"The NEMB-CAP involves a multi-year effort to assess, analyze, evaluate, and collectively frame state emergency management capabilities against a common national set of criteria. Actual assessments of state and state-level jurisdictions began in January 2003, and are projected to be complete by the end of 2005. Participation is voluntary, but FEMA strongly encourages all states to take part in the program, which will play a key role in our national emergency management improvement strategy. The NEMB-CAP consists of a review and evaluation of state emergency management systems and programs based on assessment criteria developed by, and employing the assessment processes of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). The EMAP was established through a collaborative partnership involving FEMA, the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), and other stakeholder organizations, including the National Governors Association, National League of Cities and The Council of State Governments. The assessment methodology involves the state completing a comprehensive self-assessment, followed up by an on-site, week-long assessment by a team of trained, independent peer assessors. FEMA analyzes assessment reports to identify individual and collective capability strengths and weaknesses. This assessment serves two purposes - one of establishing a national capability baseline and also helping target future federal assistance to areas of greatest common need". (FEMA, "Homeland Security and FEMA Achieve Emergency Management Assessment Milestone," April 14, 2004)