The National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 direct the DHS/ODP to prevent terrorist attacks and minimize the damage from terrorist attacks that do occur. DHS/ODP provides grant funds and direct support to State and local jurisdictions to address the growing demands of homeland security, such as equipment, training, and exercise. This manual is the first in a series of four focused on assisting State and local jurisdictions in establishing an HSEEP program that addresses identified local needs. Chapter 1 describes the United States' Homeland Security Program, including a description of its grants programs, assistance for equipment acquisitions, training support, and exercise support programs. Chapter 2 describes the HSEEP, which is a threat- and performance-based exercise designed to assess and increase the level of local domestic preparedness. HSEEP also includes a financial portion designed to assist State and local jurisdictions with the resources need to conduct an exercise and evaluation program. States are encouraged to build their own exercise and evaluation program by incorporating the requirements and guidance of the national HSEEP program. Chapter 3 provides information on the types of exercises sponsored and approved by the DHS/ODP. The appropriateness of an exercise for a particular jurisdiction is identified through an analysis of the stated purpose, objectives, experience, operations, historical precedence, and proposed levels of participation. Exercise types described in this chapter include discussion-based exercises and operations-based exercises. Chapter 4 provides an overview of exercise program management strategies and the process of designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating exercises. The roles and responsibilities of the DHS/ODP, State administrative agencies, and local jurisdictions in implementing HSEEP are enumerated. The exercise planning process is described, including timelines, planning teams, planning conferences, documentation, and policies. Implementation of the exercise includes the details of setup, briefings, facilitation/control/evaluation, and wrap-up activities. Post-exercise activities are crucial to gaining feedback and making improvements. Notes, appendix