The document discusses the Crisis Decision-Making Process (CDMP), which is a streamlined process adapted from the Military Decision-Making Process. The CDMP is intended to facilitate rapid and effective crisis response. It involves three staffs - a Crisis Team led by the Emergency Manager, a Special Staff for planning and operations, and a Coordinating Staff for resources. The Special Staff develops response options, which are then briefed to the Crisis Team and Mayor for approval and execution by the Coordinating Staff. The goal is to complete the entire process within 20 minutes to ensure timely decision-making during emergencies.

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The Crisis Decision-Making Process
Welcome to the 21st Century

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The Crisis Decision-Making Process
The current FEMA Decision-Making process (or Problem Solving) lacks many shortcomings. There process is an
approach most found within the academia world, which is not in any sort a crisis problem solving process.
The Crisis Decision-Making Process (CDMP) we will be discussing is a true and tested process, modified from the
Military Decision-Making process which has been successful for over 200 years.
NOTES: Some mentioned terms may not be as labeled within FEMA or by some EM Commissioners / Directors.
“It’s Time for Change, It’s Time for Real Progress”

3. Special Staff
Multiple sections, Plans, one member of Operations and other single members selected by the
Crisis team required for a successful response, i..e.., Public Affairs, Logistics, Transportation, etc…
- Plans is the lead for this team.
Planners are always planning 12/24 hrs out, Ops execute and monitors those plans.
Coordinating Staff
Members designated by of the Crisis Team to coordinate dedicated resources. This is usually
members of the Operations section assisted by others members bringing in resources.
- Operations is the lead for this team.
Crisis Team (Principle Staff)
Commissioners, special advisors and any other individual the Mayor, or Crisis team feels is
necessary.
- The EM Commissioner is usually the lead for this team, the Mayor may decide to designate
another dependent on the ground situation.
The Political Decision Maker … The Mayor

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The Crisis Decision-Making Process
The Crisis Decision-Making Process (CDMP) is a very effective, speedy, disciplined and clear process.
The complete process should not take more than 20 minutes.
The Mayor has three staff’s; Crisis Team (Principle Staff), Special Staff (Ops/Plans) & Coordinating Staff
(Resource). The Special Staff (Ops/Plans) prepares & validates a minimum of two Course of Actions (2
different ways to respond), then brief’s the Mayor & Principle Staff members for approval.
The Mayor and Principle staff may make changes as needed or even discard these recommendations.
Once the Mayor makes his / her final decision, the Order/Task is given to the Coordinating Staff to be
verbally executed.
If pressed for time, the Mayor with the Principle Staff can initiate direct orders/tasks to the Special Staff
for execution, or the Coordinating Staff have advice them just to plan for one COA.
NOTE: Good decisions = Situation Awareness = Being informed every 30 minutes
Achieving Situational Awareness

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Alert
(OPNS / PLANS) Gather
New Information
(15-30 Minutes)
(OPNS) Automatically Initiate
Response Plan
# 1234
(PLANS) Course of Action(s)
Development, Comparison
and Validation
ISSUE VFRO
ORDERS
CONTINUE
PLANNING
ISSUE VFRO
ORDERS
CONTINUE
PLANNING
(PLANS) Issue Verbal Fragmentary
Response Order (VFRO)
(PLANS) CONTINUE PLANNING
Send VFRO Orders As Needed
(PLANS) COA Briefing /
Change / Approval
Planning Teams Relationship with the Mayor and Crisis Team
Special Staff / Planning Team is comprised of members from each department supporting response efforts.
The team is lead by the lead Planning Officer.
Planning team restrictions: Resources
The Planning team has a close and direct relationship with the Mayor and the Crisis
team. Planning is a continues 24 hours process.