The Blue Book Project

This resource is maintained by Planning and Intelligence

It is becoming increasingly clear that nation-state actors are attempting to destabilize the nation’s environment by attacking cyber networks to (a) disrupt community lifelines through attacks on critical infrastructure systems, (b) erode public trust through disinformation, and (c) compromise the ability of the United States to defend the homeland and project power globally.

This scenario is not unlike the nuclear threat of the mid-1900s, which terrified the world and the American people and precipitated a greater planning effort than had yet been required of civil defense. In 1950, the National Security Resources Board created a 162-page document with a solid blue cover that outlined a model civil defense structure amid an emerging threat. The "Blue Book" became the template for legislation and organization until the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established.

To meet the current challenges, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has undertaken a major consequence management planning effort—the Blue Book Project. The goals of the Blue Book Project are to develop a coordinated operational process to support local, state, federal, and private sector operational priorities; support Virginia residents; and ensure continuity of government while under a coordinated cyberattack on critical infrastructure systems resulting in a national emergency.

This project is funded by a FEMA Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant (RCPG).