The triumvirate meeting was held to discuss having a site where decision-makers could gather during times of crisis and provide an effective response to a major incident that would impact multiple jurisdictions. The Post cites one of the many lessons learned during the response to Hurricane Katrina was that timely and effective communication between key officials was critical to having a response that was expedited, proactive, and met the public?s expectations. Having the decision-makers, or a trusted representative that can speak for the agency or jurisdiction, co-located will assist with response and recovery efforts.

The Department of Homeland Security National Response Plan calls for the establishment of Response Coordination Centers, as a multi-agency center that provides overall federal response coordination and implements local federal support. In past disasters, these centers served as the main coordination point between federal agencies that support state and local governments with response and recovery activities after disasters. Depending on the nature of the disaster, the federal agencies represented at these centers include: FEMA, FBI, Department of Defense, General Services Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation, Urban Search and Rescue, and National Disaster Medical System. They are in direct contact with state and local agencies and volunteer organizations, such as American Red Cross and Salvation Army.