Mutual Aid History
Frequently Asked Questions about the EMAC Request for Asssistance (REQ-A)
What is a REQ-A?
The Request for Assistance, or REQ-A, is the form used to officially request assistance, offer assistance, and accept assistance between Member States. This form simplifies and streamlines the paperwork necessary to request or provide assistance through EMAC. When Authorized Representatives of both the Requesting and Assisting States duly execute the REQ-A, the REQ-A becomes a legally binding agreement between the two states.
- How are tracking numbers assigned?
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Who enters the tracking number on a REQ-A? How is it assigned?
Three tracking numbers exist on a REQ-A.
The first tracking number represents a Resource Provider’s tracking number for the resource and is assigned by the person who completes the form.
The second tracking number is assigned by the Assisting State’s emergency management agency.
The third tracking number, the "EMAC Tracking Number" is assigned through the EMAC Operations System if a resource request has been sent through the EMAC Broadcast Funcationality. - How are personnel costs estimated for an EMAC mission?
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In the Personnel section of NEMA’s cost estimation form, must individual personnel data be listed, or may a group of personnel (e.g., an ambulance service company) be listed in bulk to avoid typing—because there may be several hundred personnel deployed?
NEMA’s cost estimation form requires the resource provider to list individual personnel salary information so that estimated expenses may be as precise as possible for a REQ-A. However, such personnel information as credentials need not be listed for each individual on the cost estimation form; instead, the name of the resource and its certifications would be sufficient in this regard.
- How are equipment costs estimated?
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When estimating equipment costs on a REQ-A, should the rate be for the number of hours of equipment use or for some flat rate?
Typically, equipment usage rates are calculated on an hourly basis. However, if both Requesting and Assisting States sign off on a REQ-A that states that equipment use will be charged in some other way, then this is valid. The cost estimation form that NEMA provides includes fields that allow for both costing techniques.
- How is per diem calculated?
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Are per diem rates stated in a REQ-A based on the Requesting State's or Assisting State's rate?
Unless otherwise specified, per diem rates stated in a REQ-A represent the per diem rates of the location to which personnel are being deployed—that is, the rates of the Requesting State.
However, if a Requesting State signs off on a REQ-A that agrees to an Assisting State’s or some other per diem rate, that is the legal rate for that mission.
Per diem rates are calculated using the GSA stated rates. - How do you handle a change in a mission?
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If a mission changes while an individual is deployed through EMAC, what should he or she do?
If an individual’s mission changes while he or she is deployed through EMAC, that individual has the responsibility to contact his or her Resource Provider in the Assisting State. This task is essential because any change in mission might require amendments to the REQ-A or even potentially issuance of a new REQ-A.
