Continuity Guidance Circulars (CGC) 1 and 2 

Fact SheetFact Sheet 

Continuity Guidance Circulars (CGC) 1 and 2 are guidance documents intended for non-federal entities, and directly 
supports national-level policy requiring that continuity be integrated among all levels of government, and with the 
private sector. CGC 1 and 2 are designed to help achieve seamless integration by providing common standards and 
parameters for all continuity partners. 

 

Continuity Guidance Circular 1 

In June 2008, NCP drafted CGC 1 providing guidance on Continuity of Operations planning for State, local, territorial 
and tribal governments, and the private sector. The new CGC provides operational guidance for implementing the 
National Continuity Policy (NSPD-51/HSPD-20), with a particular focus on the development of continuity plans and 
programs for the sustainment of resilient continuity capabilities within organizations. The enhancements in the new 
guidance specifically address: 

. 
Key components of continuity program management, including personnel, communications, and facilities 
. 
The need for scalable, full-spectrum continuity plans that acknowledge the potential for a broad range of 
disruptive events and call for more than just a traditional Continuity of Operations option that requires the 
relocation of staff to alternate facilities 
. 
The incorporation of a risk-based framework for continuity program and plans, as necessary, to identify and 
assess potential hazards, determine acceptable levels of risk, and prioritize and allocate resources 
. 
The inclusion of budgeting considerations in continuity programs and plans 


 
Continuity Guidance Circular 2 

In coordination with our non-federal partners, NCP drafted Continuity Guidance Circular 2, Continuity Guidance for 
Non-Federal Entities (CGC2) to provide additional operational guidance in the implementation of the National 
Continuity Policy. The CGC2 will assist State, territorial, tribal, and local governments, and the private sector, in 
identifying their Mission Essential Functions and potential Primary Mission Essential Functions. The provisions of 
CGC 2 are applicable to all levels of government regardless of location. 

 

Benefits 

CGC1 and 2 help implement national-level policy to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability, 
integrated across Federal, State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and the private sector, to ensure the 
preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and continuing the National Essential Functions under 
all conditions. 

 

Next Steps 

. 
Coordinate and publish Continuity Guidance Circular 1, Continuity Guidance for non Federal entities (States, 
Territories, Tribal and Local Government Jurisdictions and Private Sector Organizations). Currently in draft 
form and sent out FEMA wide for comments.\ 
. 
Coordinate and publish Continuity Guidance Circular 2 (CGC 2) Continuity Guidance for Non-Federal Entities 
(States, Territories, Tribal, and Local Government Jurisdictions and Private Sector Organizations). Currently 
in draft form and going through internal revisions. 


FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work 
together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, 
recover from, and mitigate all hazards.