background ............................................................................................................................................... 38

II. Mission Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 40

III. Development Criteria ................................................................................................................................ 40

IV. Incident Support Team (Initial) ................................................................................................................ 41

V. Incident Support Team (Expanded) .......................................................................................................... 41

3-6. Task Force Capabilities ............................................................................................................................. 42

3-7. FEMA Task Force Requests ..................................................................................................................... 43

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3-8. Notification Procedures ............................................................................................................................ 44

3-9. National US&R Response System Task Force Rotation Model ............................................................... 44

3-10. Notifications .............................................................................................................................................. 45

I. Advisory Notice ........................................................................................................................................ 45

II. Alert Order ................................................................................................................................................ 46

III. Activation Order ....................................................................................................................................... 46

IV. Demobilization Order ............................................................................................................................... 47

3-11. Task Force Allocation ............................................................................................................................... 47

I. Initial Task Force Assignments ................................................................................................................ 47

II. Task Force Reassignments ........................................................................................................................ 48

III. Demobilization of Task Forces ................................................................................................................. 49

3-12. Procedures for Accepting International US&R Assistance ...................................................................... 49

I. Operational Procedures for International Requests .................................................................................. 49

II. Integration of International Teams ............................................................................................................ 49

III. General Considerations ............................................................................................................................. 50

CHAPTER 4: TASK FORCE MOBILIZATION ................................................................................................. 51

4-1. Task Force Transportation Requirements ................................................................................................. 51

4-2. Task Force Mobilization Guidelines ......................................................................................................... 52

I. Departure Time Frames ............................................................................................................................ 52

II. Personnel and Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 53

III. Establishing Points of Contact .................................................................................................................. 54

IV. Task Force Briefing .................................................................................................................................. 54

4-3. Point of Departure Activities .................................................................................................................... 55

I. Identifying Appropriate Contacts ............................................................................................................. 55

II. Aircraft Loading Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 56

III. Load Estimation/Limitations .................................................................................................................... 56

IV. Canine Transport ....................................................................................................................................... 56

CHAPTER 5: ARRIVAL AT THE MOBILIZATION CENTER ........................................................................ 57

5-1. Establishment of a Mobilization Center ................................................................................................... 57

I. Set Up/Activation Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 57

II. Administrative Support ............................................................................................................................. 57

5-2. Task Force Reception/Support .................................................................................................................. 57

I. Mobilization Center .................................................................................................................................. 57

II. Task Force Briefing .................................................................................................................................. 58

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III. Mobilization Center Support Facilities ..................................................................................................... 58

5-3. Task Force Deployment ............................................................................................................................ 59

CHAPTER 6: STAGING AREA AND INCIDENT ASSIGNMENT ................................................................. 61

6-1. Staging Areas ............................................................................................................................................ 61

6-2. On-Site Assignment .................................................................................................................................. 61

CHAPTER 7: ON-SITE OPERATIONS .............................................................................................................. 63

7-1. Base of Operations .................................................................................................................................... 63

7-2. Equipment Cache Management ................................................................................................................ 64

7-3. Task Force Command Post ....................................................................................................................... 65

7-4. Shelter Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 65

7-5. Tactical Assignments and Operations ....................................................................................................... 66

I. Task Force Briefings ................................................................................................................................. 67

II. Reporting Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 67

7-6. Agency-Specific Communications ........................................................................................................... 68

7-7. Agency Support to Families...................................................................................................................... 68

7-8. Personnel Injuries ...................................................................................................................................... 68

CHAPTER 8: TASK FORCE REASSIGNMENT AND DEMOBILIZATION .................................................. 69

8-1. Reassignment Considerations ................................................................................................................... 69

8-2. Reassignment/Demobilization .................................................................................................................. 69

8-3. Equipment Cache Management ................................................................................................................ 70

8-4. Cessation of Base of Operations ............................................................................................................... 70

8-5. Return to a Mobilization Center ............................................................................................................... 70

I. Rest and Rehabilitation ............................................................................................................................. 70

II. Equipment Review .................................................................................................................................... 71

III. Equipment Loading ................................................................................................................................... 71

IV. Task Force Debriefing .............................................................................................................................. 71

CHAPTER 9: POST-MISSION ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................... 73

9-1. Return to Point of Departure ..................................................................................................................... 73

9-2. Equipment Management and Rehabilitation ............................................................................................. 73

I. Cache Rehabilitation ................................................................................................................................. 73

II. Damage/Loss/Repair Assessment ............................................................................................................. 74

9-3. Personnel Incident Stress Debriefing ........................................................................................................ 74

9-4. Post-Mission Operational Debriefing ....................................................................................................... 74

9-5. After-Action Report .................................................................................................................................. 75

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9-6. Fiscal Accountability and Reimbursement ............................................................................................... 76

9-7. Return to State of Readiness ..................................................................................................................... 76

CHAPTER 10: US&R RESPONSE SYSTEM PROGRAM MAINTENANCE ................................................. 77

10-1. Mobilization Manual ................................................................................................................................. 77

10-2. Cache Maintenance ................................................................................................................................... 77

10-3. Training and Exercises .............................................................................................................................. 78

APPENDIX A: ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................. 79

APPENDIX B: INTERNET RESOURCES ........................................................................................................ 81

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INDEXOFFIGURES

FIGUREI‐1:TypeITaskForceOrganization ...................................................................................................... 2

FIGUREI‐2:TypeIIITaskForceOrganization .................................................................................................... 3

FIGUREI‐3:EmergencySupportFunctions ........................................................................................................ 4

FIGUREII‐1:NationalUS&RResponseSystemDecisionProcess ................................................................... 31

FIGUREIII‐1:SupportingFederalAgencies ..................................................................................................... 34

FIGUREIII‐2:IncidentManagementAssistantTeam ....................................................................................... 40

FIGUREIII‐3:IncidentSupportTeam(Initial) .................................................................................................. 41

FIGUREIII‐4:ExpandedIncidentSupportTeam .............................................................................................. 42

FIGUREIII‐5:InformationRequirementsforAdvisory,Alert,Activation,andDemobilization .................. 46

FIGUREVII‐1:TypicalOn‐SiteCommandStructure ......................................................................................... 63

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CHAPTER1: INTRODUCTION

1‐1. Purpose

ThisNationalUS&RResponseSystemdocument:

DescribesthecompositionandcapabilitiesoftheSystem;

DescribestheprocedureusedtoissueSystemadvisories,alerts,andactivationstodeploy FEMA US&R task forces under the authority of the Robert T. StaffordDisaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5121, et seq. (StaffordAct);

Delineatesorganizationalrolesandresponsibilities;

DescribesthepurposeandfunctionsoftheUS&RIncidentSupportTeam(IST)anditsrelationshiptoSystemresources;

DescribestherelationshipsbetweenSystemresourcesandotherFederalresourcessuchastheFEMAIncidentManagementAssistanceTeams(IMAT),theUnitedStatesCoast Guard (USCG), the Department of the Interior/National Park Service(DOI/NPS),theDepartmentofDefense(DoD),andothersupportingorganizations;

OutlineshowSystemresourceswillbeassignedorallocatedduringdisasters;

DescribestheprocessforacceptinginternationalassistancetosupplementdomesticU.S.searchandrescuecapability;

ProvidesguidelinesandproceduresforthemovementofSystemresourcesduringaresponse;

Describesthepurposesofamobilizationcenter,stagingareas,andactivitiesrelatedtotheSystem’suseofthesefacilities;and

Identifies procedures for on‐site operations, System resource reassignment, anddemobilization.

This operations manual provides a detailed overview of the FEMA National US&RResponse System. Other operational information is provided in the National US&RResponse System Field Operations Guide (FOG). The reader should also refer to theEmergencySupportFunction (ESF)#9Annex—SearchandRescue (SAR)of theNationalResponseFramework(NRF)tounderstandhowSystemresourcesfunctionintheoverallFederalresponsetoapresidentialdeclarationofadisaster.

1‐2. NationalUS&RResponseSystemOverview

The National US&R Response System is a framework for structuring local emergencyservicespersonnelintointegratedFederalresponseresources.The28SystemSponsoringAgenciesemploythetools,equipment,skills,andtechniquesnecessarytomaintainUS&Rtask forces. FEMA can deploy these agencies to assist state, tribal, territorial, and local

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governmentstorescuesurvivorsofstructuralcollapseandwide‐areadisasterincidentsortoassistinothersearchandrescueactivities.EachSystemtaskforceisrequiredtoeitheracceptordeclinearequestforalertoractivationwithinonehourofreceipt. Ifarequestforactivationisaccepted,thetaskforceisthenrequiredtopositionallofitspersonnelandequipment at its embarkation point within four hours, if being deployed by groundtransport, or at an identified Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE) within six hours ofactivationifdeployedbyairtransport.Thetaskforcecanbemobilizedandenroutetoitsdestinationwithinamatterofhours.

AllSystemSponsoringAgenciesarecapableofdeployingeitheratypeIortypeIIIUS&Rtaskforce. AtypeIUS&Rtaskforceisstaffedwith70personnelandissuppliedwithallrequiredequipment.Upto10additionalsupportpersonnelmaybeactivatedwhenataskforcetravelsbygroundtransportation.(SeeFigureI‐1.)

FIGUREI:TypeITaskForceOrganization

SystemresourcesoperatingatapotentialorsuspectedChemical,Biological,Radiological,Nuclear,orExplosive(CBRNE)incidentwillinterfacecloselywithlocallawauthoritiesandthe Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is responsible for crisis management underPresidentialDecisionDirective39.These individuals shouldalsoworkcloselywith localhazardous materials responders, emergency medical service providers, and other NRFsupportagencies.

Inadisaster,orothersituationinwhichthecapabilitiesofatypeIUS&Rtaskforcearenotrequired,FEMAalsosupportsa28‐persontypeIIItaskforcethatincludesasmanyassixadditionalsupportpersonnelwhenataskforcetravelsbygroundtransportation.Thetype

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III US&R task force is developed as a rapid needs‐assessment and search team thatrespondstodisastersaspartoftheNRF.(SeeFigureI‐2.)

FIGUREII:TypeIIITaskForceOrganization

For more information regarding task force composition, qualifications, positiondescriptions,operationalchecklists,andrequisiteequipment,refer to theNationalUS&RResponseSystemFOG,handbooks,andjobaids.

1‐3. TheNationalUS&RResponseSystemwithintheNationalResponseFramework(NRF)

TheNRFprovidestheFederalGovernment'sguidingprinciplesforrespondingtodisasterswhen:

Stateandlocalresponsecapabilitiesareoverwhelmed;

AstategovernmentrequestsFederalassistance;and

ThePresidentformallydeclaresthatadisasterhasoccurred,activatingthedisasterassistanceauthorityoutlinedintheStaffordAct.

Oncethesecriteriahavebeenmet,theFederalGovernmentmayactivateanyorallofthe15ESFsthataredescribedintheNRF.(SeeFigureI‐3.)

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EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS

Emergency Support Function ESF Primary Coordinator

1. Transportation DOT

2. Communications DHS/National Communications Systems

3. Public Works and Engineering USACE

4. Firefighting USDA/USFS

5. Emergency Management FEMA

6. Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,

Housing, and Human Services

FEMA

7. Logistics Management and Resource Support GSA, FEMA

8. Public Health and Medical Services HHS

9. Search and Rescue FEMA, USCG, DOI/NPS, DoD

10. Oil and Hazardous Materials Response EPA

11. Agriculture and Natural Resources DOA

12.

13.

14.

15.

Energy

Public Safety and Security

Long-Term Community Recovery

External Affairs

DOE

DOJ

FEMA

DHS

FIGUREIII:EmergencySupportFunctions

ESF #9 – Search and Rescue (SAR) rapidly deploys Federal SAR resources to providelifesavingassistancetostate,tribal,andlocalauthoritieswhenarequestforFederalSARassistanceisissuedoranticipated.

During incidents or potential incidents requiring a unified SAR response, Federal SARresponsibilities reside with four ESF #9 primary agencies: FEMA, USCG, DOI/NPS, andDoD, which provide timely and specialized SAR capabilities. Support agencies providespecificcapabilitiesorresourcesthatsupportESF#9. FederalSARoperationalresponseenvironmentsareclassifiedasfollows:

StructuralCollapse(Urban)SearchandRescue(US&R)

Maritime/Coastal/WaterborneSearchandRescue

LandSearchandRescue

SAR services include distress monitoring, incident communications, locating distressedpersonnel, and coordination and execution of rescue operations including extricationand/orevacuation.SARalsoprovidesmedicalassistanceandcivilianservicesthroughthe

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useofpublicandprivate resources toassistpersonsandproperty inpotentialoractualdistress.

Each ESF is coordinated by a primary Federal agency in concert with other Federalagenciesthatmayproviderelevantsupport.FEMAistheESF#9coordinatingagency.

FEMAactivatesESF#9whenan incident thatmay result in a request for a unified SARresponse to an affected area is either anticipated or actually occurs. As required, theprimaryagenciesarerepresentedat theNationalResponseCoordinationCenter(NRCC),JointFieldOffice(JFO),andstate,tribal,andlocalEmergencyOperationsCenters(EOCs).

ForeachincidentthatrequiresFederalSARsupport,FEMAdesignatestheoverallprimaryagency for that particular ESF #9 SAR response. This designation is dependent uponincidentcircumstancesandthetypeofresponserequired.Thedesignatedoverallprimaryagency coordinates the integration of Federal SAR resources, including support agencyresources,insupportoftherequestingFederal,state,tribal,orlocalSARauthority.AllESF#9agenciesprovidesupporttothedesignatedoverallprimaryagencyasrequired.

FEMA serves as theoverall primaryagency responsible formeeting theESF#9missionobjectivesforstructuralcollapseSARoperationsduringincidentsrequiringacoordinatedFederalresponse.

FEMA assumes the following responsibilities when designated as the overall primaryagencyduringanincident:

ManagesUS&RtaskforceandISTdeploymentsintheaffectedarea

CoordinateslogisticalsupportforUS&Rassetsduringfieldoperations

Coordinatestheprovisionofadditionalsupportassets

Coordinates with Federal, state, tribal, and local designated SAR authorities tointegrateFederalSARresources

Provides representation at the NRCC, JFO, and state, tribal, and local EOCs asrequired

Providesincidentreports,assessments,andsituationreportsasrequired

TheUSCGservesastheoverallprimaryagencyresponsibleformeetingtheESF#9missionobjectives formaritime/coastal/waterborneSARoperationsduring incidentsrequiringacoordinatedFederalresponse.

DHS/USCGassumesthefollowingresponsibilitieswhendesignatedastheoverallprimaryagencyduringanincident:

ManagesUSCGSARresourcesintheaffectedarea


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DOI/NPSandDoDsharetheresponsibilityastheoverallprimaryagencytomeettheESF#9missionobjectivesforaparticularincidentduringlandSARoperationsforeventsthatrequireacoordinatedFederalresponse.

DOI/NPSassumes the following responsibilitieswhendesignatedas theoverall primaryagencyduringanincident:

ManagesDOI/NPSlandSARresourcesintheaffectedarea



CoordinateslogisticalsupportforDOI/NPSresourcesduringfieldoperations



DoDandDOI/NPSshareresponsibilityastheoverallprimaryagencyforaccomplishingtheESF#9missionduringlandSARoperationsforincidentsrequiringacoordinatedFederalresponse.

DoD, through U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and U.S. Pacific Command(USPACOM), assumes the following responsibilities when designated as the overallprimaryagencyduringanincident:

ManagesDoDSARresourcesintheaffectedarea





I. TypesofSearchandRescue

A. Structuralcollapse(urban)searchandrescue

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Primaryagency: FEMA

Operationaloverview: US&Rincludesoperationsfornaturalandmanmadedisastersandcatastrophicincidents,aswellasotherstructuralcollapseoperationsthatprimarilyrequireDHS/FEMAUS&Rtaskforceoperations.TheNationalUS&RResponseSystemintegratesDHS/FEMAUS&Rtaskforces,IncidentSupportTeams(ISTs),andtechnicalspecialists.TheFederalUS&RresponseintegratesDHS/FEMAtaskforcesinsupportofunifiedSARoperationsconductedfollowingtheU.S.NationalSearchandRescuePlan(NSP).(TheNSPisthepolicyguidanceofthesignatoryFederaldepartmentsandagenciesforcoordinatingSARservicestomeetdomesticneedsandinternationalcommitments.)

DHS/FEMAdevelopsnationalUS&Rpolicy,providesplanningguidanceandcoordinationassistance,standardizestaskforceprocedures,evaluatestaskforceoperationalreadiness,fundsspecialequipmentandtrainingwithinavailableappropriations,andreimburses,asappropriate,taskforcecostsincurredasaresultofESF#9deployment.

TheNationalUS&RResponseSystemispreparedtodeployandimmediatelyinitiateoperationsinsupportofESF#9.ThetaskforcesarestaffedprimarilybyemergencyservicespersonnelwhoaretrainedandexperiencedincollapsedstructureSARoperationsandpossessspecializedexpertiseandequipment.UponactivationundertheNationalResponseFramework,FEMAUS&RtaskforcesareconsideredFederalassetsundertheHomelandSecurityActof2002,theRobertT.StaffordDisasterReliefandEmergencyAssistanceAct,andotherapplicableauthorities.

ISTsprovidecoordinationandlogisticalsupporttoUS&Rtaskforcesduringemergencyoperations.Theyalsoconductneedsassessmentsandprovidetechnicaladviceandassistancetostate,tribal,andlocalgovernmentemergencymanagers.

FEMAreimbursestheparentSponsoringAgenciesforUS&RtaskforcesthatareinvolvedinUS&Rdeployments.FEMAisauthorizedtoreimbursesuchactivitieswhentheStaffordActisdeclaredorwhenadeclarationisanticipated.Fornon‐StaffordActUS&Rdeployments,theFederaldepartmentoragencyrequestingUS&RassistancereimbursesFEMAfollowingprovisionsincludedintheFinancialManagementSupportAnnextotheNRF.FEMAusesthefundingprovidedbytherequestingFederaldepartmentoragencytoreimbursetheSponsoringAgencyforthetaskforces.

B.Maritime/coastal/waterbornesearchandrescue

Primaryagency: USCG

Operationaloverview: Maritime/coastal/waterborneSARincludesoperationsfornaturalandmanmadedisastersthatprimarilyrequire

8

DHS/USCGair,cutter,boat,andresponseteamoperations.Thefederalmaritime/coastal/waterborneSARresponseintegratesDHS/USCGresourcesinsupportofunifiedSARoperationsconductedpertheNSP.

USCGpersonnelaretrainedandexperiencedinmaritime/coastal/waterborneSARoperationsandareabletousetheirspecializedexpertise,facilities,andequipmenttoconductaneffectiveresponsetodistresssituations.TheUSCGdevelops,maintains,andoperatesrescuefacilitiesforSARinwaterssubjecttoU.S.jurisdictionandisdesignatedastheprimaryagencyformaritime/coastal/waterborneSARunderESF#9.Furthermore,USCGstaffingatarea,district,andlocalsectorcommandcenterspromotesinteragencycoordinationwithstate,tribal,andlocalemergencymanagersduringincidentsrequiringaunifiedSARresponseinwhichmaritime/coastal/waterborneSARresourceallocationsarerequired.

C. Landsearchandrescue

Primaryagencies: DOI/NPS;DoD

Operationaloverview: LandSARoperationsrequireaviationandgroundforcestomeetmissionobjectives,otherthanmaritime/coastal/waterborneandstructuralcollapseSARoperationsasdescribedabove.LandSARprimaryagenciesintegratetheireffortstoprovideanarrayofdiversecapabilitiesunderESF#9.

DOI/NPSpossessesSARresourcesthatarespeciallytrainedtooperateinvariousrolesincludinggroundsearch,smallboatoperations,swiftwaterrescue,helo‐aquaticrescue,andothertechnicalrescuedisciplines.DOI/NPSmaintainspreconfiguredteamsthatincludepersonnelandequipmentfromDOI/NPS,U.S.FishandWildlifeService,U.S.GeologicalSurvey,BureauofIndianAffairs,andotherDOIcomponentsinplanningforESF#9.

