The Blue Book Project
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).
Presentations
- Phase 2 to 3 Transition [PDF, 2.5 MB]
- NEW! Blue Book TV Episode Two: Planning for a National Security Emergency [PDF, 481 KB] | Episode 2 Recording
- Cyber Threat Brief [PDF, 949 KB]
- Iran Threat Brief [PDF, 1.2 MB]
- North Korea Threat Brief [PDF, 2.1 MB]
- Russia Threat Brief [PDF, 950 KB]
- China Threat Brief [PDF, 1.6 MB]
Project Products
Stay updated on the latest Blue Book Project products. Project Products is a running compilation of internally developed reports and resources. Visit this page regularly for the latest Blue Book products and materials.
- Charter [PDF, 724 KB]
- White Paper 1: VDEM Blue Book Project Overview [PDF, 412 KB]
- White Paper 2: Lessons Learned from Phase 1 [PDF, 385 KB]
- White Paper 3: Overview and Application of the Defense Production Act [PDF, 307 KB]
- White Paper 4: What Emergency Managers Need to Know about False and Misleading Information [PDF, 461 KB]
- White Paper 5: How to Increase Resilience Against False and Misleading Information [PDF, 859 KB]
- White Paper 6: Civil Defense from the Cold War to Contemporary Threats [PDF, 473 KB]
- White Paper 7: Law Enforcement Support to Military Installations [PDF, 391 KB]
- White Paper 8: Tactical Responses to False and Misleading Information [PDF, 504 KB]
- White Paper 9: Innovative Approaches to consequence management [PDF, 437 KB]
- White Paper 10: Understanding CI dependencies and interdependencies [PDF, 340 KB]
- White Paper 11: Lessons learned from phase 2 [PDF, 773 KB]
Locality Planning Guidance and Tools
- Planning Guide for Local Jurisdictions
- Community Lifeline Self-Assessment Tool
- Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment Tool
- Mission Essential Function Reassessment and Triage Tool
Contact Us
For additional information on these plans, please contact planning@vdem.virginia.gov.