NIMS Compliance Activities to be Accomplished during FY 2005

States and Territories
*	Incorporate NIMS into existing training programs and exercises;
*	Ensure that federal preparedness funding supports state, local and tribal NIMS implementation;
*	Incorporate NIMS into Emergency Operations Plans;
*	Promote intrastate mutual aid agreements;
*	Coordinate and provide NIMS technical assistance to local entities; and 
*	Institutionalize the use of the Incident Command System.


State, Territorial, Local and Tribal Jurisdictions

*	Complete the NIMS Awareness Course: "National Incident Management System (NIMS), An 
Introduction" IS 700.  This independent study course developed by the Emergency 
Management Institute (EMI) explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of 
NIMS.  The course is available on the EMI web page at: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp. 

*	Formally recognize the NIMS and adopt NIMS principles and policies.  States, territories, 
tribes and local entities should establish legislation, executive orders, resolutions, or 
ordinances to formally adopt the NIMS.  Go to http://www.fema.gov/nims and see NIMS 
Resources for examples.

*	Determine which NIMS requirements already have been met.  Clearly state, territorial, tribal, 
and local entities have already implemented many of the concepts and protocols identified in 
the NIMS.  However, as gaps in compliance with the NIMS are identified, states, territories, 
tribes and local entities should use existing initiatives, such as the Office for Domestic 
Preparedness (ODP) Homeland Security Grant Programs, to develop strategies for addressing 
those gaps.  

*	Develop a strategy and timeframe for full NIMS implementation.  States, territories, tribes, 
and local entities are encouraged to achieve full NIMS implementation during FY 2005.  To 
the extent that full implementation is not possible during FY 2005, federal preparedness 
assistance must be leveraged to complete NIMS implementation by FY 2006.  By FY 2007, 
federal preparedness assistance will be conditioned by full compliance with the NIMS.  States 
should work with tribal and local governments to develop a strategy for statewide compliance 
with the NIMS. 

*	Institutionalize the use of the Incident Command System (ICS).  All federal, state, territory, 
tribal and local jurisdictions are required to adopt ICS in order to be compliant with the 
NIMS.  See NIMS and the Incident Command System at http://www.fema.gov/nims under 
NIMS Resources.


FY 2006 and FY 2007 Requirements

In order to receive FY 2006 preparedness funding, applicants will need to certify as part of their 
FY 2006 grant applications that they have met the FY 2005 NIMS requirements.  

Questions?  Ask the NIC at NIMS-Integration-Center@dhs.gov.


January 24, 2005