ODP INFORMATION BULLETIN
                    No. 00-001 March 6, 2000

               TO:            All State Agency Heads
               All State Agency Points of Contact

               FROM:          C. H. "Butch" Straub II
               Director

               SUBJECT:       Office for Domestic Preparedness Support

I want to take this opportunity to formally welcome your agency's participation in the U. S.
Department of Justice's effort to enhance the nation's emergency response communities
capabilities to respond to mass casualty terrorist incidents. The staff of the Office of State and
Local Domestic Preparedness Support (ODP) look forward to working with you and your
staff in the implementation of this important new initiative.  This Bulletin is the first in a series of
informational updates our office will distribute to the designated state agencies in an effort to
keep you informed of  information on ODP'ss and other related Federal programs and our
efforts to assist your office as you develop and implement your statewide strategic plans.  

Through ODP, the Office of Justice Program has established a new program office whose
primary goal is building capabilities at the state and local levels through a coordinated program of
equipment support; training, from the awareness level to the incident command level; exercise
planning and support; and specialized technical assistance.  ODP is looking to the designated
state agencies to provide the critical state-based plans which will help our office more effectively 
allocate program funding to the jurisdictions with the greatest need.  ODP is committed to
working with you and your staff to coordinate the implementation of an integrated national
program working in partnership with state and local agencies within your state.

Attached for your review is a summary briefing of ODP'ss key programs.  Please feel free to
contact our office at 202/305-9887 to discuss ODP's programs and the pivotal role your state
will play in the targeting of these resources across the nation.  I look forward to the opportunity
to meet with you at the upcoming ODP-sponsored regional conferences on state planning
requirements.


Attachment