UNCLASSIFIED (U)

6 FAM 400
DOMESTIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

6 FAM 410

DOMESTIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

(CT:GS-254;   09-27-2024)
(Office of Origin:  A/OEM)

6 FAM 411  Purpose

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

a. The intent of the Department’s Domestic Emergency Management Program is to ensure the Department is prepared to respond and recover from incidents and events affecting its ability to accomplish its domestic mission.  The program consists of:

·         Continuity Programs

·         Emergency Action Plans

·         Training and Exercises

·         Coordinating Department Response and Recovery Operations

·         Supporting national level crisis

·         National Security Council action

·         Emergency Notification Systems

b. The Domestic Emergency Management Program coordinates and integrates the development, management, and dissemination of domestic emergency policies, standards, plans, guidelines and capabilities.

6 FAM 412  Authorities

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

A/OEM derives its authorities from various Federal laws, CFR’s, Executive Orders, Federal Continuity Directives, Presidential Policy Directives, Homeland Security Policy Directives, and National Security Presidential Memorandums.  For a complete list please see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights - Authorities.

6 FAM 413  POLICY

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

In accordance with Federal guidelines, Department leadership:

(1)  Will provide necessary resources to plan, prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies in support of Domestic Emergency Management Program;

(2)  Will ensure the continuity of Department Primary Mission Essential Functions and Mission Essential Functions in support of National Essential Functions ensuring our enduring constitutional government responsibilities during all hazards, emergencies, or other events that may disrupt normal operations, to include those that impact national security;

(3)  Will encourage personnel to foster preparedness as a shared responsibility;

(4)  As required, will comply with standards reflected in Federal Directives and guidance; and

(5)  Maintain and ensure response activities are managed at the appropriate organizational level and supported by headquarter resources whenever necessary.

6 FAM 414  Applicability, Standards, and Scope

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

a. Unless otherwise noted, 6 FAM applies to all personnel working at domestic Department of State facilities.  The Domestic Emergency Management Program spans the continuum of preparedness by focusing on planning, prevention, response, and recovery in emergencies.

b. The Department’s domestic emergency management program complies with appropriate Federal standards and guidelines.

6 FAM 415  DEPARTMENT-LEVEL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

6 FAM 415.1  Domestic Emergency Management Program Coordinating Partners

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

Coordinating partners are stakeholders who support the implementation of the domestic emergency management program.  To view a complete list, see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights – Domestic Emergency Management Program Coordinating Partners.

6 FAM 415.2  Bureau of Administration (A)

(CT:GS-233;   06-28-2021)

The Assistant Secretary for Administration (A) oversees A/OEM and is responsible for ensuring the Department is prepared to respond to and recover from any domestic emergency.  (See also 1 FAM 210.)  Additional A responsibilities include:

(1)  Serving as the Department’s Continuity Coordinator as directed by Presidential Policy Directive 40, National Continuity Policy (PPD-40);

(2)  Ensuring the effectiveness and survivability of the Department’s continuity capability;

(3)  Overseeing the Department’s preparedness to respond to and recover from any domestic emergency;

(4)  Overseeing the Department’s roles and responsibilities in supporting domestic incidents as required in the National Response Framework;

(5)  Serving on Executive Office of the Interagency Policy Coordinating Committees (PCCs) when directed; and

(6) Ensuring required subject matter expertise and assistance is provided to Department entities in completing necessary preparedness, training, and exercises.

6 FAM 416  Bureau-LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

Bureau-level responsibilities reside with bureau leadership that have authorities either inherent to the position or delegated by higher leadership.

6 FAM 416.1  Assistant Secretaries

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

The A Bureau Assistant Secretary in consultation with U/S M will determine the level of support necessary.  Bureau Assistant Secretaries or designees should be prepared to support by:

(1)  Ensuring bureau personnel with subject matter expertise are available to support domestic crisis management on the various teams (ex:  emergency relocation groups, incident management team, bureau emergency action team) and that rosters are validated.  This includes, when necessary, supporting national level domestic crisis where DOS is addressing the international aspects of a federal government response.  For more information on bureau personnel responsibilities, see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights – Bureau Level Responsibilities;

(2)  Ensuring and receiving bureau personnel accountability during domestic emergencies, and when appropriate and in consultation with U/S M, can request that personnel telework or relocate due to life/safety concerns;

(3)  Participating in the appropriate team (i.e., emergency relocation groups or bureau emergency action team) orientation training and exercises; and

(4)  Establishing a bureau emergency action committee, to include a chairperson as indicated in the Bureau Emergency Action Plan.

