12:00:59 PM Avagene Moore:On behalf of the EIIP, welcome to the Virtual Forum Panel Discussion! ... 12:01:29 PM Avagene Moore:For those of you who have not been with us for a couple of weeks, please ... 12:01:41 PM Avagene Moore:PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION. ... 12:01:52 PM Avagene Moore:Because of unexpected changes made to our software, we are having an UNMODERATED session today. That means, whatever you type in the message area can be seen by EVERYBODY, so we ask for your cooperation. ... 12:02:04 PM Avagene Moore:Please hold all questions and comments until we get to the Q&A portion of the program. ... 12:02:20 PM Avagene Moore:Your questions and comments will go directly to the chat window, NOT through the moderator. So you can see the problem we could have with several questions being submitted at once. ... 12:02:31 PM Avagene Moore:We ask that you indicate that you have a question by typing just a question mark (?). ... 12:02:41 PM Avagene Moore:Then you can prepare your question, but PLEASE HOLD your question until you are recognized. With your cooperation, we can have an orderly session. ... 12:02:55 PM Avagene Moore:One other warning --- if you are logged in using Full Java Option, do not touch the load page! Minimizing or changing pages will close your chat window. ... 12:03:05 PM Avagene Moore:And now --- we are pleased to introduce our guests today ... 12:03:16 PM Avagene Moore:Kay C. Goss, Associate Director, Preparedness, Training and Exercise Directorate, FEMA Headquarters ... 12:03:29 PM Avagene Moore:Robert P. Fletcher, Jr., Director, State and Local Preparedness Division, Preparedness, Training and Exercise Directorate, FEMA Headquarters ... 12:03:40 PM Avagene Moore:James Opoka, Program Specialist, State and Local Assistance Branch, FEMA Region V PT&E ... 12:04:01 PM Avagene Moore:Chris Coudriet, Natural Hazards Planning, North Carolina Division of Emergency Preparedness ... 12:04:10 PM Avagene Moore:Thank you for being here today --- we are very happy to have you in the Virtual Forum. ... 12:04:28 PM Avagene Moore:We will start our discussion by calling on each of our panelist in the order they were introduced. We will start with Kay C. Goss, CEM, FEMA PT&E Associate Director ... 12:04:37 PM Avagene Moore:Kay, will you please give us an overview of the Capability Assessment for Readiness (CAR)? 12:04:55 PM Kay C Goss:I am Kay C. Goss, FEMA's Associate Director for the Preparedness, Training and Exercises Directorate and it is a pleasure for me to participate with you today . . . 12:05:17 PM Kay C Goss:in this live chat session on the Capability Assessment for Readiness or the "CAR process", a new national process that provides public accountability in the emergency management system. 12:05:43 PM Kay C Goss:The CAR is a process developed and successfully implemented within each State and Territory during Fiscal Year 1997. It is a joint FEMA and NEMA endeavor. It assesses operational readiness and capabilities of the Federal/State emergency management partnership . . . 12:06:06 PM Kay C Goss:and focuses on the identification of areas requiring improvements to strengthen States' emergency management programs. 12:06:28 PM Kay C Goss:and focuses on the identification of areas requiring improvements to strengthen States' emergency management programs. 12:06:49 PM Kay C Goss:These standards will allow emergency managers throughout the United States to build disaster resistant communities by establishing risk-based emergency management programs that will target the specific threats and hazards in their communities. 12:07:13 PM Kay C Goss:I would now like to introduce Bob Fletcher, my Division Chief for State and Local Preparedness. Bob's Division developed and implemented the CAR process. He is currently available to answer any questions or concerns regarding the CAR process. 12:07:27 PM Avagene Moore:Bob, what is the overall purpose of the CAR? 12:07:56 PM Robert Fletcher:Hello everyone. It's great to be here. 12:09:04 PM Robert Fletcher:The Capability Assessment for Readiness (CAR) was designed to facilitate the process of assessing the operational readiness and capabilities of the Federal/State emergency management partnership. 12:09:24 PM Robert Fletcher:In simple terms, it is a menu driven, comprehensive functional review of an organizations emergency management program 12:11:23 PM Robert Fletcher:It is intended to focus on strengths, basic capabilities, and areas needing improvement to strengthen a program. 12:11:53 PM Robert Fletcher:The assessment process and results assist in establishing priorities and analyzing program performance to improve the quality of emergency management programs. 