National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance
What is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was developed after the September 11, 2001 attacks to provide a standardized framework for managing incidents throughout the United States. The 2017 edition of NIMS is composed of four key components: Fundamentals and Concepts, Resource Management, Command and Coordination, and Communications and Information Management.
Of these components, the one that most people encounter and interact with is the Incident Command System (ICS), which falls under the Command and Coordination section of NIMS. The ICS plays a prominent role in coordinating and managing incident response efforts. It provides a structured approach for establishing command, organizing personnel, and facilitating effective communication and coordination during incidents.
What is NIMS Compliance?
Defining NIMS Compliance can be challenging and the standard may differ depending on the organization and personnel involved. However, here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Firstly, your organization's governing board should officially adopt NIMS in writing as the official management system to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents.
- Secondly, your policies and plans should be aligned with the principles of NIMS.
- Ensure that your personnel are adequately trained in the NIMS Training Program.
- Designate a point of contact to serve as the principle coordinator for the implementation of NIMS for your jurisdiction.
Why is this important?
Since October 1, 2005, all states were required to meet NIMS implementation requirements to be eligible to receive federal preparedness assistance in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and direct contracts.
What training is required?
In the NIMS Training Program, they identify different progressions for each of the four NIMS Command and Coordination Systems:
- Incident Command System (ICS) - responsible for tactical activities on scene;
- Emergency Operations Center (EOC) - responsible for operational and strategic coordination, resource acquisition, and information gathering, analysis, and sharing;
- Public Information Officers (PIO) operating within the Joint Information System (JIS) - responsible for outreach and communication to the medical and public;
- Multiagency Coordination (MAC) Group - responsible policy guidance and senior-level decision making.
Regardless of the Focus area, they identify three basic categories which share many of the same foundational courses:
- All Incident Personnel: courses that provide the foundational knowledge to help nonsupervisory incident personnel understand where they fit in the overall incident structure.
- Incident Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities (middle management): courses that provide additional background on external incident management systems for mid-level incident personnel responsible for establishing the initial incident or those preparing for a future supervisory role.
- Incident Personnel Designate as Leaders/Supervisors (upper management): courses that enhance the knowledge and increased comfort in using NIMS structures and processes, for senior level incident personnel. Typically those who are designated as ICS/EOC leaders/supervisors for incidents that extend beyond a single operational period and generate an Incident Action/Support Plan.
Training Progression
ICS Training Progression
All ICS Personnel:
All incident personnel working within the ICS should complete the following courses for foundational knowledge of incident response:
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.
- IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces NIMS concepts and principles.
ICS Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities:
Supervisory personnel working within the ICS should complete the following courses for additional background in incident management systems with leadership responsibilities:
- IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework (NRF).
- IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 – This course enables personnel to operate efficiently within the ICS during an incident or event.
ICS Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors:
Leaders who could be responsible in complex incidents should complete this level of training. These courses apply higher-level concepts, methods, and tools for larger, more complex incidents:
- G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.
- E/L/G0300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents, ICS-300 – This course provides training for personnel who require advanced ICS knowledge. – FEMA recommends that students take the two-day classroom version of ICS-200 before attending ICS-300 to ensure they have the foundational knowledge necessary to be successful in ICS-300.
- E/L/G0400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff–Complex Incidents, ICS-400 – This course provides training in managing large, complex incidents or events. – FEMA recommends that students not take ICS-400 immediately following ICS-300 but instead wait to take ICS-400 after gaining additional ICS experience.
ICS Advanced Training:
This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will broaden their understanding of emergency management concepts:
- E/L0950-0987 – See Appendix B for additional advanced training options.
- O-0305: U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)/National Fire Academy (NFA) Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) – Type 3 AHIMT training develops state, regional, and tribal AHIMTs who can function under NIMS during a large or complex incident or major event. This course is designed for those who are assigned to function in a Type 3 AHIMT during a large/complex incident, typically one covering multiple operational periods.
EOC Training Progression
All EOC Personnel:
All incident personnel working within an EOC should complete the following courses for foundational knowledge of incident response:
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.
- IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces NIMS concepts and principles.
EOC Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities:
Supervisory personnel working within an EOC should complete the following courses for additional background in incident management systems with leadership responsibilities:
- IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the NRF.
- IS-2200: Basic EOC Functions – This course prepares incident personnel working in an EOC to understand the role and functions of an EOC during incident response and the transition to recovery. – FEMA recommends that personnel with leadership responsibilities in an EOC complete IS2200 instead of IS-200.
- G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.
