Strengthening Regional Disaster Logistics

Through FEMA’s Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) FY19, the Bay Area UASI led a major regional initiative to strengthen the Bay Area’s ability to deliver life-sustaining commodities—such as food, water, and emergency supplies—following a catastrophic disaster.

This multi-year effort enhanced planning, logistics coordination, and operational readiness across the 12-county Bay Area, ensuring jurisdictions can rapidly activate Commodity Points of Distribution (C-PODs) when traditional supply chains fail.

The project advanced multiple FEMA Core Capabilities, including Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Operational Coordination, Planning, Mass Care Services, Operational Communications, and Community Resilience.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Planning

• Developed 80 new C-POD site plans and updated 24 existing plans across the Bay Area.
• Shared all finalized C-POD plans with Cal OES and FEMA Region IX; plans were also uploaded to a regional digital platform.
• Created customizable MOUs/LOAs for C-POD site locations to support rapid operational setup.
• Completed 213 Resource Request (213RR) pre-scripted templates, one aligned to each site plan.
• Developed a C-POD Logistics Plan Template & Guidance to support consistent regional planning practices.
• Provided jurisdictions with standardized calculators, templates, MOUs, and planning tools included in the regional C-POD Toolkit (e.g., resource estimate calculators, activation templates, and logistics planning forms).

Training

• Delivered C-POD Operations & Management Training to 87 participants.
• Delivered Disaster Logistics for Practitioners Training to 124 participants, improving staff readiness across local and regional agencies.

Exercises

• Conducted four (4) tabletop exercises focused on validating site plans and testing local coordination
• Conducted one (1) region-wide functional and full-scale exercise, testing resource distribution workflows, communications, and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

PROJECT IMPACT

The FY19 Life-Sustaining Commodity Distribution Planning Project meaningfully strengthened the Bay Area’s disaster logistics operations by delivering a comprehensive, regionally consistent approach to C-POD planning, training, and exercises.

The project equipped jurisdictions with the tools, templates, and operational understanding required to rapidly stand up distribution sites, coordinate with state and federal partners, and ensure equitable access to essential resources following a major supply chain disruption.

Collectively, these efforts have improved the region’s ability to sustain life-saving services, support community recovery, and protect public health during catastrophic incidents.

EXPLORE PROJECT RESOURCES 

Click the links below to access key project materials:

1. C-POD Toolkit Overview

   A high-level orientation to the C-POD Toolkit, summarizing its purpose, intended users, and core components. The overview explains how C-PODs operate, when they are activated, and how local jurisdictions can use the toolkit to develop or enhance their own site plans and logistics systems.

2. C-POD Toolkit

   A comprehensive, downloadable collection of customizable templates, planning tools, SOPs, training materials, calculators, MOUs, and exercise guides that support all phases of C-POD planning and operations. Updated in June 2023, the toolkit allows jurisdictions to mature their C-POD planning, conduct trainings, and run validation exercises using standardized, regionally aligned materials. 

Advancing Pandemic Preparedness Across the Bay Area

Through FEMA’s RCPGP FY20, the Bay Area UASI led a landmark regional project to strengthen pandemic preparedness, coordination, and resilience across the 12-county Bay Area. Building upon lessons learned from COVID-19, this initiative united public health agencies, emergency management offices, and community partners to improve response systems, supply chain coordination, and decision-making during health emergencies.

The project enhanced multiple FEMA Core Capabilities, including Public Health and Medical Services, Operational Coordination, Health and Social Services, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and Planning—ensuring that the Bay Area can better protect lives and sustain essential operations during future pandemics.

Project Highlights

Planning

• Developed a Regional Pandemic Preparedness Framework – a comprehensive guide for pandemic readiness that incorporates lessons learned from COVID-19.
• Produced the Regionwide COVID-19 After-Action Report (AAR) – a compilation of 14 jurisdictional reports capturing shared challenges, best practices, and improvement opportunities.
• Updated the California Region II Medical and Health Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Guide to clarify response coordination among local, regional, and state health agencies.
• Created a Scarce Resource Decision-Making Tool outlining ethical frameworks and practical processes for allocating limited medical supplies and personnel.
• Updated and supplemented the Care and Shelter Planning Toolkit to improve preparedness for pandemic sheltering operations, including infection control and vulnerable population support.
• Developed resource estimation tools to support logistics coordination with Cal OES and FEMA Region IX for future health emergencies.

Organization

• Expanded partnerships with 28 new public health and healthcare organizations, including hospitals, EMS agencies, and community-based health providers across the Bay Area.
• Strengthened integration between local Offices of Emergency Services and healthcare coalitions to ensure a coordinated, multi-sector pandemic response.
• Supported 13 jurisdictions with customized local pandemic planning and technical assistance, aligning local emergency plans with regional frameworks.

