Continuity of Operations

COOP Defined  Efforts to ensure continuance of essential functions across a wide range of potential emergencies – building collapse, flooding, terrorist attack, fire, work force degradation, and others

COOP Elements  Plans and Procedures  Essential Functions  Delegations of Authority  Orders of Succession  Alternate Operating Facilities  Interoperable Communications  Vital Records and Databases  Human Capital (Personnel)  Test, Training & Exercises

COOP Elements Continued Plans and Procedures  Development of comprehensive COOP plans  Implementation plans for:  Activation and relocation  Alternate operating facility operations  Reconstitution (termination and return to normal operations)

COOP Elements Continued Essential Functions  Functions that enable the public/private entity to and sustain its operations  Determination of essential functions under all circumstances  Prioritized functions based on the criticality of the function  Staffing, resource requirements, and any other supporting activities needed to perform these functions

COOP Elements Continued Delegations of Authority  Legal authority of elected/corporate officials  Identified programs and administrative authorities needed for effective operations  Documentation to include:  Delineation of the limits of authority and accountability  A statement explicitly outlining authority  Circumstances under which delegated authorities would be exercised and when they would terminate  Briefing and training of delegated officials

COOP Elements Continued Orders of Succession  Established order to the key leadership positions  Established rules, procedures and training  Predetermined conditions for succession Alternate Operating Facilities Pre-Designated for unannounced relocations *Short and/or long term relocations

COOP Elements Continued Interoperable Communications  Communication with COOP personnel, other employees, leadership, and other elements  Access to data, systems, and services Vital Records and Databases Established vital records program Maintenance and Updating of Vital Records Training for staff involved with Vital Records

COOP Elements Continued Human Capital (Personnel)  Pay/leave/benefits guidance  (Essential) Staffing issues  Management/employee roles and responsibilities Tests, Training and Exercises Testing of alert and notification procedures Testing of COOP infrastructure Awareness briefs and training for primary COOP staff