Whenrequested,DoD,through(USNORTHCOM)and/or(USPACOM),coordinatesfacilities,resources,andspecialcapabilitiesthatconductandsupportair,land,andmaritimeSARoperationsaccordingtoapplicabledirectives,plans,guidelines,andagreements.PertheNSP,theU.S.AirForceandUSPACOMprovideresourcesfortheorganizationandcoordinationofcivilSARservicesandoperationswithintheirassignedSARregionsand,whenrequested,assistFederal,state,tribal,andlocalauthorities.

TheDoD’sroleasaprimaryagencyisbasedonSARCoordinatorresponsibilitiesstipulatedintheNSPandisgenerallylimitedtoacoordinationfunction.

DoD’sdesignationasaprimaryagencyinESF#9isnotclearlydefinedincurrentstatutes,authorities,orDoDpolicies.UndertheNRF,theDoDassistscivilauthoritiesbyconducting

9

SARmissionsonareimbursablebasispursuanttotheStaffordActorEconomyActasappropriate.

IfDoDSARcapabilitiesdeployatthedirectionoftheAirForceRescueCoordinationCenterinsupportoftheNSP,andsubsequentlyiftheStaffordActisinvoked,thosecapabilitiesareadministeredbytheNRFandESF#9.Assoonasispractical,aFEMAorotherdepartment/agencymissionassignmentissubmittedtoandapprovedbyDoDforthosecapabilities’continuedsupport.

II. NRFField‐LevelOrganization

Federal coordinating structures, processes, and protocols are employed to managesignificantincidents.Thesecoordinatingstructuresandprocessesaredesignedtoenablethe execution of the responsibilities of the President through the appropriate Federaldepartments and agencies and to integrate Federal, state, local, tribal, nongovernmentalorganization, and private‐sector efforts into a comprehensive national approach todomesticincidentmanagement.

III. NRFOrganizationalStructure

A. HomelandSecurityOperationsCenter(HSOC)

The HSOC is the primary national hub for domestic incident management, operationalcoordination, and situational awareness. The HSOC is a standing 24/7 interagencyorganization that combines law enforcement, national intelligence, emergency response,and private‐sector reporting. The HSOC facilitates the sharing of homeland securityinformationandoperationalcoordinationwithotherFederal,state,local,tribal,andnon‐governmentalemergencyoperationcenters.TheHSOCalsocoordinateswiththeStrategicInformation and Operations Center (SIOC). The SIOCmaintains direct connectivitywiththe HSOC and the Interagency Incident Management Group (IIMG). The IIMG is aspecialized group of senior‐level Federal interagency representatives who providestrategicadvicetothesecretaryofhomelandsecurity.

B. NationalResponseCoordinationCenter(NRCC)

The NRCC is amulti‐agency center that provides overall Federal response coordinationand emergencymanagement program implementation (including both Stafford Act andnon‐StaffordAct incidents).FEMAmaintains theNRCCasa functional componentof theHSOC in support of incidentmanagement operations.Multi‐agency coordination entitiesaid in establishing priorities among incidents and their associated resource allocations,resolving agency policy conflicts, and providing strategic guidance to support incidentmanagementactivities.

C. RegionalResponseCoordinationCenter(RRCC)

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An RRCC is a standing facility operated by a FEMA regional office that is activated tocoordinate regional response efforts, establish Federal priorities, and implement localFederal program support. Currently, 10 FEMARRCCsprovide the initial coordination ofFederalresponseandrecoveryactivities.TheresponsibilityofanRRCCistoestablishandcoordinate communicationswith the affected state emergencymanagement agency andthe National Response Coordination Center, coordinate deployment of the incidentmanagement assistance team to field locations, assess damage information, developsituationreports,andissueinitialmissionassignments.

An RRCC will coordinate regional response efforts, establish Federal priorities, andimplementFederalsupportuntilanIMATorJointFieldOffice(JFO)isestablishedandtheFederalCoordinatingOfficer(FCO)assumeshis/herNRFcoordinationresponsibilities.

RRCCstaffwillgatherinformationonthestatusoftheaffectedarea.TheRRCCservesasatemporarycoordinatingofficeforFederalactivityuntilanIMATisestablished.TheRRCCalso:

Servesasapointofcontactandestablishescommunications fortheaffectedstate,theNRCC,andregionalelementsofFederalagencies;

SupportsIMATdeployments;

Implements initial information/planning activities, including the collection ofsituationandneedsdata;

ServesasinitialcoordinatorofFederalactivitiesuntilanIMATisoperational;and

Coordinatesresourcesformultiple‐state(ormultiple‐IMAT)operations.

WhenanIMATassumesmanagementofadisaster,orwhenaJFObecomesoperational,theRRCCmayeitherbetransitionedtoalowerlevelofoperationordeactivated.Inmultiple‐state disasters, theRRCCs remain operational to assist theNRCCwith the prioritizationanddeploymentof resourcesuntil JFOsareestablishedwithineachaffectedstate in theregion.

D. IncidentManagementAssistanceTeam(IMAT)/JointFieldOffice(JFO)

During the early stages of a disaster, a Regional IMAT will be deployed from a FEMARegionoraNationalIMATwillbedeployedbyFEMAHeadquarters.TheIMATwillbegintheinitialcoordinationatthefieldlevelandwillfillthepositionswithintheJFOcommandstructureasitbeginsitsoperations.AJFOisatemporaryFederalfacilitythatprovidesacentral location for the coordination of Federal, state, tribal, and local governments andprivate‐sector and non‐governmental organizations with primary responsibility forresponseandrecovery.It isestablishedtounifytheFederalassistanceeffortatthestateand local level and to coordinate the provision of Federal assistance to the affected jurisdiction(s) during national incidents. The JFO provides a central location for theFederal,state,andlocalexecutiveswhoareresponsibleforincidentoversight.

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The JFO structure is organized, staffed, andmanaged in amanner consistentwithNIMSprinciples. Although a JFO employs an ICS structure, the JFOdoes notmanage on‐sceneoperations. Instead, the JFO focuses on providing support to on‐scene efforts andconductingbroadersupportoperationsthatmayextendbeyondtheincidentsite.TheJFOorganization utilizes the scalable organizational structure of the NIMS ICS and unifiedcommand.TheJFOorganizationadaptstothemagnitudeandcomplexityofthesituationathandand incorporates theNIMSprinciples regardingspanof controlandorganizationalstructure. The JFO organization also adapts to respond to various types of incidentsincludingthefollowing:

Naturaldisasters

Terroristincidents

Federal‐to‐Federalsupport

NationalSpecialSecurityEvents(NSSE)

PersonnelfromstateandFederaldepartmentsandagencies,otherjurisdictionalentities,andprivate‐sectorandnongovernmentalorganizationsmayprovide staffing for the JFO,generallythroughtheirrespectiveESFs.

Generally,theIMATESF#9Groupisnotstaffed.TheISTESF#9GroupSupervisorreportseither to the IMAT/JFO Emergency Services Branch Director or to the IMAT/JFOOperationsSectionChief,whicheveristheloweststaffedposition.

E. StateEmergencyOperationsCenter(SEOC)AnSEOCisthephysicallocationatwhichthecoordinationofinformationandresourcestosupport state incident management activities normally takes place. Emergencymanagementorganizationsforeachstatecoordinatestate‐wideemergencyresponse.EachstateconductsitsemergencyresponsecoordinationactivitiesfromanEOCfacility.

F. LocalEmergencyOperationsCenter(EOC)

EachlocaljurisdictionwillusuallyestablishanEOCtocoordinateresponsetoandsupportofmoderateto large‐scale incidents. Initialdamageandneedsassessment informationisconsolidatedatthislocationtodetermineresponseneedsandstateandFederalresourcerequirements.Authority for themanagementof adisaster restsprimarilywith the localofficials and/or incident commander of the affected jurisdictions. State and Federalresponse supports state and local requests when resources and capabilities areoverwhelmed.

G. IncidentCommandPost(ICP)

The ICP is the primary field location where tactical‐level, on‐scene incident commandfunctionsareperformed.

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H. IncidentSupportBase(ISB)

AnISBisatemporarysatellitefacilitythatisestablishedatastrategiclocation(suchasamilitaryinstallation)toreceive,process,andsupportresponseresources,includingUS&Rresources,duringthemobilizationanddemobilizationphasesofaresponse.

I. PointofArrival(POA)

ThePOAis theassignedreporting locationfordeployingUS&Rtask forcesaswellas forotherFederalresponseentitiesororganizationsasdesignated.ThePOAmaybesituatedatanalternatesiteratherthanattheprimarymobilizationcenterlocationidentifiedininitialactivationorders.

J. ISTBaseofOperations(BoO)

The IST Base of Operations (BoO) is the operational area established by an IST, whichincludes the base and camp for the IST. It is where US&R response activities arecoordinated. When possible, combining IST and task force BoOs may be desirable toachievemoreeffectivecoordinationandlogisticalsupport.

IV. NRFField‐LevelTeams

The IST may interact with various Federal response teams during the course of adeployment,anditisbeneficialforSystemmemberstoknowthefunctionsofthevariousteams.

A. FEMANationalResponseCoordinationStaff(NRCS)

TheNRCS oversees the national‐level response support effort and coordinates activitieswith participating Federal departments and agencies when administering Federalresponserequirementsthroughthe15ESFs.TheNRCSisthestaffattheNRCC,locatedatFEMA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The NRCS structure includes the IncidentCommand System (ICS) functional groupings of planning, operations, logistics, andadministration/finance.However, theNRCSisorganized inaccordancewiththeNationalIncident Support Manual (NISM) branches of: Situational Awareness (ICS planningsection); Planning Support (ICS planning section); Resource Support (ICS operations,logistics,andadmin/financesections);andCenterandStaffSupport(coordinationcenter,specificsection).Forthemostpart,theNRCSdoesnotplayanoperationalroleexceptinthefollowingsituations:

During the initial periodwhen the Federal government is staging or immediatelydispatching initial response resources in preparation for an event or immediatelyfollowingadisasterandpriortotheestablishmentoftheJFO

When multiple‐state disaster responses require an arbitrator regarding theallocationofscarceFederalresources

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The ESF #9 SAR Unit assigned to the NRCS reports to the Emergency Services GroupSupervisorintheResponse&CapabilitiesBranchoftheResourcesSupportSectionandismostlycomprisedofUS&RBranchpersonnelthatassistwithcoordinationofFederalSARresourcesinanoverallFederaldisasterresponse.TheyaresupervisedbytheESF#9SARUnitLeader.Theirresponsibilitiesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

SelectingtheUS&Rtaskforcestobeactivated

Issuingadvisories

Issuingalertandactivationorders

Coordinatingtaskforcetransportationrequirements

TrackingtaskforceandISTpersonnelmovement

Coordinatingmissionassignmentrequests

Calculatingfinancialadvancesandreimbursements

TheNRCSESF#9SARUnitattheNRCCwillmaintainoverallmanagementandcontrolofdeployedUS&RresourcesuntiltheUS&RresourcesareeitherdemobilizedorareassignedtoanincidentoranoperationalIST.

B. FEMARegionalResponseCoordinationStaff(RRCS)

TheRRCSisthestaffatanRRCC,locatedateachofthetenregionaloffices.TheRRCCisthecenter for coordinating activities with participating Federal departments and agencieswhen administering Federal response requirements through the 15 ESFs. The RRCSoverseestheregional‐levelresponsesupporteffortandcontainstheICSfunctionalgroups:planning, operations, logistics, and administration/finance. However, the RRCS isorganized inaccordancewith theNational IncidentSupportManual (NISM)branchesof:Situational Awareness (ICS planning section); Planning Support (ICS planning section);ResourceSupport(ICSoperations,logistics,andadmin/financesections);andCenterandStaffSupport(coordinationcenter,specificsection).

BeforetheFederalCoordinatingOfficer(FCO)assumescontroloftheFederalresponseandmanagementoftheincident,theRRCSwilldothefollowing:

Establish and maintain all RRCS positions needed, including ESF coordinatorspositions

Contact the EOC in the affected state(s) to identify capabilities and anticipateshortfallstodetermineinitialresponseandsupportrequirements

Implementprocessesforgathering,collating,analyzing,anddisseminatingincidentinformationtoallappropriateparties

Provide the NRCC with information necessary to make critical national‐levelincidentmanagementdecisions

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AcquireotherFederalagencies’ resources through theuseofmissionassignmentsandinteragencyagreements

Establishmobilizationcentersandstagingareasasneeded

DeployregionalIMATsandincidentstaff

Request the deployment of a national IMAT(s) or additional regional IMATs fromotherregionswhenneeded

The ESF #9 SAR Unit assigned to the RRCS reports to the Emergency Services GroupSupervisorintheResponse&CapabilitiesBranchoftheResourcesSupportSectionandismostly comprised of regional personnel that assist with coordination of Federal SARresourcesduringanoverallFederaldisasterresponse.TheyaresupervisedbytheESF#9SAR Unit Leader. The responsibilities of the ESF #9 SAR Unitmay include, but are notlimitedto,thefollowing:

CoordinatingstaterequestsforSARassistance

DevelopingactionrequestformstorequestFederalSARresources

RelayingoperationalassignmentstotheISTESF#9GroupSupervisor

Coordinatingmissionassignmentrequests

TheRRCSESF#9SARUnitattheRRCCwillmaintainoverallmanagementandcontrolofdeployedUS&RresourcesoncetheUS&Rresourcesareeitherassignedtothatregionforanincidentordemobilized.

C. IncidentManagementAssistanceTeam(IMAT)

Asbrieflymentionedinsection1‐3,paragraphIIID,theprimarymissionofaFEMAIMATistorapidlydeploytoanincidentorincident‐threatenedvenue,provideleadershipintheidentification and provision of Federal assistance, and coordinate and integrate inter‐jurisdictional response in support of an affected state or territory. IMATs are full‐time,rapid response teamswithdedicatedstaffwhoareable todeploywithin twohoursandarriveatanincidentwithin12hourstosupportastateorlocal incidentcommander.AnIMAT supports the initial establishment of a unified command and provides situationalawarenesstoFederalandstatedecisionmakersthatiscrucialtodeterminingthelevelandtype of immediate Federal support thatmay be required. The IMATprovides the initialcommandstructureofaJFOasitisbeingestablished.TherearetwolevelsofIMATs.Thefirst level is comprised of IMATs that are regionally based, and the second level iscomprisedofnationallevelIMATSthatrepresentFEMAheadquartersinthefield.

Duringan incident, the state’s local authoritymanages the immediate response, and theIMAT coordinates additional assistance in the form of direct expert advice from teammembers or fromother Federal partners via the JFOwhen established. The IMAT teamleaderisresponsiblefortheoverallmanagementoftheincidentuntilanFCOisappointed.

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D. ESF#9FederalSearch&RescueCoordinationGroup(FSARCG)

TheFSARCGisacoordinatinggroupinwhichonememberfromeachofthefourESF#9primaryagencies(FEMA,USCG,DOI/NPS,andDoD)isactivatedanddeployedtoplanandcoordinateaFederalSARresponseinsupportoftheRRCC/IMATandtheAuthorityHavingJurisdiction (AHJ). The following activities may occur during the first 72 hours of anincident:

• Phase 1: Onemember from each of the ESF #9 primary agencies (FEMA, USCG,DOI/NPS, and DoD) is activated and deployed to the incident or appropriatestrategic locationbasedon incidentneeds.Theassignmentofmembers fromeachprimary agency provides an avenue to connect and streamline incident resourceneeds through familiarization with the procedures and policies of the primaryagencies.

• Phase2a(0‐24hrs.):TheFEMAUS&RIST,incoordinationwiththeFSARCGandtheIMAT, identify andbegin to integrate all potential Federal SAR responseactivitiesrequiredtosupporttheAHJ.

• Phase2b(24‐48hrs.): TheFEMAUS&RIST,incoordinationwiththeFSARCGandthe IMAT, identify and continue to integrate all potential Federal SAR responseactivitiesrequiredtosupporttheAHJ.

• Phase2c(48‐72hrs.): TheFEMAUS&RIST, incoordinationwiththeFSARCGandthe IMAT, identify and continue to integrate all potential Federal SAR responseactivitiesandaugmentationresourcesrequiredtosupporttheAHJ.

E. ESF#9GroupandGroupSupervisor

AnESF#9GroupmaybeassignedtovariouslocationsinadditiontotheESF#9SARUnitassigned to theNRCCorRRCCs asmentioned in section1‐3, paragraph IV,A.While theNRCC andRRCCs are staffed primarily byUS&RBranch personnel and FEMA reservistswhenauthorized,ESF#9GrouppersonnelmaybeassignedtoIMATs,JFOs,stateandlocalEOCs, and other locations as deemed necessary to provide coordination, SAR technicalexpertise, and liaison and communication linkagewithdeployedUS&R resources.Whenone or more resources are assigned to an ESF #9 Group, a Group Supervisor will beassigned.

F. ESF#9SARUnit,SARUnitLeader

AnESF#9SARUnitLeadermaybeassignedtovariousRRCCs inadditiontotheESF#9SARUnitassignedtotheNRCCasmentionedinsection1‐3,paragraphIV,A.ESF#9SARUnit personnel provide coordination, SAR technical expertise, and liaison andcommunicationlinkagewithdeployedUS&Rresources.WhenoneormoreresourcesareassignedtoanESF#9SARUnit,aUnitLeaderwillbeassigned.

G. DomesticEmergencySupportTeam(DEST)

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TheDESTisarapidlydeployable,interagencyteamofexpertswithintheU.S.Governmentthat is staffed from the FBI, FEMA,DOE,HHS, and the EPA. TheDEST provides the FBISpecialAgent inCharge (SAC) subjectmatterexpertiseandguidance concerningCBRNEthreatsorduringanactualincident.

H. OtherFederalteams

Numerous special teams are available to support incident management and disasterresponseandrecoveryoperations.Examplesinclude:

NuclearIncidentResponseTeam(NIRT)

DisasterMedicalAssistanceTeams(DMATs)

HHSSecretary’sEmergencyResponseTeam

Department of Labor (DOL)/Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s(OSHA’s)specializedresponseteams

NationalVeterinaryResponseTeam

Disastermortuaryoperationalresponseteams

NationalMedicalresponseteams

Scienceandtechnicaladvisoryandresponseteams

Donationscoordinationteams

Domesticanimalandwildlifeemergencyresponseteams

1‐4. SequenceofESF#9Activation

Thestructurescontainedwithin theNRFandNIMSprovide for theorderlyactivationofESFsandotherelementsofaFederalresponse.Becausemostincidentsarehandledatthelocal level, a sequence of events may occur before activation of the National US&RResponseSystemcantakeplace.

I. EventOccursandLocalAgenciesMayRespond

LocalEOCisactivatedandnotificationsaremadetothestate

Mayor/countyexecutivedeclaresastateofemergencyordisaster

StatenotifiesFEMAregionthatasignificanteventhasoccurred

Governordeclaresstateofemergencyordisaster

StateEOCisactivated

Governorrequestspresidentialdeclaration

Presidentialemergencyormajordisasterdeclarationisissued

Statecoordinatingofficerisidentified

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StaterequestsFederalassistance

II. FEMARegionResponsibilities

NotifytheFEMANationalWatchCenter

ActivatetheRRCC

DevelopactionrequestformstoproviderequestedFederalsupport

ActivateanddeployregionalIMAT

III. FEMAHeadquartersResponsibilities

AdvisethePresident

Activateanddeployresources

ImplementtheNRF

ActivateanddeployoneormoreofthethreenationalIMATs

ActivatingESF#9throughtheNRCCorUS&RBranch

Issueadvisories,alerts,andactivationorders throughtheESF#9SARUnit (US&RBranch)

1‐5. TaskForceCompositionandFunctions

FederalUS&Rtaskforcesarestructuredtosafelyoperateonthesceneofanincidentforupto14days.AUS&Rtaskforceisanall‐hazardsresponseorganizationthatcanperformsearch and rescue functions and provide medical care for survivors and task forcemembers.Theindividualteamcomponentsandprimaryfunctionsareoutlinedasfollows:

I. Management

Composition: TaskForceLeader SafetyOfficer PlanningTeamManager SearchTeamManager RescueTeamManager LogisticsTeamManager MedicalTeamManager HazardousMaterialsTeamManagerFunction: Provideoverallleadershipandcoordinationoftaskforceoperations

II. Search

Composition: CanineSearchSpecialists TechnicalSearchSpecialists

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Function: Use canines and technical/electronic search equipment to locatetrappedsurvivors

III. Rescue

Composition: RescueSpecialists–Organizedintofoursquadswithaleaderandfivespecialists

Function: Perform extrication of trapped survivors. Personnel are skilled incutting,shoring,lifting,andbreachingsteelandreinforcedconcrete.

