TRIBAL GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL JURISDICTION COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES: FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2006 (OCTOBER 1, 2005-SEPTEMBER 30, 2006) In March 2004, the Secretary of Homeland Security, at the request of the President, released the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The NIMS is a comprehensive system that improves tribal and local response operations through the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the application of standardized procedures and preparedness measures. It promotes development of cross-jurisdictional, statewide, and interstate regional mechanisms for coordinating response and obtaining assistance during a large-scale or complex incident. Tribal and local authorities, not federal, have the primary responsibility for preventing, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. The overwhelming majority of emergency incidents are handled on a daily basis by a single jurisdiction at the local level. It is critically important that all jurisdictions comply with the NIMS because the challenges we face as a nation are far greater than the capabilities of any one jurisdiction; they are not, however, greater than the sum of all of us working together through mutual support. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD- 5), Management of Domestic Incidents, requires all federal departments and agencies to adopt and implement the NIMS, and requires state1 and local2 jurisdictions to implement the NIMS to receive federal preparedness funding. NIMS compliance should be considered and undertaken as a community-wide effort. The benefit of NIMS is most evident at the local level, when a community as a whole prepares for and provides an integrated response to an incident. Incident response organizations (to include local public health, public works, emergency management, fire, emergency medical services, law enforcement, hazardous materials, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, medical organizations, utilities, and others) must work together to comply with NIMS components, policies, and procedures. Implementation of the NIMS in every tribal and local jurisdiction establishes a baseline capability that once established nationwide, can be used as a foundation upon which more advanced homeland security capabilities can be built. Small and/or rural jurisdictions will benefit from a regional approach. In many instances smaller communities may not have the resources to implement all elements of NIMS on their own. However, by working together with other localities in their regions, these jurisdictions will be able to pool their resources to implement NIMS. When NIMS is fully implemented, your local community or jurisdiction will be able to: •Ensure common and proven incident management doctrine, practices, and principles are used to plan for, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergency incidents and preplanned events; •Maintain a response operation capable of expanding to meet an escalating situation and the ability to integrate resources and equipment from intrastate and interstate mutual aid agreements, state-provided assistance, and federal government response; •Order and track response assets using common resource typing and definitions, and draw on mutual aid agreements for additional assistance; •Establish staging and allocation plans for the re-distribution of equipment, supplies, and aid coming into the area from other localities, states, or the federal government through mutual aid agreements; •Conduct situational assessments and establish the appropriate ICS organizational structure to effectively manage the incident; and •Establish communication processes, procedures and protocols that will ensure effective interoperable communications among emergency responders, 9-1-1 centers, and multi-agency coordination systems (Emergency Operations Centers). In federal Fiscal Year 2005, the Secretary of Homeland Security provided guidance to each state, outlining initial actions that should be taken to implement the NIMS. The letter to the nation’s governors included a list of recommended actions for tribal and local governments to help them work towards NIMS compliance. A copy of this letter is posted on the NIMS webpage at: http://www.fema.gov/nims/nims_compliance.shtm. Recommended FY 2005 NIMS activities included: •Institutionalize the use of the Incident Command System; •Complete the NIMS awareness course IS-700 NIMS: An Introduction; •Formally recognize NIMS and adopt NIMS principles and policies; •Establish a NIMS compliance baseline by determining the NIMS requirements that have already been met; and •Develop a strategy and timeline for full NIMS implementation. By completing these activities, communities will have made substantial progress toward full NIMS implementation by the start of Fiscal Year 2007 (i.e. October 1, 2006). In federal Fiscal Year 2006, tribes and local communities will be required to complete several activities to comply with the NIMS. The attached implementation matrix describes the actions that jurisdictions must take by September 30, 2006 to be compliant with NIMS. Completion of these actions will position tribal and local communities to better manage prevention, response and recovery efforts. The matrix identifies activities that are underway by the NIMS Integration Center (NIC) to support the effective implementation of NIMS as well as activities that will be required for NIMS implementation in future years. The matrix also provides information on where to find technical assistance resources to support these compliance actions. For example, the National Incident Management Capability Assessment Support Tool (NIMCAST) is an example of a product designed to assist communities in determining their current NIMS compliance baseline. The NIMS is much more than just a list of required elements; it is a new approach to the way we prepare for and manage incidents, one that will lead to a more effective utilization of resources and enhanced prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities. Moreover, full NIMS implementation is a dynamic and multi-year phase-in process with important linkages to the National Response Plan (NRP), the Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 8 (i.e. the “National Preparedness Goal”) and the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP). Future refinement to the NIMS will evolve as policy and technical issues are further developed and clarified at the national level. This may well result in additional requirements being issued by the NIC as to what will constitute continuous full NIMS compliance in FY2007 and beyond. More information on NIMS, NIMS compliance, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the NIMS Integration Center Web page (http://www.fema.gov/nims). *As defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the term “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any possession of the United States.” 