The Department of Homeland Security will award $34.6 million in equipment and training to first responders across the nation as a part of the FY 2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program. DHS awarded more than 2,000 direct assistance grants to ensure that law enforcement and emergency responders receive specialized equipment and training to meet their homeland security mission.

"CEDAP is yet another mechanism for the department to work with our local homeland security partners in strengthening this nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from a natural disaster or terrorist attack," said George Foresman, under secretary for preparedness. "This program enhances state and local communities' capabilities as well as arms their first responders with the tools to build stronger regional coordination."

CEDAP offers equipment in the following categories:

• Personal protective equipment;
• Thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools;
• Chemical and biological detection tools;
• Information technology and risk management tools; and
• Interoperable communications equipment.

This program also focuses on smaller communities and metropolitan areas not eligible for the Urban Areas Security Initiative grant program. Awardees are required to receive training on their awarded equipment either on-site or at a CEDAP training conference.

DHS has provided more than $69.7 million in equipment and training to law enforcement and fire departments through CEDAP since the program's inception in 2005.