Table of Contents 

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedures 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

July 2021 

Series 100 - Administration

100.1 National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedures July 2021 

100.2 Definitions July 2021 

100.3 Maintenance/Update of USFA Key Contact Lists July 2021 

Series 200 - Budget/Finance/Procurement

200.1 Interagency Agreements Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions July 2021 

200.1-a Appendix A - DOT IAA Form for Stipends

200.1-b Appendix B - DHS Form 710-1A DOT

200.1-c Appendix C - FEMA IAA Transmittal Form

200.1-d Appendix D - DOT Form 2300 

Series 300 - Curriculum Development

300.1 NFA Curriculum Management Guide July 2021 

300.1-a 2018-2019 Curriculum Management Guide

Series 400 - Curriculum Delivery

400.1 NFA Course Delivery Formats July 2021 

400.2 NFA Sponsored Courses July 2021 

400.3 State Sponsored NFA Courses July 2021 

400.4 Distance Learning/NFA Online July 2021 

400.5 NFA Approved Courses for State Delivery Under Review 

400.5-a Form 400.5.1 Under Review 

400.6 Course Maintenance and Distribution July 2021 

400.7 NFA Pilot Course Delivery July 2021 

400.7-a Sample Sole Source Justification 

400.7-b Sample Recruitment Notice

400.8 American Council on Education Credit Recommendations July 2021 

400.9 Developing-Publishing Coffee Break Bulletins July 2021 

400.10 Issuing Continuing Education Units for NFA Courses July 2021 

400.10-a Application for Continuing Education Units 

400.11 State Dashboards July 2021 

400.11-a Sample Info Flyer for New O Courses 

400.12 NFA Enfranchised Course Delivery Process July 2021 

400.12-a Letter of Agreement

400.13 Using FEMA Adobe Connect System with NFA Online Courses July 2021 

400.14 NFA Online Mediated Course Development and Delivery July 2021 

400.15 NFA Courses Admin Web-based Application July 2021 

400.15-a USFA Web Farm Rules of Behavior FEMA Form 140-1-4 July 2021 

Series 500 - Instructor Recruitment/Training/Evaluation/Retention

500.1 Contract Instructor Recruitment and Selection July 2021 

500.2 Processing Complaints Regarding Contract Instructors July 2021 

500.3 Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation July 2021 

500.3-a Instructor Observation Rubric 

500.3-b Instructor Observation Document

500.4 Administrative Requirements for NFA Contract Instructors and SMEs July 2021 
Table of Contents 

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedures 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

July 2021 

500.5 Frequently Asked Questions Guide for Contract Instructor Services July 2021 

500.5-a FAQs 6th Edition July 2021 

Series 600 - Partnerships and Outreach

600.1 Course Delivery Partnerships July 2021 

600.2 FESHE Recognition Program Process July 2021 

600.2-a FESHE Institutional Recognition Request 

600.3 Social Media and GOV Delivery July 2021 

600.3-a NETC Video-Photo Release

Series 700 - Student Affairs

700.1 Code of Conduct July 2021 

700.1-a NETC SOP 119-22 Conduct on the NETC Campus 

700.2 Admissions July 2021 

700.2-a NETC SOP 119-25 Policy and Procedures for Admissions 

700.3 Course Certificates and Grades for Foreign Students July 2021 

700.4 Student Performance Measures: End of Course Grades July 2021 

700.4-a Table 700.4.1 Student Performance Criteria and Corresponding 

End-of-Course Grades

700.5 Student Performance Measures: Individual Assessment & Course Repeats July 2021 

700.6 Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals July 2021 

700.7 Student Performance Measures: Maintaining Student Grades July 2021 

700.8 Handheld and Wireless Technology in the Classroom July 2021 
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

100.1 July 2021

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedures

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the organizational structure and implementation of NFA-specific 

guidance, policies, procedures, and instructions to enhance efficiency and consistency.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 100.1, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: NFA-specific guidance, policies and procedures shall be developed and 

documented in accordance with this SOP.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Any employee may propose an NFA-specific guidance, policy or procedure.

B. Except in the case of emergencies or other unforeseen events, proposed NFAspecific guidance, policies or procedures shall be posted for comment for no less 

than 30 days before implementation.

C. NFA-specific SOPs shall become effective immediately upon signing by the NFA

Deputy Superintendent.

D. NFA-specific SOPs shall be indexed with the following numbering system.

100 Series: Administration

200 Series: Budget/Finance/Procurement

300 Series: Curriculum Development

400 Series: Curriculum Delivery

500 Series: Instructor Recruitment/Training/Evaluation/Retention

600 Series: Partnerships and Outreach

700 Series: Student Affairs
NFA-specific SOP 100.1 — National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedures

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

E. Individual NFA-specific SOPs shall be numbered in the following sequence: 

series number.1, series number .2, series number.3, etc.

Examples: 400.1, 400.2, 400.3

F. Documents associated with NFA-specific SOPs shall be numbered in the footer in 

the following manner: series number.SOP number.1, series number.SOP

number.2, series number.SOP number.3, etc.

Examples: Document 400.1.1, Document 400.1.2, Document 400.1.3

G. Once adopted, the approved NFA-specific SOPs shall be posted in the Enterprise 

Shared Workspace and also placed on the U.S. Fire Administration webpage for 

student and instructor access. A master file of original NFA-specific SOPs that 

are signed by the Deputy Superintendent shall be maintained under the 

supervision of the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

100.2 July 2021

Definitions

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) includes the definition of terms found in the NFA-specific guidance, policies, 

procedures and instructions.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 100.2, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions:

Academic grievance shall mean a complaint that meets all of the following conditions:

1. It must concern an academic decision, action, or judgment for which no existing

National Fire Academy, United States Fire Administration or National

Emergency Training Center complaint procedure is available,

2. It must not involve a grade, and,

3. It is a matter for which a remedy can be identified.

Academic misconduct shall mean cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information and other 

citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized prior possession of 

examinations, submitting the work of another person or work previously used without informing 

the instructor and securing written approval, tampering with the academic work of other students

and any other deliberate falsification, and other unethical behaviors that affect performance

and outcomes in NFA-sponsored classes.

Accredit shall mean to give official authorization to or approval of; to provide with

credentials; to recognize or vouch for as conforming to a standard; to recognize (an

educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify its graduates for admission to

higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice.

ACE shall mean the American Council on Education of Washington, DC.

Allied Profession shall mean professional organizations working tangentially to support fire 

prevention and control activities.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

Approved course shall mean a course developed and/or submitted by one State Fire Training 

agency and peer reviewed by several other State Fire Training agencies or an accrediting 

organization for compliance with the approved standards, requirements and procedures. These 

courses are accepted by NFA (assigned a “Y” code), and a state-sponsored NFA certificate is 

issued.

Blended/Hybrid course shall mean courses where a portion (25-75 percent) of the traditional 

face-to-face instruction or activities are replaced or supplemented by web-based online 

learning. Examples can include group blogs or individual discussion threads that include the 

use of traditional face-to-face delivery methods but also use online web-based content and 

resources any time before, during or after the course delivery.

Branches shall mean the organizational branches within the NFA:

o Education, Training and Partnerships (ETP)

o Leadership and Community Risk Reduction (LCRR)

o Response

o Training Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA)

Certificate shall mean a document presented to students on behalf of the National Fire

Academy that represents the student has completed an NFA-sponsored or State-sponsored

course.

Certification shall mean the process by accredited agencies and/or organizations for verifying 

credentials and compliance with applicable fire and EMS standards.

Certified shall apply only to individuals and shall mean that individual has met the requirements 

of an authorized certification agency/organization.

Classroom shall mean a traditional “brick and mortar” setting and/or a virtual web- based online

(mediated) setting.

Coffee Break Bulletin shall mean information that can be delivered in very short (5-10 minute) 

snippets that viewers, listeners or readers can absorb, digest, discuss and share. The information 

can be delivered live or downloaded through podcats, formatted using a template design with 

weekly/regular dissemination to subscribers through a ListServ, or some other means.

Complete instructor application shall mean a cover letter listing the courses they want to teach; 

resume; documentation that clearly addresses how they meet the instructor selection criteria 

(e.g., academic requirements, instructional experience, knowledge and experience in the subject 

matter, and continuing practice or education); and three references from persons who are 

knowledgeable about their character as well as their teaching ability.

Contact information shall mean the applicant's name, mailing address, telephone number(s),

and email address(es). It does not include any other personally identifiable information.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) shall mean the standard unit of measurement for continuing 

education and training. The U.S. Department of Education defines 1 CEU equivalent to 10 

contact hours of training/education.

Contractor shall mean a person who is employed as or by a sole proprietor, corporation, 

partnership, or non-governmental organization (NGO) for the purpose of providing goods or 

services to the Federal Government.

Course Call shall mean a process that is used twice per fiscal year to determine which 2 or 6 day 

courses the state fire training systems and the Regional TRADE co-chairs wish to offer either at 

the NFA or within their state/region during the next fiscal year.

Course Call (Resident) shall mean a once yearly process to determine which courses the NFA 

Training Specialists wish to schedule during the next fiscal year.

Course Code shall mean an alpha/numeric code assigned to new courses by the NETC 

Admission’s Office that designates the delivery method and is used to track the number of 

course offerings and the student enrollment/completion statistics. 

Curriculum Management Committee shall mean a group that provides continued guidance and

support in the planning, selection, design, development, delivery, review and evaluation of the

Curriculum Management Guide and National Fire Academy courses. The members of the 

Curriculum Management Committee include the NFA Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent

and NFA Branch Chiefs.

Curriculum Management Guide shall mean the document that establishes guidance and 

responsibilities for the selection, design, delivery and evaluation of all National Fire Academy 

curricula in accordance with the United States Fire Administration vision and mission.

Eligible contract instructor shall mean an instructor who meets all course criteria and has 

completed/maintained all administrative requirements which makes them eligible to bid for a

course(s) as a "contract" instructor for the National Fire Academy.

Employee shall mean a person who is employed by the Federal Government on a full-time or 

part-time basis.

End-dated course shall mean any course that is no longer available for delivery in the state 

sponsored mode by virtue of the decision of the responsible Training Specialist. This is done 

annually in March, and States are notified that the course(s) will be removed from the State 

Dashboard on September 30. NFA certificates will not be issues after November 30 for the enddated course(s).

End-of-course grade shall mean a letter grade that represents the sum of student assessment

instrument scores accumulated during the NFA-sponsored course.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

Enfranchised course shall mean a National Fire Academy 5, 6 or 10-day (N code) course that is 

approved by the individual Training Specialist for delivery by State/local/tribal organizations in 

accordance with a pre-authorized agreement. Note: Training Specialists review their courses for 

applicability and provide a “check list” of conditions on a semi-annual basis in conjunction with 

the Course Call periods.

Enfranchised course delivery shall mean a National Fire Academy 5, 6 or 10-day (N code) 

course delivered at the State/local level through a pre-authorized agreement with the NFA. 

Note: These courses are eligible for American Council on Education credit recommendation.

ESW shall mean the Enterprise Shared Workspace.

FEMA shall mean the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FESHE Recognition Program shall mean an NFA sponsored program that acknowledges 

particular higher education institutions that have met standardized core curriculum as established 

by the FESHE Professional Development committee.

Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) shall mean an NFA-coordinated 

group of post-secondary institutions promoting higher education and enhancing the recognition 

and development of fire and emergency services as a profession.

Foreign student shall mean anyone who is not a citizen of the United States.

Gov Delivery shall mean email communications channel that allows USFA/NFA to distribute 

notifications effectively and efficiently to audiences that self-select the subject area for which 

they want to receive notifications.

Grade appeal shall mean a written complaint submitted by the student within 15 calendar days 

from the completion of the course.

Grade sheet shall mean any method used to record the results of student assessment

instruments during the duration and completion of a NFA-sponsored course.

Handheld or wireless technology shall mean any electronic device that is capable of two-way

communication, and includes, but is no limited to, hand-held radios, laptop computers, tablet 

computers, smart phones, mini computers, air cards or similar devices.

IACET shall mean the International Association for Continuing Education and Training.

IFSAC shall mean the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Inactive course shall mean any course that is no longer offered as an NFA sponsored course by 

virtue of the decision of the responsible Training Specialist. Note: inactive courses remain in the 

State Dashboard and are available for state/local sponsored delivery; state-sponsored NFA 

certificates are issued.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

Instructor shall mean one or more contractors, volunteers or staff members who have been 

retained by the NFA to deliver courses.

Instructor applicant shall mean a person who has applied to become an eligible instructor.

Instructional systems specialist shall mean an NFA staff member with responsibilities for course 

design, course development and evaluation.

LMS shall mean learning management system which is a software application for the 

administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and delivery of educational courses or 

training programs. The NFA uses an LMS to support its on-line self-study courses and its on-line 

instructor mediated courses.

Local fire training system shall include, but not be limited to, city, county, fire 

company/department, regional, metropolitan, special district or authority training agencies or any 

other government entity charged or authorized to conduct fire service training.

Local host shall mean an organization or entity that has been authorized by the state fire training 

system to offer a course at a facility of its choosing.

NAFTD shall mean the North American Fire Training Directors.

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) shall mean a guidance,

policy, procedure or instruction that is applicable only to employees, students and contract staff

of the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, United

States Fire Administration, National Fire Academy.

NETC Instruction shall mean instruction, policies and procedures promulgated by the Director 

of Management, Operations and Student Services for the National Emergency Training Center.

NFA shall mean the United States Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy.

NFA Instructor Tracking Database shall mean an internal system used to track: 1) new applicant 

instructor(s) through the administrative requirements to become an NFA instructor: favorable 

fingerprint suitability, record of a DUNS number from Dunn and Bradstreet and valid 

registration in the System for Award Management (SAM); and 2) current NFA instructors who 

meet the teaching criteria to become eligible to teach additional courses and/or specific roles for 

the NFA.

NFA Online shall mean the National Fire Academy's learning management system for delivering 

web-based distance learning courses that include: prerequisite training, self-study, instructor 

mediated and blended-learning options.

NFA Online customer advocate shall mean an NFA Online team member who is assigned to 

work directly with NFA Training Specialists to help facilitate the process of posting and 

delivering on-line course content.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

NFA-sponsored course shall mean a National Fire Academy course that by virtue of need, 

demand, emergent issues or other consideration must be delivered using NFA eligible instructors 

or NFA distance education technologies. Instructors and course materials are funded by the 

National Fire Academy. These courses are coded with an F, W, N, R, M, H, and Q; an NFAsponsored certificate is issued. Note: Upon successful completion of Q courses, students have 

direct access to view/print their course certificate within the learning management system. 

NFPA shall mean the National Fire Protection Association.

Non-governmental organization (also known as an “NGO”) shall mean an organization that is

not part of the local, state or Federal government.

NPDSC shall mean National Professional Development Steering Committee. The NPDSC

coordinates and supports activities of the TRADE and FESHE working groups and reports to the 

NFA BOV.

Observers shall mean an NFA TS, ISS, Branch Chief, or Deputy Superintendent who has been 

trained to perform contract instructor classroom and laboratory observations.

Off-Campus Program Manager shall mean the NFA staff person assigned to manage the delivery 

of off-campus courses.

Online Mediated Instruction shall mean web-based courses conducted online by the NFA that are 

facilitated by an instructor using collaboration tools.

Online self-study course shall mean any web-based course conducted online where students learn 

independently, proceeding at their own pace without the aid of an instructor.

Partner shall mean any Federal, state, local or tribal agency that is working directly with the NFA 

to support the professional development of the fire and emergency medical services.

Passing score shall mean a score of 70 percent. For all Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program 

courses, a score of 80 percent is required.

Pilot delivery shall mean a course offering where new course materials are tested and evaluated 

by students and the course development team.

Plagiarism shall mean the knowing use, without appropriate approval, of published materials, 

expressions, or works of another with intent to represent the material(s) as one's own. It shall 

include self-plagiarism by presenting one's own previous works as a new idea.

Podcast shall mean a series of digital audio or video files that a user can stream, download 

view/listen to.

ProBoard shall mean the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

Professional Development Initiative shall mean an NFA coordinated program that supports the 

collaborative efforts of both training and higher education to foster life-long learning.

Receiving institution shall mean a university, college, trade school or other institution to which a 

student is requesting transfer of academic credit through the American Council on Education for 

NFA-sponsored courses.

Resident course shall mean a National Fire Academy course that is delivered at the National 

Emergency Training Center.

Rubric shall mean a guide listing a set of criteria that is used to measure performance. A rubric 

focus on measuring a stated objective (performance, behavior, or quality), uses a range to rate 

performance, and contains specific performance characteristics arranged in levels indicating the 

degree to which a standard has been met.

SCO shall mean sharable content object.

SCORM shall mean sharable content object repository manual.

Semester shall mean the two divisions of the National Fire Academy academic year.The

semesters are October 1 -March 31 and April 1 - September 30.

SLO shall mean student learning outcomes.

Social media shall mean all Social Media channels that the USFA subscribes to (currently 

Facebook and Twitter).

State emergency medical service directors as defined by the National Association of EMS

Physicians, EMS Medical Oversight is “the ultimate responsible authority for the medical actions 

taken by a prehospital provider or EMS system and the process of performing actions to ensure 

that care provided by EMS personnel is appropriate.”

State fire training system shall include, but not be limited to, state fire training officials, state fire 

marshals, state fire drill masters, state fire training agencies or any other government entity 

charged or authorized by a state to conduct fire service training.

State-sponsored course shall mean a National Fire Academy course that by virtue of need, 

demand, emergent issues or other consideration should be delivered to as broad an audience as 

possible and is made available to the state fire training systems for off campus delivery. 

Instructors, course materials, and classroom facility/expenses are funded by the state fire training 

system. State-sponsored courses include: 

• O Code: NFA developed 2/6-day courses – course content is downloadable from the 

state dashboard.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

• Y Code: State developed courses/NFA accepted – a listing of the approved courses is

available in the state dashboard and on the USFA web site (also known as state-partner 

developed courses).

• N Code: NFA developed 5/6/10-day enfranchised courses – a select listing of the 

available courses/technical specifications/hosting application procedures is updated semiannually and posted in the state dashboard and on the USFA web site. Note: A preauthorized agreement is required for these courses.

Student shall mean anyone enrolled in any class/classes sponsored by the National Fire

Academy.

Student assessment instruments shall mean any rubric to establish passing scores or evaluate the 

application of course learning objectives. This may include written exams, oral exams, special 

projects, group activities, research projects and papers, or demonstrations.

Student learning history shall mean a transcript of all the courses and/or items a user has taken.

Substantive issues shall mean content errors of fact, errors of law, elements of content

obsolescence or emergent matters of content affecting curriculum.

Training Resources and Data Exchange program (TRADE) shall mean a regionally based 

network to foster the exchange of fire-related training information and resources among Federal, 

state and local levels of government.

Training specialist shall mean an NFA staff member with responsibilities for curriculum areas, 

courses and the development and/or delivery of same.

Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) shall mean an on-campus educational opportunity designed 

specifically for volunteer and combination department emergency services personnel.

V. Responsibilities: These definitions shall be employed in NFA-specific SOPs.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Unless otherwise expressly stated with NFA-specific guidance, policies, 

procedures or instruction, words and terms shall have the meanings shown in this 

SOP.

B. Words defined within individual NFA-specific guidance, policies, procedures or 

instructions shall apply solely to that policy, procedure or instruction.

C. Words used in the present shall include the future; words stated in the masculine 

gender shall include the feminine and the neuter; the singular number includes the 

plural, and the plural; the singular.
NFA-specific SOP 100.2 – Definitions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

D. Where words or terms are not defined in accordance with this SOP, such words or 

terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

100.3 July 2021

Maintenance/Update of U.S. Fire Administration Key Contact Lists

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the process for development/maintenance of the U.S. Fire Administration 

(USFA) Key Contact Lists stored in the Enterprise Share Workspace (ESW).

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 100.3 dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to all USFA/NFA staff and 

contract staff.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It is the policy of the NFA that the USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support 

Contractor shall maintain/update all key contact lists located in the ESW. USFA 

staff can access the ESW at

https://intranet.fema.net/org/usfa/collab/Pages/default.aspx

1. Click the bolded words “USFA Key Contact Lists” under the “Quick 

Launch” menu located on the left side of the screen.

2. The key contact lists currently populated in the ESW are:

• EMS Officials

• Fire Related Organizations

• Metro Fire Chiefs

• Metro Training Officers

• National Fire Information Council

• NFA Board of Visitors

• State Fire Marshals

• State Training Directors

• TRADE Regional Co-chairs

• TRADE Organizations
NFA-specific SOP 100.3 – Maintenance/Update of U.S. Fire Administration Key Contact Lists

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

B. USFA staff are responsible for submitting updates/changes to the Key Contact

Lists by forwarding the requested change(s) via email to 

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov This mailbox is monitored by the 

USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support Contractor.

C. USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support Contract staff will verify the 

requested change with the designated staff person having oversight for the 

specified list. After receiving approval, the USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative 

Support Contract staff shall make the change/update to the appropriate list in the 

ESW.

D. Changes to the Key Contact Lists in the ESW will be made by the USFA/NFA 

Logistics/Administrative Support Contract staff on a weekly basis. USFA/NFA 

Logistics/Administrative Support Contract staff will have sole access to make 

changes in the ESW. All other staff will have “read only” access and will not be 

able to make changes.

E. Mailing labels:

1. Staff may submit a USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support Contract 

task request to obtain the labels.

2. An alternative to submitting a task request is to download the list(s) to an 

Excel spreadsheet using the “All Items View” from the Key Contact List. 

Use the MS Word merge document label template to create labels.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency 

United States Fire Administration 

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

200.1 July 2021

Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) provides detailed step-by-step instructions to create and execute an Interagency 

Agreement (IAA) between NFA and other Federal Agencies (OFA). This SOP should 

assist all NFA personnel to better understand the process.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 100.2, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA who 

are creating and executing an IAA with OFAs.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that NFA-sponsored IAAs are in accordance 

with this SOP.

B. NFA Project Officers should follow the below step-by-step instructions to create

an IAA from the initial contact with the OFA through the project being 

certificated/obligated in FEMA’s Integrated Financial Management Information 

System (IFMIS) and transmittal to the Office of Chief Procurement Officer’s 

(OCPO’s) automated contract writing system for acquisitions (PRISM).

C. There are two forms of IAAs that NFA uses. One can be referred to as 

“incoming” where NFA receives funding from another agency and NFA 

completes work on the outside agency’s behalf. Some examples are:

1. Accepting funding from another agency to pay participants for training 

(on the OFA’s behalf).

2. Accepting funding to collaborate on a project (e.g., curriculum 

development/revision project).
NFA-specific SOP 200.1 - Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

3. Accepting funding for providing a service to an OFA (e.g., NFA hosts an 

OFA’s courses on our Learning Management System).

D. The other type of IAA would be considered “outgoing” where NFA provides 

funding to another agency and they complete tasks (agreed upon by the OFA and 

NFA) on NFA’s behalf. An example of that would be providing funding to 

another agency to allow them to use their expertise to complete tasks/projects on 

NFA’s behalf (e.g., burn building/range area).

E. The step-by-step instructions for each of the most common NFA IAAs are 

provided below:

1. IAA (incoming) to deliver training for an OFA where the OFA provides 

the funding to cover student stipends or other expenses associated with the 

training.

a. The interested party from the OFA creates the Statement of 

Work (SOW) and coordinates with an NFA Project Officer to 

finalize the SOW. The SOW identifies the work or service to 

be performed.

b. The OFA completes their agency’s form that will transfer funding 

from their agency to FEMA. The OFA submits the form to the 

NFA Project Officer to start the process. The OFA form requires a 

signature of a Contracting Officer in FEMA’s OCPO; Mitigation, 

Preparedness, and Continuity Branch; Preparedness Section. The 

NFA Project Officer forwards the form to the Preparedness Section 

for signature.

c. After the OFA form is signed by the Contracting Officer, the NFA 

Project Officer returns the form to the OFA to complete the form at 

their agency OFA.

d. In the interim, while the OFA is finalizing their form (funding 

document), the NFA Project Officer can initiate the DHS Form 

710-1A, Inter/Intra-Agency Agreement.

e. The OFA sends a copy of their finalized (funding document) form 

to the NFA Project Officer. (A sample of the Department of 

Transportation’s (DOT) form - for illustrational purposes only - is 

located at Appendix A.)

f. The NFA Project Officer completes the DHS Form 710-1A 

(sample provided at Appendix B) and forwards the DHS Form 

710-1A, the OFA’s form (Appendix A-illustrational purposes only)

and the SOW to the NFA budget point of contact (POC).
NFA-specific SOP 200.1 - Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

g. The NFA budget POC sends the IAA package (i.e., OFA Form

(funding document), DHS Form 710-1A and SOW) to the USFA 

Budget Analyst for review and further signatures/processing.

h. The USFA Budget Analyst reviews the package and forwards it to 

OCPO/Preparedness Section for the Contracting Officer’s

signature on the DHS Form 710-1A.

i. After the Contracting Officer signs the form, the OCPO/

Preparedness Section returns the form to the USFA Budget 

Analyst.

j. The USFA Budget Analyst forwards the OFA form and DHS Form 

710-1A to FEMA’s Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) to 

obtain a reimbursable fund code. At this time, the OCFO loads the 

OFA’s funds into NFA’s budget.

k. FEMA OCFO returns the package to the USFA Budget 

Analyst, along with the FEMA Incoming Reimbursable 

Interagency Agreement Transmittal Sheet (sample provided at 

Appendix C) or an email identifying the same information 

(Accounting Classification Code Structure (ACCS)) that is 

included on the Transmittal Sheet. The ACCS is also commonly 

referred to as the “fund code.”

l. The USFA Budget Analyst returns the package with signed 

forms and the FEMA Incoming Reimbursable Interagency 

Agreement Transmittal Sheet to the NFA budget POC and the 

NFA Project Officer. Information from these documents will be 

used to create the FEMA Form 146-0-2, Requisition and 

Commitment for Services and Supplies, in FEMA’s Enterprise 

Coordination and Approval Processing System (eCAPS). (The 

eCAPS system is a web-based application that consolidates the 

processes of committing, routing, and approving funds for 

goods or services.)

m. After all NFA internal approvals are obtained (electronically 

through eCAPS), the USFA Budget Analyst certifies the FEMA 

Form 146-0-2. The requisition is then obligated in the NETC 

Budget Office, and a copy of the obligated form is emailed to the 

NFA Project Officer, NFA budget POC, and the stipend 

reimbursement POC in the USFA Management Operations and 

Support Services Branch. The obligated FEMA Form 146-0-2 

provides NETC Admissions the funding to pay student stipends.

n. If the OFA requested a copy of the completed paperwork, it is the 

responsibility of the NFA Project Officer to provide a copy to the 

OFA.
NFA-specific SOP 200.1 - Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions 

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. IAA (incoming) to initiate curriculum development/revision/delivery of 

NFA courses for an OFA, or for projects where NFA provides a service 

for an OFA (e.g., loading of course materials on NFA’s Learning 

Management System for another agency): 

a. The POC from the OFA creates the SOW and coordinates with an 

NFA Project Officer to finalize the SOW. The SOW identifies the 

work to be performed by each agency. 

b. The OFA completes their agency’s form that will transfer funding 

from their agency to FEMA. The OFA submits their form (funding 

document) to the NFA Project Officer to start the process. NFA is 

responsible for completing NFA’s portion of the OFA form and 

returning the form to the OFA. (Appendix D provides a sample of 

a completed DOT Form F2300 for illustrational purposes only.) 

c. The OFA form requires signature of a Contracting Officer in the 

OCPO/Preparedness Section.

d. After the OFA form is signed by the Contracting Officer in the 

OCPO/Preparedness Section, the NFA Project Officer returns the 

form to the OFA to complete the process within their agency. 

e. In the interim, while the OFA is finalizing their form (funding 

document), the NFA Project Officer can initiate the DHS Form 

710-1A, Inter/Intra-Agency Agreement. 

f. Simultaneously, the NFA Project Officer can begin to work on the 

other documentation that will be required when the requisition 

package is submitted in eCAPS. Documentation includes: 

1) DHS Form 710-1A (Appendix B). 

2) Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). 

3) Market Research. 

4) Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (if 

applicable). 

5) Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. 

6) Recommended Source list. 

7) Acquisition Plan. 

8) Analysis of Alternatives. 

g. As soon as all forms are returned to the NFA Project Officer, the 

requisition is ready to be submitted in eCAPS. The following final 

documents should be attached to the requisition in eCAPS: 

1) SOW. 

2) DHS Form 710-1A. 

3) OFA Form.
NFA-specific SOP 200.1 - Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

4) IGCE.

5) Market Research.

6) Justification for Other than Full & Open Competition (if 

applicable).

7) Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

8) Recommended Source List.

9) Acquisition Plan.

10) Analysis of Alternatives.

h. The USFA Budget Analyst forwards the package to FEMA’s

OCFO to obtain a reimbursable fund code. At that time, OCFO 

loads the OFA funding into NFA’s budget.

i. FEMA OCFO returns the package to the USFA Budget 

Analyst, along with the FEMA Incoming Reimbursable 

Interagency Agreement Transmittal Sheet (sample provided at 

Appendix C) or an email identifying the same information 

(Accounting Classification Code Structure (ACCS)) provided 

on the Transmittal Sheet. (The ACCS is also commonly 

referred to as the “fund code.”)

j. The NFA Project Officer creates the FEMA Form 146-0-2 in 

eCAPS. After NFA coordination and approvals in eCAPS, the 

USFA Budget Analyst certifies the FEMA Form 146-0-2. The 

requisition is then transferred electronically to PRISM. No 

further action is needed until the NFA Project Officer is 

contacted by the Contract Specialist to start the process for 

contract award.

k. This ends the funding/approval process for the project. If the OFA 

requested a copy of the completed paperwork, it is the 

responsibility of the NFA Project Officer to provide a copy to the 

OFA.

NOTE: There could be multiple FEMA Form 146-02’s created to 

use the money at various points during the period of performance 

for the IAA.

3. IAA (outgoing) providing funding to other Servicing Agencies (OFAs) to 

conduct work on FEMA/NFA’s behalf (e.g., NFA provides funding to the 

Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to 

support the NFA Burn Building Range area whereby FEMA/NFA is the 

Requesting Agency) (outgoing IAA).

a. The NFA Project Officer coordinates with an OFA to create a

SOW to identify the work to be performed by the OFA. (This 

depends on the OFA’s cooperation prior to having any funds
NFA-specific SOP 200.1 - Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

transferred via the IAA. Not all OFAs will assist in this without 

first having funds.)

b. NFA is also responsible for creating the following documents as 

part of the IAA package when providing funding to the OFA.

Package includes:

1) Statement of Work.

2) IGCE.

3) Market Research.

4) Determination of Best Procurement Approach for Assisted 

and Direct Acquisitions (OCPO/Preparedness Section can 

assist with this).

5) FMS Form 7600A and 7600B, U.S. Government 

Interagency Agreement (IAA) – Agreement Between 

Federal Agencies, General Terms and Conditions (GT&C) 

Section and Order Requirements and Funding Information 

(Order) Section.

a) NFA completes as much of the Servicing Agency 

side (right side) of the form as possible prior to 

sending to OCPO/Preparedness Section.

b) NFA coordinates with the OFA to have them 

complete the right side of the form prior to sending 

to OCPO/Preparedness Section.

6) Notification of which Legislative Authority will be used. 

Only use Economy Act if no other act/authority applies. 

Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act may apply for 

USFA/NFA use. If Economy Act has to be used absent 

another authority, OCPO/Preparedness Section will assist 

in developing the Determination & Findings (D&F) for use 

of Economy Act.

7) Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Nomination 

Letter and documentation providing certification of active 

eligibility at appropriate COR level

c. NFA coordinates with a Contracting Officer in FEMA’s 

OCPO/Preparedness Section, who will review all documents. If 

OCPO approves the package, they sign all the above forms. If they 

accept the COR nomination, they will provide the COR 

Appointment Letter and Notification to Supervisor letter.

d. OCPO/Preparedness Section transmits all documentation for the 

IAA to the Servicing Agency (OFA). They also provide a copy of 

the documents to the NFA Project Officer. It is the NFA Project 

Officer’s responsibility to provide a copy to the NFA budget POC.
NFA-specific SOP 200.1 - Interagency Agreement Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions 

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

e. The NFA Project Officer is responsible for preparing the FEMA 

Form 146-0-2, Requisition and Commitment for Services and 

Supplies, in eCAPS to fund projects. 

f. After NFA coordination and approvals in eCAPS, the USFA 

Budget Analyst certifies the FEMA Form 146-0-2 in eCAPS. 

The requisition is then transferred electronically to OCPO/

Preparedness Section via PRISM and the project gets assigned to 

a Contract Specialist.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be

addressed to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083. 

Eriks J. Gabliks 

Superintendent 

National Fire Academy

Attachments (4)

1. Appendix A - DOT IAA Form for Stipends

2. Appendix B - DHS Form 710-1A DOT

3. Appendix C - FEMA IAA Transmittal Form

4. Appendix D - DOT Form 2300 

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
r

.lMNO. I PA;

E OF 

INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT DTFH6117X30047 I 2 

2. ORDER NO ,

3. REQUISITION NO. 1•· SOLICITATION NO 

HOTOXX1700000036PR 

5. EFFECTIVE DATE ,

B. AWARD DATE 9 /re I 1 -1 

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 

09/15/2017 TO 09/14/2018 

8. SERVICING AGENCY II. DELIVER TO 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY JAMES AUSTRICH, 202-366-0731 

ALC: 70-07-004 FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION 

DUNS: 147252415 +4: OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS 

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE 

NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY WASHINGTON DC 20590 

16825 SOUTH SETON AVENUE 

EMMITSBURG MD 21727 

POC LAURIE WIVELL 

TELEPHONE NO. 301-447-1581 

10 REQUESTING AGENCY 11 INVOICE OFFICE 

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION 

ALC: 69-05-0001 

DUNS: 928338219 +4: PO BOX 268865 

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION & GRANTS MGMT OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73126-8865 

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE 

WASHINGTON DC 20590 

POC KOREN WHEELER 

TELEPHONE NO 202-366-9196 

12 ISSUING OFFICE 13 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY 

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ECONOMY ACT (31 u.s.c. 1535) 

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION & GRANTS MGMT 

OFFICE OF ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS 

AND ACQUISITION SERVICES 14. PROJECT ID 

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE 

15. PROJECT TITLE 

WASHINGTON DC 20590 STUDENT TRAVEL STIPEND FOR LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM 

18 ACCOUNTING CATA 

15X0456160.0000.070D561600.7001000000.25305.61000600 

17. 18 111. 20 21 22. 

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 

NFA ALC: 70-07-004

NFA DUNS: 147252415

NFA TIN: 52-1227911

NFA TAFS: 70-\1-0564

FHWA ALC: 69-05-0001

FHWA DUNS: 928338219

FHWA TIN: 22-3934584

FHWA TPC: 691500

FHWA TAFS: 69-X-8083

Continued . . .

23 PAYMENT PROVISIONS 1

24. TOTAL AMOUNT 

INTERGOVERNM�TAL PAYMENT ACFOU�ING CODE $96,379.56 

25a SIG� W�rl!:lr17�-�Q

28a. SIGNATURE OF GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE (REQUESTING) 

� BRANDONO � ...... �Ml..ooirtOtOlft111WX.E 

Ofl "US..•o\11 �-:r°°' 

'" 

25b. NAME AND Tl tLE Ki{n/,erly A. Log� j2ctf1} / ,-, 

26b. CONTRACTING OFFICER LORTHRIDGE �C-n-HaOG[ 12

0.C• 101711911Hll044W 6c. DATE 

Brandon 0. Lorthridge 09/15/2017 

Lon1racung v1u1;1":■ 

Appendix A
IAANO 

DTFH6117X30047 I ORDER NO 

00001 The Federal Emergency Managem�nt Agency, National 

Fire Academy shall provide the Federal Highway 

!Administration with Student travel stipends to 

support the the Traffic Incident Management (TIM}

Training and Leadership Group Symposium in

accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

The maximum potential value of this agreement is 

$96,379.56. 

Currently, funds in the amount of $96,379.56 are 

obligated to fully fund this agreement. 

Agreement Termination: parties to the agreement 

shall provide 120 days notice for cancellation 01 

termination of supplies, services and/or 

deliverables described in this agreement. 

