1. Continuity of Operations Plan/Continuity of Government (COOP/COG)
TOOLKIT AND RESOURCES

2. Continuity of Operations (COOP) Continuity of Government (COG)
What is COOP/COG
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Continuity of Government (COG)

3. The overall purpose of both Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government is to ensure the continuity of essential functions under all circumstances that may disrupt normal operations.
As a baseline of preparedness for the full range of potential emergencies, all governments/agencies should have in place viable Continuity of Government and Continuity of Operations capabilities.

4. Why do this? Anticipate threats Adapt to sudden changes
Increase operational performance
Determine the vital resources
Improve communication

5. Weakest Link 34.51% – People risk 26.65% – Process risk
18.62% – Technology risk
8.35% – Supply chain partner risk
6.74% – Collaboration with private industries
5.14% – Data risk
Findings from the March/April issue 2006 Continuity Insights/KPMG Business Continuity Benchmarking Study (article out of Continuity insights) Study included surveys from 935 businesses in the US.

6. COOP/COG is a process, not a project
COOP/COG is a multi-disciplinary effort
COOP/COG is NOT a one-person event
Plans should be actionable, not informational
The plan is a living document and is a continuous cycle

7. Leadership and Commitment
Commitment to the program to prevent, mitigate the consequences or, prepare for, respond to, maintain continuity during, and recover from incidents.
-From NFPA 1600 Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs (2013 Edition)

8. Steps Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 - 6 Month 7 - 8 Month 9 - 10
Overview to BOS
Communication with Elected Officials and Department Heads
Month 1
Program Committee Meeting (Initial)
Review goals of COOP/COG
Timeframe
Expectations
Month 2
Data Gathering
Identify Hazards and Vulnerability Assessments
Month 3 - 6
Compilation of data gathering
Month 7 - 8
Program Committee Meetings – reviewing draft documents
Month
BOS Discussions and Plan Adoption
Month
Steps

9. Planning Process
After commitment to undertake the Plan is established, process begins with establishment of the Program Committee

10. Program Committee
Provides input and/or assists in the coordination of the preparation, development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of the program.
Appointed by Elected Officials-Department Heads
Individual should have direct access to EO/DH; have authority to direct work of those within office/department.

11. Planning Risk Assessment Business Impact Analysis
Hazards identification
Vulnerability assessments
Evaluation of existing mitigation strategies
Business Impact Analysis
Evaluates the potential impact that results from interruption or disruption of functions, processes, and applications.
Foundation of recovery strategies
Resource Needs Assessment
Human resources, equipment, facilities, training, funding, expert knowledge, materials, technology, information, intelligence, and needed time frames
Agreements
Mutual aid/assistance or partnership agreements determined and established
Performance Objectives
Short term and long term defined

12. Continuity Assistance Tool (CAT)
Continuity Guidance for Non-Federal Governments
FEMA P-788 / September 2013

13. COOP Planning Worksheet
Planning worksheet in Word format
More simple in approach
THIS IS THE EASIER OF THE TWO DATA GATHERING WORKSHEETS TO USE.

14. Elements of COOP/COG Essential Functions Orders of Succession
Delegations of Authority
Continuity Facilities
Continuity Communications
Essential Records Management
Human Resources
Test, Training and Exercise Program
Devolution of Control and Direction
Reconstitution Operations
Sample template

15. Sample Template Guide Text with Yellow Highlights
These are simple responses – document should allow you to just click in the box and fill in the required information.
Text in Blue Highlights
These are notes for the Plan’s developer – these are questions/areas for discussion that should be jurisdiction-specific. What is provided is a guide for example only.
Text in Green Highlights
These are external links to the excel spreadsheets and data gathering forms. This information is used to fill in the tables and other areas in the draft document.