Cabezon Group works hand-in-hand with FEMA to produce guides for emergency responders

Guides assist with the success of state-to-state mutual aid response

Since the terrorist attacks in 2001, the Department of Homeland Security has been working to improve the nation's safety, and that includes working with FEMA to help standardize response to disasters.

Enter Cabezon Group and the company's efforts to create standardized forms and supporting documents to aid FEMA in responses to all disasters.

FEMA is currently working to update the National Incident Management System (NIMS) doctrines and called upon Cabezon Group to manage the expeditious adjudication, editing, formatting and packaging for publication of the Incident Command System (ICS) Forms by September 2010. In just four months, Cabezon Group completed the work and exceeded FEMA's expectations.

According to FEMA, the overall intent of the package is to promote the use of standard forms and supporting documents. Specifically, the forms provide directions for accomplishing similar objectives and distribution of information during a disaster or emergency for state, local and tribal governments. These forms also promote the use of similar ICS nomenclature (titles and descriptions), which can be used uniformly across the nation.

Cabezon Group was asked to produce a format that would provide some rigidity to standardized areas promoting consistent use and application by those who utilize the forms while allowing flexibility for differing entities and jurisdictions. After overcoming several technical challenges, such as making the forms 508-compliant and easy-to-use in and out of the disaster areas, Cabezon Group delivered the final package in a unique locked PDF style with editable areas.

In a traditionally fire-dominate discipline, Cabezon Group worked to provide a neutral reporting tool that reaches the needs of all disciplines, which comprise of emergency management practices (law enforcement, mass care, medical, public works, etc.).

Cabezon Group received more than 100 comments and remarks on the proposed forms from the public following a review period. Our company orchestrated a formal review and response process, which involved the coordination and scheduling of approximately 50 volunteers to assist in offering subject matter expertise.

These volunteers, along with Cabezon Group, decided how to accept or reject the public comments received for each form. Some edits/changes to the forms required Cabezon Group to perform additional research, analysis and implementation of public policy. There was special focus given to ensuring an all-hazards perspective.

The forms are now available for access and use by all emergency management professionals via FEMA's Resource Center Web site: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/JobAids.shtm.

The ICS forms project is one of numerous efforts currently underway with DHS and FEMA. Cabezon Group currently manages 12 formal working groups, which provide strategic planning and guidance documentation to improve the implementation of the NIMS while complimenting areas within the National Response Framework (NRF).

View other recent Cabezon Group projects by clicking here.