1. U.S. Code
  2. title 6
  3. chapter 1
  4. subchapter V
  5. § 321n

Collapse to view only § 321n. Acceptance of gifts

§ 311. Definitions
In this subchapter—
(1) the term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Agency;
(2) the term “Agency” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(3) the term “catastrophic incident” means any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, or government functions in an area;
(4) the terms “credentialed” and “credentialing” mean having provided, or providing, respectively, documentation that identifies personnel and authenticates and verifies the qualifications of such personnel by ensuring that such personnel possess a minimum common level of training, experience, physical and medical fitness, and capability appropriate for a particular position in accordance with standards created under section 320 of this title;
(5) the term “Federal coordinating officer” means a Federal coordinating officer as described in section 5143 of title 42;
(6) the term “interoperable” has the meaning given the term “interoperable communications” under section 194(g)(1) of this title;
(7) the term “National Incident Management System” means a system to enable effective, efficient, and collaborative incident management;
(8) the term “National Response Plan” means the National Response Plan or any successor plan prepared under section 314(a)(6) 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of this title;
(9) the term “Regional Administrator” means a Regional Administrator appointed under section 317 of this title;
(10) the term “Regional Office” means a Regional Office established under section 317 of this title;
(11) the term “resources” means personnel and major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(12) the term “surge capacity” means the ability to rapidly and substantially increase the provision of search and rescue capabilities, food, water, medicine, shelter and housing, medical care, evacuation capacity, staffing (including disaster assistance employees), and other resources necessary to save lives and protect property during a catastrophic incident;
(13) the term “tribal government” means the government of any entity described in section 101(13)(B) of this title; and
(14) the terms “typed” and “typing” mean having evaluated, or evaluating, respectively, a resource in accordance with standards created under section 320 of this title.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 501, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(10), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395; amended Pub. L. 110–53, title IV, § 401(a), title V, § 502(c)(1), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 301, 311; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, § 1913(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2687.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 311

§ 312. Definition
In this subchapter, the term “Nuclear Incident Response Team” means a resource that includes—
(1) those entities of the Department of Energy that perform nuclear or radiological emergency support functions (including accident response, search response, advisory, and technical operations functions), radiation exposure functions at the medical assistance facility known as the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), radiological assistance functions, and related functions; and
(2) those entities of the Environmental Protection Agency that perform such support functions (including radiological emergency response functions) and related functions.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 502, formerly § 506, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2214; renumbered § 502, Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(9), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 312

§ 313. Federal Emergency Management Agency
(a) In general
(b) Mission
(1) Primary mission
(2) Specific activities
In support of the primary mission of the Agency, the Administrator shall—
(A) lead the Nation’s efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents;
(B) partner with State, local, and tribal governments and emergency response providers, with other Federal agencies, with the private sector, and with nongovernmental organizations to build a national system of emergency management that can effectively and efficiently utilize the full measure of the Nation’s resources to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents;
(C) develop a Federal response capability that, when necessary and appropriate, can act effectively and rapidly to deliver assistance essential to saving lives or protecting or preserving property or public health and safety in a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(D) integrate the Agency’s emergency preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation responsibilities to confront effectively the challenges of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(E) develop and maintain robust Regional Offices that will work with State, local, and tribal governments, emergency response providers, and other appropriate entities to identify and address regional priorities;
(F) under the leadership of the Secretary, coordinate with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the Director of Customs and Border Protection, the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the National Operations Center, and other agencies and offices in the Department to take full advantage of the substantial range of resources in the Department;
(G) provide funding, training, exercises, technical assistance, planning, and other assistance to build tribal, local, State, regional, and national capabilities (including communications capabilities), necessary to respond to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(H) develop and coordinate the implementation of a risk-based, all-hazards strategy for preparedness that builds those common capabilities necessary to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters while also building the unique capabilities necessary to respond to specific types of incidents that pose the greatest risk to our Nation; and
(I) identify, integrate, and implement the needs of children, including children within under-served communities, into activities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other disasters, including catastrophic incidents, including by appointing a technical expert, who may consult with relevant outside organizations and experts, as necessary, to coordinate such integration, as necessary.
(c) Administrator
(1) In general
(2) Qualifications
The Administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have—
(A) a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security; and
(B) not less than 5 years of executive leadership and management experience in the public or private sector.
(3) Reporting
(4) Principal advisor on emergency management
(A) In general
(B) Advice and recommendations
(i) In general
(ii) Advice on request
(iii) Recommendations to Congress
(5) Cabinet status
(A) In general
(B) Retention of authority
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 503, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(11), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1396; amended Pub. L. 117–130, § 3, June 6, 2022, 136 Stat. 1229.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 313

§ 314. Authority and responsibilities
(a) In generalThe Administrator shall provide Federal leadership necessary to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster, including—
(1) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers to terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies;
(2) with respect to the Nuclear Incident Response Team (regardless of whether it is operating as an organizational unit of the Department pursuant to this subchapter)—
(A) establishing standards and certifying when those standards have been met;
(B) conducting joint and other exercises and training and evaluating performance; and
(C) providing funds to the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, as appropriate, for homeland security planning, exercises and training, and equipment;
(3) providing the Federal Government’s response to terrorist attacks and major disasters, including—
(A) managing such response;
(B) directing the Domestic Emergency Support Team and (when operating as an organizational unit of the Department pursuant to this subchapter) the Nuclear Incident Response Team;
(C) overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response System; and
(D) coordinating other Federal response resources, including requiring deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile, in the event of a terrorist attack or major disaster;
(4) aiding the recovery from terrorist attacks and major disasters;
(5) building a comprehensive national incident management system with Federal, State, and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, to respond to such attacks and disasters;
(6) consolidating existing Federal Government emergency response plans into a single, coordinated national response plan;
(7) helping ensure the acquisition of operable and interoperable communications capabilities by Federal, State, local, and tribal governments and emergency response providers;
(8) assisting the President in carrying out the functions under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and carrying out all functions and authorities given to the Administrator under that Act;
(9) carrying out the mission of the Agency to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of—
(A) mitigation, by taking sustained actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from hazards and their effects;
(B) preparedness, by planning, training, and building the emergency management profession to prepare effectively for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from any hazard;
(C) response, by conducting emergency operations to save lives and property through positioning emergency equipment, personnel, and supplies, through evacuating potential victims, through providing food, water, shelter, and medical care to those in need, and through restoring critical public services; and
(D) recovery, by rebuilding communities so individuals, businesses, and governments can function on their own, return to normal life, and protect against future hazards;
(10) increasing efficiencies, by coordinating efforts relating to preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation;
(11) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers in responding to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(12) supervising grant programs administered by the Agency;
(13) administering and ensuring the implementation of the National Response Plan, including coordinating and ensuring the readiness of each emergency support function under the National Response Plan;
(14) coordinating with the National Advisory Council established under section 318 of this title;
(15) preparing and implementing the plans and programs of the Federal Government for—
(A) continuity of operations;
(B) continuity of government; and
(C) continuity of plans;
(16) minimizing, to the extent practicable, overlapping planning and reporting requirements applicable to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector;
(17) maintaining and operating within the Agency the National Response Coordination Center or its successor;
(18) developing a national emergency management system that is capable of preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against catastrophic incidents;
(19) assisting the President in carrying out the functions under the national preparedness goal and the national preparedness system and carrying out all functions and authorities of the Administrator under the national preparedness System;
(20) carrying out all authorities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Directorate of Preparedness of the Department as transferred under section 315 of this title; and
(21) otherwise carrying out the mission of the Agency as described in section 313(b) of this title.
(b) All-hazards approach
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 504, formerly § 502, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2212; Pub. L. 108–276, § 3(b)(1), July 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 852; Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, § 7303(h)(1), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3846; renumbered § 504 and amended Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(8), (12), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395, 1398; Pub. L. 109–417, title III, § 301(c)(1), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2854.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 314

