[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 51833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17974]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[FEMA Docket ID 2007-0007]


National Response Framework

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting 
comments on the revised National Response Plan now known as the 
National Response Framework (NRF). The NRF was drafted to build upon 
the current National Response Plan, incorporate lessons-learned from 
recent disasters, and to articulate more clearly the roles of the 
States, tribal, and local jurisdictions and the private sector to guide 
a successful response to natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 11, 2007.

ADDRESSES: The NRF is available online in the NRF Resource Center 
located at http://www.fema.gov/NRF. You may also view a hard copy of 
the NRF at the Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472. You may 
submit comments on the NRF, identified by Docket ID FEMA-2007-0007, by 
one of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    E-mail: [email protected]. Include Docket ID FEMA-2007-0007 in 
the subject line of the message.
    Fax: 866-466-5370.
    Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Regulation & Policy Team, Office of 
Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472.
    Instructions: All Submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket ID. Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or 
material, all submissions will be posted, without change, to the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, and will 
include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting 
this information makes it public. You may wish to read the Privacy Act 
notice that is available on the Privacy and Use Notice link on the 
Administration Navigation Bar of http://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments may also be inspected at FEMA, 
Office of Chief Counsel, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20472.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Slaten, Acting National 
Response Framework Branch Chief, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463, 202-646-8152.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Response Framework (NRF) builds 
on the current National Response Plan and, using the comprehensive 
framework of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), serves as 
a guide to how the nation conducts all-hazards incident management. By 
adopting the term ``framework'' within the title, the document is now 
more in keeping with its intended purpose, specifically, simplifying 
the language, presentation and content; broadening the focus from a 
purely Federal plan to one that is national in its focus.
    The Department provides the current draft of the NRF for public 
comment; it does not necessarily reflect the final policy of the 
Administration.
    The NRF explains the common discipline and structures that have 
been exercised and matured at the local, State and national levels over 
time. It captures key lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, 
particularly how the Federal government is organized to support 
communities and States in catastrophic incidents.
    The NRF is applicable to all Federal departments and agencies that 
may be requested to provide assistance or conduct operations in the 
context of actual or potential disasters and includes mechanisms for 
the coordination and implementation of a wide variety of incident 
management and emergency assistance activities including Federal 
support to State, local, and tribal authorities; interaction with 
private-sector organizations; and the coordinated, direct exercise of 
Federal authorities, when appropriate.
    The NRF is written especially for government executives, private-
sector leaders and emergency management practitioners. At the same 
time, it informs emergency management practitioners, explaining the 
operating structures and tools used routinely by first responders and 
emergency managers at all levels of government.
    FEMA seeks comment on the NRF, which is available online in the NRF 
Resource Center located at http://www.fema.gov/NRF.

    Authority: Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, 
Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, Management of Domestic 
Incidents.

    Dated: August 31, 2007.
R. David Paulison,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
 [FR Doc. E7-17974 Filed 9-10-07; 8:45 am]
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