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Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program

Overview

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Directorate, Capabilities Division, Technical Assistance (TA) program seeks to build and sustain capabilities through specific services and analytical capacities across two primary functional areas: (1) preparedness technical assistance activities in support of the four homeland security mission areas (prevention, protection, response, recovery) and (2) homeland security program management. This two-pronged approach ensures that initiatives measurably contribute to the enhancement of state and local homeland security programs and the specific homeland security capabilities they build and manage. The TA program is designed to be an agile program that addresses areas of greatest State and local need; is committed to transferring and institutionalizing knowledge at the State and local level; and provides a dynamic menu of services that is responsive to national priorities.

Preparedness Technical Assistance
Preparedness Technical Assistance services seek to build and sustain capabilities in support of the four homeland security mission areas (prevention, protection, response, recovery). In addition to the four mission areas, these services also address the suite of priorities and capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Goal. As capability gaps are identified within State and local jurisdictions, Preparedness TA services are designed, developed, and delivered to address those needs and build capabilities in the most critical areas. The following text provides an overview of the services that comprise the Technical Assistance Division (TAD)’s Preparedness TA program:

Prevention Technical Assistance:
In coordination with lead Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies (including the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence), TAD seeks to ensure that state and local jurisdictions possess required capabilities and are proficient in tasks essential to preventing terrorist attacks against the homeland. As referenced above, TAD has made the establishment of the fusion capacity the top prevention priority for state and local governments.

Protection Technical Assistance:
The protection mission area focuses primarily on the following two national priorities: Implement the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and Strengthen Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Detection, Response and Decontamination Capabilities. TAD has partnered with the IP to enhance protection-related support to state and local jurisdictions.

Response/Recovery Technical Assistance:
The response and recovery mission areas focus primarily on the following four national priorities: Implement the National Incident Management System and National Response Plan; Expanded Regional Collaboration; Strengthen Interoperable Communications Capabilities; Strengthen Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Detection, Response and Decontamination Capabilities. TAD has partnered with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Integration Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) components, the Department of Energy, and others to enhance response and recovery related support to state and local jurisdictions.

Program Management Technical Assistance
Program management technical assistance services provide direct assistance in the establishment and enhancement of the overall homeland security administrative framework within State and local jurisdictions. These technical assistance services help build the infrastructure at the state and local levels in which preparedness purchases, training activities, exercises, and additional assistance can accurately be managed, administered, tracked, and measured. This component of the overall TA program includes services focused on grant reporting, grants management, overall homeland security program management, and resource management strategies for special needs jurisdictions.

Technical Assistance Catalog
The Capabilities Directorate (CD) is pleased to announce the availability of the Technical Assistance Program Catalog (PDF Format Only). CD has developed a TA Catalog, a comprehensive reference document listing TA services that are presently available, as well as those currently under development. The TA Catalog conveys key programmatic information in a concise, user-friendly format so that State and local jurisdictions can rapidly locate services that meet their individual preparedness and program management needs. The TA Catalog also provides instructions on how to apply for TA, including a "TA Request Form" that can be used as a formal TA request.

For further information on the Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program, call the NPD Help Line at (800) 368-6498 or email askcsid@dhs.gov

Downloads

Overview
TA Catalog
Requesting TA
ICTAP


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