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CHAPTER 40

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OVERVIEW

All Equipment and Supply Orders will follow established ordering procedures, except for the 

redistribution of supplies within the National Fire Equipment System (NFES). Redistribution of 

excess supply items will be coordinated by the designated NFES Cache Manager(s). Cache orders 

will be filled to meet timeframes specified, using the most economical service. All NFES cache 

items are shipped ready for use.

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.

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES MOBILIZATION

Contracted resources awarded under a competitive solicitation process shall be mobilized using 

established Dispatch Priority Lists (DPLs) within their local dispatch area before at-incident 

agreements are issued. All requests for contracted equipment shall be ordered through the host 

dispatch centers identified in the agreement and using established dispatch ordering channels. 

Contracted resources shall not be held in reserve as a contingency force in a non-pay status when 

that resource is available.

When receiving a request for which Incident Blanket Purchase Agreement (I-BPA) resources may 

be utilized, the dispatcher will use the DPL within their host dispatch center. Dispatchers and 

Contracting Officers will not call/dispatch Contractors from other host dispatch centers’ DPLs. To 

utilize Contractors from other host dispatch centers’ DPLs, the ordering dispatcher must follow 

established dispatch ordering channels. Available Contractors on the DPL must be contacted in 

the order of their DPL ranking and availability status corresponding with their available area.

Examples of Contract Equipment resources are:

• National Contract Mobile Food Services (Caterers)

• National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities

• Rolling Stock – engines, water tenders, dozers, etc.

• Supplies are identified as materials or goods not defined in any other resource or service 

category.
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Examples of Supplies resources are:

• NFES items

• Mobile Cache Vans

• Local Purchase

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES DEMOBILIZATION

When demobilizing contracted tactical equipment, Contractors awarded I-BPAs as a result of 

competitive solicitations, shall be given priority to remain on the incident over tactical equipment 

with incident-only Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements (EERAs), unless the Incident 

Commander determines it necessary to deviate based on a specific incident need or objective. This 

applies to contracted tactical equipment only, not all contracted resources. Release information for 

equipment and accountable supply items must be promptly relayed through IROC.

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY SUPPORT CACHE ORDERING PROCEDURES

NFES Items in Short Supply

The NICC, in cooperation with the National Incident Support Cache (NISC) Coordinator, will 

advise all incident support agencies (NMAC) of those items in high demand with limited 

quantities. This information will be distributed through established communication and ordering 

channels.

Field Office Replenishment During Fire Season

Agencies will place orders to their servicing National Interagency Support Cache. Replenishment 

orders must be the result of fire management activities and must be accompanied with the 

appropriate cost code.

Field Office Replenishment Outside of Fire Season

Whenever possible, field offices must order directly from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) 

for those items stocked in the Federal Supply System (FSS). All other items will be ordered directly 

from suppliers unless individual agency instructions prevail.

Incident Replacement of NFES Items

Prior to release from an incident, personnel may request replacement of equipment and supplies 

that were consumed, lost, damaged, or rendered unserviceable on the incident.

The IMT or other incident personnel may authorize replacement of items at the incident if 

available, or by approving an Incident Replacement Requisition; OF-315/NFES 001300 for 

replacement of NFES items by the incident’s servicing cache. Should the replacement of the 

approved items not be feasible prior to demobilization of the requesting resource, the incidents 

servicing cache will forward the request to the resources servicing cache. Caches may only process 

requests for NFES items. Requests for non-NFES items should be requested on a separate incident 

replacement requisition to be processed by the home unit. Please refer to the current NWCG 

Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902 for procedures dealing with 

replacement of non-NFES supplies and equipment.

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/902
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Local Unit Incident Replacement: Type 3, 4 and 5 Incidents

The host units’ Agency Administrator or authorized representative must approve all incident 

replacement requests.

Incident to Incident Transfer of Equipment and Supplies

Transfer of equipment and supplies between incidents, including those operating under Area 

Command authority, may occur only with proper documentation so accountability is maintained.

Transfer of communications equipment creates safety concerns by increasing the risk of frequency 

conflict and the possibility of damaged equipment or equipment not tuned being utilized. This may 

only be done with approval of the National Interagency Incident Communications Division

(NIICD), Communications Duty Officer (CDO).

