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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR 2024 

Summary of Changes Definitions 

Non-Policy Changes 

• Changed: Wording was changed or updated by NICC for clarification or conciseness. 

• Updated: Topics, descriptions and wording is new and added by NICC. 

• Deleted: Topics, descriptions, sentences, etc., removed by NICC that are no longer 

applicable.

• Moved: Subject headings and content moved into a new chapter. Subjects 

rearranged/reorder within the same chapter do not meet this definition. 

Policy Related Changes 

• Replaced: Wording was changed or updated by NMAC for clarification or conciseness 

• Added: Topics, descriptions and wording is new and added by NMAC 

• Removed: Topics, descriptions, sentences, etc., removed by NMAC that are no longer 

applicable.

Global Changes 

Replaced: National Mobilization Guide With: National Interagency Standards for Resource 

Mobilization

Chapter 10 Objectives, Policy, and Scope of Operation 

Total Mobility Concept 

Updated: “To accomplish total mobility, all resources will be statused and assigned in the resource 

ordering system regardless of incident type or location.” 

Priorities

Removed: “and confirm drawdown levels.” from first sentence.

Added: “The delegation of authority for NMAC states: NMAC is the national level authority for directing 

and controlling firefighting resource allocations between Geographic Areas to ensure priority objectives 

are met, with full authority to take appropriate actions to implement their decisions”

Added: “Resource allocation decisions are based on the following considerations:

• Wildfire suppression.

• Emergency Support Function (ESF) / National Response Framework. 

• Agency Prescribed Fire operations.

• International cooperation.”

Local And Geographic Area Drawdown Levels

Replaced: “Although drawdown resources are considered unavailable outside the local or Geographic 

Area for which they have been identified, National Resources may still be reallocated by the Geographic 

Area or NICC in coordination with NMAC to meet higher priority obligations.” With: “Drawdown 

resources are considered unavailable outside the local or Geographic Area for which they have been 
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identified, National Resources may be reallocated by NMAC in coordination with the NICC and 

Geographic Areas to meet higher priority obligations.”

Removed as redundant: “Drawdown resources are considered unavailable outside the local or 

geographic area for which they have been identified.”

National Resources

Removed: Type 1 IMTs

National Surge Packages 

Removed: “At any time, GMACs may also request specific resources for consideration and assembly by 

NMAC as NSP resources/packages.”

Added to last sentence: “and report back to their NMAC liaison on accomplishments/utilization of surge 

resources/packages.”

Mobilization/Demobilization

Added “agreements” to first sentence.

Work/Rest, Length of Assignment and Days Off 

Removed: “This section provides a general overview of federal agencies’ work/rest, length of assignment 

and days off. For a complete listing of specific federal agency policy refer to the Interagency Standards for 

Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724):https://www.nifc.gov/standards/guides/red-book” 

Replaced: “For Type 3 – 5 incidents, paid days off should be the exception. However, if necessary, the 

Agency Administrator (incident host or home unit) may authorize day(s) off with pay. During extended 

periods of activity in support of local fire management, personnel will have a minimum of 2 days off in any 

14-day period.” With: “During extended periods of activity at the home unit, personnel will have a 

minimum of two (2) days off in any 21-day period. Home Unit is defined as the duty station.” 

Length of Assignment

Replaced: “An assignment is defined as the time period (days) between the first full operational period at 

the first incident or reporting location on the original resource order and commencement of return travel 

to the home unit.” With: “An assignment is defined as the time period (days) between the first full 

operational period excluding travel, and the last operational period. The last operational period is the last 

full day worked which excludes all travel. Assignments include prescribed fire and fuels treatments.”

Updated: “Standard assignment length is 14 days, exclusive of travel from and to the home unit, with 

possible extensions”

Replaced: “After completion of a 14-day assignment and return to the home unit, two (2) mandatory days 

off will be provided (2 after 14)” With: “After completion of a 14-day assignment and return to the home 

unit, three (3) mandatory days off will be provided (also referred to as “3 after 14”). 

Added: “For off-site/remote assignments, days off must occur on the calendar days immediately following

last operational shift worked. If the next day(s) upon return from an incident is/are a regular workday(s), a 

paid day(s) off will be authorized. Regulations may preclude authorizing this for non-National Wildfire 

Coordinating Group (NWCG) and State/local employees.” 

Added: “Contracted aircraft are not restricted by length of assignment. In order to limit disruption to 

operations, reduce strain on the ordering system and reduce unnecessary mobilization and 

demobilization of these high-cost resources, exclusive-use aviation personnel are encouraged to utilize a 

personnel rotation schedule that meets staffing criteria required of the resource.”

“When numerous internal rotations of staffing Exclusive-Use aircraft occur, consideration for aircraft 

exchange shall be given by aviation managers and coordinators. Requests for such an exchange shall be 

coordinated with all parties involved to include the aircraft manager, IMT or hosting unit, GACC, NICC 
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and applicable National Aircraft Coordinator. The ability to grant such requests during high fire activity 

or planning levels may be limited due to extenuating circumstances.”

Assignment Extension

Updated when assignments may be extended to include: 

• A military battalion is assigned. 

• The assignment is a planned event (e.g., fuels treatment, prescribed fire implementation) with 

fatigue mitigations (e.g., shorter workdays, adequate rest in hotels, etc.). 

Updated: “Upon completion of the standard 14-day assignment, an extension of up to an additional 14 

days may be allowed (for a total of up to 30 days, inclusive of mandatory days off and exclusive of travel). 

With: Regardless of extension duration, two mandatory days off will be provided prior to the twenty-second 

day of the assignment. When personnel are required to take a mandatory day off, which falls on their normal 

day off, there will be no pay compensation.” 

IMT Length of Assignment and Mandatory Unavailability 

Added: “CIMT Length of Assignment and Mandatory Unavailability” 

“The assignment length and unavailability period for CIMTs is determined based on Incident Commander 

(IC) travel and follows the process outlined below:

• Day 1 will be the first full day following IC travel to the reporting location on the original resource 

order, whether it is staging/preposition, to shadow, or the first day in command of the incident. 

• For a 14-day assignment, transfer of command may happen on day 14 or the morning of day 15, 

provided travel back to the home unit begins on day 15. Closeouts, evaluations, and other final 

processes should be conducted prior to day 15. 

• Should an extension be approved, the transfer of command will occur no later than the final 

extension date. 

• Requests to NMAC for a CIMT to be available again prior to the 7-day unavailability period should 

occur prior to the start of the 7 days. Only in exceptional circumstances will a CIMT be asked by 

NMAC within the 7-day period to roster prior to the end of the 7 days.

• The day following return travel by the IC will be day 1 of the CIMT unavailability period. The 

CIMT will be available to roster after a full 7 days have passed. Agency approved days off are 

included in the 7-day unavailability period. 

• Tracking of these days will be accomplished by the Geographic Areas and shared with the NICC 

CIMT Coordinator for planning purposes.” 

Incident Management Team Extensions

Replaced: “NMAC approval is required for Type 1 IMTs and CIMTs.” With: “NMAC approval is 

required for Complex Incident Management Team extensions.” 

National Fire Preparedness Plan

Replaced: “Situations and activities described within the Preparedness Levels consider wildland fires and 

prescribed fires.” With: “Situations and activities described within the Preparedness Levels consider 

wildland fires, prescribed fires, all-hazard response and international assistance.”

Preparedness Level Descriptions

Preparedness Level 1

Geographic Areas accomplish incident management objectives utilizing local resources with little or no 

national support. There is little risk of drawing down capability in any geographic area to support incident 

operations. 

• Conditions are not favorable to support significant wildland fire activity in most Geographic Areas.
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• Resource capability is adequate with little or no mobilization of resources occurring through 

NICC.

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is expected to remain minimal.

Preparedness Level 2

Active Geographic Areas may require national support to accomplish incident management objectives. 

Resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain incident operations and meet objectives in 

active Geographic Areas. There is a low to moderate probability that drawing down resources from nonactive Geographic Areas may pose a risk should existing conditions change. 

• Significant wildland fire or non-fire activity is increasing in a few Geographic Areas.

• Resources within most Geographic Areas are adequate to manage the current situation, with light 

to moderate mobilization of resources occurring through NICC. 

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is normal to below normal for the time of year.

Preparedness Level 3

Mobilization of resources nationally is required to sustain incident management operations in active 

Geographic Areas. National priorities are established to address the demand for shared resources among 

active Geographic Areas. There is a moderate to high probability that drawing down resources from nonactive Geographic Areas may pose a risk should existing conditions change. 

• Significant wildland fire or non-fire activity is occurring in multiple Geographic Areas with 

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) actively engaged. 

• Mobilization of resources through NICC is moderate to heavy. 

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is normal for the time of year.

Preparedness Level 4

National Resources are heavily committed. National mobilization trends affect all Geographic Areas and 

regularly occur over larger distances. National priorities govern resources of all types. Heavy demand on 

inactive/low activity Geographic Areas for available resources.

• Significant wildland fire or non-fire activity is occurring in multiple Geographic Areas with a 

substantial commitment of IMTs. 

• NICC increasingly engages GACCs to coordinate and fill orders for available resources. 

• Potential for significant incidents emerging in multiple Geographic Areas indicates that resource 

demands will continue or increase.

Preparedness Level 5

National Resources are heavily committed, and additional measures are taken to support Geographic 

Areas. Active Geographic Areas must take emergency measures to sustain incident operations. Inactive/low 

activity Geographic Areas are reaching drawdown levels.

• Full commitment of National Resources is ongoing. 

• NICC coordinates resource requests with GACCs as resources become available.

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple 

Geographic Areas. 

Preparedness Level Actions Taken By NICC/NMAC

Added: “Preparedness Level Actions Taken By NICC/NMAC”

The following specific actions will be taken by the NICC and/or NMAC for the corresponding Preparedness 

Levels regardless of activity or the time of year. At any PL level, NMAC may assume the responsibilities of 

the NICC based on resource allocation and activity.

Preparedness Level 1
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• NICC produces the Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) weekly on Fridays or as needed 

based on significant activity. 

• NMAC meets as needed to accomplish administrative and procedural business.

• NICC manages national resource allocations as coordinated with NMAC based on pre-established 

prioritization criteria and resource mobilization guidelines. 

