Department of Homeland Security “PS-Prep” Certification program

By Conformity Assessment Director, Timothy Woodcome

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the US Congress convened the 9/11 Commission which in part directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a program aimed at encouraging private sector organizations to enhance resilience for disaster recovery and business continuity.

Knowing that the private sector controls some 85% of the critical infrastructure in the nation, private sector preparedness is a key consideration not only in organizational, but also national continuity and disaster recovery. Of concern would be ensuring continued operation of communication channels, security of IT infrastructure, and prevention of man-made disasters or recovery from natural disasters, amongst many others.

In what has come to be known as the “PS-Prep” (Public Sector Preparedness) program, the DHS has just recently announced the official adoption of the voluntary program which is focused on certification to one of three preparedness standards:

• ASIS SPC.1-2009: Organizational Resilience: Security Preparedness, and Continuity Management System
• BS 25999-2007: Business Continuity Management
• NFPA 1600: Standard on Disaster / Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs

NQA is on the forefront of this development in organizational planning and certification of the PS-Prep program, having participated in several of the DHS exploratory sessions in 2009 and continuing with efforts in 2010. With the DHS’ recent announcement (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-14429.htm), the fully-fledged ANAB accredited program will be available in the coming months. If you’d like to be added to the list of interested parties as new information is released, please email us at info@nqa-usa.com.