In ICS, which section is responsible for cost accounting and procurement?

In ICS, which section is responsible for cost accounting and procurement?

• A. Planning
• B. Logistics
• C. Operations
• D. Finance/Administration

Answer: (D)

Cost management and procurement sit in the Finance/Administration Section of the ICS structure. This part of the system is dedicated to financial tracking, cost analysis, contracts and procurement, timekeeping, payroll, and incident cost reimbursement. It provides the paperwork and oversight that keep purchases and expenses accountable, ensures contracts are managed properly, and handles incident cost reporting. The other sections have different primary duties: Planning focuses on the incident action plan and documentation, Operations tackles the tactical field work, and Logistics handles obtaining and maintaining the resources and services needed to support the incident. Procurement actions may physically occur through Logistics, but the financial control, cost accounting, and contract management that track and justify those purchases belong to Finance/Administration, which is why that section is responsible for cost accounting and procurement.