AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 0

January 2021
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 1

National Service Disaster Response

Overview of AmeriCorps Disaster Response

AmeriCorps has developed a comprehensive and strategic approach that leverages its 

program resources to help communities in need respond to, recover from, and mitigate the 

effects of natural and man-made disasters. AmeriCorps programs respond to disasters 

including forest fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, terror attacks, pandemics, and oil spills. 

Since 1994, AmeriCorps programs have provided critical support to millions of Americans 

affected by disasters.

Our Strategy:

• Maintain the agency role as a leader in disaster services among federal partners.

• Increase the capacity of communities to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover 

from disasters through agency programs.

AmeriCorps is committed to assisting communities across the nation in building community 

resiliency through disaster preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery from natural and 

man-made disasters. While AmeriCorps plays a critical role in the disaster cycle, it is 

important to note we are not a first responder agency.

We believe all disasters are local. We focus on enhancing and adding value to existing 

community capacity. We work in partnership with state service commissions, state and local 

governments, non-profits, and faith-based organizations. While each disaster is unique, we 

can use consistent indicators to assess each incident.

The Role of AmeriCorps within the Disaster Cycle

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States every year. Each disaster 

results in lasting ill effects on people, property, and communities. Vulnerable communities 

often do not have the resources available to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and provide 

for long term recovery efforts in the event of such disasters. AmeriCorps disaster services 

focus on four elements of the disaster cycle: preparedness, response, recovery, and 

mitigation.

Preparedness

Education programming

•Education

•Training and exercise 

simulations

Response

•Disaster survivor needs

•Shelter, volunteer, and 

donations management

Recovery

•Long-term investment in 

communities

•Focus on low-income survivors 

and families

Mitigation

•Strengthen vunerable 

communities

•Improve economic 

opportunities
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The Disaster Services Unit

The Disaster Services Unit (DSU) leads the agency’s engagement across the disaster services 

cycle with federal, state, local, nonprofit and other partners. The DSU’s role as the central hub 

for the agency’s disaster-related activities ensures that AmeriCorps engagement in this area 

is appropriate, consistent, and coordinated. The DSU falls within the AmeriCorps NCCC 

management structure.

AmeriCorps External Partnerships

The DSU manages many federal, state, non-profit, and local partnerships. Through 

these partnerships we develop, implement, and manage the agency disaster services 

strategic implementation plan to increase community competency in disasters. As a 

federal agency, we are able to provide direct support to disaster-impacted 

communities through our wide array of inter-governmental partnerships and 

relationships. 

To develop and strengthen such partnerships, the DSU:

• Provides agency-level management of AmeriCorps relationship with partners who 

reach across multiple organizations, including:

o FEMA

o Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

o National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)

o Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

o American Red Cross

• Represents the agency on presidential and federal task forces

(e.g., White House Hurricane Sandy Task Force, Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Task

Force).

• Represents the agency on interagency collaborations including the National 

Incident Management System (NIMS) components of the National Disaster

Recovery Framework (NDRF) and the National Disaster Response Framework

(NRF).

• Supports agency level of engagement with partners during non-disaster times to

ensure AmeriCorps remains a strong partner within the federal disaster response 

space. This support is accomplished through interagency disaster committees and

providing connections to available resources.

• Improves AmeriCorps program quality, impact, reach, and sustainability.

AmeriCorps partnerships are expansive and reach throughout local, state, federal, and nonprofit/voluntary agencies. The connections and resources made possible through National 

Service programs help enhance the resiliency of communities impacted by disasters.

Partnerships Engagement & Activities
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FEMA • Individual and Community Preparedness

o Engagement with Whole Community Programs

• Office of Response and Recovery

o Deputy Administrator Leadership meetings

o Voluntary Agency Liaison meetings

o Public Assistance Meetings

o Emergency Support Functions and Recovery Support Function Senior 

Meetings

• Community Planning Unit

• National Advisory Council

Prepare-A-Thon • National Partners 

o Supporting activities nationwide

National 

Response Team

• Federal agency partner for recovery for man-made, hazardous disasters

o Committee and Sub-committee work

White House 

Task Forces

• Past Task Forces and committee work including:

o Deep Water Horizon

o Hurricane Sandy

o Climate Control

VOAD • National Partner

o Represent on Committees and Sub-committees

o Present at National Conferences

American Red 

Cross

• Provide partnership and team availabilities for disaster response projects

Continued 

Partnership 

Building

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Small Business Administration (SBA)

• U.S. Agency for International Aid (USAID)

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

• National Weather Association

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

• Army Corps of Engineers

Connection to the National Planning Frameworks

National Response Framework (NRF)
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AmeriCorps, through the DSU, is part of the NRF. The NRF is a guide to how the nation 

responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It is built on scalable, flexible, and 

adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System to align key roles 

and responsibilities across the nation. This Framework describes specific authorities and best 

practices for managing incidents that range from the serious but purely local to large-scale 

terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters. The National Response Framework 

describes the principles, roles, responsibilities, and coordinating structures for responding to 

an incident and how response efforts integrate with those of the other mission areas. 

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

AmeriCorps and the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams use the Incident Command

System (ICS). ICS provides for the flexibility to assign programs and resources according to 

their capabilities and requirements to a disaster event. This program support augments other 

sections of the Joint Field Office (JFO), Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC), or

National Response Coordination Center (NRCC). ICS enables a variety of agencies to respond

to incidents in a more collaborative and integrated manner.

Emergency Support Functions (ESFs)

ESFs provide the structure to coordinate interagency support for federal response to an

incident. They are mechanisms for grouping the functions most frequently used to provide

federal support to states and federal-to-federal support, both for declared disasters and 

emergencies under the Stafford Act and for non-Stafford Act incidents.

AmeriCorps is a support agency in the following ESFs:

• ESF 3 - Public Works and Engineering

• ESF 5 – Information and Planning

• ESF 6 - Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing and Human Services

• ESF 15 - External Affairs

National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF)

The NDRF is a companion document to the National Response Framework (NRF) and is 

supported by the ongoing development of detailed operations planning, management, field 

guidance, and training tools. The NDRF describes the concepts and principles that promote 
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effective federal recovery assistance. AmeriCorps provides a support to the NDRF through 

the Recovery Support Functions. 

The NDRF captures resources, capabilities, and best practices for recovering from a disaster. 

It recognizes that significant challenges confront all recovery efforts, from a relatively localized

incident to a large-scale disaster that demands substantial allocation of resources.

Importantly, the NDRF is intended to address disasters of all kinds and sources, whether they

are a major Presidentially declared disaster or not.

Recovery Support Functions (RSFs)

The Recovery Support Functions (RSFs) comprise the NDRF’s coordinating structure for key

functional areas of assistance. Their purpose is to support local governments by facilitating

problem solving, improving access to resources, and fostering coordination among state and

federal agencies, nongovernmental partners, and stakeholders.