6 FAM 416.2  Executive Directors

(CT:GS-243;   04-06-2023)

a. Bureau executive directors or designees are responsible for ensuring that bureau emergency and continuity plans are available to all bureau/office personnel; emergency relocation group members are designated in writing and trained in accordance with policy; and that revised or updated plans are submitted to A/OEM.  Specifically, ensure that the Bureau Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) is certified and trained annually.  A/OEM coordinates with executive directors to guide the planning process and provide training as necessary.  To see a full list of executive director responsibilities, see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights – Bureau Level Responsibilities.

b. Bureau executive directors are responsible for maintaining accurate and complete personnel data in the Safety and Accountability for Everyone (SAFE) system by implementing the following:

(1)  Systematically review personnel lists from SAFE to ensure it matches bureau and office records (at least annually);

(2)  Include SAFE enrollment/removal as an essential task in on-boarding and out-processing procedures; and

(3)  Follow-up with employees who have provided incomplete contact information on their SAFE profile.

c.  Additionally, all executive directors plus one or two additional bureau staff must have SAFE Elevated User access and complete the required training.

6 FAM 416.3  Facility-Level Responsibilities

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

Facility-level responsibilities reside with key leadership within that have authorities either inherit to the position or delegated by higher leadership.  For more information, see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights – Facility Level Responsibilities.

6 FAM 416.4  Designated Official (DO)

(CT:GS-249;   12-07-2023)

a. Per GSA directives established in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 102–71.20 for Federal Government-owned or -leased facilities, the DO is the highest-ranking official from the federal department or agency occupying the largest amount of rentable space in a facility with multiple federal tenants.  In a facility where the Department is the largest or single federal tenant, the DO is the highest-ranking official from the bureau or office having the largest personnel count.  While the highest-ranking official is normally selected as the DO, facility tenant organizations may select, by mutual agreement, someone other than that person to be the DO.

b. In accordance with 41 CFR 102–71.230, the DO must establish an occupant emergency program at their facility that includes the equities of all tenants in Federal spaces at their facility.  To fulfill this responsibility, the DO must:

(1) Understand their role and requirements by annually completing DO 101 training in the Domestic Emergency Planning System (DEPS);

(2) Develop, implement, and maintain an Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP) in DEPS, certifying it annually;

(3)  Establish, staff, and train an Occupant Emergency Organization (OEO) with Department personnel;

(4)  Establish and chair a Facility Security Committee (FSC) in locations with more than one federal tenant agency;

(5)  Initiate action in accordance with the OEP to evacuate or relocate occupants when there is immediate danger to occupants or property;

(6)  Assist in the development of individual preparedness plans and other actions in support of personnel with access and functional needs;

(7)  Ensure facility occupants participate in at least one fire drill per year; and

(8)  Communicate with the EMC regarding any domestic emergency that affects the facility, its operations, or personnel.  The EMC can be reached via email (OEM-EMC@state.gov) or by calling the EMC at 202-647-1853 between 6:00 a.m. ET and 6:00 p.m. ET.  For urgent security-related matters, the DO should contact the 24/7 Diplomatic Security Control Center at 202-647-9111 (for HST or SA-05 only) or call 911.

6 FAM 416.5  Senior Department Representative (SDR)

(CT:GS-249;   12-07-2023)

a. Per 41 CFR 102-74.235, all occupant agencies of a federally leased or owned facility must fully cooperate with the primary occupant agency DO in the implementation of emergency plans and staffing of the emergency organization.  In federal facilities where the Department is NOT the primary occupant agency, the senior Department employee from the largest bureau or office is designated the Senior Department Representative (SDR) and is assigned the responsibility of this interface with the facility DO.

b. Additionally, as the senior Department employee on site, the SDR is responsible for ensuring the Department is doing its due diligence to keep Department personnel safe before, during, and after emergencies SDRs to include:

(1)  Understand their role and requirements by annually completing SDR Overview training in the Domestic Emergency Planning System (DEPS);

(2)  Establish and maintain a relationship with the facility’s DO and actively participate in occupant emergency planning efforts to ensure Department equities are considered in the facility’s OEP;

(3)  Serve as the Department of State’s representative on the Facility Security Committee (FSC);

(4)  Ensure all Department personnel have access to the facility OEP and preparedness activities and participate in an annual fire drills;