PAGE 

2 

96,379.56 
DHS Form 710-1A (10/14) Page 1 of 2

1. AGREEMENT NUMBER: 2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

NUMBER:

3. TASK ORDER NUMBER:

4. AUTHORITY:

Economy Act (31 USC 1535)

Other (Specify):

TYPE (Check appropriate block):

Inter-Agency

Intra-Agency

5. REQUESTING AGENCY (Include Name, Complete Address,

DUNS, Tax ID Number):

U.S. Dept of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration, Acquisition Services Division

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590

ALC: 69-140001 TPC: 695000

DUNS: 92-8290071 TAFS: 69-1314-5282

TIN: 80-0216967

6. SERVICING AGENCY (Include Name, Complete Address, &

DUNS Number):

National Fire Academy

United States Fire Administration 

16825 South Seton Avenue 

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

ALC: 70-07-0004 TIN: 521227911

DUNS: 147252415 TAFS: 70-18-0564

7. REQUESTING AGENCY TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE

(Include Name, Complete Address, Phone & Fax Numbers & E-mail

address):

Shakira Mack, 202-366-5090 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

shakira.mack@dot.gov

8. SERVICING AGENCY (Include Name, Complete Address,

Phone & Fax Numbers & E-mail address):

Wayne Yoder, 301-447-1090 

wayne.yoder@fema.dhs.gov

U.S. Fire Administration National Fire 

Academy 16825 South Seton Avenue 

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

9. ESTIMATED COST: 10. OBLIGATED AMOUNT:

11. REQUESTING AGENCY PAYING OFFICE

(Include POC and address & Phone 

Number): 

Angela Sung, 202-366-5431 

angela.sung@dot.gov

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

12. SERVICING AGENCY BILLING OFFICE

(Include POC and address & Phone Number): 

Brian Lineweaver, 540-504-1667 

FEMA Finance Center

188 Brooke Road, Winchester, VA 22603

brian.lineweaver@fema.dhs.gov

13. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA:

13A. FUNDS AVAILABILITY/BUDGET APPROVAL:

(Signature, date and phone number of person authorized to commit funds (or attach signed funding document)

14. ACCEPTANCE BY BOTH PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT (Signature, date and phone number of authorized officials)

14A. SIGNATURE OF SERVICING 

ORGANIZATION CONTRACTING 

OFFICER:

Kimberly A. Logue 

14B. SIGNATURE OF REQUESTING ORGANIZATION 

CONTRACTING OFFICER:

SEE ATTACHED

PHONE NUMBER:

+1 (301) 447-1266

DATE: PHONE NUMBER: DATE: 

Sample

Appendix B

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

INTER/INTRA-AGENCY AGREEMENT
DHS Form 710-1A (10/14) Page 2 of 2

Other Terms and Conditions: (Include the following as appropriate: description of supplies/services to include such items as quantity ordered, 

unit cost, delivery requirements or attach a statement of work or other description as appropriate; reporting requirements; Patents and technical data 

restrictions; Disputes resolution procedures; Organizational Conflict of Interest considerations/requirements; Payment terms; Any other terms and 

conditions.)

Sample
ACCS Code: 2018-FA-X162IA-U300-4100R Amount: $96,379.56

ACCS Code: Amount:

ACCS Code: Amount:

ACCS Code: Amount:

TOTAL: $ 96,379.56

Requesting Agency: DOT - FHA Agreement Number: DTFH6117X30047

Comments: FHA Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Training and Leadership Group Symposium at the

National Fire Academy (NFA) 

Short Summary of Purpose (i.e. New Program/Funding, Amendment, Close-Out & Return Residual Funds) 

Budget Action: Carry over Funding Appropriation Transfer

From: From: Fund ________ To: Fund _______

Requesting Agency Data Included in IAA? / Verify if YES Otherwise If NO , Please Provide Here:

Obligating Document #:

ALC: 69-05-0001 Requisition/PO #:

DUNS #: 928338219 FSN # (if DOD):

EIN/TIN: 22-3934584 IFMIS Vendor ID #

Accounting & Appropriation Data Provided:

Requesting Agency TAS: 69-X-8083

Type of Funding

Year If so, note Yr Range (i.e. 2011-2013)

Activity/Review/Approval:

OCFO/BPAD Preparer

Sent to Funds Control

Name: Angela Young Initials: AY 1/17/2018

Posted to IFMIS-Budget/

Sent to Accounting/FFC

Angela Young Initials: AY 1/17/2018

Review

Reimbursable Accountant

Kristi Hall Initials:

Signed by

Accounting Officer

Greg Teets Initials:

Current Funding Level $ - TOTAL PROGRAM: $ 96,379.56

(if Amendment / Carry-Over Adj.)

FEMA Incoming Reimbursable Interagency Agreement Transmittal Sheet

YES

YES

YES

YES YES

YES

YES YES

YES

YES NO

Sample ANNUAL MULTI-YEAR NO YEAR

Appendix C
Interagency/Intra-agency Agreement

Parties to the Agreement

BUYER SELLER

1A. Department 1B. Department

2A. Agency 2B. Agency

3A. Office 3B. Office

4A. OBLIGATION NUMBER 4B. AGREEMENT NUMBER

5A. Agency Location Code (ALC) 5B. Agency Location Code (ALC)

6A. Data Universal Numbering Sys. # (DUNS) 6B. Data Universal Numbering Sys. # (DUNS)

7A. Tax Identification # (TIN) 7B. Tax Identification # (TIN)

8A. Treasury Approp. Fund Symbol (TAFS) 8B. Treasury Approp. Fund Symbol (TAFS)

9A. Trading Partner Code 9B. Trading Partner Code

10A. Accounting Classification Code 10B. Accounting Classification Code

Points of Contact for the Agreement

BUYER SELLER

11A. Finance Point of Contact 11B. Finance Point of Contact

Name Name

Address Address

Phone Phone

E-mail E-mail

12A. Program Point of Contact 12B. Program Point of Contact

Name Name

Address Address

Phone Phone

E-mail E-mail

13. Period of Performance 14. Legal Authority

From (mm/dd/yy) To (mm/dd/yy)

15. Total Agreement Amount (estimate) 16. Payment Terms and Schedule

$

17. Description of the Supplies, Services and Deliverables Required.

Agreement Termination : Parties to the agreement shall provide 120 days notice for cancellation or termination of supplies, services, and/or 

deliverables described in this agreement.

Authorized Approvals

BUYER SELLER

18. Name and Title of Authorized Official 20. Name and Title of Authorized Official

Signature Date Signature Date

19. Name and Title of Fund Certification Officer

Signature Date

Form DOT F2300.1a (Rev. 10-2006)

SAMPLE

Appendix D
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

300.1 July 2021

National Fire Academy Curriculum Management Guide

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) establishes the NFA curriculum management process.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 300.1, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities:

A. This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

B. The authority of the Superintendent of the NFA to establish curriculum under 15 

USC 49 § 2206 shall not be abridged by anything in this SOP or attachments.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA to employ and maintain an up-to-date 

Curriculum Management Guide that establishes guidance for the selection, 

design, delivery and evaluation of all NFA curricula in accordance with the 

United States Fire Administration vision and mission

B. The Curriculum Management Guide shall be reviewed by the Curriculum 

Management Committee for editorial and content currency and accuracy at least 

annually.

1. Updated versions of the Curriculum Management Guide shall be provided 

not later than June 30 of each year.

2. The NFA Deputy Superintendent shall be responsible for the maintenance 

of the Curriculum Management Guide.

3. The Curriculum Management Guide is stored in the Enterprise Shared 

Workspace.
NFA-specific SOP 300.1 – National Fire Academy Curriculum Management Guide

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

C. Changes to the Curriculum Management Guide shall be documented and tracked 

within the text.

D. The Curriculum Management Guide shall be an attachment to this SOP and shall 

be subject to the full authority of this SOP.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - FY2018-2019 Curriculum Management Guide

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
National Fire Academy

FY 18-19 Curriculum Management Guide

U.S. Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

16825 S. Seton Avenue

Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727

www.usfa.dhs.gov

Nov. 1, 2017
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

Page 2 of 36

REVISION HISTORY

No. Revision Date

1. Added Question No. 6 to Course Development or Major Revision Proposal 

form. 6.22.2011

2. Added section chief: Education and training partnerships to Curriculum 

Management Committee. 8.17.2011

3. Corrected a typographical error on page 10 (“addresses”). 10.13.2011

4. Added “Recommended Revisions/Updates” line to Course Development or 

Major Revision Proposal form. 03.09.2012

5. Added revision scale, new title and numbering requirement to Course 

Development or Major Revision Proposal form.

04.19.2012

6. For major revisions, added new course name and numbering requirement 

to “Curriculum Revision Guidance” table. 04.19.2012

7. Added new Question No. 5 to Course Development or Major Revision 

Proposal form, and renumbered subsequent questions. 10.21.2013

8. Edited U.S. Fire Administration Mission Statement to align with agency 

statement. 10.21.2013

9. Changed name to “Approved” courses from “Endorsed” courses. 10.21.2013

10. Added final approval sign-off by Curriculum Management Committee on 

Curriculum Management Committee Approval Tracking sheet. 10.21.2013

11.

Miscellaneous editorial corrections: updated course delivery format 

terminology, clarified how/when Curriculum Management Committee 

meetings called; editorial changes to Course Development/Major Revision 

Proposal form.

04.12.2015

12. Deleted: Scheduling Commitment section; Curriculum Management 

Committee review of needs analysis results and plan of instruction. 04.12.2015

13.

Added Acknowledgment of staff role in Analysis portion of ADDIE 

model; references to American Council on Education, International 

Association of Continuing Education Training and Continuing Education 

Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) course 

credit; sample Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning Domains.

04.12.2015

14. Completely revised the entire document. 09.29.2016

15.

Added information and processes regarding the internal American Council 

on Education review, checklists, course call, and the Final Course 

Development — Revision Submittal to the Curriculum Management 

Committee Revised document.

06.27.2017
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

Page 3 of 36

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents............................................................................................................................ 3

Part 1: Overview ............................................................................................................................. 5

U.S. Fire Administration vision .................................................................................................. 5

U.S. Fire Administration mission................................................................................................ 5

National Fire Academy mission.................................................................................................. 5

Education and training mission................................................................................................... 5

Curriculum philosophy................................................................................................................ 6

Curriculum development guiding principles............................................................................... 6

Our relationships...................................................................................................................... 7

Our resources........................................................................................................................... 7

Non-negotiable curriculum and instructional elements .............................................................. 7

Prioritizing National Fire Academy curriculum development.................................................... 8

Prioritizing National Fire Academy curriculum revisions.......................................................... 8

National Fire Academy course delivery formats......................................................................... 9

Curriculum Management Committee........................................................................................ 10

Curriculum Management Committee role................................................................................. 11

Curriculum coordination and approval.................................................................................. 11

Resource commitment ........................................................................................................... 12

Emerging issues that cause reprioritization........................................................................... 12

Curriculum plans ................................................................................................................... 12

Part 2: Course development.......................................................................................................... 12

Part 3: Internal American Council on Education review.............................................................. 13
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

Page 4 of 36

Appendices.................................................................................................................................... 15

Course Development or Major Revision Proposal.................................................................... 15

Curriculum Management Committee approval tracking........................................................... 18

Final course development — Revision submittal to the Curriculum Management 

Committee............................................................................................................................... 19

Internal American Council on Education review checklist(s) .................................................. 20

Annual development planning calendars (three-year planning cycle)...................................... 25

Curriculum revision guidance ................................................................................................... 28

Contemporaneous maintenance............................................................................................. 28

Minor revision ....................................................................................................................... 29

Major revision........................................................................................................................ 30

Course development framework................................................................................................... 31

Glossary ........................................................................................................................................ 33

Acronyms...................................................................................................................................... 36
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

Page 5 of 36

PART 1: OVERVIEW

This Curriculum Management Guide is a framework that establishes guidance for the selection, 

design, delivery and evaluation of all National Fire Academy (NFA) curricula in accordance with 

the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) vision and mission. It is intended to be flexible and 

responsive to emerging issues and organizational changes.

U.S. Fire Administration vision

The USFA is America’s fire and emergency services leader.

U.S. Fire Administration mission

We provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for fire and emergency services 

stakeholders for prevention, preparedness and response.

National Fire Academy mission

The NFA:

• Promotes the professional development of the fire and the emergency response community 

and its allied professionals.

• Supports state, local, tribal and U.S. territorial training organizations to fulfill their 

obligation to the fire and emergency services.

• Develops, delivers and manages educational and training programs having a national focus 

which is outside the state, local, tribal and U.S. territorial training mission or exceeds state, 

local, tribal and U.S. territorial capabilities because of cost or audience.

Our efforts are designed to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and USFA goals to help federal, state, local, tribal and 

U.S. territorial first-responder agencies prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and be resilient

against local, regional and national emergencies.

Education and training mission

The NFA education and training mission areas:

• Senior officer programs where the level of audience exceeds that which is targeted by state, 

regional, tribal and U.S. territory programs.
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• Programs targeting new, emergent issues and sponsoring national changes that are not yet 

targeted by state, local, tribal and U.S. territory levels.

• Specialized technical and educational programs where the size of the audience or delivery 

costs associated with the course renders such training impractical at the state, local, tribal 

and U.S. territory levels.

Curriculum philosophy

Quality curricular control requires:

• A comprehensive needs assessment that is completed prior to submitting a development 

proposal. This assessment is the foundation for decisions.

• A comprehensive curriculum review process at the Curriculum Management Committee 

(CMC) board to discuss, identify and eliminate redundancies across curricula prior to 

development approval.

• Clearly identified infrastructure limitations to the design and delivery process.

• A well-constructed written curriculum, in clear and consistent format, for application by 

classroom instructors, or related instructional methods that use instructionally sound tasks, 

concepts and skills for adult learning.

• Curriculum that is assessed by Kirkpatrick’s levels of training evaluation (i.e., Levels 1, 2

and 3) and instructor observations conducted by the training specialists.

Curriculum development guiding principles

Our curriculum focus is defined by our national mission, and priorities are based on and supported 

by a comprehensive needs assessment.

• Strive to develop and deliver content that meets the training needs of state, local, tribal and 

U.S. territorial agencies.

• Have a flexible curriculum guide intended to project at least three years from today, and

that ensure the guide aligns with the DHS, FEMA and USFA vision, mission and strategic 

goals.

• Develop curriculum that is ongoing and cyclical, including analyzing, designing, 

developing, implementing, evaluating, managing, monitoring and revising as necessary.

• Make curriculum decisions based on documented needs assessments and achievable, 

measurable outcomes.

• Develop curriculum that encourages student-centric and critical thinking, as well as growth 

and opportunity for change, using the appropriate method of learning (e.g., Socratic).
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• Develop curriculum consistent with current instructional methods, and design curriculum 

to meet the needs of all stakeholders so that it is accessible to all stakeholders.

• Evaluate curriculum and delivery using Kirkpatrick’s levels of evaluation (i.e., Levels 1, 2

and 3) and instructor observations.

Our relationships

• Course curriculum is developed and delivered to support nationwide stakeholders, which 

include, but are not limited to, state, local, tribal, U.S. territories, metropolitan fire training 

organizations, professional and trade associations (e.g., Fire and Emergency Services 

Higher Education, Training Resources and Data Exchange, Prevention Advocacy 

Resources and Data Exchange, National Fire Protection Association, International 

Association of Arson Investigators, etc.), and DHS and federal agencies.

• Course curriculum is developed and delivered to our stakeholders by qualified contract 

instructors and state instructors.

Our resources

• Technology (e.g., mediated, self-study, Bring Your Own Device, simulations, etc.) does 

not substitute learning, but has great potential to improve how we operate. Learning media 

and environments suitable for improving performance outcomes should be considered for 

every development. This allows for a variety of methods to meet diversified student 

learning styles. Our technology should be reviewed every three years to ensure that it meets 

our mission and constituents’ needs.

• Meeting our mission requires responsible planning and stewardship of our funds (e.g., 

budget items like curriculum development, student stipends, instructor contracts, etc.) and 

the resources that we have available (e.g., staff; qualified instructors; contractors;

infrastructure to include classrooms, labs, Fire Science Training Complex; online 

platforms; etc.).

Non-negotiable curriculum and instructional elements

The following instructional elements are the minimum requirements for successful student 

performance improvement:

• Develop student-centric curriculum that encourages critical thinking, engagement, growth 

and opportunity for change using the appropriate method of learning (e.g., Socratic).

• Professional development and instruction, recognizing and accounting for differences in 

learning styles, student experiences, cultural differences, educational levels and social 

standards.
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• Research-based best practices and methods.

• Use of Bloom’s taxonomies to stimulate higher forms of thinking in education by 

increasing the levels of sophistication and rigor appropriate to the scope of the curriculum.

• Align learning objectives with evaluation tools to achieve measurable performance 

improvements.

• Evaluation and documentation of all students’ performance through assessments, role play, 

presentations, projects, labs, panel discussions, guided scenarios, or other suitable 

assessment instruments that are in line with terminal and enabling objectives.

Prioritizing National Fire Academy curriculum development

The USFA and NFA management are obligated to their staff to lead the curriculum development 

process by articulating organizational priorities; identifying national issues; achieving DHS, 

FEMA and USFA strategic priorities; and managing resources responsibly.

To that end, the CMC provides broad annual curriculum guidance and a framework to establish

course development priorities for the upcoming fiscal years.

The staff is encouraged to promote ideas and recommendations for solutions to gaps identified in 

a needs assessment, address national level needs (e.g., based on natural disasters or events) and 

political insight. All proposals will receive full consideration from the CMC.

Prioritizing National Fire Academy curriculum revisions

Curriculum will remain relevant and current — ensuring students have the latest information for 

their performance improvement. When a course is evaluated for major revision (i.e., either inhouse or by a contractor), the Leadership and Community Risk Reduction (LCRR) and Response 

branch chiefs, acting on behalf of the CMC, will consider the following for prioritizing the revision 

of content-specific curriculum:

• What are the results of the needs analysis? In lieu of a needs analysis, describe the research 

that was accomplished that supports this revision. Copies of the research will accompany 

the revision proposal. Although not required, a business case analysis should accompany 

the proposal.

• Submission of the current curriculum management plan is required to show the number of 

offerings and the number of students that have taken the course in the past three years.

• Should the course continue to be offered by the NFA, be sponsored by another 

organization, or be removed from the catalog? If continued, should the course be offered 

in the same delivery method?
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• Is comparable course content found in other courses offered by the NFA, Emergency 

Management Institute, etc.?

• Is there an equivalent course offered at another entity (e.g., college, state, professional 

organizations, etc.) to meet the needs of the target audience?

• What other factors are there for considering this course for a major revision?

National Fire Academy course delivery formats

NFA courses will be delivered in one or more of the following formats and will be described in 

these terms:

• Course length. Course length is determined by the amount and depth of the content to be 

covered. For standardization, cost management, and ease of administration, NFA 

classroom based courses are two, six or 10 days in length. Online courses (i.e., self-study 

and mediated) are measured in hours of instruction based on the amount of time it will take 

a median group of students to complete the course.

All courses are assessed for instructional contact hours to determine the appropriate 

American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendation, or the number of 

International Association of Continuing Education Training (IACET) or International 

Code Council (ICC) continuing education units that will be assigned.

• Course delivery descriptions. Courses are described in terms of length, sponsor and 

location (e.g., NFA sponsored, state sponsored, off campus, self-study or mediated 

learning). The terms direct delivery, regional delivery, enfranchised, resident and handoff 

are no longer used.

• NFA-sponsored courses. These are NFA courses that, by virtue of need, demand, 

emergent issues or other considerations, should be delivered using NFA-eligible 

instructors. The NFA absorbs the costs of student materials and instructor costs. When the 

course is delivered on campus, the NFA also provides dormitory space. When the course 

is delivered off campus, the host agency covers the costs of the classroom facility and any 

other support costs. Students who successfully complete NFA-sponsored classes are 

eligible for ACE credit, IACET and/or ICC continuing education units.

• State/local-partner sponsored courses. The NFA courses that, by virtue of need, demand, 

emergent issues or other considerations, should be delivered to as broad of an audience as 

possible and are given to the state fire training systems for off-campus delivery. Instructors, 

course materials and classroom facility/expenses are funded by the state fire training 

system or local host agency. Students who successfully complete state-sponsored classes 

are eligible for IACET and/or ICC continuing education units.
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• Approved courses. These courses are developed by one state fire training agency and are 

certified by the state for compliance with the approved standards, requirements and 

procedures. They are approved by the NFA, and a state-sponsored certificate is issued.

• NFA online self-study. These courses use the NFA’s learning management system for 

delivering self-paced web-based distance learning courses that include prerequisite 

training, as well as stand-alone courses.

• Blended course. Blended courses are classes where a portion (25 to 70 percent) of the 

traditional face-to-face instruction or activities are replaced or supplemented by web-based 

online learning (using both self-study and/or mediated instruction methods). Examples can 

include group blogs or individual discussion threads, viewing videos or pictures with 

assignments, completing individual activities, etc. Blended learning is not constituted by 

completing an online exam or using electronic Student Manuals (SMs).

• NFA online mediated instruction. These are online courses that are conducted by the 

NFA and are facilitated by an instructor using collaboration tools. These courses are coded 

with an M and are issued an NFA-sponsored certificate.

Curriculum Management Committee

A key component of the NFA Curriculum Management Guide is the existence of a standing CMC. 

This committee is the governing body that provides direction and sets policy on all NFA 

curriculum matters. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Establishes requirements and timelines for needs assessment.

• Approves course development and revision proposals.

• Prioritizes developments and revisions.

• Allocates necessary funds.

• Approves curriculum management plans.

• Approves deviations from style guide.

• Establishes requirements and timelines.

• Approves courses for ACE review.

• Approves courses for semester course calls.

• Ensures all courses are copyright compliant.

• Establishes version control for all course materials.

• Ensures assessment analysis (e.g., testing) is conducted and appropriate steps are taken to 

resolve issues.

• Ensures assessment procedures (e.g., testing) are standardized and implemented.

• Ensures student evaluations are reviewed and appropriate actions are taken to resolve 

issues.
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The members of the CMC include:

• Deputy Superintendent.

• Branch Chief: Response.

• Branch Chief: LCRR.

• Branch Chief: Education and Training Partnerships.

• Branch Chief: Training Administration, Planning and Analysis.

Committee meetings are scheduled on an ad hoc basis and may be requested by any USFA 

employee.

Curriculum Management Committee role

Curriculum coordination and approval

The CMC is responsible for the overall evaluation and approval of the proposed curriculum

through review of overarching curriculum goals and objectives, project proposals, on-going needs 

analysis/curriculum review reports, and discussions with course development teams. This is 

especially important if the parameters of the proposed course or courses differ as a result of course 

development team analysis from the original vision of the project. The CMC must approve such 

changes and will instruct the course development team concerning any modifications it wishes to 

make regarding outcome, development/delivery strategies, schedules, and personnel issues/

decisions. The CMC will ensure that each curriculum area is prepared with a three-year planning 

cycle.

The CMC must approve projects at the following decision points:

• Upon submittal of the “Course Development or Major Revision Proposal” for in-house or 

contract development/revision (see appendix).

• Course call determination (both residential and state fire training). The training specialist

submits courses that are available for upcoming course call. The CMC reviews and

approves all course call requests. However, courses that are under development will not be 

added to the course call until they have been finalized and approved by the CMC. This will 

occur after the CMC has approved the course. The training specialist will submit the “Final 

Course Development — Revision Submittal to the CMC” document, instructor criteria and 

a course management plan that identifies an adequate pool of eligible instructors, projected 

course offerings, student criteria, etc. to the CMC for review and approval.

• Any changes in testing methodology/technology/instructor role that impact ACE 

accreditation.

• Additional funding requirement for bids or contract modification (e.g., funding unfunded 

task items).
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• Reprioritizing development and/or revision projects that are pending awards.

In addition, representatives from the CMC are responsible for providing information to the NFA 

Board of Visitors and stakeholder groups. The CMC will also provide status reports on curriculum 

area needs assessments, current development projects, processes, funding, key findings, and trends 

identified by Kirkpatrick’s levels of training evaluation (i.e., Levels 1, 2 and 3); answer

congressional inquiries regarding the NFA’s course development processes and initiatives; oversee

projects that cut across multiple curricula; and represent curriculum development with USFA 

senior staff.

Resource commitment

An initial resource allocation budget is provided concurrently with design approval. The design 

process may identify changes in course parameters with resulting increased resource costs. Cost 

increases more than the Federal Acquisition Regulations’ micro purchase threshold will require 

fiscal review and approval from the CMC for course development to continue.

Emerging issues that cause reprioritization

It is the nature of the fire and emergency services that a singular catastrophic event or a series of 

smaller ones raises awareness and urgency at the national level. As a result, there are political, 

intergovernmental or varied demands for immediate response from the NFA. If a scheduled

activity requires delay or cessation, then the reprioritization will be determined as follows:

• Voluntary. Development committees will be asked if one (or more) would be willing to 

delay or abandon (based on a change to the original needs assessment) their current effort.

• Directed. If the voluntary process is not successful, or if the direction from supervisors or 

the congress is so urgent so as to preclude (by time or money) the process described above, 

the CMC will make a preliminary recommendation to reprioritize selected staff and 

financial resources that shall be subject to final approval by the NFA superintendent.

Curriculum plans

Curriculum management plans will be maintained for each course within a curriculum area. Plans 

will be updated and submitted for approval. They are submitted to the CMC in September every 

year.

PART 2: COURSE DEVELOPMENT

The ADDIE model will be used for all course revisions/developments. All courses will be 

developed using the current Bloom’s Taxonomy that is recommended by ACE. All courses will 

meet or exceed the standards contained within this document. All courses are subject to be 
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reviewed by a third party recognized entity for continuing education units (i.e., the IACET and

ICC) and recommended for higher educational credits (i.e., ACE). These guidelines can be located 

under the CMC folder on the Enterprise Shared Workspace (ESW).

PART 3: INTERNAL AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION REVIEW

On the first workday in October of each calendar year, the ACE program manager will forward a 

list of recommended courses to the CMC for approval. The CMC will forward the list to all training 

specialists. By the first workday in December, the training specialists will recommend courses to 

the CMC that should be reviewed by ACE. The CMC will approve and publish the list by the 

second Monday in December. Training specialists are required to make sure their courses are ready

for the internal review. The training specialist will review their courses before the first workday in 

February, and they will notify their branch chief the results of the review (i.e., ready for the internal 

review).

The ACE program manager will forward the Course Data Forms to the training specialists by the 

first workday in January. The training specialist will forward the completed Course Data Forms to 

the ACE program manager before the first workday in February.

The LCRR and response branch chiefs will work collectively to assign an instructional systems 

specialist to review each course. They will review the course to make sure it is educationally sound, 

content and activities are in line with the objectives, objectives are aligned with the course purpose, 

measureable rubrics are in place, there are at least three questions per objective so that a minimum 

of two exams can be created, questions are mapped back to the course materials, etc. These reviews 

will be conducted from February through April. The branch chiefs will assign the actual suspense 

dates. As a minimum, the instructional systems specialists will use the checklists located in the 

appendix. 

Training specialists are encouraged to review courses outside of their curriculum areas. For 

training specialists that are interested in assisting the review process, the branch chiefs will assign 

the specialists up to three courses to review and a suspense date for the review. The reviews will 

be conducted from February through April. These reviews will consist of teachability,

functionality, delivery recommendations, activities meeting the objectives, the accuracy of 

directions, etc. 

The training specialist that is responsible for the course will review all the recommendations and 

provide comments to their branch chief by the first workday in June. If appropriate, the training 

specialist will submit a task request by the first workday in June to update the course based on the 

feedback that was provided to them. All courses will be updated and ready for print no later than 

the first workday in August.
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Internal American Council on Education review process chart

Date Staff responsibility Task

October (first 

workday)

ACE program manager Forward list of courses to CMC for 

approval.

October CMC Forward list to training specialists.

December (first 

workday)

Training specialists Recommend courses to CMC that should be 

reviewed by ACE.

Second Monday in 

December

CMC CMC approves and publishes the list of 

courses to be reviewed.

January (first 

workday)

ACE program manager Forward Course Data Forms to training 

specialists.

December/January Training specialists Review courses in curriculum area.

February (first 

workday)

Training specialists Notify their branch chief of the results from 

their review (i.e., ready for internal review).

February (first 

workday)

Training specialists Submit completed Course Data Forms to 

ACE program manager.

February Branch chiefs Assign an instructional systems specialist to 

review each course.

February/March/April Instructional systems 

specialists

Review assigned courses and send 

recommendations to the branch chief and 

training specialist.

February/March/April Training specialists (if 

applicable)

Review assigned courses and send 

recommendations to the branch chief and 

training specialist.

June (first workday) Training specialists Review recommendations made by 

instructional systems specialist and training 

specialist (if applicable), and provide 

comments to their branch chief.

June (first workday) Training specialists Submit a task request to update course 

based on feedback provided.

August (first workday) Training specialists All courses are updated and ready for print.
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APPENDICES

COURSE DEVELOPMENT OR MAJOR REVISION PROPOSAL

Working title:

Curriculum area:

Brief description:

Recommended revisions/updates:

1. What is the audience and performance problem that this proposal will address? (“Who” 

can’t do “what”?)

2. Why is this problem important to the USFA/FEMA/DHS, and how does this proposal align 

with our strategic plans?

3. What analysis was conducted to determine this requirement?
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4. Can this problem be addressed by training, and why do you think so? What other options 

exist (job aid, book, webinar, seminar, etc.)?

5. If you had training that addresses the problem, what format and delivery system would be 

necessary to reach the audience and why?

6. Do you expect to incorporate any distance learning component (e.g., self-study, mediated, 

webinar, podcast, etc.) in this development?

7. Attach your Independent Government Estimate for the proposed development. What are 

your optional work and funding levels?

8. Have you identified subject matter expert criteria?
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9. For revision projects to more than 35 percent of the course content, including learning 

objectives and examinations, a new course title and course number are required. What is 

your proposed course title?
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CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE APPROVAL TRACKING

Course development or major revision working title: 

Course approvals

1. Upon submittal of “Course Development or Major Revision Proposal”

Submitted by: Date:

Approved by:

CMC Chairman

Date:

Rejected by:

CMC Chairman

Date:

Reason for rejection:

2. Upon completion of development and prior to final release.

Submitted by: Date:

Approved by:

CMC Chairman

Date:

Rejected by: 

CMC Chairman

Date:

Reason for rejection:
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FINAL COURSE DEVELOPMENT — REVISION SUBMITTAL TO THE CURRICULUM 

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Course code/title:

CMC submittal(s):

• Submit a new Course Management Plan (use the current version on the ESW).

• Submit a copy of the current.

Instructor criteria certification of completion:

Copyright permissions on file (e.g., photos, articles, videos, etc.).

Appropriate level of Bloom’s was used.

The appropriate evaluation method was used to evaluate the objectives (e.g., sufficient

number of questions on an exam to evaluate the objectives, rubrics designed to evaluate

objectives, etc.).

Course call information.

Support materials on hand (e.g., videos, diagrams, etc.).

NFA website updated or web content submission form completed (e.g., remove

pilot information, etc.).

Field delivery kits (list) created/revised.

List of logistical and material needs that are not included in the kit were sent to Lori.

Instructor criteria finalized and ready for publishing.

Have sufficient number of instructors to teach on- and off-campus deliveries.

Dextera task request submitted to have final materials sent to Stacey for an IACET review.

Course data provided to the program support specialist so they can update the ESW.

Training Specialist’s Signature/Date Instructional Systems Specialist’s Signature/Date
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INTERNAL AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION REVIEW CHECKLIST(S)

Instructional Systems Specialist Quality Assessment Review Checklist

Course number/title: 

Units: 

Reviewer (ISS): 

Course owner (TS): 

Date: 

Terminal objectives

Yes No Comment

1. Did you look at the previous 

ACE review notes? Were there 

any suggestions? 

 

2. Can DEXTERA provide list of 

revisions since the last ACE 

review? How many were 

there? How extensive were 

they?

3. Does each unit have no more 

than one terminal objective? 

 

4. Is the terminal objective 

written using correct verbiage 

(Bloom’s Taxonomy)? 

5. Are the terminal objectives 

written using behavior, 

condition and standard? 

 

6. Are the terminal objectives 

written at an appropriate level 

of performance (Bloom’s 

Taxonomy)? 

Additional comments:

Enabling objectives

Yes No Comment

1. Do the enabling objectives 

support the corresponding 

terminal objective?

 
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2. Are the enabling objectives 

written using correct verbiage 

(Bloom’s Taxonomy)? 

3. Are the enabling objectives 

written at an appropriate level 

of performance (Bloom’s 

Taxonomy)? 

 

Additional comments:

Content

Yes No Comment

1. Does the content support the 

objectives?

 

2. Is the content presented in the 

same order as the objectives?

3. Is there a clear and logical 

flow to the content of the 

course?

 

4. Is there adequate explanation/ 

information presented so that 

no matter who instructs the 

course, the content will be 

consistent? 

Additional comments: 

Formative evaluation

Yes No Comment

1. Are there activities, Q&As, 

etc., to provide adequate 

evaluation of whether 

participants are learning the 

content and staying adequately 

engaged? 

 

2. Are the formative evaluations 

aligned with the objectives?
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3. Are the formative evaluations 

designed to mimic (as nearly 

as possible) on-the-job 

conditions? 

 

4. Is there adequate time for 

debriefing after activities?

5. Is there adequate explanation/ 

information presented so that 

no matter who instructs the 

course, the debriefings will be 

consistent? 

 

6. Are there sufficiently detailed 

rubrics provided for any 

graded activities?

Additional comments: 

Summative evaluation

Yes No Comment

1. Is there an end of course 

evaluation (test, paper or 

other)?

 

2. If there is an end of course 

evaluation, are there two 

versions? 

3. Is the summative evaluation 

requirement at an appropriate 

level for the goal and 

objectives of the course?

 

4. If the summative evaluation is 

a multiple choice test, is there 

an accurate answer key to 

ensure consistent grading of 

the test?
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5. If the summative evaluation is 

a paper or other project, is 

there a sufficiently detailed 

rubric to ensure consistent 

grading of the summative 

evaluation? 

 

6. Does the summative 

evaluation align with the 

objectives?

7. Are all objectives assessed 

explicitly or implicitly within 

the summative evaluation?

 

8. Is there a mechanism for 

providing feedback to the 

participants on summative 

evaluation results if grading is 

done after the class has 

concluded? 

Additional comments:

Timing

Yes No Comment

1. Do the allotted times match/ 

add up throughout the 

materials?

 

2. Is adequate time allotted for all 

activities, lectures and exams?

3. How much time is estimated 

that the student work on 

assignments outside of class? 

 

Additional comments:
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Recommendations

Yes No Comment

1. Is the reviewed material ready 

for ACE review?

 

2. Is Rigor appropriate? 

Additional comments:
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ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING CALENDARS (THREE-YEAR PLANNING CYCLE)

This calendar represents the three-year planning and spending cycle for the federal budget, overlaid with the annual USFA spending, curriculum planning and delivery schedule. The dates in the grayed “Federal Budget” cells describe the overall timeline associated with developing the out-year budgets and spend plan. Unless otherwise noted, the “due date” is the last business day of the month. 

Current 

budget 

year: 

Executing/Spending fiscal 

year 

appropriation

Sept.

Spend plan 

submitted for 

next FY

Submit course 

management 

plans to the 

CMC

Aug.

FEMA budget 

requests to DHS 

for two years 

out 

Course 

development 

spend plan due 

to program 

specialist

Course 

development 

packages for 

assessed 

curriculum 

areas are due for 

next FY

July

Budget request 

to 

FEMA

June

Budget 

submission to 

FEMA for two 

years out

Senior 

management 

provides 

curriculum framework 

guidance for 

next FY

May April

Over-budget 

requests due to 

FEMA for two 

years out

March

Budget guidance 

from FEMA for 

two years out

Last call for 

course 

development 

packages for the 

current FY

CMC

meets

Course criteria 

sheets due for 

next FY

Feb. Jan.

CMC

meets

Dec.

CMC

meets

Offcampus 

course call 

due for 

next FY

Student 

acceptance 

criteria due 

for next FY

Course 

catalog 

updates 

due for 

next FY

Nov.

Course 

development or 

revision plans 

due for the 

current FY

On-campus 

course calendar 

due for next FY

Oct.

Begin current 

FY activities 

spending 

Contract needs 

assessment 

package is due 

by Oct. 1

CMC

meets

Federal 

budget

USFA 

spending

Curriculum 

planning

Course 

delivery
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Subsequent 

year: Appropriation 

process

Sept.

DHS request 

to OMB for 

two years out

Spend plan 

submitted for 

next FY

Submit course 

management 

plans to the 

CMC

Aug.

