I want to take this opportunity to formally welcome your agency's participation in the U. S. Department of Justice's effort to enhance the nation's emergency response communities capabilities to respond to mass casualty terrorist incidents. The staff of the Office of State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support (ODP) look forward to working with you and your staff in the implementation of this important new initiative. This Bulletin is the first in a series of informational updates our office will distribute to the designated state agencies in an effort to keep you informed of information on ODP's and other related Federal programs and our efforts to assist your office as you develop and implement your statewide strategic plans. Through ODP, the Office of Justice Program has established a new program office whose primary goal is building capabilities at the state and local levels through a coordinated program of equipment support; training, from the awareness level to the incident command level; exercise planning and support; and specialized technical assistance. ODP is looking to the designated state agencies to provide the critical state-based plans which will help our office more effectively allocate program funding to the jurisdictions with the greatest need. ODP is committed to working with you and your staff to coordinate the implementation of an integrated national program working in partnership with state and local agencies within your state. (C.H. Butch Straub II, Director, ODP Information Bulletin No. 1, Subject: Office for Domestic Preparedness Support, March 6, 2000)