Office of Crisis Management

The Office of Crisis Management (OCM) serves as the FDA’s focal point for coordinating emergency and crisis response activities involving FDA regulated products or in situations when FDA regulated products need to be utilized or deployed. It coordinates intra-agency and inter-agency activities related to crisis management, emergency preparedness and response, and security operations including implementation of the Agency’s Strategic Plan.

The Office of Crisis Management assists in the development of, and manages, emergency and crisis management policies and programs for FDA to ensure that a structure exists to respond rapidly to an emergency or crisis situation. It plans, develops and directs all activities relating to the Agency’s physical and personnel security programs.

The Office of Crisis Management is composed of two components: the Office of Emergency Operations (OEO) and the Office of Security Operations (OSO).

Office of Emergency Operations

The Office of Emergency Operations serves as the FDA's central emergency coordination point with FDA Field Offices, Headquarters, and Centers.

OEO provides interagency coordination and response to adverse events, foodborne illnesses, injuries, product tampering and man-made and natural disasters.

Assists in the development of Emergency Response Plans (BSE, Chem-Bio and Radiological) and the design, implementation, and presentation of associated training and exercise programs.
Represents the Agency at federal, state, local and foreign government meetings and workgroups on emergency preparedness and response.
Provides nationwide, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency response system.
Manages the National Consumer Complaint System.

Office of Security Operations

The Office of Security Operations has responsibility for the Agency-wide physical and personnel security programs. It carries out duties as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Security Information Manual.

OSO serves as liaison and coordinates with the Department regarding the classified document program.

OSO formulates policy and procedures necessary to maintain the integrity of privileged and trade secret information submitted by industry. It assists in the development and implementation of a Continuity of Operations Plan that will ensure life, safety and the well-being of employees and visitors, mitigate risk, and reduce disruptions to operations.

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