AmeriCorps is a support agency in the following RSFs:

• Community Planning and Capacity Building

• Economic Resources

• Health and Social Services

• Housing

• Natural and Cultural Resources

National Service Resources

Resource Capabilities

AmeriCorps 

Disaster 

Response 

Teams

(A-DRTs)

• A-DRTs are current AmeriCorps State and National grant recipient

programs that have a heightened focus on disaster services and serve 

as nationally deployable resources. The DSU oversees and implements 

the A-DRT program.

• All A-DRTs follow a standard, established protocol in the field when 

deployed by the DSU and are under the management of the 

AmeriCorps Incident Command System.

• These members can deploy to nearly any disaster and provide the 

following support and services:

o AmeriCorps Command Team (ACT)

o Volunteer management 

o Donations management 

o Mucking/gutting (post flood)

o Debris management and certified chainsaw operations

o Call center and data management 

o Mass Care (sheltering, feeding)

o Long term recovery development
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AmeriCorps 

State and 

National

• Programs often respond to disasters as part of their ongoing grant 

program, and also as a result of cooperative agreements with 

AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members engage in preparedness, response, 

and recovery.

• Programs with service that is interrupted by disaster may temporarily be 

redirected to disaster response activities. 

• These programs provide support to their community by engaging in:

o Volunteer management

o Disaster survivor assistance

AmeriCorps 

NCCC

• Members engage in a variety of projects related to disaster response 

and other phases of disaster (preparedness, recovery, and mitigation).

o See A-DRT Capabilities for response capabilities 

o Preparedness education

o Rebuilding homes 

o Natural debris clearing and prescribed burns

• NCCC teams can be called upon to respond to disasters, often serving 

with local, state, tribal and federal partners.

NCCC-FEMA 

Corps

• NCCC-FEMA Corps members deploy with Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) during a disaster. They will most often 

serve at the Joint Field Office engaged in a variety of activities 

including:

o Disaster Survivor Assistance (registering survivors for assistance)

o Logistics support

o Public Assistance projects (surveying, data management)

o GIS Mapping

AmeriCorps 

VISTA

• Members may serve with partner organizations that are responding to 

the disaster or working with local organizations in the community.

• Programs with service that is interrupted by a disaster may temporarily 

be redirected to disaster response activities, such as volunteer 

coordination, donations management, or call center coordination.

AmeriCorps 

Seniors:

RSVP

• RSVP volunteers serve with organizations that play a role in the disaster 

response efforts. RSVP volunteers are serving in their own communities 

and have their own networks prior to and after the disaster event. 

• RSVP can serve in a variety of capacities, including feeding, donations 

management, call center support, and Volunteer Reception Center 

support.

Disaster 

Cadre

• The AmeriCorps Disaster Cadre is a specialized group of federal staff 

members from across the agency who, when listed as available, can 

deploy to perform disaster field activities directly related to specific 

disasters and A-DRT operations, special projects, activities related to 

sustaining partnerships, and preparedness efforts within the disaster 

and emergency management field. 

• The Cadre supports the Disaster Services Unit.
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Summary

As a federal agency, AmeriCorps has a significant role in local, state, and national disaster 

response. Through National Service programs, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors provide 

resources and personnel to respond to disasters across the country. Partnerships remain a 

vital conduit to provide relief to disaster survivors.

Through its connection with the National Planning Frameworks, including the National 

Response Framework and the National Disaster Recovery Framework, AmeriCorps is 

positioned to be a leader in the disaster community.

Part II of this Framework provides details and processes by which AmeriCorps works with 

partners and delivers National Service benefits to communities in need. The internal 

processes that have been developed and external partnerships that have been maintained 

allow for a strong and robust system for disaster response. 
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January 2021
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 10

AmeriCorps Disaster Support and Operations

The AmeriCorps DSU conducts incident support at the national, regional, state, and local 

levels in partnership with state service commissions, AmeriCorps Office of Regional 

Operations Offices, FEMA, state governments, and VOADs. The DSU coordinates and 

integrates resources, guidance, situational awareness, and planning.

AmeriCorps Operational Levels

Level I • Major event

• Deployment of more than 80 A-DRT members

• Funding exceeding $500,000* 

• Full AmeriCorps Command Team (ACT) with all sections activated

• Support from all deployed A-DRTs is required

Level II • Moderate event

• Deployment of 20-80 A-DRT members 

• Funding ranging $150,000 - $500,000* 

• Basic ACT structure to manage planning, logistics, operations, and 

overall functions

Level III • Small incident or event

• Deployment of fewer than 20 A-DRT members

• Funding ranging $0 - $150,000 

• Level III deployments will not require a full ACT

• Simplified operational and coordination structure 

(Most common type of deployment)

Enhanced Watch Anticipation of a disaster or a threat

Watch / Steady 

State

No significant disasters or threats anticipated

* Funding range subject to vary for certain circumstances, such as remote locations, significant supply 

expense, etc.

AmeriCorps has a variety of programs with the ability to respond to local communities 

and deploy nationwide. AmeriCorps-deployable and program assets include:

• AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT) members

• NCCC-FEMA Corps members 

• AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers

• AmeriCorps VISTA

• AmeriCorps Disaster Cadre members

For additional information on program capabilities, see pages 6-7 of the Executive Overview. 
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Enhanced Watch

All Disasters begin with an Enhanced Watch

When the threat of an event (disaster or emergency) or of a potential event is known, the DSU 

will establish communications with appropriate offices and agencies to gauge the impact or 

expected impact and necessary actions that should be taken.

Event Notification and Communication 

Within 24-36 Hours of Threat or Event

• The Lead Disaster Services Specialist or DSU Team provides

o Outreach to impacted state service commissions and the AmeriCorps regional 

office(s) that manage the affected state’s grant portfolios.

o Senior leadership notification of potential or actual event

o Assessment of impact to AmeriCorps offices/facilities/personnel

o Assessment of impact to National Service Programs (members and volunteers)

o Notification to AmeriCorps support offices to ensure adequate services are 

available:

 Office of Budget

 Office of Procurement Services and ARC Shared Services

 Office of Human Capital (if cadre deployment is anticipated)

Key information will be distributed to and collected from offices and partners, including:

• National Service Assets in Disaster

• Safety and operational assessment

• Requests for assistance from National Service Resources, including:

o Volunteer management

o Donations management

o Other response and recovery activities

These communications will establish connections with relevant programs and offices to 

obtain information to facilitate the agency’s response and assess the status of partners and 

stakeholders. 

Additional communication with other state, federal, non-profit, and voluntary agencies may 

be necessary. The type of event and availability of resources will determine the outreach to 

these groups.