§ 314a. FEMA programs

Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal law, as of April 1, 2007, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall be responsible for the radiological emergency preparedness program and the chemical stockpile emergency preparedness program.

(Pub. L. 109–347, title VI, § 612, Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1943.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 314a

§ 315. Functions transferred
(a) In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), there are transferred to the Agency the following:
(1) All functions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including existing responsibilities for emergency alert systems and continuity of operations and continuity of government plans and programs as constituted on June 1, 2006, including all of its personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities, and including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management relating thereto.
(2) The Directorate of Preparedness, as constituted on June 1, 2006, including all of its functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities, and including the functions of the Under Secretary for Preparedness relating thereto.
(b) Exceptions
The following within the Preparedness Directorate shall not be transferred:
(1) The Office of Infrastructure Protection.
(2) The National Communications System.
(3) The National Cybersecurity Division.
(4) The functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, and liabilities of each component described under paragraphs (1) through (3).
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 505, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1400; amended Pub. L. 115–387, § 2(f)(4), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5168.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 315

§ 316. Preserving the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(a) Distinct entity
(b) Reorganization
(c) Prohibition on changes to missions
(1) In general
(2) Certain transfers prohibited
(d) Reprogramming and transfer of funds
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 506, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1400; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, § 1901(d)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2670.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 316

§ 317. Regional offices
(a) In general
(b) Management of regional offices
(1) Regional Administrator
(2) Qualifications
(A) In general
(B) Considerations
(c) Responsibilities
(1) In general
(2) Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a Regional Administrator include—
(A) ensuring effective, coordinated, and integrated regional preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation activities and programs for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters (including planning, training, exercises, and professional development);
(B) assisting in the development of regional capabilities needed for a national catastrophic response system;
(C) coordinating the establishment of effective regional operable and interoperable emergency communications capabilities;
(D) staffing and overseeing 1 or more strike teams within the region under subsection (f), to serve as the focal point of the Federal Government’s initial response efforts for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters within that region, and otherwise building Federal response capabilities to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters within that region;
(E) designating an individual responsible for the development of strategic and operational regional plans in support of the National Response Plan;
(F) fostering the development of mutual aid and other cooperative agreements;
(G) identifying critical gaps in regional capabilities to respond to populations with special needs;
(H) maintaining and operating a Regional Response Coordination Center or its successor;
(I) coordinating with the private sector to help ensure private sector preparedness for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters;
(J) assisting State, local, and tribal governments, where appropriate, to preidentify and evaluate suitable sites where a multijurisdictional incident command system may quickly be established and operated from, if the need for such a system arises; and
(K) performing such other duties relating to such responsibilities as the Administrator may require.
(3) Training and exercise requirements
(A) Training
(B) Exercises
(d) Area offices
(1) In general
(2) Alaska
(e) Regional Advisory Council
(1) Establishment
(2) Nominations
(3) Responsibilities
Each Regional Advisory Council shall—
(A) advise the Regional Administrator on emergency management issues specific to that region;
(B) identify any geographic, demographic, or other characteristics peculiar to any State, local, or tribal government within the region that might make preparedness, protection, response, recovery, or mitigation more complicated or difficult; and
(C) advise the Regional Administrator of any weaknesses or deficiencies in preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for any State, local, and tribal government within the region of which the Regional Advisory Council is aware.
(f) Regional Office strike teams
(1) In general
In coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, each Regional Administrator shall oversee multi-agency strike teams authorized under section 5144 of title 42 that shall consist of—
(A) a designated Federal coordinating officer;
(B) personnel trained in incident management;
(C) public affairs, response and recovery, and communications support personnel;
(D) a defense coordinating officer;
(E) liaisons to other Federal agencies;
(F) such other personnel as the Administrator or Regional Administrator determines appropriate; and
(G) individuals from the agencies with primary responsibility for each of the emergency support functions in the National Response Plan.
(2) Other duties
(3) Location of members
(4) Coordination
(5) Preparedness
(6) Authorities
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 507, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1401; amended Pub. L. 110–53, title IV, § 404, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 303.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 317

§ 318. National Advisory Council
(a) Establishment
(b) Responsibilities
(1) In general
(2) Consultation on grants
(c) Membership
(1) In generalThe members of the National Advisory Council shall be appointed by the Administrator, and shall, to the extent practicable, represent a geographic (including urban and rural) and substantive cross section of officials, emergency managers, and emergency response providers from State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations, including as appropriate—
(A) members selected from the emergency management field and emergency response providers, including fire service, law enforcement, hazardous materials response, emergency medical services, and emergency management personnel, or organizations representing such individuals;
(B) health scientists, emergency and inpatient medical providers, and public health professionals;
(C) experts from Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, and the private sector, representing standards-setting and accrediting organizations, including representatives from the voluntary consensus codes and standards development community, particularly those with expertise in the emergency preparedness and response field;
(D) State, local, and tribal government officials with expertise in preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, including Adjutants General;
(E) elected State, local, and tribal government executives;
(F) experts in public and private sector infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and communications;
(G) representatives of individuals with disabilities and other populations with special needs; and
(H) such other individuals as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.
(2) Coordination with the Departments of Health and Human Services and Transportation
(3) Ex officio members
(4) Terms of office
(A) In general
(B) Initial appointmentsOf the members initially appointed to the National Advisory Council—
(i) one-third shall be appointed for a term of 1 year; and
(ii) one-third shall be appointed for a term of 2 years.
(d) RESPONSE Subcommittee
(1) Establishment
(2) MembershipNotwithstanding subsection (c), the RESPONSE Subcommittee shall be composed of the following:
(A) The Deputy Administrator, Protection and National Preparedness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or designee.
(B) The Chief Safety Officer of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or designee.
(C) The Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or designee.
(D) The Assistant Director for Emergency Communications, or designee.
(E) The Director for the Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations of the National Transportation Safety Board, or designee.
(F) The Chief Safety Officer and Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety of the Federal Railroad Administration, or designee.
(G) The Assistant Administrator for Security Policy and Industry Engagement of the Transportation Security Administration, or designee.
(H) The Assistant Commandant for Response Policy of the Coast Guard, or designee.
(I) The Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response of the Environmental Protection Agency, or designee.
(J) Such other qualified individuals as the co-chairpersons shall jointly appoint as soon as practicable after December 16, 2016, from among the following:
(i) Members of the National Advisory Council that have the requisite technical knowledge and expertise to address rail emergency response issues, including members from the following disciplines:(I) Emergency management and emergency response providers, including fire service, law enforcement, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services.(II) State, local, and tribal government officials.
(ii) Individuals who have the requisite technical knowledge and expertise to serve on the RESPONSE Subcommittee, including at least 1 representative from each of the following:(I) The rail industry.(II) Rail labor.(III) Persons who offer oil for transportation by rail.(IV) The communications industry.(V) Emergency response providers, including individuals nominated by national organizations representing State and local governments and emergency responders.(VI) Emergency response training providers.(VII) Representatives from tribal organizations.(VIII) Technical experts.(IX) Vendors, developers, and manufacturers of systems, facilities, equipment, and capabilities for emergency responder services.
(iii) Representatives of such other stakeholders and interested and affected parties as the co-chairpersons consider appropriate.
(3) Co-chairpersons
(4) Initial meeting
(5) Consultation with nonmembers
(6) RecommendationsThe RESPONSE Subcommittee shall develop recommendations, as appropriate, for improving emergency responder training and resource allocation for hazardous materials incidents involving railroads after evaluating the following topics:
(A) The quality and application of training for State and local emergency responders related to rail hazardous materials incidents, including training for emergency responders serving small communities near railroads, including the following:
(i) Ease of access to relevant training for State and local emergency responders, including an analysis of—(I) the number of individuals being trained;(II) the number of individuals who are applying;(III) whether current demand is being met;(IV) current challenges; and(V) projected needs.
(ii) Modernization of training course span related to rail hazardous materials incidents, with a particular focus on fluctuations in oil shipments by rail, including regular and ongoing evaluation of course opportunities, adaptation to emerging trends, agency and private sector outreach, effectiveness and ease of access for State and local emergency responders.
(iii) Identification of overlap in training span and identification of opportunities to develop complementary courses and materials among governmental and nongovernmental entities.
(iv) Online training platforms, train-the-trainer, and mobile training options.
(B) The availability and effectiveness of Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental funding levels related to training emergency responders for rail hazardous materials incidents, including emergency responders serving small communities near railroads, including—
(i) identifying overlap in resource allocations;
(ii) identifying cost savings measures that can be implemented to increase training opportunities;
(iii) leveraging government funding with nongovernmental funding to enhance training opportunities and fill existing training gaps;
(iv) adaptation of priority settings for agency funding allocations in response to emerging trends;
(v) historic levels of funding across Federal agencies for rail hazardous materials incident response and training, including funding provided by the private sector to public entities or in conjunction with Federal programs; and
(vi) current funding resources across agencies.
(C) The strategy for integrating commodity flow studies, mapping, and rail and hazardous materials databases for State and local emergency responders and increasing the rate of access to the individual responder in existing or emerging communications technology.
(7) Report
(A) In generalNot later than 1 year after December 16, 2016, the RESPONSE Subcommittee shall submit a report to the National Advisory Council that—
(i) includes the recommendations developed under paragraph (6);
(ii) specifies the timeframes for implementing any such recommendations that do not require congressional action; and
(iii) identifies any such recommendations that do require congressional action.
(B) Review
(C) RecommendationOnce the National Advisory Council approves the recommendations of the RESPONSE Subcommittee, the National Advisory Council shall submit the report to—
(i) the co-chairpersons of the RESPONSE Subcommittee;
(ii) the head of each other agency represented on the RESPONSE Subcommittee;
(iii) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(iv) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
(v) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and
(vi) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
(8) Interim activity
(A) Updates and oversightAfter the submission of the report by the National Advisory Council under paragraph (7), the Administrator shall—
(i) provide annual updates to the congressional committees referred to in paragraph (7)(C) regarding the status of the implementation of the recommendations developed under paragraph (6); and
(ii) coordinate the implementation of the recommendations described in paragraph (6)(G)(i), as appropriate.
(B) Sunset
(9) Termination
(e) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5
(1) In general
(2) Termination
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 508, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1403; amended Pub. L. 110–53, title I, § 102(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 293; Pub. L. 114–321, § 2, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1623; Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(4)(A), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(15), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4306.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 318

§ 319. National Integration Center
(a) In general
(b) Responsibilities
(1) In general
(2) Specific responsibilities
The National Integration Center shall periodically review, and revise as appropriate, the National Incident Management System and the National Response Plan, including—
(A) establishing, in consultation with the Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a process to better use volunteers and donations;
(B) improving the use of Federal, State, local, and tribal resources and ensuring the effective use of emergency response providers at emergency scenes; and
(C) revising the Catastrophic Incident Annex, finalizing and releasing the Catastrophic Incident Supplement to the National Response Plan, and ensuring that both effectively address response requirements in the event of a catastrophic incident.
(c) Incident management
(1) In general
(A) National Response Plan
(B) Administrator
The chain of the command specified in the National Response Plan shall—
(i) provide for a role for the Administrator consistent with the role of the Administrator as the principal emergency management advisor to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary under section 313(c)(4) of this title and the responsibility of the Administrator under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, and the amendments made by that Act, relating to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters; and
(ii) provide for a role for the Federal Coordinating Officer consistent with the responsibilities under section 5143(b) of title 42.
(2) Principal Federal Official; Joint Task Force
The Principal Federal Official (or the successor thereto) or Director of a Joint Task Force established under section 348 of this title shall not—
(A) direct or replace the incident command structure established at the incident; or
(B) have directive authority over the Senior Federal Law Enforcement Official, Federal Coordinating Officer, or other Federal and State officials.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 509, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1405; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, § 1901(d)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2670.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 319

§ 320. Credentialing and typing
(a) In general
(b) Distribution
(1) In general
Not later than 1 year after August 3, 2007, the Administrator shall provide the standards developed under subsection (a), including detailed written guidance, to—
(A) each Federal agency that has responsibilities under the National Response Plan to aid that agency with credentialing and typing incident management personnel, emergency response providers, and other personnel (including temporary personnel) and resources likely needed to respond to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster; and
(B) State, local, and tribal governments, to aid such governments with credentialing and typing of State, local, and tribal incident management personnel, emergency response providers, and other personnel (including temporary personnel) and resources likely needed to respond to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster.
(2) Assistance
(c) Credentialing and typing of personnel
(d) Consultation on health care standards
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 510, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1406; amended Pub. L. 110–53, title IV, § 408, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 304.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 320

§ 321. The National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center
(a) Definition
(b) Authority
(1) In general
There is in the Department the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center which shall serve as a source of national expertise to address critical infrastructure protection and continuity through support for activities related to—
(A) counterterrorism, threat assessment, and risk mitigation; and
(B) a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster.
(2) Infrastructure modeling
(A) Particular support
(B) Relationship with other agencies
(C) Purpose
(i) In general
(ii) Recipient of certain support
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 511, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1406.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321

§ 321a. Evacuation plans and exercises
(a) In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to subsection (d), grants made to States or local or tribal governments by the Department through the State Homeland Security Grant Program or the Urban Area Security Initiative may be used to—
(1) establish programs for the development and maintenance of mass evacuation plans under subsection (b) in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(2) prepare for the execution of such plans, including the development of evacuation routes and the purchase and stockpiling of necessary supplies and shelters; and
(3) conduct exercises of such plans.
(b) Plan developmentIn developing the mass evacuation plans authorized under subsection (a), each State, local, or tribal government shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(1) establish incident command and decision making processes;
(2) ensure that State, local, and tribal government plans, including evacuation routes, are coordinated and integrated;
(3) identify primary and alternative evacuation routes and methods to increase evacuation capabilities along such routes such as conversion of two-way traffic to one-way evacuation routes;
(4) identify evacuation transportation modes and capabilities, including the use of mass and public transit capabilities, and coordinating and integrating evacuation plans for all populations including for those individuals located in hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutional living facilities;
(5) develop procedures for informing the public of evacuation plans before and during an evacuation, including individuals—
(A) with disabilities or other special needs, including the elderly;
(B) with limited English proficiency; or
(C) who might otherwise have difficulty in obtaining such information; and
(6) identify shelter locations and capabilities.
(c) Assistance
(1) In general
(2) Requested assistance
(d) Multipurpose funds
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 512, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1407; amended Pub. L. 110–53, title I, § 102(b), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 293.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321a

§ 321b. Disability Coordinator
(a) In general
(b) Responsibilities
The Disability Coordinator shall be responsible for—
(1) providing guidance and coordination on matters related to individuals with disabilities in emergency planning requirements and relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(2) interacting with the staff of the Agency, the National Council on Disabilities, the Interagency Coordinating Council on Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities established under Executive Order No. 13347, other agencies of the Federal Government, and State, local, and tribal government authorities regarding the needs of individuals with disabilities in emergency planning requirements and relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(3) consulting with organizations that represent the interests and rights of individuals with disabilities about the needs of individuals with disabilities in emergency planning requirements and relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(4) ensuring the coordination and dissemination of best practices and model evacuation plans for individuals with disabilities;
(5) ensuring the development of training materials and a curriculum for training of emergency response providers, State, local, and tribal government officials, and others on the needs of individuals with disabilities;
(6) promoting the accessibility of telephone hotlines and websites regarding emergency preparedness, evacuations, and disaster relief;
(7) working to ensure that video programming distributors, including broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite television services, make emergency information accessible to individuals with hearing and vision disabilities;
(8) ensuring the availability of accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities in the event of an evacuation;
(9) providing guidance and implementing policies to ensure that the rights and wishes of individuals with disabilities regarding post-evacuation residency and relocation are respected;
(10) ensuring that meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities are included in the components of the national preparedness system established under section 744 of this title; and
(11) any other duties as assigned by the Administrator.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 513, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1408.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321b

§ 321c. Department and Agency officials
(a) Deputy Administrators
(b) United States Fire Administration
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 514, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1409; amended Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(4)(B), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321c

§ 321d. National Operations Center
(a) Definition
(b) Establishment
The National Operations Center is the principal operations center for the Department and shall—
(1) provide situational awareness and a common operating picture for the entire Federal Government, and for State, local, tribal, and territorial governments, the private sector, and international partners as appropriate, for events, threats, and incidents involving a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(2) ensure that critical terrorism and disaster-related information reaches government decision-makers; and
(3) enter into agreements with other Federal operations centers and other homeland security partners, as appropriate, to facilitate the sharing of information.
(c) State and local emergency responder representation
(1) Establishment of positions
(2) Management
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 515, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(13), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1409; amended Pub. L. 110–376, § 8, Oct. 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 4060; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, § 1909, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2681.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321d

§ 321e. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–387, § 2(c)(1), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5166

CITE AS: 6 USC 321e

§ 321f. Nuclear incident response
(a) In general
(b) Rule of construction
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 517, formerly § 504, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2213; renumbered § 517, Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(6), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321f

§ 321g. Conduct of certain public health-related activities
(a) In general
(b) Evaluation of progress
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 518, formerly § 505, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2213; renumbered § 518, Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(6), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321g

§ 321h. Use of national private sector networks in emergency response

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use national private sector networks and infrastructure for emergency response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive disasters, and other major disasters.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 519, formerly § 508, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2215; renumbered § 519, Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(6), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321h

§ 321i. Use of commercially available technology, goods, and services
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) the Secretary should, to the maximum extent possible, use off-the-shelf commercially developed technologies to ensure that the Department’s information technology systems allow the Department to collect, manage, share, analyze, and disseminate information securely over multiple channels of communication; and
(2) in order to further the policy of the United States to avoid competing commercially with the private sector, the Secretary should rely on commercial sources to supply the goods and services needed by the Department.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 520, formerly § 509, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2215; renumbered § 520, Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(6), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321i

§ 321j. Procurement of security countermeasures for Strategic National Stockpile
(a) Authorization of appropriations
(b) Special reserve fund
(c) Availability
(d) Related authorizations of appropriations
(1) Threat assessment capabilities
(2) Intelligence sharing infrastructure
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 521, formerly § 510, as added Pub. L. 108–276, § 3(b)(2), July 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 852; renumbered § 521, Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 611(7), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395; amended Pub. L. 109–417, title IV, § 403(c), Dec. 19, 2006, 120 Stat. 2874; Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 531(b)(1)(D), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 334.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321j

§ 321k. Model standards and guidelines for critical infrastructure workers
(a) In general
(b) Distribution and assistance
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 522, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title IV, § 409(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 305.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321k

§ 321l. Guidance and recommendations
(a) In general
Consistent with their responsibilities and authorities under law, as of the day before August 3, 2007, the Administrator and the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in consultation with the private sector, may develop guidance or recommendations and identify best practices to assist or foster action by the private sector in—
(1) identifying potential hazards and assessing risks and impacts;
(2) mitigating the impact of a wide variety of hazards, including weapons of mass destruction;
(3) managing necessary emergency preparedness and response resources;
(4) developing mutual aid agreements;
(5) developing and maintaining emergency preparedness and response plans, and associated operational procedures;
(6) developing and conducting training and exercises to support and evaluate emergency preparedness and response plans and operational procedures;
(7) developing and conducting training programs for security guards to implement emergency preparedness and response plans and operations procedures; and
(8) developing procedures to respond to requests for information from the media or the public.
(b) Issuance and promotion
Any guidance or recommendations developed or best practices identified under subsection (a) shall be—
(1) issued through the Administrator; and
(2) promoted by the Secretary to the private sector.
(c) Small business concerns
(d) Rule of construction
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 523, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title IX, § 901(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 364; amended Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(4)(C), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178;

