Response System

SUBJECT:    US&R General Memorandum 2025-043 – Advisory Organization – Solicitation for Search and Rescue Intelligence Ad Hoc Group

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) for the development of the Search and Rescue Intelligence Group (SARIG) concept and corresponding policy. The AHG will focus on creating processes, tools, and training recommendations to enhance the System’s ability to turn disaster data into actionable information for search and rescue operations. This initiative aligns with the 2024-2027 FEMA US&R Strategic Plan’s goals to advance and sustain a ready and prepared FEMA US&R System and to leverage technology and data-driven decision-making to improve operational efficiency and save lives.

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Purpose of SARIG Ad Hoc:

The SARIG initiative will enhance the System’s ability to prioritize decisions during the planning and response phases of SAR operations, improve operational efficiency, and save lives by delivering timely, relevant, and trusted intelligence. This initiative aligns with the Advisory Organization’s mission to integrate strategic and operational data to strengthen the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response

System.

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SARIG will leverage broad subject matter expertise and trained US&R members to create consistent doctrine, processes, tools, and training to support the intelligence function. This ensures that intelligence becomes a core function of search and rescue operations, supporting informed decision-making at all levels.

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Scope of Work:

SARIG Ad-Hoc Group (AHG) Objectives

The SARIG Ad-Hoc Group (AHG) will focus on enhancing the intelligence function at all levels of search and rescue operations by developing tools, processes, and strategies to support decision-making and resource allocation. The AHG will draw from previous research and recommendations such as the Search Planning and Management Curriculum, NIMS Guidance on the Intelligence Function, 2010 Haiti Congressional Testimony, 2022 Israel US&R Trip Report, and 2025 Search Data Workshop.

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Strategic (Big Picture): Develop overarching strategy and policy guidance to the US&R Branch and the Federal SAR Geospatial Coordination Group (FSARGC). For example, define a consistent process for identifying which states or regions are most likely to require significant search and rescue support, based on disaster impact and resource availability.

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Tactical (Focused Areas): Develop processes to assist the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and Incident Support Team (IST) in determining which areas within a geographic area are likely to have the greatest search and rescue need, e.g., the highest concentration of damaged structures with potential survivors. This intelligence will directly inform tactical resource assignments and operational priorities. 

Task-Level (Specific Targets): Develop processes to support Task Forces in pinpointing specific areas, buildings, or areas within buildings most likely to have trapped survivors. This includes leveraging data such as unanswered 911 calls, field observations, imagery, sensors, open-source intelligence, and geospatial analysis to provide actionable intelligence for targeted search operations.

 

By addressing these objectives, the SARIG AHG aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of SAR operations at every level, ensuring timely, relevant, and trusted intelligence to save lives. 

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Deliverables:

The SARIG AHG will produce the following deliverables:

1 SAR Intelligence Group Definition: Define the functional requirements for the SARIG. The intelligence function, by nature, requires adaptation and scalability. This document will provide the core definition of SARIG, and some example configurations based on incident command size and complexity, and will reside in the US&R Operations Manual. The AHG will further outline proposed integration of products into the US&R Planning Cycle.

2 Written Process/Documentation: Develop comprehensive documentation for Strategic (US&R Branch/Federal SAR Coordination Group), Tactical (Agency Having Jurisdiction / IST), and Task-Level (Task Force) intelligence processes. These will be designed for eventual inclusion into the US&R Operations Manual to ensure consistency and standardization across the System. The processes will be technology agnostic, so they maintain relevancy and ensure compliance into the future.

3 Training Recommendations: Develop training recommendations for all existing positions to ensure System members are equipped to utilize SARIG tools and processes effectively, including the SAR Common Operating Platform (SARCOP). This will include recommended updates to existing training curricula and the identification of requirements across the entire training catalog for new training (if any). 

4 Interactive Geospatial Concept of Operations Job-Aid/Website: The US&R Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoConOps) will serve as a dynamic, user-friendly tool designed to enhance decision-making at both the Task Force and Incident Support Team (IST) levels. This resource will provide clear guidance on the integration of geospatial information into operational workflows including hazard specific methodology (e.g., earthquake vs flood). The GeoConOps will be updated to reference the latest research and technology while aligning with standard processes.

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Timeline:

The SARIG AHG will begin work in February 2026 and conclude by March 1st, 2027. Milestones will be established for each quarter to ensure steady progress:

Q1 2026: Establish AHG membership, finalize functional description, and begin initial research and process development. 

Q2 2026: Draft strategic, tactical, and task-level processes; begin development of geospatial job-aid/website framework.

Q3 2026: Refine processes and tools based on feedback; draft training recommendations.

Q4 2026: Finalize deliverables, conduct internal reviews, and prepare for implementation.

Q1 2027: Submit final deliverables and recommendations to the US&R Strategic Group for approval. NOTE: Any easy-to-implement procedures with significant impact on operations that are identified during the AHG’s work may be submitted as a recommendation for fast-track implementation.

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Membership Requirements:

Interested System personnel should have experience in geospatial analysis, disaster response intelligence, search management, structural analysis, or related fields. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, experience with search and rescue operations, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team. We will select a diverse group from across the System (e.g., Leadership, Search, Structures, Plans, etc.) and call upon leading subject matter experts in intelligence, geospatial intelligence, and State/Local SAR Operations.

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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. Submission of the application and letter of support must be completed by December 30, 2025. 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.

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.

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If you have any questions about this solicitation process, don't hesitate to contact the US&R Branch or the Advisory Group Chair, Keith Bevan at kbevan@unifiedfireut.gov.