1. Purpose.
This Order issues and transmits the General Services Administration’s (GSA) policies and procedures for the Surge Capacity Force (SCF) to establish volunteer participation requirements and expectations.
2. Background.
a. The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-295) established the Surge Capacity Force (SCF) to deploy Federal employees in the aftermath of a catastrophic event to help support response and recovery efforts. FEMA manages this program that relies on federal employees from DHS components and Other Federal Agencies (OFA’s) to support its mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters. See 6 USC § 711 and 42 U.S.C. § 5121. Congress’s stated intent is to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result from such disasters, including through achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs.
b. GSA is responding to growing demand to solicit volunteer participation in SCF missions conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
3. Scope and Applicability.
a. The provisions of this Order apply to GSA Federal employees who participate in the SCF.
b. The provisions of this Order do not apply to GSA Federal employees in part-time and temporary positions as they are ineligible for SCF assignment.
c. The provisions of this Order do not apply to contractors as they are ineligible for SCF assignment.
d. The OIG has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, (5 USC. App. 3), as amended (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Inspector General”). Also see, GSA Order, ADM 5450.39D CHGE 1, GSA Delegations of Authority Manual, Chapter 2, Part 1, the “Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG].” GSA’s determinations and delegations do not limit that authority. GSA defers to OIG authority and guidance regarding the applicability of this Order to its workforce. Similarly, GSA specifically recognizes that the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning training, employee development, and career management. OIG has coordinated with GSA to establish shared volunteer participation requirements and expectations for volunteers on SCF assignments.
e. This Order applies to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and it does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA mission.
4. Cancelation.
This Order cancels and supersedes GSA Order HRM 9334.3.
5. Revision.
a. Additional background information regarding authorities relevant to the SCF have been provided.
b. Volunteer participation is limited to 120 calendar days.
U.S. General Services Administration