12:12:21 PM Robert Fletcher:In addition, for States and FEMA Regions, the results will be linked the Performance Partnership Agreement (PPA) and the FY 1998 Cooperative Agreement with FEMA. 12:12:25 PM Avagene Moore:Bob, what are the emergency management categories assessed as part of the CAR? 12:12:34 PM Charles B Arnold:Some states have asked about a local CAR because for the state to send an evaluation to FEMA, they need to provide a means for the locals to evaluate themselves over time. 12:13:27 PM Robert Fletcher:The CAR process examines operational readiness and capabilities of the Federal/State emergency management partnership to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. 12:13:48 PM Robert Fletcher:It focuses on the following 13 emergency management functions or program elements: 12:14:20 PM Robert Fletcher:1. Laws and Authorities 12:14:57 PM Robert Fletcher:2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 12:15:36 PM Robert Fletcher:3. Hazard Management 12:15:43 PM Robert Fletcher:4. Resource Management 12:15:47 PM Robert Fletcher:5. Planning 12:16:00 PM Robert Fletcher:6. Direction Control and Coordination 12:16:09 PM Robert Fletcher:7. Communications and Warning 12:16:17 PM Robert Fletcher:8. Operations and Procedures 12:16:27 PM Robert Fletcher:9, Logistics and Facilities 12:16:35 PM Robert Fletcher:10. Training 12:16:39 PM Robert Fletcher:11. Exercises 12:16:48 PM Robert Fletcher:12. Public Education and Information 12:17:01 PM Robert Fletcher:13. Finance and Administration 12:17:52 PM Robert Fletcher:As you can see, they are generally recognized management functions. 12:17:54 PM Avagene Moore:Bob, how do the states benefit from the CAR? (Reminder to audience: hold questions and comments until they are requested, please.) 12:18:17 PM Robert Fletcher:In performing a self-assessment, a State determines baseline information for use in program analysis and strategic planning. 12:18:30 PM Robert Fletcher:States may also use the results of their self-assessments to inform their citizens and legislatures about the effectiveness or shortfalls of their emergency management programs. 12:18:44 PM Robert Fletcher:The assessments additionally allow the States to compare their emergency management programs with those of other States nationally in order to determine their relationship to the national total. 12:19:08 PM Robert Fletcher:The real value of the CAR is in the face- to-face exchange between the State and the FEMA Region about joint expectations for the Federal-State partnership - creating and building upon a shared vision for the emergency management enterprise. 12:19:16 PM Avagene Moore:What do you feel the future has in store for the CAR? 12:19:45 PM Robert Fletcher:Hopefully, this partnership initiative will evolve quickly into emergency management standards. 12:20:02 PM Robert Fletcher:The National Fire Protection Association Technical Committee on Disaster Management (NFPA) has incorporated the 13 emergency program elements into the current draft of NFPA 1600 Standard for Disaster Management 12:20:25 PM Robert Fletcher:Also, NEMA is currently investigating the feasibility of accreditation of State Emergency Management organizations based upon review of successful accreditation programs in other related fields such as fire and law enforcement. 12:20:41 PM Robert Fletcher:A vision for us all is the creation of a process for setting high standards for the emergency management profession 12:20:58 PM Robert Fletcher:and a means for validating that those high standards are being met and maintained. - Quite a challenge for any profession. 12:21:12 PM Avagene Moore:Thanks, Bob. And now a couple of questions for James Opoka, Region V.... 12:21:22 PM Avagene Moore:James, tell us about the Region V experience with the CAR to date? 12:22:54 PM Avagene Moore:James, are you online? James was having problems a little earlier. 12:23:19 PM Avagene Moore:We will move to Chris and come back later to James..... 12:23:32 PM Avagene Moore:Chris, the CAR was developed as an assessment tool for the States; however, NC is extending the concept to the local level. What approach are you taking to accomplish this? 12:24:04 PM Chris Coudriet:As early as last Spring, the Division began exploring the possibility of modifying the CAR, which we conducted with FEMA in May 1997, for delivery at the local government level . . . 12:24:22 PM Chris Coudriet:The responsibility for developing the tool used at the local level was given to the Planning Support Branch, which is part of the Information and Planning Section . . . 12:24:36 PM Chris Coudriet:To assist the branch with the development of the local government tool, the Division hired the services of a contractor to facilitate the development process . . . 12:24:51 PM Chris Coudriet:An ad hoc committee made up of the contractor, Division staff, and county emergency management coordinators began modifying the CAR and created the Emergency Management System Capability Assessment (EMSCA) . . . 12:25:09 PM Chris Coudriet:EMSCA is based on the concept that emergency management is not vested in a single agency, that in fact multiple agencies within local government have responsibilities that relate to emergency management . . . 