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FEMA Region II and SAIC Hosts Prepositioned Equipment Program (PEP) Open House

Attendees of FEMA RII and SAIC PEP Open House on May 20, 2011 pause for photo. Left to Right: Edward Beban of SAIC; NYS Senator John J. Bonacic; DHS, Infrastructure Protection, Regional Director Mary Raymond; and FEMA RII Deputy Federal Preparedness Coordinator David Musick. Photo by: Terence B.

Story by:  Terence B. Hoey, CPP, PSP, FEMA RII, Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL)

FEMA RII along with partners from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) hosted an open house on May 20, 2011 at SAIC’s Orange County, New York location that highlighted the Prepositioned Equipment Program (PEP).  Attended by 75 law enforcement and emergency management professionals from 36 agencies, including two international visitors from St. John, Canada, this event was a major success.  Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Secret Service (USSS), Federal Protective Service (FPS), Veterans Administration (VA), New York State Police (NYSP), New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), New York City Police Department (NYPD), New York City Fire Department (FDNY), New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM), Department of Defense (DOD), and other law enforcement and emergency management professionals from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania were some of the agencies who attended.

A sampling of the specialized equipment on display at the PEP Open House held in FEMA Region II and SAIC on May 20, 2011. Photo by: David Musick

 The Nation faces a continuing threat of attack with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) weapons of mass destruc¬tion (WMD).  To prepare for this threat, State and local of¬ficials must have resources immediately avail¬able to sustain and replenish assets depleted by the initial response to a major attack.  The September 11th, 2001 attack demonstrated that an incident of terrorism can rapidly deplete local supplies and equipment. While many State and local jurisdictions have purchased new equipment in the aftermath of September 11th, it is unrealistic to expect that all jurisdictions can be fully equipped to provide an adequate, sustained response to a major terrorist incident.

To meet critical needs and FEMA launched the Prepositioned Equipment Pro¬gram (PEP). PEP consists of standardized equipment pods that are prepositioned in select geographic areas to permit rapid deploy¬ment to States and localities. Highly special¬ized equipment and frequently used off-the-shelf items are stored in pods, transportable by land or air after help is requested. This equip¬ment is specifically tailored to sustain and reconstitute the capabilities of local and State first responders. 

Strategically placed throughout the country, 10 Prepositioned Equipment Pods are available to respond to an incident in any major population area across the continental U.S. within 12 hours.  PEP provides for immediate ground or air transportation of the first pod, as well as a team of support staff. If circumstances warrant a greater level of support, FEMA may dispatch additional fully-equipped pods.  Some of the specialized equipment includes, but is not limited to:  personal protective; detection; decontamination; search; medical; communication; and additional supplies and items such as batteries, goggles, logistics, and support equipment and fit test equipment.

Chris White, District Representative for U.S. Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey was on hand with New York State Senator John J. Bonacic.  They both commended John Ehlich, the onsite SAIC Team Leader and Joseph Niehaus, SAIC Vice President for the impressive PEP operation.  In addition, Chris White and State Senator Bonacic recognized FEMA RII Federal Preparedness Coordinator Jaime Forero and Deputy Federal Preparedness Coordinator David Musick for all FEMA’s efforts, programs, and initiatives throughout the region.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 31-May-2011 11:52:17 EDT