Course 

development 

spend plan due 

to program 

specialist

Course 

development 

packages for 

assessed 

curriculum 

areas are due for 

next FY

July

USFA 

works 

with CFO 

to finalize

spending 

plan for 

one year 

out 

June

FEMA 

provides 

spending plan 

guidance for 

one year out

Senior 

management 

provides 

curriculum framework 

guidance for 

next FY

May April March

Appropriation 

hearings for two 

years out

Last call for 

course 

development 

packages for the 

current FY

CMC

meets

Course criteria 

sheets due for 

next FY

Feb.

DHS 

submits 

draft 

budget to 

Congress 

for two 

years out

USFA 

spending 

plan 

prepared 

for one 

year out

Jan.

Submit revised 

budget to 

DHS for

two years 

out 

CMC

meets

Dec.

Prepare 

Congressional 

submittal for 

two years out

CMC

meets

Course call 

due for next 

FY

Student 

acceptance 

criteria due for 

next FY

Course catalog 

updates due 

for next FY

Nov.

OMB provides 

changes and 

appeal period

Course 

development 

or revision 

plans due for 

the current FY

On-campus 

course 

calendar due 

for next FY

Oct.

Begin 

current FY 

activities 

spending 

Contract 

needs 

assessment 

package is 

due by 

Oct. 1

CMC

meets

Federal 

budget

USFA 

spending

Curriculum 

planning

Course 

delivery
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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Second out-year: Formulation process

Sept.

Congressional 

approval for 

two years out

Spend plan 

submitted for 

next FY

Submit course 

management 

plans to the 

CMC

Aug.

Course 

development 

spend plan due 

to program 

specialist

Course 

development 

packages for 

assessed 

curriculum 

areas are due for 

next FY

July June

Senior 

management 

provides 

curriculum framework 

guidance for 

next FY

May April March

Last call for 

course 

development 

packages for the 

current FY

CMC

meets

Course criteria 

sheets due for 

next FY

Feb. Jan.

CMC

meets

Dec.

CMC

meets

Course call 

due for next 

FY

Student 

acceptance 

criteria due for 

next FY

Course catalog 

updates due 

for next FY

Nov.

Course 

development or 

revision plans 

due for the 

current FY

On-campus 

course calendar 

due for next FY

Oct.

Begin 

current FY 

activities spending 

Contract 

needs 

assessment 

package is 

due by 

Oct. 1

CMC 

meets

Federal 

budget

USFA 

spending

Curriculum

planning

Course 

delivery
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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CURRICULUM REVISION GUIDANCE

Category Percent 

change Frequency Description

Contemporaneous 

maintenance

Less than 10%

of the course 

content with no 

revisions to 

learning 

objectives or 

examinations 

other than to 

keep them up-todate.

It is expected 

that course 

content will 

reflect current 

industry 

standards and 

practice.

Contemporaneous maintenance 

may be done to each course

delivery by existing contract 

instructors (or the training 

specialist) under the direction 

and concurrence of the 

instructional systems specialist 

and training specialist for no 

additional charge.

As part of the Statement of 

Work, subject matter experts 

or contract instructors may 

arrive one to two days prior to 

the class to make the changes 

at no additional charge to the 

delivery. Room and meeting 

space will be provided. All 

changes must be documented, 

approved by the instructional 

systems specialist for 

educational suitability, training 

specialist for content, and

branch chief.

Updates will be submitted to 

editorial support and posted on 

the instructor access website 

for the next delivery of the 

course.
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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Category Percent change Frequency Description

Minor 

revision

Revision to less 

than 15 to 35%

of the course 

content, with few 

revisions to 

learning objectives 

or examinations 

other than to make 

them 

contemporaneous.

Not to exceed 

three years 

from a major 

revision or new 

course launch.

This would be a small revision to the 

class.

The typical format would be to bring 

in a subject matter expert to sit in on 

a class delivery and make 

adjustments to the content and 

delivery to update the current course.

A Statement of Work and contract 

would be issued to an experienced 

subject matter expert or contract 

instructor to complete this work in a 

timely manner under the direction of 

the instructional systems specialist 

and training specialist.

All changes must be documented, 

approved by the instructional systems 

specialist for educational suitability, 

training specialist for content, and 

branch chief.

Updates will be submitted to editorial 

support and posted on the instructor 

access website for next full semester 

course delivery.
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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Category Percent 

change Frequency Description

Major 

revision

Revision to 

more than 35%

of the course 

content,

including 

learning 

objectives and 

examinations.

Not to exceed 

five years after 

the previous 

major revision 

or launch.

This revision would involve a total 

rewrite and redirection of the course to 

reflect more current needs of the course 

or a changing audience. This would 

include content, format, delivery mode, 

learning objectives, examinations, 

activities and directions.

A contract may be issued to an outside 

contractor to oversee the development 

of the new materials based upon a

Statement of Work that specifies the 

changes needed.

All changes must be documented, 

approved by the CMC and submitted to 

editorial support for inclusion in the 

next fiscal year.

New course title and course number 

required. Otherwise, major revisions

must include a justification for 

keeping course in the catalog and/or 

as an on- or off-campus delivery. 

This justification will be reviewed 

and approved by the CMC.
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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COURSE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

The Course Development Team uses the following questions to organize a proposal package.

1. How will this material “enhance the professionalism of America’s fire and emergency 

services and allied professionals?”

a. What research was performed to confirm this?

b. What information does the needs assessment reveal?

2. How will this material “supplement and support other training organizations”?

- What research was performed to confirm this?

3. How will this material reduce injuries, lives lost or property damage?

- How will they be measured?

4. What are the expected outcomes of this material?

- How will they be measured?

5. What is unique about this material?

a. What research was performed to confirm this?

b. Is it offered anywhere else?

c. If so, by whom and in what format (classroom, online, other)?

6. What are the prerequisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this course?

- What NFA or other-source course(s) must be taken as a prerequisite?

7. Is this material available in any federal, state, local or tribal system, or is there anything 

else like it that can be adapted?

- What research was performed to confirm this?

8. How does this material address emerging trends and/or how is it “future-oriented”?

- What research was performed to confirm this?

9. How has the need for this material been determined?

- What research was performed to confirm this?

10. Has it been discussed with the instructional systems specialist(s) to evaluate and establish 

the most suitable delivery mode?

- What was the result?

11. Who are likely representatives to aid in development and delivery?

a. Have they been contacted?

b. Are they committed to cooperative efforts?

c. What do they contribute to the effort?
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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12. What is the most suitable delivery mode?

a. Resident 10- or six-day (blended?).

b. Off-campus.

i. Two-day on or off campus.

ii. 10- or six-day off campus.

iii. Hybrid (online and classroom).

iv. Online (D2L or NFA Online solely).

c. Other.

i. Book/Report.

ii. CD.

iii. Job aid.

iv. Podcast.

v. Webinar.

13. Who is the target audience?

a. How large is the target audience?

b. What are they expected to do with this material?

c. How will they evaluate whether it is effective?

14. What about this material will enhance the stature, relevance and visibility of the 

FEMA/USFA?

- How will this material be marketed?

15. What is the life expectancy of this material?

- How frequently should it be revised or reevaluated for effectiveness and value?
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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GLOSSARY

ADDIE Model The ADDIE model is a systematic instructional design model 

that consists of five phases: (1) Analysis, (2) Design, (3) 

Development, (4) Implementation, and (5) Evaluation.

American Council on 

Education

American Council on Education (ACE) is an organization that 

provides an independent review of higher education courses to 

determine the level of credit that could be awarded by an 

accredited institution recognized by the Department of 

Education.

Andragogy The methods or techniques used to teach adults.

Course Development Team The designated training specialist, instructional systems 

specialist, NFA Online representative, staff support and 

contractors assigned to develop and/or revise curricula.

Course goal A general statement about the desired outcome of an 

instructional program. Unlike an objective, a goal cannot be 

measured.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Classification of the different objectives that define six levels of 

cognitive mastery. From “The Taxonomy of Educational 

Objectives, The Classification of Educational Goals, Handbook 

I: Cognitive Domain,” by Benjamin Bloom, 1956.

Curriculum, taught The delivery of the written curriculum by instructors or 

facilitators.

Curriculum, written The standards, goals and objectives learners are to achieve and 

instructors are to teach using Instructor Guides (IGs), SMs and 

audiovisual aids development by the NFA.

Curriculum, assessed The portion of the written or taught curriculum that is assessed, 

both formally and informally, to evaluate learner progress 

toward performance improvement.

Enabling Objectives The sub-objectives (skill objectives) that lead to the 

accomplishment of a terminal objective (course or unit 

objective). Enabling objectives are sometimes referred to as 

Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs).
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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Instructor Guide (IG) A document that includes the information and guidance to 

enable a course manager and qualified instructor(s) to present a 

FEMA course in the manner described in the Plan of Instruction

(POI).

IACET International Association for Continuing Education and 

Training (IACET) is an international organization that provides 

continual education/training units through an accreditation 

process.

Kirkpatrick’s “Evaluating 

Training Programs: The 

Four Levels”

A four-level model to evaluate the value of training. The four

levels are:

1. Reaction — How did the participant feel about the training

and its relevancy to their job?

2. Learning — What did the participants learn (e.g., 

knowledge, skills and attitude)?

3. Behavior — Did the participants change their behavior when 

they returned to their jobs based on the training they 

received?

4. Result — Did the change in the participant’s behavior have 

a positive effect on the organization?

Needs analysis Technique for determining the steps to be taken in moving from 

a current state to a desired future-state. It begins with (1) listing

of characteristic factors (such as attributes, competencies, 

performance levels) of the present situation (“what is”), (2) 

cross-lists factors required to achieve the future objectives

(“what should be”), and then (3) highlights the “gaps” that exist 

and need to be “filled.” Also called need-gap analysis, needs 

analysis, and needs assessment.

Out-year Future fiscal years beyond the current fiscal year.

Performance improvement The process of identifying and analyzing important 

organizational and individual performance gaps, planning for 

future performance improvement, designing and developing 

cost-effective and ethically justifiable interventions to close 

performance gaps, implementing the interventions, and 

evaluating the financial and non-financial results.
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Plan of Instruction (POI) A document that describes elements essential to designing 

training. The course elements of the POI include course goal, 

course objectives, rationale, student and instructor 

qualifications, table of contents, etc. Unit elements include unit 

objectives, scope, methodology and reference, etc.

Rigor Teaching and learning that expects students to apply critical 

thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills; to analyze, 

evaluate, critique, synthesize, communicate and create new 

knowledge; to manage and direct their own learning.

Rubric A scoring tool for subjective assessments. It is a set of criteria 

and standards linked to learning objectives used to assess a 

student’s performance on papers, projects, essays and other 

assignments. Rubrics for all standardized evaluations according 

to specified criteria, making grading simpler and more 

transparent.

Student Manual (SM) A document or tool used by course participants as a reference or

as a workbook to support course activities described in the IG.

The SM may be paper or electronic.

Terminal Objective Specific descriptions of the desired end result of training in 

terms of student performance. Course and unit objectives are 

examples of terminal objectives. Terminal objectives are 

sometimes referred to as Terminal Learning Objectives (TLOs).
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT GUIDE

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ACRONYMS

CECBEMS Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical 

Services

CMC Curriculum Management Committee

DHS Department of Homeland Security

ESW Enterprise Shared Workspace

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

ICC International Code Council

LCRR Leadership and Community Risk Reduction

NFA National Fire Academy

USFA U.S. Fire Administration
Federal Emergency Management Agency 

United States Fire Administration 

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.1 July 2021

National Fire Academy Course Delivery Formats

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) describes the NFA course delivery formats.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.1, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures: It shall be the policy of the NFA that its courses will 

be delivered in prescribed formats that are denoted by sponsorship, format/venue and 

course length. Note: In all cases, class length is determined based on learning objectives, 

content and administrative requirements.

Prescribed Formats:

A. NFA-sponsored courses. These are NFA courses that by virtue of need, demand, 

emergent issues or other consideration should be delivered using NFA-eligible 

instructors and/or NFA distance education technologies. Instructors and course 

materials are funded by the NFA and courses receive ongoing evaluation. These 

courses are coded with a F, M, N, R, Q, S, or W, and an NFA-sponsored 

certificate* is issued.

1. Resident courses (R/W): These courses are conducted at the NFA and 

typically range from 2 to 10-days in length. Resident courses may utilize 

the online learning management system (LMS) for course assignments, content, 

and resources any time before, during, or after the course delivery. 

Additionally, some resident courses are preceded by coursework completed 

using the online LMS. This pre-course work is considered part of the residential 

delivery and may be evaluated as such within the scope of the course 

assessments. American Council on Education (ACE) credit 

recommendations and International Association for Continuing 

Education and Training (IACET) units apply.
NFA-specific SOP 400.1 – NFA Course Delivery Formats

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. Classroom courses (W/F/N): Through the annual course call process, 

states may select up to nine 2-day courses and three 6-day courses for 

delivery at their own locations or at the National Emergency Training 

Center through the State Weekend Program. ACE credit recommendations

and IACET units apply.

2. (a) Enfranchised courses (no separate code): These include select classroombased courses offered off- campus through an official Letter of 

Agreement. The requestor/State or local host must obtain delivery 

authorization and meet all course delivery criteria. ACE credit 

recommendations and IACET units apply.

3. Mediated courses (M): Online asynchronous courses that may have 

interactive, synchronous components. Students have remote access to 

content and NFA instructors. These courses typically mimic 

undergraduate or graduate online course delivery formats. Mediated 

courses may range from 2 – 8 weeks or more in length. ACE credit 

recommendations and IACET units apply.

4. Self-Study courses (Q): Completely asynchronous, self-directed, webbased courses using a learning management system. *Students can print 

their own NFAOnline certificate. IACET units apply.

5. Synchronous courses (S): Online courses held in real-time, with live 

streaming and interactive components. These courses may include the 

streaming of existing resident course held on campus or in the field or

may be designed solely as a virtual delivery mechanism. ACE credit 

recommendations and IACET units may apply. *Resident courses that 

are offered virtually must have comparable content and assessment 

methods.

B. State sponsored courses (O). NFA courses that by virtue of need, demand, 

emergent issues or other consideration should be delivered to as broad an 

audience as possible and are made available for downloading to the state fire 

training systems and state emergency medical service (EMS) directors for offcampus delivery. Instructors, course materials, and classroom facility/expenses 

are funded by the state fire training system or the state EMS agency. These 

courses are coded with an O, and a state-sponsored certificate is issued. State 

sponsored NFA courses typically range from 2-to 10-days in length.

C. Approved courses (Y). Courses developed and/or submitted by one state fire 

training agency and peer reviewed by several other state fire training agencies for 

compliance with the approved standards, requirements and procedures. These 

courses are approved by NFA (with a Y code), and a state-sponsored certificate is 

issued.
NFA-specific SOP 400.1 – NFA Course Delivery Formats

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083. 

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent 

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.2 July 2021

National Fire Academy Sponsored Courses

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the policies and procedures associated with NFA sponsored courses. NFA 

sponsored courses may be delivered on- or off-campus. Courses are delivered using NFA 

eligible instructors and NFA covers the cost of instructors and course materials.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.2, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA and 

specific state fire training systems and Training Resource and Data Exchange (TRADE) 

regions that wish to have NFA sponsored courses delivered at their location.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that NFA-sponsored courses are in accordance 

with this SOP. 

B. State fire training systems are eligible to select nine NFA sponsored 2-day courses 

each fiscal year. These courses may be delivered on- or off-campus. These 

courses are in addition to the annual state fire training grants provided by NFA.

C. State fire training systems may choose to have their nine courses delivered at the 

National Emergency Training Center (NETC) or within their own state.

D. TRADE regions are eligible to conduct three NFA sponsored courses (the courses 

are 6-days in length) within their Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) Region each fiscal year.

E. States and regions select their courses through the annual course call process:

1. Two-Day Off-Campus:

a) The NFA shall offer a course call (via the NFA Courses Course 

Call Dashboard) to the state fire training systems twice a year.
NFA-specific SOP 400.2 - NFA Sponsored Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

b) The state fire training system shall coordinate its request with the 

NFA Program Manager (Training Specialist, Education, Training 

and Partnerships Branch).

c) The state shall be responsible for acquiring classroom, facility, or 

laboratory access, as well as any special equipment requirements 

needed for the course delivery.

d) Students shall complete a FEMA Form 119-25-2, General 

Admissions Application Short Form, for enrollment in a 2-day offcampus course.

e) The state will advertise the course and recruit and accept students

based on the established student selection criteria.

f) NFA must receive a student roster with a minimum of 15 names at 

least 40 days prior to the start date of the course or it may be 

cancelled.

g) Prior to the course delivery, the state should contact the NFA 

Program Manager for final coordination.

h) The state/local host will mail a cover sheet, student application 

forms, student test answer sheets and the letter graded roster to the 

NFA in a pre-addressed envelope. Note: Course evaluation is now 

conducted online.

i) For the purpose of grade appeals, students may be provided with 

specific question(s)/answer(s) that have come into question.

j) The NFA sponsored certificates will be emailed to the students 

who have successfully completed the course by the NETC 

Admissions Office.

k) All tests will be destroyed (shredded) by the host agency.

(Protection of all test materials is paramount to preventing a test 

compromise.)

l) These courses are designated with an “F” code.

2. Two-Day On-Campus:

a) During the first open course call period, the state training system 

can choose to offer some of their nine deliveries (up to eight course 

deliveries) on the NETC Campus during a State Weekend Program

(SWP).
NFA-specific SOP 400.2 - NFA Sponsored Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

b) The NFA Program Manager (State Weekend Coordinator) shall be 

responsible for confirming the dates and discussing potential 

pairings of states to maximize the use of the NETC facility.

c) Once the SWP courses are approved and the schedule is published, 

the responsibility for the coordination and communication with the 

individual states is transferred to the NFA Program Manager/State 

Weekend Coordinator.

d) The state will advertise the course and recruit and select the 

students based on the established student selection criteria.

e) Students interested in attending a 2-day program on the NETC 

Campus should contact their state, who will have information on 

the courses scheduled for the weekend, transportation, registration 

requirements, and other logistical information.

f) The state fire training system shall collect all NFA student 

applications (FEMA Form 119-25-2) and submit them to the 

NETC Admissions Office as a package. The applications package 

must be received in the NETC Admissions Office 40 days prior to 

the scheduled weekend program.

g) The state fire training agency is responsible for notifying students 

of their acceptance/rejection into the 2-day on-campus program.

h) The NETC Admissions Office provides the student rosters to the 

NFA Program Manager.

i) Immediately prior to the scheduled weekend, the State Coordinator

should contact the NFA Program Manager for final coordination.

j) At the beginning of the course, the instructors will submit 

corrected rosters to the NFA Program Manager for forwarding to 

the NETC Admissions Office.

k) The NETC Admissions Office will email NFA-sponsored 

certificates to the students who have successfully completed the 

course.

l) These courses are designated with a “W” code.

3. Six-Day Off-Campus:

a) During the open course call period, the TRADE Regional points of 

contact (POC) shall select three NFA sponsored courses (via the 

Course Call Dashboard) to conduct within their FEMA region per 

fiscal year.
NFA-specific SOP 400.2 - NFA Sponsored Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

b) The TRADE POC will be responsible for acquiring a classroom, 

facility or laboratory access, as well as any special equipment 

requirements needed for course delivery.

c) The NFA will provide instructors and all course materials.

d) Students will be responsible for costs associated with individual 

travel, lodging and meals.

e) The training experience shall replicate the NFA on-campus 

experience as much as possible.

f) The course shall be delivered in the same timeframe as occurs on 

campus.

g) The TRADE POC will advertise the course and recruit and select 

the students based on the established student selection criteria.

h) Students will complete a FEMA Form 119-25-1 and submit it to 

the TRADE POC.

i) The TRADE POC will submit the approved student application 

forms to the NETC Admissions Office 40 days prior to the course 

start date. A minimum of 15 students is required to conduct a class, 

with on-going recruitment expected until the day of the delivery.

j) The NETC Admissions Office will notify the students of their 

acceptance into the course.

k) Prior to the course delivery, the TRADE POC should contact the 

NFA Program Manager for final coordination.

l) The TRADE POC will mail the cover sheet, class roster, student 

test answer sheets and the final grade sheet to the NFA in a preaddressed envelope. Note: Course evaluation is conducted online.

m) For the purpose of grade appeals, students may be provided with 

specific question(s)/answer(s) that have come into question.

n) The NFA sponsored certificates will be emailed to the students 

who have successfully completed the course by the NETC 

Admissions Office.

o) All tests will be destroyed (shredded) by the host agency.

(Protection of all test materials is paramount to preventing a test 

compromise.)

p) These courses are designated with an “N” code.
NFA-specific SOP 400.2 - NFA Sponsored Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.3 July 2021

State Sponsored National Fire Academy Courses

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP)

outlines the policies and procedures for state sponsored NFA courses.

B. The purpose of state sponsored courses is to provide the fire service and allied 

professionals the opportunity to attend NFA courses within their geographical 

region. The state is responsible for all costs associated with the course delivery.

These courses are not eligible for American Council on Education credit unless 

the state has its own designation.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.3, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that delivery of state sponsored 

courses shall be in accordance with this SOP.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. The NFA will provide the course materials (available for download from the web

in the State Dashboard) to each of the state fire training agencies. Note: In July

2018, access to the course materials was provided to State Emergency Medical 

Service Directors. They will work in collaboration with their individual state fire 

training agency to deliver these courses.

1. The NFA will support the maintenance/updating of course content as long 

as the course is being delivered/sponsored by the NFA.

2. When the NFA training specialist makes the decision to discontinue the 

delivery of a course (marking it “inactive”) individual states will still have 

the opportunity to continue delivering the course in the “state sponsored” 

mode and receive certificates as long as the course is available in the State 

Dashboard.
NFA-specific SOP 400.3 – State Sponsored NFA Courses

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

3. If the NFA training specialist makes the decision to “end-date” a course, 

all states will be notified that the course has been removed from the State 

Dashboard and certificates will no longer be issued. Note: States will be 

provided with a 60-day grace period after the notice is issued.

B. The state provides their own instructors with the qualifications needed to teach the 

NFA-developed courses. The individual course instructor criteria shall be 

provided to the state.

C. The training experience shall replicate the NFA experience as much as possible, 

which ensures that all course objectives are met and evaluated.

D. The state is responsible for acquiring a classroom, facility, and any special 

materials/ items needed for the course delivery. If the course has special 

requirements; i.e., burn scenes, computer workstations, projectors, radios, 

software, or other course specific items, the state may have the option of using a

portion of their grant funds to purchase these items to support the delivery.

E. The state is responsible for submitting the student applications (FEMA Form 

119-25-2) with a cover sheet to the National Emergency Training Center (NETC)

Admissions Office.

F. The NETC Admissions Office will email the state sponsored certificates to the 

students.

G. These courses are designated with an “O” code.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.4 July 2021

Distance Learning/National Fire Academy Online

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) 

outlines the policies and procedures associated with online distance learning.

B. The NFA faces a challenge of reaching the more than 1.2 million fire and 

emergency services personnel throughout the United States. Different delivery 

methods other than traditional instructor-led classroom training will help meet this 

need. Some of these include: blended-courses, online self-study courses, 

asynchronous on-line mediated courses, Coffee Break – subscription style 

training, collaboration using Adobe Connect or similar tools, Webinars and/or 

other web-based delivery methods.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.4, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that development and delivery of distance 

training and education courses/programs shall be in accordance with this SOP.

B. The items below apply to the development/revision of self- study/blended/

mediated courses:

1. Following Curriculum Management Committee (CMC) approval, the 

Instructional Systems Specialist (ISS)/Training Specialist (TS) will email 

the NFA Online (NFAO) program and technical leads with the preliminary 

course/proposal information.
NFA-specific SOP 400.4 – Distance Learning/NFA Online

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. The NFAO customer advocate will provide the ISS with the following, 

which can also be found in the Enterprise Shared Workspace, in the 

Online Course Development Resources Folder. 

(https://intranet.fema.net/org/usfa/collab/NFA/NCD/Online%20Course%2

0Development%20Resources/Forms/AllItems.aspx)

a. Guidelines for Publishing a Course to the Web:

1) Planning Your Successful Self-Study Course.

2) Planning Your Successful Blended/Mediated Course.

3) Course Knowledge Checks & Final Exam Guidelines.

4) Using NFAOnline’s Adobe Connect.

b. NFAO Technical Standards:

1) Images.

2) Video.

3) PDF/Word/PPT.

4) Resolution/Operating Systems/Web Browsers.

5) Section 508 Technical Requirements.

c. Templates:

1) Blended/Mediated Templates Job Aid (D2L).

2) E-learning Templates User Guide (Self-study).

3) NFAO Templates Job Aid (Self-study).

C. Self-Study Registration/Delivery:

1. Students must obtain a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 

Student Identification (SID) Number https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid

2. Students register in NFAO, obtain a User ID and password and enroll in 

courses listed in the NFAO catalog.

3. NFAO students must read and agree to the academic conduct notice prior 

to taking a course exam and will be limited to three attempts to pass the 

exam.

4. Students may request remediation any time during the course. If they 

request remediation, or have specific questions regarding course content, 

they will be referred to the TS responsible for the course.

5. Students will print their certificates electronically after they successfully 

complete the course.

6. Courses that are offered in this venue are designated with a “Q” or “U” 

course code.
NFA-specific SOP 400.4 – Distance Learning/NFA Online

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

D. Blended/Mediated Course Registration/Delivery:

1. Mediated courses will follow the same process as NFA resident course 

deliveries.

a. Course will be advertised on the NFA schedule.

b. Students will apply through the National Emergency Training 

Center (NETC) Admissions Office and Admissions staff will 

review the applications.

c. NFAO staff retrieves the roster from the NETC Admissions 

database and sets up student accounts; normally one week in 

advance of the delivery, unless directed otherwise by the TS.

d. A qualified instructor list must be established.

e. Instructors will be obtained through the same acquisition 

procedures as resident instructors.

f. Instructors will download the grades from the system, and provide 

to TS, who will forward to the NETC Admissions Office.

g. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be issued 

an NFA-sponsored course certificate directly from the NETC 

Admissions Office via email.

2. Courses that are offered in this venue are designated with an “M” course 

code or an “R” code if it is used in a resident delivery.

E. It is recognized that with advances in technology, there are many other alternative 

training venues (i.e., Adobe Connect, podcasts, webinars, mobile learning, etc.).

Use of any alternative delivery method must be approved by the CMC, and 

coordinated with the ISS, TS, and the NFAO team.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy
NFA-specific SOP 400.4 – Distance Learning/NFA Online

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.6 July 2021

Course Maintenance and Distribution

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the criteria for course maintenance and distribution.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.6, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that until such time as an NFA developed course 

(all formats) is removed from the NFA course catalog, the Training Specialist

(TS) shall retain responsibility for its currency and maintenance.

B. It shall be the TS responsibility to maintain the course to meet American Council 

on Education (ACE) credit recommendation and International Association of 

Continuing Education and Training (IACET) continuing education unit criteria. 

Any requirements, improvements or recommendations by either ACE or IACET 

are to be met within their timeframe.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures: It shall be the policy of the NFA that courses will be 

released for distribution and delivery in accordance with the following procedures:

A. Courses may be piloted on- or off-campus until such time as the TS and 

Instructional Systems Specialist (ISS) recommend to the Curriculum Management 

Committee (CMC) that it is ready to be released for delivery.

B. Courses may be advertised and placed on the semi-annual course call when there 

are an adequate number of eligible NFA instructors to enable competitive bidding. 

C. Courses may be released upon the recommendation of the TS and ISS; and when 

approved for release by the CMC.
NFA-specific SOP 400.6 – Course Maintenance and Distribution

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

D. In accordance with the Curriculum Management Guide, TS’s shall annually 

review their courses’ content to make interim/incremental changes or 

improvements based on research or activities that occur in their particular 

discipline (e.g. court decisions, lessons learned, emerging issues). TS’s are 

expected to review end of course student evaluations to identify potential areas for 

course improvement.

E. In accordance with the Curriculum Management Guide, all NFA courses shall be 

reviewed thoroughly every three years. The TS shall identify, in cooperation with 

the ISS, areas of potential improvement to maintain currency in both content and 

delivery method. 

F. If end-of-course or local host evaluations identify shortcomings or corrections, the 

course may be recalled from general circulation and revised upon 

recommendation of the CMC.

1. The office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent shall be responsible for 

notifying the state fire service training system(s) that a course has been 

suspended from advertising on the course call.

2. If the course is recalled, it will be suspended from advertising on the 

course call until approved/released by the CMC.

G. TS’s, in conjunction with ISS’s, shall respond to issues brought forth by 

instructors or students in their evaluations, class comments or Superintendent’s 

Lunch and make corrections as needed.

H. Once the course has been reviewed, revised and approved by the CMC, the course 

version shall be changed to the new date. Note: CMC approval is not required for 

incremental changes. When a new course is added to the course call list, it will 

also be added to the State Dashboards. This will allow the states to download all 

course materials, and conduct state sponsored deliveries using their own 

instructors.

Note: In July 2018, access to the course materials was provided to State 

Emergency Medical Service Directors. They will work in collaboration with their 

individual state fire training agency to deliver these courses.

Note: The process identified in F.1. and F.2. above apply here as well.

I. The NFA will support the maintenance/updating of course content as long as the 

course is being delivered/sponsored by the NFA; e.g. the NFA is paying for the 

instructor(s). When the NFA makes the decision to discontinue delivering the 

course, it will be marked “inactive.” However, individual states will still have the 

ability to continue delivering the course in the “state sponsored” mode and receive 

certificates as long as the course is available in the State Dashboard.
NFA-specific SOP 400.6 – Course Maintenance and Distribution

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

J. The TS has the authority to “end-date” a course annually in March. An 

announcement will be sent to the States notifying them that the course has been 

end dated, and that it will remain in the State Dashboard until September 30 of 

that year. The course(s) will be removed from the State Dashboard on September 

30. 

K. States will have 60 days (until November 30) to submit applications and receive 

NFA certificates for the end dated course(s). After November 30, no NFA 

certificates will be issued.

L. TAPA Branch Staff will notify the NETC Admissions Office that the course has 

been end dated, and when to stop issuing NFA certificates. 

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.7 July 2021

National Fire Academy Pilot Course Delivery

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) outlines the procedures for scheduling and delivering pilot deliveries of NFA 

courses.

As stated in the NFA Curriculum Management Guide, “one or more pilot tests of the 

draft training materials, analysis of the pilot test results, and final revision of the materials 

based upon the results of that pilot testing is critical to the development phase.”

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.7, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that NFA courses shall be pilot tested 

in accordance with this SOP.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. As part of the course development/revision process, Training Specialists (TS)

and/or Instructional System Specialists (ISS) identify the need to conduct a pilot 

delivery of a course.

B. The TS/ISS obtain approval to conduct a pilot delivery from the Curriculum 

Management Committee (CMC).

C. The TS/ISS emails the Training, Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) 

Branch point of contact with the course title and proposed date.

D. The TAPA point-of-contact checks the housing/classroom schedule to identify 

available date(s) for the pilot; finalizes the date with the TS/ISS staff, and submits 

required paperwork to Admissions/Housing to finalize the reservation.

E. The TS/ISS emails TAPA staff responsible for instructor procurement with date 

of delivery and names of instructors as early as possible in the development 

process. The email must also include whether or not the instructor costs are being 

funded from the development contract and whether they are being sole sourced.
NFA-specific SOP 400.7 – NFA Pilot Course Delivery

____________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

F. If instructors are being sole sourced, the TS/ISS must complete the sole source 

justification document and submit it through their Branch Chief to the TAPA 

Branch (sample attached). The course offering will be removed from the 

competitive bidding process upon receipt of the sole source justification 

document.

G. If instructors are being contracted and funded from the course development 

contract, the same notification process applies as in paragraph E above so TAPA 

staff can verify the instructors have met all administrative requirements.

H. The TS/ISS will prepare a student recruitment notice (sample attached) for the 

pilot delivery and coordinate with the TAPA point of contact to have it distributed

using social media and posted on the website. The recruitment notice shall include 

course description, student selection criteria, application instructions and stipend 

information. Please Note: Not all pilot courses are eligible for the stipend 

reimbursement program, some pilots do not include the bus shuttle between the 

airport and campus, etc.

I. The TS/ISS will be responsible for ensuring that all instructional materials 

(Instructor Guide and Student Manual) are ready for the pilot delivery and will be 

responsible for providing materials to the instructor in advance.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachments (2)

1. Sample Sole Source Justification Document

2. Sample Student Recruitment Notice

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
NFA-specific SOP 400.7a – Sample Sole Source Justification

National Fire Academy Instructional Delivery Service Requirements

Micropurchase Threshold ($10,000 and below)

Identification of Sole Source Vendor: Name/Contact Information 

Statement of Availability: Include period of performance /dates and verification that 

the sole source vendor is available during this timeframe.

Description of Service Requirement: Please indicate if the standard contract 

instructor statement of work can be used to describe this requirement. If NOT, the 

requestor must provide a specific description of services sought

Rationale for Sole Source Selection: Why is this vendor being singled out for a 

specific contract award? What uniquely qualifies them for this award?

Name of Requestor: Name of Training Specialist/Instructional Systems 

Specialist 

Supervisory Concurrence: Branch/Deputy Chief must approve all sole source 

requests.
FEMA Sole Source Justification

For Actions: OVER the Micropurchase Threshold ($10,000)

Date: ________________________

Justification for 

Other Than Full and Open Competition

Part I

1. Agency. (Identification of Requiring Office, COTR, Address, Agency, Telephone 

Number, Facsimile Number, Email Address.)

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved. (List the name and address 

of the proposed contractor(s).)

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s need. (Provide a 

detailed description of requirement.)

4. Estimated value of the acquisition. (Insert the total estimated value and relevant details 

of the IGCE.

5. Authority for acquiring the supplies or services on other than a full and open 

competitive basis. (Check applicable exception and provide a justification to include a 

demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the 

acquisition requires use of the authority cited below the selection.)

[ ] Authority is FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or 

services will satisfy agency requirements.

[ ] Authority is FAR 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency.

[ ] Authority is FAR 6.302-5, authorized or required by statute. (Check one.)

□ Qualified Nonprofit Agencies for the Blind or other Severely Disabled— 41 USC 

46-48c. 

□ Government Printing and Binding—44 USC 501.

□ Sole source award under the 8(a) Program—15 USC 637. 

□ Sole source award under the HUBZone Act of 1997—15 USC 657a

□ Sole source award under the Veterans Benefit Act of 2003—15 USC 657f

[ ] Authority is FAR 8.4, brand name specifications or less than three sources are being 

considered under Federal Supply Schedule.

Justification:
6. Additional supporting facts for the acquisition:

a. If only one source is the basis for the J&A, explain why technical data packages, 

statements of work or purchase descriptions suitable to maximize competition to 

the maximum extent practicable have not been developed or are not available.

b. If the proposed acquisition is a follow on acquisition, an estimate of the cost to the 

government that would be duplicated by awarding to a different contractor and 

how that estimate was derived. 

c. If the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule 

order was the original order placed in accordance with the applicable Federal 

Supply Schedule ordering procedures? (Note: The original order must not have 

been previously issued under sole source or limited source procedures.)

d. If the basis of a sole source is unusual and compelling urgency, furnish data, 

estimated cost or other rationale as to the extent of harm to the government if 

competition were obtained. 

7. Actions taken to removal of barriers to competition. (Provide a statement of the 

actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition 

before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.)

I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, 

which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

_____________________________________ ________________

Technical Representative Date

PART II

1. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential 

sources as is practicable and listing of the sources, if any that expressed, in writing, 

an interest in the acquisition. (Insert details here including whether a notice was or will 

be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.)

2. Market Research. □ Additional or □ no additional market research was conducted to 

determine potential sources because/or the results were: (provide a description of the 

market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research 

was not conducted) 

3. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the 

Government will be fair and reasonable. I have determined that the anticipated 

price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on the following: (Insert details here).
Based on the estimated acquisition value identified above, I concur with and approve the above 

justification: 

_______________________________ ____________________

Contracting Officer’s Signature Date

(Greater than $100,000)

_______________________________ ___________________

Office of Chief Counsel Date

(Reviews Greater than $100,000

and provide Legal Advice, as applicable)

_______________________________ ___________________

Competition Advocate’s Signature Date

(Greater than $550,000)

______________________________ __________________

Head of the Contracting Activity’s Date

Signature

(Greater than $11,500,000)

______________________________ __________________

Chief of the Procurement Office, DHS Date

Signature

(Greater than $57,000,000)
NFA-specific SOP 400.7b - SAMPLE RECRUITMENT NOTICE

The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy is seeking students to help pilot test the 

two new 6-day courses in the Fire Inspection Principles series. Fire Inspection Principles I will 

be held January 24 – 29, 2019 and Fire Inspection Principles II will be held the following week, 

January 31 – February 5, 2019. Please note that you are required to attend BOTH weeks of 

training.