AmeriCorps will identify the appropriate partner agencies and organizations to begin 

communications. While there is a typical information exchange, the nature of the event will 

dictate how information is shared and communicated between AmeriCorps and the partner. 

Event Activation

Level I, II, III
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Within 24 hours – 5 days of Threat or Event

Upon confirmation of a disaster event and anticipation of resource requests, the DSU will 

assess the impact and needs of the affected areas. The DSU Team will begin outreach to: 

Partners and Stakeholders

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Individual Assistance - Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) Branch

FEMA is a close and vital partner to AmeriCorps Disaster Operations. Ongoing and 

continued collaboration, coordination and communication are necessary to respond to 

disasters. AmeriCorps will work through the VAL Branch to ensure that available and 

necessary resources can be deployed to an event:

• Confirm availability of assets

o In-state

o Out-of-state

• Identify point(s) of contact at federal and state levels for volunteer and donations 

management

• Identify status of state VAL

• Identify point(s) of contact for philanthropic efforts

• Determine local availability and its maximum response capacity (local groups – churches, 

civic clubs, and schools/students)

• Determine possibility of federal support via emergency or disaster declaration

American Red Cross (ARC) 

National, Regional, and Local Chapters

The American Red Cross is a valuable partner and provides opportunities for National Service 

engagement in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or emergency. Through this 

partnership, AmeriCorps will work with the American Red Cross on deployments and 

engagement in coordination with their regional and local chapters. Communications with 

ARC include:

• Confirmation of availability of National Service assets

• Impacted geographic areas

• Specific requests for aid or assistance

National and State Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD)

Both national and state members of VOAD are critical partners to ensure resources are 

available to areas impacted by disaster. Through national and state VOAD structures, 
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AmeriCorps engages and provides coordination and support to ensure a wide variety of 

assistance can be provided, both from and to National Service programs:

• Establish engagement on national and state VOAD conference calls

o Schedule and frequency of calls

o Determine AmeriCorps staffing strategy for calls/meetings/engagement

• Identify points of contact and leads for volunteer and donations management activities

• Provide support to committee responses to event(s)

AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (A-DRTs)

The AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams represent the front-line programs for engagement 

to the disaster. In addition to other National Service response, these teams specialize in longterm disaster response activities and provide direct service to the disaster-affected 

community. Initial communications with A-DRTs include:

• Program status checks

• Availability of program deployment status

Activation of A-DRTs and other National Service Resources

National Service programs do not self-deploy. Response requests and activities are 

controlled by the local community. When a Mission Assignment is issued, activities are 

guided by the state and FEMA. The DSU works with the communities to assess their

needs, and then deploys national service participants, pursuant to zero-dollar cooperative 

agreements entered into between AmeriCorps and the national service programs

operating where a community collaboration has been established.

AmeriCorps activates programs for deployment based on a model of the National Incident 

Management System (NIMS). The model classifies the disaster in one of the levels (outlined in 

the chart on page 10). Based on the initial assessments, the Lead Disaster Services Specialist

will determine the appropriate Activation Level. It is important to note the Activation Level 

may increase or decrease during the course of the event.

Communication

During an active disaster, it is very important to streamline all communications. Coordinated 

enterprise-wide communication is essential to ensure that media outlets, state commissions, 

and AmeriCorps regional offices are not receiving multiple emails from different people with 

varying messages. Prior to reaching out to any internal or external groups, please confer with 

DSU staff. 

The Office of Governmental Relations and Strategic Engagement (OGRSE) will coordinate all 

social media, press releases, and other such outreach activities. Individual programs and 

NCCC campuses are required to coordinate with OGRSE prior to distributing any media.

During response, the DSU will:

• Connect with cross agency partners, including: 

o Recovery Support Function Leadership Group (RSFLG)

o Emergency Support Function Leadership Group (ESFLG)
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• Connect with state and FEMA VALs and begin conversations on Mission Assignments

• Staff NRCC if activated (with support from HQ-based Cadre)

• Schedule Internal Senior Leader meetings (as needed)

• Distribute Internal Senior Leader Briefs (SLB’s) via email as new information becomes 

available 

• Update the Disaster Services pages on the Nationalservice.gov website

• Identify who in the affected state(s) is responsible for volunteer and donations 

management

• Notify state commissions and AmeriCorps regional offices and programs

• Brief deploying members via call with A-DRTs and NCCC

• Launch unified reporting system

• Develop and share unified messaging via email messaging, website, and social media

• Distribute external messaging to the AmeriCorps Board, White House, FEMA, National 

VOAD, state service commissions, grantees, funders, and other key stakeholders

Disaster Deployment Resources

AmeriCorps Disaster Cadre

The AmeriCorps Disaster Cadre is a group of trained federal AmeriCorps staff who support 

the agency’s disaster operations. When deployed to a disaster-impacted area, they provide 

support and oversight to field operation(s). Cadre members typically coordinate their activity 

from the Joint Field Office (JFO) and work with the DSU, FEMA, and other local, state, and 

federal agencies. Cadre members report to the DSU and work through this unit for 

assignments, troubleshooting, or for management of field assets and resources. 

AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (A-DRTs): A-DRTs are AmeriCorps programs that 

focus on disaster response and recovery work. A-DRTs engage in activities and trainings yearround, are a nationally deployable resource, and are recognized in the emergency 

management community. NCCC and AmeriCorps grantees make up the A-DRT program. 

They are deployed by AmeriCorps for mission assignments pursuant to pre-approved 

cooperative agreements with the entities, which include an assurance that they have liability 

insurance to cover deployment activities.

• AmeriCorps Command Team: The ACT is the leadership team for ground 

implementation and coordination of the full A-DRT operation under the MA. All programs 

that have members deployed under the MA are required to contribute staff to the ACT. 

Staff, crew leaders, and members are eligible to fill roles on the ACT. The DSU will 

designate an A-DRT staff member to serve as the Incident Commander (IC). The IC 

reports directly to the DSU. The IC will work with deployed programs to fill the remaining 

positions. The level of staffing for each section will depend on the level of the response. 

o Other ACT positions include Operations, Planning, Logistics, Safety, and Public 

Information Officer.

State Service Commissions: state service commissions work closely with state and local 

governments, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to address critical needs in their 

states. Twenty-five state service commissions are included in their states’ emergency 
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management plans as the lead for volunteer and donations management during times of 

disaster. Others are responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness education 

programming for their state, managing donations, or providing communities with disaster 

preparedness information. State service commissions work with their networks to support 

disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in their states and are a primary 

partner of the DSU.

AmeriCorps Office of Regional Operations: These offices are key partners when a disaster 

strikes. In addition to ensuring all state assets (VISTA and AmeriCorps Seniors) are safe,

regional offices assist in coordinating VISTA and AmeriCorps Seniors disaster activity. 

