§ 636h — Disaster Planning Responsibilities

(a) The disaster planning function of the Administration shall be assigned to an individual appointed by the Administrator who— (1) is not an employee of the Office of Disaster Assistance of the Administration; (2) has proven management ability; (3) has substantial knowledge in the field of disaster readiness and emergency response; and (4) has demonstrated significant experience in the area of disaster planning. (b) The individual assigned the disaster planning function of the Administration shall report directly and solely to the Administrator and shall be responsible for— (1) creating, maintaining, and implementing the comprehensive disaster response plan of the Administration described in section 636g of this title; (2) ensuring there are in-service and pre-service training procedures for the disaster response staff of the Administration; (3) coordinating and directing the training exercises of the Administration relating to disasters, including disaster simulation exercises and disaster exercises coordinated with other government departments and agencies; and (4) other responsibilities relevant to disaster planning and readiness, as determined by the Administrator. (c) In carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (b), the individual assigned the disaster planning function of the Administration shall coordinate with— (1) the Office of Disaster Assistance of the Administration; (2) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (3) other Federal, State, and local disaster planning offices, as necessary. (d) The Administrator shall ensure that the individual assigned the disaster planning function of the Administration has adequate resources to carry out the duties under this section. (e) Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report containing— (1) a description of the actions of the Administrator to assign an individual the disaster planning function of the Administration; (2) information detailing the background and expertise of the individual assigned; and (3) information on the status of the implementation of the responsibilities described in subsection (b).