News : DTS: FEMA Corps Spruce 6 team works on Deployment Tracking System in DC

By: Bobby Cook & Jacqueline Bowen

AmeriCorps NCCC-FEMA Corps team, Spruce 6, returned to Washington, D.C. for its second round to continue its work with the Deployment Tracking System, commonly referred to as DTS here at FEMA Headquarters. Spruce 6 has been working with DTS since its preliminary stages and has been integral in implementing the new system.

FEMA Corps member Markus explains that DTS is used to track FEMA’s 21,000 personnel and “Working with DTS has shown us how crucial it will be for FEMA’s response to future disasters.”

Since the first round, the members’ roles for the system have shifted as a result of its launch on December 29. In the fall, the team worked to help FEMA staff orient new users on how to use the two interfaces; this was done by answering system-related questions during orientation webinars. Thus, the team needed to be knowledgeable about the system to aid users, and after a month of dedicated training, the team was well prepared to carry out this task.

Running up until the end of the first round, the team continued to help with the webinars as the members’ role morphed to include helping with the logistical launch of the system. For example, members compiled survey data to create graphs that demonstrated the efficacy of webinars and contacted personnel to assure that all accounts were created and activated.

Now, Spruce 6 works to ensure program maintenance, troubleshoots users’ problems, and conducts quality assurance checks of the system. This project has allowed the team to develop their database, cold-calling, and interpersonal skills based on the number of people they contact on a weekly basis.

Spruce Six is returning to Vinton at the end of next week!