NOAA/National Weather Service's Chief Learning Office United States Department of Commerce
Commerce Learning Center

NWS Impact-Based Decision Support Services PDS

Damage View

Weather-Ready Nation is about building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. To achieve this goal, it is imperative that the NWS expand its capacity to provide superior impact-based decision support services (IDSS) in all phases of the disaster life cycle. This Professional Development Series (PDS) focuses on identifying professional competencies needed to perform IDSS, along with an inventory of instructional components available to build those skill sets.


This page contains a brief description of what is contained in the various PCUs.

PCUs 1 - 3

The first three areas of professional competency have been identified as essential for proficiency in the delivery of IDSS for all operational employees.

All operational employees will complete these units.

PCU 1: IDSS ICS Foundation
Knowledge of Incident Command System structure, terminology, principles and practices.

PCU 2: Partner-Focused Support
Skills in developing effective collaborative relationships with core partners and designing services to meet their needs.

PCU 3: Effective Communication
Skills that enable effective communication of scientific expertise using language and imagery that is clear, succinct, understandable, and useful for decision making.


PCUs 4 - 7

The next four areas of professional competency have been identified as essential for proficiency in the delivery of on-site IDSS.

PCU 4: Preparing for Deployment
Prepare for deployment and gain advanced understanding of ICS, leadership, and roles.

PCU 5: Communicating During Deployment
Deliver ICS briefings, communicate within the chain of command, and complete documentation while deployed.

PCU 6: Advanced ICS and Deployment Tools
Recognize risk and choose the right tools to deliver weather and water information while deployed.

PCU 7: Exercises and Evaluation
Gain experience and build relationships with partners through exercises.


Deployment-Ready Requirements

Those wishing to become Deployment-Ready will complete: Once these items are completed, the supervisor can qualify the employee as Deployment-Ready. Participants wishing to attend the IDSS Deployment Boot Camp will be added to the priority list after they complete PCUs 1-6.