How are incidents managed when all levels of government are engaged?

The correct answer reflects the principle of a coordinated response across different levels of government as outlined in the National Response Framework. When an incident occurs that necessitates the involvement of multiple government levels, the response is generally locally executed to ensure that decision-making is close to the affected area and communities. This local execution allows for rapid response and tailored actions that fit the immediate needs.

State management is key during such incidents, as state governments provide the necessary oversight and resources to support local efforts. Federal support comes into play to offer additional resources, expertise, and coordination when the situation exceeds local and state capacities. The collaboration among these levels ensures a comprehensive and effective response that aligns with the whole community approach, which is fundamental to the NRF.

The other choices do not align with this framework. Relying solely on the private sector or non-governmental organizations excludes the crucial roles that local, state, and federal governments play in incident management. Additionally, stating that incidents are managed only by state governments overlooks the importance of local action and federal support in a complete emergency response system.