CITE AS: 6 USC 321l

§ 321m. Voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program
(a) Establishment
(1) In general
(2) Designation of officerThe Secretary shall designate an officer responsible for the accreditation and certification program under this section. Such officer (hereinafter referred to in this section as the “designated officer”) shall be one of the following:
(A) The Administrator, based on consideration of—
(i) the expertise of the Administrator in emergency management and preparedness in the United States; and
(ii) the responsibilities of the Administrator as the principal advisor to the President for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States.
(B) The Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection,1
1 See Change of Name note below.
based on consideration of the expertise of the Assistant Secretary in, and responsibilities for—
(i) protection of critical infrastructure;
(ii) risk assessment methodologies; and
(iii) interacting with the private sector on the issues described in clauses (i) and (ii).
(C) The Under Secretary for Science and Technology, based on consideration of the expertise of the Under Secretary in, and responsibilities associated with, standards.
(3) CoordinationIn carrying out the accreditation and certification program under this section, the designated officer shall coordinate with—
(A) the other officers of the Department referred to in paragraph (2), using the expertise and responsibilities of such officers; and
(B) the Special Assistant to the Secretary for the Private Sector, based on consideration of the expertise of the Special Assistant in, and responsibilities for, interacting with the private sector.
(b) Voluntary private sector preparedness standards; voluntary accreditation and certification program for the private sector
(1) Accreditation and certification programNot later than 210 days after August 3, 2007, the designated officer shall—
(A) begin supporting the development and updating, as necessary, of voluntary preparedness standards through appropriate organizations that coordinate or facilitate the development and use of voluntary consensus standards and voluntary consensus standards development organizations; and
(B) in consultation with representatives of appropriate organizations that coordinate or facilitate the development and use of voluntary consensus standards, appropriate voluntary consensus standards development organizations, each private sector advisory council created under section 112(f)(4) of this title, appropriate representatives of State and local governments, including emergency management officials, and appropriate private sector advisory groups, such as sector coordinating councils and information sharing and analysis centers—
(i) develop and promote a program to certify the preparedness of private sector entities that voluntarily choose to seek certification under the program; and
(ii) implement the program under this subsection through any entity with which the designated officer enters into an agreement under paragraph (3)(A), which shall accredit third parties to carry out the certification process under this section.
(2) Program elements
(A) In general
(i) Program
(ii) Guidelines
(B) StandardsThe designated officer, in consultation with representatives of appropriate organizations that coordinate or facilitate the development and use of voluntary consensus standards, representatives of appropriate voluntary consensus standards development organizations, each private sector advisory council created under section 112(f)(4) of this title, appropriate representatives of State and local governments, including emergency management officials, and appropriate private sector advisory groups such as sector coordinating councils and information sharing and analysis centers—
(i) shall adopt one or more appropriate voluntary preparedness standards that promote preparedness, which may be tailored to address the unique nature of various sectors within the private sector, as necessary and appropriate, that shall be used in the accreditation and certification program under this subsection; and
(ii) after the adoption of one or more standards under clause (i), may adopt additional voluntary preparedness standards or modify or discontinue the use of voluntary preparedness standards for the accreditation and certification program, as necessary and appropriate to promote preparedness.
(C) Submission of recommendations
(D) Small business concerns
(E) ConsiderationsIn developing and implementing the program under this subsection, the designated officer shall—
(i) consider the unique nature of various sectors within the private sector, including preparedness standards, business continuity standards, or best practices, established—(I) under any other provision of Federal law; or(II) by any Sector Risk Management Agency, as defined under Homeland Security Presidential Directive–7; and
(ii) coordinate the program, as appropriate, with—(I) other Department private sector related programs; and(II) preparedness and business continuity programs in other Federal agencies.
(3) Accreditation and certification processes
(A) Agreement
(i) In general
(ii) Contents
(B) Procedures and requirements for accreditation and certification
(i) In general
(ii) Contents and useThe procedures and requirements developed under clause (i) shall—(I) ensure reasonable uniformity in any accreditation and certification processes if there is more than one selected entity; and(II) be used by any selected entity in conducting accreditations and overseeing the certification process under this subsection.
(iii) Disagreement
(C) Designation
(D) Disadvantaged business involvement
(E) Treatment of other certifications
(F) Third partiesTo be accredited under subparagraph (C), a third party shall—
(i) demonstrate that the third party has the ability to certify private sector entities in accordance with the procedures and requirements developed under subparagraph (B);
(ii) agree to perform certifications in accordance with such procedures and requirements;
(iii) agree not to have any beneficial interest in or any direct or indirect control over—(I) a private sector entity for which that third party conducts a certification under this subsection; or(II) any organization that provides preparedness consulting services to private sector entities;
(iv) agree not to have any other conflict of interest with respect to any private sector entity for which that third party conducts a certification under this subsection;
(v) maintain liability insurance coverage at policy limits in accordance with the requirements developed under subparagraph (B); and
(vi) enter into an agreement with the selected entity accrediting that third party to protect any proprietary information of a private sector entity obtained under this subsection.
(G) Monitoring
(i) In general
(ii) RevocationIf the designated officer or any selected entity determines that a third party is not meeting the procedures or requirements established under subparagraph (B), the selected entity shall—(I) revoke the accreditation of that third party to conduct certifications under this subsection; and(II) review any certification conducted by that third party, as necessary and appropriate.
(4) Annual review
(A) In general
(B) Review of standards
(5) Voluntary participation
(6) Public listing
(c) Rule of constructionNothing in this section may be construed as—
(1) a requirement to replace any preparedness, emergency response, or business continuity standards, requirements, or best practices established—
(A) under any other provision of federal law; or
(B) by any Sector Risk Management Agency, as those agencies are defined under Homeland Security Presidential Directive–7; or
(2) exempting any private sector entity seeking certification or meeting certification requirements under subsection (b) from compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, directives, policies, and industry codes of practice.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 524, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title IX, § 901(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 365; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XC, § 9002(c)(2)(B), Jan. 1, 2021,

CITE AS: 6 USC 321m

§ 321n. Acceptance of gifts
(a) Authority
(b) Prohibition
The Secretary may not accept a gift under this section if the Secretary determines that the use of the property or services would compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of—
(1) a program of the Department; or
(2) an individual involved in a program of the Department.
(c) Report
(1) In general
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an annual report disclosing—
(A) any gifts that were accepted under this section during the year covered by the report;
(B) how the gifts contribute to the mission of the Center for Domestic Preparedness; and
(C) the amount of Federal savings that were generated from the acceptance of the gifts.
(2) Publication
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 525, as added Pub. L. 111–245, § 2(a)(1), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2620.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321n

