Transportation Organizations

More Than One Hundred Twenty Five Years of Extensive Expertise in Crisis Leadership and Change Management

Our Expertise

Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a critical role for transportation entities, including mass transit, rail, marine, and aviation, by implementing a standardized, all-hazards Incident Command System (ICS) across their complex operational domains. IMS ensures seamless interagency coordination by aligning the organization's emergency plans and real-time response procedures with local fire, police, and federal agencies. This involves developing system-specific Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) for scenarios like technical malfunctions, security threats, or environmental hazards, and integrating advanced incident management software to provide a common operational picture for dispatch, airside/landside operations, and vessel traffic control. Ultimately, IMS focuses on establishing clear command structures, automating response checklists, and conducting specialized drills to minimize operational downtime and protect the traveling public during a crisis across any mode of transport.

Planning

Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a critical role in emergency management planning for transportation entities—including mass transit, rail, marine, and aviation—by providing expertise and tools to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive events. These services often involve developing comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), conducting Hazard Vulnerability Analyses (HVAs) and Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRAs), and creating Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) tailored to the specific operational and regulatory needs of each mode. Furthermore, IMS facilitates training and drills to ensure personnel across all transportation sectors are proficient in unified command structures, such as the Incident Command System (ICS), and can effectively coordinate communication, resource allocation, and operational response with external first responders and partner agencies.

Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a pivotal role in emergency management training for mass transit, rail, marine, and aviation by ensuring all personnel, from frontline staff to executive leadership, are prepared to execute emergency plans effectively. These firms develop and deliver customized, all-hazards training programs that incorporate federal frameworks like the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS), providing a unified approach to crisis response. A key function is designing and facilitating realistic drills and exercises—including tabletop discussions, functional exercises, and full-scale operational drills—to test and validate an entity's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Through this process, IMS identifies gaps in procedures, improves multi-agency coordination between transportation operators and external first responders, and provides detailed After-Action Reports (AARs) to drive continuous improvement in emergency readiness.

Training

Leadership

Incident Management Solutions (IMS) provides executive leadership and operational guidance to ensure top-down competence in crisis management for mass transit, rail, marine, and aviation entities. Their role extends beyond simple training by offering specialized Executive Leadership programs that focus on strategic decision-making, crisis communication, and establishing a unified command structure compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). IMS senior associates act as expert consultants, helping executives develop and implement robust Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs), which is crucial for maintaining essential functions and swift service resumption. By building a culture of preparedness through high-level training and practical exercise support, IMS ensures transportation leaders can effectively coordinate internal departments, external first responders, and governmental agencies, minimizing disruption and protecting lives and critical infrastructure during major events.

Drills and Exercises

Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a critical role in enhancing the crisis preparedness of transportation entities—including mass transit, rail, marine, and aviation—by designing, conducting, and evaluating realistic emergency drills and exercises. Using the rigorous Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology, IMS develops a progressive sequence of exercises, ranging from discussion-based Tabletop Exercises (TTXs) for senior leadership to Full-Scale Exercises (FSEs) that test field operations. These exercises are meticulously crafted with realistic scenarios, such as mass casualty incidents or hazardous material releases, to validate the organization's Emergency Operations Plans and confirm that personnel understand their Incident Command System (ICS) roles and responsibilities. Crucially, IMS concludes its role by developing a detailed After-Action Report/Improvement Plan (AAR/IP), which provides an objective assessment of strengths and identifies specific corrective actions, thus ensuring continuous operational improvement and greater resilience for the transportation entity.