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This is a copy of our Tar Heel Mission Ready newsletter, a monthly publication that provides information and updates related to mission continuity, preparedness and planning. All members of the University are invited to subscribe.
As we continue to navigate through the dynamic landscape of Mission Continuity, it’s crucial to ensure that we are prepared for any unforeseen disruptions. One of the key pillars of our preparedness strategy is understanding and implementing Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs). RTOs define the maximum allowable downtime for our systems, services, and operations after a disruptive event occurs. Simply put, it’s the time within which we aim to restore our business processes to avoid significant impacts on our operations and preserve the mission of the university by continuing instruction, research and public service.
Recovery Time Objective

Why RTOs Matter

Setting and achieving appropriate RTOs is essential for several reasons; including:

Minimizing Downtime
RTOs help us minimize the duration of interruptions to our services and operations, thereby reducing financial losses and maintaining stakeholder confidence.
Meeting Stakeholder Expectations
They ensure that we can meet the continuity and restoration expectations of our key stakeholders, including staff, students, visitors, and accrediting agencies.
Compliance Requirements
Many departments/units have regulatory requirements regarding downtime, including research, and medical care.

Developing RTOs

To effectively incorporate RTOs into your Mission Continuity Plan, consider the following steps:

  1. Identify Critical Functions: Determine which operations and services are critical to your unit’s function and prioritize them for recovery.
  2. Set RTOs: Collaborate with your team and stakeholders to set realistic RTOs for each critical function. Consider factors such as resource availability, dependencies, operational impacts, and regulatory requirements.
  3. Implement Recovery Strategies: Develop detailed recovery strategies and procedures to ensure that you can meet your RTO objectives. Test these strategies regularly to identify and address any potential gaps.
  4. Communication and Training: Ensure that all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities during a disruption. Regular training and awareness sessions can help streamline recovery efforts.

Tips for Success

  • Regular Review and Updates: Mission Continuity planning is not a one-time task. Review and update your plan and RTOs regularly to reflect changes in technology, operations, and objectives.
  • Test, Test, Test: Conduct regular simulations and exercises to test the effectiveness of your Mission Continuity Plan and the achievability of your RTOs. Use these exercises to identify areas for improvement.

Resources for Plan Administrators

On October 24, 2023, FEMA released the second version of the Roadmap to Federal Resources for Disaster Recovery Web Tool to help partners at all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, individual survivors, and other interested parties navigate the complex post-disaster federal funding landscape.
Roadmap
FEMA developed the Recovery and Resilience Resource Library in collaboration with our federal interagency partners to navigate the numerous programs available to the United States and its territories to help recover from a disaster.
Recovery and Resilience Resource Library
Need Help? Whether you need assistance with plan development, risk assessment, or creating your own Risk Matrix, don’t hesitate to contact Crystal Donaldson. She can help you schedule a review of your Mission Continuity Plan to ensure your strategies are effective and up-to-date.
Crystal Donaldson
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