National Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Management
Managing a task force has evolved into a process requiring day-to-day oversight and responsibility. This is a significant change from the manner first used by many sponsoring agencies when the FEMA National US&R Response System began.
Once considered the function of the primary Task Force Leader, the multitude of requirements expected of a Task Force Leader has forced a re-focus on the needs of the system. In the Case of CA-TF-5 we have assigned a Task Force Leader and long time member of the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Urban Search and Rescue Program as the Program Manager.
Regardless of the person or the position held within the task force, a single focal point is required to ensure that communications are received, and, if actions are necessary, that the actions are delegated and/or completed in accordance with Federal requirements.
Program Manager
A task force has a single person designated as the Task Force Program Manager. The Task Force Program Manager has the ability and resources to manage the US&R task force effectively for the Orange County Fire Authority as the Sponsoring Agency in fulfilling its obligation to FEMA.
The Program Manager is responsible for:
- The documentation and reporting requirements associated with preparedness activities; including a Strategic Plan, Annual Work Plan, Training Plan, Mobilization Plan, and Corrective Action Plan
- The agreements established between the task force and FEMA/DHHS, state agencies, local agencies, participating agencies, support agencies, contract services, and equipment and supply vendors are in proper status for readiness activities
- Personnel rostering and qualifications requirements within the National US&R Response System
- The requirements related to achieving the continued operational readiness of the task force
- The impact and value of establishing a family preparedness and support network for task force members
Task Force Leader
The Task Force Leader (TFL) is responsible for managing all aspects of a mission including operational and administrative issues from the time of activation through the return to the home jurisdiction. This includes all personnel and equipment resources as well as overseeing and directly supervising the task force management. The TFL is responsible for the development and completion of all task force tactical objectives as well as the proper reporting, record keeping, and after-action requirements. The TFL reports directly to the DHS/FEMA NRCC during the mobilization and demobilization phases of the mission and the Incident Support Team (IST) at a mission location.
The Task Force Leader is responsible for:
- Developing and implementing the task force tactical action plan
- Addressing the coordination, management, and supervision of all Task Force Team activities
- Supervising the managers of the each task force section.
- Ensuring the development of all Task Force Team organizational and logistical needs
- Receiving briefings and ensuring that all Task Force Team personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status changes
- Preparing and maintaining records and reports as required. Performing additional tasks and duties as assigned during a mission
- Adhering to all safety procedures. Ensuring the completion of all the required reports and maintenance of records
- Ensuring incident stress management activities are conducted
- Ensuring resource acquisitions are properly processed
- Preparing performance evaluations for assigned personnel
