COMDTINST 16000.27
(3) In most cases, minor changes will need to be made to existing Coast Guard contingency
plans to reflect changes in roles and responsibilities, staffing of NRP coordinating structures,
and changes in terminology.
f. The majority of incidents will be managed locally under existing authorities and plans without
the need for coordination by the Secretary of Homeland Security. In the context of an Incident
of National Significance, supplemental agency or interagency plans may be utilized concurrently
with the NRP, but under the overarching core coordinating structures, processes, and protocols
detailed in the NRP.
g. When the Secretary of Homeland Security declares an Incident of National Significance, a
Federal facility referred to as a Joint Field Office (JFO) may be established locally to provide a
central point for Federal, State, local and tribal executives with responsibility for incident
oversight, direction, and/or assistance to effectively coordinate protection, prevention,
preparedness, response, and recovery actions. Establishment of the JFO may be preceded by
establishment of a functionally equivalent but smaller-scale temporary field facility, referred to
as an Interim Operating Facility (IOF), during the early stages of an incident under certain
conditions. Enclosures (2) and (3) provide additional information regarding JFOs and JFO
staffing issues.
h. Coast Guard resources needed to respond to Incidents of National Significance may exceed
resources that are available locally or regionally. Coast Guard Area and District Commanders
should be prepared to provide resources to other Coast Guard commanders to support an NRP
response to Incidents of National Significance that occur outside of their normal geographical
area of responsibility (AOR).
5. DISCUSSION.
a. Commandant's Intent. The Coast Guard will actively prepare for and, when necessary, respond
in accordance with the NRP using our full suite of emergency authorities and capabilities. The
Coast Guard will be ready to operate in accordance with the NRP and will complete all
necessary planning adjustments by September 30, 2005, as required by Reference (c).
b. Alignment Process.
(1) This Instruction provides a consistent and demonstrable approach for ensuring alignment of
contingency plans and conformance with NRP processes and protocols. It directs the United
States Coast Guard staffing of the coordinating mechanisms described in NIMS and the NRP
to the levels necessary to ensure that the Coast Guard is ready to perform its responsibilities
under the NRP.
(2) Immediately adopt and comply with NIMS and NRP principles, coordination, and staffing
requirements for supporting National Special Security Events (NSSE) and in preparing for,
preventing, responding to, and recovering from an Incident of National Significance.
(3) Subsequent activities include the following items:
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