About FSR Teams
To meet the needs of communities across the country during the unprecedented 2017 hurricane and wildfire seasons, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) successfully augmented its workforce with thousands of volunteers from other Federal Agencies and state and local emergency management organizations.
FEMA is seeking to continue this whole community partnership and build capacity for managing complex incidents. FEMA is coordinating with experienced State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) personnel to deploy as FEMA Supplemental Response (FSR) Teams in support of FEMA’s response operations.
Positions for Deployment
Participating personnel will need to complete USFA’s training course for Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (O-305) and meet National Qualification System (NQS)baseline position requirements prior to FEMA deployments. FEMA will work with SLTT partners to provide required training.
FSR Team deployments will be available to both qualified personnel as well as personnel who are working toward qualification.
For more information on NQS visit:
www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/components/position-task-books
Benefits of Participation
Participating personnel obtain “real world” incident deployment experience and training for participating members. Personnel will gain valuable experience to bring back and build capacity for their jurisdictions. This program increases integration between FEMA and the SLTT partners that it serves, creating more efficient coordination for future incidents.
Participating AHIMTs will receive qualification opportunities, performance feedback, and training. FEMA will fund the associated costs of required trainings,and deployed personnel will be able to participate in additional trainings at the field site alongside FEMA personnel. FEMA will also offer professional development through joint trainings and exercises.
Deployment Expectations
For the 2019 Hurricane Season, participants must be rostered and available to deploy in the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS). FEMA will deploy teams for a minimum of 21 days with the possibility of extension to ensure continuity of operations. Personnel will not be deployed by FEMA if it creates a conflict with the immediate needs of the SLTT partner.
During deployment periods, personnel will be compensated at their current salary rate. FEMA will reimburse all team and individual travel expenses up to approved Federal lodging and per diem rates, subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and cooperative agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will FEMA reimburse for the costs of benefits associated with deployed FSR team members?
A: Yes, FEMA will reimburse for salary and benefits of deployed personnel during the deployment period based on the cooperative agreement.
Q: What training is required and will FEMA cover the cost of that training for participants?
A: Currently, FEMA requires only USFA’s training course for Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (O-305) prior to deploying as an FSR Team member. FEMA will fund the cost of this training for any members who have not yet completed the course. As FEMA further develops training and qualification requirements, FEMA will coordinate with SLTT partners on associated costs and requirements for FSR teams.
Q: What does it mean that FSR Teams can be deployed for 21 days with the possibility for extension?
A: FEMA requires a commitment to deploy for 21 days to support initial response, coordination with impacted jurisdictions, and ensuring continuity of operations. Depending on operational requirements of the incident, FEMA may request to extend the deployment period for an FSR team in coordination with the SLTT partner.
Q: Will personnel who are working toward qualification be paid at a different rate than qualified personnel?
A: No, FEMA will reimburse all SLTT employees at their current salaries, regardless of qualification status, based on cooperative agreements.
Q: Can an AHIMT participate if it is not currently in ROSS?
A: FEMA is planning to utilize ESF 4 mission assignments to access available teams in ROSS for federal operational support deployments during the 2019 Hurricane Season. If an AHIMT is not in ROSS, FEMA and ESF 4 will not be able to request and deploy them.
Q: Is there a maximum number of personnel who are not yet qualified that can deploy with the team during FEMA operations?
A: There is no set number of non-qualified personnel that will be accepted to accompany qualified personnel by team. FEMA will work with ESF 4 and SLTT partners to ensure that teams are able to meet operational requirements for each deployment.