US Agencies in Contingency Planning Mode as Shutdown Looms: Expert

As the specter of a federal government shutdown looms, US agencies are gearing up for the worst. Contingency planning is in full swing, with agencies scrambling to balance short-term and long-term operational needs. But are they ready for the unique challenges of a prolonged shutdown? Let's delve into the world of contingency planning and explore how agencies can adapt their strategies to face the uncertainties ahead.



First, let's address the elephant in the room: balancing short-term and long-term operational needs. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, none of the four selected agencies' FY 2019 contingency plans fully addressed anticipated changes in the event of a prolonged shutdown. While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), International Trade Administration (ITA), and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) internally discussed and planned for operational changes, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials only focused on short-term needs. To ensure a smoother transition during future shutdowns, agencies must develop comprehensive plans that account for both short-term and long-term operational needs.

Now, let's talk about internal controls. Having sufficient internal controls in place prior to a shutdown can help agencies implement changes in day-to-day operations during a crisis. The GAO report highlighted that selected agency components all incorporated some internal controls in their shutdown-related activities. However, none of the agency components had controls for limiting both physical and virtual workspace access for employees during a shutdown. Implementing such controls would help components ensure that they operate consistently with their contingency plans and avoid misuse of government resources.



Adapting contingency plans to address the unique challenges of a prolonged shutdown is no easy task. Agencies must consider the complex relationship between crisis planning and crisis management outcomes, as highlighted by Kerstin Eriksson and Allan McConnell. By acknowledging the multiple influences on crisis responses and planning for a broader range of scenarios, agencies can enhance their preparedness for unexpected challenges.

To ensure workforce engagement and productivity during a prolonged shutdown, agencies must prioritize clear communication, remote work options, and employee engagement initiatives. A GAO report (GAO-20-377) found that none of the four selected agencies' FY 2019 contingency plans fully addressed anticipated changes in the event of a prolonged shutdown. To mitigate this, agencies should consider implementing strategies such as clear communication, remote work options, and employee engagement initiatives.

Finally, agencies must balance the need for flexibility in operations with the requirement for clear expectations and communication during a prolonged shutdown. Developing comprehensive plans, communicating effectively, training and preparing employees, and continuously monitoring and adapting to changing circumstances are all crucial steps in achieving this balance.

As the clock ticks down to a potential shutdown, US agencies are in contingency planning mode. By learning from past experiences, adapting their strategies, and implementing effective internal controls, agencies can better prepare for the unique challenges of a prolonged shutdown. The future may be uncertain, but with the right planning and preparation, agencies can face the storm head-on.