NIMS Alert

NA: 002-05
The NIMS Integration Center, Jan. 27, 2005
NIMS-Integration-Center@dhs.gov
202-646-3850


FEMA RELEASES NIMCAST, A NIMS COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENT TOOL

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management 
Agency and the NIMS Integration Center have released a Web-based self-assessment 
system that will allow state, tribal and local departments and agencies evaluate 
their incident preparedness and response capabilities. The voluntary system, the 
National Incident Management Compliance Assessment Support Tool, or NIMCAST, 
will also help users determine what they need to do to comply with National 
Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements.

“NIMCAST is a valuable tool that will allow organizations to evaluate and 
monitor their progress in implementing NIMS,” said Michael D. Brown, Under 
Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “But 
it’s more than just a technical assessment system. It also will help the federal 
government target NIMS improvement strategies in areas where there is the 
greatest need.”

Although the official NIMCAST database system is permission based, anyone may 
access the site, establish a stand-alone account and use the NIMCAST to evaluate 
their own capabilities and compliance status. Just click on the "Request a New 
Account" in the Login box on the right side of the NIMCAST Homepage and provide 
the requested information. Users may also download the complete assessment tool, 
chapter by chapter, in pdf,  “read-only” format. 

NIMS points-of-contact for each of the FEMA Regional Offices were trained on the 
use of the system in mid-January. They are in turn providing NIMCAST training to 
state contacts. 

NIMCAST may be accessed directly at www.fema.gov/nimcast or via the NIMS 
Homepage at www.fema.gov/nims. For more information about NIMS and NIMCAST e-
mail the NIMS-Integration-Center@dhs.gov, or call 202-646-3850.
  
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and 
recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation 
activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency 
managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire 
Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on 
March 1, 2003.

The NIMS Integration Center
Jan. 27, 2005