Templates and Guidance

GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS

This guide is can be used as the basic foundation for Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government (COOP/COG) Plans for the County of Santa Clara. Organizations are encouraged to develop their COOP/COG Plan to meet their needs and requirements. Organizations should include any additional elements that are essential to understanding and implementing their COOP/COG Plan. The result will be a baseline plan that can be refined and enhance over time.

COOP/COG PLANNING

The changing threat paradigm and recent emergencies, including localized acts of nature, major accidents, technological emergencies, public health events, and security-related incidents have all contributed to shifted awareness to the need for viable Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) capabilities that enable agencies to continue their essential functions across a broad spectrum of emergencies in support of an enduring constitutional government. COOP/COG planning is simply a “good business practice” – part of the fundamental mission of all County agencies as responsible and reliable public institutions.
Though the COOP and COG concepts share similarities, they are distinct in their particular emphasis:
 

• Continuity of Operations Planning
  An effort within individual departments and agencies to ensure the continued performance of minimum essential functions during a wide range of potential emergencies. Essentially, it is the capability of maintaining the business of government under all eventualities. This is accomplished through the development of plans, comprehensive procedures, and provision for alternative facilities, personnel, resources, interoperable communications, and vital records/databases.

• Continuity of Government Planning
  The preservation, maintenance, or reconstitution of the institution of government. It is the ability to carry out an organization’s constitutional responsibilities. This is accomplished through succession of leadership, the pre-delegation of emergency authority and active command and control.

This guidance provides instructions for all Santa Clara County Departments, Organizations, and Agencies for the development and implementation of COOP/COG plans in accordance with State and Federal guidance.

Attachments:

• COOP/COG Planning Template & Guidance (PDF)

  This is the complete guide - 26 pages.

• COOP/COG Planning Template & Guidance (Word)

  This is the complete guide - 26 pages.