Administrative requirements for National Fire Academy instructors

Suitability determination

Prior to becoming an eligible instructor, you must submit your fingerprints to us along with FEMA Form 121-2-1, Fingerprint Request. After a favorable finding, we will place you in an active bidding status. To ensure your continued suitability, we will also:

• Run a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check one year from the anniversary date of the fingerprint check.
• Check your fingerprints every two years. You only need to complete FEMA Form 121-2-1, which we will send to you.

You will receive instructions for the suitability determination process after it has been determined you meet the individual course criteria.

Failure to maintain favorable fingerprints and NCIC checks will result in you being placed in an inactive status and no longer considered eligible to bid on course offerings.

How will I receive information regarding the suitability determination process?

Once the National Fire Academy (NFA) has determined that you have met the individual course instructor criteria, you will receive a fingerprint package with two fingerprint cards, a Fingerprint Request Form/FEMA Form 121-2-1 and a postage-paid return envelope.

Where should I go to have my fingerprints done?

You can take the fingerprint cards to your local police station. Return both the fingerprint cards and the FEMA Form 121-2-1 to the “National Fire Academy — Lee Ann Benamati” in the postage-paid envelope.

You can also schedule a fingerprint appointment at a local FEMA facility, including the National Emergency Training Center (NETC), by visiting https://dhs.authentx.com. If you obtain your fingerprints at a FEMA facility other than NETC, return both the FEMA Form 121-2-1 and the fingerprint cards to the “National Fire Academy — Lee Ann Benamati” in the postage-paid envelope.

What forms of identification are acceptable when I go to have my fingerprints done?

You will need two forms of identification: a U.S. passport or driver’s license AND your Social Security card when you go for your fingerprints.

How will I be notified that my fingerprints have been cleared?

NFA will notify you by email.

If you have a spam filter on your email, make sure that you allow emails from “dhs.gov” addresses.

If I have a question about suitability determination, who should I call?

Please call the NETC Security Specialist at 202-679-3202.

DUNS Number

If you don't already have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, you must get one. Call 866-705-5711 (calling appears to be the easiest method) or go online at Dun & Bradstreet to obtain one. This process usually takes about 24 hours.

Any questions concerning DUNS may be directed to FEMA-NFAInstructor@fema.dhs.gov.

System for Award Management

After obtaining your DUNS number, go to www.sam.gov and register in the System for Award Management (SAM) system. You must validate your registration in the SAM every year. If you have any changes to banking information, address or contact information, you must go to Dun & Bradstreet first and update your information there before updating and validating your SAM registration.

For more detailed information, please see the Federal Government Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 52.204-7 PDF 148 KB (Central Contracting Registration).

National Emergency Training Center parking, registration and conduct

Contract instructors traveling by shuttle bus to the NETC will be directed to Building C for registration. If you arrive in another vehicle, that vehicle is subject to search.

At registration, you will receive a temporary photo identification badge and a temporary parking permit if driving a motor vehicle. Your vehicle is subject to search at any time while on campus.

Please contact NETC Security at 202-679-3202 for questions and further information.