“Implementing a common, shared approach to achieving National preparedness requires the Nation to align its programs and efforts in support of the Goal [NPG]. Alignment can best be achieved through the application of a systems-based approach, utilizing capabilities based planning as a common, all-hazard, major events planning process. This will support the establishment of a true National Preparedness System, which will provide a mechanism for measuring preparedness and informing future preparedness investments. “The National Preparedness System is a system of systems. As stated in the National Preparedness Goal, “a system is a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications integrated into a common organizational structure to achieve a mission or outcome”. Many processes, programs, and capabilities already in place within State, local, tribal, and private sector homeland security programs and across disciplines will support the National Preparedness System. The emerging National Preparedness System provides a way to enhance these existing resources by networking them together more effectively. “The National Preparedness System provides a means for the Nation to answer three fundamental questions: “How prepared do we need to be?”, “How prepared are we?”, and “How do we prioritize efforts to close the gap?” The system helps enable all levels of government to collaborate seamlessly in order to identify critical gaps and deficiencies, develop strategies to address those gaps and deficiencies, track and report on progress toward resolution, and aggregate this information to better understand our level of preparedness nationally. The system also helps enable leaders at all levels to allocate resources systematically to close capability gaps, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of preparedness efforts. “The implications of moving to an integrated and adaptive National Preparedness System are significant. This shift will require organizational and operational change across agencies, disciplines and jurisdictions - and across State lines. Mutual aid agreements, inter-organizational linkages, information sharing, and collaboration become critical elements of the new homeland security landscape”. (DHS/ODP, 2005, State and Urban Area Homeland Security Strategy: Guidance on Aligning Strategies with the NPG, p. 5)