Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services for an Enhanced All-Hazards Incident Management/Unified Command MGT314 for Citywide department personnel, elected officials, jurisdictional partners and non-profit partners, for a 12-month term, in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
De
Lead Department
Homeland Security Emergency Management.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $200,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget of the Homeland Security Emergency Management Office.
For More Information:
Aoife Longmore, Deputy Officer Emergency Management (512) 974-0468, William Wilson, Manager Emergency Management (512) 974-0465.
Additional Backup Information:
In 2021, after Austin was subjected to the impacts of Winter Storm Uri, the City, Travis County, and Hagerty collaborated to complete an After Action Report (AAR) to document successful outcomes as well as focus areas outlined in an Improvement Plan. Also, the Austin City Council requested an Audit of the City’s response and formed a Task force which was tasked with hearing from the public about their personal experiences during the storm event. The After Action Report can be found at: https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/HSEM/Winter-Storm-Uri-AAR-and-Improvement-Plan-Technical-Report.pdf
Out of the 132 recommendations in the AAR, Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) is listed as a primary or secondary agency on 112. During an emergency, HSEM coordinates the emergency response, but does not respond alone. Stakeholders such as county, non-profit and other City departments are a fundamental part of the response, and their familiarity with emergency concepts and best practices, and ability to respond in unity improves outcomes.
When the Taskforce and AAR recommendations were cross-matched, a priority of note was defined in the Taskforce findings as follows: “There needs to be a clearly documented and communicated plan for coordination among city, county, state and federal authorities for disaster preparedness and response, with a clarity of roles, authority, decision making and access to resources. This plan should be further coordinated with nonprofit and neighborhood groups, and volunteer citizen groups.”
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX) course “The Enhanced Incident Management/Unified Command for All Hazards” focuses on incident management skills, staff responsibilities, and the related situational awareness skills using a computer-driven training simulation designed to create a challenging decision-making environment in an expanding complex incident. This workshop provides an interactive forum to understand the roles and responsibilities of senior leadership as related to all-hazard disaster preparedness, to share proven strategies and best practices, and to enhance coordination among whole of community partners.