"The purpose of the Division of State and Local Readiness' cooperative agreement program is to upgrade and integrate State and local public health jurisdictions' preparedness for and response to terrorism and other public health emergencies with Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). These emergency preparedness and response efforts are intended to support the NRP and NIMS. Activities included in the cooperative agreement are designed to develop emergency-ready public health departments". (DHS/ODP, FY 2006 EMPG Program Guidance, November 2005, p. 11)