In the past year, the ICS Forms Sub-Group of the Incident Management Working Group within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) has been working diligently to update the Incident Command System (ICS) Forms. This process has been underway to ensure the forms are more reflective of the all-hazard nature of ICS, and to fit within the current NIMS programs and policy managed through FEMA. The updated versions of these forms have also undergone an initial ICS exercise test using experienced all-hazard incident management personnel.

The next step in the evolution of the forms is a 45-day review period to allow you and/or your organization, agency, or jurisdiction to provide constructive comments and feedback to the NIMS Incident Management Working Group as a stakeholder with a vested interest in the final outcome of the forms. This is a preliminary review for Stakeholders, and is separate from a public review that will occur later in the process.

FEMA appreciates your willingness to participate in this Stakeholder Review process. Your input will be invaluable in developing a ICS Forms that provides standardization across the broad spectrum of incidents and events they are designed for, while providing the flexibility needed for unique situations.

The goal of NIMS is to have a consistent nationwide approach to incident management, including the revised ICS Forms. To that end, these forms are designed to include the "essential data elements" for the ICS processes they address. Formatting and layout on some of the forms has been designed to facilitate ICS processes, although that is not always the case. In most cases, comments on substance and on the information elements themselves will be most helpful, as most formatting issues will be fixed in final technical editing.

The ICS Forms are intended for use as tools to support the implementation of the Incident Command System by on-scene incident management personnel. This support includes the creation of Incident Action Plans (IAPs), and documentation and support of on-scene ICS processes and activities. Personnel using the forms should have a basic understanding of NIMS, including ICS, through training and/or experience to ensure they can effectively use and understand these forms. Commenters may find that the forms are "new" versions of old forms, and that due to some changes to meet more diverse needs, it will be very helpful to read the form instructions. Commenters should also read the section, ICS Form Adaptation, prior to commenting on utilizing the ICS Forms during unique incident or event scenarios. Stakeholders are welcome to test the forms on incidents during the review period, and to submit those findings as well.

During the review process it is important to note that these ICS Forms are designed for use by on-scene incident management personnel working within ICS. They are not targeted for use in Area Command, or for use in Emergency Operations Centers or other Multi-Agency Coordination Systems applications or elements. Comments on the forms should be submitted with the focus on incident level use in mind.

Final format and release of the ICS Forms has not yet been determined, but the forms will be released in Adobe PDF at a minimum. Jurisdictions and disciplines will be encouraged to use the ICS forms once they are finalized as part of the ICS process within the NIMS. At this time, there are no plans to release the ICS Forms as any sort of electronic database, software, or online application. Disciplines and jurisdictions may choose to utilize electronic programs for these forms once they are released in final form.