“Is executive leadership engaged in and accountable for organizational continuity?”
Sound organizational policy is a critical foundation for all continuity programs. It establishes the need and authority for the program, defines the objectives and scope, and assigns responsibilities for execution.
“What needs to be accomplished?”
The accurate identification of essential functions is the foundation of a viable continuity program. Essential functions establish the basis for continuity planning, preparation, and execution. All other planning elements support, and are contingent upon, essential functions. A comprehensive assessment of an organization’s essential functions allows the most efficient use of limited resources during a crisis.
“How is it accomplished?”
The BPA is a systematic process of identifying and documenting all the associated activities, tasks, dependency functions, personnel, facilities, communications, and budgetary requirements of essential function performance.
How resilient does it need to be?”
The BIA provides a method of identifying and evaluating the impact of the loss of an essential function on the organization’s ability to continue critical operations.
“Private-sector preparedness is not a luxury; it is a cost of doing business in the post-9/11 world. It is ignored at a tremendous potential cost in lives, money, and national security.”
– The 9/11 Commission Report
