Inter-Agency COOP Functional Exercise
BRIDGES OUT
Inter-Agency COOP Functional Exercise
SIMCELL Concept of Operations
Updated 2/22/08
1. Overview
The SIMCELL will carry out all operations of the BRIDGES OUT exercise during exercise play. SIMCELL members will cover multiple roles and will distribute, coordinate and track all scenario information delivered to players during the exercise. The SIMCELL will also facilitate the hotwash session and ensure the after action report is distributed to all participants after the exercise. This concept paper details roles and responsibilities involved with exercise operations, location of operation centers, and message delivery methods.
2. SIMCELL Roles and Responsibilities
ROLE / # (Approx) / Responsibility /Exercise Director / 1 / · Oversees all activities of the exercise
· Moderates speakers and agenda
· Introduces exercise concept and ground rules to players
· Manages safety and security during the exercise
· Manages emergency call-off of exercise if necessary
Senior Controller / 1 / · Oversees organization of the exercise
· Introduces exercise concept and ground rules to players
· Monitors exercise progress to ensure exercise goals and objectives are met
· Coordinates deviations or significant changes to the scenario caused by unexpected developments during play
· Re-assigns exercise roles when necessary
Controllers / 1 per player table / · Assigned to specific agency/agencies during exercise play
· Serves as lead controller for assigned agency
· Explains artificialities/assumptions to ensure agency is meeting exercise goals and objectives
· Distributes paper messages as indicated by delivery time
· Collects paper messages with responses and organizes into in/out boxes
· Coordinates with assigned runner to request assistance from operations center, facilitate inter-agency communication, and liaison with subject-matter-experts when necessary
· Indicates to runner when ad-hoc messages are necessary to move play along
· Oversees and encourages at-table scribing and feedback
· Coaches spokesperson prior to hotwash session
· Assists in managing safety and security during the exercise
Agency POC / As available / · Serves as the agency subject matter expert to at-table controller
· Assists controller with various tasks as necessary
SIMCELL Operations Center / 6+ LEO Coordinator / · Maintains operations separate from exercise players
· Organizes message in/out boxes at exercise tables
· Sends LEO messages throughout exercise
· Coordinates communication between runners and SMEs, Message Writers, and controllers
· Receives inter-agency responses, copies paper messages, and distributes copies back to responding agencies
· Receives scribe notes and exercise participant evaluations and organizes responses
· Assists in managing safety and security during the exercise
Inject Writer / 2 / · Augments operations center and writes ad-hoc messages for agency use when directed by a controller through a runner
· Uses provided local computer/printer to prepare messages
Runner / 4 / · Assigned to specific tables
· Collects and delivers information between all SIMCELL components
Subject Matter Expert / ±10 / · Serves as roaming information cell
· Comprised of local response elements and inter-governmental liaisons
· Assists agencies with information and technical assistance during exercise play
· Coordinates with runners to disseminate information as needed
Public Information / 1 / · Available for possible media contact
· Stationed at registration area
· Writes appropriate internal and external press releases
A/V Liaison / 1 (SRA) / · Works with A/V contractor to ensure exercise presentation, messages, maps, and supporting graphics are adequately delivered
Logistics Coordinator / 1 / · Oversees coordination of all facility matters
· Liaisons with facility staff in all logistical matters, including furniture and equipment placement and operation, refreshments, materials, lighting and safety/security
Administrative / 3 / · Manages registration area at exercise venue
· Distributes nametags
· Records and corrects all participant information
· Distributes player folders and other exercise materials
Hotwash Moderator / 1+ assistance / · Introduces and moderates hotwash session; explains after-action process
· Assisted by staff stationed at microphone areas
3. SIMCELL Operation Center Locations
The SIMCELL will be located in the same or nearby room as the exercise players. The exact location will be finalized upon determination of the venue. This area will house all exercise materials and serve as a location for exercise team to gather and store belongings. The area will include tables, chairs, and several local computers/printers. A local wireless network will be established by the University of Pittsburgh staff.
4. Message Delivery Methods
Scenario information will be delivered via various methods to exercise players during the day. These include:
· Background Scenario
o To be included in player folder
o Projected via PowerPoint
· Video Injects
o Mock “news releases”
o 16 major injects
o Also projected via PowerPoint
· Law Enforcement Online Messages
o 10+ total
o To be delivered via text and email
o Also projected via PowerPoint
· Agency Specific Messages (Optional—Not all agencies will be participating with these messages)
o Paper based (yellow paper)
o Distributed by Controller
o “Detailed events” affecting each individual agency
· Generic Messages
o Paper based (pink paper)
o Distributed by Controller
o General information or questions used to evoke discussion on the 11 elements of COOP
5. Scribing/Hotwash/After-Action Report
· Scribing will take place at each table and will be coordinated by the table controller. Tabletop flip charts and note paper will be provided to all tables.
· At the conclusion of the exercise play, each table will choose a spokesperson to share the most significant lesson learned and the most critical action-item for follow-up.
· SRA International, Inc. will coordinate all responses, along with exercise observation and player evaluation forms, and compile into an After Action Report which will be distributed to all players.
Bridges Out - SimCell ConOps Page 1