(5)  Maintain their facility overview in the Domestic Emergency Planning System (DEPS), validating it annually between May 1 and June 30;

(6)  Participate in staffing the Occupant Emergency Organization (OEO) which may include floor wardens, assembly point coordinators, or other positions deemed necessary to ensure safety and accountability during evacuation;

(7)  Report ongoing incidents or emergency actions affecting Department personnel at their location to bureau, office, and Department leadership, as applicable;

(8)  Assist in the development of individual preparedness plans and other actions in support of Department personnel with access and functional needs; and

(9)  Coordinate with their bureau and A/OEM to pass the role of SDR to the appropriate successor, once no longer assigned to the facility.

6 FAM 417  PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

A/OEM is responsible for the administration of the Department’s Domestic Emergency Management Program with the exception of law enforcement/security responsibilities which are under the purview of Diplomatic Security.  To see A/OEM program administration responsibilities, see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights – Program Administration.

6 FAM 417.1  Office of Emergency Management Badges and Credentials

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

As indicated in Public Law 110-53, it may be necessary for A/OEM and Department liaison officers to gain access to Department facilities in an impacted area, Federal/State Emergency Operations Centers, or at an interagency incident management location.  As such, the DOS A/OEM badges and credentials shall be provided only to DOS personnel for the sole purpose of identifying the bearer as a DOS A/OEM emergency responder while performing official DOS A/OEM emergency responder duties during incidents and disasters.  For the referenced law, see OEM website under Useful Links – FAM Highlights – Authorities.

6 FAM 417.2  Director, Office of Emergency Management (A/OEM)

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

The Director, A/OEM, is responsible for the Domestic Emergency Management Program to include:

(1)  Ensuring that domestic Department personnel are appropriately informed and trained to respond and assist in recovery from an emergency at any DOS domestic facility;

(2)  Coordinating domestic emergency management and continuity activities throughout the Department;

(3)  Serve as the Department’s Continuity Manager;

(4)  Supporting the Department’s Continuity Coordinator – the Assistant Secretary for Administration; and

(5)  Ensuring resources to support bureaus and facilitate domestic emergency management activities to include having physical venues, subject-matter experts, (ex: Emergency Management Center (EMC), alternate locations, etc.) and equipment.

6 FAM 417.3  Diplomatic Continuity Programs Division

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

The Department’s Classified and Unclassified Continuity Programs are managed by the Office of Emergency Management’s Diplomatic Continuity Programs Division (A/OEM/DCP).  These programs enable the Secretary of State and the Department of State to conduct the Department’s Primary Mission Essential Functions (PMEFs) and Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) under all threats and conditions, allowing the Department to survive, respond and reconstitute under a spectrum of emergencies as directed by the President or the Secretary.

6 FAM 417.3-1  Continuity Programs

(CT:GS-226;   05-22-2020)

a. In accordance with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (PPD-40), National Continuity Policy, and Federal Continuity Directives 1 and 2, the Department of State is required to maintain comprehensive and effective continuity programs to ensure the continuous performance of the National Essential Functions (NEFs) and the Department’s PMEFs under all conditions.  Implementation guidance for the Department’s Continuity Program is provided by the Department’s Continuity Framework and associated program annexes.  

    These policies describe the Department responsibilities including:

(1)  Identifying continuity personnel consisting of leadership, staff, and functional support elements, capable of relocating to alternate locations to support the continuation of the performance of essential functions;

(2)  Providing the capability for continuity personnel to be fully operational at alternate locations as soon as possible, but not later than 12 hours after continuity activation;

(3)  Providing the capability to perform Primary Mission Essential Functions (PMEFs) following the occurrence of a national emergency for a minimum of 30 days or until normal operations are resumed;

(4)  Coordinating the conduct of a Department-wide, comprehensive business process analysis (BPA) to develop and validate Department PMEFs and MEFs and to understand those processes necessary to the performance of organizational functions and requirements per FCD 1 and FCD 2; and

(5)  Coordinating the conduct of a Department-wide Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to identify potential impacts on the performance of essential functions and the consequences of failure to sustain them per FCD 1 and FCD 2.

b. A/OEM/DCP manages the continuity program to ensure the Department meets PPD-40 requirements, including:

(1)  Managing and maintaining emergency relocation continuity facilities for the Department to perform its essential functions;

