Incident Business Advisor

INBA Incident Position Description

The Incident Business Advisor (INBA) is responsible for ensuring incident business management practices are followed according to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) guidelines and agency policy. An INBA reports to the Agency Administrator. The INBA works in the Finance/Administration functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Obtain copies of incident information from the Agency Administrator or designee:
  • An appropriate decision support system document,
  • Delegation of Authority for the INBA and the Incident Management Team (IMT),
  • Instructions for cost containment,
  • Information about political concerns,
  • Incident Action Plan (IAP),
  • Operating guidelines and other relevant plans, and
  • Contact names, numbers, and positions/functions of cooperating/assisting agencies.

Build The Team

• Obtain resources to organize the workspace and complete assignments.
• Evaluate and share pertinent information that may affect incident business management with the Agency Administrator and other agency staff.
• Meet with host agency staff and support unit personnel (e.g., buying team, payment team, expanded dispatch, and Dispatch Center Manager) throughout the incident assignment to identify and discuss concerns and share information.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

Perform Incident Business Advisor-Specific Duties

• Serve as the incident business liaison to Area Command, Unified Command, and Multi-Agency Coordinating (MAC) group.
• Review and/or assist in the development of cost-share agreements.
• Communicate the Agency Administrator’s requirements for cost tracking and containment requirements to the IMT.
• Provide the Agency Administrator or designee with an overview of incident business management practices to include cost apportionment personnel or additional cost analysis beyond what is provided by the IMT. Make recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure the appropriate delegation of authority is established to authorize replacement of non-NFES (non-standard cache) items.
• Ensure incident resources follow the appropriate guidance for Damage/Loss of Government Property as outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.
• Provide agency-specific cost information, such as the agency-specific payment center and parameters given by the Agency Administrator, to the incident Finance Section Chief.
• Ensure cost management measures are in place as outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.
• Analyze incident resource cost information, including the evaluation and tracking of inefficient and uneconomical operations, and communicate that information to the IMT through the Finance Section Chief.
• Review incident business reports/documents to ensure agency direction is being met and that requested reports are accurate and timely.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Identify and report issues of concern to the incident supervisor.
• Interact and coordinate with agency staff, the IMT, and other support units to receive and provide current information.
• Update the Agency Administrator on current accomplishments and/or concerns, including current incident business management operations and any decisions made in concurrence with agency direction or policy.

Manage Risk

• Report all accidents or injuries to the incident supervisor.
• Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and those around you.

Documentation

• Maintain a daily record of activities.
• Ensure that the finance packages meet the jurisdictional agency’s requirements.
• Ensure the Incident Finance Package follows the guidelines outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902, including: written narrative documenting actions and decisions of the INBA and written documentation on all outstanding items, unresolved issues, problems, etc., along with recommended resolutions.
• Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)

Demobilize

• Review incident demobilization plan and provide input to Agency Administrator as necessary.
• Participate in individual closeout meetings with Agency Administrator as well as incident finance/administration sections.
• Complete narrative and review with Agency Administrator.
• Ensure all incident business management requirements are met prior to closeout with the host agency or transfer of command to another IMT.
• Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.