Coordination Group – 2026 Member Solicitation
This General Memorandum (GM) announces the 2026 System-wide solicitation for positions within the newly established National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System Coordination Group. The solicitation follows publication of the revised US&R Administration Manual, Annex A – Coordination Group Framework, and begins the transition from the current Advisory Organization to the new Coordination Group Framework.
All current Advisory Organization appointments will end on December 31, 2026. Existing Advisory Organization positions and terms will not be carried forward into the new framework. Members interested in serving within the Coordination Group, including current Advisory Organization members, must apply for a position under the revised Annex A. Individuals selected will receive a new appointment and begin a new term when the Coordination Group becomes effective January 1, 2027.
The solicitation will be conducted in phases to allow Division Chiefs to be selected first and then participate, as applicable, in the review and selection of members assigned within their respective Divisions. Current Advisory Organization members are encouraged to apply so the System can retain experience and institutional knowledge while establishing the new structure.
Solicitation Timeline
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October 1, 2026 – GM issued and System-wide solicitation opens for Division Chiefs, Workgroups, and all Coordination Group positions.
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October 15, 2026 – Division Chief solicitation closes at the close of business.
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October 23, 2026 – Division Chief appointments announced by General Memorandum.
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October 30, 2026 – Solicitation for remaining Workgroups and all other Coordination Group positions closes at the close of business.
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December 15, 2026 – All Coordination Group selection and appointment processes completed and announced no later than this date.
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December 31, 2026 – All current Advisory Organization appointments and terms end.
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January 1, 2027 – New Annex A Coordination Group membership and appointments become effective.
System members and subject matter experts interested in a Coordination Group position should review the applicable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) and the position requirements identified in Annex A before applying.
Application Package Requirements
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Applicants must submit a complete application package in accordance with the solicitation instructions. Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.
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Completed US&R Coordination Group application identifying the position(s) for which the member is applying and documenting pertinent System experience and training.
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Required Task Force, Sponsoring Agency, Participating Agency, or other organizational support and signatures, as applicable to the position and applicant.
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Electronic submission through the process identified with the solicitation announcement no later than the applicable closing date.
Following the applicable closing date, complete application packages will be reviewed and processed in accordance with US&R Administration Manual, Annex A – Coordination Group. Selection will be based on the requirements of the position, applicable KSAs, System experience, and the appointment process established within Annex A.
The phased solicitation and staggered appointment process is intended to maintain continuity while the current Advisory Organization completes its work through December 31, 2026. Ongoing projects, assignments, and System initiatives will transition to the appropriate Division, Workgroup, or Coordination Group function as the new framework is implemented.
Information on the application, KSAs, workgroup core competencies, submission instructions, and supporting Coordination Group information are provided within this solicitation announcement and are located on responsesystem.org. Questions regarding the process should be directed through the appropriate TFR-D, or U&SR Coordination Group Chair (responsesystem.org/solicitations).