The objectives of this guide are to: Define and standardize national interagency operating procedures at large airtanker bases to ensure safe and efficient operations; Support fire policy through interagency coordination; Facilitate the exchange of personnel from all wildland fire suppression agencies during periods of high fire activity through standardization; Provide a common, interagency approach in the State, Federal, and Tribal Government's contract related responsibilities; Provide common forms, checklists, orientations outlines, and special instructions for both contractor employees (retardant supplier personnel, pilots, mechanics) and government employees at airtanker bases; Provide a framework, which allows each airtanker base to provide a local base supplement with site specific guidance.