USAID/Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff

The USAID Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff (CS3) prepares and rapidly mobilizes highly experienced technical experts with critical development skill sets to support essential USAID Mission operations through the temporary deployment of approximately 50 intermittent, overseas U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs) known as the Firehouse. CS3 provides operational support to Firehouse members including deployment coordination, contract management, travel arrangement, and administrative assistance.

CS3 Firehouse members represent a broad range of international development expertise and are familiar with USAID processes and mechanisms. Firehouse members are available to USAID Missions upon request to support management of field staff, provide technical expertise, temporarily fill newly created positions, or fill vital positions after evacuations. The Firehouse’s wide array of technical skills ensures that CS3’s response to Mission requests is effective and fully integrated.