What is Organizational Continuity?

Organizational Continuity is an interdisciplinary activity and associated skill-set involving the creation and validation of practiced logistical programs to ensure operational resiliency in the event of a disruption of any scale or type.

When Was the National Center for Organizational Continuity Formed?

Recognizing the need to provide an informational clearinghouse for news, events and resources related to this rapidly emerging discipline, the NCOC was formed in 2009.  The NCOC builds upon a foundation of activities and research initiated through the Wall Street West Program, a program funded by the Department of Labor WIRED Grant in 2006.

What is the WIRED initiative?

The Federal Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development or “WIRED” Initiative, launched in November 2005 by the Employment and Training Agency (ETA) of the U.S. Department of Labor, stressed the critical role talent development plays in creating effective regional economic development strategies.  WIRED was designed to bring together state, local and federal entities; academic institutions (including K-12, community colleges and universities), investment groups, foundations, and business and industry to address the challenges associated with building a globally competitive and prepared workforce.

What is Wall Street West?

Following a solicitation for grant applications, the ETA identified 13 regions of the Country to receive $15 million over a three year period to revitalize their local economy.  The regions faced various challenges in economic development and sustainability including: remaining competitive with a globalized workforce; managing existing growth opportunities; and creating a more innovative economy by focusing on developing small business.

In February 2006, the “Wall Street West Regional Initiative (WSW)” was awarded one of the 13 WIRED grants.  The WSW initiative directed investments toward workforce training and research programs to support organizations establishing business contingency and operations continuity plans in the ten-county area of Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA).  The counties included Berks, Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.  The WSW partnership includes more than two dozen economic development agencies, technology investment groups, workforce development organizations, educational and research institutions and private-sector experts from throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The project grant period continued through January 31, 2010.  The National Center for Organizational Continuity is one of the direct outcomes resulting from the U.S. Department of Labor WIRED Initiative.

Is there an annual fee to become an NCOC Partner?

There is a fee applicable to training providers and certification organizations to become an NCOC Partner.  There is no fee for individuals and industry organizations to register and participate in the collaborative area of the website.