Incident Business Mgmt & Buying Teams
Overview:
A R8 Desk Guide for Incident Business Operations has been created that addresses in detail the operations of Incident Business during a non-fire incident. This desk guide will be maintained by the Regional Incident Business Specialist, and will be provided to all incoming personnel working in incident business as part of their briefing package.
The Regional Incident Business Specialist stays current with the Regional Emergency Operations Specialist/Regional ESF4 Coordinator as soon as the RRCC is activated. Once the Lead ESF4 arrives at the RRCC, the Regional Incident Business Specialist will be in constant contact with the Lead ESF4 regarding estimation of dollar amounts and appropriate language to on FEMA Mission Assignments.
At the start of an incident, the Regional Incident Business Specialist's main priority is to 1) work with ESF4 in establishing Mission Assignments with corresponding pay codes (Fcodes); 2) work with the All Hazard Response Organization to be kept up to date on current mobilizations; 3) order appropriate resources to support Incident Management Teams and Regional Office operations; and 4) insure IMT’s are briefed on purchasing/cost restrictions involving FEMA incidents.
As the incident progresses and more teams and resources are put in place, the priority is to support field operations and at the same time, provide support to ESF4 staff.
Issues and Concerns
There are a limited number of Buying Teams nationally to support Incident Management Teams assigned to the region, therefore single Buying Teams will be placed strategically in order to provide support to multiple IMT's. Good communication and coordination between IMT's (Finance Section Chiefs) with the assigned Buying Team Coordinator is essential, and will at times involve National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) and Washington Office personnel.
As an incident grows in complexity and size resulting in more expenditure of Forest Service appropriations, the Forest Service Washington Office Office of Management and Budget as well as the Department of Agriculture pay close attention to purchases and total dollars expended.