Tab 5
NIMS - The Finance/Administration Section

Figure 5-A

A. TIME UNIT.

The Time Unit is primarily responsible for ensuring proper daily recording of personnel time, in accordance with the policies of the relevant agencies. The Time Unit also ensures that the Logistics Section records or captures equipment usage time, through the Ground Support Unit for ground equipment and through the Air Operations Support Group for aircraft.

If applicable (depending on the agencies involved), personnel time records will be collected and processed for each operational period. The unit leader may require the assistance of personnel familiar with the relevant policies of any affected agencies. These records must be verified, checked for accuracy, and posted according to existing policies. Excess hours worked must also be determined, for which separate logs must be maintained.

B. PROCUREMENT UNIT.

The Procurement Unit administers all financial matters pertaining to vendor contracts. This unit coordinates with local jurisdictions to identify sources for equipment, prepares and signs equipment rental agreements, and processes all administrative requirements associated with equipment rental and supply contracts.

Note that, in some agencies, the Supply Unit in the Logistics Section will be responsible for certain procurement activities. The Procurement Unit will also work closely with local cost authorities.

C. COMPENSATION AND CLAIMS UNIT.

Under ICS, a single unit handles injury compensation and claims. The specific activities are, of course, varied and may not always be accomplished by the same person. The individual handling injury compensation ensures that all forms required by workers’ compensation programs and local agencies are completed. This individual also maintains files on injuries and illnesses associated with the incident and ensures that all witness statements are obtained in writing. Since the Medical Unit may also perform certain of these tasks, close coordination between the Medical and Compensation and Claims Units is essential. The claims function handles investigations of all civil tort claims involving property associated with or involved in the incident. The Compensation and Claims Unit maintains logs on the claims, obtains witness statements, and documents investigations and agency follow-up requirements.

D. COST UNIT.

The Cost Unit provides cost analysis data for the incident. This unit must ensure that equipment and personnel for which payment is required are properly identified, obtain and record all cost data, and analyze and prepare estimates of incident costs. The Cost Unit also provides input on cost estimates for resource use to the Planning Section. The Cost Unit must maintain accurate information on the actual costs of all assigned resources.

<< Tab 4 - THE LOGISTICS SECTION
Tab 6 - ESTABLISHING AN AREA COMMAND >>