Which ICS function is primarily responsible for obtaining and tracking resources and services?

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

Answer: (D)

Logistics is the part of ICS that coordinates obtaining and delivering the resources and services the incident needs. It handles procurement, warehousing, distribution, and the support systems that keep operations running—things like equipment, vehicles, fuel, food, shelter, maintenance, contracts for services, and the transportation and facilities needed to support personnel in the field. It also tracks the status and location of those resources, maintaining inventory and ensuring the right stuff reaches the right place at the right time.

While other sections support the incident—Operations carrying out tactical actions, Planning developing the incident action plan, and Finance/Administration handling costs and contracts—the primary responsibility for acquiring resources and keeping track of them sits with Logistics. For example, when additional heavy equipment is needed, Logistics orders it, manages delivery to the staging area, and updates the resource status so Incident Command knows what’s available.