Training

• Delivered long-term care facility and emergency management trainings for over 150 participants, covering business continuity, mass care operations, and medical surge management.
• Hosted targeted sessions for healthcare and emergency staff on decision-making, coordination, and continuity of operations during pandemic conditions.

Exercises

• Conducted five local tabletop exercises (TTXs) and a regional pandemic preparedness exercise, engaging 570 participants from healthcare, government, and non-profit sectors.
• Delivered a full-scale functional exercise in May 2023 simulating regional pandemic coordination, resource allocation, and information sharing across all 12 counties.
• Submitted 15+ After-Action Reports and Improvement Plans, helping agencies refine response systems and sustain long-term preparedness.

Building Resilient Health Systems

The Regional Pandemic Preparedness Project has provided jurisdictions with the tools, guidance, and tested frameworks to respond more effectively to future public health emergencies. By building shared understanding and strengthening operational linkages across health, government, and community sectors, this initiative ensures a unified, equitable, and data-driven approach to regional resilience.

Explore Project Resources

Click the links below to access key project materials:

Regional Pandemic Preparedness Framework

A regionally developed framework that guides Bay Area jurisdictions in updating or creating pandemic preparedness, response, and recovery plans. Built on lessons learned from COVID-19, it incorporates best practices, common challenges, and shared recommendations identified across the region.

Regionwide COVID-19 AAR

A comprehensive analysis of cross-jurisdictional trends, challenges, and successes from the Bay Area’s COVID-19 response. This report identifies high-impact regional recommendations and priority actions to strengthen coordination and readiness for future public health emergencies.

Scarce Resource Decision-Making Tool

A practical tool designed to support local decision-makers when essential resources are limited during a public health emergency. It provides ethical frameworks, operational guidance, and adaptable processes to ensure consistent, transparent, and equitable decisions across the region. 

Advancing Supply Chain Resilience Across the Bay Area

Through FEMA’s RCPGP FY21, the Bay Area UASI led a regional effort to strengthen the Bay Area’s ability to withstand and recover from disruptions to essential goods and services. This initiative brought together emergency managers, private-sector partners, disability advocates, and operational agencies to improve coordination, decision-making, and support for communities that rely on complex supply chains for food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and other life-sustaining resources.

The project advanced multiple FEMA Core Capabilities, including Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operational Coordination, Planning, and Community Resilience—ensuring that the Bay Area is better prepared to maintain the flow of critical goods during emergencies.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 

Planning

• Supply Chain Decision-Making Playbook
• Supply Chain Considerations for People with Disabilities Report
• Supply Chain Workshop Summary and Recommendations Report
• Regional Supply Chain Resilience Lifelines Council Reference Document
• Updated regional C-POD and logistics reference materials to integrate accessibility, disability considerations, and supply chain disruption impacts into existing emergency logistics guidance.

Organization

• Engaged 200+ participants from public, private, and nonprofit sectors across the region.
• Coordinated planning and engagement across three UASI work groups (Emergency Management, Public Health & Medical, Public Information & Warning).
• Facilitated collaboration with multiple state agencies, including Cal OES and the California Department of General Services.

Training

• Delivered a nine-session Supply Chain Resilience Seminar Series, training 530+ participants across the Bay Area.
• Produced one instructional video summarizing seminar content and highlighting key lessons learned.

Exercises

• Conducted five hub-level tabletop exercises (TTXs) and one regional TTX, testing supply chain decision-making, operational coordination, and communication pathways.
• Completed six After-Action Reports (AARs) and six Improvement Plans (IPs) to inform future regional planning and policy development.

Building Whole Community Resilience

The Supply Chain Resilience Project has equipped Bay Area jurisdictions with practical tools, regional strategies, and tested processes to navigate large-scale disruptions to essential goods and services. By strengthening cross-sector coordination and embedding equity considerations – including the needs of people with disabilities – this initiative ensures a more connected, informed, and resilient regional supply chain system.

EXPLORE PROJECT RESOURCES 

Click the links below to access key project materials:

Supply Chain Resilience Seminar Series

This report summarizes a nine-part seminar series delivered from October 2022 to February 2023 under the RCPGP FY21 Supply Chain Resilience Project. The series brought together local, regional, and national experts to help Bay Area emergency managers better understand food, water, fuel, healthcare, and non-traditional supply chains—and how disasters disrupt them. It also captures insights from private-sector partners, system interdependencies, and strategies for improving collaboration during catastrophic events.

Video recordings of all nine seminars and a short video overview of the series are available for viewing. These resources support ongoing learning for emergency managers, planners, and whole-community partners seeking to strengthen regional supply chain resilience.

