Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for DOE O 150.1B

DOE O 150.1B, Continuity Programs Frequently Asked Questions Background: On December 21, 2021, Deputy Secretary David Turk approved Department of Energy (DOE) Order (O) 150.1B, Continuity Programs, which supersedes the previous version of the Order (i.e., O 150.1A) published in 2014. The revised Order conveys continuity planning requirements all Departmental Labs, Plants, Sites, and Offices must address in their continuity plans and programs, as applicable, to ensure DOE remains compliant with Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 40, National Continuity Policy; Federal Continuity Directive (FCD) 1, Federal Executive Branch National Continuity Program and Requirements; and FCD 2, Federal Executive Branch Mission Essential Functions and Candidate Primary Mission Essential Functions Identification and Submission Process. Why update the Order? The 2014 version of the Order was analyzed based on lessons learned and found to be significantly non- compliant with PPD 40 and FCDs 1 and 2, released in 2016 and 2017 respectively. What are the most significant changes? The following requirements are significant additions to the Order: • Requirements for Labs, Plants, Sites, and Offices to conduct a Business Process Analysis (BPA) and Business Impact Analysis (BIA) of Essential Functions they perform. • Requirements for Labs, Plants, and Sites to address devolution of command and control and associated maintenance, testing, and exercise activities. • Requirements for all Departmental Elements to conduct quarterly drills to account for all personnel. Where do I find requirements for my organization? As some Headquarters Office responsibilities differ from Field Element responsibilities, DOE O 150.1B includes dedicated appendices detailing requirements and responsibilities: Appendix A - Headquarters Offices (34 pages). Appendix B - Field Elements (27 pages). Appendix C - NNSA Office of Emergency Operations, (NA-40) (17 pages). Management and Operating (M&O) Contractor requirements in Attachment 1 grew in length from 2 ½ to 23 pages, better defining the important role M&O contractors have in sustaining the performance of the Department’s Essential Functions prior to, during, and following a continuity event. Is new or additional funding available? The Office of Continuity Programs does not provide funding to meet Federal continuity requirements. M&O Contractors should conduct impact assessments and work with their respective government contract managers to determine what, if any, additional funds are needed to implement the Order. Does the Order have an implementation timeline? Full compliance with the Order is expected within one year of issuance. If compliance cannot be accomplished within one year, an implementation schedule must be developed and submitted to the Associate Administrator and Deputy Under Secretary for Emergency Operations, through the appropriate Field Office, Program, Program Secretarial Office, or Staff Office Director. Who do I talk with to understand more about the Order? The Office of Continuity Programs is available to answer any questions you may have and can be reached at HQCOOP@nnsa.doe.gov or at 301-903-3766. mailto:HQCOOP@nnsa.doe.gov