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S-481, Incident Business Advisor (ILT)

Course Title
Incident Business Advisor (ILT)
Version Date

2014

Previous Certification Dates

2008-06

Course Number
S-481
Other Training Which Supports
Incident Business Advisor (INBA)
Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students to become an Incident Business Advisor (INBA) resource for all hazard incidents. Topics include preparation for an assignment, interactions/activities, and relationship to cost objectives.

Course Objective

Describe the basic framework of the INBA position.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Business Advisor (INBA).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Additional Materials and Equipment Needed
These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).

Computer with appropriate software, projector, and screen
DVD player and monitor (if unable to use computer DVD drive)
Push pins or tape
Tables, chairs, pencils, and/or pens for students
IBA kit
DVD: “Fish, Catch the Energy, Release the Potential”
Check with local human resource office, geographic area, and local training officer to see if they have a copy to borrow. The Video can be purchased at the following site, check for government discounts: fishphilosophy.com

Course Updates
Both the Fireline Handbook, PMS 410-1, and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, PMS 210, are now discontinued. Existing references to these documents will need to be removed from course materials and exams. Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated. Course Coordinators, Lead Instructors, or Unit Training Officers may request access to the final exam and answer key by emailing blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov. All emailed requests must come from an official NWCG partner email address.

The following update is suggested for the S-481 final exam:

Question #23: List three reference documents utilized during an IBA assignment.(6 pts)
o Answer: In the answer key, the Fireline Handbook and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide need to be deleted as potential answers.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236, replaced the NWCG Complexity Analysis and NWCG Organizational Needs Assessment. The following table illustrates the changes to this course.

Applies to 2008 Version.

Business Steward
FBC Finance/Business Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Business Advisor (INBA).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The exercises work best when class size is a minimum of 10 students and does not exceed 20 students. Since many people taking the IBA course have little or no fire experience, it is recommended that changing group members for each exercise will expose attendees to a variety of experience levels, opinions, and backgrounds.

Class Size Recommendations

The exercises work best when class size is a minimum of 10 students and does not exceed 20 students. Since many people taking the IBA course have little or no fire experience, it is recommended that changing group members for each exercise will expose attendees to a variety of experience levels, opinions, and backgrounds.

Special Cadre Considerations

A minimum of three instructors of an interagency mix (including state) is recommended. Instructors must be able to provide an interagency perspective and facilitate student interaction.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee