The Surge Capacity Force (SCF) was established under the 2006 Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act to strengthen the Federal Government’s ability to respond to catastrophic disasters. The Act authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create and maintain a deployable workforce composed of Federal employees from various agencies to assist in the response to large-scale disasters and emergencies.   

Purpose

The purpose of the SCF SOP is to provide a clear and consistent framework for managing the activation, deployment and operations of employees who volunteer to support large-scale disaster response and recovery efforts.

Activation

The SCF serves as a critical tool to enhance FEMA’s workforce during large-scale disasters or emergencies, such as a Hurricane Katrina-level event. The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to activate the SCF when a catastrophic incident, such as a hurricane Katrina event, exceeds the capacity of FEMA’s existing disaster workforce to respond. 

Who Can Join

SCF is open to Federal employees (GS-15 and below) across the Federal Government who are not part of FEMA. These employees volunteer to be trained and deployed as part of the SCF to assist in disaster response efforts. This program provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of DHS.  Volunteering for the SCF is a unique opportunity for Commerce employees to assist individuals in need during, and immediately after major disasters or emergencies and develop skills beyond your regular positions.

Benefits of Volunteering

Joining the SCF offers:

• Meaningful Role: A meaningful role in disaster recovery efforts, supporting individuals and communities during their most challenging times
• Skill Development: Experience in crisis management, logistics, and other areas beyond the scope of regular job duties
• Professional Growth: Broaden your understanding of interagency collaboration and emergency response.

Nature of the SCF Work

Volunteers in the SCF support critical disaster response operations by performing a variety of tasks aimed at assisted affected communities.  These duties normally involve:

• Community Relations: Distributing information, application forms, and guidance about FEMA disaster assistance programs available to the public
• Individual and Public Assistance: Supporting efforts to provide aid to individuals, families, and public entities, such as helping monitor debris removal and facilitating other recovery activities.
• Basic Support Services: Offering assistance that directly impacts the recovery and rebuilding efforts within affected communities.

Deployment Expectations

• Availability: Volunteers are requested to be ready for deployment within 72 hours of activation.  Deployments generally will not exceed 45 days.
• Voluntary Nature: Participation in the SCF is entirely voluntary.  Volunteers may choose to end their deployment at any time for personal reasons.
• Work Environment: Assignments may require working in Joint Field Offices (JFSs) or other disaster response facilities.  These environments can be somewhat austere, with limited amenities and high-intensity workloads.

Why Join the SCF?

The SCF exemplifies a whole-of-government approach to disaster response, ensuring that federal resources are mobilized efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of affected communities. Participants gain valuable work experience in emergency response, community outreach, and interagency collaboration, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of disaster survivors.  Your willingness to step forward as part of the SCF demonstrates resilience, compassion, and a commitment to public service during times of national crisis. 

How to Apply:

Employees interested in volunteering may submit an SCF Application.

The application will be submitted to your bureau and agency POC for review/processing.  Afterwards, the data will be encrypted and transmitted to FEMA for entry into the FEMA Deployment Tracking System (DTS). Once the application is received by FEMA, they will furnish volunteers with instructions and additional information, including how to change any contact information in the DTS at any time.

Questions or inquires may be addressed to your bureau SCF POC (POC Listing to be posted on the OHRM site along with FAQs) or [email protected].

SCF Information Brochure