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In May 2001,the President asked FEMA to create an Office of National Preparedness (ONP).  The role of the ONP was to combine numerous federal programs that dealt with the consequences of a WMD attack in the US.  The ONP was also charged with working closely with state and local governments to ensure their planning, training, and equipment needs are addressed.

In April 2002, ONP made a presentation to Congress detailing their activities.  The ONP had three main focuses – the First Responder Initiative, providing a central coordination point for federal preparedness programs and Citizen Corps.

First Responder Initiative
The $3.5 billion funding is to be used in four areas to enhance first responder capabilities: planning, equipment, training, exercises.  In addition, ONP is working on other issues critical to the success of this initiative: a national standard for equipment, a national mutual aid system, long-term usage personal protective equipment and national standards for training and exercises involving WMD.

Centralization of Federal Terrorism Preparedness Programs
First responders need a single entity to take the lead in coordinating programs, developing standards, and providing resources and training.  FEMA has been coordinating America’s response to disasters for more than 20 years.  Their success is based on their ability to organize and lead local, state and federal agencies and organizations.

Citizen Corps
The Citizens Corps builds on existing crime prevention, disaster preparedness and public health response networks.  The initiative brings together local government, law enforcement, educational institutions, the private sector, faith-based groups and volunteers into a cohesive community resource.

ONP Goals as of April 2002
In addition to First Responder and the Citizens Corps programs, FEMA is implementing other related initiatives.  ONP is working to facilitate mutual aid arrangements within and among States so that the nationwide response network can operate smoothly together.  A National Exercise Program involves the establishment of annual objectives and a multi-year strategic exercise program.  ONP is updating a methodology to better estimate the costs of building viable first responder capabilities, including developing plans, acquiring equipment, undertaking training, and conducting exercises to respond to terrorist attacks.

ONP and Homeland Security
In November 2002, the Senate, as part of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, announced that ONP will be moved from FEMA and to the Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP), formerly part of DOJ.  This is a victory the Senate, who had fought with the White House over the structure of federal first responder programs.  Most senators favored keeping first responder programs at the ODP, while the Bush administration pushed to have them put in ONP.  FEMA officials expressed concern with the proposal, which splits responsibilities for emergency preparedness across two divisions of the new department.  “It’s separating terrorism out from all other hazards,” said one official. “To break off one piece of preparedness doesn’t make a lot of sense; it’s not what’s done at the state and local levels.