1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “National Response Framework Improvement Act of 2020”.
National Response Framework Improvement Act of 2020
A BILL
To require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to evaluate the National Response Framework based on lessons learned from the COVID–19 pandemic, and for other purposes.
2. Evaluation of National Response Framework
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (referred to in this Act as the “Administrator”), acting through the National Integration Center, shall conduct an initial evaluation of the National Response Framework of the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether there are any gaps or inefficiencies in the Framework based on the response to the COVID–19 pandemic.
Requirements— After conducting the evaluation required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
in accordance with section 509(b)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 319(b)(2)), update the National Response Framework, in coordination with the heads of the primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions, based on the gaps or inefficiencies identified through the evaluation;
provide recommendations on actions relevant agencies can take to address gaps identified through the evaluation; and
conduct an additional evaluation as part of the after-action review process of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
3. Interagency information sharing
In general— The Administrator shall—
evaluate the processes for collecting and sharing information across the primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions during an incident for which the emergency support functions are activated under the National Response Framework;
provide recommendations to the heads of the primary and support agencies of emergency support functions for how to improve processes under paragraph (1); and
update the National Response Framework to account for new information collection and sharing processes that result from the evaluation and recommendations under paragraphs (1) and (2).
Coordination— In evaluating the processes required under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator shall coordinate with the head of each emergency support function coordinator and the heads of primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions.
Modifications— The Administrator may make modifications to the processes incorporated into the National Response Framework under subsection (a)(3) during an incident in which the emergency support functions are activated under the National Response Framework if the Administrator determines such modifications are necessary to ensure efficient communication and information sharing.
4. Training
Evaluation of training program— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall—
conduct an assessment of the training programs for primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions under the National Response Network that are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and
provide recommendations to the heads of the primary and support agencies of emergency support functions for how to improve the training programs described in paragraph (1).
Annual training— The Administrator shall, on an annual basis and in coordination with the heads of primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions under the National Response Framework, provide training on enhancements or updates made to the National Response Framework.
5. Required briefing
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives on—
the evaluation conducted under section 2, including the updates made to the National Response Framework and the recommendations required under section 2(b);
the evaluation and recommendations developed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 3(a); and
the training program required to be established under section 4, including information relating to how frequently training is offered and the attendance of the training by employees of relevant agencies.
Notification— The Administrator shall provide notice to Congress on any technology system updates that develop after the briefing required under subsection (a) that may impact information sharing efforts across the emergency support functions.