FSIS Continuity of Operations (COOP)
Continuity of Operations (COOP) is the effort to ensure that essential functions continue to be performed during the disruption of typical operations. The FSIS Office of Management, Significant Incident Preparedness and Response Staff (SIPRS) is entrusted with COOP activities as required by Presidential Policy Directive 40 (PPD-40). PPD-40 specifies certain requirements for continuity plan development, including the requirement that all federal executive branch departments and agencies develop an integrated, overlapping continuity capability, that supports the eight National Essential Functions (NEFs) described in the document.
SIPRS works closely with The Continuity and Planning Division (CPD), Agency leadership, the USDA Office of Homeland Security, and various other agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to:
- Maintaining the FSIS COOP Plan.
- Ensure the readiness of the FSIS alternate site and Devolution facility.
- Supporting FSIS in the COOP and Continuity of Government (COG) programs.
- Coordinates FSIS’ participation in the National Exercise Program, including the annual Eagle Horizon Exercise.
Continuity and Planning Division
The Continuity and Planning Division (CPD) serves as the Departments focal point for Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning. Training and Exercises ensure USDA can perform mission critical essential functions during a wide-range of emergency situations.
CPD works closely with every USDA agency and staff office to fulfill roles including:
- Maintaining the USDA Headquarters COOP Plan.
- Ensuring the readiness of the Secretary’s alternate site and Devolution facility.
- Supporting the Secretary and subcabinet in both the COOP and Continuity of Government (COG) programs.
- Leading USDA participation in the National Exercise Program, including the annual Eagle Horizon Exercise.
- Coordinating, training and leading an incident management team to support USDA Senior Leaders in a continuity event.
- Ensuring all USDA agencies and staff offices have plans and alternate facilities in place to continue essential operations even if all primary facilities are unavailable in an emergency.
