continuityofoperations

Continuity of operations, often abbreviated COOP, refers to a set of policies, procedures, and arrangements designed to ensure that an organization can continue or rapidly resume its essential functions during and after emergencies or disruptions. The goal is to minimize mission impact and maintain critical services for stakeholders and the public.

Key concepts in COOP include identifying essential functions, determining recovery time objectives and recovery point objectives, and establishing priorities for restoration. Critical elements typically addressed are orders of succession, delegations of authority, continuity facilities, interoperable communications, vital records and data, and supply chain considerations. COOP planning also covers human capital, including roles, responsibilities, and training for emergency operations.

Planning and implementation involve risk assessment, business impact analysis, and the development of a continuity plan that documents procedures for sustaining or restoring essential activities. Plans commonly align with recognized standards and frameworks, such as NIST's contingency planning guidelines and ISO 22301 for business continuity management, and may be integrated with broader emergency management and resilience programs.

Operations and exercises focus on readiness and validation. Organizations conduct training, drills, and tabletop exercises to test assumptions, refine response actions, and verify resource availability. After-action reviews and plan maintenance ensure lessons learned are incorporated, and plans are updated to reflect changes in personnel, technology, or threat landscapes.

COOP is applicable across sectors, including government, critical infrastructure, and private enterprises. It does not guarantee immunity from all harm but provides structured, repeatable methods to sustain essential operations under adverse conditions.