Continuity of Operations (COOP)

Continuity of Operations (COOP): to establish and maintain a comprehensive and effective national continuity capability in order to ensure resilience and the preservation of our form of Government, under the Constitution, and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions, Mission Essential Functions (MEFs), and Business Operations under all conditions.

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 institutions and private entities responsible to their stakeholders. Today’s threat environment and the potential for no-notice emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents, technological emergencies, and terrorist attack-related incidents, have increased the need for robust continuity capabilities and planning that enable organizations to continue their essential functions across a broad spectrum of emergencies. Today’s threats have emphasized the importance of programs that ensure continuity throughout all levels of governments.

The lessons we have learned from such catastrophic events as Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012, and the Boston Marathon Bombing on April 15, 2013, demonstrate the need to emphasize continuity as a “good business practice” to be incorporated into day-to-day planning,  in order to reduce vulnerability and ensure continuity.

The COOP presentation will provide an understanding of Continuity and Continuity of Operations, explain the importance of a viable Continuity capability, and emphasize the need for a viable Continuity capability in all organizations.