The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating a final review of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in conjunction with the recent release of the National Response Framework (NRF). The review process commenced in 2006 and is scheduled to be concluded in August 2008.

After the conclusion of the 2007 comment periods, further review of the NIMS document was postponed while the revision of the National Response Plan [now known as the National Response Framework] was undertaken. Minor changes were made to the NIMS document to reflect language in the NRF. These changes did not significantly alter the 2007 draft version of the document.

As the NRF has now been released, the NIMS will undergo one final national comment period from May 1 to June 2, 2008. Comments should focus on the substance of the document rather than administrative changes. The document and comment forms can be found at: www.regulations.gov by typing NIMS into the search window. Please note that while a comment form will help assure clarity and consistency, it is not a requirement. You may submit your comments (which must include page and line numbers) directly to the www.regulations.gov email address.