What does a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) primarily address?

A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is designed specifically to ensure that an organization can maintain its essential functions during an emergency or any disruption. This includes identifying critical services and the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment, and information required to sustain those operations. The primary aim is to prepare for various scenarios that could interrupt normal operations, ensuring that the organization can respond swiftly and effectively to minimize impact and continue serving its stakeholders.

The focus of a COOP is on resilience and recovery, providing clear procedures and protocols for managing threats, whether they arise from natural disasters, technological failures, or other crises. By concentrating on how to keep essential functions running, COOPs play a vital role in organizational preparedness and stability during challenging times, allowing other aspects, such as finance or human resources, to be managed within the context of ongoing operations.