Acquiring Storing And Inventorying Resources Are Part Of Which Nims

Acquiring Storing and Inventorying Resources Are Part of Which NIMS? Understanding the Role of Resource Management in the National Incident Management System

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a standardized framework that enables government, private‑sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during emergencies. Within this system, resource management is the functional area that ensures the right personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities are available when and where they are needed. One of the most common questions newcomers ask is: “Acquiring storing and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS?” The short answer is that these three activities belong to the Resource Management component of NIMS, specifically to the processes of resource acquisition, storage, and inventory control that support the overall incident response.

Below is an in‑depth exploration of NIMS, its core components, and exactly how acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources fit into the resource‑management workflow. The article is structured to serve students, emergency‑management professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how NIMS organizes logistics during disasters.

What Is NIMS?

NIMS, developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2004, is a comprehensive, nationwide approach to incident management. It is designed to be:

• Scalable – applicable to incidents ranging from a single‑agency response to a multi‑jurisdictional catastrophe.
• Flexible – adaptable to various hazards, including natural disasters, technological accidents, and acts of terrorism.
• Interoperable – enables different agencies and organizations to communicate and coordinate using common terminology and procedures.

NIMS consists of six major components: 1. Command and Management (Incident Command System, Multiagency Coordination Systems, Public Information)
2. Preparedness (planning, training, exercises, qualification and certification)
3. Resource Management (identifying, ordering, acquiring, tracking, and recovering resources)
4. Communications and Information Management
5. Supporting Technologies
6. Ongoing Management and Maintenance Each component works in concert, but resource management is the linchpin that turns plans into tangible capabilities on the ground.

Resource Management: The NIMS Component That Handles Acquiring, Storing, and Inventorying

Definition and Purpose

According to FEMA’s NIMS doctrine, Resource Management is the systematic process of identifying, ordering, acquiring, tracking, and recovering resources needed to support incident objectives. Its purpose is to ensure that:

• The correct type and quantity of resources are available at the right time and place.
• Resources are used efficiently, with minimal waste or duplication.
• Accountability is maintained throughout the resource life‑cycle.

Resource management does not operate in isolation; it interacts closely with the Incident Command System (ICS) through the Logistics Section, which is responsible for acquiring, storing, and distributing resources.

The Resource Management Cycle

NIMS outlines a continuous cycle that resource managers follow:

1. Identify Requirements – Determine what resources are needed based on incident objectives.
2. Order Resources – Submit requests through established ordering procedures (e.g., WebEOC, resource ordering systems).
3. Acquire Resources – Obtain the requested items from internal stocks, mutual‑aid partners, vendors, or the federal government.
4. Mobilize Resources – Transport resources to the incident site or staging area.
5. Track and Report – Maintain real‑time visibility of resource location, status, and utilization. 6. Demobilize – Release resources when no longer needed and return them to their owners or storage.
6. Reimburse and Restock – Settle financial obligations and replenish inventories for future readiness. Acquiring, storing, and inventorying are embedded within steps 3 (acquire), 5 (track/report), and the preparatory phases that precede mobilization.

Acquiring Resources: From Request to Receipt

What “Acquiring” Means in NIMS

Acquiring refers to the act of obtaining resources that are not already on hand. This can involve:

• Internal procurement – pulling items from agency warehouses or stockpiles.
• Mutual‑aid agreements – requesting assistance from neighboring jurisdictions.
• Contracts and purchases – buying supplies or services from commercial vendors.
• Federal assistance – requesting resources from FEMA, the Department of Defense, or other federal entities under the Stafford Act.

Key NIMS Principles for Acquisition

• Standardized Resource Typing – Resources are categorized by kind, type, and capacity (e.g., “Type 1 Engine” for fire apparatus). This ensures that requests are clear and comparable across agencies.
• Prioritization – Scarce resources are allocated based on incident objectives, using tools like the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• Documentation – Every acquisition action is recorded in the resource order log, enabling traceability and accountability.

Practical Example During a hurricane, a county emergency operations center (EOC) identifies a need for 50,000 sandbags. The Logistics Section submits a resource order specifying “Sandbags, Type A, 50 lb, 50,000 units.” The order is routed to the state’s emergency management agency, which locates the sandbags in a state stockpile, arranges transportation, and confirms receipt. The acquisition process is complete once the sandbags are physically received at the staging area.

Storing Resources: Ensuring Readiness and Protection

Why Storage Matters Even the best acquisition process fails if resources deteriorate, become inaccessible, or are lost before they can be deployed. Proper storage ensures that:

• Resources remain serviceable (e.g., fuel is not contaminated, medical supplies are within expiration dates).
• Items are readily accessible for rapid mobilization.
• Security and safety standards are met (e.g., hazardous materials stored per OSHA regulations).

NIMS Guidance on Storage

NIMS does not prescribe specific warehouse designs, but it emphasizes:

• Inventory Visibility – Knowing exactly what is stored, where it is located, and its condition. * Environmental Controls – Temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements for sensitive items (e.g., pharmaceuticals, batteries).
• Rotation Practices – Implementing first‑in, first‑out (FIFO) or first‑expire, first‑out (FEFO) methods to prevent obsolescence.
• Integration with Tracking Systems

Maintaining a Robust Inventory: Tracking and Accountability

Effective resource management hinges on accurate tracking and accountability throughout the entire lifecycle – from acquisition to deployment and eventual return. A robust inventory management system is not simply a list of items; it's a dynamic record reflecting the current status of each resource. This includes detailed information on quantity, location, condition, expiration dates, and responsible personnel.

Several technologies and methods are employed to achieve this. Barcode and RFID systems streamline inventory checks, reducing the risk of errors and improving efficiency. Digital inventory management software allows for real-time tracking and reporting, facilitating informed decision-making regarding resource allocation and replenishment. Regular physical inventories, conducted at designated intervals, provide a crucial check on the accuracy of the system and identify any discrepancies.

Beyond technology, establishing clear accountability chains is essential. Designated personnel are responsible for receiving, storing, and issuing resources. These individuals must be properly trained on inventory procedures and have access to the necessary tools and resources to perform their duties effectively. Incident commanders must also maintain a clear understanding of the resources available, and their status, to ensure informed deployment decisions.

Conclusion:

Effective resource management within emergency response is a complex, multifaceted process. Adherence to NIMS principles, coupled with robust acquisition and storage practices, is paramount to ensuring that responders have the resources they need, when they need them. By prioritizing standardized processes, fostering collaboration, and investing in technology and training, agencies can build resilient supply chains that enhance their ability to effectively respond to disasters and protect lives. Ultimately, a well-managed resource inventory is not just about having the right supplies; it’s about having the right supplies, in the right place, at the right time, ready to be deployed when and where they are needed most.