TO:	All State Administrative Agency Heads All State Administrative Agency Points of Contact
FROM:	Matt Mayer, Acting Executive Director
SUBJECT:	Release of National Preparedness Guidance

The Department of Homeland Security, Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness is pleased to announce the release of the National Preparedness Guidance as part of implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 8. The Guidance is a companion document to the National Preparedness Goal and provides more detailed implementation information. Included in the document are the following elements:

• Summary of the Interim Goal
• Explanation of how existing requirements will support achievement of the Interim Goal
• Step-by-step explanation of Capabilities-Based Planning and how it supports achievement of the Interim Goal
• Introduction to the National Planning Scenarios, including the purpose, user instructions, and proposed future modifications
• Introduction to the Universal Task List (UTL), including the purpose, user instructions, and proposed future modifications
• Introduction to the Target Capabilities List (TCL), including the purpose, user instructions, and proposed future modifications
• Description of each of the National Priorities
• Explanation of standards for assessments and strategies including templates and instructions for self-assessments and amendment of strategies
• Integrated timeline for HSPD-8 Implementation

The National Preparedness Guidance is available on the ODP Secure Portal and the Lessons Learned Information Sharing system. Additional information about HSPD-8 is available on the ODP website at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/.

For further information about HSPD-8 implementation, please contact your assigned Preparedness Officer.