Business Continuity Planning Suite
Download and EXTRACT the
Business Continuity Planning Suite (BCPS)
(ZIP Archive - 13 Mb: PC Compatible)
Once downloaded, EXTRACT the Business Continuity Planning Suite file and click “START_NOW.”
Step-by-Step Instructions for BCPS Installation
(PDF-1.2 Mb)
If you need more help getting a business or organization prepared, please use the new Business Continuity Planning Suite (ZIP Archive - 13 Mb: PC Compatible) developed by DHS’ National Protection and Programs Directorate and FEMA.
This software was created for any business with the need to create, improve, or update its business continuity plan. The Suite is scalable for optimal use by organizations of any size and consists of a business continuity plan (BCP) training, automated BCP and disaster recovery plan (DRP) generators, and a self-directed exercise for testing an implemented BCP. Businesses can utilize this solution to maintain normal operations and provide resilience during a disruption.
Learn about the Tools
The BCP training component of the Suite is a 30 minute video-based course, which examines the importance of BCP, provides an overview on BCP, and prepares users to write their own plans. It is broken into three segments:
- What is business continuity planning?
- Why is business continuity planning important?
- What is the business continuity planning process?
Upon completion of the training, users should possess a basic understanding of BCP, the process of completing a BCP, and the motivation to complete their own plan using the Suite’s BCP Generator.
The Suite’s BCP and DRP Generators, developed to guide businesses through writing BCP and DRP plans, possess an overall functionality similar to automated tax preparation tools. The BCP Generator builds a plan that guides a company through any disruption to normal operations, while the DRP Generator focuses on developing a plan specific to recovery of information technology systems. A Save and Exit option in both Generators enables users to complete their plans in increments, and a Print option enables users to produce and save hard copies.
The final component of the BCP Suite, a self-directed exercise for testing an implemented BCP, allows users to test their newly implemented business continuity and disaster recovery plans. This Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program compliant table top exercise focuses on a business’ recovery efforts following selected business disruptions intended to represent a broad spectrum of threats including hurricane, earthquake, ice storm, and blackout. The goal of the exercise is to improve a business’ overall recovery capabilities and actions and the collective decision making process. It is designed to be an open, thought-provoking exchange of ideas to help develop and expand existing knowledge of policies and procedures within the framework of an organization’s BCP implementation.
Business Continuity Video Training
Business Continuity Training - Introduction
An overview of the concepts detailed within this training. Also, included is a humorous, short video that introduces viewers to the concept of business continuity planning and highlights the benefits of having a plan. Two men in an elevator experience a spectrum of disasters from a loss of power, to rain, fire, and a human threat. One man is prepared for each disaster and the other is not.
Business Continuity Training - Part One
What is Business Continuity Planning?
An explanation of what business continuity planning means and what it entails to create a business continuity plan. This segment also incorporates an interview with a company that has successfully implemented a business continuity plan and includes a discussion about what business continuity planning means to them.
Business Continuity Training - Part Two
Why is Business Continuity Planning Important?
An examination of the value a business continuity plan can bring to an organization. This segment also incorporates an interview with a company that has successfully implemented a business continuity plan and includes a discussion about how business continuity planning has been valuable to them.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
An overview of the business continuity planning process. This segment also incorporates an interview with a company about its process of successfully implementing a business continuity plan.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
Step 1: Prepare
The first of six steps addressed in this Business Continuity Training, which detail the process of building a business continuity plan. This step addresses how organizations should “prepare” to create a business continuity plan.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
Step 2: Define
The second of six steps addressed in this Business Continuity Training, which detail the process of building a business continuity plan. This step addresses how organizations should “define” their business continuity plan objectives.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
Step 3: Identify
The third of six steps addressed in this Business Continuity Training, which detail the process of building a business continuity plan. This step addresses how organizations should “identify” and prioritize potential risks and impacts.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
Step 4: Develop
The fourth of six steps addressed in this Business Continuity Training, which detail the process of building a business continuity plan. This step addresses how organizations should “develop” business continuity strategies.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
Step 5: Teams
The fifth of six steps addressed in this Business Continuity Training, which detail the process of building a business continuity plan. This step addresses how organizations should define their “teams” and tasks.
Business Continuity Training - Part Three
What is the Business Continuity Planning Process?
Step 6: Test
The sixth of six steps addressed in this Business Continuity Training, which detail the process of building a business continuity plan. This step addresses how organizations should “test” their business continuity plans.