The purpose here is to clear up some common misunderstandings about Continuity in the federal response during emergency situations that our Nation faces. Continuity is an integral part in the National Response Framework (NRF) within each organizational department and agency. In today's world, there's a lot of wrong information on the internet, especially when it comes to things like two prevalent theories being circulated around communities, those are: the Law of War and the Devolution theory. We have developed this to dispel the misinformation that has been developed around the concept of continuity.

What we want to do is set the record straight. We'll explain why continuity planning is so important, how it fits into the NRF, and why it's crucial for making sure our important functions keep running during tough times. We're going to tackle these misunderstandings head-on and give you straightforward, reliable information.

Our goal here is to help you analyze what you are reading and make sure everyone understands what continuity planning means in the context of the NRF. 

National Security Presidential Directive 51 (NSPD-51) is a significant policy document that establishes a comprehensive national policy regarding the continuity of the Federal Government's structures and operations. It designates a single National Continuity Coordinator responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of continuity policies across federal agencies. NSPD-51 also assigns what are known as "National Essential Functions" to these federal agencies. It provides guidance not only for federal agencies but also for state governments and entities below the federal level, emphasizing the importance of creating an integrated national continuity program.

Within this framework, the National Continuity Plan comes into play. This plan outlines specific procedures to establish and maintain continuity, particularly during times of crisis. One of the notable aspects of the National Continuity Plan is its focus on the concept of "Enduring Constitutional Government."

This directive, according to the National Continuity Plan, refers to carrying out such continuing operations "with proper respect for the constitutional separation of powers among the branches, to preserve the constitutional framework under which the Nation is governed and the capability of all three branches of government to execute constitutional responsibilities and provide for orderly succession, appropriate transition of leadership, and interoperability and support of the National Essential Functions during a catastrophic emergency."

While the wording of these documents may not have foreseen concerns about government actions during times of crisis, it does serve as a clear statement of commitment to upholding the constitutional framework. This emphasis on adhering to Constitutional constraints helps dispel any misconceptions or conspiracy theories related to the suspension of the Constitution or the use of American troops for domestic law enforcement. In essence, it reaffirms the government's dedication to maintaining the rule of law, democratic principles, and the separation of powers during challenging times.

Presidential Policy Directive 8 on National Preparedness outlines key components crucial for enhancing the security and resilience of the nation. It establishes the National Preparedness Goal, which serves as a foundation for preparedness efforts across various levels of government and sectors. PPD-8 introduces the National Preparedness System, a framework designed to coordinate and integrate the nation's preparedness activities. The directive identifies core capabilities essential for effective preparedness, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach. Furthermore, it introduces planning frameworks that guide the development of strategies and plans to address potential threats and hazards.

A central theme of PPD-8 is the engagement of the "whole community" in preparedness efforts. This approach recognizes that effective preparedness requires the involvement and collaboration of individuals, communities, organizations, and all levels of government. By embracing the Whole Community approach, PPD-8 encourages a collective and inclusive effort to enhance the nation's readiness for various challenges. The directive serves as a guiding document for national-level preparedness initiatives, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in strengthening the nation's security and resilience.

Before we dive into the Federal Continuity Directive (FCD) 1 and 2 there is the FCD Framework document: you can find it by clicking here. It is the most crucial document as it is the foundation to the entire program of Continuity. As it states: "This Framework is the first in a series of revised FCDs that build upon each other to provide direction and guidance for the Federal Executive Branch." Understand that the FCDs are directly relating to the executive branch no other branch of government. This framework was developed because of the requirements that are found in PPD-40, National Continuity Policy; Executive Order (EO) 13961, Governance and Integration of Federal Mission Resilience; and the Federal Mission Resiliency Strategy. 

With Continuity planning the Federal Executive Branch must take an all-hazards approach to manage any disruption to its normal operations, "up to and including incidents or disruptions that occur with little to no warning." There are four planning factors that are considered in the FCD Framework, they are as follows: 

1. Staff and Organization;

2. Equipment and Systems;

3. Information and Data; and

4. Sites.

Every department and agency within the executive branch is to "identify their essential functions; determine the planning factors needed to accomplish those functions; conduct risk assessments for each planning factor; and identify and implement continuity strategies addressing the areas of greatest vulnerability."

This framework is the foundation for a mission-focused, operational approach to mitigate impacts on these factors from current and future threats and hazards. And each organization is to prioritize their essential functions with potentially limited resources during disruptions by understanding the requirements of Staff and Organization, Equipment and Systems, Information and Data, and Sites to accomplish their mission. Their essential functions are their mission. And when the organization is able to take all this into consideration and assessing the vulnerabilities to the full spectrum of threats and hazards, they will better understand the overall risk to each essential function and how to strategize and mitigate the risks to keep the department operational and resilient against threats its vulnerable to.

This is the FCD Framework document in the most succint way possible for you to understand. This isnt some sort of marching orders to the military. It does not pertain to them at all as this document as well as the other FCDs are to construct a Continuity Program within each Department and Agency throughout the Executive Branch of Government.

The other two FCDs use this one, the Framework to use the "risk-based approach to decision-making; identify and mitigate negative impacts to essential functions; and help articulate the consequences of failure." The other two show the continuity elements and la lay out the requirements and standards that are needed for the continuity programs so that organizations can continue their essential functions. And they detail also the importance of how to "reconstitute operations after a disruption that requires the activation of continuity plans."