§ 321o. Integrated public alert and warning system modernization
(a) In generalTo provide timely and effective warnings regarding natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters or threats to public safety, the Administrator shall—
(1) modernize the integrated public alert and warning system of the United States (in this section referred to as the “public alert and warning system”) to help ensure that under all conditions the President and, except to the extent the public alert and warning system is in use by the President, Federal agencies and State, tribal, and local governments can alert and warn the civilian population in areas endangered by natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters or threats to public safety; and
(2) implement the public alert and warning system to disseminate timely and effective warnings regarding natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters or threats to public safety.
(b) Implementation requirementsIn carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
(1) establish or adopt, as appropriate, common alerting and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures for the public alert and warning system;
(2) include in the public alert and warning system the capability to adapt the distribution and span of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, and multiple communication systems and technologies, as appropriate and to the extent technically feasible;
(3) include in the public alert and warning system the capability to alert, warn, and provide equivalent information to individuals with disabilities, individuals with access and functional needs, and individuals with limited-English proficiency, to the extent technically feasible;
(4) ensure that training, tests, and exercises are conducted for the public alert and warning system, including by—
(A) incorporating the public alert and warning system into other training and exercise programs of the Department, as appropriate;
(B) establishing and integrating into the National Incident Management System a comprehensive and periodic training program to instruct and educate Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials in the use of the Common Alerting Protocol enabled Emergency Alert System; and
(C) conducting, not less than once every 3 years, periodic nationwide tests of the public alert and warning system;
(5) to the extent practicable, ensure that the public alert and warning system is resilient and secure and can withstand acts of terrorism and other external attacks;
(6) conduct public education efforts so that State, tribal, and local governments, private entities, and the people of the United States reasonably understand the functions of the public alert and warning system and how to access, use, and respond to information from the public alert and warning system through a general market awareness campaign;
(7) consult, coordinate, and cooperate with the appropriate private sector entities and Federal, State, tribal, and local governmental authorities, including the Regional Administrators and emergency response providers;
(8) consult and coordinate with the Federal Communications Commission, taking into account rules and regulations promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission; and
(9) coordinate with and consider the recommendations of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Subcommittee established under section 2(b) of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015.
(c) System requirementsThe public alert and warning system shall—
(1) to the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator, incorporate multiple communications technologies;
(2) be designed to adapt to, and incorporate, future technologies for communicating directly with the public;
(3) to the extent technically feasible, be designed—
(A) to provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected population feasible, including nonresident visitors and tourists, individuals with disabilities, individuals with access and functional needs, and individuals with limited-English proficiency; and
(B) to improve the ability of remote areas to receive alerts;
(4) promote local and regional public and private partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response;
(5) provide redundant alert mechanisms where practicable so as to reach the greatest number of people; and
(6) to the extent feasible, include a mechanism to ensure the protection of individual privacy.
(d) Use of system
(e) Performance reports
(1) In generalNot later than 1 year after April 11, 2016, and annually thereafter through 2018, the Administrator shall make available on the public website of the Agency a performance report, which shall—
(A) establish performance goals for the implementation of the public alert and warning system by the Agency;
(B) describe the performance of the public alert and warning system, including—
(i) the type of technology used for alerts and warnings issued under the system;
(ii) the measures taken to alert, warn, and provide equivalent information to individuals with disabilities, individuals with access and function 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “functional”.
needs, and individuals with limited-English proficiency; and
(iii) the training, tests, and exercises performed and the outcomes obtained by the Agency;
(C) identify significant challenges to the effective operation of the public alert and warning system and any plans to address these challenges;
(D) identify other necessary improvements to the system; and
(E) provide an analysis comparing the performance of the public alert and warning system with the performance goals established under subparagraph (A).
(2) Congress
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 526, as added Pub. L. 114–143, § 2(a), Apr. 11, 2016, 130 Stat. 327.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321o