Regional offices provide a vital link to local events for the DSU, and are also critical in placing

AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program in long term recovery efforts.

Overview of Deployment Types

Type Resource(s) Management Funding

FEMA 

Mission 

Assignment*

A-DRTs • DSU manages all 

aspects

• MA funds can be used 

to reimburse A-DRTs for 

travel, subsistence, 

lodging, supplies/tools, 

and lost fee for service. 

American 

Red Cross

AmeriCorps 

NCCC 

per direct 

MOU between 

NCCC and 

ARC

• DSU manages the 

request with ARC’s 

Headquarters and 

coordinates the 

activation and 

deployment processes. 

• Once deployed, 

management 

transitions to campus.

• ARC arranges and funds 

all travel (if not driving 

NCCC vehicles) and 

lodging 

• Each member receives a 

Mission Card to cover 

food expenses.

National 

VOAD 

Partner or 

Community 

Request

AmeriCorps 

NCCC, A-DRT, 

local national 

service 

program

• DSU identifies resource 

and transitions request 

details to program. 

• Typically, no funding 

associated.

* A mission assignment (MA) is a work order issued by FEMA to another federal agency to complete a 

specific task. Please refer to AmeriCorps internal standard operation procedure (sop): management 

and execution of FEMA mission assignments for more details.

FEMA Mission Assignment Development: 

In a federally declared disaster, the DSU will work with state and federal partners to identify 

unmet needs. The DSU will identify specific tasks and timeframes, and provide technical 
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assistance to the state and FEMA in developing the MA. If the state and FEMA indicate an MA 

is probable, the DSU will:

• Send a preliminary email to the A-DRTs to make them aware of the possible deployment 

as well as gather an initial assessment of the current capacity (number of members, date 

availability, skill level, and mode of transportation)

• If a request for AmeriCorps Disaster Cadre is included in the MA, the DSU will send an 

availability check to cadre and their supervisors

• Notify the Budget Office and Office of Grants Management of the possibility, as well as 

the projected cost of an MA for confirmation of budget authority availability.

FEMA Mission Assignment Selection and Deployment 

Once the DSU receives the approved MA:

• DSU collaborates with the FEMA and state points of contact specified in the MA to 

confirm details and logistics of the MA.

• DSU notifies the A-DRT programs that have established, pre-approved cooperative 

agreements with AmeriCorps of the MA approval and distributes the AmeriCorps Disaster 

Budget and Deployment Form for completion; turnaround time is typically 24-48 hours 

depending on the urgency of the MA. The AmeriCorps Disaster Budget and Deployment 

Form details the available dates, number of members, and all reimbursable expenses the 

program expects to incur during the disaster deployment. Budgets are sent to 

MissionAssignments@cns.gov.

• After budgets have been received, the AmeriCorps MA Manager will determine which ADRT(s) to deploy. Considerations when selecting include cost, 

skills/experience/leadership, and date availability. The AmeriCorps MA Manager is 

responsible for the management and budgeting of the MA funds.

• Once the A-DRTs are selected, AmeriCorps MA Manager approves the budget by 

reviewing and signing the AmeriCorps Disaster Budget and Deployment Form. The 

AmeriCorps MA Manager then routes it through OGA for review, if the program is a 

grantee. If the program is not a grantee the Disaster Budget and Deployment Form is 

then routed to the Budget Office only for approval based on funding availability.

• The AmeriCorps MA Manager notifies the A-DRT program via email of the budget and 

deployment approval with a copy of the Approved Budget and Deployment Package, in 

addition to details of the deployment, providing the authorization for the program to 

deploy. The A-DRT program deploys members and staff to the field to support the MA.

• If the agency has been tasked with multiple MAs, the AmeriCorps MA Manager may 

decide to task another Disaster Services Specialist to be the AmeriCorps MA Operations 

Manager to lead the operational side of the MA, while the MA Manager maintains 

oversite of financial and overall strategy across all active MAs. 
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Management: FEMA Mission Assignment Deployment

Once the A-DRT programs have been selected and budgets approved, a number of actions 

are required by the MA Manager/MA Operations Manager to start up the operation:

• Establish the AmeriCorps Command Team

• The MA Manager/Operations Manager will determine the level of ACT roles to be filled 

depending on the activation Level (I, II, or III)

• The MA Manager/Operations Manager will select an Incident Commander (IC) based on 

the programs approved for deployment. This person is typically a staff member with ICS 

training, disaster operations experience, and is not limited to just supervising their own 

deployed program

o If it is a Level I deployment, the MA Manager may also select the Operations and 

Logistics Section Chiefs

o All other ACT roles will be identified by the IC

• Confirm operational priorities, work plan, and expectations with FEMA and State partners. 

Identify primary point of contact on the ground from both partners. Share information 

with IC.

• Identify housing leads by working with requesting partners, state service commission, and 

regional office. Share leads with the IC

• Compile contact list to include email addresses and phone numbers of the MA Manager, 

A-DRT Staff/Crew Leaders, Cadre (if deployed), regional office, states commission, FEMA 

POC, state POC, sousing POC (if confirmed), and local partners

• Within 48 hours of deployment notification, the MA Manager/Operations Manager will 

schedule a briefing call with deploying program staff and leaders, partners engaged with 

the operation (FEMA, state, local), the state service commission, and the regional office. 

The briefing will include:

o Background on event and response to date

o Travel plans and arrival schedule 

o A-DRT housing information

o Scope of work

o Reporting requirements 

o Required tools, supplies, and PPE

o Other logistical information (what to bring, weather, hazards, etc.)

• Establish and facilitate a weekly coordination call to allow a time for all the deployed crew 

leaders, program staff, cadre, and DSU staff to share updates, address any unmet needs, 

concerns, and accomplishments. 

o The first call should take place after the IC has been on the ground for at least 

three days

o Time: assuming the event is in EST/CST, typically 11:00 am EST is ideal

o Day: dependent on the operation but Tuesdays or Thursdays typically work well

o Create an Outlook invite for the call and add/remove people as they in and out 

process

o Depending on the event, calls may need to initially occur twice a week and then 

be reduced to one weekly call after things are established 
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o MA Manager/Operations Manager facilitates the call, takes notes, and distributes 

notes after meeting 

• Communicate regularly with the IC in the first few days of deployment to ensure 

necessary support and guidance is provided. Troubleshoot as needed

• If cadre is deployed

o Confirm logistical information with FEMA (JFO address, hours, local 

recommendations/special instructions, etc.)

o Confirm desk space at JFO and any security requirements

o Hold briefing call with cadre member and DSU Cadre Manager prior to 

deployment to cover deployment basics, nuances, priorities, and any flags

o Connect cadre with IC, FEMA POC, state POC, and regional office staff

• Work with FEMA Ops Section to get written approval (email or memo) of required 

supplies and tools that may need to be purchased. For deployments with pre-existing 

standard supply lists, such as mucking/gutting or blue tarping operations, send the 

established supply lists as soon as MA is approved. Otherwise, obtain a list from the IC 

of requested supplies and tools for purchase under the MA. As additional items are 

required through the MA, they must be approved (in writing) by FEMA prior to DSU 

approval and A-DRT purchase. All supplies and tools purchased under the MA funds 

are considered property of FEMA unless otherwise notified.