12:25:25 PM Chris Coudriet:Efficiency ratings are assigned to various components of the emergency management system. 12:26:02 PM Avagene Moore:Where are you in the process? 12:26:14 PM Chris Coudriet:Last Fall EMSCA was beta tested in several counties, and the recommendations from the beta tests are being worked into the new and perhaps official version of EMSCA . . . 12:26:31 PM Chris Coudriet:We hope to begin full deployment of EMSCA to the field before the end of the state's fiscal year. . . 12:26:50 PM Chris Coudriet:Delivery of EMSCA will most likely fall upon the shoulders of the Division's three branch offices and the fifteen area coordinators that work daily with the local emergency management programs in the state. 12:26:59 PM Avagene Moore:What reaction are you getting from local emergency managers? 12:27:13 PM Chris Coudriet:In the planning phase, most members of committee felt EMSCA may be a tough sale at the local level; people rarely feel comfortable in being judged or rated . . . 12:27:31 PM Chris Coudriet:To ensure major road blocks were not encountered, everyone realized that EMSCA could not be built around a "punitive" concept . . . 12:27:49 PM Chris Coudriet:Instead, EMSCA should point out areas of concern or weakness and offer solutions to strengthen those areas . . . 12:28:03 PM Chris Coudriet:With that understood within the planning committee the sale has been much easier; little resistant has surfaced at the local level . . . 12:28:19 PM Chris Coudriet:I believe most county emergency management coordinators recognize EMSCA is a process for improving local programs and building professionalism. 12:28:38 PM Avagene Moore:Thanks, Chris. We will try James again. James, tell us about the Region V experience with the CAR to date? 12:29:04 PM james opoka:CAR was basically well received in Region V... Our FEMA CAR team visited each state to help facilitate the assessments... This approach assured consistency and credibility in the completion of the CAR... We are working with several states to develop a local CAR instrument... Each state had a somewhat differnt take on the approach. 12:29:25 PM Avagene Moore:What type of reaction are you getting from the states? 12:31:21 PM Avagene Moore:I am not sure James is still with us. He has been bumped several times. Would someone from FEMA like to give a brief statement about reaction from states? 12:31:52 PM Avagene Moore:Bob, do you have a feel for that? 12:32:27 PM Robert Fletcher:I'll give it a try although I feel uncomfortable speaking for States on this matter 12:32:44 PM Avagene Moore:Please give us your impression. 12:33:00 PM Keven Clouse:Why don't you ask the states? 12:33:19 PM Robert Fletcher:I think what FEMA Region V is doing in collaborating with the States to tailor the process to the needs of each individual State is the right approach. 12:33:32 PM Avagene Moore:Thanks, Bob. 12:33:37 PM Avagene Moore:Thank you, panelists. We will now open the floor for questions --- reminder .... 12:33:43 PM Janice Rogala:What is the Cost of the planning and implementation of this program at both the State and FEMA level and What are the Benefit Cost expectations? 12:33:46 PM Keith Bea:? 12:33:54 PM Avagene Moore:Just a moment, Janice. 12:33:59 PM Avagene Moore:We ask that you indicate that you have a question by typing just a question mark (?). ... 12:34:11 PM Avagene Moore:Prepare your question, but PLEASE HOLD your question until you are recognized. 12:34:21 PM Avagene Moore:Janice? 12:34:38 PM Janice Rogala:? 12:34:51 PM Avagene Moore:Janice, please ask your question. 12:35:13 PM Janice Rogala:Again what is the cost of this program and the benefit cost expectation? 12:35:37 PM David King:? 12:35:53 PM Robert Fletcher:I'll take a stab at that. 12:36:27 PM Robert Fletcher:In terms of development of the process and the instrument itself, which includes hardcopy and software 12:36:29 PM Keven Clouse:? 12:36:49 PM Robert Fletcher:we have spent somewhat less than a million dollars. 12:37:18 PM Avagene Moore:Keith Bea, your question. 12:37:21 PM Keith Bea:Can we link CAR to benchmarking and performance planning? FEMA's FY99 Performance Plan does. What about states like Minnesota and Florida that mandate state agencies prepare such plans or benchmarking studies? Bob, or anyone else, is anyone aware of state activities to link CAR with performance results? 12:37:43 PM Robert Fletcher:In terms of personnel cost , we have four FEMA planners dedicated full time . 12:38:25 PM Robert Fletcher:There has been input from more than 300 people both inside of FEMA and at State and local government level. 12:38:56 PM Avagene Moore:Next, David King. 12:38:59 PM David King:Robert said it will quickly evolve into EM standards, doesn't that mean funding flow downwards will soon be controlled by compliance with these standards? 12:39:03 PM hoss:could you please define CAR? 12:39:17 PM Robert Fletcher:We have tried to incorporate the views of all of our partners in defining the parameters of a successful emergency management program. 