Continuity Guidance
for Governmental Entities and
the Private Sector
May 25, 2010
Patrick Massey
Director, National Preparedness Division
FEMA Region 10
Four Pillars…
 An organization’s
continuity capability –
its ability to perform its
essential functions
continuously – rests
upon key components
or pillars, which are in
turn built on the
foundation of continuity
planning and continuity
program management
An organization’s resiliency is directly
related to its continuity capability
Elements of a Viable Continuity Capability
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Essential Functions
Orders of Succession
Delegations of Authority
Continuity Facilities
Continuity Communications
Vital Records Management
Human Capital
Test, Training and Exercises
Devolution of Control and Direction
Reconstitution
Continuity Guidance Circular – 1:
Continuity Guidance for States, Tribes, and Local
Governments
- Continuity Program
Management information
- Elements and components of a
viable continuity capability
- Coordination of
interdependencies
- Continuity plan operational
phases and implementation
Continuity Guidance Circular – 2:
Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) Identification
Processes for States, Tribes, and Local Governments
Outlines how to:
 Identify and prioritize Mission
Essential Functions (MEFs)
 Conduct a Business Process
Analysis (BPA)
 Conduct a Business Impact
Analysis (BIA)
 Assess strategies to reduce risk
Mission Essential Functions (MEFs):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Maintain Continuity of
Government
Provide Visible Leadership
Defend the Country – Fight
Wars
Maintain Effective Relations
Maintain Law and Order
Provide Emergency Services
Maintain Economic Stability
Provide Basic Essential
Services
http://www.fema.gov/about/org/ncp/coop/index.shtm
Continuity Training
 FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study:
 Continuity Awareness (IS-546) - 2 hours
 Introduction to Continuity (IS-547) - 5 hours
 Continuity Manager’s Course (Train-the-Trainer) (B/E/L-548)
 Continuity Planning Workshop (Train-the-Trainer) (B/E/L-550)
 Continuity Building Design for Homeland Security (T-T-T) (B/E/L-156)
 Continuity Exercise Design Course (IS-136/G-139)
 Devolution Planning Workshop (E/L 551)
http://www.training.fema.gov
Continuity Excellence Series
Established in April 2008

Designed for continuity professionals throughout Federal, State,
Territorial, Tribal, and local governments.
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Dedicated to enhancing the excellence in the development and
implementation of Continuity programs
 Level I -- Professional Continuity Practitioner
 Level II -- Master Continuity Practitioner
Continuity Assistance Tool (CAT)
The CAT provides guidance and
assistance for States, Territories,
Tribal, and Local Government
Jurisdictions and Private Sector
Organizations to identify
continuity program strengths and
areas for improvement.
 Released in July 2009
 Available at:
www.fema.gov/about/org/ncp
/coop/evaluations
Continuity Assistance Tool (CAT)
Each section includes:
• Definition
• Attributes
– Goal/objective statement
• Characteristics
– Detailed questions to help
achieve the attribute
– Critical characteristics are
denoted by an asterisk
– Each characteristic references
the source page of CGC-1
– Each characteristic has simple
Yes, No, or N/A checkboxes
– Each characteristic has room
for comments
www.fema.gov/about/org/ncp/coop/evaluations
Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and
Certification Program (PS-PREP)
-PS-PREP is a voluntary program for the private sector to
enhance nationwide resilience in an all-hazards
environment by improving private sector preparedness.
-ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) chosen
to manage and oversee.
-3rd party certification through accrediting entity for
larger business.
-Possibly 1st party (self) certification for small businesses.
Authority: Title IX of the Implementing Recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (PL 110-53)
PS-PREP
3 Standards met the Fundamental Qualifying Principals
Requirements:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600, Standard on
Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity
Programs, 2007 Edition

British Standards Institute (BSI) BS 25999, Business Continuity
Management Standard

ASIS International ASIS SPC.1-2009,Organizational Resilience:
Security Preparedness, and Continuity Management Systems
PS-PREP
Key Comments

The three standards encountered no critical opposition from
stakeholders across the country

Participants and respondents support standards, in general,
but having the time and resources to certify may pose a
problem because stakeholders are:
◦ Already engaged in similar activities
◦ Uncertain on the business case/logic for certification
◦ Concerned about the cost associated with certification
PS-PREP Program Timeline
www.fema.gov/privatesectorpreparedness
Questions?