ESF4 Pre-Scripted Mission Assignments (PSMA)
Statement of Work - Command and Control Support
Statement of Work - ESF4 Activation
Statement of Work - Firefighting Support
Statement of Work - Mob Centers
R8 Std MA - ESF4 Emergency Road Clearing
R8 Std MA - ESF4 Incident Management Teams
R8 Std MA - NMSZ MAJOR EVENT - ESF4 IMTs
A note about Mission Assignments and the MOU
between the USFS and FEMA.
It came to our attention during the Hurricane Irene activation that not all affected individuals/entities are aware of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU*) between USDA Forest Service (FS) and DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which provides a general framework of cooperation in responding to, managing and coordinating, and financially accounting for major disasters and emergencies. The direction in the MOU applies to all Forest Service support to FEMA (national offices and all FEMA regions), including incident support provided directly in support of Emergency Support Function 4 (ESF4) missions.
A key area of importance to ESF4 Coordinators, Center Managers, and Incident Business Coordinators is the direction that Forest Service can initiate mobilization of resources before receipt of a Mission Assignment. Specifically, the MOU states that Forest Service will:
Upon request from FEMA, initiate the mobilization of emergency resources consistent with the Forest Service role identified in the National Response Framework and the Forest Service Foundational Doctrine for All-Hazard Response. In such cases, prior to the issuance of a formal written Mission Assignment, the request from FEMA must indicate:
- Who is requesting the resource(s)
- What task they will be performing
- Where they are to report
- Funding estimate for Mission Assignment
- Commitment to follow up with a signed Mission Assignment
For FEMA's part, they have agreed to issue a corresponding Mission Assignment, as stated:
Ensure the subsequent issuance of a Mission Assignment when the situation dictates the need for mobilization of emergency resources prior to the issuance of a formal written Mission Assignment, as authorized by FEMA. The Mission Assignment must document the task and funding estimate agreed to in the initial request.
In other words, we should not be waiting for an approved Mission Assignment before obtaining a fund code and ordering resources when requested by FEMA. An Action Request Form, or even an email, with the above information will suffice.
Two other areas of importance in the MOU:
1. FEMA agrees to recognize the FS Foundational Doctrine for All-Hazard Response, and FS agrees to recognize and support missions assigned by FEMA in accordance with this doctrine and other applicable regulations, guidance and doctrine.
2. FEMA agrees to rely on the adequacy of the Forest Service controls as outlined in the Federal Manager’s Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA). (Other incident business/financial direction is included as well.)
A copy of the MOU is attached for your reference. It and the FS Foundational Doctrine for All Hazard Response are also posted on the FS Incident Business Practices All Hazard web page. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Fisher or me.
Thanks!
Gordy Sachs
U.S. Forest Service, Fire & Aviation Management
Disaster & Emergency Operations
*Click this link to view the MOU between USFS and FEMA