6 U.S.C. 101 (14) **As defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Section 2(10): the term “local government” means “(A) county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments… regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government: an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation; and a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.” 6 U.S.C. 101(10) NIMS Implementation Matrix for Tribal and Local Jurisdictions FY 2006 Compliance Activities 1) Community Adoption Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Adopt NIMS at the community level for all government departments and agencies; as well as promote and encourage NIMS adoption by associations, utilities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector incident management and response organizations. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •Adopt NIMS through executive order, proclamation, resolution, or legislation as the jurisdiction's official all-hazards, incident response system. •Develop a baseline assessment of the NIMS implementation requirements that your jurisdiction already meets and using that baseline, develop a strategy for full NIMS implementation and maintenance. •The NIMS Capability Assessment Support Tool (NIMCAST) is available at: www.fema.gov/nimcast/index.jsp •Sample templates for executives: www.fema.gov/nims/nims_toolsandtemplates.shtm Future Activities: •Amend or re-authorize, as necessary. 2) Command and Management: Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Incident Command System (ICS): Manage all emergency incidents and preplanned (recurring/special) events in accordance with ICS organizational structures, doctrine, and procedures, as defined in NIMS. ICS implementation must include the consistent application of Incident Action Planning and Common Communications Plans. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •Institutionalize ICS: Terms and definitions: www.fema.gov/txt/nims/institutionalizing_ics.txt •Incorporate concepts and principles of NIMS Chapter II, Command and Management including ICS characteristics such as common terminology, modular organization, management by objectives, incident action planning, manageable span of control, pre-designated incident facilities, comprehensive resource management, integrated communications, transfer of command, unity of command, unified command, personnel and resource accountability, and information and intelligence management. Future Activities: •Continue to manage incidents and events using ICS. 3) Command and Management Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Multi-agency Coordination System: Coordinate and support emergency incident and event management through the development and use of integrated multi-agency coordination systems, i.e develop and maintain connectivity capability between local Incident Command Posts (ICPs, local 911 Centers, local Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and state EOC. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •NIMS Chapter II, Command and Management. Future Activities: •Revise and update processes and plans. •The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing an independent study and classroom course on NIMS Multi-Agency Coordination Systems. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims •The NIMS Integration Center will feature best practices on the NIMS Web page. See http://www.fema.gov/nims 4) Command and Management Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Public Information System: Implement processes, procedures, and/or plans to communicate timely, accurate information to the public during an incident through a Joint Information System and Joint Information Center. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •NIMS Chapter II, Command and Management. •Public Information Training (E388, Advanced Public Information Officers and G290, Basic Public Information Officers) Future Activities: •Revise and update processes and plans. •The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing an independent study and classroom course on NIMS Public Information Systems. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims •Information on who should complete these courses also will be posted on the NIMS Web page. •The NIMS Integration Center will feature best practices on the NIMS Web page. See http://www.fema.gov/nims 5) Preparedness: Planning Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Establish the community’s NIMS baseline against the FY 2005 and FY 2006 implementation requirements. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •Assess which NIMS implementation requirements your community already meets. The NIMS Capability Assessment Support Tool (NIMCAST) is available to facilitate this: www.fema.gov/nimcast/index.jsp Future Activities: •Update strategy as appropriate and close capability gap. 6) Preparedness: Planning Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Develop and implement a system to coordinate all federal preparedness funding to implement the NIMS across the community. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •A list of the Federal preparedness grant programs that have been reported to the NIC are available on the NIMS Web page at: www.fema.gov/nims •2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf •National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm •Catalog of Federal Domestic Preparedness Assistance (CFDA): http://www.cfda.gov 7) Preparedness: Planning Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Revise and update plans and SOPs to incorporate NIMS components, principles and policies, to include planning, training, response, exercises, equipment, evaluation, and corrective actions Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf •National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm Future Activities: •Update plans and SOPs, incorporating lessons learned and best practices from exercises and response operations. •Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) guidance is under development and will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page at: www.fema.gov/nims 8) Preparedness: Planning Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Participate in and promote intrastate and interagency mutual aid agreements, to include agreements with the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •EMAC model state-county mutual aid deployment contract: http://www.emacweb.org/?123 •EMAC model intrastate mutual aid legislation: http://www.emacweb.org/docs/NEMA%20Proposed%20Intrastate%20Model-Final.pdf Future Activities: •Expand mutual aid agreements beyond support services and equipment to include information sharing. •Support and adopt the ongoing efforts of the NIMS Integration Center (NIC) to develop a national credentialing system. •Credentialing guidance is under development by the NIMS Integration Center. Throughout the development process, drafts will be posted on the NIMS Web page for review and comment by interested stakeholders. •Credential first responders in conformance with national standards. 