• NICC CIMT Coordinator will monitor and coordinate CIMTs. 

Preparedness Level 2

• NICC produces the IMSR daily Monday through Friday. 

• NMAC meets on a regular basis to ensure situational awareness nationally as well as assessing 

resource commitment and availability.

• NICC manages national resource allocations as coordinated with NMAC based on pre-established 

prioritization criteria and resource mobilization guidelines. 

• NICC will actively engage with the Geographic Areas for the assessment and coordination of 

Incident Management Teams. 

Preparedness Level 3

• NICC produces the IMSR daily.

• NMAC will assume management of Type 1 and Type 2IA Crew assignments. 

• NMAC will monitor CIMT assignments and may engage with GAs as necessary to achieve team 

experience objectives, ensure proficiency, manage fatigue, or for other reasons.

• NMAC activates the following support functions: 

o Crew Coordinator 

o CIMT Coordinator

o SMKJ Coordinator 

• NMAC implements a formal meeting schedule to align with the national situation. 

Preparedness Level 4

• NMAC will manage all crew assignments.

• NMAC will manage all CIMT assignments. CIMT rationale forms may be required for all requests.

• NMAC will evaluate the need for activations of military and/or international assistance. 

• NMAC meets daily Monday through Friday and on weekends as needed. 

Preparedness Level 5

• NMAC may activate additional support functions as needed: 

• NMAC receives requests for and assembles/allocates surge packages.

• NMAC may activate military and/or international assistance. 

• NMAC has the delegated authority and may actively manage all suppression resources as needed. 

NMAC Support Function Responsibilities

Added: “NMAC Support Function Responsibilities:”

“At any time regardless of Preparedness Levels NMAC may activate additional support functions. The 

following standard practices will apply when the specific role is activated:

Incident Management Team Coordinator:

• Coordinates with NICC and the GA to implement NMAC decisions. 

• Tracks all IMT utilization. 

• Provide recommendations to NMAC for team assignments. 

Crew Coordinator: 
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• Coordinates with NICC and the GA to implement NMAC decisions. 

• Tracks all Type 1 and 2IA crew assignments. 

• At PL 4 and 5, NMAC may delegate tracking of all crew types. 

• Provides recommendations to NMAC for crew allocations.

• Works directly with GAs to track crew needs and availability.

Smokejumper Coordinator:

• Coordinates with NICC and the GA to implement NMAC decisions. 

• Tracks all smokejumper movement and availability.

• Assists NMAC and the NICC in prioritizing competing booster requests. 

Surge Package Coordinator: 

• Coordinates with NICC and the GA to implement NMAC decisions. 

• Works with the GAs to assemble and track surge package requests.

• Single point of contact for GAs to report accomplishments and progress of assigned surge 

packages.

International Operations 

Updated: “Processes for International Mobilization of Federal Resources”

“International fire assignments are unique. The approval process for federal government employees has 

been expedited through the State Department and specific agencies, from 60-90 days to 3-7 days. Due to 

the condensed process, it is critical the sending unit completes and submits all required documents in a 

timely manner. The NICC International Coordinator must have all completed documentation to ensure 

State Department and agency clearance prior to the employee receiving country clearance. Clearance must 

be completed and approved prior to travel beginning.” 

Updated: “Dispatch Procedures for International Mobilization”

International fire assignments are managed by the NICC, any questions should always be directed to the 

NICC International Coordinator. Once an order has been filled by a local dispatch center, they will ensure 

the completion of the following steps within the appropriate time allowed: 

• Ensure the resource is aware of all attached documentation within the order (i.e.: briefing packets, 

Special Needs documents, etc.) 

• International Manifest is accurately completed and returned in a timely manner. The manifest must 

be submitted to NICC no later than 72 hours before the Needed Date and Time on the Resource 

Order.

o Failure to meet the 72-hour timeframe will result in the order being canceled. 

• Vehicle Information is completed (if applicable) within the manifest.

• Travel can be arranged but not implemented until notification is received from the NICC 

International Coordinator that they are cleared for travel.

o A copy of the itinerary is required to be submitted with the international manifest. 

• Once the manifest is received by the NICC, it is sent to be reviewed for international travel 

clearance. (This may take 48 hours or longer)

Once NICC receives confirmation the traveler is cleared through their respective agency, and State 

Department Electronic Country Clearance (ECC) is confirmed, the resource and/or resources host 

dispatch center will be informed of the resources approval to mobilize.

No travel can occur until this confirmation is received. 

Ordering Process and Procedures

Updated: “Name Requests 
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“Each geographic area has the ability to evaluate each name request from their area, if there is an 

outstanding need for the requested resource capability within that geographic area or ongoing suppression 

efforts, it may be denied. 

All name requests not filled by the item being requested will be returned to the requesting unit with the 

appropriate associated documentation i.e., Unable to honor this request due to outstanding needs within 

the geographic area. 

Name Requests on Budgeted, Severity or Non-Suppression Funds

Name requests charged to severity, budgeted/programmed, or non-suppression funds are acceptable and 

will be processed without delay.

Severity requests often involve strategic movement of resources from area with lower fire potential, being 

directed by agency managers and duty officers and will be honored. 

Refer to Chapters 20 (Overhead) and 40 (Equipment) for additional information.

Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

Overhead Name Requests

Updated: “Name Requesting of Single Resource Overhead Orders

Name requests for Overhead resources will be honored regardless of the type of order. The ordering unit 

must confirm availability for the individual being requested prior to placing the request. All name requests 

must include the individuals current dispatch location.

Trainee Requests

Name request for geographic area priority trainee positions will be justified withing the special needs as 

being approved by the GATR and will be processed without delay. 

Suppression requests are prioritized by closest resource concept. Regardless of controlling agency, the 

agency resources that has the shortest timeframe to reach an incident should be mobilized and name request 

may not be honored if a closer, like resource, is available.” 

Technical Specialist

Changed: “The use of the Technical Specialist (THSP) position code should be name requested and used 

when no established NWCG catalog item representative of the job to be performed exists. (Duty Officer, 

Air Resource Advisor etc.)” To: “Use of THSP position code is appropriate when no other position code 

exists and requires additional information describing the specialty or work to be included in the assignment. 

Example: THSP – Duty Officer or THSP Center Manager.”

Complex Incident Management Teams

Removed: IMT1 and IMT2 Language. 

Replaced section with: 

NMAC Management of IMTs

NMAC is delegated authority to prioritize and direct the use of all team assignments for Complex Incident 

Management Teams (CIMTs), National Incident Management Organization (NIMO), and Area Command 

Teams as necessary to achieve team experience objectives, ensure proficiency, manage fatigue, or for other 

reasons. NMAC engagement in IMT management will occur according to direction contained herein. 

When situations warrant (determined by NMAC), rationale is required by NMAC for assignment of 

Complex, NIMO, and Area Command Teams prior to mobilization. 

To manage fatigue, promote mental health and well-being, and provide opportunities for CIMT members 

to attend to work and personal responsibilities, all IMTs will have 7 days of unavailability upon return from 

any assignment geographically or nationally (including preposition) of 7 days or more (exclusive of travel). 

(This applies to the IMT; individuals may have differing agency requirements.) During periods of elevated 

need, there may be a request by NMAC for earlier availability. This will be determined and communicated 
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as early as practicable and prior to the start of the team’s unavailability period. A GA may extend a team’s 

unavailability period for additional rest. 

Interagency Incident Management Teams (IMTs)

Each GA is responsible for annual selection and rostering of CIMTs, developing an internal rotation 

schedule, and maintaining team availability commensurate with fire activity and mobilization guides as 

well as supporting national response needs. GAs will manage their CIMTs in accordance with the National 

Interagency Standards for Resource Mobilization and communicate with their NMAC liaison regularly on 

any changes or concerns.

Within their GA, CIMTs will be mobilized according to GA guidance, with the following exception: CIMTs 

ordered through NICC or prepositioned by NICC from the national rotation for staging within a GA will 

be prioritized for assignment to any new federal incident within that area or when a replacement team is 

needed within that area. 

CIMTs will be requested through established ordering channels. When a GA cannot fill an CIMT order 

internally, the national rotation will be utilized. NMAC manages the national rotation and will direct 

changes to the management of geographic rotations based on preparedness levels and/or resource scarcity. 

NMAC, at any time, can direct a GA to utilize an out-of-area IMT. CIMTs will be mobilized nationally 

according to the call-out procedures from the national rotation managed by NICC. 

The intent of CIM is to strive for continuous improvement. This includes leadership development and 

mentorship opportunities unique to each incident. Individual teams are expected to seek to improve their 

capacity and to request and provide assistance as needed.

The assignment length and unavailability period for IMTs is determined based on the Incident 

Commander’s (IC) travel. Refer to Chapter 10 for specific information on IMT length of assignment and 

mandatory unavailability. 

IMT Configurations - All

The Incident Commander positions on IMTs may only be filled by current agency employees.

It is recommended that the following positions also be filled by current agency employees: 

• Finance/Admin. Section Chief 

• Procurement Unit Leader

• Comp/Claims Unit Leader 

Unless notified, trainees will be mobilized for incidents on federal lands. 

Complex IMT Configuration 

CIMTs are expected to be fully rostered when available. CIMTs will be considered unavailable for 

assignment if the IC or more than one Command & General (C&G) position is vacant. 

All CIMT rosters shall follow the standard CIMT configuration: 

• Master CIMT roster will consist of 44 qualified personnel and 6 team trainees, for a total of 50. 

• The following 7 positions must be filled with Complex or Type 1 qualified C&G responders: 

Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, Finance/Administration Section 

Chief, Logistics Section Chief, Operations Section Chief, and Planning Section Chief. 

• The remaining 37 qualified positions and 6 trainee positions may be filled at the IC’s discretion. 

o A 50-position CIMT roster will be used when a CIMT is made available for assignment in 

IROC.

Complex IMT Mobilization Roster

Upon receiving an order, the mobilization roster will be finalized based upon incident complexity and will 

consist of the 50-position master roster, up to 26 additional qualified personnel, and up to an additional 14 

trainee positions for up to 90 personnel.
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The IC shall negotiate the mobilization roster configuration through communications with the ordering 

Agency Administrators (AA). This communication should include an overview of fire activity and resource 

availability geographically and nationally, to inform overhead and resource allocation, provided by a 

representative from the hosting GA. This representative may be one of the following:

• GA coordinating group or operations group representative. 

