Homeland security and capabilities-based planning : improving national preparedness

Abstract

Beginning in 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began to define and implement a national domestic all-hazards preparedness goal, intended to improve the nation's preparedness for national catastrophes, including terrorist attacks. DHS's approach was capabilities-based planning (CBP), adopted from the Department of Defense (DoD). CPB is intended to develop the means--capabilities--for organizations to set priorities responding to a wide range of potential, but uncertain challenges and circumstances, mindful of issues of cost and sustainability. This thesis is intended to help officials better understand CBP and the factors important to its successful implementation. These factors range from setting out the business case for CBP adoption to necessary organizational and cultural enablers. In conclusion, the thesis recommends enhancing the CBP approach to national preparedness planning through integrating its approach with use of a national preparedness management standard, coverage of the mission areas of the National Strategy for Homeland Security, and encouraging performance partnership and collaborative.