NWCG training materials are being updated to reduce redundancy and conflict among overlapping documents. Course-specific student workbooks will be replaced by standards-bearing NWCG publications - the documents that actually guide operations. Instructor guidance will be integrated into PowerPoint presentations rather than located in separate documents. Instructors may use the instructor guide file (exported from the PowerPoint presenter notes), view the notes in presentation mode, or export the notes into the desired format.
S-260 Interagency Incident Business Management, 2014
Course Delivery Information
S-260 may be delivered as instructor-led (classroom) or self-directed (online) training.
Expectations of Instructors
- Prepare thoroughly. Study the course content you are going to teach.
- Establish a collaborative and constructive classroom environment.
- Communicate expectations.
- Encourage student engagement.
- Respect student diversity in backgrounds, talent, experience, and learning style.
- Professionally represent your instructor cadre, your home unit, and your agency.
Course Guidance
Course coordinators and instructors should be thoroughly familiar with the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1. The NWCG Standards for Course Delivery establishes standards for all aspects of NWCG training course management and delivery. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, and the course-specific guidance stated in the NWCG Training Catalog.
See S-260 minimum instructor qualifications.
Preparation for Instructor-Led Delivery Options
1. Instructor-Facilitated using the online course
Students will register for Online Delivery (below) to access the course material. The final exam is included in the online course. Be aware of the Workstation Requirements on that page and ensure that all computers that will be used in the class meet these requirements. It may be advisable to have students register for a NFA online account before arriving at class.
2. Instructor-Led using geographic area developed curriculum
All deliveries will meet the S-260 Course Learning Objectives. A handout of these objectives may be valuable for students.
Outlines from the Online Delivered course for each of the modules in the Course Learning Objectives are available on the Course Materials sub-page. It may be advisable for instructors to review the Online Delivery of these modules.
If Geographic Area cadre develop content that would be appropriate to include on this site, please contact blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov for posting.
Recommended Class Size
There is no recommended class size for S-260.
Student Materials
There is no set standard for classroom material. Consider having the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902, available for each student.
Technical Considerations
All presentations should be downloaded and tested before the start of class to ensure compatibility with software.
PowerPoint presentations are built in Microsoft Office 2016. Saving them in an earlier version of PowerPoint may prevent some features from working correctly. Instructor notes are built in to the presentation slides under Presenter Notes.
For help, visit the Microsoft Office website, https://support.office.com/en-us/powerpoint, or contact your local IT support personnel.
Course Evaluations
Use the NWCG Course Evaluation Feedback form to collect information critical to future training improvements.
Students and cadre members are asked to contribute course evaluations. Input is welcome on all aspects of the training course, including course content, pre-course work, reference materials, quality of instruction, delivery methods, and testing procedures.
Student Assessment
Exercises and Quizzes
Exercises and quizzes (called Knowledge Checks in the Online Delivery) are designed to demonstrate students’ ability to meet lesson objectives. They are not graded but should be discussed upon completion by the entire class.
Final Examination
- Every delivery of S-260 will use the final exam questions from the online course.
- Contact your course coordinator or email blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov for access to the final exam and answer key.
Instructor Cadre Meetings
Conduct initial, pre-course, daily, and close-out instructor cadre meetings. These provide opportunities to plan, organize, preview materials, review training and exercises, and identify and address concerns and issues. Consider using an informal After Action Review process. Instructor cadre meetings are critical for instructors who do not have previous experience with the course. Additional information is located in the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1.
Self-Direct (Online) Delivery
This online course (estimate 16 hours) exposes students to human performance concepts as part of basic wildland firefighter training. The course is designed for entry-level operational personnel; however, this course also applies to all wildland fire service personnel, including non-operational personnel. Additional information about the course can be found on the Overview page.
Instructions
This course is available in the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Log on as a guest to search for this course or go directly to: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=820. You may self-enroll.
2014 Version
The course was updated using the 2016 version of the Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook. That publication has been replaced by the 2018 NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902. Be aware that there may be some discrepancy between the new standards and this course. An update to the course is underway.
Page Last Modified / Reviewed:
2022-12-16