A major focus of the DASP is to develop and implement training related to US Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) primary systems for disaster response and management, namely the DART and RMT. On average, the DASP provides training and briefings to about 200 USAID, Forest Service, BLM and other USG staff and partners each year.

DASP also facilitates and provides support to key components of other USAID/OFDA trainings, such as Joint Humanitarian Operations for the U.S. military and First Aid. Annual trainings conducted include:

• DASP Orientation for Forest Service/BLM
• DART/RMT Essentials (3x/year)
• RMT Refresher
• National Response Plan International Assistance System (IAS)
• Regional consultations for Mission Disaster Relief Officers
• Other trainings and OFDA systems briefings (ICS, DART, RMT, IAS, procedures, templates and tools) for external partners

In FY 2006, DASP worked closely with USAID/OFDA’s training unit to update the methodology and content of DART and RMT training. The new course, re-named DART/RMT Essentials, includes participant-driven session designs such as case studies, team projects, and a simulation on the final day of the course. The simulation allows participants to experience a rapid-onset natural disaster response in a USAID presence country, as well as a longer-term complex emergency response in a country without a USAID Mission.