Following a nationwide, whole community effort to review and revise guidance for public and private sector continuity, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released its new Continuity Guidance Circular (CGC) just this week.

Organizations and governments at all levels, as well as the BOLDplanning team, can now draw upon the CGC as a key reference when creating continuity plans, programs, and processes. Even those with an existing continuity program and plan should find the circular’s contents beneficial in the refinement of their resilience capabilities. How so?

Per FEMA, continuity is an important element of preparedness and an integral part of each core capability across the five mission areas of protection, prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery within the National Preparedness System. The new CGC guides efforts to develop and maintain the capability to ensure continuity of operations (COOP), continuity of government (COG), and enduring constitutional government during an emergency that disrupts normal operations. To clarify:

  • Continuity of Operations (COOP) ensures an individual organization can continue to perform its essential functions, provide essential services, and deliver core capabilities during a disruption to normal operations.
  • Continuity of Government (COG) is a coordinated effort within each of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to ensure that essential functions continue to be performed before, during, and after an emergency or threat.

BOLDplanning, like FEMA, believes that COOP/COG plan development and maintenance of continuity capabilities helps build and sustain a more resilient nation—one that is equipped to sustain essential functions and core capabilities and deliver critical services under all conditions. As such, the company currently provides online planning services and subject matter expertise to more than 9,300 public and private sector clients across the nation.

Want to learn more about BOLDplanning or how FEMA’s new Continuity Guidance Circular (it’s a great, free resource) can improve your organization’s overall preparedness? Just call 615.469.5558 or email info@BOLDplanning.com today.