IV. Medical

Composition: MedicalSpecialiststrainedattheparamediclevelorequivalent

Function: Providepre‐hospitalandemergencycare for task forcemembersandsurvivors and provide initial treatment for injured search canine.MedicalSpecialistsarespecificallytrainedtotreatcrushsyndromeandprovideconfined‐spacemedicineforrescuedsurvivors.

V. Planning

Composition: StructuralEngineersTechnicalInformationSpecialists

Function: Provide support to the overall search and rescue mission includingplanning, hazards evaluation, structural integrity assessments, andtechnicaldocumentation

VI. Logistics

Composition: LogisticsSpecialistsCommunicationsSpecialistsSupportpersonnel(activatedforover‐the‐roadtransportation)

Function: Provide support to the overall search and rescue mission includinglogistics, communications, mobilization and demobilization ofpersonnel,andtransportationofpersonnelandequipment

VII.HazardousMaterials

Composition: HazardousMaterialsSpecialists

Function: Provide initial and ongoing detection, monitoring and sampling, andidentificationofhazardousmaterials

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CHAPTER2: NATIONALUS&RRESPONSESYSTEMOVERVIEW

2‐1. NationalUS&RResponseSystemAdvisoryOrganization

The National US&R Response System is comprised of Federally‐authorized task forcesstaffed by state and local Sponsoring Agencies, participating agencies, and affiliatedpersonnel.Organizationally,theSystemresideswithintheUS&RBranch,acomponentofthe FEMA Office of Response and Recovery, Response Directorate, Operations Division.The continued growth and development of the System requires involvement of subjectmatterexpertsfromtheFederal,state,andlocallevels.

2‐2.ComponentsoftheUS&RAdvisoryOrganization

TheUS&RAdvisoryOrganizationiscomprisedoftheUS&RStrategicGroupandtheUS&ROperations Group, which is comprised of work groups, sub‐groups, and ad hoc workgroups.Eachof thesegroups is taskedwith thedevelopmentof theirrespectiveareasofresponsibility and the integration of their recommendations into the advisoryorganization. These groups draw from Systemmembership, utilizing theirmanagementand technical expertise to provide advice and recommendations upon which strategicdecisionsarebased.Decisionsconcerningrecommendationsfromthevariousgroupswillbemadethroughconsensuswheneverpossible.

ThefollowingcomponentscomprisetheUS&RAdvisoryOrganization:

I. OfficeofResponseandRecovery

II. ResponseDirectorate

III. OperationsDivision

IV. FEMAUS&RBranch

TheUS&RBranchChiefmanagesthebranchstaffandisresponsibleforadministeringtheNationalUS&RResponseSystem.

V. US&RStrategicGroup

The US&R Strategic Group makes recommendations to establish System priorities onmattersregardingpolicy,strategicgoals,budget,andany issuehavinga financial impactonSystemtaskforcesortheirSponsoringAgency(SA).TheUS&RStrategicGroupmeetsformally at least oncea year.Teleconferencesmaybe conductedat any time to addressissuesofurgency.

TheUS&RStrategicGroupconsistsofthefollowingninemembers:

US&RBranchChief

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Three Divisional Sponsoring Agency Chief Representatives (SACR‐D)—One fromeachUS&Rdivision(East,Central,andWest)

EachUS&RtaskforceissupportedbyaSponsoringAgency.Thechief/headofeachSponsoringAgencyisultimatelythefinalauthorityfortheirtaskforce.EachUS&Rdivision(East,Central,andWest)electsaSACR‐Dfromoneofthetaskforceswithintheirdivisiontorepresentallofthetaskforcesinthatdivision.

NationalTaskForceRepresentative(TFR‐N)

TheNationalTaskForceRepresentativeisarosteredmemberofaSystemtaskforceand is elected by the System’s Task Force Representatives to represent theirinterestsandensurethattheirinputonissuesisgivenfullconsideration.TheTFR‐Nisa sittingmemberof theUS&RStrategicGroupand theUS&ROperationsGroup.TheTFR‐NcoordinatesthefunctionsoftheDivisionalTaskForceRepresentatives.

Three Divisional Task Force Representatives (TFR‐D)—One from each US&Rdivision(East,Central,andWest)

TheDivisionalTaskForceRepresentativesarerosteredmembersofaSystemtaskforce and are elected by the Eastern, Central, and Western Division Task ForceRepresentatives to represent their interests on theUS&RStrategicGroup and theUS&R Operations Group. The TFR‐Ds are sitting members of the US&R StrategicGroupandtheOperationsGroup.

TFR‐Ds ensure that all work products and decisions are shared with Task ForceRepresentativesandthat their inputonmajor issues isgivenfullconsiderationbytheUS&ROperationsGroup.

US&ROperationsGroupChair

TheUS&ROperationsGroupChairisarosteredmemberofaSystemtaskforceandis appointed by the US&R Branch Chief to coordinate the activities of the US&ROperations Group, including assigning tasks to specific work groups, reviewingrecommendationsfromtheworkgroups,forwardingapprovedrecommendationstotheUS&RStrategicGrouporUS&RBranch,andvotingonUS&ROperationsGrouprecommendationsonlywhenavoteresultsinatie.TheOperationsGroupChairisasittingmemberoftheUS&RStrategicGroup.

VI. US&ROperationsGroup

TheUS&ROperationsGroupiscomprisedoftheTFR‐N,TFR‐Ds,andthechairfromeachofthestandingworkgroups.TheUS&ROperationsGroupcoordinatesactivitiesandreviewsrecommendations and work products submitted by those within the variousorganizational levelswithin the System. The US&R Operations Groupmeets formally atleastonceperyear,orasneeded,subjecttotheavailabilityoffunding.Electronicmeetings(e.g.teleconferencesorwebconferences)maybeconductedatanytimetoaddressSystemissues. In theabsenceof theUS&ROperationsGroupChair,astandingworkgroupchairshallbeappointedtoactinthatcapacityduringofficialUS&Rmeetingsandfunctions.

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VII. WorkGroup

AworkgroupiscomprisedofrosteredmembersfromaSystemtaskforcealongwithothertechnical experts who are assembled to perform specific functions or tasks to meetongoinggoalsandobjectivesoftheSystem.ThegroupsareestablishedanddisbandedbytheUS&RBranch,basedupon theneedsandrequirementsof theSystem.Aworkgroupshall consist of a minimum of nine members (providing equal geographic task forcerepresentation and distribution) including the chair. Members are elected from withintheirdivisionand,inthecaseoftechnicalexperts,areappointedbytheUS&ROperationsGroupChairbasedontheir interest,operationalexperience,andexpertise inthevariousaspects of the US&R System. Consideration is given to provide balanced representationacrosseachtaskforcewithineachdivision.Theworkgroupchairisselectedannuallybyotherworkgroupmembersand isapprovedbytheUS&RBranchChief.Theworkgroupchair is responsible formanagement of thework group and completion of its assignedtasks.Avice‐chairisappointedbytheelectedchairofeachworkgroupwiththeapprovaloftheUS&RBranchChief.

Eachwork groupwill address issues of consequencewithin the discipline and/or thoseassigned by theUS&ROperationsGroup. The twelve standingwork groups currently inexistencearelistedbelow:

CommandandGeneralStaff PublicAffairsCommunications RescueIncidentSupportTeam SearchLegalIssues GrantsLogistics TrainingMedical HazardousMaterials/CBRNE

Workgroupsmeet formally, at leastonceayear, subject toavailable funding.Electronicmeetings (e.g. teleconferences or web conferences) may be conducted at any time toaddressSystemissues.Meetingsareopentoobservers,butobserversmaynotparticipatein the business of thework group, except by permission or request of the chair.WorkgroupsprovidetechnicalexpertiseandsupporttotheUS&ROperationsGroup,theUS&RStrategicGroup,andtheUS&RBranch.Workgroupsmaintainworkingrelationshipswithtechnical specialists; subjectmatter experts;US&R task forces; ISTpersonnel; and local,state,andFederalagencypersonnelwhenaddressingSystemissues.

Work groups ensure that System‐developed products are compatible with regulations,mandates,operatingguidelinesand/orstandardsestablishedformulti‐disciplinaryUS&Roperations,theNRF,andNIMS.Workgroupsrecommendchangesindevelopedproducts,anddevelopandmaintainproducts,inresponsetochangesintheSystem.

VIII. Sub‐Group

A sub‐group is comprised of rostered members from a System task force and othertechnicalexpertsassembled toperformspecific functionsor tasksassignedby thework

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group to which it is attached. Members are chosen for their interest, operationalexperience,andexpertiseinthevariousUS&Rdisciplines.Asub‐groupisattachedtooneofthestandingworkgroups.Thesub‐groupchairisanon‐votingmemberofthestandingworkgroup.

TheSystemcurrentlyhastwosub‐groups:CanineandStructures.TheCanineSub‐GroupisattachedtotheSearchWorkGroupandistaskedtofocusonissuesthatrelatetoCanineSearch Team training, certification, and mission utilization regarding the detection ofsurvivors.TheStructuresSub‐GroupisattachedtotheRescueWorkGroupandistaskedtofocus on issues related to the engineering aspects of technology, training, and missionutilizationinregardtostructuralstability.

A minimum of six members (having equal geographic distribution) including the chairshallcomprisethesub‐group.Thesub‐groupchairisselectedannuallybythemembersofthesub‐groupandisapprovedbythestandingworkgroupchair.Thesub‐groupchair isresponsibleforthemanagementofthesub‐groupandthecompletionofassignedtasks.Avice‐chair is appointed by the elected chair of each sub‐groupwith the approval of thestandingwork group chair.Reports, status, and recommendations shall be sent forwardthroughthestandingworkgroupchair.Thesub‐groupchairmayattendOperationsGroupmeetingsbutwillnotbepermittedtovoteonissuesbeforethatbody.

Intheeventthatasub‐groupcannotreachconsensusonatopic,thechair(orvice‐chairinthechair’sabsence)oftheworkgrouptowhichitisattachedwilldecidethatissue.

Sub‐groups meet formally, at least once a year, subject to the availability of funding.Electronicmeetings (e.g. teleconferences orweb conferences)may be conducted at anytime to address System issues. The chair of the sub‐groups attends meetings of thestandingworkgroupasaliaisonandsubjectmatterexpert.Thechairoftheworkgrouptowhichthesub‐groupisattachedmayattendthesub‐group’smeetings.

Sub‐groupsprovidetechnicalexpertiseandsupporttotheOperationsGroupandtheUS&RBranch. They alsomaintainworking relationships with technical specialists; US&R taskforces;ISTpersonnel;andlocal,state,andFederalagencypersonneltoaddressissuesthatinfluencetheSystem.

Sub‐groups ensure that system‐developed products are compatible with regulations,mandates,operatingguidelinesand/orstandardsestablishedformulti‐disciplinaryUS&Roperations, the NRF, and NIMS. Sub‐groups recommend changes in developed productsanddevelopandmaintainproductsinresponsetochangesintheSystem.

IX. AdHocWorkGroup

AnadhocworkgroupistemporarilyestablishedbytheUS&RBranchChiefforaspecificpurpose and period of time. The recommendation to convene an ad hocwork group isgeneratedthroughtheOperationsGroup.Thecomposition,organization,chairperson,andmembershipofanadhocworkgroupwillbedeterminedbytheUS&RBranchChiefand

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OperationsGroupChair,basedonresponsibilitiesandneed.Membershipwillextend forthedurationofthetaskorassignment.Theadhocworkgroupshallmeetasrequiredtofulfill their mission and assignments, not to exceed two years, as determined by theOperations Group Chair and the US&R Branch Chief. Electronic meetings, e.g.teleconferences or web conferences may be conducted at any time to address Systemissues. Upon a recommendation by the Operations Group, the US&R Branch Chief mayextend the termof theadhocworkgroupanadditional twoyears. Aftersuch time, theBranch Chief may authorize the group to be disbanded or to become a standing workgrouporsub‐group.

Theadhocworkgroupchairisresponsibleforgroupmanagementandthecompletionofall assigned tasks. Reports, updates, and recommendations shall be provided to theOperationsGroupChair.ThechairoftheadhocworkgroupmayattendOperationsGroupmeetingsbutwillnotbepermittedtovoteonissuesbeforethatbody.

X. TaskForceRepresentatives(TFR)

EachSponsoringAgencyChief/Head(SAC)willidentifyaTFRfortheirtaskforce.SystemTFRs will meet formally, at least once a year, subject to available funding. Electronicmeetings (e.g. teleconferences or web conferences) may be conducted at any time toaddress System issues. Thismeeting is chaired by the TFR‐N. Observers are allowed toattend meetings, but they may not participate in the business of the group except bypermission or request of the chair. The TFRs may also meet within their division toaddressspecificissuesasdeterminedbytheTFR‐D.

TFRsensurethatSystem‐developedproductsarecompatiblewithregulations,mandates,operating guidelines, and/or standards established for multi‐disciplinary US&Roperations, theNRF,andNIMS.Theyalsorecommendchanges indevelopedproducts totheOperationsGroupforreviewandconsideration.

TheUS&RStrategicGroup,SACs,OperationsGroup,standingworkgroups,sub‐groups,adhocworkgroups, andTFRsmaymeet formallyor informallyat any time toaddress thebusinessof theSystem.Aquorumof thesegroups isdefinedas50%of themembershipplusoneandmustbepresentforanyofficialbusinesstotakeplace.

2‐3. Membership

The National US&R Response System Advisory Organization is comprised of the US&RStrategic Group, SACs, the Operations Group, standingwork groups, sub‐groups, ad hocwork groups, and Task Force Representatives. The organization developsrecommendationsthatareprovidedtotheUS&RBranch.Membersareselectedtoensureabalancedrepresentationofinterestsacrossthespectrumofthesystem.

GeneralmembershiprequirementsforanypositiononaSystemgroupareasfollows:

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Members must be technically qualified to fill the position. Individuals must be asponsoring/participating agency designee from a System task force. The US&RBranchChiefmaywaivecertainmembershiprequirementsforpersonnelfromnewSystem task forces and/or thosenon‐System technical experts appointed to servewithintheadvisoryorganization.

Non‐System technicalexpertsmustdemonstrate theirability toparticipate,whichincludes identification of funding and the ability to complete administrativeassignments.

Individuals must provide a letter of support signed by their TFR and SAC toparticipate. Members of a task force participating agency are also required toprovidealetterofsupportfromtheirparticipatingagencychief/headthatmustbesubmittedthroughthetaskforceSponsoringAgency.

Upon acceptance of an appointment, members agree to adhere to the policies,procedures, and thecodeof conduct that govern theSystem.Failure todo sowillresultinarecommendationforremovalforcause.

IndividualsmayonlyserveeitherasaTFRRepresentative(nationalordivisional)oron one work group or sub‐group at a time. However, they may also serveconcurrentlyononeadhocworkgroup.

2‐4. SelectionandAppointmentProcess

The US&R Branch Chief is responsible for the approval and appointment of qualifiedindividualstofillvacanciesforthepositionofOperationsGroupChairorformembershippositionsthatbecomeavailableintheworkgroups,sub‐groups,andadhocworkgroups.Tobeconsideredforaposition,individualsmustcompleteanapplicationthatincludesanelectronic version of the FEMA US&R résumé and indicates the applicant’s knowledge,skills,abilities,andexperience.ApplicantsmustalsosubmitaletterofendorsementsignedbytheirTFR,SAC,andtheparticipatingagencychief/head,ifapplicable.

I. WorkGroupAppointmentProcess

Work groups consist of nine members—three members from each geographic US&Rdivision. Sub‐groups consist of sixmembers—two from each geographic US&R division.Workgroupandsub‐groupmembersareappointedbytheUS&RBranchChiefforathree‐yearterm,beginningonMay1st.Thetermsofone‐thirdoftheworkgroupmembers(oneper division) and specified sub‐groupmembers expire onApril 30th of each year.Workgroupandsub‐groupopeningsoccurwhenamember’sthree‐yeartermexpiresorwhenamemberleavesthegroupduringhis/herterm.Acallfornominationsfortheannualworkgroupandsub‐groupvacanciesshallbemadeinaccordancewiththefollowingguidelines:

Each TFR‐Dwill announce the annual nomination process for any availableworkgroup and sub‐group positions by October 1st of each year. This request will bebased on information supplied by the work group/sub‐group chairs. They will

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identify vacancies, requirements, and the names of members whose terms willexpire.

Certainworkgroups/sub‐groupsmayproposespecialmembershiprequirementstomeet the unique needs of the group. For example, thework group chair and theOperationsGroupChairmaydevelop specific criteria in addition to theminimumqualificationsdescribedbelow (e.g., attorneysmaybeneeded for theLegal IssuesWork Group, physicians for Medical Work Group). Minimum qualificationinformationwillbeconveyedwiththerequestforapplications.

Any member filling a work group or sub‐group position may apply for anotherpositionwithout first resigning from his/her currently held seat. If a selection ismade,thevacancywillbefilledinthemannerdefinedinthissection.Ifnoselectionismade,thememberwillretainhis/hercurrentposition.

TheTFR‐Dwillsolicitapplicationsandlettersofsupportfromtaskforcememberswithin his/her division. These documents must be returned to the TFR‐D byNovember1st.

The TFR‐D will confirm that each application packet includes an appropriateapplicationand letter(s)ofsupportandwill forwardelectronicapplicationstotheTFRofthatdivision.TheTFR‐Dwillconductameetingorconferencecalltoreviewtheapplicationsandselectmembers.Membershipcriteriaforworkgroupsisbasedon the applicant’s background, experience, subject matter knowledge, level ofparticipation, and value to the System. Overall task force distribution ofmembershipshouldbeconsideredintheprioritizationprocess.

TheTFR‐DwillforwardthenamesoftheselectedmemberstotheOperationsGroupChair byDecember 1st. TheOperations Group Chairwill submit the names of theselectedmembers to theUS&RBranchChiefbyDecember15th.TheUS&RBranchChiefwilldistributeaprogramdirectivenamingthenewappointeesbyJanuary1st.

When unanticipated vacancies (those that occur outside of the annual processdescribed above) arise, the affected work group/sub‐group chair will notify theOperations Group Chair of the vacancy and of any special requirements for thatposition.TheOperationsGroupChairwillnotifytheaffectedTFR‐Dofthevacancy.Ifthe term of the vacancy is less than one year, the TFR‐Dwill appoint a qualifiedmemberfromhis/herdivisiontofillthevacancy.Ifthetermofthevacancyextendstooneyearormore,thevacancywillbefilledinaccordancewiththeprocessabove.Members appointed/elected tomid‐termvacancieswill serve thedurationof thatterm.

II. OperationsGroupChair

TheOperationsGroupChairwillbeappointed toa three‐year termby theUS&RBranchChief.ByDecember1stofthefinalyearofthethree‐yearterm,theUS&RBranchChiefmayeither reappoint the incumbent or conduct a formal application process (similar to theworkgroup/sub‐groupprocess)toselectanewOperationsGroupChair.TheUS&RBranch

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ChiefwilldistributeaprogramdirectivenamingtheOperationsGroupChairbyJanuary1st.TheappointmentwillbecomeeffectiveMay1st.

III. TaskForceRepresentatives‐Divisional(TFR‐D)

TheTFR‐Dwillbeelectedbyeachdivision’sTaskForceRepresentatives.TheTFR‐Dwillrepresenthis/herdivision’s task forcesontheOperationsGroupandtheUS&RStrategicGroupforathree‐yearterm.ThetermsshallbeginonMay1standwillbestaggeredsothatonlyoneTFR‐D’stermexpireseachyear.TheTFR‐NwillfacilitatetheannualelectionfortheTFR‐DpriortoMay1st.TheTFR‐NwillannouncethenominationprocessforTFR‐Dtothe affected division by October 1st. The TFR‐N will solicit applications and letters ofsupportfromthedivisiontaskforces.ThesedocumentsmustbereturnedtotheTFR‐NbyNovember1st.TheTFR‐Nwillconfirmthateachapplicationpacketincludesanappropriateapplicationandletter(s)ofsupport.TheTFR‐NwillforwardtheelectronicapplicationstotheTFRsofthatdivision.TheTFR‐NwillconductameetingorconferencecalltoelecttheTFR‐D then will forward the name of the elected TFR‐D to the US&R Branch Chief byDecember1st.TheUS&RBranchChiefwilldistributeaprogramdirectivenamingthenewTFR‐DbyJanuary1st.

IV. TaskForceRepresentative‐National(TFR‐N)

TheTFR‐NpositioniselectedbytheSystem’sTaskForceRepresentativesforathree‐yearterm. Prior toMay 1st of the last year of the three‐year term, a TFR‐Dwill facilitate anelectionthatisheldduringaregularTFRmeeting.ATFRfromeachSystemtaskforceshallcastavote.TheTFR‐DwillsubmitthenameoftheelectedTFR‐NtotheUS&RBranchChiefbyDecember1st.TheUS&RBranchChiefwilldistributeaprogramdirectivenaming thenewTFR‐DbyJanuary1st.

V. SponsoringAgencyChief/HeadRepresentatives‐Divisional(SACR‐D)

A SACR‐D will be elected by each division’s SACs. The SACR‐D will represent his/herdivision’staskforcesontheUS&RStrategicGroupforathree‐yearterm.ThetermsshallbeginonMay1standwillbestaggeredsothatonlyoneSACR‐D’stermexpireseachyear.TheTFR‐Nwill facilitate theannualelection for theSACR‐Dprior toMay1st.TheTFR‐NwillannouncethenominationprocessforSACR‐DtotheaffecteddivisionbyOctober1st.TheTFR‐NwillsolicitnamesfromthedivisiontaskforcesuntilNovember1st.TheTFR‐Nwill forward the list of names to the SACs of that division. The TFR‐N will conduct ameetingorconferencecalltoelecttheSACR‐DandforwardthenameoftheelectedSACR‐D to the US&R Branch Chief by December 1st. The US&R Branch Chief will distribute aprogramdirectivenamingthenewSACR‐DbyJanuary1st.

VI. WorkGroupandSub‐GroupChairs

Thework group and sub‐group chairswill be electedby each group’smembers, and allgroupmembersmayvote.TheUS&RBranchwillassignonestaffmemberas theProjectOfficerforeachgroup. TheProjectOfficerwill facilitatetheannualchairelectionduring

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thefirstmeetingafterJanuary1st.TheUS&RBranchProjectOfficerswillsubmitthenamesoftheelectedchairstotheUS&RBranchChiefforfinalapprovalbyJanuary15th.TheUS&RBranch Chief will distribute a program directive naming the newwork group and sub‐groupchairsbyFebruary1st.

Eachworkgroupandsub‐groupchairwillselectavice‐chairtoserveintheirabsence.Ifthe work group and sub‐group chair should vacate that position, the vice‐chair wouldserveas the interimchairuntilanofficialappointmentcanbemadethroughthenormalelectionprocess.

VII. MemberRemovalProcess

Membersor chairsof theOperationsGroup,workgroups, sub‐groups, andadhocworkgroupsmayberemovedfromtheirpositionsatanytimeforcause.Iftheneedtoremoveamember has been determined, that member’s chair will notify that member and theOperations Group Chair. Themember to be removed then has 15 days to appeal to theOperationsGroupChair.TheOperationsGroupChairwillgatherthefactspertainingtothesituationandmakearecommendationtotheUS&RBranchChief.TheUS&RBranchChiefwilltakeappropriateactionbasedonthefactsprovided.

If theUS&RBranchChief decides to remove amember, theBranchChiefwill notify themember,theOperationsGroupChair,theworkgroupchair,theTFR‐D,andthemember’sSAC.

ComplaintsagainsttheTFR‐D,theTFR‐N,ortheOperationsGroupChairwillbesubmitteddirectlytotheUS&RBranchChiefwhowilldeterminethebestmeansbywhichtoresolvethe issue. If the decision is made to remove thatmember from his/her position in theAdvisory Organization, no appeal will occur. The US&R Branch Chief is the appointingauthorityforthesystem.

A SAC who withdraws support for a member wishing to participate in the AdvisoryOrganizationshallnotifytheUS&RBranchChief inwriting.TheUS&RBranchChiefshallnotifytheOperationsGroupChair,whowillthennotifythemember,thegroupchair,andthe TFR‐D. The member’s participation shall either be terminated immediately or asrequestedbytheSAC.

AdvisoryOrganizationpositionsbelongtothespecificdivision,nottothetaskforceortoan individual. A member who changes task force affiliation forfeits his/herelected/appointed position in the AdvisoryOrganization andmust seek re‐appointmentthroughthenormalapplicationprocess.

2‐5. NationalUS&RResponseSystemDecisionProcess

The National US&R Response System decision process is a standardized practice thatgoverns thedevelopmentof recommendations through coordinated interactionbetweentheUS&RBranch,SACs,OperationsGroup,TFRs,andworkgroups.Thedecisionprocessis

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consensus‐driven,anditspurposeistocometoageneralagreementonall interestsandconcerns.

TheUS&RStrategicGroupprovidesdirectiontotheOperationsGroupregardingpolicies,strategicgoals,budgets,andissuesimpactingcosts.RecommendationsandissuesmayalsobegeneratedbytheUS&RBranchorfromanylevelwithintheSystem.TheissueisthenreferredtotheOperationsGroupChairforreviewandappropriateaction.

Eachrecommendationwillbeidentifiedaseithertacticalorstrategicinnature.

I. TacticalRecommendations

Tactical recommendations involveroutine issues thataddressa taskor functionandareusuallyshortinduration.Theyarenormallynarrowinscopeandarecarriedoutwithanimmediateendinview.

II. StrategicRecommendations

Strategic recommendations involve higher‐level issues regarding plans, programs,procedures,andactivities,usuallybroadinscopeandimpact,thatareofgreatimportanceinternallyand/orexternallytotheSystem.

The Operations Group Chair shall determine whether a recommendation is purelyinformationaloristobefiledforfurtheraction,inwhichcasetheissuewillbeforwardedto theUS&RBranch. Ifsubjectmatterexpertise isrequired, the issuewillbeassignedtothe appropriate work group(s) for action. Some issues will require action or input bymultipleworkgroups.Inthosecases,oneworkgroupwillbedesignatedastheleadgroupandwillcoordinatewiththealliedworkgroupstodeveloparecommendation.

2‐6.DecisionProcessSequence

Thestepsofthedecisionprocessareasfollows:

1. Recommendationsmaybeproposedbyanysourcewithin theSystem,andallwillbesubmittedtotheOperationsGroupChair.Ifarecommendationoriginatesfromwithinatask force, the TFR forwards the recommendation electronically to their TFR‐DwhothenforwardsthesuggestiontotheOperationsGroupChair.

2. TheOperationsGroupChairforwardstherecommendationtotheUS&RBranchwhereitisenteredintothedocumentcontrolsystemforaccountability.

3. WiththeconcurrenceoftheUS&RBranch,orinthecaseofarecommendationfromtheUS&RStrategicGroup, theOperationsGroupChair refers the recommendation to theappropriateworkgroupforaction.Forexample:

If the recommendation requires action or input by multiple work groups, theOperationsGroupChairdesignatesaleadworkgroupfortheproject.

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The Operations Group Chair notifies the US&R Branch as to the status of therecommendationtoupdatethedocumentcontrolsystemforaccountability.

4. TheOperationsGroupChair ensures thatobjectives, timelines, financial impacts, anddocumentchangesareidentified.

5. The lead work group collaborates with the allied work groups to complete theassignment.

6. Whenarecommendationisreviewedandacteduponbytheleadworkgroup,itissentbacktotheOperationsGroupChair.

7. TheOperationsGroupChairthendoesthefollowing:

ForwardstherecommendationtotheTFR‐Dswhothenforwards it totheTFRs intheirrespectivedivisionfora21‐dayreview

Notifies the US&R Branch as to the status of the recommendation to update thedocumentcontrolsystemforaccountability

8. At the end of the 21‐day review, all comments are forwarded to the TFR‐Ds whocompilethecommentsandforwardthemtotheOperationsGroupChair.

9. TheOperationsGroupChairthendoesthefollowing:

Forwardsallcommentsandsuggestionstotheleadworkgroup


10. Theleadworkgroupthentakesthefollowingaction:

Tracks the receipt and disposition of all comments on the Document ClearanceCommentForm

Considersallcommentsandchanges

Revisesthedocumentasappropriate,basedonthecomments

ForwardsthedocumenttotheOperationsGroupChairwiththeassociatedcommenttrackingform

Returns comment forms to theoriginating task forcewith thedispositionof theircomments

11. ThefinalrecommendationalongwiththecommenttrackingformisthenpresentedtotheOperationsGroup,whichthendoesthefollowing:

Reviews the recommendation, which can be accomplished during a regularlyscheduledOperationsGroupmeetingorviaateleconference


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12. TheOperationsGroupChairalongwiththeTFR‐NandTFR‐Dsdeterminewhethertherecommendationistacticalorstrategic.Afterthisdetermination,theOperationsGroupChairandTFR‐NandTFR‐Dsvotetoproceedinoneofthefollowingfashions:

Returntherecommendationtotheleadworkgroupforfurtherstudy

Inthecaseofsignificantchanges,returntherecommendationthroughtheTFR‐Dsto the TFRs of their respective divisions for a second 21‐day review uponwhichtimeitreturnstotheprocessatStepVII

Approve strategic‐level recommendations to be forwarded to the US&R StrategicGroup

Approvetactical‐levelrecommendationstobeforwardedtotheUS&RBranchChief

13. TheUS&RStrategicGroupwill review recommendations related topolicies, strategicgoals,budgets,andcostimpactsandtakeoneofthefollowingcoursesofaction:

Return the recommendation to the Operations Group Chair with recommendedaction

ApprovetherecommendationandforwardittotheUS&RBranchChief

14. Uponreceivingarecommendation,theUS&RBranchChiefwillensure,throughafinalreviewbytheUS&RBranch,thattherecommendationisprocedurally,financially,andlegallysoundfortheSystem.

The US&R Branch Chief will either develop the appropriate US&R document anddistribute it for implementation or return the recommendation to the OperationsGroupChairfortheappropriatemodification.

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FIGUREIV:NationalUS&RResponseSystemDecisionProcess

The Operations Group Chair will assign the issue(s) to the appropriate work group for analysis and development.

The appropriate work group conducts staff work and presents a recommendation to the Operations Group Chair for

dissemination to the TFR-Ds for review and comment.

The Strategic Group will provide direction to the Operations Group regarding policies, strategic goals, budgets, and issues impacting costs. Issues and

suggestions can enter the System from any source and will be forwarded to a TFR-D who will forward them to the Operations Group Chair.

The Operations Group Chair will forward comments and suggestions to the lead work group. The work group compiles

the input, completes the recommendation and presents it to the Operations Group for review and disposition.

Upon review by the Operations Group, recommendations are divided into two categories:

1. Higher-level recommendations (concerning policies, strategic goals, budgets, and cost impacts) are forwarded to the Strategic Group.

2. Tactical recommendations will be forwarded directly to the US&R Branch Chief.

The Strategic Group will review higher-level recommendations and either: return them to

the Operations Group: or approve and forward them to the US&R Branch Chief.

All final recommendations will be forwarded to the US&R Branch Chief. The Branch Chief will ensure that the

recommendation is procedurally, financially, and legally sound for the System. The Branch Chief will either distribute

the appropriate US&R document for implementation or return the recommendation for the appropriate modification.

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CHAPTER3: NATIONALUS&RRESPONSESYSTEMIMPLEMENTATIONANDAGENCYRESPONSIBILITIES

3‐1. FederalEmergencyManagementAgency

I. FEMAHeadquarters

TheNRFdesignatesFEMAastheESF#9primaryagencyresponsibleforUS&R.

Toaccomplishthismission,FEMAwilldothefollowing:

MaintainanationalUS&Rcapability

AdministertheNationalUS&RResponseSystem

ProvidetechnicalassistanceontheimplementationoftheNRF

ProvideoverallmanagementofUS&Roperations

ProvidesupplementallogisticalsupporttoUS&Rresourceswhiledeployed

Developsituationandafter‐actionreports

MaintainanESF#9responseplan,alongwithotherESF#9primaryagencypartnersandassociatedsupportagencies

MaintainaninventoryofUS&Rresources

ProvideforfunctionaltrainingandexerciseswithintheUS&RSystem

MaintainarosteroftrainedandappointedUS&RISTpersonnel

FEMAisresponsibleforcoordinatinginternationalUS&RassistancewithinthecontinentalUnited States when offered. FEMA also manages public information dissemination andcongressional liaisonissuesrelatedtoallESFs.FEMAreimbursesallsupportingagenciesfor allowable expenses related to ESF #9 activation and deployments when officiallyauthorized.

II. FEMARegionalOffices

Duringtheearlystagesofadisaster,aFEMARegionalESF#9representativewillchannelrelevantSARrelatedinformationtoFEMAHeadquartersandaffectedstates'EOCs.OnceanRRCCisestablished,anduntil theISTisfunctionaland/oranESF#9SARSpecialist is inplace at the state EOC, the RRCCwill coordinate the affected states’ requests for US&Rassistance with FEMA Headquarters. A FEMA ESF #9 representative from the regionalofficemayassisttheESF#9SARSpecialistataJFOastheFEMAsupportrepresentative.IntheabsenceoftheRRCCorJFO,theISTESF#9GroupSupervisorwillactastheliaisontotheIMAT.

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III. SupportingFederalAgencies

TheagenciesnamedinFigureIII‐1providesupporttoFEMAinitsconductofFederalESF#9Operations.

FIGUREV:SupportingFederalAgencies

3‐2. States

I. AffectedStates

A state that is affected by a significant event or disaster is responsible for conductingdamageandneedsassessmentsand formakingall requests forFederalUS&Rassistancethrough ESF #9 at the state EOC or the JFO. The state may provide an ESF #9representative(s) to serve as a liaison to the ESF #9 at the JFO and assist with thecoordination of US&R requests and activities with his/her Federal counterparts. Theaffectedstatemayestablishpriorities toallocateallUS&Rresources (Federal, state, andlocal) within the disaster area of the state while consulting with the local IncidentCommand(IC).Ifthelocaljurisdictionisincapableofprovidingaviableincidentcommandstructuretomanagetheoverall incident,thestatehastheresponsibilitytoensurethatacapableIncidentManagementTeamisinplace.

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II. RespondingStates

The Sponsoring Agency of a National US&R Response System task force is expected tomaintaina24‐houralertcapabilityandimplementFEMA'salertandactivationprocedurefor the task forceswhenrequestedbyFEMA. In theevent thata state is theSponsoringAgency,thatstatewillberesponsiblefortheactivitiesoutlinedinsection3‐3,paragraphII,“SponsoringAgency”.

3‐3. Jurisdictions

I. AffectedJurisdiction

An affected jurisdiction is responsible for the management of an incident. Thoseresponsibilitiesshouldinclude,butarenotlimited,tothefollowing:

Conductinginitialdamageandneedsassessments

AssessingandassigninglocalSARresources

IdentifyingSARshortfalls

Requestingassistance

ContactingthestateESF#9representativeorSARCoordinatortorequestadditionalstateorFederalresources

Establishingoperationalpriorities

Providing a point of contact (POC), conducting situation briefings, and identifyingassignmentsforincomingFEMAUS&Rtaskforces

Ensuring adequate communications between FEMAUS&R resources and the localICP

During an incident, the affected jurisdiction, along with an assigned IST, performscontinuous needs assessments to determine if additional resources will be required.Furthermore,ifUS&Rresourcesareassigned,theaffectedjurisdictionand/ortheISTwillreportontheprogressofUS&Rworkaccomplishmentsanddetermineiftaskforcesaretobe reassigned within the jurisdiction or released when their current assignments arecompleted.

II. SponsoringAgency

The SponsoringAgency, an authorizedmember of theNationalUS&RResponse System,willrecruitandtrainpersonnelandorganizeaUS&RtaskforceaccordingtothepoliciesandproceduresoftheNationalUS&RResponseSystem.Itwillensurethateachtaskforcemember meets the necessary licensing, certification, or other professional qualificationrequirementsofhis/herassignedposition.TheSponsoringAgencywillfurtherensurethatthe task force has the appropriate documentation on file to verify this information. TheSponsoringAgencywillprovidetrainingtoupgrade,develop,andrenewskillsasneeded

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tomaintain qualifications for eachposition on the task force. The SponsoringAgency isresponsible for developing, practicing, and implementing an internal call‐out system forteammembers and formanaging the financial, administrative, reporting, and personnelissues related to task force readiness. The Sponsoring Agency also performs alladministrative functions as required and submits to periodic readiness inspections. TheSponsoringAgency is responsible for ensuring that any change to the status of the taskforcereadinesslevelispromptlyreportedtotheFEMAUS&RBranch.

WhenauthorizedbyFEMA,theSponsoringAgencywillactivatethetaskforceandensurethatallpersonnelandequipmentareat thedesignatedPointofDeparture(POD)withinthe prescribed time frame. Personnel assigned to the task force and any replacements(backfill) will be compensated in accordance with the terms outlined in theirmemorandum of agreement (MOA). The Sponsoring Agency will also ensure that allappropriatereportsandclaimsforreplacingorrehabilitatingequipmentaresubmittedtoFEMAwithinthetimelimitssetforthinChapter9:Post‐MissionActivities.TheSponsoringAgencyisresponsibleforprovidingcriticalincidentstressmanagementdebriefingsforalltaskforcemembersduringorafteradeploymentasneeded.

3‐4. EmergencySupportFunction(ESF)#9(SearchandRescue)

TheFederalESF#9SARResponseSystemiscomposedof fourprimaryagencies(FEMA,USCG,DOI/NPS,andDoD),whichprovidespecializedSARoperationsduringincidentsorpotential incidents requiring a coordinated Federal response. SAR services include thefollowing:

Coordination

Communications

Distressmonitoring

Locatingpersonsindistress

Executionofrescueoperationsincludingextricationandevacuation

Medicalassistance

Civilianservices through theuseofpublicandprivate resources toassistpersonsandpropertyinpotentialoractualdistress

FEMAactivatesESF#9whenan incident thatmay result in a request for a unified SARresponsetoanaffectedareaiseitheranticipatedoractuallyoccurs.AnESF#9responseisscalable to meet the specific needs of each incident and is based on the nature andmagnitudeoftheevent,thesuddennessofonset,andthecapabilitiesoflocalorstateSARresources.

Asrequired,ESF#9primaryagenciesarerepresentedatthevariousNRCC,RRCC,JFO,andstate,tribal,andlocalemergencyoperationscenters.

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All task forces in the FEMANationalUS&RResponse Systemwill be advised as soon aspossible by theUS&RBranch that a significant event has occurred ormay occurwhereFEMAUS&Rresourcesmayberequestedorrequired.TheUS&RBranchwillalerttheESF#9 primary agency partners and begin to identify transportation resources through theFEMAMovement andCoordinationGroup (T&MCG).Oncea reliableestimateofdamageandneedisascertained,theUS&RBranchwilldeterminetheallocationofUS&Rresourcesandalertandoractivatethenecessaryresourcesof theSystem. Ifwarranted,FEMAwillinitiallyactivateoneormoreISTsalongwiththethreegeographicallyclosesttaskforcesthatareoperationaltoeitheramobilizationcenterordirectlytotheincident.

