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We present a novel paradigm of opportunistic networks or oppnets in the context of emergency preparedness and response (EPR). Oppnets constitute the category of ad hoc networks where diverse systems, not employed originally as nodes of an oppnet, join it dynamically in order to perform certain tasks they have been called to participate in. After describing the oppnets and their operation, we discuss the oppnet virtual machine (OVM) - a standard implementation framework for oppnet applications. Oppnets can significantly improve effectiveness and efficiency of EPR one of the six mission areas within the national strategy for homeland security. They can also improve other diverse applications, including agriculture, environment, healthcare, manufacturing, surveillance, and transportation. Oppnets should create new application niches as yet hard to imagine. To the best of our knowledge we have been the first to …