• State/regional/equivalent-level Fire Management Officer (FMO) for the host agency.

• Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) CIMT Coordinator, if in place. 

GA NMAC liaisons are encouraged to participate in roster discussions for awareness on challenges such 

as personnel availability and/or resource scarcity and to augment situational awareness from a national 

perspective.

CIMT Roster Negotiation 

AAs will utilize the NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment (RCA), PMS 236, to guide the 

negotiation discussion, specifically Part D: Functional Complexity.

• The RCA will inform complexity by functional area and assist in identifying additional Incident 

Command System (ICS) position needs. Based on this discussion, the AA and IC may negotiate 

up to an additional 26 qualified and 14 trainee CIMT positions necessary to manage the 

incident.

• Continued use of Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) is equally important for 

those agencies who do so. 

• Document the agreed upon mobilization roster in the delegation of authority, with guidance 

for how further scaling will be communicated and accomplished during the team’s assignment.

• The additional negotiated positions will be immediately added to the roster for mobilization. 

ICs may provide names of qualified available personnel to fill these additional negotiated 

positions; these name requests will be honored.

• Hosting GA representative will notify the receiving GA of any position shortages. 

• When a CIMT is ordered to preposition, ICs will negotiate any positions in addition to the 

master roster with the ordering GA coordinating group chair to determine the mobilization 

roster.

o Rosters for NICC preposition orders will be negotiated between the IC and NICC 

CIMT Coordinator based on direction from NMAC. 

• To support incident workforce development and succession, assignment of trainees is strongly 

encouraged. Up to 20 trainees may be initially mobilized with a CIMT, 6 on the master roster 

and an additional 14 through negotiations based on incident complexity. 

o AAs and ICs should negotiate the number and types of trainees; consideration 

should be given to trainees critical to CIMT succession and to trainees in positions 

that are chronically difficult to fill nationally.

o ICs should utilize trainees in their trainee position, not in a position in which the 

individual is already qualified. 

o Assignment of regular agency employees (including full time state and local 

agency personnel) deploying as trainees should be given priority over all other 

Administratively Determined (AD) trainees.

CIMT Qualified Trainees Total

Master Roster

(Calendar Year) 44 6 50

Mobilization Negotiation 

(Incident Specific Needs) Up to 26 Up to 14 Up to 40

Incident Total Up to 70 Up to 20 Up to 90
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Mobilization rosters in IROC will be closed at either 90 total positions or at the time of in-briefing. While 

it is recognized there may be incidents that require large numbers of overhead personnel for safe and 

effective management, additional personnel should be ordered based upon the specific incident needs 

rather than by increasing the CIMT roster beyond the approved configuration of 90 total personnel. 

CIMT National Rotation Process 

For 2024, all interagency CIMTs are included in the national rotation. Additional teams (such as state or 

local teams) may choose to participate and will be integrated appropriately with NMAC coordination. 

• GACCs will ensure their respective CIMTs available for the national rotation are rostered in IROC.

• The national rotation list rotates every 7 days. 

• The list will identify availability based on the GA, which will determine which of their teams fills 

the order based on availability and internal rotations. Each GA will receive a number of places in 

the national rotation based on the number of CIMTs they host (i.e., a GA with 3 teams receives 3 

places in the national rotation). 

• Between January and April and October and December, the national rotation list will include two 

available CIMTs each week, identified by the GA for a 7-day period.

SAMPLE 1st Out 2nd Out

January 1 – 7 GA 1 GA 2

January 8 – 14 GA 3 GA 4

o CIMT rosters may differ from peak season rosters; ad hoc CIMT rosters are acceptable.

o If additional teams are needed beyond the two in rotation, the requesting GA will follow 

established ordering channels by placing an order to NICC. The NICC will coordinate 

with the Geographic Areas to fill based on closest forces. 

• Between May and September, the national rotation list will include a minimum of four available 

CIMTs each week, identified by the GA for a 7-day period.

SAMPLE 1st Out 2nd Out 3rd Out 4th Out

April 29 – May 5 GA 1 GA 2 GA 3 GA 4

May 6 – 12 GA 5 GA 6 GA 1 GA 3

o If all four teams are mobilized, the next four GAs will be notified and asked to begin their 

7-day availability period immediately. 

• GAs are responsible for managing their CIMT rotations and assignments to equitably spread 

assignments across teams. 

o Historical data suggests a median of 3 assignments per calendar year per CIMT is an 

optimal goal for NMAC and GAs to manage towards. 

• At any time, NMAC may adjust the number of available CIMTs in the national rotation to meet 

demands. 

• Teams will be requested in order of the national rotation, provided they can meet the date and time 

needed. GAs must return a resource order as Unable to Fill (UTF) if no eligible CIMT can meet 

the date and time needed. 

• CIMTs remain on-call for the national rotation for a maximum of 7 days. 

• GAs unable to provide an CIMT when ordered for assignment from the national rotation list will 

be listed as unavailable on the national rotation. 

• If the IC determines that the CIMT is underprepared for the incident due to experience or comfort 

levels of the C&G due to incident complexity, they may maintain their place in the national rotation 

without penalty and the next available CIMT will be requested. 

