Mutual Aid History
Frequently Asked Questions about MRPs
What are Mission Ready Packages, and why are they important?
Mission Ready Packages (MRPs) describe specific response and recovery resource capabilities that are organized, developed, trained, and exercised prior to an emergency or disaster. Mission Ready Packages may be considered the next logical step in the evolution of resource typing, as they include elements found within resource-typed definitions, but they also detail such information as the missions supported, estimated cost of the mission, location of the resource, limiting factors related to the mission, and logistic support requirements.
MRPs are important to mutual aid because they allow for rapid identification, location, request, order, and tracking of specific resources quickly and effectively during an emergency, when time is of the essence. Because MRP development involves establishing a quality cost estimate upfront, before an emergency ever occurs, they also result in a well-documented reimbursement package and more efficient reimbursement between states.
- Are MRPs equivalent to NIMS resource typing?
-
Mission Ready Packages are not equivalent to NIMS resource typing. MRPs are based on—and the next logical step after—NIMS resource typing. MRPs often comprise multiple typing schemes and also include more components than NIMS definitions, such as a pre-scripted mission statement, limitations, required support from other sources, time to readiness, and cost estimate of the mission.
- What is the relationship between NIMS Resource Typing and Mission Ready Packages?
-
NIMS Resource Typing is integrated into the Mission Ready Package and appears on the MRP template.
Mission Ready Packaging is the next step after resource typing. Identifying the personnel who would support the mission, limitations to the mission, costs to conduct them mission, etc. are all elements that will be vital for a successful mission and reimbursement. - Can an MRP include a resource that does not meet the NIMS typing threshold?
-
Absolutely. Whether a resource meets the NIMS typing threshold or not, that mutual aid resource is valuable and may be part of a Mission Ready Package.
- Are templates for MRPs available?
-
Certainly. Templates, as well as samples, for MRPs are available using the above links.
- Where may I obtain additional information about EMAC MRPs?
- How do I estimate costs for an MRP?
-
The MRP template, which is a Microsoft Excel workbook, includes worksheets for estimating costs of travel, personnel, equipment, commodities, and other expenses. The worksheets include form fields with great detail in each area so that the resource provider can arrive at the most accurate cost estimate possible.
- How can I estimate travel costs if I have no idea where the next emergency will be located?
-
Clearly, travel costs are largely unknown before an emergency event happens. However, once the event occurs and a request is made for the emergency-impacted area, the appropriate MRP fields may be completed so that the final MRP is completed as accurately and swiftly as possible.
- Do MRPs take personnel credentialing into account?
-
A good resource provider will provide qualified personnel who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for their job positions. As part of this, the resource provider will identify in the MRP personnel who possess and can demonstrate the credentials needed to do the job required in the MRP.
- May an MRP replace a Request for Assistance (REQ-A) form?
-
An MRP may not replace the REQ-A. The REQ-A is the document that provides a formal execution of the agreement; i.e., the REQ-A serves as a contract. The MRP simply facilitates that execution by matching resources with the shortfall of an affected state.
- Is there a cost for obtaining the MRP template?
-
There is no cost associated with obtaining the MRP template. The form is free and available on this website to use in developing your own resource-specific Mission Ready Package in coordination with your home state emergency management agency.