Fire Inspection Principles I (P0390): This 6-day course introduces the student to the 

fundamental methodology for application of fire and life safety codes and standards. 

Fire Inspection Principles II (P0391): This 6- day course introduces the student to the 

fundamental methodology for application of the requirements for fire protection systems, 

including detection, notification, fire control and extinguishment, and mitigation of fire-related 

hazards, with special emphasis on fire alarm and fire suppression systems. 

Although these courses contain many of the basic principles of code enforcement, more 

experienced code inspectors and officials may find it useful as a review of essential 

methodologies and as a useful update to current code enforcement applications. It is not the 

intent of this course to present specific code requirements, however the focus is more on the 

methodology of the use of these requirements. 

Fire Inspection Principles I (P0390) Course Dates: January 24 – 29, 2019

Fire Inspection Principles II (P0391) Course Dates: January 31 – February 5, 2019

Student Selection Criteria:

• Individuals with at least one year’s experience whose primary duties are those of a fulltime code enforcement inspector/officer.

• Individuals who have the responsibility to train personnel involved in full-time code 

enforcement activities.

• Suppression COs responsible for in-service fire code enforcement activities.

NOTE: Special consideration will be given to individuals and departments starting new fire 

prevention bureaus or preparing an individual as an instructor for a code enforcement training 

program within their department.

Prerequisites: ICS-100-level and ICS-200-level training. Preferred courses are Q0462 and

Q0463, available through NFA Online at www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/courses/online.html. 

Chief’s signature attests that the applicant has completed this required training.

Here’s How to Apply:

Students interested in attending these two pilots must submit the FEMA Form 119-25-1, General 

Admissions Application available for downloading at: 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/admissions/apply.html
Because you are required to attend both of these pilot offerings, please submit TWO 

applications, one for each course.

Submit your completed applications to the NETC Admissions Office not later than December 1, 

2019 via mail, fax, or email:

NETC Admissions Office

16825 South Seton Avenue

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Fax: 301-447-1441

Email: netcadmissions@fema.dhs.gov 

Do not make plans to attend this course until you have received your acceptance notification 

from the NETC Admissions Office.

Stipend reimbursement is available for qualified students through the Student Stipend 

Reimbursement Program following successful completion of the courses.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.8 July 2021

American Council on Education Credit Recommendations

I. Purpose:

This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines 

the procedures involved with the review of NFA courses by the American Council on 

Education (ACE). Courses presented at NFA are equal in difficulty to those at the 

college/university level. Although the NFA itself is not an accredited institution, 

completed NFA courses may contribute credits towards a college degree program.

ACE reviews and issues credit recommendations for new NFA courses and requires that 

courses be reviewed three years to validate and maintain their previous credit 

recommendation. NFA courses, along with their credit recommendation are listed in the 

ACE National Online Guide on their website at: 

http://www2.acenet.edu/credit/?fuseaction=browse.getOrganizationDetail&FICE=300536

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to all NFA staff. It shall be the 

Training Specialist (TS) responsibility to maintain/update the courses in their respective 

curriculum areas to meet ACE credit recommendation criteria. Any requirements, 

improvements or recommendations by ACE are to be met within the established 

timeframe.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that all newly developed courses will be 

reviewed by ACE for credit recommendation. Courses that have been awarded an 

ACE credit recommendation, will be submitted every three years for a re-review 

to validate and maintain their previous credit recommendation.
NFA-specific SOP 400.8 – American Council on Education Credit Recommendations

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

B. The NFA Training, Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) Branch point 

of contact (POC) with ACE will prepare a list of courses (both new and rereview) that are due for review. The list will be forwarded to the Branch Chiefs

for review with their TS staff. Their recommendations, e.g., whether the course 

should/should not be added to the ACE review list, will be sent to the Curriculum 

Management Committee (CMC)/NFA Management Team.

C. After the CMC has approved the final list, it will be forwarded to ACE to make 

preparations for the annual review.

D. The TS in conjunction with the ISS staff shall review all course materials and 

make any necessary changes to their course(s) prior to the ACE review date.

E. The NFA/TAPA POC will forward the required ACE documents (ACE Course 

Data Form) to the TS for completion. Completed documents will be sent to the 

ACE Review Panel for preview prior to the review at the National Emergency 

Training Center.

F. The NFA/TAPA POC will prepare and submit all necessary documents for the 

review; e.g., 146 funding document, Statement of Work, Cost Estimate, Security 

Access Request, Classroom set-up Task Order, etc.

G. The NFA/TAPA POC will request all course materials for each course on the 

review list from the USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support Contractor.

H. A “quality check” will be performed by the TS/ISS staff to confirm all materials 

are ready prior to the review.

I. Requisite NFA staff will be available during the review dates to answer questions 

that may surface during the review.

J. Upon review completion, ACE will submit a final report containing their credit 

recommendations, which will be forwarded to all staff and will also be included in 

the NFA course descriptions and NFA catalog.

K. If NFA chooses to conduct a virtual review, all course materials must be uploaded 

in electronic format by the ISS/TS.

L. After approval by the ISS/TS, the TAPA POC will upload the materials to the 

ACE SharePoint Site. 
NFA-specific SOP 400.8 – American Council on Education Credit Recommendations

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.9 July 2021

Developing/Publishing Coffee Break Bulletins

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) describes the process for developing and publishing Coffee Break Bulletins 

(CBB), which is information that can be delivered in very short (5-10 minute) snippets 

that viewers, listeners or readers can absorb, digest, discuss and share. The information 

can be delivered live or downloaded through podcats, formatted using a template design 

with weekly/regular dissemination to subscribers through a ListServ, or some other 

means.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.9, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. The Training Specialists (TS) are responsible for developing CBB for their 

curriculum areas.

1. Learning objectives are not required.

2. There will be no bundling and testing/assessment.

3. Continuing Education Units will not be awarded.

4. Pictures and/or audio/video content must have release permissions on file 

and noted.

5. Copyright permissions (if applicable) must be secured and provided to the 

USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support Contractor for file 

retention.
NFA-specific SOP 400.9 – Developing/Publishing Coffee Break Bulletins

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

6. The edition must be annotated when referencing codes and/or standards 

(e.g., NFPA, ICC, etc.).

7. Contact information must be listed at the bottom of the CBB (e.g., For 

more information about ....)

B. The TS have the option of working with their contract instructors to provide 

support for CBB content development. This is part of the contract instructor’s non 

“on-the-platform” responsibilities which is delineated in their Statement of Work.

C. After drafting CBB content, the TS forwards it to their respective Branch Chief 

for review.

D. The respective Branch Chief sends the CBB draft material to the Branch Chief 

within the Education, Training, and Partnerships Branch. The Program Support 

Assistant will work with the Branch Chief to edit/format the content to ensure 

consistency and adherence to web standards. The CBB is then posted on the 

USFA website and/or disseminated through the CBB ListServ through 

GOVDelivery.

E. The individual CBB releases will be removed from the USFA website after a 

period of three years.

F. Other CBB audio/video files will be removed in accordance with policies/

directives from the USFA webmaster.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.10 July 2021

Issuing Continuing Education Units for National Fire Academy Courses

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific SOP outlines the policies and 

procedures for issuing Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as an Authorized Provider for 

the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.10, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/References:

A. 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

B. NFA Curriculum Management Guide.

C. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/IACET Standard 1-2013.

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that all individual courses will be 

reviewed, and if all IACET requirements are met, the course will be awarded the 

appropriate number of CEUs. The courses must be in compliance with the 

guidelines/principles set forth by IACET.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. The CEU is a standard unit of measure. One CEU represents 10 contact hours 

participation in accordance with IACET standards.

B. As a requirement on the “Final Submittal of a New or Revised Course to the 

Curriculum Management Committee” form, it states that the course must be 

submitted for CEU review.

C. The Training Specialist (TS) will submit a USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative 

Support Contract task request to have final course materials sent to the 

Instructional Systems Specialist (ISS)/CEU Evaluator (Stacey Harmon).

D. For classroom courses, the CEU Evaluator will:
NFA-specific SOP 400.10 – Issuing Continuing Education units (CEUs) for NFA Courses

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

1) Review the course to ensure it meets all of the standard categories 

identified in the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and 

Training.

2) Complete the “Application for Continuing Education Units” form (see 

Attachment).

3) Assign the appropriate number of CEUs to the course.

4) Send the application to the TS for approval.

5) Send copies of the approved application to the IACET point of contact

(POC), the POC for the NFA catalog/website, and the NETC Admissions 

Office.

E. For online courses, the CEU Evaluator will:

1) Review the course to ensure it meets all of the standard categories 

identified in the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and 

Training.

2) Prepare a time estimate for course completion based on course 

components such as static pages, videos, activities and exam questions. 

The time estimate should be saved along with the CEU application form in 

the Evaluator’s records.

3) Review the student pilot evaluation forms that collect student times within 

each module, tabulate and average the time per module, plus time in the 

final exam to determine an average course time.

4) Consult with the NFAOnline team to cross-check the Evaluator’s time 

estimate against student reported times and system recorded times.

5) Complete the “Application for Continuing Education Units” form (see 

Attachment).

6) Assign the appropriate number of CEUs to the course

7) Send the application to the TS for approval.

8) Send copies of the approved application to the IACET POC, the POC for 

the NFA catalog/website, and the NETC Admissions Office.

F. For mediated online courses, the CEU Evaluator will:

1) Review the course to ensure it meets all of the standard categories 

identified in the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and 

Training.
NFA-specific SOP 400.10 – Issuing Continuing Education units (CEUs) for NFA Courses

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2) Prepare a time estimate for course completion based on course 

components such as assigned readings, written responses, research and 

paper preparation, and exams. The time estimate should be saved along 

with the CEU application form in the Evaluator’s records.

3) Review the student pilot evaluation forms that collect student times per 

activity each week, tabulate and average the time per module, plus time in 

the final exam to determine an average course time.

4) Complete the “Application for Continuing Education Units” form (see 

Attachment).

5) Assign the appropriate number of CEUs to the course.

6) Send the application to the TS for approval.

7) Send copies of the approved application to the IACET POC, the POC for 

the NFA catalog/website, and the NETC Admissions Office.

G. The NETC Admissions Office will record the appropriate number of CEUs in the 

admission’s system so the CEUs will be displayed on the student’s course 

completion certificate.

H. All “Application for Continuing Education Units” forms will be maintained by 

the IACET POC and made available if requested by IACET.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

 Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - Application for Continuing Education Units Form

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
APPLICATION FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS

Course Code/Title: 

Course Manager: 

Type of Course: Resident ResidentOff-site Independent Study

Course has clear and concise written statements of intended learning outcomes.

Learning outcomes are developed from identified needs.

The number of planned outcomes is appropriate for the learning activity, course, or program.

Outcome statements are clear, concise, and measurable. 

Learners are informed of intended learning outcomes.

Individuals involved in activity, course, or program planning and instruction are qualified by

virtue of their education and/or experience. 

Expertise in subject content and instructional methodologies is used in developing learning activities.

Individuals involved in activity, course, and program planning understand and utilize learning outcomes

in planning and development. 

Satisfactory learner completion level identified.

• Evaluation type: Written Test Performance Other

• Number of interactive contact hours: .

For Resident Courses Only:

Instructors are reasonable and consistently effective in meeting learning outcomes and learner

expectations.

Instructors are provided feedback on their performance.

Instructors demonstrate high standards of professional conduct and do not discriminate against learners 

on the basis of gender, age, socioeconomic or ethnic background, sexual orientation, or disability.

Reviewed/verified in accordance with IACET Standards/Guidelines:

Signature: (Course Manager)

Date: 

To be completed by Reviewer:

Number of CEU’s authorized using IACET guidelines: 

of Reviewer:

Signature: Date: 

Print Form
Federal Emergency Management Agency 

United States Fire Administration 

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.11 July 2021

National Fire Academy State Dashboard

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) 

outlines the policies and procedures for NFA’s State Dashboard.

B. The purpose of the State Dashboard is to provide the State Fire Training Directors 

and State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Directors (or their designee) the 

opportunity to download NFA courses for state-sponsored deliveries.

C. The State Fire Training Directors were initially given access to the State 

Dashboard in April 2014. In an effort to expand the outreach and collaborate with 

our EMS partners, the State EMS Directors were given access to the State 

Dashboard in July 2018.

II. Supersession: Not Applicable. New NFA-specific SOP created January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that designated NFA (2- and 6-day) 

courses are made available in the State Dashboard after they are approved by the 

Curriculum Management Committee (CMC).

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Adding/Removing Courses to/from the State Dashboard:

1. When a new 2- or 6-day course is approved by the CMC and added to the 

course call list, it will also be added to the State Dashboard. Exception:

Courses that require a national-level audience and/or on-campus 

resources. Note: If copyrighted materials are included in the course 

materials, all copyright approvals must be documented and on file with the 

USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support contractor.

2. Each state has direct access to the electronic course materials for courses 

in the State Dashboard from a password protected web portal. This allows

the states to download all course materials and conduct state-sponsored 

deliveries using their own instructors.
NFA-specific SOP 400.11 – NFA State Dashboard

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

3. The respective Training Specialist (TS) (administrative support) submits a 

task request for the USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support 

contractor to package the course contents and create a “Package Contents 

Sheet.”

4. USFA/NFA Logistics/Administrative Support contract staff notifies the 

Training, Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) Branch when 

the course package is ready for upload to the web.

5. TAPA Branch staff uploads the package contents sheet and course 

package to the State Dashboard area.

6. TAPA Branch staff submits a task request to the Media Production Center 

to create a one-page informational flyer for the course (sample flyer 

attached). States may use the flyer to advertise the course.

7. TAPA Branch staff sends the flyer electronically to the states notifying 

them that a new course has been uploaded to the State Dashboard area.

8. NFA will support the maintenance/updating of course content in the State 

Dashboard as long as the course is being delivered/sponsored by the NFA. 

If a course is updated/revised, the new version will be uploaded to the 

State Dashboard, replacing the old version.

9. When the NFA/TS makes the decision to discontinue the delivery of a 

course (marking it “inactive”), individual states will still have the 

opportunity to continue delivering the course in the “state-sponsored” 

mode and receive certificates as long as the course is available in the State 

Dashboard area.

10. The TS has the authority to “end date” a course annually in March. An 

announcement will be sent to the States notifying them that the course has 

been end dated, and that it will remain in the State Dashboard until 

September 30 of that year. The course(s) will be removed from the State 

Dashboard on September 30.

11. States will have 60 days (until November 30) to submit applications and 

receive NFA certificates for the end dated course(s). After November 30, 

no NFA certificates will be issued.

12. TAPA Branch Staff will notify the NETC Admissions Office that the 

course has been end dated, and when to stop issuing NFA certificates. 

B. Providing Access to the State Dashboard:

1. The State Fire Training Director/State EMS Director submits an email to 

the NFA POC with the name and email address of the individual(s) who 

should be given access to the State Dashboard area.
NFA-specific SOP 400.11 – NFA State Dashboard

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. The State Fire Training Directors and State EMS Directors serve as the 

authorized parties within their respective states. They provide the NFA 

with the names of the individuals/designees who should be given 

password access privileges to the State Dashboard area. Since each course 

package contains all course materials, including exams, the 

integrity/security of the exams is an important issue for the states to 

consider.

3. The NFA POC will set up an account for the individuals designated by the 

state and send them an email with their user name, password, and 

instructions on how to access the State Dashboard.

4. The NFA POC will maintain a master list (by state) of all individuals who 

have access to the dashboard and will retain all of the documentation that 

authorized each state/individual’s access privileges.

C. Student Applications/Certificates:

1. The State Fire Training agency is responsible for submitting the student 

applications (FEMA Form 119- 25-2) with a cover sheet to the NETC 

Admissions Office.

2. When a State EMS agency conducts a class, they are responsible for 

submitting their student applications (FEMA Form 119- 25-2) through the 

State Fire Training agency to the NETC Admissions Office in order for 

students to receive certificates.

3. The NETC Admissions Office will email the state-sponsored certificates 

to the students.

4. These courses are designated with an “O” code.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent 

National Fire Academy

Attachment – Sample Informational Flyer for New “O” Course

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
New National Fire Academy 

Courses Added to Your Dashboard

These courses have been added to your State Dashboard. You now have access to download these course 

materials and deliver them within your state.

“Leadership in Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional 

Growth” (O0646)

This two-day course presents the supervisor with the basic leadership skills and tools 

needed to perform effectively in the fire service environment. The course includes concepts 

related to a successful transition to supervisory and leadership roles, including concepts 

of adaptive leadership; change management; active followership; effective communication, 

including difficult conversations and advocacy-inquiry based dialogue; ethics; authority; 

power; decision-making; and active engagement through development of a personal plan.

“Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking” (O0647)

This two-day course provides the supervisor with the conceptual foundation and 

framework for success in leadership roles by exploring creative, analytical, political and 

critical thinking perspectives. The course addresses skills needed for assessing situations 

from multiple perspectives, making critical decisions, fostering creativity and innovation, 

and using persuasion.

“Leadership in Supervision: Frameworks to Success” (O0648)

This two-day course provides the supervisor with the knowledge and skills to perform 

successfully in the fire and Emergency Medical Services environments. The course 

addresses professionalism, resilience, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness, 

as well as managing conflict, delegating mentoring, coaching, empowering, and building 

collaboration and synergy for professional growth.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number

400.12

Date

July 2021

National Fire Academy Enfranchised Course Delivery Process 

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the policies and procedures required to conduct an NFA course offcampus as an enfranchised course delivery. 

II. Supersession: Not applicable. New SOP created January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA, state 

fire training systems and/or other state/local, tribal, and military organizations that wish 

to deliver designated NFA enfranchised courses at their location.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures: It shall be the policy of the NFA that NFA

enfranchised courses are delivered in accordance with this SOP.

A. Administrative Authorization.

1. Semi-annually in conjunction with the off-campus course call process, 

individual curriculum Training Specialists (TS) submit their list of 

enfranchised course(s) and a course requirements “check list” for each 

course that details the specific delivery criteria/conditions.

2. The list of enfranchised courses and the course requirements “check lists” 

are uploaded to the state dashboard area and the information is also made 

available through the U.S. Fire Administration’s web site.

B. Delivery Authorization.

1. The state or local host submits a written request to sponsor an 

enfranchised course delivery to FEMA-NFAOutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov with a “cc” to the State Fire Training 

Agency (if the host is other than the State Agency).
NFA-specific SOP 400.12 — National Fire Academy Enfranchised Course Delivery Process

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. The NFA Off-Campus Program Manager sends the enfranchised course 

delivery request to the appropriate curriculum TS for review and approval. 

3. The curriculum TS contacts the requesting agency to discuss the course 

delivery requirements and identifies/emphasizes any special requirements 

for the course such as burn scenes, exercise area, radio/communications, 

appropriate classroom facilities including required audiovisual resources, 

decontamination requirements, etc. The curriculum TS makes the 

determination and notifies the Off-Campus Program Manager in writing as 

to whether or not the requested course can be successfully delivered offsite.

4. If the request is approved, the NFA Off-Campus Program Manager 

initiates a formal Letter of Agreement with the requesting agency with a 

“cc” to the State Fire Training Agency (if the State Fire Training Agency 

is not the requestor) to ensure:

a. Only NFA student selection criteria is used when the state/local 

host reviews/approves student applications.

b. Students use FEMA Form 119-25-1 to apply for the requested 

course.

c. All approved student applications/FEMA Form 119-25-1 are 

submitted to the NETC Admissions Office 30 days prior to the 

start of the course delivery.

d. Only NFA contract instructors are used to deliver the requested 

course.

e. Only NFA course materials, e.g., student and instructor manuals, 

course assessments, and grading rubrics will be used during the 

course delivery. (In order for students to be eligible for American 

Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations, all course 

materials and assessments must align with the NFA approved 

curriculum and the student contact hours must be met.)

f. Host site personnel adhere to the NFA’s standard operating 

procedures. Specifically: 400.12, 500.2, 500.3, 500.3-a, 500.3-b, 

600.1, 700.1, 700.1-a, 700.2, 700.3, 700.4, 700.4-a, 700.5, 700.6, 

700.7 and 700.8.

g. Students are provided with the online electronic NFA end-ofcourse evaluation at the conclusion of the course delivery.

h. All testing/grading materials are shredded at the conclusion of the 

course delivery.
NFA-specific SOP 400.12 — National Fire Academy Enfranchised Course Delivery Process

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

i. The final letter-graded student roster is returned to the Off-Campus 

Program Manager at the conclusion of the course delivery. (In 

order for students to be eligible for ACE credit recommendations, 

all student grades and completion dates must be submitted to NFA 

to be housed in their ACE approved centralized recordkeeping 

system.)

j. Host site submits an assessment of the completed enfranchised 

course delivery within 7 business days to the Off-Campus Program 

Manager. 

5. If the request is not approved, the NFA Off-Campus Program Manager 

will notify the requesting agency.

C. The Host:

1. Bears all financial responsibility for the enfranchised course delivery.

2. Conducts the enfranchised course delivery in accordance with the signed

letter of agreement and the plan of instruction.

D. Upon successful completion of the enfranchised course delivery, students will 

receive an NFA course completion certificate and will be eligible to apply for 

ACE course credit recommendation. 

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - Official Letter of Agreement 

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Version1.0/March-2019

LETTER OF AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

<HOST VENUE>

AND

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY,

US. FIRE ADMINISTRATION,

NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY 

FOR CONDUCT OF AN

ENFRANCHISED COURSE DELIVERY

<COURSE CODE/TITLE>

In accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Fire 

Administration (USFA), National Fire Academy’s (NFA) approval to conduct an enfranchised 

course delivery of: <Course Code/Course Name> , in <City/State>, for <Host Venue>, on 

<Course Dates>, the parties mutually agree to the following conditions: 

1. <Host Venue> will:

a. Provide a Host Point-of-Contact (POC) to work with the NFA Off-Campus

Program Manager on coordination before, during and after the training event.

b. Use only NFA student selection criteria when reviewing/approving student

applications.

c. Ensure students use FEMA Form 119-25-1 to apply for the enfranchised course.

d. Submit all approved student applications/FEMA Form 119-25-1 to the NETC

Admissions Office 30 days prior to the start of the course delivery.

e. Use only NFA contract instructors to deliver the requested course.

f. Adhere to all course delivery criteria set forth by the curriculum Training

Specialist (attached).

g. Use only NFA course materials, e.g., student and instructor manuals, course

assessments, and grading rubrics during the course delivery. (In order for students

to be eligible for American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations,

all course materials and assessments must align with the NFA approved

curriculum and the student contact hours must be met.)

h. Adhere to the NFA’s standard operating procedures. Specifically: 400.12,

500.2, 500.3, 500.3-a, 500.3-b, 600.1, 700.1, 700.1-a, 700.2, 700.3, 700.4, 700.4a,

700.5, 700.6, 700.7 and 700.8.

i. Provide students with the online electronic NFA end-of-course evaluation at the

conclusion of the course delivery.

j. Shred all testing/grading materials at the conclusion of the course delivery.

k. Return the final letter-graded student roster to the Off-campus Program Manager

at the conclusion of the course delivery. (In order for students to be eligible for

ACE credit recommendations, all student grades and completion dates must be

submitted to NFA to be housed in their ACE approved centralized recordkeeping

system.)

l. Bear all costs and liability associated with the course delivery.
Letter of Agreement between <host venue>and Department of Homeland Security, Federal 

Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Academy for Conduct 

of an Enfranchised Course Delivery 

Page 2 

m. Submit an assessment of the completed enfranchised course delivery within 7

business days to the Off-Campus Program Manager.

2. FEMA/USFA/NFA will:

a. Provide the assistance of the Off-Campus Program Manager to work with the

Host POC to help manage the coordination and delivery of <Course Code/Course

Name> prior to and following the course offering.

b. Provide a copy of the signed Letter of Agreement.

c. Provide access to downloadable course materials for <Course Code/Course

Name>.

d. Provide a student roster.

e. Provide log-on credentials for the on-line electronic evaluation.

f. Email course certificates to participants who successfully complete <Course

Code/Course Name>.

3. <Host Venue> will return this completed Letter of Agreement to:

FEMA/USFA/NFA

16825 South Seton Avenue

Lori Welch

Building J

Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727

Lori.Welch@fema.dhs.gov

In the event that any of these conditions cannot be, or are not met, FEMA/USFA/NFA will not 

recognize <Course Code/Course Name> as an enfranchised course delivery, student course 

certificates will not be issued and ACE credit recommendation will not apply. 

Attachment (Course Delivery Criteria)

For Host Venue: 

__________________________________

<Name> Date

<Title>

<Host Venue> 

For FEMA: 

_________________________________ 

Stephen A. Dean Date 

Deputy Superintendent 

National Fire Academy
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.13 July 2021

Using the FEMA Adobe Connect System with National Fire Academy Online Courses

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) outlines the use of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Adobe 

Connect system with NFA courses and provides important information relating to 

responsibilities, setup and training associated with this software. 

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-Specific SOP 400.13, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to NFA staff, contract instructors 

and students.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A, It shall be the policy of the NFA that, when using the FEMA Adobe Connect 

system with NFA Online or blended courses, it shall be in accordance with this 

SOP.

B. Responsibilities:

1. The Training Specialist (TS) or federal-designated representative is 

responsible for:

a. Scheduling Adobe Connect session(s) with the NFA Online team 

and working with the NFA Online team to ensure the sessions are

properly configured.

b. Recording each session and distributing recording hyperlink to the 

course instructors for posting on the applicable system(s).

c. Being available during each session to perform general 

administrative functions, provide technical support, and answer 

any questions the instructors or students may have.
NFA-specific SOP 400.13 – Using the FEMA Adobe Connect System with National Fire 

Academy Online Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

d. Ensuring they (or a federal-designated representative) have been 

formally trained by NFA Online staff on monitoring Adobe 

Connect sessions.

e. Having an active Adobe Connect account with a valid 

username/password. Must hold a valid FEMA Personal Identity 

Verification (PIV) card.

2. The NFA Online team is responsible for:

a. Setting up Adobe Connect sessions and ensuring all elements 

associated with the sessions are properly configured.

b. Providing a hyperlink and call-in bridge information to the 

requester to distribute to the students and contract instructors.

c. Providing training to the TSs, federal-designated representatives 

and contract instructors.

d. Troubleshooting any issues that the TS or federal-designated 

representative cannot solve on their own.

e. Maintaining Adobe Connect policy and job aids for TSs, contract

instructors and students.

C. Training:

1. The NFA Online team offers Adobe Connect training for both TSs (their 

federal-designated representatives) and contract instructors. Please contact 

the NFA Online team to schedule this training. Following is a description 

of each type of training available:

a. Adobe Connect monitoring: TS or federal-designated 

representative who monitors Adobe Connect session(s) in 

conjunction with a mediated or blended learning course shall 

participate in a training session lasting approximately one hour. 

This training will teach all relevant aspects of monitoring an 

Adobe Connect session, troubleshooting technical issues and 

recording the sessions.

b. Course contract instructors are required to attend Adobe Connect 

training developed specifically for them. This training provides 

information on all aspects of Adobe Connect to include key 

features, login protocol and other relevant information. This 

training will be offered a minimum of four times per year by the 

NFA Online team. The dates for this training will be posted on the 

NFA contract instructor website.
NFA-specific SOP 400.13 – Using the FEMA Adobe Connect System with National Fire 

Academy Online Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

c. The TS or federal-designated representative will host a “dry run” 

prior to the first scheduled session for each class. The dry run will 

consist of contract instructors and TS logging into the Adobe 

Connect system, developing a plan for the Adobe Connect features 

that will be used, and how they plan to structure the session(s).

d. Students will be trained on Adobe Connect during the first session 

of each course. The first session will focus on getting students

setup (typically, many students will have technical issues during 

the first attempt to log in to Adobe Connect) and familiarize them 

with the various features of the system. This training is typically 

provided by the instructor and/or TS.

D. Monitoring Adobe Connect sessions:

1. The TS or federal-designated representative will monitor each Adobe 

Connect session that is offered as part of any course(s) they manage. They 

will have also been formally trained by NFA Online staff on monitoring 

Adobe Connect sessions. During each Adobe Connect session, those 

monitoring sessions will:

a. Approve participants as they request permission to join the Adobe 

Connect session.

b. Login to the Adobe Connect session and “bump” course contract 

instructors to host (contract instructors will initially log in as a 

guest unless they have a FEMA PIV card).

c. Record the Adobe Connect session and distribute the associated 

recording (hyperlink) to course instructors for dispersal to the 

participants.

d. Prior to recording the session, the Adobe Connect monitor must 

announce that the session is about to be recorded. If there is any 

opposition to the recording from a student, then those students who 

have objected will:

1) Be asked to place their phone on mute.

2) Be instructed to ask any questions they may have via email 

(or other means that are not recorded as part of the session).

e. Troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise, and answer any 

questions contract instructors/students may have about the system.
NFA-specific SOP 400.13 – Using the FEMA Adobe Connect System with National Fire 

Academy Online Courses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.14 July 2021

National Fire Academy Online Mediated Course Development and Delivery

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) outlines the policies and procedures associated with the development and delivery 

of online mediated courses. These web-based courses are conducted online using a 

learning management system and facilitated by an NFA instructor. Courses typically 

range from four to six weeks in length. American Council on Education credit 

recommendations and International Association for Continuing Education and Training 

continuing education units may be granted for the online mediated courses if they meet 

the respective organization’s requirements/standards.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-Specific SOP 400.14, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to NFA staff, contract 

Instructional System Specialists (ISSs), course developers and instructors.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that the development and delivery of mediated 

courses shall be in accordance with this SOP. After the development process is 

complete, the Curriculum Management Committee (CMC) approves the course 

for delivery.

1. The CMC Guide is the overall guiding principle document for all 

developments. This SOP, or any other SOP, shall not contradict the CMC 

Guide.

2. Additionally, the CMC approves all developments, allocates resources, 

etc. It is the overall governing body for course development and delivery.
NFA-specific SOP 400.14 – National Fire Academy Online Mediated Course Development and 

Delivery

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

B. Development:

1. Prior to contract award, a determination will be made as to whether direct 

system input or storyboard process will be assigned to the development 

contract. The Training Specialist (TS) is responsible for requesting an “M” 

course code from Training Administration Planning and Analysis (TAPA) 

staff (all mediated course codes start with the letter “M”). TAPA staff are 

responsible for completing an add sheet and forwarding a copy to the 

Mediated System Administrator(s).

2. The Mediated System Administrator(s) must attend the initial kick-off 

meeting to provide the learning management system (D2L) technical 

requirements and 508 guidance documentation. At the kick-off meeting, 

the TS/ISS shall provide the timeline for the acceptance/review/approval 

of course materials for walk-through.

a. If direct system input is selected, the contractor must undergo the 

process of obtaining elevated access to the D2L system, including:

1) Background check. 

2) Successful completion of two self-study courses on 

Department of Homeland Security privacy and security. 

3) Training on the mediated system course development 

process. 

4) Review and acceptance of the D2L/Brightspace Technical 

Requirements

Note: All four items must be completed prior to any access 

being granted for direct system input.

i. IMPORTANT: If direct input is selected, a 

prototype (module of the course) needs to be 

reviewed by the Mediated System Administrator(s) 

or designee for Section 508 compliance and 

usability; recommendations for compliance and/or 

usability suggestions are provided to the TS/ISS. 

(Note: 10 business days are required for this 

review process.) 
NFA-specific SOP 400.14 – National Fire Academy Online Mediated Course Development and 

Delivery

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

ii. Once the prototype module has been approved, the 

remaining content can be entered into the mediated 

system by the contractor. The TS/ISS sends 

notification to the Mediated System 

Administrator(s) when content is ready for final 

508/technical review. The Mediated System 

Administrator(s) reviews the entire course for 508 

compliance and usability/functionality of content.

(Note: 15 business days are required for this 

review process.) 

b. If storyboard process is selected, a storyboard template will be 

provided and must be used. 

1) The TS/ISS shall provide the timeline for the 

acceptance/review/approval of course material for walkthrough. 

2) Once the storyboard has been approved by TS/ISS staff, the 

Mediated System Administrator(s) or designee will work 

with the TS/ISS to set up a course shell in the mediated 

system and create a task request through the Program 

Support Contract with instructions on entering the walkthrough course materials into the mediated system. (Note: 

15 to 30 business days from the acceptance of the task 

request are required for the content input process as 

well as 15 business days for the technical/508 review for 

a total of up to 45 business days.) 

3) Once the content process is completed, the Mediated 

System Administrator(s) will review the entire course for 

508/technical accuracy. The NFA Online team requires 15 

business days for this review.

3. Once the technical review has been completed, the course content shall be 

“locked down.” Dates and release conditions are set by the Mediated 

System Administrator(s) in accordance with TS/ISS direction. At this 

time, the TS/ISS needs to verify that the course content has been properly 

entered, the course is operating correctly, dates and release conditions are 

properly set, and provide the “green light” for pilot.

4. Instructors are identified by the TS/ISS and placed in the course. NFA 

Online mediated staff will create instructor accounts and provide 

instructor job aids. 
NFA-specific SOP 400.14 – National Fire Academy Online Mediated Course Development and 

Delivery

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

5. NFA Online mediated staff obtains a student roster from the Training 

Information Access System (TIAS) and sets up student accounts. An 

email is then sent to the student with login information and any other 

course-specific information provided by the TS. The TS identifies when 

the email should be sent.

6. At the conclusion of the pilot, the TS/ISS may want to make modifications 

to the course, and/or development contractor post-pilot revisions may be 

required. Content changes will be coordinated through the Mediated 

System Administrator(s). (Note: 15 to 30 business days are required for 

this process.)

7. Following course completion, or Executive Fire Officer Program 

completion, student accounts will remain in the system indefinitely but 

will move to inactive status after one year from the last login. Course 

materials will remain accessible to students/instructors for a minimum of 

two weeks after course completion and will then be archived.

C. Delivery:

1. Course advertisement and registration: Mediated courses will follow the 

same process as NFA resident course deliveries.

a. Regular course offerings will be advertised on the NFA schedule.

b. Students will apply through the National Emergency Training 

Center Admissions Office, and admissions staff will review the 

applications.

c. At the time designated by the TS prior to class start date, NFA 

Online mediated staff will add students/instructors to the course, 

retrieve the roster from TIAS and then set up student accounts in 

the system.

d. NFA Online mediated staff sends an email to students with their 

login information, temporary password and instructions on how to 

access the system.

2. Contract instructors: Instructors will be obtained through an acquisition 

process like the process used for resident instructors.

a. The TS will submit a Statement of Work (SOW), Independent 

Government Cost Estimate, suggested source list or sole source 

justification to the TAPA staff for each mediated course eight 

weeks prior to course start date.

b. A qualified instructor list must be established.
NFA-specific SOP 400.14 – National Fire Academy Online Mediated Course Development and 

Delivery

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

c. Instructors will follow the SOW that is specific to mediated course 

delivery.

3. Course completion:

a. At the conclusion of the course, the TS (or designated federal staff) 

will be responsible for exporting any student data (discussion 

posts, papers, final examinations, etc.).

b. Contract instructors will download student grades from the system 

and provide them to the TS.

c. The TS forwards grades and final roster to the Admissions Office.

d. Students will be issued an NFA-sponsored certificate directly from 

the Admissions Office via email.

4. Mediated licenses: Once a student is enrolled and logs into the D2L 

Brightspace system, a license will be assigned to the student for a period 

of one year. After a year of inactivity (no logins for more than a year), the 

license can then be rolled over to another student. 

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

400.15 July 2021

NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) describes the functions, administration, and roles of the NFACourses Admin webbased application, also known internally as the backend application. This application is 

used to set the schedule for NFA on- and off-campus courses, to give access to course 

materials, to obtain instructor bids, to create and publish instructor awards, to evaluate 

courses and instructors, to maintain lists, to create correspondence, and to print various 

reports.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 400.15, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures: The functions described in this section correspond to 

the NFACourses Admin application screens. Each user has access to the 

functions/screens that have been predetermined according to his/her position.

A. Functions:

a. Courses & instructors.

i. Schedule. NFA course schedule is developed and maintained by 

TAPA staff. This screen allows the schedule to be filtered and 

viewed.
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

ii. Courses. All courses offered by NFA are represented by a record in 

the NFACourses system. This record contains the courses code, the 

course name, the status of the course, the delivery type, the longterm evaluation period, the number of seats available per offering, 

the curriculum to which in belongs, bidding information , social 

media promotional information, CEUs associated with the course, 

application information URLs, ACE recommendations, the course 

description, prerequisites, post-course requirements, selection 

criteria, and student comments about the course.

iii. Offerings. Offerings are created by TAPA staff by selecting the 

course, delivery type, and dates for which a course is to be offered.

iv. Bidding periods. Four established bid periods are set throughout 

the year that coincide with the course schedule. Special bid 

periods can also be set. Instructors bid through their instructor 

dashboard for course offerings set in the specified bid period.

