(1) Define the necessary components and composition of regional counterterrorism task forces and specialized regional counterterrorism response teams and the respective regional counterterrorism zones for each. The agency shall not be responsible for appointing individual members to the regional counterterrorism task forces or the specialized regional counterterrorism response teams.

(2) Provide training and technical assistance for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response.

(3) Establish guidelines and policies to coordinate emergency response activities with Federal, State, county and municipal emergency management, health, law enforcement, public safety and other officials and representatives from volunteer service organizations, private business and industry, hospitals and medical care facilities and other entities responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this Commonwealth. The agency shall consult with representatives of the regional counterterrorism task forces to develop such policies and guidelines and those necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(4) Require the counterterrorism task force to prepare counterterrorism emergency response plans or protocols, readiness evaluation reports or other documents deemed necessary by the agency.

(5) Provide grants and other funding assistance as required by the provisions of this chapter.

(6) Conduct terrorist incident exercises.

(7) Provide technical assistance to regional counterterrorism task forces in developing and entering into mutual aid agreements and letters of agreement.

(8) Establish a certification program for specialized regional counterterrorism response teams which may include standards for the administration, composition, training and equipping of the teams.