The federal interagency can contribute personnel, resources, and other support to assist as well as coordinate a large-scale (multi-state) response.
As needed for higher level responses, the lead agency will request liaisons from supporting agencies or set up joint systems to facilitate quick responses to information requests. Supporting agencies may lead responses targeted to specific sector impacts; for example, HHS, FDA, and USDA would be responsible for mitigating the impacts of chemical incidents in the public, animal, and plant health sectors.
Supporting agencies will organize under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for common terminology and ESFs for efficient resource management. FEMA provides operational assistance for coordination between the lead agency, regional staff, and state and local agencies, as necessary. In non-Stafford Act incidents, FEMA’s coordination efforts are led by the FRC; in Stafford Act incidents they are led by the FCO.