C12.9.1. Definition. FDR is prompt aid that can be used to alleviate the suffering of foreign disaster victims.

C12.9.2. Authority. The principle authority for DoD to conduct FDR is 10 USC 404. DODD 5100.46 provides DoD policy for employment of its resources in FDR operations; and assigns responsibilities for carrying out this policy. DOD 7000.14-R, Financial Management Regulation, Volume 12, Chapter 23 provides financial policy and procedures for military contingency operations related to the DoD, including foreign disaster relief efforts.

C12.9.3. Description. DoD FDR missions are performed in accordance with DODD 5100.46. DoD FDR activities should support requirements validated by Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and typically include the provision of transportation logistics and/or the provision of humanitarian daily rations (HDRs), EP, or other humanitarian relief supplies, services, or personnel. When the U.S. military provides FDR support, the military mission should be clearly defined as military assets are provided primarily to supplement or complement the relief efforts of the affected country’s civil authorities or humanitarian relief community. FDR operations conducted by the DoD typically include unique DoD capabilities pertaining to logistics support, transportation, airfield management, communications, distribution of relief commodities, or security. Additionally, factors considered by DoD when evaluating requests for assistance include: legality (compliance with laws), risk (safety of DoD forces), cost (who pays, impact on DoD budget), appropriateness (whether the requested mission is in the interest of DoD to conduct) and readiness (impact on the DoD’s ability to perform its primary mission).

C12.9.3.1. FDR activities to be funded by OHDACA may only benefit civilians or non-combatants and typically include the provision of transportation, non-lethal EP, and/or HDRs, as well as funding for services and/or products that meet humanitarian needs. As early as possible, CCMDs planning to engage in FDR activities that fall under OHDACA-funded authorities should coordinate with DSCA to discuss planned (and potential) support activities, funding and other pertinent information.

C12.9.3.2. Foreign Disaster Relief Program Activities.

C12.9.3.2.1. FDR Transportation Programs. Transportation provided during disaster relief is primarily conducted using military airlift. DSCA establishes a Transportation Account Codes (TAC) to cover the costs of transportation for each disaster in which OHDACA funding is the resource for relief efforts. Detailed descriptions of the transportation activities during FDR are described in Section C12.7.4.1.3.

C12.9.3.2.2. Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs). OHDACA funds are used to procure and provide low cost, nutritional, daily rations for use in foreign countries to alleviate hunger after manmade or natural disasters. HDRs are stored at DSCA’s EP Warehouse in Albany, Georgia in a climate-controlled bay. HDRs maintained at the DSCA warehouse at Albany, Georgia, are available for use in support of FDR efforts and may be requested from DSCA via the CCMD. HDRs are a temporary feeding measure are designed to be easily transported to meet requirements of mobile populations until conventional, longer term relief programs can resume. HDRs are designed to be suitable for consumption by all cultures and have no less than 2,200 calories, contain no animal byproducts, are meatless, fortified with vitamins, and provide a single day’s worth of nutrition per unit. Use of HDRs should be coordinated with, and validated by, the appropriate USAID/OFDA representative to ensure the accomplishment of desired effects and to avoid unintended consequences.

C12.9.3.2.3. Excess Property (EP) during FDR. OFDA-validated EP items may be transported from DSCA EP Warehouse stocks during FDR, as available. Such requests will be granted priority in processing; however, all such requests should still be initiated by the SCO in OHASIS and follow normal coordinating requirements. Items requested may include tents, cots, water purification units, and other humanitarian relief supplies. If a request for EP items is approved during an FDR, DSCA will fund and coordinate the transportation with the EP Warehouse, USTRANSCOM, and OFDA.

C12.9.4. Process. Upon declaration of a disaster by the U.S. Ambassador to the affected country, and transmission of a Disaster Declaration cable, OFDA and DoS commence determination of the level of USG assistance required. OFDA assesses the needs and priorities of the affected country, validating requirements, and determining what, if any, requirements can be most effectively met by DoD.

