The purpose of this template is to create the specific Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines that the Department on Disability Services (DDS) will require entities to use to develop and maintain a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

This template provides a structure for formulating a COOP Plan according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Headquarters COOP Guidance Document, dated April 2004.   This template is designed to accompany the Continuity of Operations Template Instructions, which consists of general guidance and sample language for reference.  Organizations are encouraged to tailor COOP Plan development to meet their own needs and requirements.   The instructions for the template can be downloaded at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of National Security Coordination (ONSC) website at the following address:  http://www.beta.fema.gov/test/ns/index.shtm.

Outline

I. Executive Summary
II. Introduction
III. Purpose
IV. Applicability and Scope
V. Essential functions
VI. Authorities and References
VII. Concept of Operations
A. Phase I: Activation and Relocation
1. Decision Process
2. Alert, Notification, and Implementation Process
3. Leadership
B. Phase II: Alternate Facility Operations
1. Mission Critical Systems
2. Vital Files, Records, and Databases
C. Phase III: Reconstitution
VIII. COOP Planning Responsibilities
IX. Logistics
A. Alternate Location
B. Interoperable Communications
X. Test, Training, and Exercises
XI. Multi-Year Strategy and program Management Plan
XII. COOP Plan Maintenance
Annex A: Authorities and References
Annex B: Operational Checklists
Annex C:  Alternate Location/Facility Information
Annex D:  Maps and Evacuation Routes
Annex E:  Definitions and Acronyms