"The purpose of the Integrated Planning System (IPS) is to further enhance the preparedness of the United States by formally establishing a standard and comprehensive approach to national planning. It is meant to provide guidance for conducting planning in accordance with the Homeland Security Management System (HSMS), described in the National Strategy for Homeland Security of 2007. The Strategy calls for a national effort to create and transform homeland security principles, systems, structures and institutions across four key pillars of homeland security: (1) Prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks; (2) Protect the American people, our critical infrastructure, and key resources; (3) Respond to and recover from incidents that do occur; and Continue to strengthen the foundation to ensure our long-term success.... By introducing a standardized approach to national homeland security planning, the IPS is an important step in enhancing our national preparedness. As this system is implemented over time, it will align and synchronize our efforts at all levels of government - Federal, State, local and Tribal". (FEMA, (Interim) Integrated Planning System (IPS) for Homeland Security (Draft Version 2.3). July 3, 2008, Foreward, p. iii)