25 Years After 9/11, Federal Award Sustains LSU’s National Preparedness Mission

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Louisiana State University has received $21.1 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fiscal year 2026 to continue preparing first responders and public-safety leaders for terrorism, disasters and other complex threats. 

Since joining the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) as a founding member in 1998, Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education (LSU NCBRT/ACE) has received more than $538 million in federal funding and impacted the training of more than 562,100 first responders nationally, strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness in communities across the nation. 

The award will support the nationwide delivery of DHS-certified courses that provide the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from complex threats and high-consequence events. Training helps first responders recognize emerging risks, coordinate across disciplines and make critical decisions under rapidly changing conditions. 

“The 25th anniversary of September 11 reminds us why this mission matters and why preparedness cannot be allowed to weaken with the passage of time,” said Jeff Mayne, director of LSU NCBRT/ACE. “The threats continue to change, but the responsibility remains the same: responders and public-safety leaders must have the knowledge, training and confidence to act when their communities need them most.” 
The consortium’s mission predates September 11 and was strengthened by the reforms that followed. Congress established its statutory framework through the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, authorizing a national partnership to develop and deliver specialized preparedness training. 

Each consortium member contributes distinct expertise to a coordinated national training system. Together, those specialties give first responders access to a broader range of advanced training than individual jurisdictions could sustain on their own. Coordination across members helps reduce duplication and makes efficient use of federal resources. LSU NCBRT/ACE contributes expertise in specialized law enforcement, biological and chemical incident response, and active threats. 

By bringing training directly to communities, LSU NCBRT/ACE helps agencies reduce travel costs and time away from duty while expanding access for departments with limited resources. 

LSU NCBRT/ACE recruits and employs subject-matter experts from across the United States, connecting university expertise with practical experience in law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, public health, emergency management and other specialized disciplines. Their experience allows communities to benefit from lessons drawn from incidents, exercises and preparedness activities in other jurisdictions. 

That exchange also benefits LSU. Instructors’ insights into emerging threats, operational challenges and capability gaps inform course development, strengthen research and development efforts, and keep training responsive to real-world needs. 

“LSU gives us the ability to find expertise wherever it exists, bring those professionals into a national university-based program and make their knowledge available to communities throughout the country,” Mayne said. “At the same time, what we learn in those communities comes back to LSU and helps us continually improve how we prepare the next jurisdiction.” 

The award supports state-led efforts to identify and strengthen needed capabilities. LSU NCBRT/ACE helps agencies evaluate their risks, identify gaps and select training based on their missions, personnel and operating environments. This approach addresses local needs while maintaining the national standards and interoperability necessary for agencies to work together during major incidents. 

LSU also recognizes U.S. Senator John Kennedy for leading efforts to reauthorize the consortium. Kennedy introduced the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium Reauthorization Act to renew and strengthen the federal partnership supporting LSU NCBRT/ACE and the other consortium members. 

“Senator Kennedy’s leadership recognizes that national preparedness begins with capable people in communities across America,” Mayne said. “Reauthorizing the consortium will help protect this national capability and ensure that first responders continue to receive the training they need to protect the public.”

LSU thanks the entire Louisiana congressional delegation for its continued support of the university’s national preparedness mission and its investment in the professionals responsible for protecting communities throughout the United States. 

About LSU NCBRT/ACE 

Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education provides DHS-certified training and education to state, local, tribal and territorial first responders and public-safety professionals. A founding member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, LSU NCBRT/ACE provides approximately 625 course deliveries annually across the nation and its territories. Through training, research and public service, the Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education advances LSU’s commitment to addressing national challenges while bringing knowledge, professional expertise and public value back to Louisiana.