Delegation of Authority and Management by Objectives

Referencing the content of incident command, NIMS, and National Response Framework readiness

Authority must be clear in writing or policy; objectives drive the IAP and measurable outcomes.

Learning objectives (3)

Explain delegation of authority — Documentation granting IC authority from agency administrators.
Use unified command — Coordinated objectives with shared IC structure when agencies share jurisdiction.
Write incident objectives — Clear, measurable statements of desired outcomes for the operational period.

Chapter outline

Engage: conflicting orders from multiple chiefs
Delegation of authority
Unified command
Incident objectives
Management by objectives cycle

Printable study sheet Printable flashcards (PDF, 10-up)Read first, then practise the track.

Showing Readiness track material. Switch tracks on the chapter page.

Vocabulary · 16

delegation of authority
Grant of IC authority by agency administrator or law.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
unified command
Shared command structure with coordinated objectives.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
incident objectives
Desired outcomes for the operational period or incident.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
Plan containing objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
strategy
General plan to achieve incident objectives.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
tactic
Specific action to implement strategy.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
operational period
Time frame for which the IAP applies.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
command direction
Guidance from IC or unified command on priorities.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
measurable objective
Objective that can be assessed for completion.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
agency administrator
Official who may delegate authority to IC.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
jurisdiction
Legal boundaries for authority and responsibility.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
policy
Guidance that constrains incident decisions.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
priorities
Life safety, incident stabilization, property/environment protection.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
work plan
Assignments supporting tactics for the period.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
safety message
Priority information on hazards and mitigations.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
planning cycle
Repeating process to develop and revise the IAP.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c

Sequences · 1

Delegation of Authority and Management by Objectives — Put these ICS readiness steps in a logical order.