NFA instructors submit bids for instructional services for those 

courses they are eligible to teach.

v. Instructors. Instructor dashboards are created. This includes 

profile information, administrative information, eligibilities/roles. 

Can also view biography and review changes. Ability to e-mail

instructors by filtering. Also have ability to e-mail instructors 

during the four established bid periods.

vi. Bids. Instructor bids are recorded for course offerings/roles.

vii. Awards. Instructor awards are recorded for course offerings/roles.

b. Course call.

i. Dashboard. This dashboard displays open course call request 

periods and allows for management of upcoming request periods. 

Request periods—request periods (or course call periods) are 

created by NFA staff. Also, displays by state and region the status 

of courses quested and the submit date and contact.

ii. Request periods. These periods are set by NFA staff.

iii. Two-Day on-campus dates. These dates are set by NFA staff for 

the State Weekends after taking into consideration the dates 

request by each state.
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

iv. State/regional contacts. The list contains training directors, EMS 

training directors and other state and regional contacts for NFA 

courses. Contacts appear on reports and can be emailed through 

the system.

c. Training specialist management.

i. Dashboard. Displays open request periods and associated dates. 

Also, NFA training specialists, their curriculum areas, number of 

course requests for the current course call and submit date are 

displayed.

ii. Request periods.

iii. Six-day course dates. Offerings and dates are entered in these 

screens to create the NFA schedule.

iv. Ten-day course. Offerings and dates are entered in these screens to 

create the NFA schedule.

v. Training specialists. NFA training specialists are identified, 

assigned curriculum areas, and their usernames and emails are 

recorded through this screen.

d. Training specialist portal.

i. Course call request. Displays open course call information.

ii. Courses and downloads. Provides access to all NFA course files 

available for download.

iii. Offerings, awards, and evaluations. Provides access to information 

about offerings, instructor awards, and course evaluation reports.

e. Evaluations.

i. Evaluation inbox – All NFA evaluations containing comments go 

to the evaluation inbox for review by TAPA evaluation staff. 

Evaluation staff read the comments and accept the evaluation. 

Evaluations, once accepted, go into the reports. Evaluations 

without comments go directly to reports without going through the 

inbox.

ii. End-course evaluations—All online end-of-course evaluations 

since December 2005 can be accessed through this screen.

Additionally, logins for each offering are created and managed by 

clicking the “Create logins” button.
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

iii. Long-term evaluations—All long-term evaluations (LTE) since 

March 2007 can be accessed through this screen. Additionally, 

long-term evaluations can be initiated by clicking the “Create 

LTE” button and entering student and supervisor contact 

information. 

iv. Distance learning evaluations—All distance learning evaluations 

since March 2011 can accessed through this screen.

v. Form editor—NFA evaluations, once approved by OMB, are 

edited and updated through this screen.

f. Reports.

i. Course/offering reports

1. Course report

2. Course checklist report

3. Tracking checklist report – Provides listing of all course 

offerings. This report can be filtered by course code/name, 

start/end date, delivery type, curriculum area, 

city/state/region.

4. Precount report

ii. Course call reports

1. Course Coordination plan report

2. Course request report

3. State/regional contact report

iii. Bid/award reports

1. Bid summary report – Provides consolidated lists of 

instructor bids. Can be filtered by course code/name, 

start/end date, delivery type, curriculum area, 

city/state/region, instructor.

2. Bidders and awards report – Provide consolidated lists of 

instructor bids and annotates instructor award. Can be 

filtered by course code/name, start/end date, delivery type, 

curriculum area, city/state/region, instructor.

3. Eligibilities report – Provides reports related to all 

instructor eligibilities. Can be filtered by course 

code/name, delivery type, curriculum, and individual 

instructor. Reports can be filtered to show instructor roles, 

pending case, active/inactive, instructor profile details.
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

4. Conflicts report – Provides a report to show if there is an 

overlap with instructor awards. Can be filtered in different 

ways; however, normally filter by date range after a 

bidding period has closed and instructors awarded 

offerings/roles for that bid period. Report is checked for 

conflicts prior to publishing awards.

iv. Financial reports

1. Instructor report – Awards itemized by instructor. Can be 

filtered various ways.

2. Course report – Awards itemized by course. Can be 

filtered various ways.

3. Schedule report –Awards itemized by course offering. Can 

be filtered by various ways.

4. Geographic report – Awards itemized by location. Can be 

filtered by various ways.

v. End-of-course evaluation reports.

1. Single evaluation report – provides each response entered 

on an individual End of Course Evaluation.

2. Annual report – provides the aggregate data for a selected 

course and time frame, excluding comments.

3. Offering report – Provides the aggregate data for an 

individual course offering, including comments.

4. Instructor report – provides average score for all instructor 

specific questions as well as the index score for a selected 

instructor. The aggregate scores for all NFA instructors are

also provided. This report may be filtered by city, state, 

course, delivery type, curriculum, and instructor role.

5. Export – provides the raw end of course evaluation data in 

csv format for a selected period of time. This report may 

be filtered by curriculum, course code, city, and state.

vi. Long-term evaluation reports.

1. Student single evaluation report – provides each response 

entered on an individual student evaluation.

2. Student aggregate – report provides the aggregate student 

data for a selected time frame, excluding comments. This 

report may be filtered by course code.

3. Supervisor single evaluation report – provides each 

response entered on an individual supervisor evaluation.
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

4. Supervisor aggregate report – provides the aggregate 

supervisor data for a selected time frame, excluding 

comments. This report may be filtered by course code.

5. Quarterly/annual statistics report—provides a subset of data 

from the student and supervisor Long Term Evaluations for 

a selected time period.

6. Static questionnaire export– provides the raw Long Term 

Evaluation data in csv format for a selected period of time 

for either students or supervisors. This report may be 

filtered by curriculum, course code, city, and state.

vii. Distance learning evaluation reports.

1. Single evaluation report – provides each response entered 

on an individual distance learning evaluation.

2. Aggregate report – provides the aggregate supervisor data 

for a selected time frame, including comments. This report 

may be filtered by course code.

viii. Letters/labels.

1. Course coordination plan labels

2. Eligibility labels

3. State/regional contact labels

4. Award letters – Letters are printed out for purpose of 

checking for instructor conflicts prior to publishing awards

after an open bidding period. 

ix. Correspondence. Provides a record of Long Term Evaluation 

correspondence letters sent by the system.

g. Settings.

i. Email notification

ii. Lists (comprised of three categories: airports/curriculum/instructor 

role). Instructor role list is used to create a new instructor role for 

a particular curriculum.

B. Administration:

a. System Access. All requests for user access (changes/new) should be sent 

to the application point of contact (POC) within the TAPA Branch. This 

request must include the following:
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

i. Completed and signed USFA Web Farm Rules of Behavior form

(ROB).

ii. FEMA UserID - The FEMA UserID can be found by the user here: 

https://sso.fema.net/feims/#/home

iii. Job position – this determines the level of system access to be 

granted. In order to maintain system security access is limited by 

job function.

b. Reporting System Errors. System errors should be reported to the 

application POC within the TAPA Branch. The POC reports errors to the 

USFA Web Farm Program Manager through the email USFAAPPS@fema.dhs.gov. This process allows TAPA and the Web Farm 

Program Manager to track and prioritize fixes and updates to the 

application. 

C. Roles: The role(s) assigned to each user determines the functions/screens that the 

user can access. These roles are as follows:

a. Administrator.

i. Root

b. Course call.

i. Dashboard

ii. Course call

iii. Course call request periods

iv. Two-day on-campus dates

v. Course call contacts

vi. Reports

vii. Reports: Courses

viii. Reports: Course checklist

ix. Reports: Tracking checklist

x. Reports: Course coordination plans
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

xi. Reports: Course requests

xii. Reports: Course call contacts

xiii. Lists

xiv. Courses (view only)

xv. Courses (auto-complete only)

xvi. Instructors (auto-complete only)

c. Course call support.

i. Dashboard

ii. Offerings

iii. Course call

iv. Course call request periods

v. Two-day on-campus dates

vi. Course call contacts

vii. Reports

viii. Reports: Course checklist

ix. Reports: Tracking checklist

x. Reports: Course coordination plans

xi. Reports: Course requests

xii. Reports: Course call contacts

xiii. Reports: Eligibilities

xiv. Reports: Letters and labels

xv. Lists

xvi. Courses (view only)
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

xvii. Courses (auto-complete only)

xviii. Instructors (auto-complete only)

d. Evaluations.

i. Dashboard

ii. Evaluations inbox

iii. End-of-course evaluations

iv. Long-term evaluations

v. Distance learning evaluations

vi. Evaluation form editor

vii. Reports

viii. Reports: Tracking checklist

ix. Reports: Bidders and awards

x. Reports: Eligibilities

xi. Reports: Financial

xii. Reports: End-of-course evaluations

xiii. Reports: End-of-course export

xiv. Reports: Long-term evaluations

xv. Reports: Distance learning evaluations

xvi. Correspondence

xvii. Correspondence report

xviii. Courses (view only)

xix. Offerings (view only)

xx. Courses (auto-complete only)
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

xxi. Instructors (auto-complete only)

e. Instructors.

i. Dashboard

ii. Schedule

iii. Courses

iv. Offerings

v. Instructors

vi. Bidding periods

vii. Bids and awards

viii. Reports

ix. Reports: Tracking checklist

x. Reports: Precount

xi. Reports: Course requests

xii. Reports: Course call contacts

xiii. Reports: Bid summary

xiv. Reports: Bids and awards

xv. Reports: Eligibilities

xvi. Reports: Conflicts

xvii. Reports: Financial

xviii. Reports: End-of-course evaluations

xix. Reports: Long-term evaluations

xx. Reports: Distance learning evaluations

xxi. Reports: Letters and labels
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

xxii. Lists

xxiii. Training specialists (view only)

xxiv. Instructors (auto-complete only)

f. Manager.

i. Dashboard

ii. Reports

iii. Reports: Financial

iv. Reports: Financial - Instructor report

v. Reports: Financial - Course report

vi. Reports: Financial - Schedule report

vii. Reports: Financial - Geographic report

viii. Reports: Distance learning evaluations

ix. Reports: Distance learning evaluations: Single evaluation report

x. Reports: Distance learning evaluations: Aggregate report

xi. Reports: End-of-course evaluations

xii. Reports: End-of-course evaluations - Single evaluation report

xiii. Reports: End-of-course evaluations - Annual report

xiv. Reports: End-of-course evaluations - Offering report

xv. Reports: End-of-course evaluations - Instructor report

xvi. Reports: End-of-course evaluations - Export

xvii. Reports: Long-term evaluations

xviii. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Student single evaluation report

xix. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Student aggregate report
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

xx. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Supervisor single evaluation 

report

xxi. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Supervisor aggregate report

xxii. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Status distribution report

xxiii. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Quarterly/annual statistics report

xxiv. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Course objectives (count) export

xxv. Reports: Long-term evaluations - Static questionnaire export

xxvi. Reports: Bid/award reports

xxvii. Reports: Bid/award reports - Bidders and awards report

xxviii. Reports: Bid/award reports - Eligibilities report

xxix. Courses (auto-complete only)

xxx. Instructors (auto-complete only)

g. Schedule.

i. Dashboard

ii. Schedule

iii. Courses

iv. Offerings

v. Course call

vi. Training specialist course call

vii. Training specialist request periods

viii. Six-day on-campus dates

ix. Ten-day on-campus dates

x. Training specialists

xi. Reports
NFA-specific SOP 400.15 — NFACourses Admin Web-Based Application

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

xii. Reports: Courses

xiii. Reports: Bids and awards

xiv. Reports: Financial

xv. Reports: End-of-course evaluations

xvi. Reports: Long-term evaluations

xvii. Reports: Distance learning evaluations

xviii. Instructors (auto-complete only)

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment (1)

400.15a - USFA Form 140-1-4 Web Farm Rules of Behavior

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
FEMA Form 140-1-4 (1/11)

 

The following rules of behavior apply to all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees and contractors who use the 

United States Fire Administration (USFA) Web Farm System. 

 

The rules of behavior apply to all hardware and software used in the development, operations, and maintenance of the USFA Web 

Farm System and are intended to supplement the general rules of behavior regarding DHS systems and IT resources. 

 

These rules of behavior are consistent with IT security policy and procedures within DHS Management Directive 140-1 (Information 

Technology Systems Security), DHS Sensitive Systems Policy Directive 4300A, and DHS 4300A Sensitive Systems Handbook. 

 

The rules of behavior apply to users at their primary workplace and at any alternate workplaces (e.g., telecommuting from home or 

from a satellite site). They also apply to users on official travel. 

 

USFA Web Farm System Access 

 

* I understand that I am given access to only those USFA Web Farm System components for which I require access to perform my

 official duties. 

 

* I will not attempt to access USFA Web Farm System components that I am not authorized to access.

 

* I will notify my supervisor and/or application point of contact and the USFA Web Farm System Steward when I no longer require

 access to USFA Web Farm System components to perform my official duties. 

 

USFA Web Farm Passwords and Other Access Control Measures 

 

* I will choose strong passwords that:

 - are at least eight characters long 

 - have a combination of letters (upper-and lower-case), numbers, and special characters 

 - are not the same as the previous 8 passwords 

 - do not contain any dictionary word 

 - do not contain any proper noun or the name of any person, pet, child, or fictional character, nor any employee serial 

 number, Social Security Number, birth date, phone number, or any information that could be readily guessed about the 

 creator of the password 

 - do not contain any simple pattern of letters or numbers, such as "qwert" or "xyz123" 

 - are not any word, noun, or name spelled backwards or appended with a single digit or with a two-digit "year" string, such

 as 98xyz123 

 - are not the same as the UserID 

 

* I will protect passwords from disclosure. I will not share passwords. I will not provide my password to anyone, including

 system administrators. I will not record passwords on paper or in electronic form and store them on or with DHS workstations, 

 laptop computers, or Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs). To prevent others from obtaining my password via "shoulder 

 surfing," I will shield my keyboard from view as I enter my password. 

 

* I will promptly notify the USFA Web Farm System Steward and Information System Security Officer (ISSO) and change my

 password whenever the compromise of that password is known or suspected. 

 

* I will not attempt to bypass access control measures.

 

USFA Web Farm Data Protection 

 

* I will use only government owned/furnished equipment (e.g., workstations, laptops, PEDs) to access USFA Web Farm 

 System components and information that are not authorized for public disclosure without restriction; I will not use personally 

 owned equipment. "Government owned/furnished equipment" is equipment controlled or owned and maintained by any U.S. 

 local, state, territory, tribal, or federal government entity; or, corporate equipment owned and maintained by a U.S. company 

 contracted to provide services to DHS/FEMA under local, state, territory, tribal or federal government contracts. 

 

* I understand that the USFA Web Farm System is a Privacy Sensitive System that collects, uses, or maintains Personally 

 Identifiable Information (PII) that must be protected from disclosure to unauthorized persons or groups. 

 

* I will protect PII collected, used, or maintained by the USFA Web Farm System in accordance with: 

 

 

 - the DHS Privacy Office's Handbook for Safeguarding Sensitive PII at DHS

 

 

 - FEMA Privacy Training 

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

RULES OF BEHAVIOR FOR USERS OF THE 

UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION WEB FARM SYSTEM

http://on.fema.net/components/msb/ocao/Documents/PRIVACY%20AWARENESS%20TRAINING%20101full%20version_Oct%

202010.pdf

http://dhsconnect.dhs.gov/org/comp/priv/pta/Documents/privacy_guide_spii_handbook.pdf
FEMA Form 140-1-4 (1/11)

* I understand that any information processed by the USFA Web Farm System that is not specifically authorized for public 

 disclosure is considered sensitive information, and I will protect sensitive information from disclosure to unauthorized 

 persons or groups. 

 

* I will protect all types of information processed by the USFA Web Farm System (information authorized for public disclosure 

 without restriction, sensitive information, and PII) from erroneous manipulation or alteration. 

 

* I will only use information processed by the USFA Web Farm System that is not specifically authorized for public disclosure 

 to perform my official duties. 

 

* I will log off or lock my workstation or laptop computer, or I will use a password-protected screensaver, whenever I step away 

 from my work area, even for a short time; I will log off when I leave for the day. Specific procedures for logging off, locking 

 workstations, and enabling password-protected screensavers are published in DHS 4300A Sensitive Systems Handbook, 

 Attachment I Workstation Logon. 

 

USFA Web Farm Software 

 

* I agree to comply with all software copyrights and licenses. 

 

* I will only use software procured for the USFA Web Farm System to perform my official duties for the USFA Web Farm 

 System. Personal use of software is not authorized. 

 

* I will not install or use unauthorized software (this includes software available for downloading from the Internet, software 

 available on DHS networks, and personally owned software) on any USFA Web Farm System component. 

 

USFA Web Farm Remote Access 

 

* I understand that remote access to the USFA Web Farm System is only permitted via the FEMA iPass Corporate Access TM

 service remote access system; I will not use any other method for remote access to the USFA Web Farm System.

 

 Incident Reporting 

 

* I will promptly report IT security incidents, e.g., compromise of passwords, disclosure of PII or other sensitive data to 

 unauthorized persons or groups, etc. 

 

* I will follow incident response and reporting procedures as described in FEMA Instruction 1540.1, Management of Information 

 Technology Security Incidents and DHS 4300A Sensitive Systems Handbook, Attachment F, Incident Response and 

 Reporting. 

 

Accountability 

 

* I understand that I have no expectation of privacy while using the USFA Web Farm System. 

 

* I understand that I will be held accountable for my actions while accessing and using the USFA Web Farm System. 

 

 

 

Acknowledgment Statement 

 

I acknowledge that I have read the rules of behavior, I understand them, and I will comply with them. I understand that failure to 

comply with these rules could result in verbal or written warning, removal of system access, reassignment to other duties, criminal 

prosecution, or termination. 

 

Name of User (Printed) User's Phone Number User's E-mail Address

Organization Location or Address

Supervisor's Name Supervisor's Phone Number Supervisor's E-mail Address

User's Signature Date
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

500.1 July 2021

Contract Instructor Recruitment and Selection

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the administrative procedures for the recruitment, selection and placement 

of eligible instructors for NFA courses.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 500.1, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that instructor recruitment and 

selection shall be in accordance with this SOP. Variations from the specific procedures 

are permitted when in the best interest of the government (FAR Subpart 1.102 (d)).

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Instructor Application Review and Processing:

1. The instructor candidate submits his/her application package to the NFA 

instructor applicant mailbox: fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov or 

directly to the TS. Please note: This is a shared mailbox.

2. The appropriate Branch administrative staff forwards the application 

package to the appropriate TS for review to determine if all of the required 

documents were provided and sends an email within 5 business days to the 

instructor candidate to confirm receipt of his/her application package. 

Please note: The required documentation may vary for each course and/or 

curriculum area. Please reference the following link for course specific 

requirements: 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/instructors_officials/criteria.html

3. If the application package is incomplete, the administrative staff creates a 

list of deficiencies and sends the application package back to the instructor 

candidate via email with a “cc” to the administrative staff.
NFA-specific SOP 500.1 – Contract Instructor Recruitment and Selection

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

4. If the application package is complete, the administrative staff will 

forward it with a check to the appropriate TS who will compare the 

applicant credentials to the published instructor qualification criteria. This 

must be completed within 15 working days (except for vacation, travel, 

deployment and illness).

5. If the TS does not approve the instructor candidate’s application package,

the administrative staff will craft a rejection email send it to the TS to send 

to the applicant.

6. If the TS approves the candidate instructor’s application, he/she forwards 

the instructor name, address, phone number(s), email address, appropriate 

course name, course code, and role(s) to the appropriate Branch 

administrative staff using. The appropriate Branch administrative staff 

then enters the information into the NFA Instructor Tracker/Enterprise 

Shared Workspace (ESW).

7. A “cc” copy of the acceptance status letter is sent to the Training,

Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) Branch who is responsible 

for coordinating the administrative requirements. 

8. Please note: The TS is responsible for coordinating the student “Special 

Admit” process through their Branch Chief for approval and also making 

the necessary arrangements to evaluate their technical expertise and 

teaching performance. 

B. Administrative Requirements: The TAPA Branch point of contact (POC) will pull 

the approved instructor contact information from the NFA Instructor 

Tracker/ESW and initiate the Suitability Determination/National Crime 

Information Center (NCIC) check process.

Suitability Determination/NCIC Check:

1. Effective October 10, 2019 by direction of FEMA Personal Security 

Division (PSD), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) we are only 

required to process a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check for 

NFA Instructors to be conducted every six (6) months.

2. TAPA Branch POC will contact instructors (applicant or current) to 

request the necessary PII information for the NCIC check which includes: 

full name, date of birth, place of birth, and social security number prior to 

the expiration of a previous NCIC check. 

Please note: The timeframe for the approval process of an NCIC check 

ranges from 24 – 72 hours. 
NFA-specific SOP 500.1 – Contract Instructor Recruitment and Selection

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

DUNS/SAM:

1. All potential new NFA Instructors must obtain a DUNS number from 

Dunn and Bradstreet. Specific instructions on how to obtain a DUNS 

number can be found at: www.dnb.com

2. All potential new NFA Instructors must register their DUNS number in 

the SAM and have a valid registration before they can contract with the 

government. Specific instructions regarding SAM registration can be 

found at: www.sam.gov. Note: Instructors must update their SAM 

registration annually.

3. The TAPA Branch will send reminder emails at the 30, 60 and 70 days to 

inquire about the instructor candidate’s status in providing PII information

and also the DUNS number and SAM registration requirements. If after 

the 70 days, the TAPA Branch POC has not received a reply from the 

candidate instructor, an email message will be sent to the TS to notify 

them. The TS will follow up with the candidate instructor to confirm their 

continued interest in becoming an NFA instructor and to inform them that 

they will be removed from the process if the requirements are not 

completed within the next 10 days.

C. Final Approval/Notification to Bid:

1. After the candidate instructor has met all of the administrative 

requirements, the TAPA Branch POC will notify the TS for final 

approval with a “cc” to the administrative staff.

2. The Branch administrative staff will initiate a task request for the 

USFA/NFA Program Support Services Contractor to send a complete

set of the course materials to the new instructor.

3. The TAPA Branch will add the new instructor and his/her course

eligibilities into the NFACourses System. This will provide the new

instructor with immediate access to a web-based instructor portal 

where he/she can view instructional opportunities, submit bids, view

end-of-course evaluation reports and download instructor guide 

materials.

4. The TAPA Branch will send the new instructor an email with bidding 

instructions and other pertinent information. Please Note: Existing

instructors who receive added course eligibilities will also receive an 

email notification.

5. Additional Notes: All instructor applications/supporting documentation 

will be maintained in a central repository by the Branch administrative 

staff. 
NFA-specific SOP 500.1 – Contract Instructor Recruitment and Selection

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

500.2 July 2021

Processing Complaints Regarding Contract Instructors

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the procedures for documenting and processing complaints regarding 

contract instructor physical or on-line classroom performance and/or conduct.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 500.2, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that physical or on-line classroom 

performance or conduct complaints received regarding contract instructors shall be 

processed in accordance with this SOP.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Upon the receipt of a complaint or issue with any contract instructor for any NFA 

course, the staff member receiving the complaint shall document the receipt of the 

complaint or issue. The complaint or issue must be in writing from the person or 

agency making the complaint.

B. Documentation shall include the date and time the complaint was received, the 

nature of the complaint/issue, facts surrounding the incident, and the name and 

position of the person who made the complaint.

C. The staff member shall consult with the Deputy Superintendent who shall 

determine if the complaint/issue is a classroom performance or a conduct matter.

D. For classroom performance matters, the Training Specialist (TS) responsible for 

that course shall be responsible to determine the facts, document, and make 

recommendations for resolution of the issue. For courses conducted off-campus 

and those conducted through the State Weekend Program, the TS shall work with 

the other assigned TS and the state sponsor.

E. After investigating the incident and determining the facts; if corrective action is 

needed, the following steps shall be followed:
NFA-specific SOP 500.2 – Processing Complaints Regarding Contract Instructors

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

1. The first step in this process is an oral warning issued by the TS to the 

instructor regarding the performance matter along with specific 

recommendations for improvement. The TS may include 

recommendations for the formative observation or summative evaluation 

of the instructor in accordance with NFA-specific SOP 500.3, Contract 

Instructor Observation and Evaluation. 

2. The second step in this process is a written letter issued by the TS to the 

instructor to document that the performance matter has not been corrected.

3. The third and final step in this process is a written letter issued by the 

Deputy Superintendent to the instructor notifying them that their 

performance has not improved. This letter will provide the instructor with 

a 14-day window in which they may respond.

F. For conduct matters, the Deputy Superintendent shall be responsible to take 

immediate action in accordance with National Emergency Training Center 

(NETC) policies and procedures. Refer to NFA-specific SOP 700.1 - Code of 

Conduct and NETC SOP 119-22 - Conduct on the NETC Campus.

G. If the complaint alleges discrimination, harassment, failure to complete 

contractual obligations, violation of the Human Dignity Statement, or 

intentionally providing incorrect information to students, the person having 

knowledge of the incident shall immediately notify the TS, the respective Branch

Chief in that chain-of-command and the Deputy Superintendent.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

NFA-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

500.3 July 2021

Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation

I. Purpose: This NFA-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) establishes a contract

instructor observation and evaluation process to assess and maintain the quality of 

instruction and delivery. It will:

A. Satisfy curriculum accreditation standards by maintaining a contractor instructor 

observation process. 

B. Provide Training Specialists (TS), Instructional Systems Specialists (ISS) and 

contract instructors a standardized quality assurance process. 

C. Provide quality assurance observation and evaluation instruments to include an 

instructor observation/evaluation document and accompanying rubric. 

D. Adequately document and retain observations, findings, recommendations, and 

actions in a central location so that NFA staff can track and reference data in order 

to perform longitudinal analysis. 

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 500.3, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent”.

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2 and DHS Training Glossary at 

https://dhsconnect.dhs.gov/org/comp/esec/Documents/Lexicon/DHS-Training-Glossary.pdf

V. Responsibilities:

A. NFA will provide direct access to all of its SOPs, which includes the procedures for 

contract instructor observation and evaluation and the associated documents. 

This information is located online at 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/instructors_officials/index.html#instructors

By accepting an instructional contract with the NFA, instructors are subject to the 

provisions of the observation and evaluation process, and shall uphold and support 

them without compromise or exception.
NFA-specific SOP 500.3 – Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation

_______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

B. The TS will review the observation/evaluation document and rubric with contract 

instructors prior to observation/evaluation, explain the SOP, and address any 

questions or comments instructors may have regarding the process.

C. The TS/observer will conduct instructor observation/evaluations annually, oncampus, or at the first opportunity for less frequent instructors. Beyond the 

minimal annual requirement, observations/evaluations are at the discretion of the 

training specialist based on course logistics, availability, or any other criteria, and 

may occur at any time and as frequently as the TS determines appropriate.

D. For planning purposes the TS will submit two off-site observation/evaluation 

requests annually and approval will be based on available funding, programmatic 

priorities and logistics.

E. The respective NFA Branch administrative staff will create and maintain a database 

and electronic folder for storing instructor observation/evaluation findings and 

related correspondence. NOTE: An Enterprise Shared Workspace (ESW) location 

is planned for this information.

F. Revisions to the observation/evaluation instruments, such as the observation/

evaluation document and rubric, shall be vetted through TS, ISS, and management 

staff.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Observers:

1. An “observer” is an NFA TS, ISS, Branch Chief, or Deputy Superintendent 

who utilizes the standard observation/evaluation document and rubric. 

Primary responsibility and discretion resides with the TS responsible for 

course administration.

2. Observation/evaluations must include all instructional methodologies 

included in the course delivery to support meeting course objectives.

B. Observations:

1. The observation/evaluation document and rubric maintain a standard for 

performance; however, it is understood that different curricula may require 

varied instructor strengths to be considered by the TS.

2. The NFA will provide direct access to all of its SOPs, which includes the 

procedures for contract instructor observation and evaluation and the 

associated documents. This information is located online at: 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/nfa/nfa_policies.pdf. The 

observation/evaluation process may occur at any time during the instruction 

of a course. Notification is at the discretion of the TS.
NFA-specific SOP 500.3 – Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation

_______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

3. The observer shall document observations on the instructor observation 

document (attached). The TS/observer shall use the observation/evaluation 

document and rubric to objectively determine the instructor’s performance 

rating. The TS/observer are encouraged to provide substantial supporting 

documentation in Section III of the observation/evaluation document in 

order to emphasize any strengths and/or weaknesses observed.

C. Post-Observation Debriefing:

1. The TS (in the case of the State Weekend Program and/or the Off-campus 

Direct Delivery Program, the TS/COR) shall meet with the contract 

instructor within 24 hours of the class observation/evaluation to review and 

discuss the results. A copy of the instructor observation document will be 

provided to the instructor at that time. (If the observation is performed by an 

ISS or other staff, the TS/COR will remain the instructor liaison and the 

TS/COR will disseminate findings as they deem appropriate.)

2. The TS will provide the respective NFA Branch administrative staff with a 

copy of the instructor observation document for inclusion in the database 

and filing in the electronic folder.

3. The TS/COR shall follow and use NFA-specific SOP 500.2, Processing 

Complaints Regarding Contract Instructors, to address performance issues.

4. Egregious behavior, such as a violation of the NFA Human Dignity 

Statement and/or any violation of NETC SOP 119-22 Conduct on the NETC 

Campus, may result in immediate contract termination and instructor 

removal at the discretion of the TS/COR who shall consult with a 

supervisor, contracting officer, and/or the Deputy Superintendent.

D. Frequency:

1. Conduct one observation per calendar year for on-campus courses. Travel 

for off-site observations to be planned and executed as determined by the TS

and approved by NFA management.

2. Instructors who have not taught within the last calendar year, shall 

minimally be observed throughout their first on-campus delivery.

3. Additional observations/evaluations shall be determined by the TS based on 

student feedback, instructor feedback, scheduling or course logistics, or any 

other reason.

E. Recordkeeping/Documentation:

1. The TS is responsible for saving a completed, electronic copy of the 

instructor observation document in the instructor folder on the shared drive 

so that all TSs may view current and previous performance.
NFA-specific SOP 500.3 – Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation

_______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy

2. The TS is responsible for sending a copy to their respective Program 

Support to track performance issues that may impact future contract awards.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachments (2)

1. Instructor Observation/Evaluation Rubric

2. Instructor Observation/Evaluation Document

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory NeedsImprovement

1. Was prepared for class. Built knowledge and 

skills both in content

areas and pedagogy

through formal education,

preservice learning,

job‐embedded learning,

or participation in

professional development

activities.

Routinely seeks TS input

for self‐evaluation.

Evaluates areas where

one’s own pedagogical

and/or content knowledge 

needs to be strengthened

and seeks out professional

developmentsettings and

resources to address these

needs as part of a

professional development

plan.

Reviewed IG and SM

prior to class to ensure

familiarity with all content

in both IG and SM. Is

prepared to manage

discrepancies and/or

deficiencies in course

materials.

Seeks information from TS

on learners’ content

knowledge; prior learning

experiences; and learning

level.

Built knowledge and 

skills both in content

areas and pedagogy

through formal education,

preservice learning,

job‐embedded learning,

or participation in

professional development

activities.

Reviewed IG and SM

prior to class to ensure

familiarity with all content

in both IG and SM. Is

prepared to manage

discrepancies and/or

deficiencies in course

materials.

Reviewed IG and SM

prior to class to ensure

familiarity with all content

in both IG and SM. Is

prepared to manage

discrepancies and/or

deficiencies in course

materials.

Unaware of IG SM

discrepancies.

Unfamiliar with any

course content.

Unfamiliar with current

professional practices

related to course content.

Late to class.

NFA-specific SOP 500.3 Attachment 1 - Instructor Observation Rubric 

for Section I. B. (Instructional Skill and Ability) of NFA-specific SOP 500.3 Attachment 2 - Instructor Observation Document
2. Stated lesson overview

and included clear

statement of objectives.

Clearstep‐by‐step

overview of lesson

outlined; correlated the

objective to performance

on the job; clearly

explained instructor

assists and method of

student measurement.

Communicates learning

goals and explains to

learners in clear language

how day‐to‐day

instruction, assignments,

and projects support them

in achieving those goals.

Objectives were written

on the board, flip chart,

training material or other

audiovisual aid and

matched POI; stated the

objectives up front and

properly explained lesson. 

Stated lesson overview

and included a statement

of the objectives.

Objectives of the lesson

not stated; no overview.

Instructor did not state the

name of the lesson.

3. Used appropriate

techniques(examples,

scenarios) to assist and

motivate students to learn.

Observed student

participation in class and

properly evaluated

progress to identify

requirements for

individual improvement;

actively involved students

in the lesson; used explicit

and interesting examples

to stimulate student

interest and motivation,

uses a personal appeal to

students and re‐enforces

their desire to learn.

Addresses diverse

learning modalities,

abilities, needs, and

intereststhrough

differentiated instruction. 

Varies instructional

activities and examples to

Adjusted approach to

subject matter to assure

students assimilated

material; maintained

positive learning

environment; related

material to actual job

performance.

Engagesstudents actively

in their own learning

through relevant,

thought‐provoking

questions; problems; and

tasks that stimulate

interest.

Provides learners

opportunities to apply

their knowledge, skills,

and new learning to

identify obstacles and

solutions to real‐life and 

Attempted to involve

students in the lesson;

displayed enthusiasm

during instruction; and

provided appropriate

motivation.

Emphasized key points. 

Did not attempt to involve

the students in the lesson;

displayed a lack of

enthusiasm for the

material. Instructor failed

to incorporate core values

into the lesson. 

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
improve conceptual

understanding and skill

development. 

Establishes a community

of practice among learners

to encourage peer‐to‐peer

learning and a rapport 

with other students so that

they feel encouraged to

voice ideas and opinions 

without fear of negative

consequences.

classroomprojects

through independent and

collaborative problem‐

solving activities.

4. Used training aids

effectively.

Marker board and other

training aids were

extremely effective in

teaching the subject

matter; training aids

integrated seamlessly and

flawlessly into lesson; no

errors in training aid use.

Training aids and devices

used in a manner that

enhanced training

outcome; all aids fully

visible to all students; few

errors in training aid use,

which were not repeated.

Used training aids

effectively; several errors

occurred in training aid

use, but they did not

detract from the lesson. 

Training aids not

effectively used; frequent

errors in training aid use

detracted from the lesson. 

(Example: Aids not

visible, out of order or 

sequence with instruction;

instructor talked to the aid,

used training aids

inappropriately,

apologized for the training

aids, etc.)

5. Displayed natural

mannerisms(movement)

and maintained eye contact.

Used eye contact to

assessstudent

understanding and to

draw students into the

discussion; gestures

completely relaxed and

natural; no distracting

mannerisms.

Impartial eye contact with

all students; few

distractingmannerisms;

used gestures to

emphasize and clarify

difficult points.

Displayed natural

mannerisms; maintained

eye contact most of the

time; used appropriate

gestures;several

distractingmannerisms.

Eye contact not impartial;

did not speak directly to

the students for long

periods or excessively

read to the students;

gestures stiff and

unnatural; distracting

mannerisms occurred

frequently or persisted for 

an excessive period of 

time (i.e., hands in

pockets, jingling keys). 

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
6. Verbalized effectively

(i.e., good volume/tone/ 

pitch/speed/grammar) and 

avoided verbal distracters.

Used vocal variety to

convey difference in

meaning; no grammar or

sentence structure errors;

no verbal distracters.

Speaks and writes clearly

and accurately when

giving directions for tasks,

clarifying content,

questioning, and

evaluating student work

and ideas. 

Varied rate of delivery as

well as the volume, force,

and pitch of voice; few

grammar or sentence

structure errors; few

verbal distracters.

Speaks and writes clearly

and accurately when

giving directions for tasks,

clarifying content,

questioning, and

evaluating student work

and ideas. 

Verbally clear and easily

heard; several grammar

and sentence structure

errors; several verbal

distracters;several

grammar or sentence

structure errors.

Speaks and writes clearly

and accurately when

giving directions for tasks,

clarifying content,

questioning, and

evaluating student work

and ideas. 

Mispronounced technical

terms; frequently used

improper grammar and

sentence structure; voice

too loud or too quiet;

frequent verbal distracters

(for example, overuse of

stock expressions,

vocalized pauses).

