Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
10. Annual training for all reconstitution plans and procedures to resume normal
organization operations from the original or replacement primary operating
facility.
Training should prepare continuity personnel to respond to all emergencies and
disasters and ensure performance of the organization's essential functions. These
include interdependencies both within and external to the organization. As part of
its training program, the organization should document the training conducted,
the date of training, those completing the training, and by whom.
Exercises
An organization's continuity exercise program focuses primarily on evaluating capa-
bilities or an element of a capability, such as a plan or policy, in a simulated situa-
tion. Organizations should refer to the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation
Program for additional exercise and evaluation guidance. An organization's exercise
program should include
1. An annual opportunity for continuity personnel to demonstrate their famil-
iarity with continuity plans and procedures and to demonstrate the organiza-
tion's capability to continue its essential functions.
2. An annual exercise that incorporates the deliberate and preplanned move-
ment of continuity personnel to an alternative facility or other continuity
location.
3. Communications capabilities and both inter- and intraorganization dependencies.
4. An opportunity to demonstrate that backup data and records required to
support essential functions at continuity facilities or locations are sufficient,
complete, and current.
5. An opportunity for continuity personnel to demonstrate their familiarity
with the reconstitution procedures to transition from a continuity environ-
ment to normal activities when appropriate.
6. An opportunity for continuity personnel to demonstrate their familiarity
with the devolution procedures to reconstitute from a continuity environ-
ment to normal activities when appropriate.
7. A comprehensive debriefing after each exercise, which allows participants to
identify systemic weakness in plans and procedures, and to recommend revi-
sions to the organization's continuity plan.
8. A cycle of events that incorporates evaluations, after-action reports, and les-
sons learned into the development and implementation of a CAP, to include
an improvement plan.
9. Organizational participation: conducting and documenting annual assess-
ments of their continuity TT&E programs, and continuity plans and
programs.