• Prepositioned/staged CIMTs will be considered part of the rotation and will be the first utilized. 

o CIMTs on GACC preposition will be first within the GACC. 

o CIMTs on NICC preposition will be first nationally. 

o Hosting units will not hold prepositioned/staged CIMTs longer than 7 days. 

o Preposition will count as an assignment when assigned 96 hours or longer from the date 

and time needed. 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

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• A CIMT’s first assignment, either internally or from the national rotation, will move them to Round 

2 of the national rotation. Their second assignment will move them to Round 3. 

o Reassignment of a committed CIMT prior to demobilization will be counted as a single 

assignment within the round they were mobilized. 

o Teams mobilized in the previous calendar year and whose assignment extends into the new 

calendar year will not be shown as assigned in the new calendar year. 

o If a CIMT is ordered but canceled, unassigned, or released within 72 hours, it will return 

to its position on the national rotation. 

• A rotation round ends when all available CIMTs have been exercised or are unavailable. 

• The GA will coordinate with NICC before reassigning an out-of-area CIMT to another incident. 

• CIMT extensions can be requested through existing approval processes. 

• The CIMT current national rotation list and assignment history is maintained throughout the 

calendar year at https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/overhead/overhead.htm. 

Regardless of Preparedness Level, NMAC retains the authority to manage all team assignments as 

necessary to achieve team experience objectives, ensure proficiency, manage fatigue, or for other reasons. 

This also includes the authority to amend the national rotation or proceeding to the next round, as 

necessary.

NICC CIMT Coordinator

The NICC CIMT Coordinator will manage the national rotation list and serve as the NMAC CIMT 

Coordinator when this NMAC support function is activated. The CIMT Coordinator is responsible for 

communications with the GAs and ICs to ensure transparency in the process and clarity of guidelines. 

NMAC CIMT Coordination Support

When there is increased fire activity in multiple GAs and high demand and limited availability of IMTs, it 

is necessary to manage assignment of these critical resources nationally. NMAC will activate the NMAC 

CIMT Coordinator who will gather intelligence and make recommendations to NMAC on the allocation 

of these critical resources. The follow standard practices will apply when this role is activated:

• All requests (including extension requests) for CIMTs and NIMO IMTs must be approved by the 

NMAC. This applies to all assignments, internal and external to the GA. 

• For emerging incidents posing an imminent threat, internal IMTs (including those on preposition) 

can be mobilized immediately if the following criteria are met:

o The incident is new, emerging, and/or the situation has changed dramatically. 

o The consequences of any delay in mobilization are clearly articulable and include a 

likelihood of life-threatening situations and/or real property damage. 

o An internal CIMT is available to be mobilized immediately. An internal resource would 

include resources on GA preposition but not those on a national preposition. 

o Notification to the NMAC liaison for the geographic area and the NICC is required at the 

time an immediate threat mobilization is proposed. NMAC will provide a decision as soon 

as possible regardless of time of day or NMAC meeting schedule. This decision will be 

promptly communicated through the GA’s NMAC liaison and the coordination system. 

CIMT Assignment to All-Hazard Incidents

The primary mission of CIMTs is wildfire incident management. IMTs may respond to all-hazard incidents 

under the following guidelines:

• Planned events should be managed internally by the respective agency. 

• The planned length of assignment should not exceed fourteen (14) days without negotiated approval 

from the sending geographic area and NICC. A FEMA mobilization under the NRF will be 

accomplished according to the national call-out procedures. The standard length of assignment of 

fourteen (14) days may be extended up to thirty (30) days after negotiated approval between the 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 125

IC, Regional ESF #4 Coordinator and FEMA. Base hours for federal employees, in most cases, are 

not reimbursed by FEMA. Overtime, premium pay, and travel expenses may be paid by FEMA.

NIMO Teams

There are four (4) National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Teams. NIMO configuration may 

be negotiated by NMAC, the NIMO Coordinator, NIMO Incident Commander, and the requesting unit, up 

to the maximum number of positions. To increase personnel capacity and capability, trainees, apprentices, 

and/or technical specialists may be ordered for any or all positions. NIMO rosters will be held by NICC. 

Timely communication about availability will be provided to NICC by the NIMO Coordinator. 

Area Command Team

Orders for Area Command Teams will be placed through established ordering channels using an Overhead 

Group Request to NICC. Area Command Teams are comprised of six (6) positions: four (4) specific and 

two (2) trainees, which are the following: 

• Area Commander (ACDR) 

• Assistant Area Commander, Planning (ACPC) 

• Assistant Area Commander, Logistics (ACLC) 

• Area Command Aviation Coordinator (ACAC) 

• Area Command trainees (2 each)

The Area Commander position may only be filled by a current agency employee. 

Depending on the complexity of the interface between the incidents, specialists in other areas such as 

aviation, safety, information, long-term fire planning, or risk planning may also be assigned. 

Remote Incident Support Team (RIST) 

Updated: Remote Incident Support Team

The Remote Incident Support Team uses remote and virtual ICS qualified personnel to supplement incident 

management teams, local units, dispatch centers, multi-agency coordination groups, and/or coordination 

centers when onsite personnel are limited. Support priority is provided to Type 3 IMTs but assistance to 

higher complexity incidents, units, or organizations will be provided based on need and capacity of the 

RIST. Incident support is focused on Planning, Situation, Finance, Public Information, and Expanded 

Dispatch functional areas. RIST support is limited to wildland fire only; All hazard and non-wildland fire 

situations are currently not supported. 

As fire activity increases, virtual or remote RIST support personnel are placed onto a National or 

Geographic Area resource order in a call-when-needed status. Resources charge time worked to incident 

codes but may occasionally utilize a national/geographic support code depending on arrangements 

established with each geographic area. Personnel may transition to a full-time work schedule and may be 

supporting multiple incidents. Support is available year-round with increased capacity during the months 

of May through October. In-season incident support begins immediately upon request while out-season 

support may have increased mobilization time depending on resource availability. 

Program Management 

The RIST is overseen by a permanent Remote Incident Support Organization comprised of a Program 

Manager and Deputy Program Manager. This organization works closely with the NICC, Geographic 

Areas, Incident Management Teams, and local units to develop and refine RIST Operations. 

RIST Configuration 

The RIST is a flexible organization that expands, and contracts based on fire activity and resource need 

nationally. The following leadership and support positions are mobilized during periods of increased 

activity: 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 126

RIST Coordinator (RISC) – The RISC position is typically filled by a member of the permanent RIS 

Organization. This individual directs RIST Operations, ensuring that RIST personnel have what they need 

to be successful. They are often the initial point of contact for IMTs, Local Units and Coordination Centers 

requesting RIST Support. As fire activity increases, a deputy RISC may be utilized to assist with internal 

RIST Operations and communication. 

RIST Leaders (RISLs): RISLs work closely with remote/virtual support specialists to implement incident 

support within their functional area. RISLs also provide supervision to support staff. RISLs will be brought 

onto the RIST resource order as incident needs arise. Current RISL positions include: 

• Planning RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: 

• PSCC, PSC1, PSC2, PSC3, or RESL 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions: 

• PSC, RESL, SCKN, DMOB, DOCL, TNSP, HRSP 

• Situation RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: 

• PSCC, PSC1, PSC2, PSC3, SITL, or GISS 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions: 

• SITL, GISS 

• Finance RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: 

• FSCC, FSC1, FSC2, FSC3, TIME, or PROC 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions: 

• PTRC, EQTR, COMP, PROC, COST 

• Information RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: 

• PIOC, PIO1, PIO2, or PIO3 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions: 

• PIOF, THSP-ASL, THSP-CART 

• Expanded Dispatch RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: 

• CORD, or EDSP

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions: 

• EDSP, EDSD, EDRC, ORDM 

Functional Area Support Positions (As Needed) – Any ICS qualification can mobilize into the RIST provided 

the position falls within the RIST scope of work and can effectively provide support in a remote or virtual 

capacity. 

Requesting RIST Support 

To request support from the RIST call the RIST Coordinator number to discuss the incident support type, 

duration, and contact information. Resources are encouraged not to place an order through a dispatch 

center, as RIST personnel are already on resource orders. RIST Coordinators will communicate with the 

local dispatch center to ensure all are informed. 

RIST Coordinator: 480-608-2175 

Additional support information and communication products are found at https://linktr.ee/ristinfo. 

Chapter 30 Crews

Type 2 and Type 2 IA Crews

Updated first 3 paragraphs from: “Type 2 Crews will be ordered as Type 2 or Type 2 IA. Standard crew 

size is twenty (20) people maximum and eighteen (18) people minimum (including Crew Boss and trainees). 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 127

Type 2 IA and Type 2 Crews may come equipped with hand tools and chain saws. In addition to the Type 2 

minimum standards, Type 2 IA Crews can be broken up into squads and have three (3) qualified sawyers. 

All equipment will be inspected and weighed at time of mobilization to ensure adherence to safe 

transportation procedures. 

Type 2 IA and Type 2 Crews attempting to transport chain saws on other than NIFC contract jets should 

be prepared to ship their chain saws via an alternative method should loading be refused.” 

To: “Crews will be ordered as Type 2 or Type 2 IA. Standard crew size is twenty (20) people maximum and 

eighteen (18) people minimum (including Crew Boss and trainees). In addition to the Type 2 minimum 

standards, Type 2 IA Crews can be broken up into squads and have three (3) qualified sawyers. 

Type 2 and Type 2 IA Crews may, or may not, come equipped with hand tools and chain saws. Crews 

attempting to transport chain saws on other than NIFC contract jets should be prepared to ship their chain 

saws via an alternative method should loading be refused. 

All equipment will be inspected and weighed at time of mobilization to ensure adherence to safe 

transportation procedures.” 

Chapter 40 Equipment and Supplies

Name Requests for Equipment

Added: Name Requests for Equipment

Name requests for equipment for suppression support or all-hazard incidents should be rare and are 

appropriate only for highly specialized reasons or to meet specific agency objectives. For example, a 

request between state agencies, or long-duration assignments where the sending unit will provide rotating 

personnel.

NMAC always retains the right to modify or adjust this policy at any time regardless of preparedness level 

or national activity. Name requests for contract resources are never acceptable.

