National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Decision Making for Initial Company Operations (F/W0457)

Curriculum: Incident Management

This course provides an effective approach to command decision making and organization. The

focus is a review of the command sequence and an overview of incident command for structural

firefighting. The course components include preparation for response, decision-making, and

tactical operations. The foundation of the course is an extensive use of simulation to provide

application of concepts and the development of skill.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors shall be evaluated in three consecutive course deliveries in

accordance with the National Fire Academy’s (NFA’s) Contract Instructor Evaluation program.

Existing contract instructors are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program.

1. Academic Requirement

Minimum

a. One year of college or equivalent from an institution that is nationally or

regionally accredited, preferably in the fire science field.

b. Must have successfully completed ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300 and ICS-400 or

equivalents.

Preferred

a. Associate degree or equivalent from an institution that is nationally or regionally

accredited with a strong emphasis in the fire science field. (Please provide copies

of certificates, diplomas, transcripts or equivalent training material in order to

satisfy this requirement.)

b. Must have successfully completed ICS-300 and ICS-400 or equivalents.

2. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

Minimum

a. Candidate must have experience in a progressive fire and emergency service

department. Candidate must have experience as a senior officer with a fire and

rescue department having decision-making responsibilities. Candidate must have

demonstrated teaching experience in mid-level fire service courses and

knowledge in the use of computers. Candidate must have demonstrated

experience in or a thorough knowledge of:
- National Incident Management System (FIRESCOPE) Incident

Command System (ICS).

- Use of ICS Forms.

- Unified Command (UC)/Area Command.

Describe this in no more than one paragraph for 

each area.

b. Candidate must provide information that demonstrates this knowledge and

response experience as an incident commander or member of the general staff at

incidents where at least three general staff positions were used. Candidate must

describe three incidents where this occurred and describe why those general staff

positions were implemented. (Describe in no more than one-half page per

incident.)

Preferred

Prefer additional experience in conducting simulation exercises. Candidate should have a

strong background in the application of ICS in mutual-aid and UC situations.

3. Additional Considerations or Submittals

a. Demonstrated effectiveness instructing at the fully professional level in an active

training environment. For a course in which you were a primary instructor:

- Provide course description, objectives and syllabus.

- Provide three references from individuals in organizations where you

have delivered training. Do not include the NFA as one of these

organizational representatives.

b. Resume indicating level and extent of responsibility and authority, include three

references.

c. A one-page synopsis of current issues, trends and research that directly relates to

the fire service and/or specific course.

d. Must have attended the course as a student within the past three years (or latest

version).

e. Must shadow or “student teach” with the given course.

4. Continuing Practice or Education

Instructors must maintain currency in the relevant subject matter. This requirement may

be satisfied in one or more ways including:

a. Continuing education on an annual basis (documentation required).
- Certification of completion of in-service training at the senior staff level

within an existing fire and rescue department; (This is to be maintained

every two years.) or

- Certification of completion or satisfactory attendance at a nationally

recognized fire service conference or state and local training conference.

(Must be within the program area and will be required every two years.

This can be in lieu of training within an existing fire and rescue

department.)

b. Continuing activity and application of relevant concepts through employment

with a recognized emergency response agency.

c. Delivery of course, as designed by the U.S. Fire Administration, at least once

every two years.

Failure to provide approved documentation of ongoing training or instruction may result

in revocation of the contract instructor status.

5. How to Submit an Application 

The following documents are required with each submission:

a. A cover letter listing the courses you want to teach.

b. Your résumé.

c. Documentation that clearly addresses how you meet the instructor selection 

criteria for each course you are seeking to teach (e.g., academic requirement, 

instructional experience, knowledge and experience in the subject matter, and 

continuing practice or education). This document needs to be written in that order. 

Incomplete packages will not be processed.

d. Three references from persons who are knowledgeable about your character as 

well as your teaching ability. One reference letter should be from the department 

or agency head in your organization or certifying organization.

e. Include a current email address so we can communicate more efficiently with 

you.

Application package(s) must be submitted to:

National Fire Academy

fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov