ENCLOSURE (1)
COMDTINST 7300.8
NOV 30 1995
FEMA DEFINITIONS
1.
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law (P.L.) 93-288,
as amended by P.L. 100-707. Also known as the Stafford Act, provides authority for the
Federal Government to respond to disasters and emergencies in order to provide assistance to
save lives and protect health, safety and property. A Presidential declaration of a major
disaster or emergency activates the Federal Response Plan.
2.
Federal Response Plan (FRP), for P.L. 93-288, as amended, April 1992. The Federal Response
Plan or Plan is the document signed by the major federal agencies to effect the provisions of
the Stafford Act. The plan uses a functional approach to group the types of Federal assistance
which a state is most likely to need under twelve Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). Each
ESF is headed by a primary agency which is responsible for coordinating specific activities
and ensuring that assigned missions are accomplished. Agencies may also be designated as
support agencies for one or more ESF based on their resources and capabilities to support a
functional area.
3.
Federal (FEMA) Approving Official. Individual who has the authority to approve requests
from the state for direct Federal assistance and otherwise obligate FEMA to an expenditure of
funds for reimbursement to other federal agencies for activities performed in support of
Federal disaster operations. This individual is the regional director, Associate Director for
State and Local Programs and Support, FEMA director, or any designee thereof.
4.
Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO). The senior Federal official (normally a FEMA
representative) appointed to coordinate the overall response and recovery activities. The FCO
represents the President for the purpose of coordinating the administration of Federal relief
activities in the designated area.
5.
Financial Management Unit. The FEMA unit responsible for recording the obligation of funds
upon receipt of the MA cover letter, Schedule A attachment, and the signed request for federal
project administrator to keep abreast of funding status in order to assure required funding is
available when needed and that excess funds are de-obligated when appropriate. This unit also
receives billings for tasks, coordinates with the MA administrator to verify reimbursement, and
liquidates Obligated funds.
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