The ISTwill deploy as soon as possible in order to act as a liaisonwith state and localofficialsaswellastomakepreparationsforthesupportofincomingtaskforces.

In theevent thatallFEMAUS&Rresourcesareactivated, andanobviousneed formoreresources exists, FEMA may request either military support through the DoD “MilitarySupporttoFEMAUS&RConceptofOperations(CONOP)”orinternationalsupportthroughthe Department of State’s, U.S. Agency for International Development/Office of ForeignDisaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA). The “Military Support to FEMA US&R CONOP”provides for the augmentation of System resources with either general purpose orspeciallytrainedmilitarypersonnel. Althoughthesemilitaryaugmentationforceswillbeintegrated intoUS&Roperations through the assigned IST, they are expected tobe self‐sufficientregardinglife‐supportingitemswhileutilizingexistingmilitarylogisticalsupplyprocesses. SAR‐specific logistical support may need to be fulfilled through the ISTlogistical support process. If international US&R teams are requested and deployed insupport of a response, they will be fully supported through the assigned IST logisticalsupport process andwill be expected to operatewithin the same framework as Systemresources.

Once theSystemhasbeenactivated, transportation requirements for task forceswill beevaluatedbytheUS&RBranch.Dependingonthetraveldistancetoanincident,taskforcesorISTpersonnelmaydeploybyairorgroundtransportation.Taskforcestravelingbyairwillassembleandreporttoapre‐determinedAerialPointofEmbarkation(APOE)withinsixhoursofnotification.TheAPOEloadmasterwillensurethatthetaskforceequipmentcache ispackagedandpalletized inaccordancewithmilitaryor civilian regulations.Theloaded aircraftwill fly to its designatedAerial Point ofDebarkation (APOD), normally amilitary airfield. Once the task force has reached its APOD, the IST Point ofArrival/Mobilization (POA/Mob) Specialist may be in position to meet the aircraft andarrange for off‐loading and transportation to the designated mobilization center orincident location. If a POA/Mob Specialist is not onsite, the arriving task force will berequired to manage this function for their personnel and equipment. Where facilitiespermit, the APOD and the mobilization center may be located at the same facility. Iftravelingbyground,ISTpersonnelandtaskforceswillmovetotheirdesignatedPointofArrival(POA)bythequickestroute.TaskForceLeadersandallISTpersonnelarerequiredtocheckinwiththeNRCCESF#9deskeverytwohourswhileintransit.

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At themobilization center or incident site, incoming task forcesmay receive a briefingfrom the IST POA/Mob Specialist who will establish communications procedures anddescribe the current situation, the task force assignment, procedures for re‐supply, andanytransportationrequirementstoandfromtheincidentsite.

When the task force has received a mission assignment, the IST Transportation UnitLeader or the US&R Branch will secure transportation to either a designated incidentstagingpoint in the areaof the assignmentordirectly to the incident location.The taskforcewillalsoreceiveasituationstatusupdate,operationalassignment,andlogisticalandadministrativeinformationfromtheISTorlocalincidentcommander.Thetaskforcewillproceed to its assignment andbegin operations. If the task force is directed tomove toanother site, the ISTTransportationUnit Leaderwill coordinate transportation.The ISTLogistics Section will ensure re‐supply of food, water, and other items essential to themission. The task forcewill perform operations until notified to demobilize, whichwillusuallyoccurwithin14daysafterdeployment.

Thelocal IC, throughtheIST,hasthediscretiontomoveataskforceassignedtohis/herjurisdictiontoanotherworklocationwithinthejurisdiction.Onceitisdeterminedthatanassignedtaskforcehascompleteditsmission,theIST,incoordinationwiththestateESF#9 representative or SAR Coordinator and IMAT, will determine if the task force isrequiredatotherlocationswithinthestate.

TheISTwillcoordinatewiththestateESF#9representativethroughtheIMAT/JFOESF#9Group to determine any further requirements of the task force. If the objectives of themission have been met and a task force is no longer needed, the IST will arrange fordemobilization and return to the task force home jurisdiction. If the task force isdemobilized,theywillperformsitedisengagementprocedures. Taskforcememberswillthen be debriefed and will begin preparations for demobilization and travel.TransportationwillbearrangedbytheISTdirectlywiththeIMAT/JFOESF#9GroupwhowillcoordinatetherequestwiththeNRCC.

3‐5. IncidentSupportTeam

ThemobilizationanduseofUS&Rtaskforcesprovidesasignificantcapabilityfordisasterresponse andmitigation.TheFEMAUS&R ISTprovidesFederal, state, and local officialswithtechnicalassistanceinthedeploymentanduseofESF#9resourcesthroughadvice,incidentcommandassistance,andmanagementandcoordinationofUS&Rtaskforces. ItalsoobtainsESF#9logisticsupport.

ForfurtherinformationrefertotheISTOperationsManual.

I. Background

The US&R IST was developed to make a group of highly‐qualified specialists readilyavailableforrapidassemblyanddeploymenttoadisasterarea.

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The IST must be available to mobilize within two hours of request. IST members arerequiredtobeself‐sufficientforatleast24hoursandpreparedforaresponseassignmentextendingaslongas14days.AnISTequipmentcacheisorganizedintofunctionalkitsandis available for deployment with the IST. FEMA maintains three strategically situatedcachestosupplytheISTwithcommunicationsequipmentincludingthefollowing:

Telephones

Radios

Computers

Printers

Administrativeofficesupplies

The IST Logistics Section Chief maintains a copy of the cache inventory to facilitateorderingandprovideaccountability.ISTmembersrequestanyadditionallogisticssupportthroughtheISTLogisticsSectionChiefuponarrivalattheISTbaseofoperations.

As previously indicated, when a significant event or disaster occurs, an IMAT from theaffectedFEMAregion,oroneofthethreenationalIMATS,willdeploytotheaffectedstateor states to join with state emergency management personnel to coordinate Federalassistance.TheIMATprovidesdirectiontotheISTthroughtheESF#9GroupSupervisorassigned to the IST. The IST ESF #9 Group Supervisor reports to the IMAT OperationsSectionChiefordesigneeassignedtotheaffectedarea.(SeeFigureIII‐2.)

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FIGUREVI:IncidentManagementAssistantTeam

II. MissionStatement

ThemissionoftheUS&RISTistoprovideFederal,state,andlocalofficialswithtechnicalassistance in the acquisition and use of ESF #9 resources through advice, incidentcommand assistance, and management and coordination of US&R task forces, and toobtainESF#9logisticsupport.

III. DevelopmentCriteria

TheUS&RISTwasdevelopedandorganizedtobe:

ConsistentwiththeterminologyandorganizationalstructureoftheNRFandNIMS;

RepresentativeoftheprimarydisciplinesinvolvedinUS&Roperations;

ComprisedofsufficientpersonneltoprovideinitialassistanceatRRCCs,stateEOCs,IMATs,JFOs,andlocalEOCs(maybeaugmentedasnecessary);

Deployablewithintwohoursofactivationandhavepersonnelavailablefor24‐hourcoverageatstateEOC/JFOandotherfacilitiesforESF#9

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IV. IncidentSupportTeam(Initial)

TheinitialelementoftheISTrepresentsFEMA'seffortstoestablishon‐sitemanagementand support for the anticipated or actual arrival of one ormore US&R task forces at adisasteroratasignificantorplannedevent.

TheISTisgenerallydeployedwithaninitialminimumcomplementofthe20positionsand30personnelshowninFigureIII‐3.

FIGUREVII:IncidentSupportTeam(Initial)

V. IncidentSupportTeam(Expanded)

AnISTgenerallymobilizeswithaninitialcomplementof30personnel.Asthecomplexityanddurationof aneventescalatesand/oras thedutiesand responsibilitiesof the teamexpand, augmenting sections of the ISTmay become necessary. Positionsmay be filledwithtwoormorepersonseach,dependingonthepresentISTdeployedandtheneedfor24‐hour coverage as reflected in an RRCC or IMAT/JFO request. If additional staffing isrequired, the IST leader will request any necessary personnel through the IST ESF #9GroupSupervisor.

FigureIII‐4depictsanexampleofanexpandedIST.

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FIGUREVIII:ExpandedIncidentSupportTeam

3‐6. TaskForceCapabilities

Theprimarypurposeof theNationalUS&RResponseSystemis toprovideanationwide,heavysearchandrescueandall‐hazardsresponseproficiencyatthelocaljurisdictionlevelthatcanbeFederalizedanddeployedtoincidentsrequiringassistance.

Fortaskforcestobeabletofunctioninthiscapacity,theymustdevelopandmaintainthefollowingcapabilities:

Physical,canine,andelectronicsearchcapability

Rescueoperationsconductedinavarietyofstructuresincludingwoodframe,steelframe,non‐reinforcedconcrete,andreinforcedconcretestructures

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Advancedlife‐supportcapability,specializingincrushsyndromeandconfinedspacemedicine

Structuralintegrityassessmentsofstructuresinrescueoperations

Hazardousmaterialsassessmentsinrescueoperations

Rescueoperationsinahazardousmaterialscontaminatedenvironment

Heavyequipmentoperationsforrescueefforts

WateroperationstosupportSAReffortsatwater‐relatedevents

Communicationswithinthetaskforce,withtheIST,andwiththehomejurisdiction

Resourceaccountability,maintenance,andequipmentprocurement

Technicaldocumentation

Publicinformationmanagement

Taskforcemanagementandcoordination

Specializedtaskforceoperations

24‐houroperationsintwo12‐hourshifts

Self‐sufficiencyfor72hours

Inadditiontothecapabilitieslistedabove,taskforcesarestructuredtooperateunderthefollowingSystem‐approvedguidelines:

Report to the PODwithin four hours of activation if traveling by ground or at adesignatedAPOEwithinsixhoursofactivationiftravelingbyair

Identifycross‐trainedpersonnel

Utilizestandardequipmentandtraining

Followstandardoperatingprocedures

OperateunderNIMSguidance

3‐7. FEMATaskForceRequests

AformalrequestforFederalassistanceinvolvesseveralstages.Whenanincidentoccurs,local and state resourcesare firstdeployedby theaffected state. If the incidentexceedsstate and local capabilities, the governormay requestFederal resources from theFEMAregionalofficethathasjurisdictionovertheaffectedarea.TherequestisthenforwardedtoFEMAheadquarters. Ifan incident isof catastrophicproportions, thePresidentof theUnited States may declare the incident a Federal disaster prior to receiving a formalrequestfromagovernor.

Within this framework, state requests for US&R resources will occur through theIMAT/JFO/RRCC.TheESF#9activationsequenceisdescribedearlierinChapter1,section4, “Sequence of ESF #9 Activation.” The US&R Branchwill alert and activate the US&R

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resources.Atthesametime,theUS&RBranchwillactivateanISTtodeploytotheincidenttosupportanyFederalUS&Reffortatthestateandlocallevels.

In the absence of a state request during, or in anticipation of, a significant event, FEMAmaymoveorpre‐stageFederalresourcestoadesignatedsiteinanticipationofreceivingaformalrequest.

3‐8. NotificationProcedures

Uponnotificationfromanaffectedstate,theFEMAOperationsCenter(FOC)ortheNRCCwill notify the US&R Branch leadership of a significant event that may require thedeploymentofUS&Rresources.TheUS&RBranch leadershipconsultswithFEMAseniorleadership for approval of US&R response activities and sends out advisories, alerts, oractivation orders as necessary. The NRCC advises regional and state points of contactregardingactionstaken.

Once a situation has been assessed, FEMA senior leadership will decide whether toactivate ESF #9. The US&R Branch will identify the task forces to be activated. ActionordersareissuedtotheappropriateSponsoringAgencyofeachtaskforce(s)selectedforalert or activation—first verbally, followed by a written action order indicating theeffectivedateandtimeofalertoractivation.Theinitialsituationreport,thelocationwherethe task force will report, and other pertinent information will be included in thenotification. The Sponsoring Agency is responsible for informing theNRCC ESF #9 SARUnit or the US&R Branch of any restrictions regarding task force availability. Whenappropriate, theUS&RBranchwillberesponsible forcancellinganyalertsoractivationsuponreceivingdirectionfromFEMAseniorleadershiporuponrequestfromtheaffectedregion. In the case of US&R notification and activation, the NRCC ESF #9 SAR UnitwillserveasabackuptotheUS&RBranchstaff.

The US&R Branch will coordinate transportation requirements through FEMA’sTransportation and Mobilization Coordination Group (T&MCG). The T&MCG will workwith ESF#1 (transportation) and theDirectorate ofMilitary Support (DOMS) to securetransportation from all available sources. DOMSwill provide information regarding themovementofmilitaryairtransportassetstothetaskforces’identifiedAPOEs.

3‐9. NationalUS&RResponseSystemTaskForceRotationModel

The purpose of the National US&R Response System Task Force Rotation Model is toreduce subjectivity in the selectionof task forcesduring activation.Themodel doesnotconstituteapprovalforactivation.Itenablestaskforcestoknowwhentheyaremostlikelytobeactivatedduringamajorevent.Thisknowledgeshouldbenefitthetaskforcewhenpreparingtrainingandmaintenanceschedules.

Therotationmodelisbaseduponamonthlycalendarrotationanddividesthetaskforcesintothreeregions(Western,Central,andEastern).

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DuringanincidentthatrequiresUS&Rresources,FEMAwillinitiallyactivatethenumberoftaskforcesitdeemsnecessaryfortheevent.Thefirstthreetaskforcesutilizedwillbethethreeoperationaltaskforcesthatareclosesttotheincident.

Ifmore than three task forcesare required, theUS&RBranchwill referprimarily to theannual Task Force Rotation Model. However, during a response, a situation may ariserequiring theUS&RBranch tomakeanexception to thispracticeandselecta task forcebasedonoperationalrequirementsratherthanontheRotationModel.

TaskforceswillbeselectedaccordingtotheRotationModelasfollows:

• After the three closest task forces have been selected and activated, the “1stRotation” row is reviewed and the next closest task force in that row for theappropriatemonth isselected foractivation, followedbythe2ndclosest in the“1stRotation”row,andfinallybythe3rdclosestinthatrow.

• Thetaskforcesineachrowforthemonthwillbeactivatedinorderofproximitytotheincident.

• After all the task forces in the “1st Rotation” row have been activated, the US&RBranchwillthenmovetothe“2ndRotation”rowandrepeattheprocess.

This protocol balances the immediate needs of the survivors (by activating the closestoperationaltaskforcesfirst)withtheneedtomaintainafairsystemofactivationsthatwillincludealltaskforces.

3‐10.Notifications

I. AdvisoryNotice

When a significant event or disaster occurs or when an event is impending, the US&RBranchmay issue an advisory to the System, to FEMARegionalESF#9 representatives,and to the Federal ESF#9 primary agency partners. The FOCmay be used as a backupcommunicationsystemforthenotifications.

Any pertinent information related to an incident, as identified in Figure III‐5, should beincluded in an advisory along with updates, which are to be provided as they becomeknown. The advisory is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitutedirectiontobeginanymobilizationactivitiesorincuranyexpense.

Advisoriesmayalsobe issuedperiodicallyduringanincidentto informall taskforces inthenationalsystemofanymissioninformationupdates.

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Advisory/Alert Activation Demobilization

• Type of event • Location • Magnitude • Weather conditions • Current situation

• Type of event • Location • Magnitude • Weather conditions • Current situation • Damage assessment • Determining fund levels • POD • Projected time of lift off • Aircraft information

(size/type) • Contact person (call back) • POA • Task force radio

frequencies • Mobilization center location • Other resources activated • Anticipated length of

mission • Time of official activation• Person initiating activation • Tracking and

contact procedures

• Reason for demobilization

• Person initiating demobilization

• Time of demobilization • Reimbursement

information • Personnel and

equipment rehabilitation allowances

• Determine funding levels (Alert only)

FIGUREIX:InformationRequirementsforAdvisory,Alert,Activation,andDemobilization

II. AlertOrder

If US&R resources are likely to be requested, FEMA may issue an alert order prior toissuinganactivationorder.TheSponsoringAgency (and/or state as appropriate)of thetask force being placed on alert must determine if the task force can be released forFederalservice.

All appropriate and pertinent event information that is listed in Figure III‐5 should beprovidedorupdatedasitbecomesknown.

ThealertorderauthorizesaspecificamountoffundsforadministrativeexpensesthattheSponsoringAgencymayusetobeginplanningandtobringtogetherthosepersonnelwhoarerequired toprepare for task forceactivation.Thealertordermaybe issuedverballythenfollowedbywrittenconfirmation,generallywithinthenext12hours.

III. ActivationOrder

If an event requires US&R resources, the US&R Branchwill select the appropriate taskforces to be activated. If time permits, prior to issuing an activation order, the US&RBranchwillcontacttheSponsoringAgency(and/orstateasappropriate)todeterminetheavailabilityof the task force.Once theappropriateUS&R resourceshavebeen identifiedandapprovedforactivation,theUS&RBranchortheNRCSwill issueanactivationorderthat indicates the date and time of activation and other response‐specific information.This order will be issued in writing, if possible, to the task force Sponsoring Agency(and/or state as appropriate). However, an activation order may initially be issuedverbally then followed up in writing. The task force, in conjunction with the state (ifappropriate),hasonehourtoacceptordeclinetheactivationorderuponreceipt.

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All appropriate and pertinent event information that is listed in Figure III‐5 should beprovidedandupdatedasitbecomesknown.

SponsoringAgencies thatacceptamissionareexpected to fieldallnecessarypersonnel,equipment,andsupplies.Uponacceptinganactivationorder,theyareexpectedtoreportto their designated PODwithin four hours, if deploying by ground, or to the identifiedAPOEwithinsixhours,ifdeployingbyair.Generally,thetaskforcewilldeterminethePODif deploying by ground transportation, and FEMA will designate a military or civilianairportastheAPOEwhendeployingbyair.FromactivationuntilarrivalatthePOA/Mobcenteror incident, the task forcewillbeunder thecontrolof theNRCCandwillprovidethem with regular situation reports (every two hours if deploying by groundtransportation).

FEMAwillsimultaneouslyactivateanddeployanISTtotheincidentlocationinorderforthe supporting elements tobe inplaceprior to task force arrival.However, a task forcemay arrive at an incident before any IST support elements are in place and may berequiredtocoordinatedirectlywiththeUS&RBranch,theIMAT/JFO/RRCCoftheaffectedarea,orthelocalincidentcommanderforsupportorassignment.

IV. DemobilizationOrder

Ifanalertorderhasbeenissued,andsubsequentinformationindicatesthatmobilizationof the task force is not warranted, the US&R Branch or the NRCS will issue a writtendemobilization order to the Sponsoring Agency. FEMAwill provide related informationregardingthereasonforthedemobilization.

After activation, demobilization of the task force may occur at any time during themobilizationprocessasdeterminedbytheUS&RBranch.Awrittendemobilizationorderwill be issued to the Sponsoring Agency. The orderwill include the official stand‐downtime, personnel rehabilitation hours, cache rehabilitation hours, and other informationthat FEMA deems necessary. Upon demobilization, the IST, in conjunction with theIMAT/JFO,RRCCortheNRCC,willarrangealltransportationrequirementsincoordinationwiththeT&MCG.Afterdepartingtheincident,ademobilizedtaskforcewillbeunderthecontrolof,andwillprovideregularsituationreports to, theNRCCESF#9SARUnituntiltheyarriveattheirhomejurisdiction.

FEMAwill reimburseauthorizedexpenses incurredby theSponsoringAgencyrelated toactivationactivitiesasoutlinedinChapter9:Post‐MissionActivities.

3‐11.TaskForceAllocation

I. InitialTaskForceAssignments

WhenanincidentthatmayrequireUS&Rresourcesoccurs,FEMAwillreviewcriteriasuchas type and magnitude of the incident, type of mitigation assistance requested, anddeploymentguidelines.Thesecriteriawillbeusedtodeterminethenumberoftaskforces

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thatwillbeactivatedfortheevent.FEMAwillthendeterminewhichresourcestoactivatebasedonthefollowing:

Thegeographiclocationofavailabletaskforces

Incident‐specificoperationalrequirements

TheannualTaskForceRotationModel

Taskforcelevelsofreadiness

Individualtaskforcetransportationrequirements,

Availabilityoftransportaircraft

If utilized, the capabilities of the available mobilization centers may influence theassignmentofspecifictaskforces.

Once the task forces are activated and a mission is accepted, the task force will eitherprepareforgroundtransportationasdescribedintheTaskForceMobilizationManualordeploybyair, inwhichcaseanAPOEwillbe identified.ThisAPOEwillprobablybepre‐designatedbyDoD.Oneormoremobilizationcentersmaybeidentifiedneartheaffectedareasandcouldbeeithermilitaryorcivilianairports.

If only one state is affected during an incident, the FEMA ESF #9 Group Supervisorassigned to the IST or the IMAT/JFO will coordinate with the state’s emergencymanagement officials to determine which task forces should be assigned to affectedlocalities.TaskforcesinanaffectedstateareconsideredstateresourcesandaregenerallynotFederalizedbyFEMA.

Ifmore than one state is impacted prior to the deployment of an IMAT or prior to theestablishmentofany JFOs,FEMAwilldeterminehowtodivideUS&Rresourcesbetweenthe affected states, depending upon needs assessments and priorities of the incident.FEMAwillcoordinatewitheachstatetodeterminewhereresourcesshouldbesent.

Oncemobilized,deployingtaskforceswillmovetotheirdesignatedlocation(s).Duringthemove,thetaskforce(s)willcontacttheNRCCESF#9SARUnittoprovidestatusupdatesevery twohours. When the task force arrives at the affected location, it falls under thecoordinationoftheIST,whichreportstothelocaljurisdiction'sICorrepresentative.ThetaskforcereceivesastrategicassignmentthroughtheISTandbeginsoperationsundertheICSstructure.Formoreinformation,refertoChapter7:On‐SiteOperations.

II. TaskForceReassignments

Activated task forces are a Federal resource, under the ultimate direction of FEMA, asestablishedintheNRF.Shoulditbedeterminedthatoneormoretaskforceassignmentsmustbechanged,thetaskforcesshallbereassigned.Thisdeterminationwillbemadebythe ISTESF#9Group Supervisor in conjunctionwith the state emergencymanagement

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officials and/or the IMAT/JFO. The length of a task force’s operations, and its ability tosustaincontinuedoperations,woulddictatewhetherthetaskforcecouldbereassigned.

IfalocalICandtheISTLeaderdeterminethattheservicesofanassignedtaskforcearenolongerneeded,theISTESF#9GroupSupervisor, incoordinationwiththeIMAT/JFOandtheUS&RBranch,willdeterminewhethertoreassignthetaskforcetootheraffectedareasordemobilizeit.

III. DemobilizationofTaskForces

Ataskforcewillbedemobilizedwhenoneofthefollowingthreescenarioshasoccurred,makingreassignmentunwarranted:

Thetaskforcehascompleteditsassignment

Incidentconditionshavechangedandthetaskforceisnolongerneeded

Thetaskforcehasbeendeemedunabletocontinueoperations

ThisinformationwillbecommunicatedtothelocalICthroughtheISTandforwardedbythe IST ESF #9 Group Supervisor to the IMAT/JFO/RRCC. The NRCC ESF #9 SAR UnitLeader,witharecommendationfromtheIMAT/JFO/RRCCincoordinationwiththestateemergencymanagementofficials,will initiateawrittendemobilizationorderforthetaskforce.RefertoChapter8:TaskForceReassignmentandDemobilization.

3‐12.ProceduresforAcceptingInternationalUS&RAssistance

During a major catastrophic event, foreign US&R teamsmay be needed to supplementnational capabilities. The United Nation’s Office for the Coordination of HumanitarianAffairs(OCHA)andtheU.S.DepartmentofStatehavedevelopedprotocolsforrequestingandacceptingthesupportof foreignUS&Rtask forces.TheUnitedStates,asasignatory,willabideby theprotocolsdescribed in the InternationalAssistanceSystemandOCHA'sInternationalSearchandRescueAdvisoryCommitteeguidelines.

I. OperationalProceduresforInternationalRequests

OncethestaterequestsUS&RresourcesbeyondthosethattheFederalgovernmentisabletoprovidefromdomesticresources,andFEMAhasdeterminedthat foreignUS&Rteamsarerequired,FEMAwill requestassistance throughUSAID/OFDA.Anassessmentwillbemade to determine the appropriate number of teams available that best meet therequirementsoftheidentifiedUS&Rmission.

II. IntegrationofInternationalTeams

USAID/OFDA will coordinate the arrival and integration of foreign US&R teams withFEMA.ThisprocesswillincludeestablishingadesignatedReception/DepartureCenter(s)(RDC) for international team arrivals, assigning interpreters and a FEMA US&R Liaisonwhereneeded, and addressing special logistical requirements, such as theneed for fuel,

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compressedgases,etc.Internationalteamswillbeassignedtolocaljurisdictionsunderthedirection of an IST.When assigned to a local jurisdiction, the teamswill report to, andworkunderthedirectionof,thelocalICthroughtheIST.

III. GeneralConsiderations

FEMAandUSAID/OFDAwilldebrieftheinternationalteamspriortotheirdemobilizationand departure through the RDC. FEMA, in conjunction with USAID/OFDA, will beresponsible for preparing an after‐action report for OCHA on the accomplishments,challenges,andsuitabilityoftheinternationalresponse.

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CHAPTER4: TASKFORCEMOBILIZATION

4‐1. TaskForceTransportationRequirements

Taskforcesarecapableofprovidinggroundtransportationfortheirownequipmentcache.Eachtaskforcemanagesandmaintainsavehiclefleet,whichincludesthefollowing:

Commercial‐type semi‐tractor trailers and box trucks capable of transporting anentireUS&Requipmentcache

SUV‐typevehiclesforcommandandtaskforceoperations

ATVs,forklifts,andtrailersfortaskforcesupport

Taskforcelogisticspersonnelaretrainedtoprepare,package,palletize,anddocumenttheequipmentcacheforcommercialand/ormilitaryairlift.Taskforcestrainwiththeir localcommercial air cargo carrier and/or military aerial port to facilitate air transportationcapabilities for theequipmentcacheandpersonnel.Task forcesestablishagreementsorutilize Sponsoring Agency contracts with local bus charter companies and/or rentalagenciestocoordinatetransportationforpersonnel.

TheUS&RBranchisresponsiblefordeterminingtheappropriatemodeoftransportationforallactivatedtaskforces.DuringmostactivationswithinthecontinentalUnitedStates,the primary mode of transportation for task force personnel and equipment is groundtransportation. FEMA coordinates the airlift of task forces to an affected area(s) forresponsesoutsideofthecontinentalUnitedStates.

DoDisasupportingagencyfortransportation;howeverithasbeentheprimaryproviderof air transportationdue to its robust airlift capability. Civilian carriersmayprovideairtransportation, but their capability is limited and civil aviation rules are much morerestrictive.Due to commercial aircraft regulations concerninghazardous cargo,multipleaircraftmayberequiredtomoveataskforce.Movingtaskforcesbyciviliancarriermayalso require that caches and pallets be reconfigured for loading into various types ofaircraft.

Each FEMA US&R task force has their equipment cache, descriptive data pre‐loaded inFEMA’s National Aircraft Load Plan Data database. Aircraft load plan data includes thefollowinginformation:

Taskforcename

Geographiclocation

Preferredmilitaryandciviliandepartureairfields

Numberofpassengersandcanines

Numberofvehicles

Weightofcargo

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The information includesnotes indicating that task forces are carryinghazardous cargoand are authorized to transport un‐caged canines.A unit line number in the formof analphanumericcodeidentifieseachtaskforceunderFEMA’sprogramidentificationnumber(294PJ).

When task forces are transported via airlift, information essential to the task force’sdeployment is provided by the US&R Branch or NRCC ESF #9 SAR Unit Leader to theT&MCGwhentherequestfordeploymentissubmitted.TheT&MCGisco‐locatedwiththeNRCCand includes representatives fromESF#1 (transportation),DoD,DOT, andFEMA.Someoftheinformationthatisnecessarytocoordinateairlifttransportationincludesthefollowing:

AtaskforcePOCandtelephonenumber

Ready‐to‐loaddateandtime

Available‐to‐loaddateandtime

Earliestandlatestarrivaldateandtime

Requireddeliverydateandtime

Whentaskforcesaretransportedbyair,transportationtothemobilizationcenterandtotheworksiteistheresponsibilityoftheIST.IftheISTisnotco‐locatedoroperational,theresponsibilitywill fall toESF#9GroupattheIMAT/JFOregionortheNRCCESF#9SARUnit.

4‐2. TaskForceMobilizationGuidelines

I. DepartureTimeFrames

Uponactivation,thetaskforcewilleitherdepartitsPODviagroundwithinfourhoursofactivationor arrive at theAPOEwithin sixhours.The task force’s SponsoringAgency isexpectedtoperformthefollowingtaskswithinthistimeperiod:

Assessthelevelofreadinessofthetaskforce

Receiveapprovalfromgovernmentofficialstomobilize

AssembletaskforcepersonnelatthetaskforcePOD(ortheAPOE)

AssembleallelementsofthetaskforceequipmentcacheatthetaskforcePOD(ortheAPOE)

SponsoringAgenciesmustmeet the targeted timeframe fordeparture.The inabilityof ajurisdictiontomobilizeitstaskforcewithintherequiredtimeframecouldpreventitfrombeingconsideredformobilization.

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II. PersonnelandEquipment

Apredeterminedcall‐outsystemmustbemaintainedtonotifythepersonnelrequiredtofieldthetaskforce.Acall‐downtreeorauniversalpagingsystemmaybeimplementedtocontact necessary personnel. Virtually all task force Sponsoring Agencies use affiliatedpersonnel who are not directly employed by the Sponsoring Agency to fill variouspositionswithintheirtaskforce.Theseaffiliatedpersonnelmusthaveagreementsinplacewiththeirrespectiveparticipatingagencyoremployersthatallowthemtoleavetheirjobswithlittlenoticefordeploymentwithataskforceforupto14days.Thetraveldistancesofthe task forcepersonnel, either to the SponsoringAgency assemblypoint or to the taskforce'sassignedPOD,mustmeettherequiredtimeframesinordertodeploywiththetaskforce.

Task forcemobilization policies and procedures must be pre‐established, well‐planned,andexercisedinorderforataskforcetoaccomplishtheirrequiredmobilizationtasksinashortperiodoftime.Taskforcepersonnelshouldhaveallnecessarypersonalequipmentpre‐stagedorpre‐packedandreadyfordeployment.

Attheassemblypoint, thetaskforcemusthaveapre‐establishedsysteminplace,whichincludesthefollowingprocedures,toprocesspersonnelforanactivation:

Gearinspectionandweighing

Medicalscreeningofdeployingpersonnelandcanines

Personalinformationchecks

Theissuingofequipment

ThemedicalscreeningmustcoverthespecifiedcriteriaadoptedbytheSystemforthetaskforce physicians and veterinarians to designate personnel and canines as deployable ornon‐deployable.

Allnecessaryequipment, tools,andsuppliesthatsupportthetask forceshouldeitherbecachedinonelocationorstoredinothereasilyaccessiblelocations.Aprocesstoquicklyassemble all cache items required for deployment should be established. Prior to amobilization, procedures to procure specific cache items such as water, controlledpharmaceuticals, and batteries must be in place. Procedures that allow for theprocurementofthesesuppliesoutsideofnormalbusinesshoursmustalsobeestablished.

Loadplansthatdocumentwherespecificitemsareplacedonmilitaryaircraftpallets,withpalletweightsandcubicfeetalreadycalculated,shouldbeinplace.Additionally,loadplansforgroundtransportthatshowsimilarplacementofcacheitemsonover‐the‐roadtrucksshouldalsobeinplace.

Cache load plans must reflect priority loading and unloading of equipment in order toensurethateffectivetaskforceoperationscanbeginassoonasataskforcearrivesatits

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assignment.Theseplansmayincludeequipmentforteamsinvariousmodulardeploymentconfigurations,reconnaissance(recon),oradvancedteams.

III. EstablishingPointsofContact

SponsoringAgenciesmustprovide theUS&RBranchwithaprimarypointof contact forreceivingUS&Rtaskforceadvisoriesandactionorders.ThisPOCmustbedeterminedinadvance andmust be functional 24 hours a day, seven days aweek.Most agencies andjurisdictionshaveemergencydispatchcentersthatworkwellforthispurpose.Adirectoryof contacts should be established at the local, state, and Federal levels to ensure timelynotifications.

SponsoringAgenciesshouldestablishapredeterminedroutingofactionordersfromtheirPOC to theTaskForceRepresentative (TFR)who is capableofacceptingordeclininganactionorder.TheTFRreceivinganactionorder fromFEMAshould requestaPOCnameand telephonenumber so a responsemaybe returned to theNRCCESF#9SARUnit orUS&RBranchwithintherequiredone‐hourtimeframe.

IV. TaskForceBriefing

Afteracceptingamission,theSponsoringAgencyshouldassembleallnecessarypersonnelaccordingtotheagency’spoliciesandprocedures.Aformaltaskforcebriefinginvolvingallteammembersshouldbeconductedandshouldincludethefollowing:

Taskforceorganizationalstructure

Chainofcommand

Latesteventinformation

Environmentalconditions

Mediaissuesandprocedures

Safetyissues

Communicationsprocedures

Otherinformationprovidedbyspecifictaskforcespecialists

Codeofconduct

Transportationmode,estimateddeparturetime,POA,etc.

Task force supervisory personnel should also brief their subordinates about theirexpectations,distributeandreviewtaskforceoperationalchecklists,reviewthereadinessoftaskforcepersonnelformissionoperations,andcheckinoculationrecords.

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4‐3. PointofDepartureActivities

Ground transportation during mobilization to a site may require manual handling andlooseloadingofcachecontainersormechanizedloadingofpalletizedmaterial.Adherencetothecontainerweightandsizelimitationsensuresoverallmanageabilityofthecache.

The SponsoringAgency is responsible for the assembly,management, andmovement ofthe cache from its home jurisdiction to the POD duringmobilization. This requirementshouldbefullydefined,preplanned,andexercisedpriortoanyactualFederaldeployment.Thefollowingprocessesshouldbeaddressed:

Assemblingandpackagingallcachetools,equipment,andsupplies(iftheitemsarenotmaintainedasa"standalone"cache)

Identifying, procuring, and packaging perishable or short shelf‐life items (e.g.,batteries,foodsupplies,water,fuels,etc.)

Generatinganinventoryofallcacheitemsasthecacheisassembled

While DoD may be responsible for providing air transportation from an APOE to themobilization center and back, the actual aircraft usedmay be eithermilitary or civiliancontractaircraft.Whilecivilianaircraftmayneedtobemanuallyloadedusinglowerheightcargoholds,militaryaircraftwillrequirethatcachecontainersandpersonalequipmentbesetontheappropriatemilitaryaircraftpallets.

I. IdentifyingAppropriateContacts

DoDhasestablishedamilitaryAPOEforeachtaskforce.TheAPOEisusuallyanairportormilitaryairbaselocatedincloseproximitytoataskforce’sSponsoringAgency.ProceduresforcontactingappropriateofficialsattheAPOEshouldbeestablishedpriortoanyactualdeployment.Whena task forceacceptsanactivationorder, theTFRorhis/herdesigneeshouldimmediatelyadvisetheappropriateofficialsattheAPOEoftheactivation.Updatednames and telephone numbersmust bemade available to organizations involved in thedeploymentofataskforcetoensuretheaccurateflowofinformation.ThetwousualtypesofAPOEsaredescribedbelow:

Military Air Bases – The on‐duty air base operations officerwill generally be theappropriate POC formilitary air bases. Issues regarding security, air base access,cargohandling areas, task force assembly areas, radio frequencies, etc., shouldbecoordinatedthroughthatoffice.

Civilian Airports – The airport manager will be the appropriate POC for civilianairports.Airportpoliceorfirepersonnelmayalsoprovideassistanceorinformationduringamobilization.Theseagenciesmayhandle issuespertainingtoairportandhangar access, cargo handling areas, security, task force assembly areas, etc. TheSponsoringAgencymustensurethatperiodicfollow‐upcontactsaremadetokeepthePOCsinformed.

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II. AircraftLoadingProcedures

Taskforcepersonnelmustcoordinatecloselywithmilitaryloadmasterstoensurethatallelements of their cache are well‐organized, properly packaged and labeled, prioritized,loaded, and secured.Certain cache items, suchas fuels, oxygen, andcompressedair, areconsideredhazardousmaterials.Theseitemsmustbeidentifiedtotheloadmasterorcargohandlersso theycandetermine theproperplacementof these items in thecargobay.Amanifest of personnel (DD Form 2131) will also be generated. Cache items should bereviewedandpre‐certifiedinordertoexpeditetheloadingprocess.(RefertotheLogisticsHandbook.)Training is available for task forceLogistics Specialists andother task forcepersonnelinvolvedintheairtransportationprocessandrequirements.

III. LoadEstimation/Limitations

The following guidelines are in place to control the total task forceweight thatwill betransported:

Teammember–185lb.(averageforestimationpurposes)

Personalgear(carry‐on)–65lb.(strictlimit)

Caninesandsupport–100lb.(averageforestimationpurposes)

IV. CanineTransport

Caninestransportedaspartofataskforceshallbeintheaircraftcabinwiththeirhandlers.Duetothenatureofthetrainedcanine,coupledwiththeneedforthehandlertocareforandmaintaintheproperattitudeofthecanine,theyshouldnotbetransportedincages.

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CHAPTER5: ARRIVALATTHEMOBILIZATIONCENTER

5‐1. EstablishmentofaMobilizationCenter

I. SetUp/ActivationResponsibilities

ESF #7 (Resource Support), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the FEMAregionaloffice, insupportof thestateemergencymanagementagency,are tasked in theNRFwithpre‐selectingpotentialmobilizationcenterswhenorwherepossible.

Afteradisasterhasoccurred,GSAandotherswillevaluatethefeasibilityandusabilityofthepre‐selectedfacilities. Ifthefacilityisdeterminedusableandsafe,ESF#7willsetupthe facility and identify and assign areaswithin the center for incoming resources. GSAmay choose to use the forest service or other supporting agencies to administer thefacility. US&R task forces should have an administrative area and a billeting areadesignated for theiruse. Ifbuildings arenot available, task forceswillhave touse tentsfromtheircacheasthebilletingareaandBoO.

Ifataskforceisdirectedtoamobilizationcenter,theISTPOA/MOBSpecialistorGroundSupportUnitLeaderwill coordinateorarrange transportation fromthePOAto thissite.ThePOAmayalsoserveasthemobilizationcenter.

Insomecases, themilitarymaydesignateamilitary installation,aDefenseCoordinatingOfficer, and integrated resource support for the DoD response effort. This type ofinstallationisknowninthemilitaryasaBaseSupportInstallation(BSI).Itmaybelocatedoutside of, but within relative proximity to, the disaster area. In addition to providingsupport in the form of technically qualified personnel and essential equipment andprocurementsupport,theBSImayserveasastagingormobilizationarea.US&Rpersonnelencountering the term “BSI” during a response should consider a BSI as amobilizationcenter.

II. AdministrativeSupport

AnISTPOA/MobSpecialistshouldbeassignedtothemobilizationcentertofacilitateanyadministrative needs of the task force. Such needs may include arranging for billeting,sanitation,andfood,aswellasprovidingbriefingsanddebriefings,maps,communications,transportationrequirements,andasystemforre‐supplyasneeded.