§ 321o–1. Integrated public alert and warning system
(a) DefinitionsIn this section—
(1) the term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Agency;
(2) the term “Agency” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(3) the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(C) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives;
(4) the term “public alert and warning system” means the integrated public alert and warning system of the United States described in section 321o of this title;
(5) the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
(6) the term “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any possession of the United States.
(b) Integrated public alert and warning system
(1) In generalNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall develop minimum requirements for State, Tribal, and local governments to participate in the public alert and warning system and that are necessary to maintain the integrity of the public alert and warning system, including—
(A) guidance on the categories of public emergencies and appropriate circumstances that warrant an alert and warning from State, Tribal, and local governments using the public alert and warning system;
(B) the procedures for State, Tribal, and local government officials to authenticate civil emergencies and initiate, modify, and cancel alerts transmitted through the public alert and warning system, including protocols and technology capabilities for—
(i) the initiation, or prohibition on the initiation, of alerts by a single authorized or unauthorized individual;
(ii) testing a State, Tribal, or local government incident management and warning tool without accidentally initiating an alert through the public alert and warning system; and
(iii) steps a State, Tribal, or local government official should take to mitigate the possibility of the issuance of a false alert through the public alert and warning system;
(C) the standardization, functionality, and interoperability of incident management and warning tools used by State, Tribal, and local governments to notify the public of an emergency through the public alert and warning system;
(D) the annual training and recertification of emergency management personnel on requirements for originating and transmitting an alert through the public alert and warning system;
(E) the procedures, protocols, and guidance concerning the protective action plans that State, Tribal, and local governments shall issue to the public following an alert issued under the public alert and warning system;
(F) the procedures, protocols, and guidance concerning the communications that State, Tribal, and local governments shall issue to the public following a false alert issued under the public alert and warning system;
(G) a plan by which State, Tribal, and local government officials may, during an emergency, contact each other as well as Federal officials and participants in the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Alert System, when appropriate and necessary, by telephone, text message, or other means of communication regarding an alert that has been distributed to the public; and
(H) any other procedure the Administrator considers appropriate for maintaining the integrity of and providing for public confidence in the public alert and warning system.
(2) Coordination with National Advisory Council report
(3) Public consultationIn developing the minimum requirements under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure appropriate public consultation and, to the extent practicable, coordinate the development of the requirements with stakeholders of the public alert and warning system, including—
(A) appropriate personnel from Federal agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Agency, and the Federal Communications Commission;
(B) representatives of State and local governments and emergency services personnel, who shall be selected from among individuals nominated by national organizations representing those governments and personnel;
(C) representatives of Federally recognized Indian tribes and national Indian organizations;
(D) communications service providers;
(E) vendors, developers, and manufacturers of systems, facilities, equipment, and capabilities for the provision of communications services;
(F) third-party service bureaus;
(G) the national organization representing the licensees and permittees of noncommercial broadcast television stations;
(H) technical experts from the broadcasting industry;
(I) educators from the Emergency Management Institute; and
(J) other individuals with technical expertise as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(4) Advice to the administrator
(c) Incident management and warning tool validation
(1) In general
(2) RequirementsThe process required to be established under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A) the ability to test an incident management and warning tool in the public alert and warning system lab;
(B) the ability to certify that an incident management and warning tool complies with the applicable cyber frameworks of the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(C) a process to certify developers of emergency management software; and
(D) requiring developers to provide the Administrator with a copy of and rights of use for ongoing testing of each version of incident management and warning tool software before the software is first used by a State, Tribal, or local government.
(d) Review and update of memoranda of understanding
(e) Future memoranda
(f) Missile alert and warning authorities
(1) In general
(A) Authority
(B) Delegation of authorityThe Secretary may delegate the authority described in subparagraph (A) to a State, Tribal, or local entity if, not later than 180 days after December 20, 2019, the Secretary submits a report to the appropriate congressional committees that—
(i) it is not feasible for the Federal Government to alert the public of a missile threat against a State; or
(ii) it is not in the national security interest of the United States for the Federal Government to alert the public of a missile threat against a State.
(C) Activation of system
(D) Rule of construction
(2) Required processes
(3) Guidance
(4) Study and reportNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Secretary shall—
(A) examine the feasibility of establishing an alert designation under the public alert and warning system that would be used to alert and warn the public of a missile threat while concurrently alerting a State warning point so that a State may activate related protective action plans; and
(B) submit a report of the findings under subparagraph (A), including of the costs and timeline for taking action to implement an alert designation described in subparagraph (A), to—
(i) the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
(ii) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(iii) the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
(iv) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(v) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives.
(g) Use of integrated public alert and warning system labNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall—
(1) develop a program to increase the utilization of the public alert and warning system lab of the Agency by State, Tribal, and local governments to test incident management and warning tools and train emergency management professionals on alert origination protocols and procedures; and
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing—
(A) the impact on utilization of the public alert and warning system lab by State, Tribal, and local governments, with particular attention given to the impact on utilization in rural areas, resulting from the program developed under paragraph (1); and
(B) any further recommendations that the Administrator would make for additional statutory or appropriations authority necessary to increase the utilization of the public alert and warning system lab by State, Tribal, and local governments.
(h) Awareness of alerts and warningsNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall—
(1) conduct a review of the National Watch Center and each Regional Watch Center of the Agency; and
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1), which shall include—
(A) an assessment of the technical capability of the National and Regional Watch Centers described in paragraph (1) to be notified of alerts and warnings issued by a State through the public alert and warning system;
(B) a determination of which State alerts and warnings the National and Regional Watch Centers described in paragraph (1) should be aware of; and
(C) recommendations for improving the ability of the National and Regional Watch Centers described in paragraph (1) to receive any State alerts and warnings that the Administrator determines are appropriate.
(i) Reporting false alertsNot later than 15 days after the date on which a State, Tribal, or local government official transmits a false alert under the public alert and warning system, the Administrator shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on—
(1) the circumstances surrounding the false alert;
(2) the span, cause, and population impacted by the false alert; and
(3) any efforts to mitigate any negative impacts of the false alert.
(j) Reporting participation ratesThe Administrator shall, on an annual basis, report to the appropriate congressional committees on—
(1) participation rates in the public alert and warning system; and
(2) any efforts to expand alert, warning, and interoperable communications to rural and underserved areas.
(k) Timeline for compliance
(Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, § 1756, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1855.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321o-1

§ 321p. National planning and education
The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable—
(1) include in national planning frameworks the threat of an EMP or GMD event; and
(2) conduct outreach to educate owners and operators of critical infrastructure, emergency planners, and emergency response providers at all levels of government regarding threats of EMP and GMD.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 527, as added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, § 1913(a)(4), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2686.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321p

§ 321q. Coordination of Department of Homeland Security efforts related to food, agriculture, and veterinary defense against terrorism
(a) Program required
(b) Program elements
The coordination program required by subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Providing oversight and management of the Department’s responsibilities pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9–Defense of United States Agriculture and Food.
(2) Providing oversight and integration of the Department’s activities related to veterinary public health, food defense, and agricultural security.
(3) Leading the Department’s policy initiatives relating to food, animal, and agricultural incidents, and the impact of such incidents on animal and public health.
(4) Leading the Department’s policy initiatives relating to overall domestic preparedness for and collective response to agricultural terrorism.
(5) Coordinating with other Department components, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as appropriate, on activities related to food and agriculture security and screening procedures for domestic and imported products.
(6) Coordinating with appropriate Federal departments and agencies.
(7) Other activities as determined necessary by the Secretary.
(c) Rule of construction
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 528, as added Pub. L. 115–43, § 2(a), June 30, 2017, 131 Stat. 884; amended Pub. L. 115–387, § 2(f)(5), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5168.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321q

§ 321r. Transfer of equipment during a public health emergency
(a) Authorization of transfer of equipment
(b) Determination by Secretaries
(1) In generalIn carrying out this section—
(A) before requesting a transfer under subsection (a), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall determine whether the personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment is otherwise available; and
(B) before initiating a transfer under subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of each component within the Department, shall—
(i) determine whether the personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment requested to be transferred under subsection (a) is excess equipment; and
(ii) certify that the transfer of the personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment will not adversely impact the health or safety of officers, employees, or contractors of the Department.
(2) Notification
(3) Required inventory
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall—
(i) acting through the Chief Medical Officer of the Department, maintain an inventory of all personal protective equipment and medically necessary equipment in the possession of the Department; and
(ii) make the inventory required under clause (i) available, on a continual basis, to—(I) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and(II) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives.
(B) Form
(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, § 529, as added Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, title IX, § 70953(f)(2)(A), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1315.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 321r

