National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Command and Control Decision Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents

(R0297)

Curriculum: Incident Management

This course is simulation intensive and focuses on the command officer’s responsibility while

conducting major operations involving multialarm units. Emphasis is placed on rapid fireground

decision-making, advanced incident command, command and control, safety, personnel

accountability and communications. Students will be taught to recognize critical cues that are

specific to various types of complex emergency incidents and the proper command and control

procedures necessary to bring these incidents to closure.

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 regionally or

nationally accredited, preferably in the fire science field.

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

equivalents.

Preferred

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an institution that is regionally or nationally

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.)

2. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

Minimum

a. Candidate must have demonstrated teaching experience in upper level fire service

courses and knowledge in the use of computers.
b. Candidate must have experience as a chief officer with a fire and rescue

department at the division or deputy chief level, or acting in this position, with

functional responsibilities that are commensurate with the management of a major

function with a fire and rescue department. (An example is a battalion chief with

operations division responsibilities.) Candidate must have demonstrated

experience in or a thorough knowledge of:

- National Incident Management System (FIRESCOPE) Incident

Command System (ICS).

- Use of ICS Forms.

- Integrated Emergency Management System.

- ICS/Emergency Operations Center interface/National

Response Framework.

Describe this in no more than one page for each area.

c. Candidate must have sufficient experience at the operational command level with

lead responsibilities at multialarm incidents within a major fire and rescue

department. Battalion chief level or an equivalent combination of rank and

experience that is commensurate with the operational responsibilities at the next

level above operational battalion chief.

d. Candidate must provide information that demonstrates emergency response

command experience dealing with multialarm incidents. Candidate must describe

three multialarm incidents and explain their role in these incidents while

identifying components of the incident command structure used.

Preferred

Prefer additional experience in conducting large-scale simulation exercises. Candidate

must have experience as a chief officer assigned to field operations at the district/

battalion level with experience at the field operations level plus operations experience at

the division chief level or higher with demonstrated experience involving mutual-aid

operations, disaster operations, and target hazards operation. (Please describe your

experience in this area in no more than one page.)

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

three 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