5‐2. TaskForceReception/Support

I. MobilizationCenter

Uponarrivalatamobilizationcenter,theTaskForceLeader(TFL)orhisdesigneeshouldnotify the NRCC ESF #9 SAR Unit of their arrival and establish contact with the ISTPOA/MobSpecialist.TheTFLshouldalso identify the locationof themobilizationcentercoordination manager and office and report in. If the TFL is unable to locate theappropriate ISTrepresentative(whomayhavenotyetarrived),he/sheshouldreport to

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the mobilization center manager for further instructions. If known, the followinginformation should be obtained from the IST representative or themobilization centermanager:

LocationoftheIST

LocalofficialstowhomtheTFLshouldreport

Assignedjurisdiction/worksiteforthetaskforce

Incidentbriefing/situationreportrequirements

Mobilizationcenterfood,water,restrooms,andsupportfacilities

Transportationrequirements

Availabilityofmapsforassignedjurisdiction

Availabilityofmedicaltreatmentorfacilities,ifany

Onceataskforcereceivesitsassignmentandarrivesat itsassignedjurisdiction,theTFLwillbeunderthesupervisionofthelocalICthroughtheassignedIST.TheTFLorthetaskforceLogisticsSectionChiefwillcoordinatealltaskforcelogisticalsupportrequestswiththeIST.TheIST,inconjunctionwiththelocaljurisdiction,willdeterminewhatre‐supplycan be obtained locally andwhich itemsmust be requested through IST ESF #9 GroupSupervisor. Task forces should not order equipment or re‐supply items on their ownunless it is absolutely necessary (e.g. assigned to remote locationwithout IST support).TheISTLeaderisresponsibleforroutingresourcerequestsandreportingthetaskforce’ssituationstatustotheISTESF#9GroupSupervisor.

II. TaskForceBriefing

OncetheTFLhasreceivedpertinentorupdatedinformation,ataskforcebriefingshouldbeconductedtoapprisepersonnelofthefollowing:

Assignedjurisdiction/worksiteforthetaskforce

Incidentbriefing/situationreport

Mobilizationcenterfood,water,restroom,andsupportfacilities

Transportationissuesandtimeframes

Equipmentoffloading/security

Issuingofmaps(ifavailable)

IntroductionoftheISTPOA/MobSpecialistorotherPOAPOCs

III. MobilizationCenterSupportFacilities

As required, the IST POA/Mob Specialist will be the POC for the support facility at themobilization center that is receiving US&R task forces. The mobilization center should

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provide logistical support for the preparation and distribution of food and water andprovide sanitation and rest room facilities, shelter, etc., if such facilities are not alreadyavailableonsite.Thedegreetowhichtheseneedswillbesupporteddependsuponmanyvariables,includingavailableresources,thenumberofdisasterresponseresourcesroutedthroughthemobilizationcenter,etc.

Ataminimum,aTFLorhis/herdesigneeshouldensurethattheimmediateneedsoftaskforcepersonnelandcaninesareaddressed.Inmostcases,ataskforceshouldonlyremaininamobilizationcenterforarelativelyshortperiodoftime.However,thistimeframecandependon several variables, suchas theavailabilitypersonnel andequipment for cachemovement, availability of ground or air transportation to the assigned worksite, andweather conditions. A task force will rarely remain in the mobilization center for anextendedperiodoftimerequiringlonger‐termshelterandsleepingaccommodations.TheTFLandISTPOA/MobSpecialistwilladdressanyissuesasneeded.

Large‐scale disasters may require that mobilization centers remain in operation for anextended period of time, while various disaster mitigation and restoration resourcesrespond to the affected areas. The TFL should consider that the task force coulddemobilizeandreturnthroughthemobilizationcenterattheconclusionofadeployment.Furthermore, the mobilization center may play a part in ongoing operations, such asservingasan intermediatepoint for theremovalofan injuredtask forcememberor thesupport of otherdisaster response agencies (i.e., ESF#8 (medical), ESF#10 (hazardousmaterials),andESF#4(firefighting).

5‐3. TaskForceDeployment

It is importantthat theassignmentof thetask forcetoaworksitebemadeasquicklyaspossible. Such decisionswill bemade by the appropriate state emergencymanagementofficialsoftheaffectedstatesorbythelocalincidentcommanderinconjunctionwiththeIST or appropriate ESF #9 officials with the IMAT/JFO. (Refer to “Initial Task ForceAssignments”inChapter3,section11formoreinformation.)

ThefollowingdutiesshouldbeimmediateconcernsofaPOA/MobSpecialist:

Forwardingspecifictaskforceassignmentsassoonaspossible

Addressing the transfer and movement of all personnel, canine, and equipmentcacheitems

Establishingthenecessarytransportationrequirements

Deployingthetaskforceintotheaffectedlocalityasquicklyaspossible

TaskforcesdepartthemobilizationcentertoanassignmentwhenaworksiteisidentifiedbytheIST. Althoughthepreferredroutethetaskforceshouldtakewouldbedirectlytotheirassignedworksite,routingataskforcethroughastagingareamaybenecessary.

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CHAPTER6: STAGINGAREAANDINCIDENTASSIGNMENT

6‐1. StagingAreas

Atask forcemayberequired tomove throughastagingareaenroute to itsassignmentduetoachangeinlogisticaloroperationalrequirements.TheIST,inconjunctionwiththeIMAT/JFO,willdeterminetheserequirements.Themovementofatask force throughanintermediatestagingareashouldbeconductedasquicklyaspossible.

6‐2. On‐SiteAssignment

The TFL should establish contact with the IST as soon as possible. The followinginformationshouldbeexchangedbetweentheTFL,theIST,andthelocalIC:

Reportingrequirements(type/location/frequency/position)

Taskforceobjectives

Locationofworkassignment

LocationorpotentiallocationoftaskforceBoO

Currentsituationreport

Tacticalassignment

Personnel/cachemovementrequirements

On‐sitetransportationrequirements

Communicationsplan

Contactlist

Shelterandsupportfacilities,ifany

Availabilityofmaps

Medicalprotocolsandsurvivortransferprocedures

Availabilityoflocalheavyequipment(cranes,bulldozers)

Logisticalre‐supplyprocedures

Securityconcerns

Political,environmental,orotherspecialconcerns

The TFL and the task force Logistics Specialists must also coordinate the transfer,inventory,andsecurityofallpersonalandcacheitemstothelocationwherethetaskforceBoOwillbeestablished.

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CHAPTER7: ON‐SITEOPERATIONS

Upon arrival at the assigned worksite, a task force should begin operations as soon aspossible. The following sections in this chapter address specific issues that should beconsidered.Although these issuesdonotnecessarilyappear inchronologicalorder, theyshould be addressed at the appropriate time. Depending on the number of personnelassigned to each task force, someof these issues canbehandled simultaneously. FigureVII‐1depictsatypicalcommandstructureforon‐siteoperations.(RefertotheTaskForceLeaderHandbookforadditionalinformation.)

FIGUREX:TypicalOn‐SiteCommandStructure

7‐1. BaseofOperations

TheselectionofasuitableBoOisan importantdecisionmadeduringadeployment.TheBoO’sspecificlocationmaybepredeterminedbythelocaljurisdictionortheISTpriortothe arrival of the task force. In absence of the IST, the TFL and the task force TeamManagersmustidentifyanappropriatesite.Regardlessofwhomakesthedetermination,thefollowingfactorsshouldbeconsidered:

Proximitytoassignedworksites

Useablestructuresforshelterandcacheset‐up

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Safetyofuseable,adjacentstructures

Sufficientopen,levelspace

Accesstotransportationroutes

Safetyandsecurity

Tranquility(facility’squalitytoaccommodaterestingoff‐dutypersonnel)

Environmentalconsiderations

TheISTleadershouldconsultwiththeISTCommunicationsUnitLeader,LogisticsSectionChief, and their specialists in assessing these features. Likewise, if the task force isselecting the BoO site, the TFL should consult with the task force Logistics Managers,CommunicationsSpecialists,SafetyOfficers,andLogisticsSpecialistsatthetaskforcelevel.ConsiderationshouldbegiventosendingoutanadvanceteamtolocateasuitableBoOsitepriortothearrivalofataskforce.OnceaBoOhasbeenestablished,changinglocationsisextremely difficult. (Refer to the Task Force Leader Handbook and the LogisticsHandbook.)

7‐2. EquipmentCacheManagement

The setup and management of the task force equipment cache is an importantconsiderationwhen choosing aBoO.Once a site selection ismade, the following factorsmustbeaddressed:

The equipment cache has a large footprint. Regardless of whether existingstructures or tents are used to shelter all or part of the cache, an area providingsufficientworkspacemustbeavailable.PriorexerciseandtraininginmanagingandsettingupthecacheBoOisrequired.

The equipment cache list is subdivided into eight separate sections:Communications, HazMat/CBRNE, Logistics, Medical, Planning, Rescue, Technical,andWaterSafety.Thesesectionsshouldbecolor‐codedtodenoteeachsubdivision.(RefertotheLogisticsHandbook.)

The cache should be inventoried upon setup to determine equipment location,ensure equipment availability, and identify any items thatmay have been lost ordamagedduringtransit.

Some tools and equipment may require setup prior to operation, fueling, and acheckofoperationtoensurereadiness.

Whenpreparing theworksite cache in theBoO, task forceLogistics Specialists, incoordination with the rescue team(s), may be required to put together a rapid‐deploymentequipmentpallet.Equipmentisusuallyloadedonamilitarypalletalongwith essential rescue or reconnaissance equipment to facilitate immediate taskforce operations at remote locations. The pallet is designed to be slung from ahelicopterandtransportedquicklytoaworksitewithasmallcadreofpersonnel.Itshould be designed to allow the accompanying personnel to begin an immediate

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rescue operation, recon a specific area, or perform another specific function. Therapid‐deploymentpalletshouldonlycarryamaximumof4,000lbs.andbelessthanfourfeetinheighttoallowforhelicopteroperations.Itshouldbeloadedinprioritylayersdependingonthemissiontowhichitisdeployed.

A computerized accountability system, with amanual back‐up system, should beused to track all cache items throughout the course of the assignment ordeployment. The tracking system is essential to ensure that equipment or scarcecache resources can be located and shared among other task force elements ifnecessary.(RefertotheLogisticsHandbook.)

7‐3. TaskForceCommandPost

AnintegralcomponentoftheoveralltaskforceBoOisthetaskforcecommandpost,whichservesasthefocalpoint forall taskforceoperations.Acentralcommandareashouldbeestablishedfortaskforcesupervisorypersonnel.Thislocationshouldalsoincorporatetheplanning,safety,andcommunicationsfunctionsofthetaskforce.

Thetaskforcecommandpostshouldbecontinuallystaffedthroughouttheassignment.ItisimperativethatcommunicationchannelsbemonitoredforTFandISTcommunications,and communications with the local ICP. Messages from any of these entities must bereceived,recordedasnecessary,andimmediatelyforwardedtotheappropriatetaskforcepersonnel.

AsdescribedintheCommunicationsHandbook,eachtaskforceisidentifiedbyadistinctdesignatorbasedonthetwo‐letterstateabbreviationfollowedbytheletters"TF"(fortaskforce)andanumber.Forexample,thefirsttaskforceestablishedinthestateofFloridahasbeendesignated as FL‐TF1 inwriting and is verbalized as "FloridaTaskForceOne."Anoperational task force command post will use its respective designator for radiocommunications.

7‐4. ShelterRequirements

Two options are available for task force shelter. One is to use existing structures. Thesecondoptionistorelysolelyonthetentscarriedinthetaskforcecache.Ineithercase,thefollowingshelterrequirementsshouldbeaddressed:

Taskforcecommandpost

Communicationsarea

Cacheshelter(forenvironmentallysensitivesuppliesandequipment)

Personnelsleepingquarters

Foodpreparationandeatingarea

Medicaltreatmentarea

Sanitationfacilities

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Caninearea

Shouldthetaskforcesupervisorsuseexistingstructures,thestructuralintegrityofthosestructuresshouldbeevaluatedbythetaskforceStructuralSpecialistandSafetyOfficer.Itisimportanttorememberthatfollowinganearthquake,after‐shocksshouldbeexpected;and in these situations, future structural integritymust also be considered. If structuralintegrityandsafetyprovequestionable,tentsshouldbeused.Insuchcircumstances,taskforcesupervisorypersonnelshouldcoordinatewiththeISTtodeterminetheavailabilityofmoresubstantialshelter.IfthetaskforceusesbuildingsorfacilitiesthatarenotownedbytheFederal government, the ISTFacilitiesUnit LeaderorTFL should seekapproval andwaiversfromthelocalgovernmentorowner(s)ofthefacilities.

7‐5. TacticalAssignmentsandOperations

IssuesrelatedtoBoOsetupandcachemanagementneednotdelaythebeginningofsearchandrescueoperations.Taskforcestaffingshouldbeestablishedtoaddressseveralactionssimultaneously. The task force Planning Team Manager or the Technical InformationSpecialistmustmaintaina task forceunit logof chronologicalevents. (Refer to theTaskForceLeaderHandbook.)

The TFL should receive a briefing of the tactical assignment from the IST OperationsSection and the local IC as soon aspossible.Onceassignments aredetermined, the taskforce supervisory personnel should coordinate the beginning of search and rescueoperations as quickly as is practical. This action may necessitate that structure triageteams perform quick assessments of the assigned area and that reconnaissance teamsevaluateeachbuildingdeemedviableforrescueoperations.Allinformationobtainedfromreconnaissancemissions should be forwarded to the IST in a timelymanner for use inoverallincidentactionplanning.

As remaining elements begin to arrive at the area designated as the BoO, task forcesupervisory personnel should meet to determine the short‐term strategy. They shoulddeterminewhichinitialissuesmustbeaddressedandhowtaskforcepersonnelshouldbeorganizedtohandletheseissues.Theyshouldalsoidentifyareasofresponsibilityforthetaskforcepersonnel.

Ataskforcetacticalplanthataddressesthedurationoftheinitialworkcyclefortheentiretask forceshouldbedevelopedprior to implementingworkcycles.Theplanshouldalsoinclude other specific objectives for a defined time period. Determination of task forceworkcyclesshouldtakeintoconsiderationincidentoperationalperiodsasestablishedbythe local IC. The total task force strength can be used in the initial stages of operation.Dependingonavarietyoffactors,allpersonnelcanbecommittedtoinitialoperationsforan extended period of up to 18 hours before requiring rest and rotation cycles. At thatpoint, the task forceshouldbegin to implementalternating12‐hourcycles,withhalf thepersonnel resting and the other half working. Because experience has shown that thegreatest numbers of survivors are rescued early in an incident, utilizing the greatestnumber of search and rescue resources that can safely be committed early on will

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positively impact the rate of success for survivor location and extrication. (Refer to theRescueOperationsHandbook.)

I. TaskForceBriefings

AssoonastaskforcepersonnelarriveatanidentifiedareatoestablishaBoO,abriefingshouldbeconductedforallpersonnel.Aftertaskforcesupervisorypersonnelhavehadanopportunity to meet, they should outline their strategy and delegate specificresponsibilities. This process is extremely important and helps to ensure that the taskforceoperatesasacohesiveunitandthatthegoalsareclearlyunderstoodbyallmembers.Areviewofthefollowingissuesshouldbeconducted:

Incidentsituationreporting

Taskforceobjectives

Tacticalassignments

Taskforcesupportlayoutandrequirements(BoO)

Communicationsplan,frequencies,andradiodesignations

Safety issues including emergency signaling and evacuation procedures (See theTaskForceCommunicationsHandbook.)

Medicaltreatmentandmedicalevacuationproceduresfortaskforcepersonnel

ProcessfororderingsuppliesandequipmentthroughIST

Shiftassignmentsandrotations

Taskforcesecurityissues

Incidentstressmanagementconsiderations

II. ReportingRequirements

A variety of verbal and written reports are necessary during mission operations. Thefollowingparagraphsprovideanoverviewofvariousrequirements:

A. Taskforceplanning

Task force supervisorypersonnelmust keep the local IC apprised of all aspects of theiroperation through the IST. The task force Tactical Action Plan (TAP) includes unitobjectives, resource assignments, safety messages, communications, and medicaltreatment information. This plan is prepared for each operational period. The IST willdevelop a comprehensive Operational Action Plan (OAP) for the entire operation usinginformation from individual task force plans. Task force supervisory personnel shouldestablishthetypeandfrequencyofroutinesituationreports;however,unusualorsafety‐relatedsituation reports shouldbemade immediately to the ISTor local ICP. (FormoreinformationseethePlanningTeamHandbook.)

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B. Taskforcesupport

Thetaskforceshouldbetotallyself‐sufficientforatleast72hours.However,throughoutthe course of the deployment, task force supervisory personnel must make continualassessments of the needs of the task force. Issues related to additional shelterrequirements,food,water,andthereplacementofexpendablecacheitems(i.e.,batteries,fuel,oxygen,etc.)oradditionalequipmentshouldbeaddressed.

Requests for support shouldbedirected to the ISTLogistics SectionChief.All re‐supplyshouldbeconductedthroughtheIST.Normally,taskforceswillnotindividuallypurchasesuppliesonceassignedtoanIST.TheIST,inconjunctionwiththelocalIC,willdeterminewhich resources can be obtained locally andwhichwill be ordered through theESF#9Groupwith the IMAT/JFO. In general, if resources are available, local procurementmaymeetneedsmorequickly.

7‐6. Agency‐SpecificCommunications

The TFL should establish communicationswith his/her Sponsoring Agency to keep theagency apprised of the task force's status. The TFL must ensure that all informationintendedforreleasetothepublic,relayedhome,ortransmittedthroughmediaopentothegeneral public is approved by a representative from FEMA’s Office of External Affairs.Special considerations should be made to communicate emergency messages in eitherdirection.

7‐7. AgencySupporttoFamilies

Taskforcesshouldconsiderestablishingasupportsystemforspousesandlovedonesofdeployedtaskforcemembers.Thepurposeofthesupportsystemistoaddresstheneedsof those left athomeandmay includeprovidingassistancewithhome repairs, assistingwithemergencyfamilymatters,anddealingwithlocalmedia.

7‐8. PersonnelInjuries

If a member suffers an injury, it must be reported to the IST as soon as possible. Theinjuredpersonshouldbetreatedonthesceneand,ifnecessary,transportedtoamedicalfacility. Form CA‐1, Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim forCompensation,mustbecompletedbytaskforcemanagement(orISTmanagementforanISTmember).AFEMAUS&RSectionChiefor theUS&RBranchChiefmust complete thesecondpageoftheform.TheCA‐1mustbefiledwithin30daysfromthedateoftheinjurytoensurecontinuationofpaycoverage.RefertotheagencyMOAforadescriptionoftheclaimsprocess.

AnoccupationaldiseasemustbereportedtotaskforceorISTmanagementassoonastheaffectedpersonbecomesawareofthecondition.FormCA‐2,FederalEmployee’sNoticeofOccupational Disease and Claim for Compensation, must be filed. All submissionsmustincludeoriginaldocumentscompletedintheirentirety.DocumentsshouldbeforwardedtotheEmployeesandLaborRelationsDivision,Worker’sCompensation,FEMA.

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CHAPTER8: TASKFORCEREASSIGNMENTANDDEMOBILIZATION

8‐1. ReassignmentConsiderations

Thischapterdealswithreassignmentsthatresultinasignificantchangeoflocationofanoperatingtask force'sBoOorrescueworksite.Areassignment isamajorundertakingaselementsofthetaskforcemustberepacked,reloaded,andtransportedtoanewsite.Thechangeofassignmentforataskforcestillintransitisconsideredadiversionandiseasierto implement than issuingareassignmentonce the task forcehasarrived, isperformingoperations,andhasestablishedaBoO.

FEMA, in conjunction with appropriate state or local officials, will carefully assess theability of a task force that is already established and in operation to accept a tacticalreassignment requiring a location change. It is incumbent upon the TFL and task forcesupervisorypersonneltomakeanassessmentofthephysicalandmentalconditionoftheirpersonnelforcontinuedoperation.Thefollowingfactorsshouldbeconsidered:

Durationofoperationalreadyunderwayanditsforecastcompletion

Physicalandmentalconditionoftaskforcepersonnel

Restperiodinresponsetosafetyconcerns

Capabilityoftheremainingcachetosupportcontinuedoperation

Availabilityofothertaskforcestohandleanewly‐identifiedassignment

Availabilityofappropriatetransportation

8‐2. Reassignment/Demobilization

The TFL should receive a briefing from the IST regarding any determination ofreassignmentorsubsequentdemobilization.Thefollowingissuesshouldbeaddressed:

Officialstand‐downtime

Reasonforreassignmentordemobilization

Transportationrequirements

Departureitinerary

Transferofexpendablecachesuppliesorequipment,ifany,tothelocaljurisdictionthatshouldbelefttosupportlocalneeds(asapprovedbyFEMA)

Permittedcacherehabilitationperiod

Permittedpersonnelrehabilitationperiod

The TFL should communicate both reassignment and related demobilization orderinformationbacktotheSponsoringAgency.Ifcommunicationchannelsarenotavailabletothe TFL, the TFL should request that this information be transmitted through the IST.Refer to FEMA US&R Program Directive 2005‐020 – Demobilization Allowances &

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ReimbursementGuidance–07‐12‐05(orthelatestdirective)fordetailedinformationonallowable personnel and cache rehabilitation time. Both the authorized personnel andcacherehabilitationtimewillbeidentifiedinthetaskforce’sDemobilizationOrder,FEMAForm 18‐002. In the absence of communication with the Sponsoring Agency, the TFLshould ensure that verbal or negotiated rehabilitation timematches the demobilizationorder.

8‐3. EquipmentCacheManagement

All elements of the equipment cache must be inventoried and properly packaged fortransport prior to being deployed by FEMA. During deployment, items expended, lost,damaged,orintentionallyleftforthelocaljurisdictionmustbeidentifiedanddocumented.Insomeinstances,theISTESF#9GroupSupervisor,contractingofficer,orAPOontheIST,with approval from FEMA,may authorize transfer of task force equipment to the localjurisdiction. The TFL should ensure that all task force cache items thatwere expended,damaged, lost, or left for the local jurisdiction are identified on the appropriate FEMAforms:

FF119‐7‐1‐1: REPORTOFSURVEYLOSS,THEFT,DAMAGE,ORDESTRUCTION

FF119‐7‐1‐2: REPORTOFTRANSFERREPORT

FF143‐0‐1: REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, SERVICES, PERSONNELAND/ORTEAMS

8‐4. CessationofBaseofOperations

Reasonable efforts should bemade to leave the areawhere theBoOwas located in thesame condition in which it was found before the arrival of a task force. NecessarysanitationprecautionsmustbetakenwhenbreakingdownaBoOinpreparationtoleaveanarea.Alltrash(especiallymedicalandfooddebris)shouldeitherbeburnedorbaggedintrashbagsorinapprovedbiohazardwastebags(inthecaseofmedicalwaste)forfuturedisposal.

8‐5. ReturntoaMobilizationCenter

I. RestandRehabilitation

Whiledemobilizing,ataskforcemayreturntoamobilizationcenter.TheTFL,throughtheISTPOA/MobSpecialist,willattempt to locatequarters thatall task forcepersonnelcanuse for rest and rehabilitation. Personnel should be afforded a shower and change ofclothespriortotheirreturntotheoriginalPOD. Ifamobilizationcenter isnotavailable,taskforcepersonnelmayberequiredtostanddownforaperiodoftimeintheirBoOorinnearbylodgingfacilitiesiftheyareavailable.

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II. EquipmentReview

Prior to demobilization at the task force BoO or mobilization center, the TFL shouldscheduleatimeanddesignateanappropriateareaforareviewandgeneral inventoryofthecache.This inventoryshouldaccountnotonly for the trackingandmovementof thecachefromthe incidentsitetothemobilizationcenterorhomelocation,butshouldalsoincludeinformationregardingdamagedandmissingequipment.This informationshouldbecaptured inwritten form(seesection8‐3on theprecedingpage) for theafter‐actionreport.

III. EquipmentLoading

TheequipmentcachereviewshouldhelptheLogisticsManagermanagetheloadingofthecachebackontotaskforcevehiclesorontoanaircraftforreturntransportation.Allissuesrelated to theoriginal loadingofequipmentat thebeginningofadeployment shouldbeaddressedwhenloadingforreturntothehomelocationbygroundorairtransport.Whentransportingequipmentbyair,coordinationbetweenthetaskforceLogisticsManagerandthe military loadmaster is essential. Copies of all documentation created during anassignmentdeploymentshouldberetainedforusetodeveloptheafter‐actionreport.

IV. TaskForceDebriefing

Whilethetaskforceisstilldeployed,theTFLshouldensurethatataskforcedebriefingisconducted prior to leaving the BoO or the mobilization center. The purpose of thisdebriefing is to highlight issues and accomplishments of the mission. Lessons learnedduring the deployment should be noted and discussed. This information should becapturedinwrittenformforsubsequentdevelopmentoftheafter‐actionreport.

Taskforcesupervisorypersonnelshouldalsoassessthewell‐beingoftaskforcemembersanddiscussissuesrelatedtoincidentstressmanagement.Allpersonnelshouldbeaffordedthe opportunity to discuss issues that cause them discomfort or concern. This initialdiscussionmustbe followedupwitha full incident stressmanagementdebriefingwhenthetaskforcereturnshome.

Finally, any injuries or illnesses associated with themission should be reported to theMedical Team Manager to ensure that proper follow‐up medical care is delivered. AlldocumentationinaccordancewithChapter7,section8ofthismanualshallbecompleted.

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CHAPTER9: POST‐MISSIONACTIVITIES

9‐1. ReturntoPointofDeparture

Upon return of a task force to its home base, the Sponsoring Agency is responsible forcoordinatingallissuesrelatedtothereturnofthetaskforcetoitsoperationalstatus.TheLogistics/CacheManagerensurescoordinationof the cache transfer from thePOD to itsstorageplace.

Prior to the task force’s return, theSponsoringAgency shouldalso addressother issuesrelatedtothereturnofthetaskforce.Theseissuesmayincludethefollowing:

Taskforcereturnitinerary

Mediacoordination

Implementation of rehabilitation periods prior to themember's return to normalduties

Incidentstressdebriefingfortaskforcemembers

Returnandrehabilitationofcacheequipmenttoastateofreadiness

After‐actioncritique/report

9‐2. EquipmentManagementandRehabilitation

FEMArequires that task forcesbeprepared todeploywithin14daysof return fromanassignment.Alltools,equipment,andsuppliesinthetaskforcecacheshouldbeevaluated,inventoried, serviced, repackaged, and returned to service as soon as possible. In thisregard,theactivitiesdescribedinthefollowingparagraphsshouldbeaddressed.

I. CacheRehabilitation

Alltools,equipment,andsuppliesmustbeinventoried,inspected,andmadeoperationallyready.Upondeparture froman incident, in coordinationwith the IST, theNRCCESF#9SAR Unit will issue a written demobilization order for each task force. This order willindicatethemaximumnumberofapprovedhourstheSponsoringAgencycansubmit forreimbursementpurposesregardingcacherehabilitation.TheISTleader,US&RBranchESF#9 Group Supervisor and the Task Force Representative or Program Manager willdeterminethenumberofapprovedhours.Thenumberofallowablehoursisbasedonthetypeofoperationsconducted,lengthofdeployment,climatefactors,andtheextentofuseofcacheitemswhiledeployed.Theinitialallowancesrangefrom240to400hours.

TaskforcerepresentativesshouldrefertothemostcurrentinformationfoundinthePostMissionDemobilizationAllowanceStandardandReimbursementGuidance.Theamountofallowablehoursshouldbesufficienttoreturnalltools,equipment,andsuppliestoastateofoperationalreadinessforanotherassignment.(RefertotheLogisticsHandbook.)

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If, during the cache rehabilitation process, a determination is made that an insufficientnumber of hours was authorized in the demobilization order, a request for additionalhoursmustbesubmittedbyemailtotheUS&RBranchChief.Therequestshoulddetailthenumber of additional hours being requested, justification for the request, and ananticipateddatethatthecacherehabilitationwillbecompleted.

II. Damage/Loss/RepairAssessment

Theresultsofthepost‐deploymentinventorywillalsobeusedtodevelopadamage/lossassessmentreport.Thisreportwill identifyanytools,equipment,andsuppliesthatwereexpended,damaged,orlostduringthedeployment.Thereportwillalsoincludenarrativesdescribing the reasons for any damage or loss that occurred. A cost summary for thereplacementofcache itemsshallalsobedeveloped.AcompletedFEMAForm119‐7‐1‐1,PropertySurveyshouldbesubmitted toFEMAat thesametime that theStandardForm270,RequestforAdvanceorReimbursementissubmittedrequestingreimbursement.

9‐3. PersonnelIncidentStressDebriefing

The Sponsoring Agency is responsible for scheduling and conducting incident stressdebriefing sessions. Debriefings will be scheduled pursuant to need and agency policy.Considerationmay also be given to a debriefing session for the families and significantothersofdeployedtaskforcepersonnel.

9‐4. Post‐MissionOperationalDebriefing

TheSponsoringAgencyshouldconductafulldebriefingoftaskforcepersonnelassoonasispracticalfollowingadeployment.Alltaskforcepersonnelshouldbeactivelyinvolvedinacritiqueatsomelevel.SupervisoryandotherpersonnelfromtheSponsoringAgencywhoareinvolvedinprogrammanagementandmobilizationshouldalsoattend.

Thepurposeofapost‐missiondebriefingisto:

Identifyallaccomplishmentsofthetaskforce;

Identifyanyproblemsencountered;

Evaluateimprovementsforfuturemobilizationsandoperations;

Identifylessonslearned;

Identify standards or procedures that should be altered or improved within theSystem;and

Provideinputfortheafter‐actionreport.

Anyissuesidentifiedinthecritiqueshouldbecapturedinwriting.Thisinformationshouldbe incorporated into the task force after‐action report that is submitted to FEMA.InformationregardingdebriefingsisoutlinedintheTaskForceLeaderHandbookandthePlanningTeamHandbook.

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9‐5. After‐ActionReport

Arequiredafter‐actionreport is tobesent to theFEMAUS&RBranch,500CStreetSW,Washington,DC20472within30daysafterreturningtohomebase.Taskforcesmayelectto send, or be required to send, an after‐action report to their state emergencymanagement agency as well. Reports should be written in a professional manner andfollowtheformatbelow:

Executivesummary

Introduction,providinganoverviewoftheassignment

Chronology of events, including alert, activation, mobilization, on‐site operations,reassignment/demobilization,andpost‐missionactivities

Evaluation of the effectiveness of task force organization, call‐out procedures,operatingprocedures,operationalchecklists,positiondescriptions,equipment,andpriortraining

Evaluationofmissionoperations,alert/activationprocedures, logisticalmovementand resupply activities, liaison activities with the IST and other agencies, on‐sitecoordination, effective integration with the local incident management structure,etc.

Recommendationsforchangesorcorrectionswithintheindividualtaskforce

Recommendations forchangesorcorrectionswithintheSystemtoenhancefutureresponseactivities

Identificationoflessonslearned

Each task force should employ effective methods for collecting information during adeployment. This information is to be included in the critique and after‐action report.Several technical informationgatheringandtrackingsystemsareavailable for task forceuse.Systemsemployedduringamissionshouldincludethefollowing:

Computerizedpersonneldatabases

Medicalrecordsandinjuryreports

Chronologicalrecordsofeventsfromalerttoreturnhome

Taskforcetacticalplans

CompletedICSformsandlogs

Theinformationcollectedshouldbeeasilytransferredtotheafter‐actionreportusingtheformat described above. For more information regarding the after‐action report andformat,seethePlanningTeamHandbook.

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9‐6. FiscalAccountabilityandReimbursement

Beginningwithan initialalertoractivation, task forceSponsoringAgenciesmusthaveaprocedureinplacetotrackallcostsassociatedwithadeployment.Thisprocedureincludesalltermsoutlinedinthetaskforce’sMOAwithFEMA.Taskforcereimbursementshallbeconducted in accordance with the rules set forth in 44 CFR Part 208, sub‐part b, thecurrent version of the US&R Reimbursement Procedures and any other relevant US&Rpoliciesorprocedures.

9‐7. ReturntoStateofReadiness

US&Rtaskforcesareexpectedtoreturntoastateofoperationalreadinesswithin14daysof concluding an assignment to ensure the optimal readiness of the National US&RResponseSystem.Incaseswhereataskforcemaynotmeetthattimeframe,thetaskforceshallnotifytheUS&RBranchChiefoftheirstatusinwriting.

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CHAPTER10: US&RRESPONSESYSTEMPROGRAMMAINTENANCE

10‐1.MobilizationManual

It is essential that eachSponsoringAgencydevelopandmaintainamobilizationmanualoutliningalltheproceduresinvolvedinadeployment.Ataminimum,thismanualshouldbeupdatedannuallyandshouldincludethefollowinginformation:

24‐hourPOCfortaskforce

ProceduresfortheauthorizationandacceptanceofUS&Ractionorders

Teamnotificationpolicyandprocedures

Notificationandcall‐outprocedureforpersonnel

TeamPOApolicyandprocedures

TeamAPOEwithcontactinformation

Cachemanagementpolicyandprocedures

Personnelin‐processingpolicyandprocedures

Proceduresforappropriatingnon‐stockeditems(e.g.,medicines,batteries)

Pressandmediarelationsinformation

Transportationmethodsfortaskforcemovement

Alternatetransportationoptions

Proceduresforreliefandbackfilloftaskforcepersonnel

Procedurestofillsupportpositions

Caninewaiverandhealthcertificates

Formoreinformationregardingmobilization,seetheTaskForceMobilizationHandbook.

10‐2.CacheMaintenance

The Sponsoring Agencymust establish a program tomaintain its cache readiness. Thisprogramshouldincludethefollowing:

Annualcacheinventories

Periodictoolandequipmentexercisestoensureproperoperation

Rotation periods for itemswith an anticipated shelf life (i.e., batteries,medicines,etc.)

Proceduresforcheckingoutcacheequipmentfortraining,maintenance,etc.

Proceduresforpost‐deploymentandpost‐trainingcacherehabilitation

Proceduresforcomputerizedandhardcopyinventoryupdates

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Filesofreferencematerialspertainingtotoolsandequipment

Regularmaintenanceschedulesforcacheitems

Documentationofmaintenanceperformed

10‐3.TrainingandExercises

ASponsoringAgencyshouldestablishaprogramtodevelopandconductroutinetrainingtoensure theeffectivenessof tacticaloperationsandcoordinationwithin the task force.Separatemaintenance skills training shouldbeaddressed toensure theefficiencyof thetaskforce.

Periodic trainingexercises involvingmultiple task forces shouldbeconducted toensurethe effectiveness of the National US&R Response System. The focus of these trainingsessionsshouldbetoexerciseactivationandmobilizationproceduresandtoevaluatetheintegrationofthetaskforcesintosimulateddisastersituations.

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APPENDIXA:ACRONYMSANDABBREVIATIONS

AHJ AuthorityHavingJurisdictionAPOE AerialPortofEmbarkationBoO BaseofOperationsBSI BaseSupportInstallationCBRNE Chemical,Biological,Radiological,Nuclear,orExplosiveCONOP ConceptofOperationsDEST DomesticEmergencySupportTeamDHS DepartmentofHomelandSecurityDMAT DisasterMedicalAssistanceTeamDOA DepartmentofAgricultureDoD DepartmentofDefenseDOE DepartmentofEnergyDOI DepartmentoftheInteriorDOJ DepartmentofJusticeDOL DepartmentofLaborDOMS DirectorateofMilitarySupportDOT DepartmentofTransportationEOC EmergencyOperationsCenterEPA EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyESF EmergencySupportFunctionFCO FederalCoordinatingOfficerFEMA FederalEmergencyManagementAgencyFOC FEMAOperationsCenterFOG FieldOperationsGuideFSARCG FederalSearchandRescueCoordinationGroupGSA GeneralServicesAdministrationHHS HealthandHumanServicesHSOC HomelandSecurityOperationsCenterIC IncidentCommand(er)ICP IncidentCommandPostICS IncidentCommandSystemIIMG InteragencyIncidentManagementGroupIMAT IncidentManagementAssistanceTeamISB IncidentSupportBaseIST IncidentSupportTeamJFO JointFieldOfficeMOA MemorandumofAgreementNIMS NationalIncidentManagementSystemNIRT NuclearIncidentResponseTeamNISM NationalIncidentSupportManualNPS NationalParkServiceNRCC NationalResponseCoordinationCenter

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NRCS NationalResponseCoordinationStaffNRF NationalResponseFrameworkNSP NationalSearchandRescuePlanNSSE NationalSpecialSecurityEventOAP OperationalActionPlanOCHA UnitedNation’sOfficefortheCoordinationofHumanitarianAffairsOFDA OfficeofForeignDisasterAssistanceOSHA OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministrationPOA PointofArrivalPOC PointofContactPOD PointofDepartureRDC Reception/DepartureCenterRRCC RegionalResponseCoordinationCenterSA SponsoringAgencySAC SpecialAgentinChargeSAC SponsoringAgencyChief/HeadSACR‐D DivisionalSponsoringAgencyChiefRepresentativeSAR SearchandRescueSEOC StateEmergencyOperationsCenterSIOC StrategicInformationandOperationsCenterT&MCG TransportationandMobilizationCoordinationGroupTAP TacticalActionPlanTFL TaskForceLeaderTFR TaskForceRepresentativeTFR‐D DivisionalTaskForceRepresentativeTFR‐N NationalTaskForceRepresentativeUS&R UrbanSearchandRescueUSACE UnitedStatesArmyCorpsofEngineersUSAID UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopmentUSCG UnitedStatesCoastGuardUSDA UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgricultureUSFS UnitedStatesForestServiceUSNORTHCOM UnitedStatesNorthernCommandUSPACOM UnitedStatesPacificCommand

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APPENDIXB:INTERNETRESOURCES

CatastrophicIncidentAnnex http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/Catastrophic_Incident_Annex.pdf

CatastrophicIncidentSARAddendum(Version3.0)

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/CISAR%20Addendum%20‐%20Version%203‐0%20%28062112%29%20Final.pdf

EmergencySupportFunction#9(February2011)

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/NRF‐ESF‐09%20%28Feb11%29.pdf

FEMAIncidentActionPlanningGuide(January2012)

http://www.lrc.fema.gov/em_doctrine_fema_iapguide.html

FEMAIncidentManagementandSupportKeystone(January2011)

http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=5917

FEMANationalIncidentSupportManual(February2011)

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/FEMA%20National%20Incident%20Support%20Manual.pdf

FinancialManagementSupportAnnextotheNRF

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf‐support‐fin.pdf

MilitarySupporttoFEMAUS&RCONOP

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/SAR_Manuals.asp

NationalIncidentManagementSystem(NIMS)

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/NIMS_core.pdf

NationalInteroperabilityFieldOperationsGuide(NIFOG)Version1.4

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/nifog‐v1‐4‐resized‐for‐pda‐viewing.pdf

NationalPreparednessSystem(November,2011)

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/prepared/nps_description.pdf

NationalResponseFramework(January2008)

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf‐core.pdf

NationalResponseFrameworkOverview(January2008)

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf‐overview.pdf

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NationalSearchandRescuePlanoftheUnitedStates–2007

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/manuals/Natl_SAR_Plan%282007%29.pdf

NationalUrbanSearchandRescueResponse(SAR)System

http://www.fema.gov/urban‐search‐rescue

UnitedStatesNationalSearchandRescueCommitteeInteragencyAgreement

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/NSARC_Agreement_2007.pdf

LinksToESF#9Agencies

AirForceRescueCoordinationCenter

http://www.1af.acc.af.mil/units/afrcc/

DepartmentofDefense

NationalSearchandRescueCommittee

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/NSARC.asp

UnitedStatesCoastGuard http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/

UnitedStatesDepartmentoftheInterior

http://www.interior.gov/index.cfm

Operations Manual 12-001

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Transcript of Operations Manual 12-001