The purpose of this document is to ensure that the Supervisor or Team Leader to the Officer is fully informed regarding non-CDC deployments and outlines the responsibilities of each when responding to Office of Force Readiness and Deployment orders.

Background

The mission of the Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps is to provide highly-trained and mobile health professionals who carry out programs to promote the health of the Nation. The Office of Force Readiness and Deployment (OFRD), was established after the Secretary directed that all PHS Commissioned Officers must be deployable to respond to public health emergencies. Being deployed by OFRD offers a Commissioned Officer a unique opportunity to serve his/her country during natural disasters, terrorism events, or other emergency situations.

OFRD Deployments are normally expected to be 2 weeks or less in duration. Officers are provided with actual or estimated deployment start and end dates when the deployment is announced.

OFRD provides or arranges for travel, equipment, and logistics to support the deployment. OFRD informs the Officer of the reporting and chain of command during the deployment period.
NOTE: During large scale emergencies, OPDIV’s may be requested to provide travel support to the Officer. CDC, Division of Emergency Operations will provide and coordinate all travel to meet Mission Assignment/Term of Reference Requirements.

This understanding covers deployment by OFRD only.

Specific requests and responsibilities:

Officer, having met all the requirements for basic readiness as defined by the OFRD and having been assigned to a month-long deployment roster twice each year, is hereby requesting permission from supervisor/team leader to be considered for deployments assigned by OFRD, barring other obligations to assigned duties. Supervisor/team leader supports the broad public health missions associated with OFRD deployment, and offers pre-approval for deployments as assigned by OFRD.

This permission for deployment consideration will be effective January 1, 20__ through December 31, 20__, and will be contingent upon these conditions:

Officer Responsibilities:

1. At the time of assignment to a rotational roster and one month in advance of the rotation, the officer will inform supervisor/team leader of the month(s) the Officer is assigned to the OFRD deployment roster.

2. Officer will notify supervisor/team leader according to any established procedure when contacted by OFRD for possible or immediate deployment.

3. The officer will discuss all work assignments in advance of possible deployment with supervisor/team leader to develop strategies to determine if his/her work can be continued in a smooth and efficient manner in the event of a deployment.

4. Prior to or soon after returning from a deployment, officer and supervisor/team leader will jointly review work assignments and negotiate completion dates for work interrupted by the deployment.

5. Officer will report to supervisor/team leader on the first working day after deployment ends.

6. The Officer will attempt to make contact with their OPDIV EOC and/or supervisor to provide them status of assignment while deployed to include contact information.

NOTE: During large scale emergencies, OFRD and/or the Secretary’s Operation Center may coordinate requests for Officer support through the OPDIV Emergency Operation Center. Notifications will still be made directly to the officer but will simultaneously be made through the OPDIV Operations Center. In the case of CDC, the Director’s Emergency Operations Center will be contacted either by OFRD or the SOC to coordinate Officer requirements. Subsequent coordination will be made from the DEOC to the Officer’s CIO leadership. If an officer is not available, the CIO may be requested to identify a substitute to meet the requested requirements.

Supervisor/Team Leader Responsibilities:

1. Supervisor/team leader will be cognizant of the month(s) in which the Officer may be deployed and will be aware of national and international events that may result in the officer being deployed.

2. Supervisor/team leader will determine if deployment is possible given obligations to assigned duties.

3. Supervisor/team leader and officer will develop strategies so that the organization’s work can be continued in the least disruptive manner should the officer be deployed.

4. Supervisor/team leader will create a culture and climate within the workplace that acknowledges and supports the officer's dual responsibilities to the Corps and to his/her agency-held position.

This consent is in effect during the dates indicated unless the following occur:

1. The officer is assigned to another Supervisor/Team Leader, at which time a new understanding should be discussed and signed.

2. The officer does not maintain basic readiness standards.

3. The officer does not earn at least an overall rating of “D” on his/her most recent COER.

I have read and discussed the above conditions for deployment consideration: