ODP Information Bulletin
                    No. 46 November 1, 2001

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

          FROM:     C.H. (Butch) Straub, II
          Director

          SUBJECT:  Training and Technical Assistance

In partnership with the United States Army's Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA), the Department of
Defense's center of expertise for chemical and biological defensive equipment production and
support, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) has established a comprehensive, national
equipment technical assistance program for emergency responders.

The Domestic Preparedness Equipment Technical Assistance Program (DPETAP) assists
responders to better select, operate, and maintain their radiological, chemical and biological
detection and response equipment by providing detailed technical information and hands-on
equipment operations and maintenance training.

DPETAP mobile Technical Assistance Teams provide, at no cost to the jurisdiction, on-site
technical assistance and training to assist emergency response personnel in the operation and
maintenance of their domestic preparedness detection equipment.

This program is offered to any jurisdiction which has received funding from the Office for Justice
Programs to purchase domestic preparedness equipment.  For more information regarding
DPETAP see the attached ODP Fact sheet, or you may call the DPETAP Helpline at 1-800-232-
5741.  The Helpline is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm CST and is available to
answer questions regarding equipment costs, operational capabilities of equipment, and repair and
maintenance of detection equipment.

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