C12.9.4.1. In coordination with USAID, DoS will transmit a memorandum to the DoD EXECSEC formally requesting DoD assistance on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis. Non-reimbursable requests will typically be funded with OHDACA. The CCMD will provide anticipated requirements, including cost estimates and timelines to DSCA, and continue such coordination throughout the response. SOLIC will prepare the appropriate package for SECDEF approval that includes a memorandum to the appropriate CCMD authorizing FDR operations in the affected country and establishing the funding limit for the operation, and a response to the DoS EXECSEC indicating DoD will support the response. The package is coordinated with DSCA, JS, relevant OSD(P) regional offices, DoD Office of General Counsel (OGC), and OSD Comptroller (OSD(C)), to ensure appropriate funding sources are both authorized and utilized. Once the package is approved by the SECDEF, the DoD Joint Operation Planning Execution System (JOPES) processes will be used to conduct directed FDR operations, including issuance of a DoD Execute Order (EXORD) to the affected CCDR. Concurrent with SECDEF approval, and in support of OFDA-validated requirements, DSCA may work to identify and source requirements such as HDRs and commodities available via the DSCA EP warehouse. DSCA may also coordinate transportation of these commodities with the JS Logistics Directorate (J4) and USTRANSCOM. Depending on the scope of the disaster, DSCA will coordinate with SOLIC, OSD(C), the JS, the relevant CCMD, the interagency, and Congressional committees to manage the availability of OHDACA funds and determine if additional resourcing actions are required. Additional resourcing options include the Presidential Drawdown authority, reprogramming, or a supplemental. Data reporting requirements will vary according to specific DR characteristics. Figure C12.F2. depicts the general DoD FDR process.

C12.9.4.2. Presidential Drawdown Authority. Pursuant to Sec 506(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, the President may direct the drawdown of defense articles or services of the DoD for various activities including international disaster assistance. This provides authority to make available materials and services from existing stock up to a $75M aggregate value (see Chapter 11 on Drawdowns). Note: Drawdowns are not actual funds, and the organization providing the material or service may or may not be reimbursed at a later date. DSCA is the DoD entity responsible for processing drawdowns in conjunction with DoS.

Figure C12.F2. DoD FDR Process

C12.9.4.3. Reprogramming. If there are insufficient OHDACA funds to cover the additional costs of an FDR, OSD(C) may direct a reprogramming action to pull unobligated funds from the other funding sources within DoD. The four congressional committees with OHDACA oversight consulted on reprogramming actions are the House Armed Services Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee. Timing may require that DSCA request the CCMDs return all unobligated funds from OHDACA already allocated under the HA Program; the returned funds will be redirected to the FDR effort. If a formal reprogramming action is executed, OSD(C) may later seek a supplemental to restore OHDACA funds, and any other affected accounts.

C12.9.4.4. Foreign Consequence Management (FCM) and Foreign Disaster Relief (FDR). DoD activities following overseas disasters may include conducting foreign consequence management (FCM) operations concurrently with FDR (reference CJCSI 3214.01). In such circumstances, OHDACA funds may be used only to the extent such use can be defined as FDR. The support and reimbursement processes follow the same guidelines as other FDR missions DoD supports.

C12.9.5. Reporting Requirements. Per 10 USC 404, not later than 48 hours after the commencement of disaster assistance activities, SECDEF is required to notify Congress of DoD FDR assistance, proposed or provided, and a description of the following, as is available: the manmade or natural disaster for which disaster assistance is necessary; the threat to human lives presented by the disaster; the U.S. military personnel and material resources involved; the disaster assistance provided by other nations or public or private relief organizations; and the anticipated duration of the disaster assistance activities. DSCA prepares this SECDEF Congressional notification for coordination with SOLIC, the JS, and relevant OSD regional offices. DSCA will deliver the notification to the appropriate Congressional committees.