In June 2002, the Department of Energy's (Department) Oak Ridge Office entered into an
Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to provide excess
radiological detection equipment and other equipment to designated state and local first
responder agencies under the Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse (HDER) Program.
On March 1, 2003, the Department of Justice transferred its responsibility for
administering the HDER Program to the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the Agreement, Oak Ridge located, received, evaluated, and rehabilitated excess
Federal equipment for reuse by first responder agencies. Essential first responder
equipment included items such as radiation detection meters and face respirators.