• Once operations are established, the MA Manager/Operations Manager will:

o Receive and review Sit Rep (See Reporting Section) 

o Facilitate Weekly Coordination Call 

o Conduct regular check-ins with cadre and/or IC 

o Coordinate deployment, briefing, and transition of cadre 

o If no cadre is deployed, call the FEMA VAL at least once a week to ensure 

priorities are being met

o Create and distribute AmeriCorps Weekly National Service Report (see 

Reporting section)

o Troubleshoot issues as needed

• Two weeks prior to the end date of the MA, the MA Manager begins conversation with 

FEMA and state on the need for an extension. If an extension is required,

o Determine estimate of any additional funds required

o Negotiate any needed adjustments to the statement of work

o Identify A-DRT availability to meet extension

o Notify Budget Office and OGA of pending extension

If there is an approved extension, the MA Manager/Operations Manager will:

• Follow MA SOP on selecting A-DRTs, budget, and deployment approval

• Identify new IC and any other ACT positions as needed. If possible, ICs should overlap for 

a minimum of 48 hours

• Send ACT the contact information of incoming crew leaders and any other required 

information for pre-planning

• Host briefing call (see above) with current ACT providing the core information

• Notify FEMA and State POCs of new deployment information, ACT, and Cadre contacts
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 19

Ten days prior to the end of the MA, the MA Manager/Operations Manager will:

• Ensure ACT is developing a transition plan to ensure any data, casework, and other items 

are handed off completely to local partners

• Confirm any closeout reporting or data requirements with FEMA

• Confirm in writing with FEMA Ops what to do with any tools and supplies purchased 

under the MA. The standard options are: 

o Turn over all items to FEMA 

o FEMA identifies a local organization to possession of items, such as the local 

VOAD or Long-Term Recovery Committee

o FEMA approves A-DRTs to keep items for future MA deployments 

• Notify ACT of FEMA Ops instructions for tools and ensure necessary action is completed

• Connect with state service commission and AmeriCorps regional office with any longterm recovery leads or recommendations 

• Send A-DRT program staff and cadre closeout documents: AmeriCorps Disaster 

Deployment Reimbursement Form and AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment After Action 

Report

Management: American Red Cross Deployment Development 

In a disaster that requires mass care support, the DSU will work with American Red Cross 

(ARC) National Headquarters office to identify unmet needs that could be supported by 

AmeriCorps NCCC per the ARC and AmeriCorps Memorandum of Understanding. If the ARC 

indicates that a deployment request probable, the DSU will

• Send a preliminary email to the AmeriCorps NCCC campus based on the location of 

the disaster to make them aware of the possible deployment as well as gather an 

initial assessment of the current capacity (number of members, date availability). If the 

regional campus is not in session, the DSU will send an email to all NCCC campuses in 

session.

• Notify NCCC Headquarters of the possible deployment

• ARC will complete the AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment Request Form and return to 

the DSU. The DSU will review and work with ARC on any concerns, gaps, or questions.

Selection and Deployment 

Once the DSU approves the AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment Request Form:

• DSU sends the approved form to the campus scheduled to deploy. If more than one 

campus is available to deploy, the DSU will select the campus with consideration to: date 

availability, project requirements, and any recommendations from NCCC HQ 

• DSU sends the campus the required ARC deployment paperwork for completion:

o Team Roster to include: Team name, Role (CM/TL), First name, Last name, Middle 

initial, Gender, Date of Birth, Age, TL email, TL phone number

o Link to online Pre-Assignment Health Questionnaire (PAHQ): Each member must 

complete the online PAHQ before deploying. ARC requires a nurse to screen and 
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 20

clear all deploying volunteers based on their PAHQ responses and any required 

follow up

o Volunteer Connection Registration: All members must create a profile on 

Volunteer Connection

• Once all items are completed and returned to/confirmed with the DSU, the DSU will 

submit the information to ARC. ARC will then review PAHQs, activate the members’ 

deployments, assign Mission Cards, make travel arrangements (flights and rental cars if 

team is not driving NCCC vehicle), and confirm lodging

• If possible, the DSU will coordinate with ARC and the campus to arrange for Mission 

Cards to be picked up at the local or nearby chapter prior to travel 

• Once logistic arrangements are complete, the DSU will pass management of the 

deployment to NCCC. ARC will turn over project management to the DR Operation 

• Toward the end of the deployment, the DSU will contact ARC HQ to confirm return travel 

arrangements are complete

• Should ARC want to extend the deployment or request another team, they will be 

required to update or complete a new AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment Request Form 

for approval by the DSU 

• Deployed NCCC teams are highly encouraged to complete and return the AmeriCorps

Daily Situation Report to the DSU

For ARC deployments, the Operations Manager does not engage on a regular basis with the 

operation as it has been handed off to NCCC. However, the Operations Manager will do the 

following during and after the deployment:

• Check in periodically with both the NCCC campus and ARC HQ to ensure project is going 

smoothly

• Receive and share the Situation Report if the team(s) is/are completing

• Contact ARC HQ a week before the scheduled end date of the deployment to confirm 

whether an extension is needed. If it is not needed, confirm that travel plans are being 

arranged. Notify the NCCC campus of the status

• At the end of the deployment, communicate any outstanding issues or concerns with ARC 

HQ and NCCC

• Collect final data from the NCCC Project Completion Report
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 21

VOADs/Community Partner Deployment Development

If a Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster (VOAD) program or community organization 

has unmet needs that national service can meet, they can request support through the DSU 

using the AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment Request Form. 

• The DSU will determine which national service program may be best suited for the 

request with consideration of length of time needed, scope of work, lodging 

availability, supervisory requirements, funds, and skillset. Any of the following national 

service programs could respond: local AmeriCorps State or National, AmeriCorps 

Seniors, A-DRT grantees, and AmeriCorps NCCC

• Once the AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment Request Form is received, the DSU will 

review and work with the organization on any concerns, gaps, or questions.

Selection and Deployment 

Once the DSU approves the AmeriCorps Disaster Deployment Request Form:

• DSU sends the approved form to the identified program scheduled to deploy and 

sends a handoff email connecting the requesting organization and program

• Should the requesting organization want to extend the deployment or request 

another team, they will be required to update or complete a new AmeriCorps Disaster 

Deployment Request Form for approval by the DSU 

• Deployed A-DRTs are highly encouraged to complete and return the AmeriCorps

Daily Situation Report to the DSU.