EOC Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors:
EOC leaders need enhanced knowledge. This course applies higher-level concepts, methods, and tools for larger, more complex incidents:
- E/L/G2300: Intermediate EOC Functions – This course describes the role, design, and function of EOCs as components of a Multiagency Coordination System (MACS).
EOC Advanced Training:
This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will broaden their understanding of emergency management concepts:
- FEMA’s Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) – This program includes three academies: Basic, Advanced, and Executive.
- Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) – This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.
JIS/PIO Training Progression
All JIS/PIO Personnel: These courses provide baseline training for all incident JIS personnel. Some personnel assigned to JIS roles but not assigned as a PIO may not progress beyond these courses. For those who do, these courses provide the foundation upon which higher-level training builds:
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.
- IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces NIMS concepts and principles.
- IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness – This course provides introductory information for JIS personnel.
JIS/PIO Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities:
These courses provide basic training for JIS personnel with leadership responsibilities—not only individuals serving in designated leadership positions, but also personnel preparing for a future supervisory role:
- IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the NRF.
- IS-2200: Basic EOC Functions – This course prepares incident personnel working in an EOC to understand the role and functions of an EOC during incident response and the transition to recovery. – FEMA recommends that EOC PIOs complete IS-2200 instead of IS-200.
- IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 – This course enables personnel to operate efficiently within the ICS during an incident or event. – FEMA recommends that ICS PIOs complete IS-200 instead of IS-2200.
- L105: Basic Public Information – This course prepares participants to function as PIOs.
JIS/PIO Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors:
These courses, designed for JIS leaders and supervisors—such as EOC PIOs or PIOs rostered on an Incident Management Team (IMT)— apply higher-level concepts, methods, and tools for larger, more complex incidents:
- G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.
- E/L/G2300: Intermediate EOC Functions – This course describes the role, design, and function of EOCs as components of a MACS. – FEMA recommends that EOC PIOs complete E/L/G2300 instead of E/L/G0300.
- E/L/G0300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents, ICS-300 – This course provides training for personnel who require advanced ICS knowledge. – FEMA recommends that ICS PIOs complete E/L/G0300 instead of E/L/G2300. – FEMA recommends that students take the two-day classroom version of ICS-200 before attending ICS-300 to ensure they have the foundational knowledge necessary to be successful in ICS-300.
- E/L/G0400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff–Complex Incidents, ICS-400 – This course provides training in managing large, complex incidents or events. – FEMA recommends that students not take ICS-400 immediately following ICS-300 but instead wait to take ICS-400 after gaining additional ICS experience.
JIS/PIO Advanced Training:
This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will gain exposure to and understanding of broader emergency management concepts:
- E0388: Advanced Public Information Officer – This course focuses on PIO responsibilities in large-scale emergency situations, especially escalating incidents, and includes incident action planning related to the JIC.
- EMI IEMC – This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.
- E/L0952: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer – This course focuses on developing a strong set of core PIO skills.
- O-0305: U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)/National Fire Academy (NFA) Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) – Type 3 AHIMT training develops state, regional, and tribal AHIMTs who can function under NIMS during a large or complex incident or major event. This course is designed for those who are assigned to function in a Type 3 AHIMT during a large/complex incident, typically one covering multiple operational periods.
MAC Group Training Progression
All MAC Group Personnel:
One course provides baseline training for senior officials. In addition, MAC Group personnel need a briefing from the emergency management director:
- G0402/ICS-402: ICS Overview for Senior Officials (Executives, Elected, and Appointed) – This course provides an orientation to NIMS components for senior officials.
- Briefing from the emergency management director – MAC Group members should meet with their emergency management director to understand the jurisdiction’s threats and hazards, as well as their role in emergency response.
MAC Group Advanced Training:
This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will broaden their understanding of emergency management concepts:
- G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.
- IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces NIMS concepts and principles.
- EMI IEMC – This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.
Additional Objectives
- Identify and inventory deployable incident resources consistent with NIMS resource typing.
- Adopt NIMS terminology for the qualification, certification, and credentialing of incident personnel.
- Use the NIMS Resource Management Process during incidents.
- Develop, maintain, and implement mutual aid agreements.
Command and Coordination
- Apply the Incident Command System as the standard approach to the on-scene command, control and coordination of incidents.
- Implement the Joint-Information System for the dissemination of incident information to the public.
- Use Multiagency Coordination Groups/Policy Groups during incidents to enable decision making.
- Organize and manage EOC's consistent with NIMS guidance.
Communication and Information Management
- Apply plain language and clear text communication standards.
- Enable interoperable and secure communications within and across jurisdictions.
- Develop, maintain, and implement procedures for data collection, analysis, and dissemination to meet organizational needs for situational awareness.