The Federal Continuity Directives (FCDs) 1 and 2 serve as pivotal guides in shaping the development of continuity plans and programs within the Federal Executive Branch. These directives are instrumental in ensuring the government's ability to function seamlessly in the face of potential disruptions.

FCD-1: Outlining Requirements

FCD-1 establishes the foundational framework requirements that agencies must adhere to when formulating their continuity plans. This directive serves as a comprehensive guide, offering a continuity elements that must be used in developing a COOP plan. Within its purview are key elements such as risk assessments, resource allocation, and the identification of essential functions critical to the sustained operation of the government.

FCD-1 directs agencies to develop clear and concise plans that encompass a wide range of potential scenarios. By doing so, it ensures that agencies are well-positioned to respond swiftly and decisively to any unforeseen circumstances, safeguarding the integrity of essential functions.

FCD-2: Essential Functions Identification, Business Process Analysis, and Business Impact Analysis

In tandem with FCD-1, FCD-2 delves deeper into the practical aspects of continuity planning. This directive provides explicit guidance on how to identify essential functions, conduct business process analysis, and perform business impact analysis. These components are essential in crafting resilient plans that not only prioritize critical functions but also evaluate the potential repercussions of disruptions.

FCD-2's focus on essential functions involves a meticulous examination of the core activities that must be sustained to uphold the government's mission and responsibilities. Through business process analysis, agencies gain insights into the intricate interdependencies among various functions, enabling a more holistic approach to continuity planning.

FCD-2 entails a thorough assessment of the potential consequences of disruptions on operations by using a Business Impact Analysis. This includes evaluating the financial, operational, and reputational implications, allowing agencies to prioritize resources effectively and allocate them where they are most needed.

In essence, FCDs 1 and 2 collectively provide a comprehensive roadmap for federal agencies, guiding them through the intricacies of continuity planning and ensuring a robust framework for the sustained and effective functioning of the Federal Executive Branch in any contingency.

Continuity is a concept "to unify the application of continuity principles, planning, and programs across the Nation." (FEMA Continuity Guidance Circular, 2018). Continuity is the ability to provide uninterrupted services to support before, during, and after an incident that disrupts normal operations. 

The Presidential Policy Directive-21, focuses on the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. This defines resilience as the ability to get ready for and adapt to changing situations and bounce back quickly when things go wrong. Resilience isn't just about being tough; it's also about withstanding and recovering from intentional attacks, accidents, or natural disasters.

Continuity plays a crucial role in making sure our nation stays resilient. It's all about making sure we can keep our important functions going, no matter what happens. This means we need both federal and non-federal entities to work together to get ready for the biggest threats that could our nation. It's all about being well-prepared and strengthening the critical infrastructure to be more resilient in the face of potential dangers. 

The responsibility for preparing our nation and ensuring the essential functions of our communities and citizens in times of crisis is shared by everyone. This means it's not just the government's job; it involves all of us, from individuals and local communities to private businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and all levels of government.

In other words, continuity isn't something only one organization or group has to worry about. It's not just a government program or limited to certain areas of expertise. Continuity is a concept that ties us all together. It's a way of thinking and acting that spreads across all communities, organizations, and people. It's something that leaders at all levels should take seriously and work on together.

To put it simply, we're all in this together when it comes to keeping our communities and citizens prepared and functioning during tough times.

The vision for continuity is to create a more resilient nation by fostering the whole community's involvement in integrating continuity plans and programs. The ultimate goal is to ensure the sustained operation of essential functions under all conditions, regardless of the challenges we may face. To realize this vision, the way that continuity is established is designed to be flexible and adaptable, catering to all types of emergencies and to each incident.  Recognizing that continuity and building a resilient nation can't be approached as a one-size-fits-all program, continuity is adaptable that can be customized to suit the unique environment and circumstances encountered. This adaptability is essential in ensuring that our nation can effectively respond to and recover from any disruptions or emergencies it may encounter. 

In the event of a major catastrophe or a significant national security incident occurring in the National Capital Region, including Washington, D.C., all government agencies, including the White House, are required to have detailed Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans ready. These plans serve as a playbook for ensuring the continuity of constitutional government functions during a crisis.

As part of these plans, the President of the United States has the authority, as outlined in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, and more specifically 3 U.S. Code § 19, to establish a temporary government, often referred to as a 'succession in government' as in the delegation of authority. This means that specific individuals, carefully chosen and designated, would be prepared to step into critical leadership roles temporarily if the regular government leadership becomes unavailable or if the continuity of constitutional government is threatened due to a major catastrophe, national emergency, or significant security incident. 

This arrangement ensures the continuation of essential government functions and maintains constitutional governance during these exceptional circumstances, as prescribed by Article II, Section 1, Clause 6 of the U.S. Constitution, it states: "In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President."

Additionally, each government agency identifies members of an 'Emergency Relocation Group' who are tasked with relocating to a secure and undisclosed location. These individuals are part of the agency's contingency plan, ready to carry out essential constitutional government functions when the Continuity Plan is activated. Their role is crucial in preserving the government's ability to function effectively and uphold the Constitution during times of crisis.