FEMA is never in command of an incident, so the FEMA incident-level structure is established within a Unified Coordination Group (UCG) that contains the same essential command and general staff elements typically found in a traditional ICS structure.

The IOF or JFO becomes FEMA’s “incident command post” where incident management takes place. The RRCC and NRCC provide incident support to the IOF or JFO, i.e., the FEMA incident level.