7. Used effective question

and answer technique.

Used leadoff, follow‐up

and spontaneous questions

to initiate, support and

control the discussion

effectively; used both

overhead and directed

questions to draw all

students into the

discussion; planned

questions to ensure all

students reached the

objective; did not use

questions that did not

stimulate thought;

questions were easily

understood by all, and all

responses were validated. 

Used questioning

strategies for

understanding and

responding to student

comments and questions

in order to engage

learners in inquiry,

challenging their own

Used questions to initiate,

support, and control the

discussion; used questions

to draw students into the

discussion; planned

questionsthat supported

the objective; rarely used

questions that did not

stimulate thought;

questions were understood 

by most and no responses

were discounted. 

Used questioning

strategies for

understanding and

responding to student

comments and questions

in order to engage

learners in inquiry,

challenging their own

assumptions, and

problem‐solving.

Used few questions to

control the discussion;

used questions to draw

most students into the

discussion; in addition to

thought‐provoking

questions, used several

questions that did not

stimulate thought; planned

questionsrelated to the

objective; most questions 

were understood by 

students and few

responses were

discounted. 

Engaged students actively

in their own learning

through relevant,

thought‐provoking

questions; problems; and

tasks that stimulate

interest.

Did not use questions to

control the discussion;

relied solely on overhead

or directed questions

leaving many students out

of the discussion;

questions were not

planned or did not support 

the objective; did not use

thought‐ provoking 

questions— students

merely parroted back

answers; questions were

not understood by

students—students did not

know how to respond; did

not adequately address

student questions or 

discounted student

responses to questions.

Instructor failed to give

students an opportunity to

ask questions. 

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
assumptions, and

problem‐solving.

Assists learners in

reflecting on their own

performance.

8. Maintained conducive

learning environment. 

Full attention of each

student focused on

lesson. 

Student behavior and

attitudes conducive to

learning; student attention

was focused on lesson;

few inattentive students

noted; inattentive students

were effectively

refocused and/or 

counseled.

Students made to feel

comfortable asking

questions, voicing

opinion, and working

within group. 

Student behavior and

attitudes conducive to

learning; student attention

was focused on lesson;

few inattentive students

noted; inattentive students

were effectively

refocused and/or 

counseled.

Students were for the most

part attentive to the

lesson; inappropriate

student behavior, if

displayed, was corrected;

several inattentive

students were noted;

classroom rules were

enforced.

Student behavior

distracted other members

of the class; inappropriate

student behavior was not

corrected; majority of

students did not have their

attention on the lesson;

classroom rules not 

enforced (i.e., drinks

around equipment, student

late reporting or returning 

to class from a break,

etc.). Instructor failed to

manage distractions to

prevent obstacles to

learning. 

9. Demonstrated thorough 

knowledge of

subject/procedures.

Clearly explained the

subject at hand; quickly

and correctly answered

questions pertaining to

the subject; no technical

errors noted.

If unsure of answer,

instructor states that he or 

she does not know, but

that they will find out the

answer. Instructor

follows‐up with class on

any unanswered questions

and or keeps Parking Lot.

Demonstrated thorough

knowledge of subject and

procedures; used

examples to clarify

problem areas; no more

than one corrected

technical error noted.

Demonstrated adequate

knowledge of the subject

and procedures; few

technical errors noted

(incorrect, inaccurate,

outdated information,

and/or procedures);

adequately corrected all

technical errors.

Did not fully understand

the subject; lesson

contained one or more

uncorrected technical

errors(incorrect,

inaccurate, outdated

information); lesson

contained several

uncorrected technical

errors.

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
10. Demonstrated poise

and set positive example

of dress and behavior.

A role model for students;

far exceeded dress and

appearance requirements.

Displayed professional

attitude, confidence and

good posture; exceeded

dress and appearance

requirements.

Exhibited professional

behavior; in compliance

with dress and appearance

standards.

Behavior not professional;

cynicism, profanity,

intimidation, or off‐color

remarks used; not in

compliance with dress and 

appearance standards. 

Violated the dress code

outlined in the NETC

welcome packet in any

way.

11. Managed time

effectively/completed all

phases of lesson,

reviewed main points in

lesson summary.

All main points were

covered in detail;

transitions were used

between main points with

little to no distraction to

the learning environment.

Extremelysmooth‐flowing

lesson; interim summaries

used to fully support the

lesson; main points of the

lesson reviewed in depth

at the conclusion of the

lesson; effectively re‐

motivated students during

conclusion; re‐motivation

left students with a clear

understanding of the

“why” they should

perform the lesson.

Managed/reined‐in

tangential topics. 

All objectives/main points

presented; effective

conclusions, interim

summaries, and

transitions used to bridge

key points; in group‐

paced classes, adjusted

pace according to student

needs when appropriate.

All portions of the lesson

were covered; lesson

well‐paced; conclusions,

interim summaries,

transitions used most of

the time in the lesson;

they were reasonably

effective in moving

between main points with

minimal distractions to the

learning environment;

re‐motivation left students

on a positive note.

All objectives not covered;

lesson pace too fast or too

slow; conclusions, interim

summaries, transitions

were not used as indicated

in lesson plan; missed

main points which

prevented significant

information being

presented and/or presented

information out of

sequence which distracted

from the learning

environment; re‐

motivation poorly

motivated the students and 

did not provide an

understanding of the

“why” which negatively

impacted the lesson. 

Instructor failed to re‐

state name of the lesson

or objective in the

summary.

12. Provided clear and

concise answers and

examples during lesson

review exercises.

Ensured all students

understood all aspects of

the performance exercise;

previewed elements of the

lesson plan and 

Thoroughly explained the

performance exercise,

including the evaluation

criteria; integrated the

exercise with the lesson.

Briefed students on the

performance exercise

instructions and guidance

using correct terminology. 

Failed to explain the

performance exercise to

the students; used

incorrect terminology. 

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
performance exercise and

accentuated known

difficult areas of the lab.

Ensured understanding of

all procedures and various

approved techniques to

accomplish the

procedures.

Thoroughly explained

step‐by‐step instructions

as procedures and

technical methods as

techniques.

Differentiated between

procedure and technique

(i.e., what to do vs. how

to do, etc.).

Did not differentiate

between procedure and

technique.

13. Accurately assessed

student achievement of

goals/objectives.

Thoroughly assessed all

aspects of the students’

performance of the task

or mastery of the subject.

Elicits direct, observable

evidence of learners’

abilities to independently

demonstrate the targeted

set of standards. 

Buildslearner confidence

by providing feedback on

progress in relationship to

learning goals and

encouragement and clear

feedback about the steps

needed to continue

moving toward goal

attainment

Used questioning

strategies for

understanding and

responding to student

comments and questions

in order to engage

learners in inquiry,

challenging their own

assumptions, and

problem‐solving 

Assessed elements of

subject or task.

Used questioning

strategies for

understanding and

responding to student

comments and questions

in order to engage

learners in inquiry,

challenging their own

assumptions, and

problem‐solving 

Proficiently used all

formative assessment tools

(such as classroom

observations, activities,

lesson closure discussions,

quizzes, and student

feedback) to monitor

learning and adjust

instruction.

Evaluated most key

elements of subject or

task.

Used questioning

strategies for

understanding and

responding to student

comments and questions

in order to engage

learners in inquiry,

challenging their own

assumptions, and

problem‐solving.

Proficiently used most

formative assessment tools

(such as classroom

observations, activities,

lesson closure discussions,

quizzes, and student

feedback) to monitor

learning and adjust

instruction.

Did not accurately assess

(e.g. instructor stated

students performed well,

butstudents performed

poorly) or failed to assess

student achievement and

understanding.

Did not adequately utilize

formative assessment tools

(such as classroom

observations, activities,

lesson closure discussions,

quizzes, and student

feedback) to monitor

learning and adjust

instruction.

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Proficiently used all

formative assessment

tools (such as classroom

observations, activities,

lesson closure

discussions, quizzes, and 

student feedback) to

monitor learning and 

adjust instruction.

Behavior Outstanding Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Instructor Observation Date 

Instructor (Last, First) Total # Hours Instruction: 

Total # Hours Observed: 

Observer (Last, First) Course Title Subject/Unit 

Observation Type 

 Qualification Scheduled Follow-up 

Legend: O – Outstanding E – Excellent S – Satisfactory NI – Needs Improvement NA – Not Applicable 

Instructions: Enter an “X” under “YES” or “NO” and applicable rating in Section I. “NA” applies to items that 

are not applicable to the lesson presented. “NI” ratings require a short justification in the “Comments” block 

on the reverse side of the form (reference item number). “NI” ratings will be followed up at the next 

scheduled course of instruction. 

Rating 

SECTION I ITEM 

YES NO O E S NI NA 

A. TEACHING PREPARATION

1. Lesson plan/other teaching guides approved by TS? □ □ □ □

B. INSTRUCTIONAL SKILL AND ABILITY

2. Was prepared for class. □ □ □ □ □

3. Stated lesson overview and included clear statement of objectives. □ □ □ □ □

4. Used appropriate techniques (examples, scenarios) to assist and

motivate students to learn. □ □ □ □ □

5. Used training aides effectively. □ □ □ □ □

6. Displayed natural mannerisms (movement) and maintained eye

contact. □ □ □ □ □

7. Verbalized effectively (i.e., good volume/tone/pitch/speed/grammar)

and avoided verbal distracters. □ □ □ □ □

8. Used effective question and answer technique. □ □ □ □ □

9. Maintained conducive learning environment. □ □ □ □ □

10. Demonstrated thorough knowledge of subject/procedures. □ □ □ □ □

11. Demonstrated poise and set positive example of dress and behavior. □ □ □ □ □

12. Managed time effectively/completed all phases of lesson, reviewed

main points in lesson summary. □ □ □ □ □

13. Provided clear and concise answers and examples during lesson review

exercises. □ □ □ □ □

14. Accurately assessed student achievement of goals/objectives. □ □ □ □ □

C. NFA Human Dignity Statement

Was there any violation of the NFA Human Dignity Statement? 

Selection of Yes requires a detailed explanation in Section III and 

corrective action. 

□ □
SECTION II. OVERALL PERFORMANCE RATING 

 Outstanding 12 or more items rated “Outstanding.” No items rated “Needs 

 Improvement.” 

 Excellent 11 or more items rated “Excellent” or “Outstanding”. No items rated 

 “Needs Improvement.” 

 Satisfactory 11 or more items rated “Satisfactory” or higher. No more than 2 

items rated “Needs Improvement.” 

Needs Improvement 3 items rated “Needs Improvement.”

 Unacceptable 4 or more of the items rated “Needs Improvement” or any violation of 

 the NFA Human Dignity Statement. Any egregious behavior (such as 

 sleeping) in the classroom. 

SECTION III. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT OR GENERAL COMMENTS 

General comments. 

SECTION IV. SIGNATURE OF OBSERVER 

Printed Name of Observer Signature of Observer Date 
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

500.4 July 2021

Administrative Requirements for National Fire Academy Contract Instructors and 

Subject Matter Experts

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating 

procedure (SOP) outlines the administrative procedures that NFA contract

instructors and subject matter experts (SMEs) must comply with to maintain 

eligibility to teach and/or participate in course development activities for NFA 

courses. Also see NFA-specific SOP 500.1, Contract Instructor Recruitment and 

Selection.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 500.4, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/References: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to all contract instructors 

and SMEs.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Contract Instructors:

1. After the candidate instructor is recommended to teach by the 

Training Specialist (TS), their contact information is entered into 

the NFA Instructor Tracker/Enterprise Shared Workspace, and the 

Training, Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) Branch

staff initiates the Suitability Determination/NCIC Check process, 

which includes:

a. Suitability Determination/NCIC Check: 

1. Effective October 10, 2019 by direction of FEMA 

Personal Security Division (PSD), Office of the 

Chief Security Officer (OCSO) we are only 

required to process a National Crime Information

Center (NCIC) check for NFA Instructors to be 

conducted every six (6) months.
NFA-specific SOP 500.4 – Administrative Requirements for NFA Contract Instructors 

and Subject Matter Experts

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. TAPA Branch point of contact will contact 

instructors (applicant or current) to request the 

necessary personally identifiable (PII) information 

for the NCIC check which includes: full name, date 

of birth, place of birth, and social security number 

prior to the expiration of a previous NCIC check.

3. Please note: The timeframe for the approval process 

of an NCIC check ranges from 24 – 72 hours. 

b. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS): 

1. All potential new NFA Instructors must obtain a 

DUNS number from Dunn and Bradstreet. Specific 

instructions on how to obtain a DUNS number can 

be found at www.dnb.com

c. System for Award Management (SAM):

1. All potential new NFA Instructors must register 

their DUNS number in the SAM and have a valid 

registration before they can contract with the 

government. Specific instructions regarding SAM 

registration can be found at www.sam.gov. Note: 

Instructors must renew their SAM registration each 

year.

2. After all administrative requirements are met, the instructor will 

receive a letter from the Branch Chief informing them of their 

eligibility to teach.

3. The TAPA Branch staff will send the new instructor an email with 

bidding instructions and other reference information.

B. SMEs:

1. All SMEs must secure a favorable Background Suitability 

Determination, step A.1.a. above applies. To initiate this process, 

the NFA Instructional Systems Specialist provides the TAPA 

Branch staff with the contact information for the SME candidate.

2. Any SME contracting directly with the Federal Government must 

also secure a DUNS number and register in SAM, steps A.1.b. and 

A.1.c. above apply.
NFA-specific SOP 500.4 – Administrative Requirements for NFA Contract Instructors 

and Subject Matter Experts

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be 

addressed to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in 

conflict with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management 

Agency policies, procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are 

in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

600.1 July 2021

Course Delivery Partnerships

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) describes the framework where the NFA will enter formal partnerships with other 

organizations and agencies to deliver courses.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 600.1, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that it will use a state fire training 

agency as identified by legislation or statute to deliver its sponsored training.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. For NFA sponsored training, the NFA shall use contract instructors who deliver 

courses to meet American Council on Education (ACE) and International 

Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) standards. The 

rigorous standards and processes that NFA employs to recruit, vet, evaluate and 

retain NFA instructors are an important element in maintaining NFA’s academic 

rigor, integrity and credibility, as well as NFA’s curriculum requirements with 

ACE and IACET. Note: Students who successfully complete NFA-sponsored

courses are eligible to earn an NFA-sponsored end-of-course certificate and may 

be eligible for ACE and IACET credit.

B. For enfranchised course deliveries, state fire training systems and/or other 

state/local, tribal and military organizations that wish to deliver designated NFA 

enfranchised courses at their location must comply with NFA-specific Standard 

Operating Procedure 400.12/National Fire Academy Enfranchised Course 

Delivery Process, including the Official Letter of Agreement. 

C. State fire training agencies may use their certified instructors and may teach to 

national consensus standards. Note: Students who successfully complete statesponsored courses are eligible to earn a state-sponsored end-of-course certificate 

but are not eligible for ACE or IACET credit.
NFA-specific SOP 600.1 – Course Delivery Partnerships

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

D. The NFA and the state fire training systems collect student attendance and 

performance records and maintain them in accordance with The Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 

99).

E. Any organization that wishes to formally partner with the NFA shall meet this 

standard and be able to provide proof of same.

F. Federally appropriated funds may not be used to assist non-governmental 

organizations to develop or deliver training for which non-governmental 

organizations received a Federal grant.

G. In accordance with the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008, 

the Fire Administrator may enter into a contract with nationally recognized 

organizations that have established on-site training programs that comply with 

national voluntary consensus standards for fire service personnel to facilitate the 

delivery of the education and training programs.

H. In accordance with 15 USC 49 § 2206 (m) 2 A, the Fire Administrator may not 

enter into a contract with a nationally recognized organization unless the 

organization provides training that leads to certification by a program that is 

accredited by a nationally and/or regionally accredited institution that is 

recognized by the United States Department of Education; or the Fire 

Administrator determines if the training is of equivalent quality to an accredited 

fire service training program.

1. When making a decision, the Fire Administrator may consider the fact 

that an organization has provided a satisfactory fire service training 

program pursuant to a cooperative agreement with a Federal agency as 

evidence that such a program is of equivalent quality to a fire service 

training program. 

2. The amounts expended by the Fire Administrator to carry out this 

subsection in any fiscal year shall not exceed 7.5 percent of the 

appropriated amount. See 15 USC 49 § 2206 (m) 3.
NFA-specific SOP 600.1 – Course Delivery Partnerships

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent, at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

600.2 July 2021

Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Recognition Program Process

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP)

describes the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE)

Recognition Program process. The FESHE Recognition Certificate is an 

acknowledgement that particular collegiate divisions of emergency services 

degree programs meet the minimum standards of excellence established by 

FESHE professional development committees and the NFA.

B. These regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities have 

demonstrated a commitment to the nationally recognized FESHE model of 

standardized professional development education criteria. At present, FESHE has 

concentrated on degree programs that emphasize firefighting response, fire 

prevention and fire administration, and emergency medical services management 

degree programs.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 600.2, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

Application:

A. The institution requests an application for recognition through email using the 

email address of FEMA-FESHE@fema.dhs.gov

B. The NFA FESHE program manager sends the institution point of contact (POC) a 

request for recognition application packet.

C. The institution requestor returns the completed application packet which includes:
NFA-specific SOP 600.2– Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Recognition Program Process

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

1. The application document signed by the requestor and the appropriate 

department head or their superior.

2. Course syllabi for the six core courses which indicates that the student 

learning outcomes (SLOs) are met.

D. NFA FESHE program manager notifies the institution POC that the packet has 

been received and the 45 day review process will begin. The institution is added 

to the Enterprise Shared Workspace (ESW) for tracking purposes.

E. The NFA reviewer completes the review, noting concurrence or deficiencies.

F. The NFA FESHE program manager emails the POC stating either:

1. The review process is complete and the packet is being forwarded to the 

appropriate State Fire Training Director (SFTD) for concurrence; or,

2. Indicating deficiencies noted for correction and steps to follow for further 

consideration. After receipt of the resubmitted packet, the 45 day review 

process will begin again.

G. When the application is sent to the SFTD office:

1. The NFA FESHE program manager will send the application explaining 

that the SFTD may review the application; contact the institution POC for 

any questions prior to signing concurrence/non-concurrence and resolve 

non-concurrence issues prior to returning the application to NFA; or,

2. Return the signed application with SFTD concurrence within seven days 

upon receipt from the NFA.

H. If the application is approved by the SFTD, the NFA FESHE program manager

will:

1. Notify the institution POC indicating the review process is complete, their 

signed certificate will be forthcoming, and that they may now submit 

student applications for course certificates.

2. Notify the webmaster to add the school to the recognized list.

I. The NFA program support staff will forward the certificate on to the appropriate 

SFTD to sign and return.

J. The NFA program support staff will mail the completed certificate to the 

institution POC.
NFA-specific SOP 600.2– Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Recognition Program Process

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

Reporting/Compliance:

A. The NFA FESHE program manager will send an email to the institution POC 

with the requirements for reporting/compliance to include the NETC student 

application process, FESHE Recognition cover sheet and sample/instructions on 

completing the student application.

B. The NFA FESHE program manager will audit each institution for compliance

every year. Institutions found “not in compliance” will be denied further 

participation until deficiencies have been corrected and the institution submits an 

updated application for review/approval. The NFA FESHE program manager will 

immediately notify the appropriate SFTD of this action.

1. The NFA FESHE program manager will pull the institution’s FESHE 

certification if the institution is not in compliance. This includes program 

cancellation due to low enrollment, non-reporting or not teaching to all of

the FESHE student outcomes.

2. The NFA FESHE program manager will remove the institution from the 

FESHE website.

C. Institutions may appeal revocation of participation rights by submitting a written 

appeal to the NFA FESHE program manager which will be forwarded to the 

National Professional Development Steering (NPDS) Committee within 30 days 

of notification of revocation. The NPDS Committee will then have 30 days to 

respond by either upholding the revocation or re-instituting the school’s 

recognition status. In either case, written recommendations will be made to the 

NFA FESHE program manager. The NFA FESHE program manager will contact 

the SFTD and the appealing institution.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - FESHE Institutional Recognition Request Form

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
1 

FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES HIGHER 

EDUCATION (FESHE) 

INSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION REQUEST 

Part A: To be completed by FESHE Institution

NAME OF COLLEGE/ 

UNIVERSITY: 

POINT OF CONTACT: 

MAILING ADDRESS: 

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: 

EMAIL: PHONE: 

INSTITUTION URL: 

TYPE OF DEGREE(S) OFFERED:

(e.g., AS, AA, AAS, BA, BS, ETC., IN FIRE SCIENCE) 

FESHE COURSE CODE & TITLE INSTITUTION 

COURSE TITLE

ASSOCIATE’S CORE CURRICULUM (Check all that apply)

C0275-Building Construction for Fire Protection

C0276-Fire Behavior and Combustion

C0286-Fire Prevention

C0288-Fire Protection Systems

C0273-Principles of Emergency Services

C0281-Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival

While FESHE strongly suggests adoption of the non-core curriculum, only the core curriculum is evaluated for purposes of national 

FESHE recognition. Non-core (elective) courses are evaluated only to assure course outcome compliance for student certificate 

purposes.

ASSOCIATE'S NON-CORE CURRICULUM (Check all that apply)

C0290-Advanced Concepts in Structural Fire Protection 

C0294-Fire and Life Safety Education

C0283-Fire Investigation I

C0284-Fire Investigation II

C0292-Fire Plans Review

C0277-Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply

C0282-Hazardous Materials Chemistry

C0291-Human Behavior in Fire

C0270-Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services

C0278-Occupational Health and Safety

C0289-Performance-Based Design Fire Protection

C0293-Principles of Code Enforcement

C0272-Principles of Fire and Emergency Service Administration

C0279-Strategy and Tactics
2

BACHELOR'S CORE CURRICULUM (Check all that apply)

C0260-Applications of Fire Research

C0287-Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services

C0271-Fire and Emergency Services Administration

C0264-Fire Prevention Organization and Management

C0266-Personnel Management for the Fire and Emergency Services

C0258-Political and Legal Foundations of Fire Protection

While FESHE strongly suggests adoption of the non-core curriculum, only the core curriculum is evaluated for purposes of national 

FESHE recognition. Non-core (elective) courses are evaluated only to assure course outcome compliance for student certificate 

purposes.

BACHELOR'S NON-CORE CURRICULUM (Check all that apply)

C0280-Advanced Principles in Fire and Emergency Services Safety and 

Survival

C0265-Analytical Approaches to Public Fire Protection

C0296-Disaster Planning and Control

C0257-Fire Dynamics

C0285-Fire Investigation and Analysis

C0295-Fire Protection Structures and Systems

C0263-Fire-Related Human Behavior

C0269-Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials

SUBMIT COURSE OUTCOMES THAT MATCH THE FESHE COURSES USING THE ATTACHED 

TEMPLATE.

INSTITUTION URL:

(where curriculum can be found)

WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS OF COURSE COMPLETION THE FESHE RECOGNIZED INSTITUTION 

AGREES TO COLLECT AND SUBMIT THE FEMA FORM 119-25-2 WITH THE ATTACHED COVER 

LETTER TO THE NETC ADMISSIONS OFFICE FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY 

COMPLETE THE APPROVED COURSES.

SUBMITTED

BY:

TITLE:

INSTITUTIONAL 

APPROVAL:

(Division Dean 

Signature)

Part B: To be completed by the appropriate FESHE Degree Program Committee

REVIEWER(s)

CONCUR NONCONCUR Return for Revision (see comments below)

REVIEWED BY: TITLE:

DATE: SIGNATURE(s):

COMMENTS:
3

Part C: To be completed by the State Training Director

CONCUR NONCONCUR

SIGNATURE: TITLE:

DATE:

COMMENTS:
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

600.3 July 2021

Social Media and Gov Delivery

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) outlines the policies and procedures for submitting materials to be posted on NFA 

social media channels.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 600.3, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: This NFA-specific SOP is applicable to employees of the NFA.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. All staff are encouraged to submit material to be disseminated through the social 

media and Gov Delivery channels in order to promote NFA programs. Social 

media includes all social media channels that the U.S. Fire Administration 

(USFA) subscribes to; i.e., Facebook and Twitter. Gov Delivery is an email 

communications channel that allows USFA/NFA to distribute notifications 

effectively and efficiently to audiences that self-select the subject area for which 

they want to receive notifications.

B. Staff submitting content are required to submit materials via their supervisor to the 

Social Media Manager. Content should be short, concise and reference the 

appropriate USFA/NFA webpage. Content requiring distribution in addition to the 

social media channels described above should be coordinated through the USFA 

External Affairs Specialist.

C. Photos are highly encouraged. Photos of students/instructors must include 

confirmation that a completed and signed National Emergency Training Center 

(NETC) Video-Photo Release (attached) is electronically forwarded to the Social 

Media Manager with the social media content. The Social Media Manager will 

retain the completed and signed NETC Video-Photo Release. Photos are not used 

in Gov Delivery releases.
NFA-specific SOP 600.3 – Social Media and Gov Delivery

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - NETC Video-Photo Release

Nothing in this standard operating procedure shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict 

with Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, 

procedures or instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.1 July 2021

Code of Conduct

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) 

establishes a Code of Conduct for NFA students.

B. It is not possible to list all acts of misconduct/disorderly conduct that can occur on 

campus or in the classroom, but students are required to exhibit the highest forms 

of good manners, behavior and respect for the NFA community and its 

inhabitants.

C. Students are expected to exhibit exemplary ethical behavior and conduct as part of 

the NFA community and society as a whole. Acts of academic dishonesty 

including cheating, plagiarism, deliberate falsification, and other unethical 

behaviors are considered breaches of this Code of Conduct.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-Specific SOP 700.1, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that a Code of Conduct is adopted in accordance 

with this SOP.

B. By accepting admission to NFA-sponsored classes, students are automatically 

subject to the provisions of this Code of Conduct and shall uphold and support 

them without compromise or exception. Ignorance of any aspect of the Code of 

Conduct shall not be a defense to an alleged violation.

C. A copy of this SOP shall be made available to all students and instructors.
NFA-specific SOP 700.1 – Code of Conduct

_____________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Academic misconduct shall include: 

1. Deliberate alteration of graded material for a re-grade or grade correction.

2. Submitting without authorization the same assignment for credit in more 

than one course.

3. Collaborating on any work when not allowed, either in or outside the 

classroom setting.

4. Forging the signature of another or allowing forgery by another for any 

classroom related document.

5. Use of unauthorized material stored or recorded on electronic devices 

during an exam or quiz.

6. Use of crib notes or other unauthorized written material during an exam or 

quiz unless specifically authorized by the course Training Specialist (TS). 

7. Attempting to or allowing impersonation by another in order to take one’s 

exam or quiz.

8. Copying, alteration or fabrication of data such as that collected in a 

teaching laboratory or as part of a research project without specific 

original author citation or written original author permission.

9. Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit 

an act of academic dishonesty.

10. Intentionally plagiarizing the works of others, in whole or in part, in 

specific words or ideas, and/or self-plagiarizing previously submitted 

works by submission as new work.

11. Establishing multiple user accounts to enroll in and pass on-line self-study 

courses.

12. Continually retaking on-line self-study course exams to record the test 

questions and the correct answers.

B. General Code of Conduct:

1. Students shall abide by all NFA, National Emergency Training Center

(NETC), Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Federal rules and 

regulations, standards, and laws.
NFA-specific SOP 700.1 – Code of Conduct

_____________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

2. Students and instructors shall abide by FEMA Policy 123-0-2 FEMA 

Educational and Training Participant Standards of Conduct, FEMA 

Directive 123-0-2-1 Personnel Standards of Conduct, and NETC SOP 

119-22 Conduct on the NETC Campus (attached to this SOP and also 

available to NETC staff at http://netc.fema.net/directives/default.aspx).

3. Students attending NFA-sponsored classes in locations other than the 

NETC shall abide by this Code of Conduct and any Code of Conduct 

adopted by the agency or organization that is hosting the class.

4. A violation of the host agency or organization Code of Conduct shall be 

considered a violation of this SOP.

5. Instructors are responsible for maintaining a classroom environment that 

facilitates effective teaching, learning, and safety. Instructors shall ensure 

against hostile environment incidents while conducting any class for the 

NFA. This includes (but is not limited to) admonishing students who make 

any comment that could be construed as offensive and remaining alert for 

drifts in classroom atmosphere that could lead to inappropriate comments.

6. The instructor has the right to determine appropriate behavior standards in 

the classroom as long as the requirement does not infringe upon the 

individual’s rights nor is in violation of FEMA Policy 123-0-2, FEMA 

Educational and Training Participant Standards of Conduct, FEMA 

Directive 123-0-2-1 Personnel Standards of Conduct, and NETC SOP 

119-22. Disruptive and disrespectful behavior on the part of any student 

shall not be tolerated. 

7. The instructor shall identify students who are in violation of the 

appropriate decorum or safety procedures and shall provide reasonable 

warning to the students of the consequences of such conduct.

Note: A reasonable warning would include a verbal reminder or a written 

note regarding the expected decorum in the classroom or while on the 

NETC campus.

8. The instructor shall notify the TS if violations of appropriate behavior 

standards are not corrected.

a. The penalty for continued inappropriate conduct may include 

expulsion from the class for the day in question and a notice sent to 

the Branch Chief and then to the Deputy Superintendent.

b. In extreme or exigent cases, the penalty for continued 

inappropriate conduct may include expulsion from the classroom 

or NETC in accordance with FEMA Policy 123-0-2, FEMA 

Educational and Training Participant Standards of Conduct, 

FEMA Directive 123-0-2-1 Personnel Standards of Conduct, and 

NETC SOP 119-22 Conduct on the NETC Campus.
NFA-specific SOP 700.1 – Code of Conduct

_____________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

9. Return of the student to the classroom shall require a written pledge by the 

student to abide by the rules of expected classroom decorum or safety. The 

signed pledge shall be provided to the TS, the Branch Chief and Deputy 

Superintendent.

10. Further action may be taken in accordance with FEMA Policy 123-0-2, 

FEMA Educational and Training Participant Standards of Conduct, 

FEMA Directive 123-0-2-1 Personnel Standards of Conduct, and NETC 

SOP 119-22 Conduct on the NETC Campus, and may include permanent 

exclusion from NFA-sponsored courses.

11. Academic misconduct is a violation of this Code of Conduct.

12. For classroom and NFAOnline mediated courses, students are expected to 

report academic misconduct to the instructor or the TS when they witness 

a violation. All cases of academic misconduct shall be reported by the 

instructor to the TS.

13. The TS shall report the incident to the Branch Chief and the Deputy 

Superintendent.

14. For NFAOnline self-study courses, students who believe that academic 

misconduct has occurred should first follow their organization’s process 

for reporting unethical behavior.

15. If a student is found to have engaged in misconduct and the allegations are 

upheld, the penalties may include, but are not limited to one or a 

combination of the following:

a. Expulsion.

b. Withholding of stipend or forfeiture of stipend paid.

c. Exclusion from future classes for a specified period; depending on 

the severity it could range from 1-10 years or even a life-time ban.

d. Forfeiture of certificate for course(s) enrolled in at NETC.

16. Notification of the misconduct will be made to the student’s sponsoring 

organization.

17. Standards of conduct and other operational policies and procedures 

relating to the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program are outlined in the 

EFO Program Handbook at 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/efop_guidelines.pdf
NFA-specific SOP 700.1 – Code of Conduct

_____________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

18. Standards of conduct and other operational policies and procedures 

relating to the Managing Officer (MO) Program are outlined in the MO 

Program Handbook at:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/nfa/managing_officer_program

_handbook.pdf

19. Students have the right to dispute any action in accordance with NFAspecific SOP 700.6 Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachments

700.1a - NETC SOP 119-22 Conduct on the NETC Campus

700.1b - FEMA Policy 123-0-2 FEMA Educational and Training Participant Standards of 

Conduct

700.1c - FEMA Directive 123-0-2-1 Personnel Standards of Conduct

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

 Directives Management System

NETC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

NETC SOP Date Organization 

 #119-22 December 4, 2017 FA 

Conduct on the NETC Campus

I. Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) identifies the policies, procedures and standards 

for conduct on Federal property at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in 

Emmitsburg, Maryland. It identifies the actions to be taken for violation of these standards, 

and is applicable to all persons entering, while on, or leaving NETC. Nothing in this 

document creates any rights enforceable by law and nothing in this document limits or 

preempts the application of law, regulations, Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directives, manuals, policies or guidance 

which will control if this document is inconsistent in any way.

II. Supersession, Review, Definitions, Authorities and References: See “Additional

Information” beginning on page 12.

III. Responsibilities

A. Supervisors at all levels are responsible for implementation of these policies and

procedures.

B. All employees are responsible for notifying their supervisors of any violations of these 

regulations. 

C. NETC Management Operations and Support Services (MOSS) Division maintains a record 

of student misconduct. 

IV. Policy

It is FEMA’s policy to maintain a work and learning environment which is free from

disruptions, misconduct, and discrimination or harassment based on age, disability, gender,

nationality, pregnancy, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

Individuals entering or present on the NETC campus in any capacity are expected to

conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for order, personal honor, the rights

of others, and the functions of government. Rules applicable to conduct on federal

property are designed to protect the rights of the individual and the property of the Federal

Government and are instituted to preserve a safe and pleasant environment. All employees,

students, contractors, and visitors are responsible for compliance with this and other
2 

applicable directives, manuals, policies, or guidance regarding conduct while enrolled or at 

NETC.

A. Prohibited Conduct includes, but is not limited to the following: 

1. Academic misconduct.

2. Unacceptable behaviors that affect student performance; unwarranted loitering,

disorderly conduct or other conduct at NETC that creates loud or unusual noise or a

nuisance which:

a. Unreasonably obstructs the usual use of any federal property;

b. Otherwise impedes or disrupts the performance of official duties by government

employees or government contractors;

c. Interferes with the delivery of the program; or

d. Prevents the general public from obtaining the services provided on the

property in a timely manner.

3. Violation of rules governing the use of housing at NETC, such as cohabitation, or

infringement on the privacy and rights of other visitors housed at NETC.

4. Willful misconduct, abusive or obscene language, harassment, or violent behavior on

the campus.

5. Improper disposal of rubbish, willful or negligent destruction of or damage to

property, the theft of property, the creation of any hazard to persons or things, the

throwing of articles of any kind from or at a building or the climbing upon any part of

a building.

6. Any threat or act of physical or psychological violence against anyone on the NETC

campus.

7. Commission of acts harmful or potentially dangerous to others.

8. Possession of firearms: Except for official purposes (e.g., federal, state or local law

enforcement or contract security forces when authorized by the contract project

officer) and in accordance with FEMA policy governing the possession of firearms, no

person entering onto or at the NETC campus shall carry or possess firearms, other

dangerous or deadly weapons, explosives, or items that could reasonably be used to

fabricate an explosive or incendiary device, either openly or concealed.

9. Sexual Harassment
3 

10. The possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by any

individual on the property. Exceptions to use of alcoholic beverages in designated

locations are as described herein. See sub-paragraph L on pages 7 and 8.

11. Entering upon the property or being on the property under the influence of alcohol,

and/or illegal or non-prescription medications while present on the NETC campus.

12. Solicitation of gifts or money, commercial or political solicitation, or collection of

private debts, soliciting, advertising, promoting commercial activities, or entities. This

prohibition does not apply to:

a. Approved national or local fund drives for health, welfare, or other purposes;

b. Authorized concessions;

c. Personal notices posted on authorized bulletin boards; and

d. Solicitation of labor organization membership or dues during non-duty hours.

13. Participation in games for money or other personal property; the operating of

gambling devices; or the conduct of a lottery or pool at NETC.

14. Posting, affixing, or distributing materials, such as pamphlets, handbills, or flyers, on

other than designated areas (bulletin boards); or using classroom area bulletin

boards to sell books, clothing, equipment, software, and other goods, etc., except when

such distribution or display is conducted as part of authorized government activities.

15. Displaying or wearing of any political campaign items by a contractor or staff

member while representing FEMA in a group, instructional or office setting.

16. The smoking, burning or use of any tobacco product (to include smokeless tobacco),

candles or incense in all buildings at NETC, or in NETC vehicles at all times, except

as granted in writing by the Director, NETC MOSS. This includes the use of

smokeless electronic vaporizers (e-cigarettes).

17. Falsification, alteration, or misuse of DHS documents, records or identification cards.

18. Accepting incoming collect telephone calls.

19. Use of electronic devices during active class time that is disruptive to training

activities (e.g., Blackberries and cell phones).

