Exercise Planning & Development
In supporting our country’s national security and emergency preparedness readiness initiatives, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) provides full-function exercises, drills, and tabletops to prepare the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal and state agencies to effectively respond to emergencies resulting from terrorist acts, accidents, or natural disasters.
ORISE develops all elements of the exercise package. We manage, control, and evaluate the exercise, helping organizations to develop an effective and efficient response and recovery capability.
Our exercises are designed to:
- Highlight organizational strengths
- Pinpoint organizational weaknesses
- Test emergency plans and procedures
- Reinforce teamwork concepts
- Integrate multiple organizations/agencies and their response resources and capabilities
ORISE staff are present during the exercise to manage, control, and assist with the evaluation. Upon completion of exercise objectives, ORISE assists participants with a "hot wash" and critique where an analysis of decisions and outcomes can be reviewed. ORISE provides an exercise report to key participants that can be used to improve capabilities and address any identified weaknesses.
Examples of our work include:
Support to DOE’s Exercise Programs
ORISE provides extensive support to DOE's Emergency Response Readiness Program, including serving as the principal planner and coordinator for DOE’s participation in national weapons of mass destruction (WMD) exercises. ORISE also manages the 900-member Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group to share information, resources, and lessons learned across the DOE complex. Through the EMI SIG, ORISE developed the unique Exercise Builder tool, the standard used by DOE in planning its exercises.
California Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
ORISE supports this state program with direct operational and technical assistance related to developing, conducting, managing, and reporting on exercises and training in support of HSEEP’s mission.
Bureau of Reclamation Regional Critical Infrastructure Crisis Response Exercise Program
ORISE supports this program by providing operational assistance and expertise. We instituted a pilot exercise program at Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah, and we have validated readiness of security at Grand Coulee Dam in Washington.
TOPOFF 3, Public Affairs Response
ORAU personnel developed and conducted a component of the TOPOFF 3 exercise for the Department of Health and Human Services, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs to test its ability to communicate effectively with the public and other stakeholders during a terrorist event.
