The assessment focused on; (1) the training and other benefits offered to cities under the Domestic Preparedness Program; and (2) the methodology for designing and implementing the program, including the way in which cities were chosen to take part, how their capabilities and needs were assessed, and the effectiveness of interagency coordination on this and similar consequence management training and equipment programs. The analysis also focused on the potential cost of equipping and maintaining the capability of a city to respond to a terrorist incident involving weapons of mass destruction. Results revealed that the training and equipment that DOD is providing to cities have clearly increased cities' awareness of chemical and biological terrorist incidents and should better prepare them to deal with such incidents. The DOD selected cities based solely on population; this decision resulted in 14 clusters of 44 cities within 30 miles of at least 1 other selected city. DOD did not build on states' existing management and training structures; another approach would have covered more jurisdictions in fewer locations at less cost. In addition, its loaning rather than giving equipment has caused frustration and confusion among local officials. Further problems include the limited success of the interagency coordination process and the lack of an overarching strategy for achieving a defined end situation. Figures, tables, footnotes, appended additional results and agency comments, and list of related publications from the General Accounting Office