A summary of the nine-part regional seminar series featuring public- and private-sector experts on food, water, fuel, healthcare, and essential goods supply chains—accompanied by full video recordings of each seminar and a short video overview of the series.

Supply Chain Decision-Making Playbook

This playbook provides Bay Area emergency managers and whole-community partners with practical guidance for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disruptions to food and water supply chains. It explains regional supply chain dynamics, identifies vulnerabilities, and offers actionable “plays” that improve coordination, information-sharing, and resource allocation during crises. The document is designed to help jurisdictions make faster, clearer, and more informed decisions to keep essential goods flowing during disasters.

A practical guide outlining key decision pathways, coordination structures, and prioritization strategies to support government leaders and private partners in managing major supply chain disruptions during catastrophic events.

Supply Chain Considerations for People with Disabilities Report

This report provides practical strategies to ensure that people with disabilities and access and functional needs (AFN) can equitably receive food and water during disasters through Commodity Points of Distribution (C-PODs). It identifies areas of pre-existing vulnerability across the Bay Area, prioritizes C-POD locations based on community needs, and outlines accessibility and accommodation requirements rooted in ADA standards. This resource helps jurisdictions plan more inclusive and effective disaster logistics.

A focused analysis offering actionable recommendations to ensure that disaster-related supply chain disruptions do not disproportionately affect people with disabilities, with guidance for improving equitable access to essential goods and services.

Advancing Equity, Climate Resilience & Whole-Community Preparedness Across the Bay Area

Through FEMA’s Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) FY22, the Bay Area UASI launched a region-wide initiative to strengthen equity, climate resilience, and disaster readiness across the 12-county Bay Area. The Equitable Community Resilience Project was designed to ensure that preparedness strategies reflect the needs of the region’s most underserved communities—including monolingual immigrant populations, geographically isolated workers, and neighborhoods facing long-term socio-economic inequities.

The project aligned with FEMA’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan and addressed key SPR-identified gaps by strengthening three core FEMA capabilities: Community Resilience, Long-Term Vulnerability Reduction, and Planning. Through data-driven assessments, community-led planning, and the development of innovative technical tools, the initiative helped local jurisdictions better understand risk, reduce vulnerabilities, and build inclusive resilience strategies.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 

Planning

• 10 Local Roadmaps to Community Resilience developed through collaborative community workshops
• 14 jurisdictions supported with equity-focused plan reviews or Emergency Operations Plan updates.
• Regional Vulnerability Report and interactive ArcGIS-based Regional Resilience Tool created to map hazard exposure, social vulnerability, and community capacity.
• Regional Roadmap to Community Resilience Toolkit produced, offering customizable templates and a step-by-step process for community-level resilience planning.
• Feasibility Study & Strategy completed for a regional technology platform to strengthen government–CBO coordination during response and recovery.

Organization

• Formed 10 community-specific task forces and 1 technology-focused task force, expanding sustained engagement with CBOs, VOADs/COADs, and resilience agencies.
• 187 unique organizations engaged across the exercise series, significantly expanding community partner participation.
• Strengthened cross-department partnerships with local resilience offices, building departments, and regional/state agencies.

Training

• 26 training courses delivered, reaching 383 participants, covering ICS for CBOs, organizational preparedness, continuity of operations, and collaborative government–CBO coordination.
• Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitation training delivered to expand government capacity for inclusive community engagement.

Exercises

• Six hub-level Community Resilience Tabletop Exercises (TTXs) conducted across the Bay Area involving 302 participants from 156 organizations.
• One regional TTX conducted with 60 participants from 31 organizations, identifying region-wide trends and priorities.

PROJECT IMPACT

The Equitable Community Resilience Project delivered scalable, community-centered tools and strategies that help local jurisdictions close long-standing inequities in preparedness and climate resilience. These resources are already being used to enhance regional planning, inform grant applications, support CBO partnerships, and guide the next generation of the region’s whole-community resilience initiatives.

EXPLORE PROJECT RESOURCES 

Click the links below to access key project materials:

Regional Vulnerability Report

A data-driven analysis of the Bay Area’s hazard exposure, social vulnerability, and community capacity. The report provides jurisdictions with actionable insights for equitable mitigation, response planning, and funding justification.

Regional Resilience Tool (ArcGIS Platform)

A practical, user-friendly guide offering templates, factsheets, and a four-step process—Prepare, Assess, Plan, Document & Share—to help jurisdictions replicate the Roadmap process within their own communities. Includes an instructional video.

Regional Feasibility Study & Strategy for Engaging Community Organizations via Technology

A region-wide assessment exploring sustainable ways to strengthen coordination with CBOs through digital platforms. Recommends a Microsoft Teams and ArcGIS Online–based collaboration environment to enhance recovery operations.