(2)  Operating and maintaining classified and unclassified communications systems supporting connectivity between the Department and key government leadership and stakeholders per OSTP/OMB D-16-1;

(3)  Coordinating the Department’s Emergency Relocation Groups (ERGs) comprised of senior management personnel and subject matter experts from bureaus and offices officially designated to support the Department’s continuity programs and perform Department essential functions;

(a)  ERG members are selected based on the position they hold and designated in writing by their bureau’s executive director.  Further information on ERG member responsibilities can be found in the Continuity Framework,

(b)  Continuity policy requires bureaus to identify continuity personnel to serve on the ERG teams, meet their required membership allotments, and ensure members participate in annual training;

(4)  Each bureau must identify and maintain essential records that are required to perform the MEFs and PMEFs; and

(5)  All bureaus and offices must meet continuity requirements to ensure the Department can continue to perform PMEFs under all conditions.

      Additional information on the Department's continuity policies can be found in the Continuity Framework.

6 FAM 417.3-2  Executive Branch Continuity Programs

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

A/OEM is the lead office within the Department in coordinating interagency and classified continuity programs.  A/OEM will:

(1)  Participate in all Executive Branch continuity programs;

(2)  Coordinate with White House Military Office (WHMO), National Security Council (NSC), NSC sub-PCCs, FEMA National Continuity Programs (NCP) office, and the Interagency at-large on the National Continuity System; and

(3)  Coordinate all interagency continuity communications testing as identified in OMB/OSTP Directive D-16-1 to include ensuring briefing Department leadership on testing results and that remediation plans are coordinated with the responsible bureaus.

6 FAM 417.4  Policy and Planning Programs

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

a. In accordance with 42 U.S.C. 5170a and E.O. 12656, the Department is required to maintain a viable emergency management program that encompasses preparedness, planning, training and exercises, and response support.  The Office of Emergency Management’s Policy and Planning Division (A/OEM/PPD) manages compliance of these programs with a focus on protecting life and property.

b. A/OEM/PPD manages the domestic emergency policy and planning program requirements, implementing E.O. 12656 and PPD-8 specifically:

(1)  Coordinating Department response for policy taskings from the National Security Council for domestic national security issues and intra-departmental policy;

(2)  Managing the Department’s Domestic Emergency Action Plans Program, to include developing event specific plans as necessary.  For example, A/OEM/PPD developed an evacuation decision matrix for OCONUS locations to inform senior-leader decisions for consideration;

(3)  Maintaining a consistent emphasis for preparedness efforts.  This includes a viable Active Shooter Preparedness Program, providing personnel with preparedness resources and access to information;

(4)  Coordinating the Department’s participation in national-level exercises, interagency exercises, and supporting bureaus and offices in executing exercises and conducting emergency response trainings; and

(5)  Providing critical information and maintaining situational awareness for evolving emergencies affecting Department domestic locations.  This additionally includes supporting national-level emergencies by coordinating the Department’s domestic responsibilities.

6 FAM 418  Department Roles and Responsibilities in Domestic Crisis Events

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

a. A/OEM/PPD in support of PPD-8 and the National Preparedness Goal, and as described in the International Coordination Support Annex (ICSA), carries out the responsibilities on behalf of the Department during a national-level crisis.  DOS is the lead authority and has responsibility for conducting foreign relations while supporting Federal departments and agencies by managing the international aspects of a domestic incident that pertain to international dimensions of a domestic incident.  Domestically, the Department supports interagency efforts in Prevention, Protection, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation.

b. The ICSA describes that the Department:

(1)  Facilitates coordination with international multilateral organizations;

(2)  Coordinates crisis response and other related activities with foreign governments through its network of embassies and consulates;

(3)  Provides incident information to Americans abroad;

(4)  Develops and implements a diplomatic and international public affairs and public diplomacy strategy in coordination with the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC);

(5)  Supports foreign missions and their nationals in the United States; and

(6)  May deploy DOS liaison officers (LNOs) to support the National Command Structure, which includes the National Operation Center (NOC), NRCC, Joint Field Offices, and regional locations where needed in support of a domestic crisis.  When supporting national level emergencies, the Department manages and coordinates bilateral and multilateral actions specifically, when there are international offers of assistance to the United States.  DOS LNOs coordinate this process as described in the International Assistance System (IAS).

