Which federal agency is responsible for leading the coordination of the National Response Framework?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is tasked with leading the coordination of the National Response Framework (NRF). This framework is essential for guiding how the nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies, ensuring that response efforts are effective and organized. FEMA's role includes facilitating coordination among various federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial entities to enhance resilience and response capabilities.

FEMA's responsibilities stem from its established authority in emergency management and its experience in coordinating disaster responses. The NRF itself emphasizes the importance of a whole community approach, illustrating FEMA's integral position in uniting various stakeholders and leveraging resources to manage disaster situations comprehensively.

In contrast, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees a broad range of national security efforts and includes FEMA as a component, it is not solely responsible for leading the NRF. Moreover, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) primarily focuses on criminal investigations and threats rather than disaster response, and the National Guard operates under state authority unless federalized during major incidents, which does not place it in a leadership position for the NRF coordination.