Which NIMS Management Characteristic allows units from diverse agencies to connect, share information, and achieve situational awareness?

The correct choice is Integrated Communications, as this NIMS Management Characteristic is specifically designed to facilitate the sharing of information and ensure effective communication among various agencies and units involved in an incident. Integrated Communications provides the frameworks, tools, and protocols that enable different entities to connect seamlessly, regardless of their unique operational methods or systems.

This characteristic is essential for achieving situational awareness, as it allows all participating organizations to have access to the same information, understand the current situation, and make informed decisions collectively. By promoting effective communication channels, integrated communications help prevent confusion and misinformation, thereby enhancing coordination and collaboration in incident management.

Other characteristics listed, such as Flexible Resource Management and Comprehensive Planning, focus on resource allocation and the planning process but do not directly address the critical need for synchronized communication in a multi-agency context. Unified Operations involves coordinated efforts during an incident but relies heavily on effective communication protocols to be successful. Thus, Integrated Communications stands out as the key characteristic that fosters connectivity and situational awareness among diverse agencies.