Management

For VOADs/Community Partner deployments, the Operations Manager does not engage on 

a regular basis with the operation as it has been handed off to the deploying program. 

However, the Operations Manager will do the following during and after the deployment:

• Check in periodically with the program to ensure project is going smoothly

• Receive and share the Sit Rep if the team(s) is completing

• Collect final data from the deploying program
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 22

Disaster Reporting

Accurate and timely reporting is essential in disaster response operations. The DSU has a 

number of tools to capture data in order to report information both in real time as well as 

after a response is complete.

Tool Purpose

National Service Daily 

Situation Report 

Daily report to capture real time data on any disaster response. It 

is a public document that is a resource for any national service 

program. The report is mandatory for all A-DRTs deployed under 

a Mission Assignment; for all other deployments, the report is 

highly encouraged. Please see Appendix for copy of report as well 

as AmeriCorps National Service Daily Situation Report Full 

Guidance.

AmeriCorps Weekly 

National Service 

Report 

External report to keep partners informed of the status of a MA 

deployment on a weekly basis. Includes key information on 

quantifiables, number of members on the ground, and a brief 

narrative of current operations. 

AmeriCorps Disaster 

Response Summary

Summary of national service engagement in a disaster response 

that had significant national service presence. Includes key 

information on total level of response, funding, accomplishments, 

and highlights. 

AmeriCorps Overview 

Disaster Data

Compilation of snapshots of disaster responses with significant 

national service presence since 2011. 

Disaster Data Tracker Database of all known national service disaster response activity 

since 2010.

Centralized Reporting 

Email address

All disaster related reporting will be sent and managed to

DisasterReporting@cns.gov

National Service Reporting

A-DRT Field Reporting-Internal: In an MA Deployment, the Sit Rep is an internal document to 

capture data and operational status on a daily basis. Under the ACT structure, the Planning 

Section Chief is responsible for managing the National Service Daily Situation Report. The

Planning Section Chief meets with A-DRT leaders at the end of the service day to collect 

hours and quantifiable data as well as input for the narratives (highlights, challenges, and 

recommendations). Once synthesized, they submit this information either to the cadre 

member, if deployed, or directly to DisasterReporting@cns.gov. If cadre is deployed, the 

cadre member will ensure calculations are correct, address any concerns, and add any 

additional narrative prior to sending to the Operations Manager.
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 23

Non-A-DRT Reporting: The DSU will make the Situation Report available to any national 

service program to use during disaster response, whether deploying locally or through the 

DSU. If the program completes the report, they should send to the Operations Manager in 

order for the DSU to maintain visibility on the response activity.

AmeriCorps Weekly National Service Report-External: 

In order to keep external partners informed on the status of a MA deployment, the 

Operations Manager distributes a Weekly National Service Report. The report is created from 

reviewing the previous week’s Sit Reps and pulling key information. This report includes:

• Assignment overview

• Reporting period

• Service locations and activity

• Deployment information: A-DRT program, number of members, dates, and 

completed hours to date

• Cumulative quantifiables

• Brief narrative of activity

The report is distributed on Mondays to: FEMA (Voluntary Agency Liaison, any other 

identified staff), state (state contact on MA), state service commission, AmeriCorps regional

office, A-DRT Program Staff, DSU, and any additional contacts, as appropriate.

AmeriCorps Disaster Response Summary

After the core activity of disaster response is complete, the Operations Manager compiles all 

the national service response data to create the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Summary. 

There is no pre-determined end date of this response data, as all responses are unique. 

Typically, the end of a formal deployment (MA or other partner) or end in reporting activity 

by the local program will define that end. Resources used to compile this report include: 

Internal Leadership Briefs, External Disaster Briefs, Situation Reports, Disaster Data Tracker, 

FEMA reports, and communication with the state service commission and local programs. 

The report outlines:

• Event Overview (brief information about the disaster event, federal declaration 

information, and first national service response on the ground)

• Total number of national service members who responded

• Breakdown of national service deployments to include the number of members per 

program and a brief description of the activity

• State Service Commission Activity

• DSU Activity

• Funding

• Accomplishments

• Response highlights (if applicable)

• Recovery highlights (if applicable).
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 24

AmeriCorps Overview Disaster Data

With the goal of keeping key information in one resource, the AmeriCorps Overview Disaster 

Data are updated with highlights from disaster responses with significant national service 

engagement. This is typically completed in conjunction with the AmeriCorps Disaster 

Response Summary to ensure consistent data recording. The document is formatted in 

chronological order, with the most recent disaster event first. 

The information should be brief and give a snapshot of the response, to include:

• Total number of national service members who responded

• Breakdown of response by service program 

• Description of general activity

• Significant accomplishments.

The content of this document is also maintained on the DSU external website with links to 

corresponding AmeriCorps Disaster Response Summaries. 

Disaster Data Tracker

Basic national service response data are maintained in the Disaster Data Tracker (Excel 

document) by the Operations Manager. Any time the DSU is made aware of or directly 

deploys a national service program, the Operations Manager enters that deployment 

information to include:

• Name of Disaster Event

• Type of disaster

• Year

• Date of start of deployment

• State

• Type of program

• Program name

• Whether or not it is funded by an MA

• Number of members deployed

There is also the ability to enter member hours and accomplishments to that deployment 

once complete.
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 25

AmeriCorps Organizational Relationships

AmeriCorps has both an internal agency chain of command and a field operations chain of 

command. Both structures are complementary and are layered to ensure maximum 

situational awareness and to provide a communications link between agency and field 

operations. 

Overview of AmeriCorps Agency Disaster Organization and Chain of Command

FEMA ESFLF / 

RSFLG White House

FEMA / JFO/ 

Incident 

Command

Director of Disaster 

Operations 

(Deputy Director of 

NCCC)

AmeriCorps 

Leadership

AmeriCorps 

Office of 

Regional 

Operations

State Service 

Commission

Deputy Director 

of Disaster Operations

(Lead Disaster Services 

Specialist or designee)

PIO 

(DSU Staff )

Liasion Officer 

(DSU Staff)

Safety Officer 

(DSU Staff)

AmeriCorps

Disaster 

Cadre

A-DRT Incident 

Commander 

(A-DRT Staff)

Logistics

Food Unit

Supply Unit

Planning

Intake

Training

Operations

Field Ops

VOAD 

Partners

Safety/Training PIO/Liasion

AmeriCorps Chief 

Executive Officer
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 26

Recovery Activities

Operations

To support disaster recovery in affected communities and assist the RSFs and the functional 

areas they represent, the DSU:

• Collects and compiles information shared by partners regarding volunteer reception 

centers, needs assessment, ongoing work by partners, and work in emergency 

operation centers

• Participates in White House and interagency recovery taskforces and contributes to 

national policy revisions, as appropriate

• Works with private sector partners to invest in recovery through philanthropy

• Works with existing and new recovery partners to identify gaps where national service 

can support recovery efforts and serve as technical advisors for national service 

recovery support

• Works with AmeriCorps program directors to develop an agency-wide Long-Term

Recovery Strategy, which includes:

o Evaluation of current programming availability in areas that have been affected 

by disaster for recovery operations support – evaluation preformed in 

partnership with AmeriCorps regional offices, state service commissions, and 

AmeriCorps NCCC campuses

o If current programming is unavailable to support recovery needs, new 

programming is often created in partnership with local, state, tribal 

governments, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations.

Program Recovery Example

AmeriCorps 

VISTA

Support Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) member 

organizations to create/support long-term recovery groups; long-term 

volunteer recruitment and retention plans; grant writing; financial 

literacy; community education and outreach for recovery resources

AmeriCorps 

State/National

Support to recovery organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity; 

members often lead volunteers in remodeling of damaged homes or 

new construction

AmeriCorps 

NCCC

Support local, state, and national parks restoration of natural and 

cultural resources that were damaged by disaster events; home 

rebuilding projects

Retired Senior 

Volunteer 

Program (RSVP)

Support to schools and communities for client case work intake; support 

to children who have experienced trauma during disaster; home repair 

and rebuilding support
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 27

Technical Assistance 

The DSU provides technical assistance, both internally to AmeriCorps programs and 

departments, as well as to external partners such as FEMA, state service commissions, 

National VOAD, other voluntary organizations, and the private sector. Technical assistance is 

available before, during, and after a disaster and can be performed remotely or through DSU 

staff deployment, depending on the need and level of the technical assistance requested. 

The technical assistance the DSU provides includes but is not limited to: National Service 

roles and functions in the disaster cycle, accessing National Service support, volunteer and 

donations management, disaster response and recovery planning, disaster partnership 

building; and training support.

Below are some examples of technical assistance offered throughout the disaster cycle:

Preparedness

• Provide workshops and other educational events to prepare AmeriCorps assets to 

support response and recovery operations such as the 2016 A-DRT Convening, where ADRTs worked collectively to refine disaster deployment protocols and training modules.

• DSU manages the Disaster Services Commission Workgroup, which identifies common 

needs for training and technical assistance among state service commissions and 

provides a quarterly call that supports raising, discussing, and addressing these needs. 

This call also offers a platform for peer-to-peer mentoring and learning by and for state 

service commissions.

• DSU produces technical assistance frameworks such as the National Service Disaster 

Scale (NSDS) and technical assistance documents, such as the NSDS technical assistance 

documents.

• Provide webinars and workshops to AmeriCorps programs and departments on the role 

and function of the DSU such as the new employee orientation webinars for both 

AmeriCorps headquarters and regional offices.

Response

• DSU provides virtual and on-the-ground support to state service commissions, state 

VOADs, state emergency management agencies, FEMA and other partners during events 

to help integrate and coordinate National Service in partnership with these organizations 

to meet local needs and response goals.

• During a federally declared disaster, state service commissions, often tasked with 

volunteer and donations management roles within their state’s emergency operations 

plans may require additional support to execute these responsibilities. The DSU works 

with state service commissions, the state VOAD, the state emergency management 

agency, and FEMA to provide information to develop a FEMA Mission Assignment to 

apply A-DRTs to critical needs to disaster affected areas.

Recovery
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 28

• During disaster recovery, many voluntary organizations find themselves faced with new 

scopes of work to support their communities through rebuilding. The DSU provides 

background information on all AmeriCorps assets, discusses the needs of the community 

and the organization to identify how National Service can provide support, match the 

organization with a AmeriCorps program, provide introductions to state-based contacts, 

and continue as a resource to both the applying organization and the AmeriCorps

regional office or state service commission. 

• Provide support to our internal and external partners around private sector philanthropy 

and support investments, such as Walmart-sponsored VISTA placements in the Louisiana 

flood recovery.

• DSU work with A-DRTs, AmeriCorps Office of Regional Operations, state service 

commissions, and external partners to transition from response into long-term recovery, 

improve disaster response and recovery planning for future events, using lessons learned.

• DSU provides technical assistance for AmeriCorps Office of Regional Operations and 

state service commissions on formal recovery structures, recovery roles, and other areas 

where National Service can support recovery operations. Often this technical assistance is 

delivered remotely and relies on case studies from other recovery operations. 

Close-Out Activities

Once operations have concluded, the following actions are completed to ensure repayment 

(if FEMA MA), lessons learned are institutionalized, partnerships are strengthened, and that 

data and other information is published and archived:

• DSU works with A-DRT programs, Office of Budget, Office of Grants Management, 

and Office of Accounting to reimburse A-DRT programs for allowable costs incurred 

by the deployment and seek reimbursement from FEMA to AmeriCorps for these 

costs – performed only for a FEMA MA – see MA Closeout and FEMA Mission 

Assignment Standard Operating Procedures

• DSU compiles an event summary, using submitted A-DRT AmeriCorps Disaster 

Deployment After Action Reports (AARs), cumulative National Service Daily Situation 

Reports, and reports from AmeriCorps regional offices and state service commissions

• DSU works with AmeriCorps Office of Government Relations and Strategic 

Engagement to update AmeriCorps webpages and produce disaster event materials 

including, but not limited to press releases, social media posts, videos, etc. These 

materials tell the story of National Service support in disaster and are produced when 

appropriate

• DSU supports and contributes to event after action reviews with external partners. 

These AARs or “hotwashes” support better partnerships in future events. (e.g.,

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Hurricane Sandy Hotwash; FEMA 

revision of policy and plans)

• DSU work with A-DRTs, AmeriCorps Office of Regional Operations, state service 

commissions, and external partners to improve disaster response and recovery 

planning for future events, using lessons learned

• DSU updates the Disaster Data Tracker to archive event specific data.
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 29

FEMA MA Close out - MA Closeout Appendices

• A-DRT programs have 30 days after returning from deployment to submit the AmeriCorps 