20. Any person, employee, student, contractor, special government employee, subject

matter expert, guest speaker, guest or visitor coming into possession of Personally

Identifiable Information (PII) as a student or instructor may not use or disclose PII for

purposes not authorized by FEMA.
4 

B. Copyright Laws. NETC EMI, United States Fire Administration (USFA), and NFA 

adhere to and support the enforcement and application of all federal copyright laws. 

Students, staff, contractors and employees are required to promote and comply with 

copyright law including the proper identification of copyrights in educational and 

presentation materials. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) 

governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material; 

persons using photocopy equipment on campus may be liable for any infringement. 

Students, staff, contractors, and employees may find more information about 

copyright laws, the rights of copyright owners, and the right of fair use to make 

limited copies for purposes such as personal study or research, by visiting the 

Library of Congress website Copyright.gov. You may also seek the assistance of the 

Office of Chief Counsel for specific applications. 

C. Electronic Communications. Use of electronic communications and internet 

access are provided by the government for official purposes only. 

1. Only thumb drives scanned by NETC Information Technology specialists or

technicians may be used.

2. It is unacceptable and prohibited to:

a. Use electronic mail, communications, and postings, for receipt or transmission

of any illegal behaviors – such as threats, violence, fraud, harassment, or of a

sexual nature - to include any written, graphic, or photographic

communication and/or cartoons.

b. Enter any web site containing material of a sexual nature.

1) Download or upload any material of a sexual nature from or to such a

web site.

2) Store and/or reproduce any material of a sexual nature on a memory

storage device or copy machine provided by the government (including

but not limited to personal computers, tablets, phones, and laptops.)

D. Age Restrictions. Anyone accepted to a class who is below the age of 18 years must 

be accompanied by a parent or guardian when on the campus because they are not of 

legal age. The parent/guardian/chaperone must be a student registered in the same 

class as the student who is under 18 years of age.

E. Photographs and other depictions such as audio and video recordings may be taken 

inside classroom or office areas only with the consent of the occupants, with 

completion of FEMA photograph release agreements, and 

1. Except where prohibited by security regulations or federal court order,

photographs and other depictions for news purposes may be taken in entrances,
5 

lobbies, foyers, corridors, or auditoriums when used for public meetings and only 

those authorized by the Office of External Affairs. 

2. Subject to the foregoing prohibitions, photographs and other depictions for

advertising and commercial purposes may be taken in authorized areas and only

with written permission of the Director, NETC MOSS, and FEMA External Affairs.

3. Any non-personal use of photographs and other depictions taken inside

classrooms requires advance approval of the Director NETC MOSS, or the NFA or

EMI Superintendent.

F. Dress Policy. It is each individual's responsibility to use good judgment in 

maintaining good hygiene, and in selecting attire that projects a professional image

that is appropriate for both climate differences and classroom activities. Nothing in 

this dress policy will restrict or impede an individual’s adherence to religious 

practices.

1. The superintendents of NFA, EMI, or their designee, or the MOSS Director have

authority to make a determination that a student's attire is inappropriate.

Students wearing attire which is determined to be inappropriate will be required

to change into more appropriate clothing before being allowed to continue class.

Employee inappropriate attire will be addressed by supervisors.

2. Appropriate Business Casual Attire:

Slacks or khakis (below the calf or longer);

Suits, sport coats, or blazers;

Skirts/Dresses–must be no shorter than three inches above the knee;

Shirts with collars; polo shirts;

Jeans (newer, dress or fashion type without rips or tears);

Capri Pants;

Turtlenecks, sweaters;

Blouses–no backless or low-cut (sleeveless blouses must have 3-4 inches of

material covering the shoulder); 

Dresses–no backless or low-cut (sleeveless dresses must have 3-4 inches of

material covering the shoulder); 

Dress or casual shoes, open toed shoes;

Denim skirts, dresses, or shirts.

3. Inappropriate Attire:

Shorts;

Tank tops;

Overalls;

Tee shirts with slogans and/or without sleeves;

Flip-flops, thongs.

4. Unacceptable Items (Items that are unacceptable regardless of the situation, event,

or activity):
6 

Any excessively oversized or baggy apparel; 

Any ripped or torn clothing; 

Dirty or foul smelling clothing; 

Displaying of undergarments of any kind; 

Potentially offensive language or slogans on any piece of attire or conspicuous 

part of the body; 

Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, back, chest, or stomach; 

Athletic wear, spandex, work-out attire unless specifically involved in an athletic 

activity; 

Excessively tight, revealing, distracting, or provocative clothing; 

Excessive/strong aftershave, cologne or perfume; 

5. Recommended graduation attire (NFA students only): Suits, sport coats, dresses,

skirts, blouses, dress shirts, ties, dress slacks, or departmental dress uniforms.

G. Animals. Service animals are the only domesticated animals permitted on campus 

without specific prior approval of the Director, NETC MOSS. Animals whose sole 

function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals 

under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

1. When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are

allowed. Staff may ask two questions:

a. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and

b. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform.

2. The dog must be under the handler's control at all times, and must be harnessed,

leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work

or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. The dog is to

accompany the person with a disability in all areas of the facility where the public

is normally allowed to go.

3. Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing

service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog

dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room

or facility, for example, in a classroom or at a breakout room, they both should be

accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations within the

room or different rooms in the facility.

4. People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other

students or staff, treated less favorably than others, or charged fees that are not

charged to other personnel without animals.

5. A person with a disability can be asked to remove his or her service animal from

the premises if the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective
7 

action to control it, or the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate 

reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with 

the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s 

presence.

6. Students are not allowed to leave their service animal in their dorm room when

they leave. If a guest's service animal causes damages to a dorm room, NETC is

permitted to charge the same fee for damages as it would another student for the

same damages.

7. NETC staff are not required to provide care or food for a service animal.

H. Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic. Drivers of all vehicles entering the NETC campus 

shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times and shall comply with parking and 

vehicle registration requirements, signals and directions of security personnel, and all 

posted traffic signs.

1. The blocking of entrances, driveways, walkways, loading platforms, designated

fire lanes or fire hydrants at NETC is prohibited.

2. Parking without authority, parking in unauthorized locations or parking contrary

to the direction of posted signs is prohibited. Vehicles parked in violation, where

warning signs are posted, shall be subject to removal at the owners' risk and

expense.

I. Signs and Direction. Persons at NETC shall at all times comply with official signs

that prohibit, regulate, or direct, as well as with the directions of security staff and 

other authorized individuals.

J. Use of Drones/Unmanned Aircraft. The use drones or other unmanned aerial 

vehicles is prohibited on the NETC campus without written permission of the 

Director, NETC MOSS. 

K. Inspections. Packages, briefcases, and other containers brought onto NETC property, 

in possession during stay at NETC, or being removed from the property, may be 

subject to inspection.

L. Use, Sale, or Possession of Alcohol. The authority to permit the use, sale, or 

possession of alcohol for special official occasions resides with the USFA 

Administrator or designee for NETC, but may be delegated through formal written 

delegation to other officials with or without sub-delegation authority. Approval for 

the use, sale, or possession of any alcoholic food or beverage may be suspended, 

restricted, limited, or revoked at any time by the USFA Administrator or another 

official with delegated authority. The suspension, restriction, limitation, or revocation 

will be effective immediately unless otherwise directed by the deciding authority. 
8 

1. All requests for the use, sale, or possession of alcohol must be forwarded in

advance to the Director, NETC MOSS, for presentation to the deciding official.

Requests submitted less than three weeks in advance of the event are subject to

denial without consideration.

2. The Recreation Association may provide such support when approved by the

Director, NETC MOSS for activities/functions attended by members of the

Recreation Association. The Recreation Association may request that a limited

number of guests or visitors be invited, with the condition that all guests or

visitors meet the established security guidelines of NETC, and that any group or

individual may be denied access and that the total number of non-member guests

or visitors is approved by the Director, NETC MOSS.

3. The NETC Recreation Association is authorized to possess, sell, and distribute beer

and wine only at the following locations:

a. Pub and recreation area located in Building B during normal operating hours

of the pub, as established by the Recreation Association Board of Directors and

approved by the Director, NETC MOSS; and

b. The log cabin.

4. Alcoholic beverages obtained on this campus may not be removed from the

immediate area in which it was served.

5. The NETC Recreation Association is a private activity chartered to serve only

members of the Association and invited guests and visitors.

a. The Pub manager and his/her designee have the responsibility to refuse

service to anyone who is not eligible to patronize the establishment or who

demonstrates improper conduct.

b. The Pub at NETC will operate within guidelines permitted by Maryland law for

Frederick County. Legal proof of age shall be requested from any patron who

appears to be under legal age, and may be requested of any patron.

M. Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation. Anyone who believes they have been 

subjected to discrimination, harassment or retaliation may contact the FEMA Office of 

Equal Rights at (202) 646-3535. All allegations of harassment will be handled in 

accordance with FEMA Directive FD 256-4. That directive applies to all FEMA 

employees, contractors, students, visitors, and guests engaging in business at all 

FEMA facilities. Other forms of misconduct will be handled as described in this SOP. 

N. Student Misconduct. Allegations of misconduct involving students must be made in 

writing (and signed by the complainant) to the EMI Deputy Superintendent or NFA 

Deputy Superintendent in the school with which the charged individual is associated 
9 

(or, in their absence, the senior FEMA official on campus designated to represent the 

school), who will review the documented complaint.

1. Persons involved in or witnessing the misconduct may be notified and be required

to appear in person or respond in writing to provide additional information.

2. The individual alleged of misconduct shall be notified in writing of the initial

decision of the Superintendent (or the respective senior FEMA official) and be

provided with response procedures.

3. Documentation of Misconduct Involving Students: If a student is involved with a

conduct violation, the hosting school (EMI or NFA) will completely document the

incident and provide a copy of the documentation to the Director, NETC MOSS.

Documentation should include as a minimum:

a. A signed copy of the complaint;

b. Statements of witnesses and security personnel;

c. Notice to the student regarding review of the allegation and explanation of the

disciplinary process;

d. Review and disposition of the complaint; and

e. Any applicable correspondence.

4. Penalty for Student Misconduct

a. If a student is found to have engaged in misconduct and the allegations are

upheld, the penalties may include, but are not limited to, one or a combination

of the following:

1) Expulsion;

2) Withholding of stipend or forfeiture of stipend paid;

3) Exclusion from future classes for a specified period;

4) Forfeiture of certificate for course/courses enrolled in at NETC;

5) Barred from NETC permanently.

b. Notification of the misconduct will be made to the student’s sponsoring

organization.

c. Upon written request by the student’s sponsoring organization, information

from or copies of the statements from the individual and witnesses, police
10

reports, and NETC security reports may be made available to the individual’s 

sponsoring organization with prior authorization from the Director, NETC 

MOSS, after appropriate coordination with the Privacy Office.

d. Records of student misconduct at NETC will be maintained by the NETC MOSS

Division. Official records will be retained consistent with FEMA Records

Management Manual 181-1-1.

1) All applications for admissions are to be checked to determine if a

prospective student has a record of misconduct as a student while in a

prior class.

2) Upon receipt of this prior record review and an initial adverse

determination denying the application, the applicant may submit a written

response to the Director, NETC MOSS, within five calendar days after

receipt of the notice.

3) The response will be considered by the Director, NETC MOSS who will

make an initial decision.

5. Request for Reconsideration. Any student involved in misconduct resulting in

disciplinary action may request reconsideration of the initial decision to the

Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator for NFA students, or the Superintendent of EMI for

EMI students.

a. Request for reconsideration must be made in writing within 15 calendar days

of the initial decision.

b. The request will be reviewed and considered. The respondent has the right to

appear in person, have representation, and present any witnesses, as outlined

in the initial decision letter.

c. The decision of the Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator for NFA students and the

Superintendent, EMI, for EMI students is final.

O. Contract Staff Misconduct. All allegations of misconduct involving contract staff 

shall be referred to the individual’s employing company after coordination with the 

appropriate federal Contracting Officer and the appropriate Project Manager of the 

contract.

P. Federal Staff Misconduct. All allegations of misconduct involving federal staff shall 

be reported through the appropriate organizational chain of command and forwarded 

to the FEMA Office of Human Capital, Employee and Labor Relations (HC/ELR) prior 

to taking further action. All guidance and procedures to be followed for allegations of 

misconduct of federal staff will be provided by the HC/ELR staff. This will ensure 

conformance to bargaining unit agreements when applicable.
11

Q. Civil and Criminal Misconduct . Any violation of state or federal civil or criminal 

laws will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for disposition.

V. Questions. Questions regarding the content of this NETC SOP may be addressed to the 

Director, NETC MOSS, at (301) 447-1223.

G. Keith Bryant

U.S. Fire Administrator

U.S. Fire Administration
12

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Supersession and Review: NETC SOP 119-22, Conduct on the NETC Campus of October 6, 

2015 is superseded. This document will expire four years from the date of issue. 

Definitions

A. Academic Misconduct - Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information and other 

citations, failure to attend class without excused absence, facilitating acts of academic 

dishonesty by others, unauthorized prior possession of examinations, submitting the work 

of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor and securing 

written approval, tampering with the academic work of other students and any other 

deliberate falsification, and other unethical behaviors that affect performance and 

outcomes. 

B. Contractor - An individual or business entity authorized by a contractual agreement with 

FEMA to provide goods or services.

C. Criminal Misconduct - Actions which involve violation of state or federal criminal law.

D. Guest - An individual who is sponsored for physical access to FEMA facilities and has a 

valid Personal Identification Card (PIV Card) or PIV-I credential. Examples of guests 

include, but are not limited to, other government agency personnel who have a valid PIV 

Card and representatives from state and local government who have a valid PIV-I 

credential.

E. Misconduct - Behavior not conforming to laws or prevailing standards; any conduct that 

disturbs or disrupts the process or operations, or involves the damage of government 

property at NETC. Personal hygiene concerns may be included.

F. NETC Staff – An individual whose official duty station is NETC.

G. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) - Any information that permits the identity of 

an individual to be directly or indirectly inferred, including other information that is linked 

or linkable to that individual, regardless of whether the individual is a U.S. citizen, legal 

permanent resident, visitor to the U.S., or employee or contractor to the Department. This 

includes name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, 

account number, license number, vehicle identifier number, license plate number, device 

identifier or serial number, internet protocol address, biometric identifier (e.g., 

photograph, fingerprint, iris scan, and voice print), educational information, financial 

information, medical information, criminal or employment information, and information 

created specifically to identify or authenticate an individual (e.g., a random generated 

number).

H. Service Animals - According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Service Animals 

are defined as “dogs” that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people 
13

with disabilities. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly 

related to the person’s disability. 

I. Sexual Harassment - Sexual Harassment is a form of prohibited harassment. Harassing 

conduct is often, but not always, sexual in nature. 

1. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct based on sex (whether or not it is sexual in nature) 

constitute sexual harassment when:

a. Submission to such conduct is either an explicit or implicit term or 

condition of employment;

b. Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for making 

employment decisions; or

c. The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an 

individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, offensive, or 

hostile environment.

2. In addition to the obvious forms of sexual harassment, a wide range of 

unwelcome subtle behaviors have been found to constitute sexual harassment 

because these behaviors could create a hostile or offensive work environment. 

These include; but are not limited to:

a. Sexual teasing and innuendo

b. Making propositions

c. Jokes of a sexual nature

d. Indecent or vulgar remarks/winking/whistling

e. Staring/ogling that causes humiliation

f. Posting sexually oriented pictures, cartoons, or other visual materials that 

may be viewed as offensive

g. Making sexual gestures with hands or body movements

h. Deliberate touching, leaning, cornering, or pinching

i. Referring to an adult in an unprofessional manner, for example honey, 

babe, sweetie, hunk, dear. 

J. Special Group – A pre-arranged group of DHS employees, federal employees, military 

personnel, contractors, guests, visitors, or any combination thereof.

K. Student – Individual who is attending the National Fire Academy or Emergency 

Management Institute courses. (Stipulations regarding minors are noted under Policies.)

L. Visitor - Individuals who are sponsored for physical access to a FEMA facility, but do not 

have a PIV Card or PIV-I credential. All visitors must be entered into the Security Access 

Request Application (SARA) and escorted while on campus.

Authorities and References

A. The Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (6 U.S.C § 314 (a) (15))
14

B. 44 C.F.R. § 15, Conduct at the Mount Weather Emergency Assistance Center and at the 

National Emergency Training Center

C. 41 C.F.R. § 102-74, Facility Management 

D. DHS MD 0480.1, Ethics/Standards of Conduct

E. 5 C.F.R. § 735, Employee Responsibilities and Conduct 

F. NETC SOP 119-3, Facility Utilization and Expenses at NETC 

G. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended

H. 6 C.F.R. § 17, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs and Activities 

Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

I. 6 C.F.R. § 21, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin in Programs 

or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department of Homeland 

Security

J. Executive Order Number 13160, June 23, 2000, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, 

Sex, Color, National Origin, Disability, Religion, Age, Sexual Orientation, and Status as a 

Parent in Federally Conducted Education and Training Programs

K. 6 C.F.R. § 5, Disclosure of Records and Information

L. 5 C.F.R. § 2635, U.S. Office of Government Ethics, Standards of Ethical Conduct for 

Employees of the Executive Branch

M. FEMA Directive 121-3 Revision 1 Facility Access and FEMA Manual 121-3-1, Credential and 

Access Reference

N. FEMA Directive 109-2, Privacy Program Directive

O. Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. § 552a) 

P. Freedom of Information Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. § 552)

Q. Title 17 U.S.C, Copyright Act

R. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. and 

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 

S. FEMA Form 119-25-3, Student Stipend Agreement

T. DHS MD 0460.1, Freedom of Information Act Compliance 
15

U. FEMA Manual 255-3-1 Employee Discipline Manual December 29, 2015

V. FEMA Manual 109-2-1 FEMA Privacy Program, June 4, 2014

W. FEMA Directive 262-2, Information Transmitted By E-Mail, November 29, 2010

X. Collective Bargaining Agreement between FEMA and AFGE Council 56, December 5, 2016

Y. DHS MD 066-01, Safety and Health Programs 

Z. FEMA Directive 256-4, Anti-Sexual Harassment, September 5, 2015 

AA. FEMA Manual 123-19-1, FEMA Administrative Investigations Policy, April 5, 2012

BB. FEMA Directive 112-11, Title VI Civil Rights Program, July 10, 2015

CC. FEMA-Mission Support Customer Guide, April 23, 2012 (Dress Code, Page 218)
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.2 July 2021

Admissions

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) outlines the policies and procedures for granting students admission to NFA

courses.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.2, dated January 2021. 

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that admission to NFA courses shall 

be in accordance with the latest adopted version of National Emergency Training Center 

(NETC) SOP 119-25 Policy and Procedures for Admissions.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. NETC SOP 119-25 Policy and Procedures for Admissions is attached to this SOP 

and is also accessible by NETC staff at http://netc.fema.net/directives/default.aspx

B. NFA employees shall refer to and follow the procedures outlined in NETC SOP 

119-25 Policy and Procedures for Admissions for instructions, policies and 

procedures pertaining to:

1. Regular student admission for on- and off-campus courses.

2. Attendance.

3. Cancellation by student.

4. Early departure.

5. Student grades (failure/incomplete).

6. Unique or unscheduled offerings/pilot deliveries.
NFA-specific SOP 700.2 – Admissions

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

7. Course certificates.

8. Transcripts.

9. Foreign student applications.

10. Program-specific applications for:

a. Volunteer Incentive Program.

b. Executive Fire Officer Program.

c. Managing Officer Program.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - NETC SOP 119-25 Policy and Procedures for Admissions

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
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e  	e  ȋ	Ȍǡ e  	e   ȋ	Ȍǡ  e 

 nt e ȋȌ. 

e  in s C P   o ll 	  ent 

 ȋ	Ȍ 	 
nt ff nd  at TC, e   

ss (Ȍ f EMI o N	 cs, ad e 	A   nd s. 

 t is TC OP   r  e ns n in 

e TC  n f e ted tes 	e Ǥ  t 

is C OP  	A, 	P     e e  e in 	A. 

,, : C OP ͳͳͻǦʹͷǡ y   r , 

t ͳͷǡ ʹͲͳʹ. 

,,, y 

Ǥ 	 	e n and  t f ͳͻ͹Ͷ ȋ ͻ͵ǦͶͻ ͅȌǡ  ǡ e ͳͷ

ǤǤ., Ss 2ʹͲ1 . se. 

Ǥ t Ǥ   ef   e t ȋ ͻ͵Ǧʹ ͅ ͅȌǡ 

   ͳͲ͸Ǧ͵ͻͲǡ e Ͷ2 ǤǤǤǡ  ͷͳͻ6 Ǥ . 

Ǥ e Ͷ4 ǤǤǤ, n ͵ͳͲ1 

Ǥ e  f e   t f ͳͻ͸4 

E. y t f ͳͻ͹Ͷǡ  ed 

Ǥ  ice 

A. e e ent r nee  e    

 to e   in  ȋ   Ȍ to e 

ns . 



 

 

 

 

MANUAL

for 

NETC Policies and Procedures for Admissions 
 for C s   or 

 F S 

age 

	rd 1 

 ͳ:  PS 

I. 
 n ʹ

II.  f ent s ʹ

III.  f ent ns ʹ

IV. n to  f s ͵

.  ting e s Ͷ

VI.  es Ͷ

. ait ts ͹

. 	n ents  ͅ

. e r ate e es ͻ

X. e tes ͻ

. ts ͳͳ

r 2:  S 

I. 
 n ͳʹ

II. e ies ͳʹ

III. n  t ͳʹ

IV.  es ͳ͵

. 	Ȁetes ͳ͵

r 3:  WN 

I. 
 n ͳͶ

II.  us s ͳͶ

r 4: 	Ǧic s 

I. 
 n ͳ͸

II. n s ͳ͸

i
 F S 

ȋ) 

age 

. e 	e er ȋ	)  ͳ͸

IV.  er ȋ)  ͳ ͅ

.   nt ǦǦ ͳͻ

VI. FA ʹǦ Ǧ  ʹͲ

VII. 	Ǧ ʹǦ Ǧ  ʹͲ

Ǥ Ǧ ǡ  ͸Ǧ  ͳͲǦy Ǧus ʹͲ

 ain ate  

X. Ǧ 	 ʹǦ Ƭ ͸Ǧ  ʹͳ

r 5: Ǧic s 

I. 
  ʹʹ

II.   ent  ʹʹ

. Ǧ ȋDzdz)  ʹ͵

IV.   m ȋȌ ʹͶ

.  nt s m ȋ) ʹͶ

VI.  e  am ȋȌ ʹͷ

ii 
Foreword 

The National Emergency Training Center (NETC) serves as a training center for the 

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Located at NETC is the U.S. Fire 

Administration including its National Fire Academy (NFA), the National Fire 

Programs Division, and the NETC Management, Operations, and Support Services 

Division (MOSS), as well as the National Preparedness Directorate's Emergency 

Management Institute (EMI), the FEMA Acquisition Division, Preparedness Branch, 

and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. 

The admissions process at NETC begins with the development and distribution of 

the course materials such as catalogs and brochures. Separate materials are 

developed by NFA and EMI and published on their websites. Course catalogs are 

also available on the internet. State fire and emergency management training 

agencies also develop and distribute NFA and EMI training materials. In addition to 

NFA and EMI classes conducted at NETC, the admissions process also supports 

classes offered either directly or indirectly by NFA or EMI, at the Center for 

Domestic Preparedness (CDP), as well as anywhere else in the United States. 

~--J Albert H. Fluman 

Director 

NETC Management, Operations, and 

Support Services Division 
R 1 – A PS 

I. 
 n 

is  es  e  e ǡ ,  n 

of ǡ   t ies  	A d EMI s a N, 

ǡ and  Ǧus . 

II. ission   ions 

A. 	A ǣ  it ns   	A   e 

ent s nd  fied in e 	A e  r  a t 

f  . 

B.  ǣ  an       e  to ix 

 e e t f e e   a t f ting . 

Ǥ 	A ǣ    t e ǡ   e 

ǡ    e  ȋ Ȍ f e ǯs 

n. If n n  t ete   t e e 

ǡ e t  e     e e 

. 

 ǣ n n  ed   ent 

  in ter ͷǡ h II. 

D.   	A Ǧ  I Ȁ   e 

 n e r  e   e t  en  e 

 e  ents e   ates e 

. 

III.    ions 

Ǥ e   r  an 	A    t e eir 	A 

ent n er ȋ) on  n in e f eir l 

 Ǥ 	e  e e D  e n  t in e 

n t  Ǥ n n  e D  ted n 

e 	A   ites   in e e . 

Ǥ 	   t  er e ent ,   

and  s  ater an e    t f e 

. 

Ǥ 	   ed  e ent ǡ   enter 

 ns no  n ee s  e  f e 

ent . 

2
Ǥ     n n e  tem in e 

e Ǥ   e n    e ǡ ll 

e ǡ ǤǤǡ , ǡ  , e  m 

n. e e n   in e ns tem 

s t e to e s . 

E.     t e t n ia 

 in e 	Ȁ e     ten 

 y 	 r I   w . 

ͳǤ h  , 	A    e t   e 

es   e  f  n   ing f 

e . 

ʹǤ f e ines e  n a  ǡ   t e  

e iew   e xt  r 	A ǡ  e ext 

 ar   Ǥ ȋe n     ǡ if e n 

    e t  f a e    , e 

ia  e Ǥ) 

͵Ǥ ants  eet  n ia  e  . 

ͶǤ  at   e  e ed  e 

	A  t   e  ȋ r  ef n 

 Ȍ  a n n . 

ͷǤ ne  to a   is  e e f ͳ ͅ t e 

  ent r 
 en n e . e t or 
 t 

e a t ted n e e   e e ent. 

. n o s  s 

Ǥ Ȁn s  	A  o   e 

ent   e ent  at t t    e e t 

ate t  ater n t   e  f  e ent 

. 

B. Ȁn ns     e nt ut 

   ut   n ix    e e t 

ate   er an Ǧd cs. F IǦd cs, 

Ȁn ns  e ent t   an ee 

  e t te. 

Ǥ f a nt       a   an ix   o 

e e t ate, ns   e ent  ne  ail o 

 n e ng   eing    ait t r . 

3
V.  g e ions 

A.  ͳͳ f e 
  ǡ 	A 	 ͳͳͻǦʹͷǦͳ, ad 

 ͳ͵ f e 
  n t 	, 	 	m ͳͳͻǦʹͷǦ

ʹǡ  Dz  e   ȋ   r 

Ȍ   e  n   e 

in ǫ    ȋf , ate  e   s 

  a ate Ȍ. 

B. f Dzdz as een ed in e   it  a t e ȋns 

Ǧnt  e t   e e  een Ȍǡ

   Ǧup  e . 

Ǥ e ated  ff    a  e  e 

ant  tain n n   at  e Ǥ f 

at n as  en   e n  ent 

  een , e      Ǥ e   d 

 e  n  t e n t. 

D. f e n  Ǧ   a  ǡ  

ǡ a Ǧt ǡ   es  e  ǡ e 

ed  f    at n  Ǥ

 an  a t  e   at  e 

 at e ted e  ǡ n it 

 ǡ an n   e er  e 

. 

E. f e n  Ǧ  as n e n 

or n  e n ȋ) ,  e 

e  in e   ǡ   ent n e 

e   ǡ  ed  f    at 

  e e e . 

	Ǥ  e e e  at     s 

  t  e , e   aff 

r   e n  e ia . 

G. f e n es e    T  

e  Ǧ , e  t  t e 

e f    e  e . 

I. ss s 

. e   ns  e ent f e  	A and 

e Ǥ e  e   ine e  f Ǧ

 ǡ  g ,   Ǥ n  to 

4
 e  and e   at  an e 

in a y ǡ   	 t e  e  Ǥ A ay n 

e t f  e f e    e e . 

ͳǤ 	A    e   it  ing  

s  a  f ix    s e t t ix 

 in e f e t f e e  iew  . 

e it   at   e e ing e , 

t  e e  e e e e  ǡ ǡ 

  .   d e  n e t 

   ool     p o ͳ0 t 

g. 

ʹǤ e  es  e ed  e  tem in 

 s f t    e ns e to  

 e e  ent  e tal e Ǥ

e iew  ted  e  n ͵Ͳ   f Ǥ

n e  e e  ing y  ǡ e 

e  n e     	A  t te ǡ 

ed . A  f e e  e 

e    	  e ed   ǡ Ǥ   	A 

 e  s  e e f n  e e 

 e s e. 

͵Ǥ e  e  t e  r    e 

n e  e e in e   ȋ  f 

)    a ͳͲ ent n  Ǧ. 

ͶǤ e e  e een ǡ any  r  n 

t e   e s e r al e e  

. 

ͷǤ n er to e   nd Ǧs, t As 

e      Ǥ ǡ e   ǡ

e  e  e nal ǡ e  e  n 

  a   . 

͸Ǥ e C SS n  e r   f   

 ǡ e ǡ  e t ǡ

if . 

͹Ǥ e ns e s re   e t 

n f    e ǡ as ,  

 e   f TC. 

Ǥ e e ent  e  f ng e Ȁ

ity   s e   f  ǡ e y 

5
f at ǡ   ent ent . s ll 

d y    ent   to 

. 

ͳǤ , ix    e e t ǡ a   t e a t t 

 t      e   e  ǡ

   e    e  ent ǡ 

 ate at e n e Ȁity .  

   o ’s 	EMA s  ȋ	Ȍ t 

e nt n ȋ) . 

ʹǤ 	     e t ǡ     I 	

D s ll   o e  f al  

ss e ns n  n n   I 

 ǡ  e e 	A e ǡ en ǡ

 an al   . 

Ǥ e    e n , e   e e in 

 g y r: 

ͳǤ 	t   e en   n it    ; 

ʹǤ    e n   Ǧs t sts wo 

e    Ǧ   ; 

͵Ǥ    e en  Dzdz    e 

y nt ing      ; 

ͶǤ 	   e n   e ent 

 s; 

ͷǤ 	   e n    ǡ in  

r: 

i. 	Ȁ	ȀȀ es 

ii.  	A ies 

iii.  es 

v. er 

D. 
 
: tic e      ne f e 

   C  e Ǥ S  t ed 

   e 	A and I ǯ s t dss t

    o eir Ǥ   e 

 : 

6
ͳǤ TC  l  ith   	A    f ne 

    e   ǦǦ   e 

  e  e f    Ǥ

 e  e   nto e s S 

 t      e    e at 

. 

ʹǤ   e ǡ    t  s 

  al ent ent  n a   

e t    	Ǥ f  ity  ed  e 

ǡ       	A  ine   

need  e  Ǧite  ed p   . 

͵Ǥ    e  e  e   e 

s     e  ity   

e an ͳ0 . 

ͶǤ f   e e t at a  is  e  

ents e  n e ,    e  f e 

n  t  e e    

ent     e . 

I. t Lts 

A.   in t s f  ants  es re e 

 f    e  f e . 

ͳǤ in ix  f e e t ǡ    e 

  an ed t t   Ǥ ns l 

e t   ents  e  en n  e 

e ent  nee. 

ʹǤ A it t  e   n e n ia   e 

e , ǤǤǡ iting e  f   ǡ  

 f   e. f   e e, e e   t 

to e e   er e ͸Ǧ e.  a ait t ǡ

   e  t  e  n e e  e  is 

. 

͵Ǥ  l   f ants  ǡ ǡ  ne 

 o  em  e it t and  ants in a e. 

Ǥ 	A    e e   ents    Ǧ

e . ns  e at  ents e  

e . 

7
III. 	 s 

Ǥ 	n  t e t in ǡ ǡ  ng  

e   n 	A   e.  nt  t n 

ents  e  e  e in e ǤǤ  

  and be  h ǤǤǦific , rs, ad sys. 

B. e   OT a ǤǤ en, s f  e t 

an     a ǤǤ n at e e f ǡ 

ed a n ent. 

Ǥ 	n  o e  a n y t t 

 at t 60 s e e e t . 

D. 	n ents  	A  e ed  a ǤǤ n t 

 e    r 	Ǥ 	 ǡ  t y 

 e   . 

E. n t f e ǡ ns  ew it   if e 

ant    e ȋȌ in n. e it as een 

at e ant  ,   t  n 

  e t   e Ǥ is n t e 

ed t t 45  e   t ate to  e  y 

. f e n r   n  t 

in e  ǡ e n  t e . 

	Ǥ e e n  , e t     

 ȋ),  e t n s ,  l 

e e n into e ent f  

ed  nt  ȋȌ. Ts is c   r a 

 n to e  n e Ǥ e  s 

  ly ix . 

ͳǤ e e t as  a e e m , As 

  e e nt  a n to 

ȋȌ e n ent  e . 

ʹǤ f er n e S w  e e ent ȋ 

Ȍ Ǧǡ    e nt in  at 

Ȁ n t e . 

͵Ǥ f al   y   	ǡ   e  ǡ 

  e t in ing f . 

8
. e r e e es 

  	A   ffer a  f  cs, iǤ., ǦǦǡ 

t  f    Ǥ e e  in t f a 	A 

 e   need  ate e . 

Ǥ f e e t  ed t t ͸Ͳ    e e t , 

 : 

ͳǤ n it a e ǡ en ; 

ʹǤ e e  t, ǤǤǡ n ǡ ǡ

 ; 

͵Ǥ  e  e f     

n Ȁ Ǣ d 

ͶǤ e e n a     n e t if 

n  is . 

Ǥ 	A   its  e e     at e t 

ǡ  e nt t  at  e nt 

 . 

ͳǤ  t e ed no  an r  e e t f e 

. 

ʹǤ f e e   e ǡ     

in  g ys f e n.   e e 

at t ͵0  r  e e t e ǡ ǡ   e 

e s      r ne t 

  . 

Ǥ f e Ǧe  e to e  ia e ǡ  

e e     e   t. 

Ǥ en   n   en e t 

 ȋ t e  e  Ȍǡ 	A r  ll 

e   e ting ǯ e  e s 

Ǥ f e t t e   e ity ǡ

e  e   	A     . 

. e es 

   te nt  e  t e 

  . 

9
.  e at  e   in a  ǡ 

ll: 

ͳǤ e s e Ǧine  ch  o  Ǥ  ool 

 n Ȁted s  ns   n o 

  e e t te. 

ʹǤ e e   e e, as  n e ed ǡ

 e  y  t. in   e n 

f a  n.  a ent  ns n e e 

 e   a e  e e  e  e ǡ 

t  t a  n Ǥ e  e  

 e t ter  ing new    

ng e ia. TC  l  e  in 

er es e new  e . 

͵Ǥ 
e 	A   ates r e   n e  . 

ͶǤ  tes  e  	A   e  n f  

e e e  ate. 

Ǥ  l  ates      Ǧ

.    ll : 

ͳǤ   e a  n  f a e at n  

  e   e nt e . 

ʹǤ   	A  e e  n f Ǧ 

   en a ent  e t. 

͵Ǥ   in    at ent n e s 

Ǥ e  ate  e ed  n n is 

ed  e  at e ǯs t  een Ǥ

  en e e e e  e ent 

   . e ǯ   en e ed 

t e e  ed  Ȁ. 

ͶǤ f 	A      en n at e 

ǯ t  t    ǡ e ǯ

  n f e e  e  to Dzdz n e 

 tem  e nt ied f e . 

Ǥ ts  e e  to   in a e 

t e   e e Ǥ   e ed 

   t f a 	A 	m ͳͳͻǦʹͷǦͳ, 
 

. e  e ne y   . 

10
.   te      n e 

 y e 	A   nt. 

E.   e   n t f a en t 

 e ent to o o. 

	Ǥ f  y e 	  I nt f  nt   t 

e a ǡ   e at n in e ǯ

  in e  Ǥ e ate te  e ed 

 a te  e  in e    y e  ate 

. 

I. s 

Ǥ   e    ents in e s S, 

n t f a n t  e ent. 

Ǥ      in e ing  f ǡ

      e ǡ  e   e 

ent. 

Ǥ    nt    e ed  e 

nt  e. 

Ǥ   	A e   e ed  e 	A ne e. 

11
R 2 –  

I. 
 n 

  es e  e ent n e ǣ ǡ

ǡ  e, ǡ  ete . 

II.  s 

 e      . 

Ǥ e e    t, in n  e 

ǡ ay e is  in   ate  

      ete  e 

. 

Ǥ f e    g  e  e a  

t e ent  e to  l s ǡ ns 

t tten e m e e ent. 

III.    t 

f a nt  e   a ǡ Ȁe t   in 

ȋ, fax,  Ȍ  t ͵Ͳ  e e e t ǡ t in  f 

y ǡ  id ns n e e. 

Ǥ A t   in  e e e t ate  

 e next ent   	A Ǥ 	r  ǡ  n 

      at  . e is  ee 

at e ent  e    ed in e next . 