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY INCIDENT COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION (NIICD)

NIICD is a National Resource composed of multi-channel radio systems and kits available for 

complex incident communications. The priority use of NIICD radio systems and kits are for active 

incidents. All radio systems and kits must be returned to NIICD as soon as the incident has 

demobilized. A National CDO is available at NIICD throughout the year. Geographic Area 

Frequency Managers, Communications Coordinators (COMCs), and Incident Communication 

Unit Leaders (COML) will coordinate with NICC, the Geographic Area, and the NIICD CDO on 

all telecommunication issues.

NIICD stocks NFES 004390 Starter Systems, which will provide the initial Command/Tactical, 

Air Operations, and Logistical communications requirements of a single incident. Individual kits 

are available to supplement Starter Systems or to provide support for smaller incidents. The NIICD 

CDO can provide assistance in determining a specific incident’s communication requirements.

NIICD radios are synthesized and contain both FS and DOI frequencies. FS and DOI frequencies 

are not “cleared” nationally. Other agencies use these frequencies and, in some cases, in very 

critical and sensitive areas. All frequencies must be approved for the areas where they will be used. 

Any of the national frequencies (FS or DOI) are not to be used without prior coordination with the 

NIICD CDO.

NIICD issues dedicated FM frequencies in conjunction with communication equipment assigned 

to incidents. NIICD will order additional temporary FM frequencies from DOI and FS – WO as 

needed. Government users may not use the Family Radio Service (FRS) for communications on 

any planned or ongoing incident.

For a complete listing of NIICD telecommunications components, refer to the following:

• National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC) User’s Guide (NFES 000968).

https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents

• NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1.

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms449-1

Radio Ordering

Requests for NIICD radio systems and kits will be placed in with NICC through established 

ordering channels. To ensure proper frequency coordination, the ordering office must include a 

Needed Date/Time, Latitude and Longitude of the incident, shipping address and receiving 
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incident phone number. For shipping purposes, a physical address which includes a street name 

and number, city, state, and zip code is required. For emergency air charter a local Fixed Base 

Operator (FBO), airport and receiver contact information must be included.

Each Geographic Area may order up to four Starter Systems for preposition during their 

established fire season. The NIICD CDO must be contacted when an order for a Starter System is 

received for an incident.

NIICD CDO: (208) 387-5644

The CDO will identify which prepositioned Starter System will be assigned to the incident. A 

replacement Starter System may be requested after commitment of a prepositioned Starter System. 

Replacement Starter Systems may not be filled where congestion of spectrum is an issue. In these 

instances, special frequency Starter Systems will be built on an as needed basis and shipped to the 

incident.

Radios will be used as received without modification. Defective radio equipment will be 

immediately returned to NIICD for maintenance. To maintain quality and quantity for the field, 

each Starter System or kit will be returned to NIICD for rehabilitation immediately after each 

assignment. The incident or unit charged with custody of the radio equipment is responsible for a 

complete inventory of that equipment upon return from the incident.

Prepositioned radio systems and kits will be returned to NIICD as soon as the need has diminished 

or annually for preventative maintenance. Prepositioning NIICD radio systems and kits longer than 

six months requires NIICD approval.

Frequency and Radio Demobilization

Temporary frequencies and any radio equipment with temporary frequencies will be released first 

due to licensing requirements. NIICD radio systems and kits should be inventoried, sealed, and 

returned promptly to NIICD. Do not stockpile kits. Spare seals are supplied in each box. Incidents 

are responsible for ensuring all radio systems or kits are returned or accounted for on a Property 

Loss Statement.

GACCs will order stand-alone frequencies directly from NIICD.

REMOTE AUTOMATIC WEATHER STATIONS (RAWS)

Seventy-five (75) IRAWS are cached at the Remote Sensing Fire Weather Support Unit for 

response to wildland fires and other projects requiring environmental monitoring.

For specific use and description, refer to the NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 1: Fire Supplies and 

Equipment, PMS 449-1.

The availability of equipment and associated technician support depends on a variety of factors. 

Prior phone coordination with the NIFC Remote Sensing/Fire Weather Support Unit (RSFWSU) 

Coordinator is recommended.

NIFC RSFWSU Coordinator: (208) 387-5726

Incident Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (IRAWS – NFES 005869)

Requests for IRAWS will be placed with NICC through established ordering channels. RAWS 

Technicians will accompany the IRAWS when mobilized and do not require a separate Overhead 
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request to be tracked. When ordering for wildland fire incidents, coordinate IRAWS requirements 

with an IMET if one is assigned. For further information on the IRAWS units, contact the Remote 

Sensing/Fire Weather Support Unit RAWS Coordinator. Upon release from the incident, the 

IRAWS will be returned to NIFC via the most expeditious method available.

