Continuity of Operations
The Office of Emergency Response and Recovery (OERR) focuses on continuity of operations (COOP), at GSA’s headquarters and throughout the agency. These plans are developed with input from GSA’s executive management, 11 regions, Services and Staff Offices.
With a focus on COOP issues such as alternate site criteria, testing and exercise criteria, annual COOP validations and interagency COOP cooperation, this branch works closely with its internal COOP working groups to ensure that GSA is prepared to provide essential and vital services to its customer agencies in the federal government. Additionally, OERR participates in the Interagency COOP Working Group (IACWG).
National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD) -51/Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) -20: National Continuity Policy, and the subsequent National Continuity Policy Implementation Plan (NCPIP), set forth certain requirements for each Department and Agency to ensure uninterrupted support of the National Essential Functions. The Administrator of General Services is tasked with the following:
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On an ongoing basis, coordinate the provision of executive branch facilities to support continuity operations and maintain the database for all department and agency alternate facilities.
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On an ongoing basis, facilitate a coordinated and seamless executive branch continuity infrastructure and provide and maintain a centralized procurement system for all department and agency continuity infrastructure requirements.
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On an ongoing basis, assist the Secretary of Homeland Security in conducting continuity tests, training, exercises, assessments, and other preparedness activities.
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During and in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters, assist the Secretary of Homeland Security and affected departments and agencies in their recovery and reconstitution.
OERR is coordinating efforts to manage these taskings. Every federal agency is required to plan for the continuous performance of essential functions and operations in the event of an emergency. Part of an agency’s plan for uninterrupted performance—Continuity of Operations (COOP)—is to designate other locations—alternate facilities—where their work will continue
Every federal agency is required to plan for the continuous performance of essential functions and operations in the event of an emergency. Part of an agency’s plan for uninterrupted performance—Continuity of Operations (COOP)—is to designate other locations—alternate facilities—where their work will continue.
GSA's Recommended Methodology for Securing Alternate Facilities and Worksheet
Also, in February 2008, the Secretary of Homeland Security released two Federal Continuity Directives to provide operational guidance for implementing the National Continuity Policy:
Federal Continuity Directive 1 (FCD 1) provides direction for the development of continuity plans and programs for the Federal Executive branch.
Federal Continuity Directive 2 (FCD 2) provides additional guidance for the Departments and Agencies in identifying their Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) and potential P/MEFs. FCD 2 also provides direction for Departments and Agencies conducting Business Process Analysis (BPAs), and Business Impact Analysis (BIAs).
Last Reviewed 12/12/2008