top of page
OPEN

US&R Solicitation for Strategic Airlift Ad Hoc Group 

This General Memorandum solicits members of the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System to participate in the newly established US&R Strategic Airlift Ad Hoc Group (AHG).

​

Strategic airlift remains a critical component of FEMA US&R deployment operations. As deployment requirements, aircraft platforms, hazardous goods regulations, and logistical coordination continue to evolve, there is a need to standardize airlift readiness, planning, and execution across the System.

​

The Logistics Functional Group recommended establishing a Strategic Airlift Ad Hoc Group to review current practices, identify gaps, develop recommendations, and establish standardized processes to support the rapid and efficient air deployment of US&R resources. Additionally, the group will assist in developing a cadre of subject-matter experts to support the FEMA US&R Branch during strategic airlift operations.

​

Purpose of the Ad Hoc Group

The Strategic Airlift Ad Hoc Group will:

  • Review and evaluate current airlift procedures and capabilities.

  • Develop recommendations for standardized airlift guidance, checklists, and best practices.

  • Evaluate training and exercise requirements related to airlift readiness.

  • Review lessons learned from deployments and exercises involving strategic airlift.

  • Provide recommendations to improve coordination between Task Forces, FEMA, and Aviation Transportation Support Services (ATSS) contractors.

  • Identify and develop personnel capable of supporting FEMA US&R Branch airlift operations during activations.

 

Requirements

Interested personnel should possess experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Strategic airlift operations.

  • Hazardous goods certification and compliance.

  • FEMA US&R Form 18-023 Commercial Weights and Measurements.

  • Air Response Module operations.

  • Logistics management during federal US&R deployments.

  • Aircraft loading, cargo preparation, or transportation planning.

 

Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively, participate in meetings, complete assigned work products, and have support from their Task Force leadership.

​

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 September 18, 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.

​

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 regarding technical issues related to this strategic airlift initiative, please contact Scott Schermerhorn at scott.schermerhorn@fairfaxcounty.gov. 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

Solicitation - Task Force Divisional Representative - West

This General Memorandum (GM) announces the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System (the System) solicitation for qualified System members interested in filling the Advisory Organization Task Force Representative – Divisional (TFR-D) for the Western Division. This vacancy is the result of the retirement of Pat Costamagna.

 

The solicitation will remain open through COB September 21, 2026.

 

The TFR-D serves an important role within the National US&R Advisory Organization, representing the interests of the task forces within the Western Division and supporting coordination between the Division, Task Force Representative – National (TFR-N), Strategic Group, US&R Branch, and other elements of the Advisory Organization.

 

Service in an Advisory Organization position requires a significant commitment by the selected member and support from the member’s task force, Sponsoring Agency, or Participating Agency, as applicable. Meeting attendance and active participation are required. Funding support through the US&R Readiness Cooperative Agreement may be available, subject to the availability of funds and the annual budget process.

 

Eligibility

 

In accordance with Annex A, System members interested in filling the Western Division TFR-D vacancy must be a current Task Force Representative (TFR) from a Western Division task force and meet the applicable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) established for the position.

 

Interested members should review the current TFR-D position requirements and KSAs before applying.

 

Application Requirements

 

Any qualified member wishing to be considered for appointment shall submit a complete Advisory Organization application package consisting of:

 

  • A completed Advisory Organization Application, including position-related System experience, with all required signatures.

  • A Letter of Support, with all required signatures from the applicant’s Task Force Representative, Sponsoring Agency Chief, and/or Participating Agency Chief, if applicable.

 

All applicants must use the current application and Letter of Support provided with this solicitation or available on the Response System Organization (RSO) website. Substituted, locally developed, or previous versions of the required forms will not be accepted.

 

Completed application packages must be submitted electronically no later than COB September 21, 2026.

 

Submission Process

 

Applicants shall:

  • Access the current solicitation and required forms through the RSO website at responsesystem.org – Advisory Solicitation.

  • Download the current:

    • TFR-D position information and applicable KSAs;

    • Advisory Organization Application; and

    • Letter of Support.

  • Complete all forms in their entirety and obtain all required signatures.

  • Scan and name the completed documents using the applicant’s name and division, for example: Nakama-Western TFR-D.

  • Use the Advisory Organization Member Application Submission Link provided on the RSO website to enter the required member information and upload the complete application package.

  • Retain the submitted documents and confirmation email for their records.

 

Applicants should receive an email confirming receipt of their submission at the email address provided on the submission form.

 

Following the close of the solicitation, complete application packages will be reviewed by the Task Force Representative – National (TFR-N) to verify that applicants meet the minimum qualifications and position requirements for the Western Division TFR-D.

 

Selection consideration will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated ability to meet the KSAs and expectations established for the TFR-D position and the needs of the National US&R Response System.

 

Additional information regarding the solicitation, required forms, and submission process is available through the RSO website under Advisory Solicitation.

 

Questions regarding the Western Division TFR-D solicitation process should be directed to the Task Force Representative – National, Joe Downey, Joseph.Downey@fdny.nyc.gov.  For submission issues contact Keith Bevan at kbevan@responsesystem.org.

bottom of page