FEMA Mission Assignment Reimbursement form to the DSU 

(MissionAssignments@cns.gov) to begin reimbursement process

o When programs send a reimbursement, review closely for allowable costs and 

mathematical accuracy to ensure all is included and accurate. If edits are needed, 

return to the A-DRT with requested corrections and information

o Make sure that the check box for “Final Invoice for MA?” is checked “No”

o Ensure all dates are correct for both the MA and program deployment dates

o Ensure all supporting formulas and documentation are included

o Ensure that the Reimbursement Request is on one page, front only. It is formatted 

to do so unless the program adjusted the formatting. If there are additional lines 

added, make adjustments by moving the added lines to the “Additional 

Breakdown” sheet

o Only after both MA Manager and A-DRT are satisfied with the reimbursement 

should it be processed

• Reimbursement Process

o Once reimbursement is finalized with A-DRT, print the form and the Additional 

Breakdown sheet (if completed) one sided

o Complete and print Section 1 of FEMA Form 116-0-2 (Mission Assignment 

Reimbursement Request Transmittal Form) with the details of the reimbursement

o Approval routing order of reimbursement package

 Reimbursement Form:

• Lead Disaster Services Specialist

• OGA

• Budget

 FEMA Form: 

• Lead Disaster Services Specialist (Primary Agency Project/Program 

Administrator)

• Budget (Primary Agency Financial Officer)

o When routing for approval, include the approved budget with the Reimbursement 

Form for their reference

o After all approvals are complete, scan the reimbursement package in this order: 

 FEMA Form

 Reimbursement form

 Approved budget

 MA

o Send Reimbursement Package to Budget and OGA; save copy on A-DRT’s 

subfolder in MA folder

o Note: the reimbursement process does not start until OGA and Budget have 

received that package

• Reimbursement Tracking
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 30

o To track the status of reimbursements cross departments, create a “MA Funding 

and Reimbursement Tracking—MA #” document 

o As you update the “FYXXXX FEMA MA Tracking Sheet”, update this sheet with the 

DSU sections 

o Monthly Mission Assignment Reimbursement Status Meeting

 Standing monthly meeting with Budget, OGA, and Accounting.

 The week before the meeting

• Budget obtains the Obligation Balance Report from FEMA. This will 

confirm when payments from FEMA to AmeriCorps occurred

• DSU sends out the “MA Funding and Reimbursement Tracking—MA 

#” document to everyone to review. Some may respond with 

updates directly before the meeting. Make any updates you receive 

and bring the latest version to the meeting

 At the meeting go through each reimbursement to identify where it is in 

the process.

o Regularly update both the FY XXXX sheet and the cross-department sheet to 

ensure they match.

o After Accounting confirms that the payment has been processed, send an email to 

the grantee to confirm that they received the payment. If they have not, ask them 

to notify you when they do. Once you have confirmation from the grantee that the 

payment is received, update both tracking sheets, indicating the date the grantee 

received the payment. 

• MA Closeout

o Continue reimbursement meetings until all reimbursements have been completed

o Continue reviewing FEMA Obligation Balance Report with Budget to ensure that 

AmeriCorps has collected all reimbursements. This is very important, especially for 

Cadre and NCCC reimbursements since there is no payment to match it to; it is 

just a collection.
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 31

Summary

The AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework provides agency personnel, agency partners,

and external stakeholders with a guide to the delivery of National Service programs in the 

response to disasters. Through the A-DRT program and an established network of local, 

state, federal, and non-profit and voluntary agency partners, AmeriCorps is able to provide 

relief to disaster survivors, and help communities prepare for, recover from, and mitigate the 

effects of disasters. 

This guide provides organizational, planning and operations guidance to the AmeriCorps

Disaster Services Unit. Through the work of the Disaster Services Unit, national service assets 

are delivered to disaster-stricken communities across the United States and its Territories. 

The work of AmeriCorps programs, like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, helps to 

improve the resiliency of impacted communities.

This Disaster Services Framework is an evolving and living document. Each response is 

improved because of the work of those who have gone before. By engaging the whole 

community, National Service continues to “Bring out the best of America.”
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 32

Additional Resources

Additional resources and documents referenced in this guide are available below. 

These documents can be accessed on the AmeriCorps Internal SharePoint site here.

AmeriCorps Documents, Guides and Policies

Overview of the Disaster Services Unit 

Mission Assignment Deployment Guidance 

AmeriCorps VISTA Disaster Policy

AmeriCorps Disaster Cadre Handbook

AmeriCorps Disaster Policy [Update Pending]

List of AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams 

Partner Guides and Frameworks

National Incident Management System

Disaster Response Framework

National Disaster Recovery Framework
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 33

Acronyms and Definitions

Acronym Definition Acronym Definition

ASN AmeriCorps State and 

National

ACT AmeriCorps Command Team

A-DRT AmeriCorps Disaster 

Response Team

ARC American Red Cross

CDC Center for Disease Control

C-DRT Cadre Disaster Response 

Team

CPCB Community Planning and 

Capacity Building

CPO Chief Program Office

DDO Deputy Director Disaster 

Operations

DFA Direct Federal Assistance

DHS US Department of Homeland 

Security

DO Director of Disaster 

Operations

DRF Disaster Response 

Framework

DRG Domestic Readiness Group

DRT Disaster Response Team

DSF Disaster Services Framework

DSU Disaster Services Unit

EMA Emergency Management 

Agency

EMAC Emergency Management 

Assistance Compact

EMAC Emergency Management 

Assistance Compact

EOC Emergency Operations 

Center

ESF Emergency Support Function

FCO Federal Coordinating Officer

FDRC Federal Disaster Recovery 

Coordinator

FIOP Federal Interagency 

Operational Plans

FOC FEMA Operations Center

FOS Federal Operational Support

FRC Federal Resource 

Coordinator

FSA Federal Staging Area

IA Individual Assistance

ICS Incident Command System

IMAT Incident Management 

Assistance Team

IMT Incident Management Team

JFO Joint Field Office

JIC Joint Information Center

JOC Joint Operations Center

JTF Joint Task Force

LFA Lead Federal Agency

LTR Long Term Recovery

MA Mission Assignment

MARCS Multi Agency Resource 

Center

MERS Mobile Emergency Response

NCCC National Civilian Community 

Corps

NDRF National Disaster Recovery

NGO Non-governmental 

Organizations

NICCL National Interagency 

Coordination Center/Calls

NIMS National Incident 

Management System
AmeriCorps Disaster Services Framework Page 34

NOC National Operations Center

NRCC National Response 

Coordination Center

NRF National Response 

Framework

NRP National Response Plan

OEC Office of Emergency 

Operations

OGA Office of Grants Management 

PA Public Assistance

PIO Public Information Officer

PPD Presidential Policy Directive

RA Regional Administrator

RRCC Regional Response 

Coordination Center

RSFLG Recovery Support Functions 

Leaders Group

SA Situational Awareness

SCO State Coordinating Officer

SLB Senior Leaders Brief

SME Subject Matter Expert

SUV Spontaneous Unaffiliated 

Volunteer

UEM Unified External Messaging

USACE US Army Corps of Engineers

VAL Voluntary Agency Liaison

VOAD Voluntary Organizations 

Active in Disaster

VRC Volunteer Reception Center