Incident Business Practices
Best business practices for wildfire, non-fire and FEMA emergency responses.
Acquisition
Information about all-risk acquisition authority, emergency equipment rental agreements (EERAs) and contracting.
A pile of rolled hoses awaits rehab at the South Zone Fire Cache in Ontario, CA. The hoses are pressure tested, cleaned and hung on towers to dry, before being rolled up again and put back into service. (USDA Forest Service photo by Kerry Greene)
AD Employees
Administratively Determined (AD) Payment Status Report (04/21/2025), (XLSX, 460 KB) This is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet requiring a download to open.
The ECI is located in the upper left hand corner of the OF-288. You can search the report by hitting Ctrl F and entering your ECI.
If you have questions about this report call ASC Incident Finance 1-877-372-7248, select option #1 then option #3.
ADs without access to Forest Service computers can email the Budget and Finance Contact Center to submit questions or request additional information regarding payment status.
Additional Information
Archives: Incident Business Practices archived documents from 2016 and older.
Cooperative Relations (DOCX, 119 KB): Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Response Agreement
Cost Accounting: Incident job code direction from 2025 - 2015
All-Hazard
The USDA Forest Service is the primary link between the interagency wildland fire community, federal structure fire-related agencies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the National Response Framework (NRF).
Compensation Injury Guidance
This page addresses all work related injuries and illnesses while on wildland fires or other emergency incidents.
Cooperative Agreement and Cost Share Settlement:
Cooperative Agreement and Cost Share Settlement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (PDF, 124 KB)
Request Form for Reimbursable Agreements (PDF, 234 KB)
COVID:
Testing and Alternative Housing Guidelines for Incident Response, June 2024, (PDF, 220 MB)
Incident
Payments: Incident Finance Branch Payment Procedures
Procurement Purchase Card Lodging Guidance: Q & A for Lodging (PDF, 79 KB)
Personnel
Information about AD pay plans, letters and memos, travel, pay information, hiring and insurance.
Flagstaff Hotshots conduct firing operations June 6, 2023, on a portion of the Crater Sinks prescribed fire project, located on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. (USDA Forest Service Photo by Randi Shaffer).