6 FAM 418.1  Domestic Emergency Action Plans

(CT:GS-249;   12-07-2023)

The Department’s domestic emergency management program assists in the development of several critical plans.  These plans include:

(1)  Continuity Plan that provides guidance for continuity activations, continuity operations, and performance of the primary mission essential functions (PMEFs).  To locate the Department Continuity Plans, please see OEM website under Useful Links - FAM Highlights - Continuity Programs;

(2)  Bureau Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) that is a bureau-specific plan that guides bureau leadership through identifying, prioritizing, and performing bureau functions before, during, and after an undesirable event that affects the bureau’s operations.  To locate a bureau plan, please see OEM website under Emergency Action Plans - BEAP; and

(3)  Occupant Emergency Action Plan (OEP) that is a facility-specific plan that meets Federal requirements for emergency planning.  The OEP provides guidance to the occupants of the building to evacuate or shelter-in-place in an organized manner to prevent or minimize injury, loss of life, and property damage.  The facility designated official is responsible for developing the OEP and ensuring that personnel have access to this plan.  To locate a facility OEP, please see OEM website under Emergency Action Plans.

6 FAM 418.2  Response Capabilities

6 FAM 418.2-1  Liaison Officer (LNO)

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

A/OEM represents the Department on National Security Council Committees and various interagency working groups.  As such, and when requested, A/OEM will deploy and act as DOS liaison officers.  Additionally, A/OEM may solicit Department subject-matter experts to support as DOS liaison officers.  LNOs support the international aspects of national response efforts to domestic (national/regional/local) emergencies where DOS may have responsibilities.

6 FAM 418.2-2  DOS Fly Away Support Team (FAST)

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

A/OEM/PPD in coordination with the Office of Foreign Missions (M/OFM), when activated, supports the Department’s responsibilities in the International Coordination Support Annex, and may deploy the DOS FAST to disaster-affected areas to carry out DOS efforts.  Primarily, the DOS FAST is to support foreign consulates and embassies with information and assistance to foreign nationals in areas affected by a domestic disaster, and additional support could be rendered based on requirements in the field.  The composition of the DOS FAST consists of A/OEM, M/OFM and can be augmented by Department resources with subject-matter expertise as required.  When activated, the DOS FAST may be imbedded with DHS to support the U.S. Government federal response efforts in an affected area to ensure unity of effort is applied.

6 FAM 418.2-3  Incident Management Team (IMT)

(CT:GS-221;   02-14-2020)

When activated, the IMT is the Department’s response team that coordinates and facilitates emergency response and recovery efforts during a domestic emergency that impacts Department personnel or facilities.  The IMT is comprised of subject-matter experts from throughout the Department (see Coordinating Partners).

6 FAM 418.2-4  Emergency Notification System

(CT:GS-254;   09-27-2024)

a. he Department of State must be able to communicate with its personnel in the event of an emergency, natural hazard event, or other event affecting Department personnel, facilities or operations.  Safety and Accountability for Everyone (SAFE) is the Department's primary system for fast, efficient, reliable communications with personnel during an emergency.

b. Bureaus have the authority to collect, maintain, and use personal contact information from employees for emergency notification and other official purposes.

c.  Employees are responsible for maintaining accurate and complete contact information in SAFE.  Domestically, complete information consists of work and personal contact information, including at least one mobile phone and text number.  If a government-owned mobile device is issued, the employee must also provide the number.  Employees must review and update their contact information in SAFE every 90 days.

d. This requirement applies to all categories of employees regardless of work location, both domestically and abroad:  direct-hires, personal services contractors (PSCs), employees of contractors, and details from other agencies.

6 FAM 418.3  Accounting for Domestic Personnel

(CT:GS-243;   04-06-2023)

6 FAM 418.3-1  Definition

(CT:GS-243;   04-06-2023)

In the context of this policy, accountability means the Department’s ability to verify an employee’s safety and/or availability to work in support of the agency’s mission.  The primary and most efficient method for conducting accountability is through SAFE.

6 FAM 418.3-2  Purpose

(CT:GS-243;   04-06-2023)

a. In times of crisis, the Department must be able to quickly communicate with and confirm the safety and work status of all domestic employees.

b. All bureaus must develop a plan and be prepared to carry out accountability for domestic employees when emergencies raise concern regarding safety or sufficient staffing to maintain essential operations, or when directed by the Under Secretary for Management (M).

