Review and Change Process for Position Standards

PMS 310-1

A formal revision of the PMS 310-1 occurs annually. However, the Incident and Position Standards Committee (IPSC) may review proposals, address issues, and make changes at any time as needs dictate. NWCG members may be requested to review and provide input for the proposed revision before the revision is adopted by NWCG.

Revision Process

1. Proposed changes, including requests for new positions, will be identified on the IPSC Request for Change (RFC) Form.
2. Required information includes reason for the change, national mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use, a draft Next Generation Position Task Book (PTB) (if appropriate), and any specific transition or implementation plan information for individuals currently residing in the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) and the Incident Qualification System (IQS).
3. The package will be reviewed by IPSC and vetted through other committees to assess any impacts and gain approval.
4. The requesting party will be notified through official correspondence of the outcome of the request and, if accepted, the timeframe for implementation.
5. Updates to the PMS 310-1 will be made in IQS and IQCS on an annual basis. Exceptions are critical health and safety issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Requests for position consideration in the PMS 310-1 will include the following:

1. Completed Request for Change form.
2. Information identifying the need for position standardization.
3. Draft Incident Position Standards and draft Next Generation Position Task Book.
4. Draft transition plan for position implementation in IQS and IQCS.
5. National mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use.
6. Training development and maintenance plan, if applicable.

Criteria for NWCG Position Consideration

The following criteria must be met for a position to be considered for inclusion in the PMS 310‑1, as determined by IPSC:

1. The position supports the NWCG mission and is needed for national mobilization;
2. The position is interagency in scope and is supported by the interagency community;
3. The proposed position has been submitted by an NWCG member agency, Geographic Area Coordinating Group, or NWCG committee;
4. A demonstrated recurring need for standardized position qualification requirements has been identified;
5. No other position exists that can accomplish these tasks; and,
6. The primary position qualifications are not addressed or supported by industry standards and training.