Guide to Continuity Program Management
3. Continuity Project Plans
Project plans are tools that will assist the organization’s continuity program manager and planners in
executing the work of the organization. Project plans provide task-level details, usually presented on
a timeline, to assist program managers and planners track all aspects of the continuity program and
to assign responsibilities. Project plans are primarily an internal resource for the program
manager/planner team to improve program efficiency and maintain an up-to-date view of how the
program is progressing and what needs to be accomplished. There are many software programs that
have pre-built project plan templates available (Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, etc.). There is no
“right” program or format. Projects vary in scope and requirements, which means the right program
and format will also vary. Regardless of the preferred program or format, continuity program
managers should follow the steps below to develop project plans:
1. Create and analyze program needs and requirements;
2. Identify and coordinate with stakeholders;
3. Set goals, objectives, and tasks;
4. Determine deliverables and create a timeline with milestones (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.);
5. Assign responsibility; and
6. Revise plans and modify, as needed.
The checklists below provide example lists of items that may need to be included in the
organization’s project plan(s). Refer to Annex A for a sample MYSP worksheet, which can be used to
assist organizations to begin development of a MYSP.
Table 2: Program Management, Plans, and Procedures Checklist
Program Management, Plans, and Procedures
ITEM TASKS FREQUENCY
Plan review and
update (e.g.
Continuity,
Devolution,
Reconstitution)
Review for accuracy
Incorporate corrective actions/lessons learned
and changes in policy and philosophy
Manage distribution of plan updates
Identify/review current/potential partnerships
Review applicable requirements, guidance
Annually
Essential Functions
Identify/review organization essential functions
Obtain Leadership approval
Annually
BPA/BIA
Conduct/review/update BPA/BIA
Biennial
FEMA NCP 7