FEMA Mission Assignments (MAs) are a critical tool used during emergencies and disasters. They act as work orders issued by FEMA to other federal agencies to leverage their specific capabilities and resources in support of disaster response efforts.  Here's a breakdown of key points about FEMA Mission Assignments:

• Purpose: MAs are used to  supplement the response efforts of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments (STT governments) overwhelmed by a disaster.
• Activation:  They can be issued in anticipation of or in response to a Presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster under the Stafford Act.
• Benefits: MAs offer several advantages:
  • Coordination: They facilitate a coordinated federal response by allowing FEMA to direct and reimburse other federal agencies for their disaster assistance.
  • Resource Mobilization:  MAs enable FEMA to tap into the full range of expertise and resources available across different federal agencies, ensuring a comprehensive response.
  • Funding:  FEMA provides funding to the assigned agencies through the MA, eliminating the need for STT governments to manage separate funding requests with each agency.

Here are some examples of how FEMA might use Mission Assignments:

• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):  Providing medical supplies and personnel to establish emergency medical facilities.
• Department of Transportation (DOT):   Coordinating transportation logistics for delivering essential goods and evacuating people from affected areas.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE):  Assisting with debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and temporary housing construction.

Finding More Information:

• FEMA Mission Assignments Policy: This document outlines the policy and procedures for FEMA's Mission Assignment program: https://www.fema.gov/partnerships/mission-assignments
• OpenFEMA Dataset: Mission Assignments: This provides additional details and data on FEMA's Mission Assignments: https://www.fema.gov/about/reports-and-data/openfema
• Federal Agency Mission Assignments: This FEMA webpage explains how federal agencies can provide disaster assistance through MAs and their own authorities: https://www.fema.gov/partnerships/mission-assignments

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