1. Introduction to: National Response Plan (NRP)
Updated Based on Notice of Change to the NRP, May 25, 2006

2. The National Response Plan (NRP)
Builds on what works from previous plans and incident response
Forges new approaches and mechanisms to address today’s threats
Addresses the complete spectrum of incident management activities
Uses the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to establish a framework for coordination among Federal, State, local, tribal, nongovernmental, and private-sector organizations

3. The Mandate
Homeland Security Act of 2002 and HSPD-5 required a comprehensive national approach to domestic incident management through the development of:
National Incident Management System (NIMS): Standardizes incident management processes, protocols, and procedures for use by all responders
National Response Plan (NRP): Establishes . . .
Federal coordination structures/mechanisms
Direction for incorporation of existing plans
Consistent approach to managing incidents

4. Relationship: NIMS and NRP
Aligns command, control, organization structure, terminology, communication protocols, & resources/resource-typing
Used for all events
Resources
Knowledge
Federal
Response or Support
NRP
Integrates & applies Federal resources, knowledge, & abilities before, during, & after an incident
Implemented for incidents requiring Federal coordination
Abilities
State
Response
or Support
Local
Response
Incident

5. NRP Premises The NRP is based on the following premises:
Incidents are typically managed at the lowest possible geographic, organizational, and jurisdictional level
Incident management activities are initiated and conducted using the principles contained in the NIMS

6. Existing Authorities The NRP:
Uses the foundation provided by the Homeland Security Act, HSPD-5, and the Stafford Act to provide a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to domestic incident management
Does NOT alter or impede the ability of Federal agencies to carry out their specific authorities under applicable laws, Executive orders, and directives

7. The NRP Is Always in Effect
NRP coordination mechanisms are flexible and scalable
Activation levels range in scope and may include:
Full NRP Implementation
NRP Incident Annex Implementation
Activation Levels
Ongoing Situation Monitoring & Reporting

8. NRP Applicability
The NRP applies to all Federal departments and agencies that have primary jurisdiction for or participate in operations requiring a Federal response, including:
Major disasters, emergencies, and terrorist incidents including threats
Other events of lesser severity requiring a coordinated Federal response

9. Incidents of National Significance
The NRP distinguishes between:
Incidents that require the Secretary of Homeland Security to manage the Federal response, termed Incidents of National Significance, and
The majority of incidents occurring each year that are handled by responsible jurisdictions or agencies
DHS Secretary must declare an event as an Incident of National Significance

10. Incidents of National Significance
Considerations for declaring Incidents of National Significance:
1. A Federal department or agency, responding under its own authorities, requests DHS assistance
2. Resources of State and local authorities are overwhelmed
Stafford Act major disasters or emergencies
Other catastrophic incidents
3. More than one Federal department or agency is involved
Credible threats or indications of imminent terrorist attack
Threats/incidents related to high-profile, large-scale events
4. The President directs DHS to assume responsibility for incident management

11. Incidents of Lesser Severity
Incidents requiring a Federal response that are of lesser severity than an Incident of National Significance:
Are managed by the Federal department/agency with jurisdictional authority
May be managed using the NRP framework and annexes

12. Proactive Federal Response
In the case of a catastrophic incident . . .
Primary mission is to:
Save lives
Protect critical infrastructure, property, and the environment
Contain the event
Preserve national security
Standard assistance-request procedures may be expedited or suspended *
Selected Federal response resources will mobilize, deploy, and begin necessary operations
Notification/full coordination with States will occur, but the coordination will not delay rapid deployment

13. Federal-to-Federal Support
A Federal entity with primary responsibility and statutory authority for an incident that needs support or assistance beyond its normal operations may request DHS coordination and facilitation through the NRP
Generally, this support is funded by the Federal entity with primary responsibility and statutory authority for the incident, according to the Economy Act, unless other statutory authorities exist

14. NRP: The Full Spectrum of Incident Management
Pre-Incident
Incident
Post-Incident
Prevention
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Mitigation

15. Incident Management
Prevention: Actions taken to avoid an incident or to intervene to stop an incident from occurring
Response: Activities that build, sustain, and improve the operational capability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents
Recovery: Post-disaster activities that help return property to normal conditions
Mitigation: Activities designed to reduce or eliminate risks to persons or property or to lessen the actual or potential effects or consequences of an incident

16. NRP Structure
Base Plan
Describes the domestic incident management structures and processes
Appendixes
Include acronyms, definitions, authorities, and a compendium of national interagency plans
Emergency Support Function Annexes
Describe the structures and responsibilities for coordinating incident resource support
Support Annexes
Provide guidance for the functional processes and administrative requirements
Incident Annexes
Address contingency or hazard situations requiring specialized application of the NRP

17. Unit Summary In summary, the NRP:
Establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident management across a spectrum of activities including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery
Is predicated on the National Incident Management System, or NIMS
Provides the structure and mechanisms for national-level policy and operational direction for domestic incident management for all hazards
Does not alter or impede the ability of Federal, State, local, or tribal departments and agencies to carry out their specific authorities or perform their responsibilities under all applicable laws, Executive orders, and directives

18. Resources
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19. Resources
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