12:39:47 PM David King:But, aren't you setting up standards we'll have to comply with to get funding in the future? 12:40:16 PM Chuck Hagan:? 12:40:39 PM Robert Fletcher:If I may, in terms of benefit cost ratio, the benefits will be derived from the program improvements and savings in lives, and property protected. 12:41:23 PM David King:So states/localities with good programs get more funding for ranking high in CAR, and those needing help go dry? 12:41:26 PM Robert Fletcher:In reply to David King, standards setting is a complicated issue. 12:41:53 PM Daniel Lee:? 12:42:17 PM Robert Fletcher:Normally the Federal Government does not set standards in isolation but adopts standards which are embraced by State and local government ortanizations. 12:43:08 PM Avagene Moore:Kevin Clouse, your question, please. 12:43:11 PM Robert Fletcher:In the case of the CAR, NEMA and FEMA are seeking to develop standards which we mutually agree are appropriate and reasonable for public safety. 12:44:52 PM Robert Fletcher:With respect to funding, the CAR has not been linked directly to funding. 12:45:05 PM Keven Clouse:We are working on incorporating the CAR at the county level here in OH. One of the things we're struggling with is the grading criteria. We understand the FEMA is designing new criteria. When will it be availible? 12:45:55 PM Kevin Farrell:? 12:46:03 PM Robert Fletcher:However, States have discussed linking capability assessment to funding for their counties and FEMA certainly must consider the results of the State assessment in formulating future budgets and in strategic planning. 12:46:13 PM Keven Clouse:criteria aka grading scale.... 12:47:03 PM Avagene Moore:Chuck Hagan, you had a question. 12:47:07 PM Chuck Hagan:Are the capabilities, plans & planning activities, mitigation, training programs and resources of non- government agencies (VolAg & B&I) a factor in the CAR process? 12:47:18 PM Robert Fletcher:We broadend the rating scale from three to five elements, plus n/a to allow more flexibility in the assessment process. 12:48:17 PM Robert Fletcher:Volunteer Agencies and their resources are covered. 12:48:36 PM Avagene Moore:Next, Daniel Lee. 12:48:43 PM Robert Fletcher:However, we rely on the States to assess those capabilities. 12:48:43 PM Janice Rogala:? 12:49:08 PM Keven Clouse:? 12:50:05 PM Avagene Moore:Is Daniel with us? Kevin Farrell. 12:50:12 PM Kevin Farrell:You've discussed the relationship between FEMA and the state and locals... How does FEMA relate to other fed agencies and with DoD with this process? 12:51:04 PM Daniel Lee:Regarding the development of local capability assessment tools...Will FEMA be providing the states with a prototype or som form of development guidance? We feel it is important to incorporate the local perspective but do not whant to move forward if a standardized approach is already being developed at the federal level. 12:51:27 PM Robert Fletcher:We have not included other Federal agencies at the national level yet... 12:52:06 PM Isabel McCurdy:? 12:52:14 PM Avagene Moore:(Bob, when you are finished with Kevin's question, please address Mr. Lee's.) 12:52:56 PM Robert Fletcher:For Daniel Lee, we have agreed to work with NEMA in the development of a local instrument... 12:53:26 PM Robert Fletcher:NEMA will invite local emergency management participation in the development process... 12:54:23 PM Daniel Lee:Bob, do you have a tentative time table for this collaborative effort to be complete? 12:54:34 PM Robert Fletcher:NEMA has the lead for the development of any local instrument... 12:54:54 PM Megan McCloskey:? 12:55:34 PM Robert Fletcher:We will be working on refinement of the State CAR this year and will support NEMA on their schedule as it develops... 12:57:30 PM Daniel Lee:Who in NEMA is taking the lead on this? Any idea? 12:58:15 PM Avagene Moore:Panelists and audience --- we still have 3 or 4 unanswered questions but are out of time in the EIIP Panel Room.....Thanks to our speakers and to you, the audience...... 12:58:24 PM Janice Rogala:Will IAEM Have an opportunity to Work with FEMA/NEMA in development of a local instrument and will PNP's be asked to join the planning effort? 12:58:31 PM Avagene Moore:We trust this discussion has been informative and beneficial. .... 12:58:36 PM Beth Armstrong:? 12:58:39 PM Daniel Lee:Thank you Bob and Avagene 12:58:44 PM Avagene Moore:Please join us in the EIIP Virtual Forum for a few minutes..... 12:58:58 PM Avagene Moore:If our speakers can stay for a few minutes, you can speak with them and ask another question or two..... 12:58:59 PM Robert Fletcher:Carl Bradford, State Director for West Virginia has been the NEMA lead... 12:59:42 PM Avagene Moore:Bob, don't mean to cut you off but our time is up. Because of the delay, I was afraid you had been bumped. 12:59:49 PM Avagene Moore:Let's move to the Virtual Forum. 01:00:09 PM Chip Hines:Great Job! An informative session...Thanks 01:00:10 PM Avagene Moore:Thanks to Kay, Bob, Jim and Chris.