Evaluation and Assesments
Evaluations and Assessments provide Continuity personnel with tools to incorporate lessons learned, best practices and improvement planning into program activities. Below, users can access copies of the National Continuity Program's (NCP's) Continuity Evaluation Tool (CET), and Continuity Assistance Tool (CAT). Drawing from FCD 1 and 2, the CET outlines an assessment methodology for Federal Executive Branch Departments and Agencies. The CAT is a self-assistance guide based on CGC 1 and 2. It provides non-federal organizations ways to enhance the effectiveness of their Continuity capabilities by informing them on what should be included in their plan and programs.
Continuity Evaluation Tool
The Continuity Evaluation Tool (CET) (PDF 449KB, TXT 102KB) was initially designed to assess Federal Department and Agencies continuity plans, programs, and procedures; refine the assessment process and improve the level of continuity program documentation, and document elements of continuity as required in Federal Continuity Directives 1 and 2. Exercise evaluators also use the information from the CET to develop the organization’s after action reports and develop Continuity Corrective Action Programs. The CET has been expanded to facilitate assessments of all federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local government jurisdictions continuity plans and programs.
Continuity Assistance Tool
The National Continuity Policy Implementation Plan signed by the President, required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and promulgate Continuity planning guidance to state, territorial, tribal and local governments. Continuity guidance must include procedures for development and documentation of essential functions, orders of succession, delegations of authority, devolution, reconstitution, establishment of alternate facilities, interoperable communications, the safeguarding of vital resources, facilities, records, and a test, training, and exercise program that will ensure a viable continuity program. To support this requirement, the Continuity of Operations Division developed a Continuity Assistance Tool (CAT) (PDF 1.5MB, TXT 102KB) based on guidance from Continuity Guidance Circular 1 (CGC 1) and the Continuity Evaluation Tool.
The CAT is a self-assistance guide for non-federal entities to identify continuity strengths and areas for improvement. This tool is designed to enhance the continuity capabilities of non-Federal entities by informing them on what should be included in a continuity plan and program.