Cost Unit Leader

COST Incident Position Description

The Cost Unit Leader (COST) is responsible for collecting all cost data, performing cost-effectiveness analyzes, and providing cost estimates and cost-saving recommendations. The COST reports to the Finance Section Chief (FSC).  The COST works in the Finance/Administration functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from the incident supervisor.

Build The Team

• Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
• Coordinate with Finance/Administration Section Chief and other functional areas to obtain resources.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and to take appropriate actions.
• Ensure daily objectives and performance standards are met.
• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Cost Unit Leader-Specific Duties

• Obtain local administrative guidelines, payment procedures, or other agency-specific requirements.
• Utilize incident time/cost system program to analyze and manipulate data and to create outputs.
• Provide information to the Incident Management Team (IMT), the incident agency, and the agency responsible for payment, as requested.
• Ensure cost management measures are in place as outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.
• Analyze incident resource cost information, including the evaluation and tracking of inefficient and uneconomical operations, and communicate information to the IMT through the Finance Section Chief.
• Track costs in accordance with established cost-share agreements.
• Verify incident resources and furnish updated cost data on a daily basis to the Planning Section for the inclusion in the Incident Status Summary, (ICS 209).
• Coordinate with incident cost centers to gather on- and off-site cost information.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Coordinate with other units and sections to complete work assignments.

Manage Risk

• Report all accidents or injuries to the incident supervisor.
• Account for the location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and those around you.

Documentation

• Document incident costs according to direction, timeframes, and regulations.
• Ensure the Incident Finance Package follows the guidelines outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.
• Provide cost-saving measures identified or implemented by the IMT for the incident agency after the IMT is released and the incident is completed.
• Ensure financial documentation packages are submitted to the processing agency.
• Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR).

Demobilize

• Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties and complete the transition document or the closeout report for the Cost Unit at the end of the assignment.
• Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report your status to your home unit, including a reassignment or the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your home unit.