National Response Framework

History

In 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5: Management of Domestic Incidents (HSPD-5) to enhance the management of domestic incidents through creation of a comprehensive national incident management system. This newly established system covered all phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery) and all levels of government (federal, state, local, and tribal). The scope applied to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other major emergencies. The goal was to establish a system that would allow a unified, interoperable approach to emergency management. The ultimate result of HSPD-5 is the National Incident Management System and the National Response Plan (NRP).

In 2008, the National Response Plan evolved into the National Response Framework. The National Response Plan replaced the Federal Response Plan (FRP) that had been established in 1992. The National Response Plan itself was groundbreaking for including all levels of government. The change in title from the National Response Plan to the National Response Framework reflected that the document is intended not as an operational plan but rather as an outline of how varying responding agencies (public and private) will work together to manage emergencies. The change in content was largely driven by input from key stakeholders. Whereas the National Incident Management System provides a template for emergencies response, the National Response Framework describes roles and responsibilities, specific authorities, and best practices for the management of all domestic emergencies.

In 2012, the National Response Framework was open for review and comment as a means of continuous improvement.

National Response Framework Structure

There are five main components to the National Response Framework. The core document is the central framework upon which all the annexes and guides are based. It describes roles and responsibilities, response actions, and planning considerations. The Emergency Support Function Annexes group capabilities by function to facilitate a more coordinated response. The Support Annexes focus on response functions that may be found in any emergency response regardless of the nature of the hazard.

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