Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)

What is Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)?

COOP is an effort within individual executive departments and agencies to ensure that mission critical functions can continue to be performed during a wide range of emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents and technological or attack-related emergencies.

Successful planning requires both a university-wide plan and individual plans for operating units (departments, offices, programs, committees) that are responsible for mission critical functions. Mission critical functions are processes that are essential to ensure loss to the organization is minimized, essential services can continue, and administrative operations are resumed safely and effectively.

University-wide Plan Update

The university-wide plan is being developed by the Business Continuity/Emergency Management (BCEM) Office and will serve as the frame work for coordinated response across operating units.  It will also serve as a  guidance document for the development of individual continuity plans.

Individual Continuity Plans

Individual continuity plans are not developed or written by BCEM due to the unique needs and operating environments of individual operating units.  BCEM does support the planning process and is available to participate as a planning stakeholder and has developed several tools to guide the planning process.

How do I get started writing a COOP for my individual operating unit?

The first step to develop an individual COOP is to complete a Ready State Document (RSD).  The RSD is a short document that serves as a worksheet to begin the process of identifying key pieces of information that will support a larger, more robust plan going forward.  BCEM has provided a guidance document to assist with the completion of the RSD and is available to meet with stakeholders to assist with the RSD completion process.

Ready State Document (RSD)

RSD Guidance Document