Business Continuity from the Federal Perspective

One of the benefits of ACP membership is access to excellent programs provided by our various partners, one of whom is FEMA. Our very successful October program featured Mike Brinkman and Jeff Gafkjen, continuity managers for FEMA Region VIII National Preparedness Division. The two speakers identified essential elements of a viable continuity program and outlined resources available to help corporate and institutional DRBC professionals manage a successful continuity program.

FEMA’s vision is overarching and defines its purpose as a Federal agency: Work to achieve a more resilient nation through integration of continuity plans and programs within government and non-government organizations to sustain National Essential Functions under all conditions.

Continuity is defined as the ability to provide uninterrupted services and support, while maintaining organizational viability, before, during, and after an event that disrupts normal operations. In discussing the FEMA approach to Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), the speaker provided recent examples from Hurricane’s Harvey and Irma:
  • The Social Security Administration and the US Post Office worked together to ensure SS checks were delivered to people who had relocated to shelters.
  • If the National Hurricane Center loses the ability to issue forecasts, that responsibility falls to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) in College Park, MD.
  • The US Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi Command Center switched its Continuity of Operations to South Padre Island due to extensive roof and water damage to facilities related to Hurricane Harvey.

The presentation also covered the relationship between continuity and Whole Community resilience, as well as Tests, Training, and Exercises (TT&E).

The speakers stressed the availability of the following resources: