This contractor position supports the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Continuity Program Manager in management of daily continuity programs and in reporting to the Continuity Coordinator on all continuity program activities. This position has a Continuity of Operations  focus yet may also support Test, Training, and Exercise (TT&E).

1. This contractor position assists the U.S. Department of Commerce with Continuity programs/exercises and the Domestic Resilience Group, with a primary focus on Continuity of Operations (COOP). 
2. This position supports the Office of Continuity, Policy and Operations (CPOP), a component of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Security, Insider Risk and Continuity (OSIRC). CPOP plans and implements policies by developing procedures and delivering a wide range of services for the Office of the Secretary and other nationwide Departmental bureaus. Specifically, CPOP assesses threats and determines risks to Departmental assets; ensures proper communications; provides guidance to Departmental offices and operating units on continuity and policy related matters; and ensures compliance with continuity policies and procedures.
3. The ideal candidate is a mid- to senior-level Continuity Manager who fully understands and has successfully worked with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (PPD-40) and FEMA Federal Continuity Directives supporting one or more of the 15 executive department headquarters (Federal Civilian Agency/Department preferred), can quickly “connect the dots” in fast-moving situations, is a very strong communicator (written and spoken), is exceptionally well organized, can remain calm and be decisive under pressure, and can effectively collaborate and coordinate with staff at multiple levels.
4. Work is performed in an office environment, unclassified through and including a SCIF, at the Commerce Headquarters in Washington, DC. Occasional local travel may be required to attend meetings and conferences.
5. As the situation dictates, the Continuity PM may be required to deploy infrequently via personal vehicle to perform duties at a Commerce continuity facility, a less than 2 hour drive from the Commerce Headquarters.

1. Review and assess COOP Plans and Emergency Plans and procedures.
2. Develop the content for an online COOP Awareness Training program for Department employees.
3. Make recommendations to improve resilience, including through investments that mitigate acknowledged challenges and close self-identified gaps.
4. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Continuity and Emergency Management Programs, make recommendations for improvement, and implement approved initiatives.
5. Assist in preparing materials for the Department’s COG mission.
6. Assist in the staffing and tracking of Interagency and National Security Council taskings.
7. Attend interagency and internal Continuity and Emergency Management and TT&E working groups, as may be requested.
8. Collaborate with staff to develop a more comprehensive Continuity and Emergency Management TT&E program, as may be requested.
9. As required, deploy to perform Continuity Program Manager duties from a Commerce continuity facility, a less than 2 hour drive from the Commerce Headquarters.

1. Approximately 4 years’ COOP/Continuity of Government (COG) experience with and/or supporting one or more of the 15 executive department headquarters with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
2. Active Top Secret security clearance and be SCI crossover Simply being “SCI eligible” is not sufficient – besides having a current investigation, you must be either currently SCI indoc’d (read in) or have been debriefed less than 23 months ago.
3. In accordance with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (PPD-40), National Continuity Policy, experience leading and working with FEMA Federal Continuity Directives (FCD) to support National Essential Functions.
4. Solid working knowledge of the (1) Federal Executive Branch Continuity Program Management Requirements FCD for maintaining a viable continuity program and increasing the resilience of an organization-level continuity program within the continuity planning framework and (2) Federal Executive Branch Essential Functions Risk Identification and Management FCD for implementation of a risk-based COG approach.
5. Continuity planning process experience spanning the four phases of continuity.
6. Capability to quickly “connect the dots” in fast-moving situations, assess risk, remain calm, and be decisive under pressure.
7. Strong spoken and written communication skills, and a high degree of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
8. Dependable personal transportation for as required travel to a Commerce continuity facility.

Nice to Haves:

1. Experience using the Federal Continuity Assessment Tool (FCAT) to assess the effectiveness of continuity plans and programs and the organization’s ability to perform essential functions and services.
2. TT&E experience.

Work Schedule

Full-time on site; standard 8 hour day shift with start time as coordinated with the supported Commerce manager.

B.S. in an associated discipline (or equivalent).

At Ardent Eagle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees and their families:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Matching 401(k) Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off

This job description is intended to describe the general scope of work and level of work that is needed to perform while on task with Ardent Eagle Solutions. Other duties may be assigned. Selected candidates may undergo a government security investigation and must fulfill eligibility criteria for accessing classified information. US citizenship may be a prerequisite for certain roles.

Ardent Eagle Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to disability or protected veteran status.