§ 322. Continuity of the economy plan
(a) Requirement
(1) In general
(2) PrinciplesThe plan required under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) be consistent with—
(i) a free market economy; and
(ii) the rule of law; and
(B) respect private property rights.
(3) ContentsThe plan required under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) examine the distribution of goods and services across the United States necessary for the reliable functioning of the United States during a significant event;
(B) identify the economic functions of relevant actors, the disruption, corruption, or dysfunction of which would have a debilitating effect in the United States on—
(i) security;
(ii) economic security;
(iii) defense readiness; or
(iv) public health or safety;
(C) identify the critical distribution mechanisms for each economic sector that should be prioritized for operation during a significant event, including—
(i) bulk power and electric transmission systems;
(ii) national and international financial systems, including wholesale payments, stocks, and currency exchanges;
(iii) national and international communications networks, data-hosting services, and cloud services;
(iv) interstate oil and natural gas pipelines; and
(v) mechanisms for the interstate and international trade and distribution of materials, food, and medical supplies, including road, rail, air, and maritime shipping;
(D) identify economic functions of relevant actors, the disruption, corruption, or dysfunction of which would cause—
(i) catastrophic economic loss;
(ii) the loss of public confidence; or
(iii) the widespread imperilment of human life;
(E) identify the economic functions of relevant actors that are so vital to the economy of the United States that the disruption, corruption, or dysfunction of those economic functions would undermine response, recovery, or mobilization efforts during a significant event;
(F) incorporate, to the greatest extent practicable, the principles and practices contained within Federal plans for the continuity of Government and continuity of operations;
(G) identify—
(i) industrial control networks for which a loss of internet connectivity, a loss of network integrity or availability, an exploitation of a system connected to the network, or another failure, disruption, corruption, or dysfunction would have a debilitating effect in the United States on—(I) security;(II) economic security;(III) defense readiness; or(IV) public health or safety; and
(ii) for each industrial control network identified under clause (i), risk mitigation measures, including—(I) the installation of parallel services;(II) the use of stand-alone analog services; or(III) the significant hardening of the industrial control network against failure, disruption, corruption, or dysfunction;
(H) identify critical economic sectors for which the preservation of data in a protected, verified, and uncorrupted status would be required for the quick recovery of the economy of the United States in the face of a significant disruption following a significant event;
(I) include a list of raw materials, industrial goods, and other items, the absence of which would significantly undermine the ability of the United States to sustain the functions described in subparagraphs (B), (D), and (E);
(J) provide an analysis of supply chain diversification for the items described in subparagraph (I) in the event of a disruption caused by a significant event;
(K) include—
(i) a recommendation as to whether the United States should maintain a strategic reserve of 1 or more of the items described in subparagraph (I); and
(ii) for each item described in subparagraph (I) for which the President recommends maintaining a strategic reserve under clause (i), an identification of mechanisms for tracking inventory and availability of the item in the strategic reserve;
(L) identify mechanisms in existence on January 1, 2021 and mechanisms that can be developed to ensure that the swift transport and delivery of the items described in subparagraph (I) is feasible in the event of a distribution network disturbance or degradation, including a distribution network disturbance or degradation caused by a significant event;
(M) include guidance for determining the prioritization for the distribution of the items described in subparagraph (I), including distribution to States and Indian Tribes;
(N) consider the advisability and feasibility of mechanisms for extending the credit of the United States or providing other financial support authorized by law to key participants in the economy of the United States if the extension or provision of other financial support—
(i) is necessary to avoid severe economic degradation; or
(ii) allows for the recovery from a significant event;
(O) include guidance for determining categories of employees that should be prioritized to continue to work in order to sustain the functions described in subparagraphs (B), (D), and (E) in the event that there are limitations on the ability of individuals to travel to workplaces or to work remotely, including considerations for defense readiness;
(P) identify critical economic sectors necessary to provide material and operational support to the defense of the United States;
(Q) determine whether the Secretary of Homeland Security, the National Guard, and the Secretary of Defense have adequate authority to assist the United States in a recovery from a severe economic degradation caused by a significant event;
(R) review and assess the authority and capability of heads of other agencies that the President determines necessary to assist the United States in a recovery from a severe economic degradation caused by a significant event; and
(S) consider any other matter that would aid in protecting and increasing the resilience of the economy of the United States from a significant event.
(b) CoordinationIn developing the plan required under subsection (a)(1), the President shall—
(1) receive advice from—
(A) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(B) the Secretary of Defense;
(C) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(D) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
(E) the Secretary of Commerce;
(F) the Secretary of Transportation;
(G) the Secretary of Energy;
(H) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and
(I) the head of any other agency that the President determines necessary to complete the plan;
(2) consult with economic sectors relating to critical infrastructure through sector-coordinated councils, as appropriate;
(3) consult with relevant State, Tribal, and local governments and organizations that represent those governments; and
(4) consult with any other non-Federal entity that the President determines necessary to complete the plan.
(c) Submission to Congress
(1) In generalNot later than 2 years after January 1, 2021, and not less frequently than every 3 years thereafter, the President shall submit the plan required under subsection (a)(1) and the information described in paragraph (2) to—
(A) the majority and minority leaders of the Senate;
(B) the Speaker and the minority leader of the House of Representatives;
(C) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(D) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;
(E) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(F) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives;
(G) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate;
(H) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
(I) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives;
(J) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate;
(K) the Committee on Finance of the Senate;
(L) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives;
(M) the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate;
(N) the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives;
(O) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;
(P) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate;
(Q) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;
(R) the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives;
(S) Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives; and
(T) any other committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives that has jurisdiction over the subject of the plan.
(2) Additional informationThe information described in this paragraph is—
(A) any change to Federal law that would be necessary to carry out the plan required under subsection (a)(1); and
(B)
(i) implement the plan required under subsection (a)(1); or
(ii) maintain any program offices and personnel necessary to—(I) maintain the plan required under subsection (a)(1) and the plans described in subsection (a)(3)(F); and(II) conduct exercises, assessments, and updates to the plans described in subclause (I) over time.
(3) Budget of the President
(d) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) The term “agency” has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5.
(2) The term “economic sector” means a sector of the economy of the United States.
(3) The term “relevant actor” means—
(A) the Federal Government;
(B) a State, local, or Tribal government; or
(C) the private sector.
(4) The term “significant event” means an event that causes severe degradation to economic activity in the United States due to—
(A) a cyber attack; or
(B) another significant event that is natural or human-caused.
(5) The term “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any possession of the United States.
(Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCVI, § 9603, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4829.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 322

§ 323. Guidance on how to prevent exposure to and release of PFAS
(a) In generalNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2022, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the heads of any other relevant agencies, shall—
(1) develop and publish guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices;
(2) make available a curriculum designed to—
(A) reduce and eliminate exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly referred to as “PFAS”) from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment;
(B) prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and
(C) educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, personal protective equipment, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS; and
(3) create an online public repository, which shall be updated on a regular basis, on tools and best practices for firefighters and other emergency response personnel to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFAS.
(b) Curriculum
(1) In general
(2) ConsultationFor the purpose of making recommendations under paragraph (1), the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration shall consult with interested entities, as appropriate, including—
(A) firefighters and other emergency response personnel, including national fire service and emergency response organizations;
(B) impacted communities dealing with PFAS contamination;
(C) scientists, including public and occupational health and safety experts, who are studying PFAS and PFAS alternatives in firefighting foam;
(D) voluntary standards organizations engaged in developing standards for firefighter and firefighting equipment;
(E) State fire training academies;
(F) State fire marshals;
(G) manufacturers of firefighting tools and equipment; and
(H) any other relevant entities, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration.
(c) Review
(d) Applicability of FACA
(e) Rule of construction
(Pub. L. 117–248, § 2, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2348.)

CITE AS: 6 USC 323