§ 711 — Surge Capacity Force

(1) Not later than 6 months after October 4, 2006, the Administrator shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to establish and implement a Surge Capacity Force for deployment of individuals to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents. (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the plan shall provide for individuals in the Surge Capacity Force to be trained and deployed under the authorities set forth in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.]. (B) If the Administrator determines that the existing authorities are inadequate for the training and deployment of individuals in the Surge Capacity Force, the Administrator shall report to Congress as to the additional statutory authorities that the Administrator determines necessary. (b) The plan shall include procedures under which the Secretary shall designate employees of the Department who are not employees of the Agency and shall, in conjunction with the heads of other Executive agencies, designate employees of those other Executive agencies, as appropriate, to serve on the Surge Capacity Force. (c) The plan shall ensure that the Surge Capacity Force— (1) includes a sufficient number of individuals credentialed in accordance with section 320 of this title that are capable of deploying rapidly and efficiently after activation to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents; and (2) includes a sufficient number of full-time, highly trained individuals credentialed in accordance with section 320 of this title to lead and manage the Surge Capacity Force. (d) The plan shall ensure that the Administrator provides appropriate and continuous training to members of the Surge Capacity Force to ensure such personnel are adequately trained on the Agency’s programs and policies for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. (e) Surge Capacity Force members shall not be counted against any personnel ceiling applicable to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (f) The Administrator may provide members of the Surge Capacity Force with travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 for the purpose of participating in any training that relates to service as a member of the Surge Capacity Force. (g) As soon as practicable after October 4, 2006, the Administrator shall develop and implement— (1) the procedures under subsection (b); and (2) other elements of the plan needed to establish the portion of the Surge Capacity Force consisting of individuals designated under those procedures.