Successful recovery depends on all recovery stakeholders having a clear understanding of 
pre- and post-disaster roles and responsibilities.  In keeping with the National Disaster 
Recovery Framework (NDRF) principles, clearly defined roles and responsibilities are a 
foundation for unity of effort among all recovery partners to jointly identify opportunities, 
foster partnerships and optimize resources. 

The local government has the primary role of planning and managing all aspects of the 
community’s recovery. Individuals, families and businesses look to local governments to 
articulate their recovery needs.  Those plans should include a Continuity of Government (C O 
G) and Continuity of Operations (C O O P) Plan. Local government may become overwhelmed 
and need staffing, recovery expertise, leadership or other assistance.  State and Federal 
officials work with local governments in the development and implementation of their plans 
and recovery efforts when needed and requested. 

Achieving Disaster Recovery describes the components of a successful disaster recovery 
management system for all levels of government decision making. Coordination, integration, 
community engagement and management are prominent system elements in keeping with the 
National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Core Principles of Leadership. 

To lead these critical disaster recovery functions, this chapter describes: 
*	Recommended Recovery Manager and Recovery Coordinator positions at the local, 
State, Tribal and Territorial levels 
*	New designated Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator (FDRC) positions 
*	National-level disaster recovery coordination 

Tribal governments, as sovereign nations, govern and manage the safety and security of their 
lands and community members. Many Tribal government borders cross multiple counties 
and States, presenting a unique challenge in planning response and recovery efforts. While 
resources in other communities and governments may be available and easily accessible, this 
is not the case in many Tribal government communities. Understanding these basic facts 
assists local, State and Federal governments when working with the sovereign Tribal 
governments to develop and implement their recovery plans. 

The Federal Government is required to engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal 
governments prior to the finalization of policy or program implementation. Local and State 
governments are encouraged to engage with Tribal governments as well. (See Executive Order 
1 3 1 7 5, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal governments.)




PRE-DISASTER TRIBAL DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES
*	Serve as primary POC for disaster recovery preparedness with neighboring local 
and Tribal governments, the Federal Government, and the State(s).
*	Coordinate development, training and exercise of jurisdiction disaster recovery 
plan (Chapter 9).
*	Establish and maintain contacts and networks for disaster recovery resources 
and support systems.
*	Promulgate principles and practices that further resiliency and sustainability in 
development and strategic planning initiatives.

POST-DISASTER TRIBAL DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES
*	Lead the creation and coordinate the activities of Tribal recovery-dedicated 
organizations and initiatives.
*	Work with the SDRC to develop a unified and accessible communications 
strategy. 
*	Work with recovery coordinators and leads at the Federal and other levels to 
facilitate the development of a unified and accessible communications strategy.
*	Participate in damage and impact assessments with other recovery partners.
*	Organize and support recovery planning processes, which includes individuals 
with disabilities and others with access issues, seniors and members of 
underserved communities, to fully engage constituents' input and result in 
development of the Tribe's recovery visions, priorities, resources, capability 
and capacity.
*	Ensure inclusiveness in the community recovery process, including persons 
with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
*	Communicate recovery priorities to State and Federal governments and other 
recovery stakeholders and supporters.
*	Incorporate critical mitigation, resilience, sustainability and accessibility-
building measures into the recovery plans and efforts.
*	Lead the development  of the Tribe’s recovery plans and ensure that they are 
publicly supported, actionable and feasible based on available funding and 
capacity.
*	Coordinate State, Tribal, Federal and other funding streams for recovery 
efforts and communicate issues and solutions to recovery assistance gaps and 
overlaps.
*	Collaborate with State, Federal and other stakeholders and supporters, such 
as the business and nonprofit communities, to raise financial support 
(including long-term capital investment in local businesses) for the Tribe's 
recovery, leverage the resources where possible and resolve potential 
duplication of assistance.
*	Work closely with the recovery leadership at all levels to ensure a well-
coordinated, timely and well-executed recovery. 
*	Develop and implement recovery progress measures and communicate 
adjustments and improvements to applicable stakeholders and authorities.




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           September 2011

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