The Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) is pleased to announce an innovative new pilot program to transfer equipment to smaller jurisdictions and eligible metropolitan areas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) is designed to complement two SLGCP grant programs, the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) program. The CEDAP will fill gaps where smaller jurisdictions have been unable to acquire needed equipment in the past.

Many small and even rural jurisdictions must carry out challenging homeland security missions. They may be responsible for protecting critical infrastructure such as petroleum pipelines, nuclear or hydroelectric power stations, reservoirs and public transportation. It is well known that terrorists choose to live and train in small and rural communities and have the capability to strike at America’s heartland potentially undetected. It is likewise recognized that suburban and smaller agencies serve as the support and safety net for larger neighboring cities. Since its inception, DHS has stressed regional response, mutual aid, and the need for equipment interoperability, a vital component of any response anywhere in the United States. The CEDAP program builds on this philosophy.

The CEDAP program has the strong backing of the national law enforcement community including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA). They have expressed their appreciation that CEDAP omits the red tape associated with other traditional programs. These national law enforcement associations will continue to provide SLGCP with insightful guidance and assistance for many aspects of program implementation. State Administrative Agency (SAA) points of contact for DHS SLGCP programs will be asked for their input on applications submitted within their states. The SAA will play a vital role during the review process, by ensuring that the equipment is consistent with the state strategy. The SAA will also be invited to monitor the impact and evaluative data of the equipment transferred by ODP, and to share the results with other agencies in the state. “This pilot program will meet the special needs of smaller communities to ensure our preparedness efforts reach all of America,” said Matt A. Mayer, Acting Executive Director of the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness. The Department of Homeland Security anticipates that the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program will provide substantial assistance where it is most needed—on the front lines of America’s defense against terrorism.