Response System

This General Memorandum solicits members of the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System (the System) to participate in an Ad Hoc Group (AHG) to finalize governance, training, and operational compliance for Task Force use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) during ESF-9 / US&R missions, ensuring operational readiness before the 2026 hurricane season (June 1, 2026).

 

Summary & Justification:

The rapid expansion of sUAS capabilities across Sponsoring Agencies has outpaced the National US&R System’s ability to provide consistent policy, training, and compliance oversight. Task Forces increasingly possess organic UAS assets (outside of the FEMA US&R National Response System through their Sponsoring and Participating Agencies), yet the System currently lacks a formal governance structure to ensure FAA compliance, operational safety, and alignment with DHS and FEMA UAS program requirements. While foundational work exists, including development of a FEMA US&R sUAS Operations Handbook, there is no standing body empowered to finalize, implement, and oversee these efforts.

 

Recent DHS approval of FEMA’s UAS Program further elevates the need for a coordinated US&R-specific framework. In the absence of clear standards, there is a risk of inconsistent practices, regulatory violations, and increased liability during incident operations. Establishing a UAS Ad Hoc Group will ensure disciplined integration of UAS capabilities while protecting Task Forces, incident leadership, and the Agency.

 

Purpose of the UAS Ad Hoc Group:

• Finalize and implement the FEMA US&R UAS Handbook in full compliance with DHS, FEMA, and FAA requirements.

• Define minimum deployable compliance standards for voluntary Task Force UAS participation in federal missions.

• Develop standardized deployment strategies for organic UAS assets with a clear pathway toward an approved System-wide program.

• Establish standardized FEMA US&R UAS training requirements and Position Task Books for safe and repeatable operations.

• Assess and recommend funding, acquisition, and sustainment strategies to support long-term program viability.

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FAA and Operational Compliance Considerations:

The Ad Hoc Group shall codify FAA-compliant operating pathways for US&R missions, including clear guidance on operations conducted under Part 107 and Public Aircraft Operations/Certificates of Authorization (COA). The Group will establish decision criteria to determine the appropriate authority based on mission type, airspace, and operational risk.

 

Additional compliance elements will include airspace authorization procedures (LAANC and FAA DroneZone), Remote ID requirements, waiver governance for advanced operations, and coordination with incident Air Operations to ensure safe integration with crewed aircraft.

 

Training and Task Book Development:

The UAS Ad Hoc Group will develop standardized FEMA US&R UAS Position Task Books aligned with FEMA doctrine and FAA roles, to include UAS Manager, Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), Visual Observer, and UAS Data/Mapping Specialist. Task Books will address risk management, flight authorization, mission documentation, maintenance tracking, and ICS integration.

 

Urgency and Timeline:

An aggressive timeline is required to ensure compliant use of organic UAS assets before the 2026 hurricane season. The Ad Hoc Group should be chartered immediately to deliver compliance guidance, training frameworks, and handbook updates by late Summer 2026.

 

Membership Requirements:

Interested System personnel should have experience in developing, managing, and/or maintaining a UAS program, ideally within a System Sponsoring or Participating Agency. Participation in past FEMA Air Operations UAS workgroups is not required; however, it will be heavily factored in.

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Application Process:

Per Annex A of the 201 - USR Administration Manual Annex A - Advisory Organization (Mar 2023), Section 3-1, E, Ad Hoc Applications: All potential members should complete an application using the submission link on responsesystem.org. The application and letter of support must be submitted by January 23, 2026. Within seven calendar days after the application closing date, the US&R Branch and/or their appointees will review the applications, determine if the candidates meet the required qualifications/knowledge, skills, and abilities for the available position, and ensure that each applicant has provided all required documentation, including the letter of support.

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Members will be appointed by the US&R Branch Chief for a term defined by the anticipated duration of the Ad Hoc Group. Membership terms shall begin on the date specified in the General Memorandum that announces the Ad Hoc Group’s establishment.

 

 

If you have any questions about this solicitation process, please contact Keith Bevan at kbevan@unifiedfireut.gov or Buddy Ey at elwood.ey-iii@fema.dhs.gov