Ǥ A t     e   e ted  e at I 

 	A  r ʹ4   e e t ǡ  e n 

n  Ǧe is ne f e : 

ͳǤ t  e Ȁ ; 

ʹǤ  Ȁ; 

͵Ǥ ; 

ͶǤ 	  ȋ ǡ t  n a ǦǦe Ȍ; 

ͷǤ  Ǣ r 

͸Ǥ t  n. 

12
Ǥ  e e ǡ e ent   a   

ing e n  e  Ǥ f  ifts e ǡ

e t    e xt ent    

es in e e ent .   t e 

e ent     . 

Ǥ n e  a ent nes     a ǡ

  te e n and e e ent t s 

 t  e ent  e e   s ten 

  e ǡ e ǯ ǡ  e 

Ȁe . 

E.        ne e e  

 en e  e. e ent t it e t  . 

. y res 

 ents t  e  te e Ǥ en is 

,  l  	A  EMI   ing e ǡ

ng e  ǣ ate  ȋȀȌ, ad std 

 ȋȀȌ. 

Ǥ      	A   if   t. 

Ǥ 	A   ent  tify  in  r   : 

ͳǤ e t  e    e next ; 

ʹǤ A     e   e ent  eat e e; 

͵Ǥ e  t    f e   e; r 

ͶǤ e     e  e  e ent . 

Ǥ f   a te r e ent  ed   e 

 ǡ    at  e . 

. 	Ȁes 

f 	A   ies  in  at a nt   

 t   y ete e ǡ    e 

ent . 	 e t  e ǯ ǡ ee C OP ͳͳͻǦʹͶ, 

n f e ent  . 

13
R 3 –  

I. 
 n 

 f     t  a ent n  

   nt. At ǡ   ean    

  e  a Ǥ   in n  e  

 n es  e t in Ǥ   e at a 

e  e .    e n e  t 

in e Ǧn  Ǧ  ing e ents   e 

. 

II. C s s 

e ǡ TC  ǡ  y  f e n. 

Ǥ n e   	A  e n e TC . s wl 

e e  e f  : 

ͳǤ  s   te ; and 

ʹǤ ing    ent r e    e 

 ( NC OP ͳͳͻǦʹͶ, n f e ent 

Ȍ. 

B. n n   	A ents e t et n  at Ǥ

  t e  n : 

ͳǤ e s    e 	A   

     . 

ʹǤ t ȋ e  en n ne     

n t Ȍ ted ,  n  s e 

Ȁe f    e. 

Ǥ   if  e  ǡ  f ne  e  eft 

 e ent  n e , ǡ    n. 

Ǥ  ll   p h . ȋ n ents e 

, n  e e  fax  Ǥ) 

͵Ǥ f a ʹǦ Ǧ e  ǡ t e    at 

Ȁe an  e tate . 

Ǥ Ǧ . e e n  ǡ  : 

14
ͳǤ e    	A n Ȁ   e. e 

 f   	A  e n e n  

  e   e ent e  e  e fied at 

e   e   nd e . ȋe ine 

  at t ee s    t  e 

s.) 

ʹǤ t         e eir  

l. 

͵Ǥ t     n    Ǥ ȋf 

n ents e ǡ x   e Ǥ) 

ͶǤ e  e   n   ʹǦ Ǧ

 . 

ͷǤ iew    ent r e ents  y e 

 f  ȋee TC  ͳͳͻǦʹͶǡ n f e 

ent  Ȍ. 

15
R 4 – 	Ǧ	C ES 

I. 
 n 

 es  to 	A e  in  . 

II. ion ss 

 e e ent ǡ   t and ǡ  a 

Ǧ  n ǡ ified   . 

Ǥ  Ǧ  n s s at e 

ted t a   n. 

Ǥ f ǡ  l  as s or  

 n e e  	A. ȋOne e  en a 	e l 

      a Ǥ) 

Ǥ t in Dzdz ǡ ent in e  e  ȋȌ

s e t d   es  n 

 ȋ Ǧe  Ǧ  s   n e P 

n Ȍ nd   n Ǥ

  ay e  en e  e. 	 n 

n P    in e 	A e . 

III. ve 	re r ȋ	Ȍ m 

Ǥ e n d  e 	O m is a  ,  a f e f 


ne ͳͷ  Ǥ  ed  t e  e 

 e   . 

Ǥ f an 	O m n e   t ll  

s,   t e ant  tify  at 

d it e  s  As. 

ͳǤ On an Ǧ ,    ew  e at e 

n e  e  en ǣ 	A 	

ͳͳͻǦʹͷǦͳ, e re ǡ ǡ  t,   

ǯs   a  ǡ   ǡ

  f n  ief   . 

ʹǤ     ne e  Ȁn is 

    e nt  e iate  Ǧ

e. 

16
Ǥ   e 	A ith e 	O m e r  Ǥ

 ll  e 
ne ͳͷ ǡ    e   	A 

in ʹ  ter  ate. 

Ǥ     e  n ns o ll 	

m ǡ  n  	A f e  f e . 

ͳǤ en  ͳͷth nd 
 ͳͷth  , d FO m 

 it a Ǧ  ȋͳͳͻǦʹͷǦͳȌ  e ns . 

on  e any s in  n ȋǡ ǡ

,  ǤȌ, te e 	O m e , d he ǡ 

 d   e Ǥ  x ͳ͸ǡ   Dz	Ǥdz e  o 

need  ete e t f e n. 

ʹǤ ing  ǡ e  e  e  t 

ve e ent e f e e ate Ǥ On a e n, e f 

e ǡ  e  e . 

͵Ǥ e ǡ any   a e n   t e tted in 

,  e ief f e ent and  o e 	A 

Ǥ n  e f a ent   e f f e ǡ

en at ǯ   e    e Ǥ e 

ent  Ȁe  e . 

ͶǤ f e t  ed n an    y t ȋǡ e 

ent   n e ine f ǡ , ant  Ȍǡ

 n  e   t e Ǥ e 

 e  Ǧte . 

ͷǤ   a e  e   e t  n a e 

e . S ate  ǯt e  e 

ents e y een Ǥ   t a e 

n a        e en 

Ǥ   t a e  n   e ǯ

e  e en e t . 

͸Ǥ f e is  e e in   , e t  e  

e xt e  e   . 

E.    n 	 m  h S Ǧ

e in e 	 Ǥ A n  e ent  

e ne r e t  f e 	O . 

	Ǥ en   	A at a nt id t ete    

ed   a  ǡ   e e nt  e 

next  e Ǥ n  e e  e nt in 

g. 

17

Ǥ f an FO m ent      m he 	

m   a  ing in  e ent  ǡ

  y Ȁ at Ȁe t ate in e t 

  a Ǧ	 m ǡ t    e  

e xt  n  in a Ǧ	 m . 

.  er ȋ) am 

A. e n d  e O m is a  ,  a f e f 

r 15  r.     at ate 

e   e  . 

Ǥ    ew  e at e n 

n e  : 

ͳǤ 	 	 ͳͳͻǦʹͷǦͳ; 

ʹǤ en t ȋn f t  

ǡ at is   e  n e ǡ 

  e  te  e    

ǡ  a n f a  ent  in e 

Ȍ; 

͵Ǥ ; 

ͶǤ nal ; 

ͷǤ opy f e ǯs   a  ; 

͸Ǥ r  ; 

͹Ǥ r f n  ief   ; 

 ͅǤ e at e er Ȁn  g  ; and 

ͻǤ fy t e t  e e  Ǧe. 

Ǥ f a O m n e   t e 

nent     ǡ s  t e 

ant    at   ete and it e 

  . e n t e ete   ff e. 

Ǥ   e 	A ith e MO m s  al Ǥ

   e r ͳͷ ǡ    e ed 

	A in ʹ s   ate. 

E.     e  n ns  l 

m ǡ  n  	A f e s f e . 

18
	Ǥ en er ͳͷ and  ͳͷ  , MO m s ll 

it a Ǧ n ȋͳͳͻǦʹͷǦͳȌ  e  . e 

n  e   in  n ȋǡ ǡ

ǡ k ǤȌǡ te e MO m e ǡ  e ǡ  

   e Ǥ n x ͳ͸ǡ   Dz.” Te s   to 

e e t f  . 

ͳǤ ing  ǡ e  e  e  t 

e e ent e f e e ate Ǥ On a e ǡ e f 

e ǡ  e  e . 

ʹǤ e ǡ any   a e n   t e tted in 

,  e ief f e ent and   e 	A 

ent. e  ent  Ȁe 

e . 

͵Ǥ f e t  ed n an    y t ȋǡ e 

ent   n e ine f ǡ , ant  Ȍǡ

 n  e   t e Ǥ e 

 e  Ǧte . 

ͶǤ   a e  e   e t  n a e 

e . S ate  ǯt e  e 

 e y een Ǥ   t a e 

n a        e en 

Ǥ   t a e  n   e ǯ

e  e en e t . 

ͷǤ f e is  e e in   , e t  e  

e xt e s in e   . 


Ǥ    n MO m  h S as ften 

  	A  ȋ  x ) e in e 

Ǥ  n  e t   e   e 

t   e MO . 

Ǥ  a MO m nt       e 

m   a  ing in  e ent  ǡ

  y Ȁ at Ȁe t ate in e t 

  a ǦMO m ǡ t    e  

e xt  n  in a ǦMO m . 

. s nd  ǦǦers 

e  e n  n e 	A e. f a t r ǦǦ

 ing  t  n e ǡ   e an Ǧ . 

19
Ǥ   nto t   t e    

	A  in  e  . 

Ǥ   e  . 

Ǥ    n  e e in e 

e f e   nt  . 

Ǥ  	A     ǡ  l te f 

 d e  in e e   . 

Ǥ 	A ʹǦ Ǧs s 

Ǥ   e     e tate Ǥ f 

  t e e ns x    e  t 

ate,   tify e 	A ing t. 

Ǥ      ǡ  ǡ n 

ǡ and  e Ǥ f e e  t e t 

ete  e ǡ  l  e tate ǡ 

an  e  e 	A  t, o  an e g 

 t. 

Ǥ 	Ǧ ʹǦ OfǦs s 

Ǥ   e   e e t in ͸Ͳ  f 

 . 

Ǥ     ent n  e ent e and 

    e . 

Ǥ 	Ǧd Ǧs s  ͸Ǧ d ͳͲǦy Ǧ d 

 e  es 

Ǥ    nt  t n ia  t 

d e  in e e. 

Ǥ   d ll   e TC  e x 

  e e  ate. 

Ǥ  l ail ates  e nts  in e s ho 

  ll e e . 

Ǥ 	A  tify  in  f    t ete e 

    . n  e  

 in o  f e e n te. 

20
X. Ǧ 	A ʹǦ d ͸Ǧy es 

Ǥ     ent n  e  tem 

t f ns  e e t  n e  f Ǥ

  e en   e  e  e d. 

Ǥ   e  en  r  

    d ail e tes  to e 

. 

21
R 5 – Ǧ	C ES 

I. 
 n 

   to  e  in  . 

II. ion   ss 

A.    at ns r   l nt 

m ǡ , and ial     e e 

 ȋȌ. , l, and al  e   e e 

ǯ e in n  e ǯs . 

Ǥ    at ns  ate   nt 

 	A nal  e   e   

ȋȌ. 	A   e   e e ǯ e in 

n to e ǯ e. 	r 	 D ǡ nt 

ry Ǧe   eed  m e ǡ

 and e Ǥ   ee e Ǥ  s 

need ee   . 

Ǥ    at ns  ate   nt 

m 	A s ȋ) ȋ e  e 

Ȁt ȋȌǡ     ȋǯȌǡ and 

 e ter ȋ) Ȍǡ ǡ ǡ e 

ney  e    ant  e ǯ . 

Ǥ    at ns    y 

e ed  e ant  e ǯ . 

E.    at  s    l s e 

  e t  e  f e  n  . 

	Ǥ    at ns r 	S D   

e ed  e ant. 

G.    at ns r 	S D  m 	ǡ 	ǡ

   f e   e ant, e ǯ , 

 e . 

Ǥ    at ns r 	S D   	T 

	T  Q e   e ant d e ǯ . 

ǣ f  ant   a n t  Q en  e 

an 	 D ǡ   te e Q  ent  

ing n  e e  f at  n e 

22
e Ǥ e    t  n  e e e 

ant   Q. 

Ǥ 	 e  e ǡ   k e n  ǡ 

in n ǡ  . 


Ǥ f an n  ǡ ns   e  e 

f e t r a ,   ǡ in ǡ fy  f e 

n to e  t  e e  ia. 

Ǥ x    a e t ate, if e e   ǡ

   e e    e ait t. 

Ǥ  e n is ǡ ns  e  nto 

 p ntil x s r  e e t ǡ  ne  e f 

  : 

ͳǤ   e  e  no e   een   e 

ent. 

ʹǤ   t  ed n n a   e 

e . 

͵Ǥ  ǡ   ate n   ǡ 

t in n e e in e    . 

III. Ǧ ȋDz”) s 

Ǥ   e ns n ͸Ͳ  f e e  ate  l 

Ǧe ent . 

Ǥ    e e   t e  e 

eet ȋ Ȍǡ ng   at  e ǡ 

   e  et int f t  o  e 

 o Ǥ ed  e   t e 

  Ͷ s   e t Ǥ   e 

e  s  e e er ʹ    e t ate. 

Ǥ      Ǧte nt s in e 

 : 

Ǥ  e   e  a . 

Ǥ en te       

ent ȋ an n) 

Ǥ ll  ll   n   e ed in e 

 e. 

.  l  ates   e . 

23
V. er er  ȋ) 

A. ants an   e TP t e . 

ͳǤ   e at  e  ͸ͳ0 e ey an 

e   e TP. 

ʹǤ   tend    in e     in a ͳ

o ʹǦear e t    t e ee  

Ǧ . 

B.    at a y f e n ȋ  e e 

 as  Ȍǡ etter f ǡ  a    

 e  ent  e TP   e  e nt  a 

e in e   . 

Ǥ    e TP ents  e xt  

   it a new n . 

Ǥ e e     en e ent   

Ǥ e s  ne, e t is ed   

ǡ  a te ate  e  nto e ͸ͲͲ . 

E. On e ǡ  ay tend a TP e at n Ǧte n ȋǤǤǡ


int 	d ȌǤ On e ǡ e e  e  in 

e  e e  in   f is . 

. y  s  ȋPP) 

   e  : 

x  y nt  y 

x al  nt d y 

x  y nt e 	um 

A.   e PP  e  t e . 

B.   e e  r  f e . 

Ǥ ns      e ic . 

1. e  e     ǡ   in e t 

e f e ǡ 0101, 	ns f  . 

 t    f e   ȋͲͳͲʹ, ͲͳͲ͵ǡ ͲͳͲͶǡ 

ͲͳͲͷȌ. 

24
2.  t e ͲͳͲ1 – 	ns of  ent 

     te e   in e . 

D.  I taff iew  t ants  e ed . 

1. e   e ed  e   ͲͶͷͳǤ  e 

en    e  es ȋͲͶͷʹǡ ͲͶͷ͵ǡ 

ͲͶͷͶȌ   . 

2. e  t e  . 

E.  I taff iew  t  r e e 	. 

1. e   e e 	um   r Ͳ͸ ͅͲǤ y 

en    e  es ȋͲ͸ ͅʹǡ Ͳ͸ ͅͶǡ 

Ͳ͸ ͅ͸Ȍ. 

2.    s ȋͲ͸ ͅͲǡ Ͳ682  Ͳ͸ ͅͶȌ  Ǧ 

0686. e   t e  e   

e er at  . 

3. f e nt t  e f e ǡ  an   

at  e  e ext    t . 

.     ȋPP) 

Ǥ   PP e  t e r  a ine f 
 ͳ

  . 

Ǥ  I taff iew  t  r e . 

Ǥ   e e s r e ete  f  ȋͳ͵ʹǡ

ͳ͵͵ǡ  ͳ͵͸Ȍ. 

ͳǤ e nt is    in e ies     een 

ǡ  an  e  in ent . 

ʹǤ f a nt   ͳ͵ʹǡ Ȁe t e ed  e 

s ȋͳ͵͵  ͳ͵͸  at ȌǤ e ent  e  r 

  f e  e. 

͵Ǥ f e nt  ͳ͵ʹǡ t  m ͳ͵͵  ͳ͵͸ǡ e nt 

e      e ne    ǡ f e 

e. e e     n  f e 

n. 

ͶǤ e e ent  e ee es in e ǡ  ll 

 e e e f e t e in e   . 

25
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.3 July 2021

Course Certificates and Grades for Foreign Students

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) 

describes the policy and procedures for issuing end-of-course grades and 

certificates for students who are not United States citizens.

B. See NETC SOP 119-25 Policy and Procedures for Admissions for additional 

requirements pertaining to foreign student applications.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.3, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that foreign students shall be eligible 

for end-of-course grades or certificates for any NFA-sponsored course which they have 

successfully completed.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Students, including foreign students, who attend NFA-sponsored courses are 

eligible for end-of-course grades and certificates in accordance with NFA-specific

SOP 700.4 Student Performance Measures: End of Course Grades.

B. In order to receive an end-of-course grade and certificate, students shall complete 

registration procedures in accordance with stated admissions policies and 

successfully complete the course.

C. In rare cases, NFA-sponsored courses may be delivered outside the continental 

United States or Hawaii, such as U.S. territories or possessions or on Department 

of Defense military bases. In those cases, the granting of end-of-course grades or 

certificates shall be at the discretion of the NFA Superintendent.
NFA-specific SOP 700.3 Course Certificates and Grades for Foreign Students

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent, at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.4 July 2021

Student Performance Measures: End-of-Course Grades

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) establishes end-of-course grading criteria for student performance in NFAsponsored courses. This does not apply to grades associated with the Executive Fire 

Officer Program (EFOP) Applied Research Papers. Please refer to the EFOP Handbook 

for more information: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/efop_guidelines.pdf

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.4, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that students who attend NFAsponsored courses are formally evaluated to verify the degree to which learning 

objectives and/or outcomes for that course have been met.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Following completion of the course, students shall be issued an end-of-course 

grade in accordance with Table 700.4.1 Student Performance Criteria and 

Corresponding End-of-Course Grades (attached).

B. Students who withdraw from the course, fail to attend the course, or do not 

complete the requirements for the course shall be issued a letter grade in 

accordance with Table 700.4.1 Student Performance Criteria and Corresponding 

End-of-Course Grades.

C. End-of-course grades shall be permanently recorded on student transcripts in the 

National Emergency Training Center (NETC) Admissions Office.

D. A copy of this SOP shall be made available to all contract instructors and 

students.

E. Instructional Systems Specialists (ISS), in conjunction with Training Specialists

(TS), shall establish student assessment instruments that evaluate performance on

the entire range of learning objectives included in each course.
NFA-specific SOP 700.4 – Student Performance Measures: End-of-Course Grades

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

F. TS, in conjunction with ISS, shall establish the number of student assessment 

instrument(s) and the minimum passing score requirements for the instrument(s) 

and the course.

G. Contract instructors are responsible for administering student assessment 

instruments and recording student scores in accordance with the form and 

procedures developed for each course. Note: Instructors do not have the authority 

to dismiss a “high missed” or “bad” question. Instructors must notify the TS. Only 

the TS has the authority to adjust an assessment instrument and/or a student’s 

grade.

H. Contract instructors shall submit the recorded scores to the TS at the end of the 

course delivery in accordance with the form and procedures developed for each 

course.

I. Students who do not obtain an end-of-course passing score shall not be eligible to

receive a stipend reimbursement for the failed course.

J. Students who do not obtain an end-of-course passing score face possible sanctions 

for up to 12 months regarding acceptance or placement in future on-campus

residential course offerings.

K. Incompletes (I) shall not be given in lieu of a letter grade to simply extend the 

time given to the student to complete the work without evidence of extenuating 

circumstances approved by the TS. An “I” grade must be removed by the end of 

the next semester following the course or it automatically becomes a Fail “F”

grade. 

L. The TS shall be responsible for notifying the NETC Admissions Office when the 

“I” grade is changed to another letter grade.

M. Appeals regarding an end-of-course grade or other matters in a course shall be 

discussed first with the contract instructor. 

Note: If the student remains dissatisfied, he/she should advance the appeal to 

the TS. 

N. If the TS is unable to mediate a resolution, the student may advance the appeal to 

the NFA Deputy Superintendent in accordance with NFA-specific SOP 700.6, 

Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals.

O. If the appeal is not resolved after mediation at this level, the student may advance 

the appeal to the NFA Superintendent, whose decision is final.
NFA-specific SOP 700.4 – Student Performance Measures: End-of-Course Grades

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

P. An official transcript of a student’s academic record may be ordered online 

through the NETC Admissions Office. Transcript request instructions may be 

found on the USFA website at 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/admissions/transcript_request.html

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Attachment - Table 700.4.1 Student Performance Criteria and Corresponding End-of-Course

 Grades

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Table 700.4.1

Student Performance Criteria and Corresponding End-of-Course Grades

Letter 

Grade

Point or 

Percentage 

Range

Student Performance Criteria

A 90-100

• demonstrates consistent mastery of learning outcomes for the 

course;

• demonstrates ability to interpret, integrate, and apply learning 

outcomes beyond the context of the course through application of 

critical and creative thinking skills;

• completes work assignments that consistently exceed requirement 

and that interpret and apply objectives in new, unique, or creative 

ways; and,

• demonstrates consistent leadership in class participation activities.

B* 80-89*

• demonstrates a high level of competence in learning outcomes for 

the course;

• demonstrates ability to interpret, integrate, and apply learning 

outcomes within the context of the course through application of 

critical and creative thinking skills;

• completes work assignments that consistently meet most 

requirements; and,

• contributes regularly to class participation activities.

C 70-79

• demonstrates a satisfactory level of competence in learning 

outcomes for the course;

• demonstrates competent ability to interpret, integrate, and apply 

learning outcomes within the context of the course;

• completes work assignments that satisfy minimum requirements for 

the course; and, 

• satisfies minimum requirements for class participation activities.

F 69 and 

below

• cannot demonstrate competence in many or fundamental outcomes 

for the course;

• submits work assignments that frequently do not meet minimum 

requirements, or does not complete the assigned work; and,

• does not satisfy minimum requirements for attendance or 

contribution to class activities. 

No Show 

NS ―

• fails to appear for a course they were accepted for without any 

written notification; they cannot attend another NFA-sponsored 

class for 2 years.

Incomplete

I ―

• has satisfactorily completed most of the required work for the 

course, but due to medical reasons or other extenuating 

circumstances, is unable to complete the work by the end of the next 

semester.

*Students enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer Program must achieve a minimum score of 80 in 

each of the four courses in that curriculum.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.5 July 2021

Student Performance Measures: Individual Assessment and Course Repeats

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure 

(SOP) establishes policies and procedures for the repeat of student assessment 

instruments and retaking NFA-sponsored courses.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.5, dated January 2021. 

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2. 

V. Responsibilities: 

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that students who fail a student assessment 

instrument, or receive an end-of-course F/Failure, or I/Incomplete letter grade 

shall be allowed the opportunity to remediate the grade to a passing score in 

accordance with this SOP. 

B. End-of-course grades shall be permanently recorded in the National Emergency 

Training Center Admissions Office.

C. A copy of this SOP shall be made available to all contract instructors and 

students. 

VI. Standard Operating Procedures: 

A. Repeats: Individual Student Assessment Instruments:

1. Students may be permitted two opportunities to obtain a passing score on 

an assessment instrument. 

2. If a student does not achieve a passing score on an assessment instrument 

the first time, there is no waiting period before retaking the instrument. 

However, remediation should be provided prior to the assessment retake. 

3. If a student does not achieve a passing score on the assessment after two 

attempts, the student’s highest score of the two attempts shall be recorded

as permanent.
NFA-specific SOP 700.5 – Student Performance Measures – Assessment and Course Repeats

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

4. The instructor, upon concurrence of the Training Specialist, may give the 

student an alternate assessment instrument as long as the learning 

objectives are evaluated.

5. For NFAOnline mediated courses, students may be permitted two 

opportunities to obtain a passing score on an assessment instrument.

6. For NFAOnline self-study courses, students will be permitted three 

attempts to pass an NFAOnline course exam, unless otherwise specified.

After which the student’s account will become locked and will require 

remediation and assistance from the NFAOnline Help Desk.

B. Repeats: Entire Course:

1. Students who do not obtain an end-of-course passing score shall not be 

eligible to receive a stipend reimbursement for the failed course.

2. Students who do not obtain an end-of-course passing score face possible 

sanctions for up to 12 months regarding acceptance or placement in future 

on-campus course offerings.

3. Incompletes (I) shall not be given in lieu of a letter grade to simply extend 

the time given to the student to complete the work without evidence of

extenuating circumstances approved by the Training Specialist. An “I”

grade must be removed by the end of the next semester following the 

course, or it automatically becomes an “F” grade. 

4. Grades earned as a result of both enrollments may appear on the student's 

official transcript.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency management Agency policies, procedures, or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.6 July 2021

Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) 

establishes academic grievance and grade appeal procedures for NFA students.

Note: This does not apply to grades associated with the Executive Fire Officer 

Program (EFOP) Applied Research Paper. Please refer to the EFOP Handbook for 

more information: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/efop_guidelines.pdf

B. Academic grading reflects careful and deliberate judgment by an instructor 

delivering a course. Academic evaluation of student performance requires expert 

consideration of cumulative information. Such decision-making, by its nature, is 

judgmental and evaluative. The education process, moreover, is not by nature 

adversarial, but rather centers upon a continuing relationship between instructor 

and student. Administrative interposition, except in the most extreme instances, is 

to be avoided. 

C. The NFA recognizes that in rare instances there may be errors, or "palpable 

injustice(s)" in determination of a final grade. A student alleging such error or 

palpable injustice; i.e., a clear showing of arbitrary or capricious action, may 

appeal as provided in this SOP.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.6, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that academic grievances are resolved in 

accordance with this SOP. 

B. A copy of this SOP shall be made available to all NFA contract instructors and 

students.
NFA-specific SOP 700.6 – Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Academic Grievances:

1. Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to an improper 

decision on an academic matter is entitled to file a grievance to obtain an 

independent review of the allegedly improper decision, followed by 

corrective action if appropriate. 

2. Formal written grievances must be made within fifteen (15) calendar days 

of the alleged grievance.

3. Efforts should be made to resolve the issues at an informal level without 

the complaint escalating to the status of a formal written grievance. The

student should first discuss the matter, with the individual(s) most directly 

responsible. 

a. If no resolution results, the student should then consult with the 

individual at the next administrative level, for example, for 

contract instructors the Training Specialist (TS) is the next level of 

appeal, or, for those cases in which there is none, the Branch Chief 

and or the NFA Deputy Superintendent.

b. Every reasonable effort shall be made to resolve the informal 

grievance within thirty (30) calendar days.

4. If informal means of resolution prove unsatisfactory, the NFA-specific

SOP 700.1 - Code of Conduct and the FEMA Policy 123-0-2 FEMA 

Educational and Training Participant Standards of Conduct, FEMA 

Directive 123-0-2-1 Personnel Standards of Conduct, and the National 

Emergency Training Center (NETC) SOP 119-22 - Conduct on the NETC 

Campus shall be applied.

5. The student should provide a written statement of the decision that 

constitutes the subject matter of the alleged grievance or dispute, the 

grounds on which it is being challenged, and the reasons why the grievant 

believes that the decision was improperly made. The statement should also 

include a description of the remedy sought and the informal efforts taken 

to date to resolve the matter. 

6. The grievance shall be submitted to the NFA Deputy Superintendent. 

7. The grievant shall be notified of the time and place of the of grievance 

review. The grievant has a right to appear in person or submit additional 

written evidence, have representation, and present any witnesses on his/

her behalf.
NFA-specific SOP 700.6 – Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to resolve the formal grievance 

within sixty (60) calendar days.

9. The grievance shall be heard by the NFA Superintendent.

B. End-of-Course Grade Appeals:

1. Students who wish to appeal their end-of-course grade shall first discuss 

the matter with the instructor to attempt to resolve the conflict. Either the 

student or the instructor may request that the meeting occur in the 

presence of the TS.

2. If students cannot resolve the conflict with the instructor, they may file a 

grade appeal with the TS.

a. The student must submit the appeal in writing within 15 calendar 

days from the completion of the course. 

b. The student's written appeal must be in hard copy, and must 

include:

1) A statement explaining why the student believes his/her 

grade should be changed.

2) A list of the student's grades for student assessment 

instruments completed in the course.

3) For any of the student's work that was not returned to the 

student by the instructor, the student should include a list of 

documents that have not been returned. Note: Although all 

graded and practice student assessment instruments are 

returned to the student for review, the student is required to 

return all graded and practice student assessment 

instruments to the instructor. For the purpose of grade 

appeals, the TS is required to retain all graded and practice 

student assessment instruments for a minimum of 30 days.

3. Students should understand that the burden of proof is upon them to make 

the case that a "palpable injustice" or bias has occurred, so the student 

should seek to make as strong a case as possible by including supporting 

documents to claims made.

4. The TS may deny the appeal, in which case the matter shall be 

automatically referred to the NFA Superintendent for concurrence or nonconcurrence. The decision of the NFA Superintendent shall be final.

5. The TS shall notify the NETC Admissions Office of the final grade 

determination.
NFA-specific SOP 700.6 – Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.7 July 2021

Student Performance Measures: Maintaining Student Grades 

I. Purpose: This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure

(SOP) outlines the procedures for documenting grades for student assessment 

instruments, and transferring the end-of-course grade to the National Emergency Training 

Center (NETC) Admissions Office.

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.7, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities:

A. It shall be the policy of the NFA that grades for student assessment instruments 

shall be documented and maintained in accordance with this SOP.

B. Students who attend NFA-sponsored courses shall be formally evaluated to verify 

that the learning objectives for that course have been met.

VI. Standard Operating Procedures:

A. Upon completion of the course, students shall be issued an end-of-course grade in 

accordance with NFA-specific SOP 700.4 - Student Performance Measures: End 

of Course Grades.

B. End-of-course grades shall be permanently recorded in the NETC Admissions 

system for all NFA sponsored course offerings. End-of-course grades shall be 

permanently recorded in the NFAOnline learning management system for all 

NFAOnline self-study courses.

C. A copy of this SOP shall be made available to all NFA contract instructors and 

students. 

D. Instructors shall evaluate student performance using student assessment instruments 

developed for the course.
NFA-Specific SOP 700.7 – Student Performance Measures-Maintaining Student Grades

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

E. Instructors shall grade all required papers, tests, quizzes and exams. No student selfgrading shall be permitted.

F. Instructors shall record student performance on the class grade sheet in the form 

and manner developed for the course.

G. The instructor may at any time discuss a student’s performance with that student.

H. All graded and practice student assessment instruments may be returned to the 

student for review, but they must be returned to the instructor. Please note: No 

copying/photographing of materials is allowed.

I. Instructors shall compute each student’s end-of-course grade and enter it on the 

class grade sheet.

J. The instructor(s) shall sign and date the class grade sheet. The instructor’s 

signature shall mean concurrence with the grade entered on the grade sheet.

K. Should one or more instructors disagree with the grade entered on the grade sheet, 

the dissenting instructor(s) shall attach a separate note explaining the reason for 

the disagreement.

L. Instructors shall forward the class grade sheet to the Training Specialist (TS), who 

shall verify the grade computations and end-of-course letter grade. The TS shall 

sign and date the class grade sheet.

M. For off-campus courses, the instructor shall submit the student roster with letter 

grades recorded, projects, tests and exam grade sheets to the state/local site 

representative. The state/local site representative will place these materials in the 

NFA-supplied preaddressed, postage-paid envelope and return it to the NFA.

Note: For test documents and any extra materials that were not used in the course 

delivery, the state/local site representative must return the materials to the NFA or 

ensure they are disposed of properly (e.g. shredded/ destroyed) to ensure security 

and integrity of the course assessment process.

N. In the event of a disagreement among instructors regarding a student’s end-ofcourse grade, the TS shall reconcile the conflict and assign an end-of-course 

grade.

O. The TS responsible for the curriculum area shall forward the class grade sheet to 

the NETC Admissions Office within five (5) business days of receiving it. A 

FEMA Form 9109.1 (Privacy Data Cover Sheet) shall cover the grade sheet.

P. The NETC Admissions Office shall enter the end-of-course grade in each 

student’s transcript file.
NFA-Specific SOP 700.7 – Student Performance Measures-Maintaining Student Grades

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

Q. The NETC Admissions Office shall archive the class grade sheet according to 

government Records Management regulations.

R. Students may request a transcript of final course grades according to NETC 

Admissions Office policy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Academy

National Fire Academy-specific Standard Operating Procedure

Number Date

700.8 July 2021

Handheld and Wireless Technology in the Classroom

I. Purpose:

A. This National Fire Academy (NFA)-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) 

establishes policies and procedures for the student use of handheld and wireless 

technology in the classroom.

B. The NFA is committed to educationally sound uses of technology in the 

classroom, to providing a secure and challenging learning environment, and to 

preventing disruption of students’ and instructors’ educational experiences. 

C. The NFA is also committed to balancing the need for concentration in the course 

environment with concerns about safety and with students’ outside 

responsibilities. When used properly, hand‐held and wireless technologies can 

enhance the classroom environment and student learning; used improperly, these 

same technologies can significantly degrade the quality of learning in the course 

setting. 

D. Each student enrolled in NFA-sponsored courses has a responsibility to other 

students and to the instructors to contribute to a courteous, respectful learning 

environment. This responsibility includes not disrupting instruction or distracting 

fellow students, maintaining an atmosphere that supports academic integrity, and 

being committed to learning. 

II. Supersession: Replaces NFA-specific SOP 700.8, dated January 2021.

III. Authority/Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 2206 (c) “Powers of Superintendent.”

IV. Definitions: Refer to NFA-specific SOP 100.2.

V. Responsibilities: It shall be the policy of the NFA that the classroom instructor(s) may 

prohibit any use of hand‐held or wireless technology that disrupts learning opportunities, 

degrades the learning environment, or promotes academic misconduct or illegal activities. 

VI. Standard Operating Procedures: Unless otherwise specified by the instructor and the 

training specialist (TS), the following statements govern the appropriate use of handheld 

and wireless technologies in NFA-sponsored courses:
NFA-Specific SOP 700.8 – Handheld and Wireless Technology in the Classroom

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

A. Communication by electronic devices during course instructional time, including 

but not limited to instant messaging, text messaging, web surfing, and telephoning 

during class, is strictly prohibited unless expressly designated as part of the 

learning activities. 

B. In conjunction with the NFA’s Bring-Your-Own-Device policy, laptops (or any 

wireless computers or similar electronic devices) are encouraged and may be 

required to support course activities. Students must avoid non course‐related 

activities such as checking email or social networking sites, web‐surfing, or 

playing games as these diminish their—and their classmates'—engagement with 

instructional activities.

C. Electronic audio or video recording of the classroom environment by students is 

prohibited unless permission is given by the instructor and/or the training 

specialist (TS) and the other students prior to recording.

D. Unauthorized use of electronic communication or wireless devices during quizzes, 

examinations, or other graded activities may warrant disciplinary action under the 

terms of the NFA-specific Standard Operating Procedure 700.1 Code of Conduct.

E. Activities that violate laws and/or federal policies, such as those related to 

intellectual property rights or copyright, eavesdropping, or sexual harassment are 

prohibited and shall be reported to the course instructor, TS or supervisor.

F. Students who require access to handheld or wireless technology as assistive 

measures for documented disabilities shall be required to document their need in 

Block 11 on FEMA Form 119-25-1 (General Admission’s Application).

G. Where personal emergency, family care responsibilities, or employment situations 

require access to electronic communication devices, arrangements must be made 

in advance with the instructor. The instructor is authorized to decide if such 

access is appropriate.

H. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor. 

I. A copy of this SOP shall be made available to all students and instructors.

J. Sanctions for violation of this policy may be determined by the instructor in 

consultation with and by approval of the TS, and may include dismissal from the 

class, zero grades on quizzes or examinations, failure in the class or other 

penalties that the instructor and TS determine to be appropriate. 
NFA-Specific SOP 700.8 – Handheld and Wireless Technology in the Classroom

______________________________________________________________________________

This SOP is applicable only to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy.

VII. Questions: Questions regarding the content of this NFA-specific SOP may be addressed 

to the office of the NFA Deputy Superintendent at (301) 447-1083.

Eriks J. Gabliks

Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Nothing in this SOP shall be construed or implied as to be in conflict with Department of 

Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency policies, procedures or 

instructions, or collective bargaining agreements that are in effect.