"HSPD-8 directed the establishment of the NEP under the leadership of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The NEP is the Nation's overarching exercise program formulated by the National Security Council/Homeland Security Council, and executed by the Federal Interagency. The NEP serves as the principal mechanism for examining the preparation of the Federal executive branch and adopting policy changes that might improve such preparation. The NEP is DHS's principal mechanism for training and exercising officials at all levels of government, as well as members of the private sector, and, at times, our international partners. The NEP has developed common policy and guidance and has established collaborative management processes and tools to link its partners and stakeholders nationwide. Lessons learned and peer-validated best practices identified through exercises and actual incidents are made available to the homeland security community". (Homeland Security Council, National Continuity Policy Implementation Plan, 2007, p. 65; See also: Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program)