Continuity of Operations Plan(COOP)
A plan ensuring that essential functions can continue during and after a disruption, addressing alternate facilities, succession, and recovery procedures.
Overview
A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is a comprehensive plan that ensures an organization can maintain or rapidly resume its mission-essential functions during emergencies such as natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, or infrastructure failures. Federal agencies are required to maintain COOP plans under Presidential Policy Directive 40 (PPD-40) and Federal Continuity Directives.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Contractors providing mission-critical services to federal agencies may be required to develop and maintain their own COOP plans or integrate into agency COOP frameworks. Contracts for IT infrastructure, facility management, and essential support services frequently include COOP requirements as deliverables or performance standards.
Key Details
- Essential Functions: COOP plans identify and prioritize the organization's mission-essential functions that must continue during disruptions.
- Alternate Sites: Plans designate alternate operating facilities and the resources needed to operate from them.
- Orders of Succession: Define who assumes authority if key leaders are unavailable.
- Recovery Time: Agencies must be able to perform essential functions within 12 hours of activation and sustain operations for up to 30 days.
- Testing: COOP plans must be tested and exercised regularly, with lessons learned incorporated into plan updates.
Related Terms
- Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)
- Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
- Federal Continuity Directive (FCD)
- Mission Essential Functions (MEF)
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