Federal Coordinator Endorses Business Continuity and COOP
General Douglas O’Dell, President George W. Bush’s federal coordinator for Gulf Coast rebuilding, recently came out in support of businesses developing continuity of operations plans, or COOP plans, before a disaster. In keynote remarks at the Louisiana Technology Council “Business Continuity: Planning Your Survival Kit” event, O’Dell noted the importance of technology specialists in developing and carrying out such plans.
“Technology specialists play a significant part in the everyday ongoing operations of companies today. Often technology specialists are heroes in preparations for future disruptions of business,” O’Dell said. “During a disaster of any kind, they are the most sought after people in a company. Organization leaders turn to them first. They rely on the talents and creative thinking of technology specialists to keep services, information and communications available because that’s what it takes to keep a business operational in this age of technology and communication.”
O’Dell then outlined critical elements of a COOP plan, which include: Ensuring the company has detailed contact information for every employee; defining employee roles during an emergency; making preparations for backup equipment, records, databases, programs and ensuring their portability; and reaching across the lines of commerce to form partnerships and cooperative agreements with other organizations to share equipment or access services. He also emphasized the importance of conducting emergency tests, executing the plan, evaluating it, making necessary changes and keeping all employees informed.
The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding has been engaged in facilitating and streamlining the recovery effort, providing key federal support and resources to state and local leaders, as well as reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast.
