A guiding principle of NIMS is flexibility. The ICS organization may be expanded easily from a very small size for routine operations to a larger organization capable of handling catastrophic events.

Standardization within ICS does NOT limit flexibility. ICS works for small, routine operations as well as catastrophic events.

Flexibility does NOT mean that the NIMS Management Characteristic Common Terminology is superseded. Flexibility is exercised only within the standard ICS organizational structure and position titles. Flexibility does not mean using non-standard organizational structures or position titles that would interfere with the NIMS Management Characteristics Common Terminology and Modular Organization.