9) Preparedness: Training Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Complete IS-700 NIMS: An Introduction Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •On-line course: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp •NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_training_development.pdf •All personnel with a direct role in emergency preparedness, incident management, or response must complete this training Future Activities: •Ensure that NIMS training is part of the program for all new employees, recruits and first responders who have a direct role in emergency preparedness, incident management, or response. •The NIMS Integration Center is working to establish a mechanism that will allow State and local jurisdictions direct access to course completion data. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims 10) Preparedness: Training Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Complete IS-800 NRP: An Introduction Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •On-line course available at: http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is800.asp •NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_training_development.pdf •The NIMS Web page provides for who should complete this training. http://www.fema.gov/nims Future Activities: •Ensure that NRP training is part of the program for all appropriate new employees, recruits and first responders. •The NIMS Integration Center is working to establish a mechanism that will allow State and local jurisdictions direct access to course completion data. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims 11) Preparedness: Training Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Complete ICS 100 and ICS 200 Training Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •ICS 100: http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is100.asp •ICS 100: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa •ICS 200: http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is200.asp •ICS 200: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa •NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_training_development.pdf •The NIMS Web page provides guidance for who should complete this training. http://www.fema.gov/nims Future Activities: •Complete ICS 300 and ICS 400. •Complete training that may be required to satisfy credentialing standards. •Ensure that ICS training is part of the program for all new employees, recruits and first responders. •The NIMS Integration Center is working to establish a mechanism that will allow States and local jurisdictions direct access to course completion data. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims 12) Preparedness: Exercises Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Incorporate NIMS/ICS into all tribal, local and regional training and exercises. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •NIMS training information: www.fema.gov/nims/nims_training.shtm •NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_training_development.pdf •DHS ODP Exercise Information: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/exercises.htm Future Activities: •Continue to incorporate NIMS into all local training and exercises, to include drills, tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale exercises. 13) Preparedness: Exercises Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Participate in an all-hazard exercise program based on NIMS that involves responders from multiple disciplines and multiple jurisdictions. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf •National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance: htp://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm •DHS ODP Exercise Information: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/exercises.htm •NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_training_development.pdf Future Activities: •Continue to participate in NIMS -oriented exercises, to include drills, tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale exercises. 14) Preparedness: Exercises Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Incorporate corrective actions into preparedness and response plans and procedures. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •DHS ODP Exercise Information: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/exercises.htm 15) Resource Management Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Inventory community response assets to conform to homeland security resource typing standards. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •Propose modifications or new resource definitions to the NIMS Integration Center for inclusion in the resource typing effort. •Resource typing definitions: http://www.fema.gov/nims/mutual_aid.shtm Future Activities: •Develop and implement a resource inventory, ordering, and tracking system. •The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing a course on NIMS Resource Management. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page at http://www.fema.gov/nims when the course is available. 16) Resource Management Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •To the extent permissible by law, ensure that relevant national standards and guidance to achieve equipment, communication, and data interoperability are incorporated into tribal and local acquisition programs. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •ODP Equipment Program: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/grants_goals.htm •2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf •National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm •DHS SAFECOM Program: http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM 17) Communication & Information Management Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance: •Apply standardized and consistent terminology, including the establishment of plain English communications standards across public safety sector. Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources: •Incident response communications (during exercises and actual incidents) should feature plain English commands so they will be able to function in a multi-jurisdiction environment. Field manuals and training should be revised to reflect the plain English standard. •‘10’ codes may continue to be used during non-emergency, internal department communications. Future Activities: •Continue featuring common terminology and plain English commands for all response activities. •The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing a course on NIMS Communication and Information Management. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page at http://www.fema.gov/nims when the course is available. The NIMS Integration Center DHS/FEMA October 4, 2005