Exercise Operations (X-Team)

CSTI’s Exercise Operations X-Team leads a statewide all-hazards Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) to assist California in preventing, protecting, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from man-made and natural disasters. The objectives of our Exercise Operations Program are to:

• Deliver HSEEP training courses, both in person and virtual through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and closed contracts
• Provide exercise subject matter expertise and support to internal and external stakeholders statewide
• Facilitate the Cal OES Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW) and create the resulting multi-year schedule Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP)
• Conduct the state-level Capstone California exercise series (CAPS)

The CSTI X-Team is responsible for four major programs; the California HSEEP Aligned Operating System (CHAOS) an exercise support system, the Cal OES Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW) and the Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP), the Capstone California Exercise Series (CAPS), and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)

CSTI uses the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) as the doctrinal basis for our exercise program. Exercises are a key component of national preparedness; they provide the whole community with the opportunity to shape planning, assess and validate capabilities, and address areas for improvement. HSEEP provides a set of guiding principles for exercise and evaluation programs, as well as a common approach to exercise program management, design and development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.

Distance and Classroom Learning Courses:

• E/L/K 0146 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP): This is an intermediate course designed to provide a comprehensive overview of exercise program management, design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning along with practical skill development using HSEEP doctrine.

For more information, email: CAHSEEP@caloes.ca.gov

• E0131 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning: This course is designed to improve skills, knowledge, and capabilities of individuals and organizations involved in the evaluation of emergency management exercises.
• Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP): The MEPP program is a series of two classroom courses focusing on advanced program management, exercise design and evaluation practices in each phase of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). https://training.fema.gov/mepp/

California HSEEP Aligned Operating System (CHAOS)

CSTI’s Exercise Operations X-Team’s CHAOS toolkit has a selection of Discussion-Based and Operations-Based exercises series on a variety of threats & hazards that can be delivered at the county, region, and state level. The X-Team can also support both discussion-based and operations-based exercises. All activities are conducted in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) doctrine, with the core principles and methodologies to maximize efficiency. Ideally, the process includes exercise planning activity meetings to tailor the design & development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning of the exercise. This process supports the HSEEP Exercise Cycle with emphasis on Exercise Foundation.

Professional development training for exercise practitioners:

• FEMA Independent Study Courses
  • • IS120.C An Introduction to Exercises: The course introduces the basics of emergency management exercises. It also builds a foundation for subsequent exercise courses, which provide the specifics of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
    • IS130.A How to be an Exercise Evaluator: The Course introduces the basics of emergency management exercise evaluation and improvement planning. It also provides the foundation for exercise evaluation concepts and practices as identified in the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).

Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) and Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW)

The Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) and Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW) have replaced the Training and Exercise Plan Workshop (TEPW) and Training and Exercise Plan (TEP). The Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop (IPPW) is a periodic meeting that establishes the strategy and structure for an exercise program, in addition to broader preparedness efforts, while setting the foundation for the planning, conduct, and evaluation of individual exercises. The IPPW process produces the Cal OES Multi-Year Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP).

A new Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) template is coming soon to better support our partners in building a coordinated, multi-year preparedness strategy. 

Capstone California Exercise series

Implemented in 2004, Cal OES’ annual state-level exercise series has become the most comprehensive preparedness exercise program in the country. Capstone California exercises are designed to improve emergency preparedness for catastrophic events at all levels of government.