6 FAM 418.3-3  Roles and Responsibilities

(CT:GS-243;   04-06-2023)

a. Assistant Secretaries are ultimately responsible for achieving full accountability and status reporting to the Office of Emergency Management (A/OEM).

b. Bureaus must assign a focal point, typically the executive office, to coordinate bureau accountability activities, including consolidating accountability status reports from offices.  Bureau focal points must monitor the SAFE Management Console when accountability is initiated, which will require a SAFE Elevated User account.  All executive directors plus one or two additional bureau staff must have SAFE Elevated User access and complete required training.  Bureaus are also responsible for using backup communication method(s) identified in bureau plans to account for employees who do not respond to SAFE or if SAFE is unavailable.

c.  Office directors are responsible for accounting for all employees under their purview and reporting to the facility Designated Official (or senior Department representative) and the bureau executive office.  Supervisors, division chiefs, and other managers must be enlisted to account for their units.  If contractor employees are involved and are not reachable, office directors must notify the contracting officer representative, who is responsible for liaising with companies to enlist their assistance in contacting contract employees.

d. A/OEM is responsible for coordinating domestic accountability activities for the Department overall, including receiving and consolidating accountability reports from bureaus and keeping M and other senior leadership informed.  A/OEM also provides policy oversight and program management for the domestic use of SAFE and can assist bureaus, offices, and facilities with employing best practices for the accountability process.  A/OEM can launch SAFE alerts and accountability events to any/all domestic facilities and bureaus, when indicated.

e. Employees are responsible for providing full and complete contact information so they can be reached through SAFE as well as any backup communication method(s) identified in bureau plans.  Domestically, complete contact information consists of work and personal contact information, including at least one mobile phone and text number.  If a government-owned mobile device is issued, the employee must also provide that number.  When employees receive an accountability alert from SAFE, they are required to respond by selecting one of the pre-determined responses.

6 FAM 418.3-4  Authority to Initiate Accountability

(CT:GS-254;   09-27-2024)

a. For emergencies affecting individual facilities at federal facilities, the primary occupant agency serves as the facility Designated Official.  At facilities where DOS is the Designated Official, that individual has the authority to initiate accountability for all DOS employees.  At facilities where DOS is not the Designated Official, either because another agency is the primary occupant or it is not a federal facility, the senior Department representative has the authority to initiate accountability.  If the Designated Official (or senior Department representative) is unreachable, the A/OEM Director can initiate accountability.

b. When multiple Department facilities are impacted, accountability can be initiated by each Designated Official (or senior Department representative), or by M for all affected facilities.  M has the authority to initiate accountability for all domestic employees, at any time as M deems it necessary.  If M is unreachable, the Assistant Secretary for Administration (A) can initiate accountability.

c.  For situations, it is not necessary or appropriate to conduct accountability for all emergency situations.  Accountability is indicated when there is concern regarding employee safety and/or availability to work in support of the agency’s mission.  Examples of when conducting accountability is appropriate include but are not limited to:

(1)  Following a Department Continuity Framework activation (for continuity team members and all employees in the affected area);

(2)  When a local or regional natural hazard event causes significant damage and threatens the safety of employees and/or their availability to work;

(3)  When a large-scale violent incident, to include terrorism, bombings, violent demonstrations, rioting, or wide-spread civil unrest, occurs at or near Department facilities; or

(4)  When any incident at a Department facility causes, or has the potential to cause, mass casualties or injuries.  Examples of such an incident may be a terrorist attack, active shooter incident, explosion, or major natural hazard event.

d. Accountability should be conducted after major risks have subsided, otherwise personnel status may change.  For long-duration events, it may be necessary to conduct accountability more than once.

6 FAM 418.3-5  Categories of Employees

(CT:GS-243;   04-06-2023)

Employees who must be enrolled in SAFE and accounted for include:

(1)  All direct-hires;

(2)  Personal services contractors (PSCs);

(3)  Detailees from other agencies or organizations;

(4)  Third-party contractors; and

(5)  Interns.

6 FAM 419  Department Personnel Rights

(CT:GS-249;   12-07-2023)

a. As applicable, Department personnel rights include:

(1)  Having access to their facility’s OEP, their bureau’s/office’s BEAP, and any other directives or guidance that involves their security and safety.  Please see OEM website under Emergency Action Plans;

(2)  Offering comments on their emergency plans through their bureau’s/office’s executive office; and

(3)  Requesting access and functional needs assistance by filling out the Self Identification Form DS-5053.  If emergency planning assistance is needed for a permanent or temporary access and functional need, complete Form DS-4126.

UNCLASSIFIED (U)