This section is to provide resources and documents for those that work with continuity of operations for Federal and non-Federal departments and agencies. The purpose of this section is be a tool for users that are in search of additional information on continuity of operations and gaining leadership buy-in for a continuity program.
Continuity of Operations Brochures
This section provides brochures on the various aspects of Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning.
Continuity of Operations Overview Brochure - Today’s threat environment and the potential for both notice and no-notice all hazards incidents have increased the need for continuity capabilities and planning across all levels of government and the private sector. Continuity planning is simply the good business practice of ensuring the execution of essential functions through all circumstances, and it is a fundamental responsibility of public and private entities responsible to their stakeholders.
Continuity of Operations Essential Records Brochure - Essential records are an essential element of a continuity program. Essential records management is the identification, protection, and ready availability of essential records, databases, and hardcopy documents needed to support essential functions under the full spectrum of all-hazards emergencies are critical elements of a successful continuity plan and program.
Continuity of Operations Excellence Series Brochure - The FEMA Administrator established the Continuity Excellence Series on April 16, 2008. It is dedicated to recognizing and enhancing excellence in the devel- opment and implementation of Continuity programs. The Series provides a curriculum for certification as either a Professional Continuity Practitioner (Level I) or Master Continuity Practitioner (Level II).
Continuity of Operations for First Responders Brochure - Protecting and ensuring the continuity of the critical infrastructure of the United States are essential to the Nation’s security, public health and safety, economic vitality, and way of life. First Responders provide essential continuity support to our nation’s critical infrastructure.
Continuity of Operations for Pandemic Influenza Brochure - Pandemic Influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, spreading from person to person worldwide causing serious illness. The impact of a Pandemic Influenza may cause a severe impact to an organization’s ability to perform its essential functions.
Continuity of Operations Telework Planning Brochure - Telework options enhance the resiliency and continuity capability of an organization. In preparation for emergencies, organizations should have telework policies in place that provide employees with instructions, procedures, and expectations. Telework arrangements allow an employee to perform officially assigned duties at home or work sites convenient to the residence of the employee.
Continuity of Operations for Tribal Stakeholders Brochure - Tribal continuity planning is simply the good business practice of ensuring the execution of essential functions through all circumstances, and it is a fundamental responsibility of public and private entities responsible to their stakeholders.
Continuity of Operations Webinar Series Brochure - The National Continuity Programs (NCP) Monthly Continuity Webinar Series provides a forum for sharing continuity-related information with a wide and diverse audience. The goal of the webinars is to assist individuals and organizations at all levels of government as well as the private sector, to develop or enhance their continuity plans and programs.
Continuity of Operations Website Overview Brochure - The FEMA National Continuity Programs (NCP) Continuity of Operations (COOP) Division website is designed to be the central information source on continuity for Federal, non-federal, and private sector organizations. This site includes up-to-date information on directives and guidance, planning and templates, training, exercises, workshops, assessment tools, webinars, and contact information.
Continuity Grants
The Non-Disaster Grant Management System is a web-based system intended to provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its stakeholders with a system that supports the grants management lifecycle. Information pertaining to the Homeland Security Grants Program, Tribal Homeland Security Grants Program, and Emergency Management Program Grants are all assessable by sending an inquiry to fema-sttlcontinuity@fema.dhs.gov.
Continuity Working Groups
The Continuity of Operations Division, National Continuity Programs (NCP), coordinates Continuity of Operations activities through Continuity Working Groups.
For information on the Federal Departments and Agencies Interagency Working Group (ICWG), contact the Federal Branch.
For information on the State, Territorial, Tribal and Local Working Group, contact the State, Territorial, Tribal and Local Branch.
Continuity Webinars
Please visit our Continuity Webinar Series homepage for information on past and future webinars.
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
Leadership Buy-In
This Leadership Buy-In training guide will address the importance of senior leadership support for Continuity and their continuity roles and responsibilities. It was created develop strategies for gaining senior leadership support and address key discussion point to present to senior leadership.
The purpose of the Gaining Senior Leadership Support for Continuity Guide Factsheet is to assist continuity program managers in their efforts to effectively convey the importance of, and need for, a viable and executable Continuity program that ensures the continued performance of an organization’s essential functions during an all-hazards emergency.
Lessons Learned Information Sharing Network (LLIS)
Continuity of Operations Videos
Continuity of Operations: What You Need To Know
The Continuity of Operations: What You Need To Know video introduces all audiences to Continuity of Operations (COOP). It addresses the importance of continuity to organizations, best practices of planning through the ten elements of a viable program, considerations for the four phases of continuity and immediate steps an organization and individuals can take to prepare for the next emergency.
Stepping Into Their Shoes: Gaining Senior Leadership Buy-In for Continuity
The Stepping Into Their Shoes: Gaining Senior Leadership Buy-in for Continuity video introduces continuity professionals with tools that imparts: 1) the soft skills (leadership communications/understanding) and 2) tailored facts and available resources they need to feel comfortable and knowledgeable enough to frame resonating conversations with senior leadership about continuity and its benefits.
Policy Documents
Please see the Guidance and Directives page for information regarding the Federal Continuity Directive 1 (FCD 1) and Federal Continuity Directive 2 (FCD 2), and the Continuity Guidance Circular 1 (CGC 1) and Continuity Guidance Circular (CGC 2).