About the CDP

Image: Photo of CDP building.

Mission
Identify, develop, test, and deliver training to state, local, and tribal emergency response providers; provide on-site and mobile training at the performance, management, and planning levels; and facilitate the delivery of training by the training partners of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Section 1204(c) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, Public Law 110-53, 121 Stat. 266, August 3, 2007 (codified at 6 U.S.C. § 1102)

Vision
An emergency response community prepared for and capable of responding to all-hazards events.

History
The threats faced by the nation’s emergency responders are diverse, deadly, and complex. There is growing concern that chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, or other hazardous materials will become terrorists’ weapons of choice.

Impact of CDP Training

Message from the Superintendent

Superintendent's Biography

In June 1998, the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) opened its doors as a training center for the nation’s emergency responders. The CDP’s mission is to operate a federal training center for delivery of high-quality, comprehensive preparedness training programs for the nation’s emergency responders. 

The CDP’s interdisciplinary resident and nonresident training courses promote greater understanding among the following diverse responder disciplines: Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Governmental Administrative, Hazardous Materials, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Public Health, Public Safety Communications, and Public Works. 

Image: Photo of COBRA TF building.

At the Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and RAdiological Training Facility (COBRATF), the CDP offers the only program in the nation featuring civilian training exercises in a true toxic environment, using chemical agents. The advanced, hands-on training enables responders to effectively respond to real-world incidents involving chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, or other hazardous materials. Responders serve as the nation’s first line of defense and deserve the highest-quality training available.

Responders from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories have trained at the CDP. The scope of training includes preparedness, deterrence, and response. 

Numerous federal and non-federal training partnerships enable the CDP staff to take advantage of shared knowledge, to ensure the nation’s responders receive the most up-to-date training.

At the CDP, all-hazards preparedness training for state, local, or tribal government emergency responders is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Round-trip air and ground transportation, lodging, and meals are provided at no cost to responders or their agency.

Image: Photo of Noble Training Facility.

On March 31, 2007, the Noble Training Facility (NTF) was integrated into the CDP training center. In 1999, the former Noble Army Hospital was converted into a training site for health and medical education in disasters, to include both acts of terrorism and manmade disasters. The NTF is the only hospital facility in the United States dedicated to training hospital and healthcare professionals in disaster preparedness and response.   

The NTF includes classrooms, break-out rooms, exercise/simulation areas, a resource center, computer lab, and two prototype mass casualty decontamination training lanes. Located just one block south of the CDP, the NTF includes an adjacent helipad.