The ordering unit must confirm availably for the resources being ordered prior to placing the request. All 

name requests must include the resources current dispatch center.

Suppression requests are prioritized by closest forces concept. Regardless of ordering agency, the resource 

that has the shortest timeframe to reach an incident should be mobilized and a name request may not be 

honored if a closer, like resource, is available.

Chapter 50 Aircraft

CWN Helicopters

Changed first sentence from: “NICC is the sole source for Type 1 and 2 federally contracted CWN 

Helicopters.” To: “With the exception of Alaska, NICC is the sole source for Type 1 and 2 federally 

contracted CWN Helicopters.”

MULTI-AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT (MATOC)

Added: Multi-Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) section. 

Helicopters

The following tables have been created to assist the field with ordering CWN MATOC helicopters by 

payload category. The Type 2’s and Type 3’s are currently the only MATOC helicopters.

Type 1 helicopters are on their final extension of the legacy CWN Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA). 

These BOA’s end 12/31/24. This section will be updated to include Type 1 helicopters once the new 

contracts are awarded. 

• Initial CWN orders for these aircraft need to be placed to the NICC to be competed nationally. 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 128

• The payload categories are a combination of the helicopter type and allowable payload, at 7,000 

feet and 30 degrees Celsius.

o Example: 2.1200 

• The 2 is the helicopter type.

• The 1200 is the allowable payload. 

• All awarded model aircraft are represented on the following charts with either a payload category, 

or a low to high end payload category range. 

• When ordering, consider minimum performance needs when selecting a payload category. It is not 

necessary to use the range of payloads when ordering, if targeting a specific model aircraft. The 

range is used to illustrate the different capabilities of all vendor aircraft with that specific model. 

• By specifying the lowest acceptable payload category in the special needs of your order, it will 

include competition at that payload category and above. 

• Include any other specification in the special needs of your request. 

• For all modern aircraft, an additional justification in your request, such as a specific Exhibit from 

the parent contract should be included.

• For twin engine, specify “twin engine” in your request. 

Type 2 Standard w/Bucket(*indicates models with twin engine capability)

Payload Category Model Payload Range

2.1200 *212HP N/A

2.1450 – 2.1700 205A1 Low - High

2.1700 210 N/A

2.1700 *212 Eagle N/A

2.1700 – 2.1850 205A1++ Low - High

2.2450 214B1 N/A

Type 2 Restricted w/Bucket

Payload Category Model Payload Range

2.1450 UH1B N/A

2.1650 UH-1F N/A

2.1850 58T N/A

2.2050 – 2.2650 UH-1H-17 Low - High

Type 2 Standard w/Tank 

Payload Category Model Payload Range

2.900 205A1 N/A

2.900 *212HP N/A

2.900 – 2.1450 205A1++ Low - High

Type 2 Restricted w/Tank 

Payload Category Model Payload Range

2.1700-2.2650 UH-1H-17 Low - High

Type 2 Standard Modern Bucket/Tank 

Payload Category Model Payload Range

2.1350+ *EC145 (Bucket) N/A

2.1350+ *412EPX (Bucket) N/A

2.900 *EC145 (Tanked) N/A

Type 3 Standard w/Bucket 

Payload Category Model Payload Range

3.270 AS350A/B2 NA

3.600-3.850 206L1 Low - High

3.600-3.850 206L3 Low - High
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 129

3.600-3.850 206L4 Low - High

3.700-3.800 *900/902 Low - High

3.950-3.1350 407A Low - High

3.950-3.1350 407HP Low - High

3.950-3.1350 AS350B3 Low - High

3.950-3.1350 AS350B3E Low - High

Type 3 Standard w/Tank 

Payload Category Model Payload Range

3.750-3.800 407A Low - High

3.750-3.800 407HP Low - High

3.750-3.800 AS350B3 Low - High

3.750-3.800 AS350B3E Low - High

Type 3 Standard Modern 

Payload Category Model Payload Range

3.650+ *429A N/A

Single Engine Air Tankers and Water Scoopers

Added: “Management for Single Engine Airtankers and Single Engine Water Scoopers must remain onsite with the assigned resource at all times unless repositioning, mobilizing or demobilizing.”

Large Transportation Aircraft

Updated section to include “Lithium Batteries are not permitted and cannot be transported in the cargo 

hold on NICC large transport aircraft.”

Chapter 60 Predictive Services

Wildland Fire Weather Forecasts

Changed: “GACCs will provide direction and guidance, which will ensure wildland fire weather forecasts 

are communicated in a timely manner to firefighters.” To: “Wildland Fire Weather Forecasts are the 

responsibility of the National Weather Service. Local dispatch centers will have protocols in place for 

monitoring, requesting, and disseminating fire weather forecasts, spot weather forecasts, fire weather 

watches, red flag warnings and other severe weather events (e.g., severe storm warnings, flash flood 

warnings, tornado warnings) to firefighters, incident commanders, and field-going personnel.” 

Chapter 70 Incidents

Interagency Fire and Severity Activities

Updated: FS Severity Support to DOI codes to override 1522

Chapter 80 Forms 

Updated Online 

Chapter 90 Organization Directory

Updated

Acronym Guide

Added: RIST, NISRM, PRAWS, RAWS