Project Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (PRAWS – NFES 005870)

Requests for PRAWS will be placed to NICC through normal ordering channels. PRAWS will be 

configured for the specific project prior to mobilization. The requesting agency must contact the 

Remote Sensing/Fire Weather Support Unit Coordinator prior to ordering to determine the 

PRAWS configuration. Set up of the PRAWS is the responsibility of the ordering unit. Upon 

release from the project, the PRAWS will be returned to NIFC via the most expeditious method 

available.

Smoke Monitoring Kit, (Kit – Smoke Monitor – E-Sampler, NFES 005840)

Smoke Monitor Kits should be requested through IROC as a Supply request. Kit information, 

primary contacts, and ordering instructions can be found at:

https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/home/smoke-monitoring

NATIONAL CONTRACT MOBILE FOOD SERVICE AND SHOWER FACILITIES

National Contract Mobile Food Service Units

Any time mobile food services are needed for federal wildland fire incidents in the western United 

States, the Federal Wildland Fire Agencies are obligated to order services from the National 

Mobile Food Services Unit (MFSU) Contractors any time 1.) the number of people to be fed is at 

or above 150 persons per meal and 2.) the headcount is estimated to remain at those numbers, or 

greater, for at least seventy-two (72) hours from when the headcount first reaches 150 per meal, 

provided that the Contractors can reasonably meet the incident’s needs and required time frames. 

Per the contract, the first meal served will be dinner.

Allow a minimum of 24 hours from time an order is placed to NICC to the time of the first meal. 

MFSU Contractors will be given the opportunity to provide three meals per day unless other 

arrangements are mutually agreed to with the incident Food Unit Leader (FDUL) or the needs of 

the incident require different meal options such as Meals Ready to Eat (MRE).

MFSU also may be ordered for other types of incidents at the government’s option. State and other 

federal cooperators may also utilize this contract at their option. However, the ordering procedures 

in the NATIONAL MOBILE FOOD SERVICES CONTRACT, SECTION C.2 of will be followed for all 

orders. For additional information, refer to the National Mobile Food Services Contract.

National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities Units

Any time mobile Shower Facilities are needed for federal wildland fire incidents in the western 

United States, the Federal Wildland Fire Agencies, (NATIONAL MOBILE SHOWER FACILITIES 

CONTRACT, SECTION J.10), are obligated to order services from the National Mobile Shower 

Facilities Contractors, provided that the Contactors can reasonably meet the incident’s needs and 

required time frames (NATIONAL MOBILE SHOWER FACILITIES CONTRACT, SECTION C.2, 2.2).

Mobile Shower Facility Units also may be ordered for other types of incidents, at the government’s 

option. State and other federal cooperators may also utilize this contract at their option. However, 
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the ordering procedures list in the contract will be followed for all orders. For additional contract 

information, refer to the National Mobile Shower Facilities Contract.

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Mobilization

All National Contract Mobile Food Service Units and Mobile Shower Facility Units in the lower 

48 States are ordered through and mobilized by NICC using established ordering channels.

Requests for Mobile Food Service Units and Mobile Shower Facilities require a completed Mobile 

Food & Shower Service Request Form at:

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/reference-documents

If an incident has a need for additional mobile food service units or shower facilities units, the 

request will be placed with NICC through established ordering channels. NICC will determine and 

assign the appropriate units to all federal wildland fire incidents.

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Reassignments

All requests to reassign National Contract Mobile Food Services or Shower Facilities units will be 

placed with NICC through established ordering channels. All reassignments of National Contract 

Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities units will be communicated to the vendor by NICC.

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Demobilization

Local units will notify their GACC twenty-four (24) hours in advance of demobilization. All 

release information will be entered into IROC within fifteen (15) minutes of demobilization. 

Contractors may take twenty-four (24) hours to rest and replenish supplies within the local area 

after release. After twenty-four hours, Contractors must return to the unit’s Designated Dispatch 

Point (DDP).

The National Mobile Food Service and National Shower contracts can be obtained at:

http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/aqm3/pages/nifc/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/contracting

If you cannot access these sites, you may request access by emailing the Forest Service Acquisition 

Management Service Branch: SM.FS.fsaqmisb@usda.gov

ENGINES AND WATER TENDERS

Please see the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724) for 

NWCG Engine and Water Tender Typing Standards.

https://www.nifc.gov/standards/guides/red-book