CRA TABLETOP EXERCISE

Tabletop exercises (TTXs) involve senior staff, elected or appointed officials, or other key staff in an informal setting to discuss simulated situations. This type of exercise is intended to stimulate discussion of various issues regarding a hypothetical situation. It can be used to assess plans, policies, and procedures, or to assess the types of systems needed to guide the prevention of, response to, and recovery from the defined event.

TTXs are typically aimed at facilitating the understanding of concepts, identifying strengths and shortfalls, and/or achieving a change in attitude. Participants are encouraged to discuss issues in depth and develop decisions through slow-paced problem solving, rather than rapid, spontaneous decision making that occurs under actual or simulated emergency conditions. In contrast to the scale and cost of exercises and games, TTXs can be a cost-effective tool when used in conjunction with more complex exercises. The TTX’s effectiveness is derived from the energetic involvement of participants and their assessment of recommended revisions to current policies, procedures, and plans.

There are two categories of TTXs: basic and advanced. In a basic TTX, the scene set by the scenario materials remains constant. The scene describes an event or emergency incident, and brings participants up to the simulated present time. Players apply their knowledge and skills to a list of problems presented by the leader/moderator. Problems are discussed as a group, and resolution is generally agreed upon, and then summarized by the leader.

In an advanced TTX, play revolves around delivery of prescript messages to players that alter the original scenario. The exercise controller (moderator) usually introduces problems one at a time, in the form of a written message, simulated telephone call, videotape, or other means. Participants discuss the issues raised by the problem, using appropriate plans and procedures. Activities in a TTX may include:

CRA is an industry leader in homeland security exercises, providing unparalleled support to meet the client's objectives and goals. CRA incorporates tabletop exercise as part of exercise series as is the case in the ongoing federal Terrorism Prevention Exercise Program (TPEP). CRA's excellence in use of tabletop exercises for TSA's Port Security exercises: PortSTEP led directly to CRA's involvement with the follow-on contract entitled I-STEP for 2009. On October 20, 2008, CRA, Inc. supported the Commonwealth of Virginia's Office of the Attorney General's Annual 'Legal Preparedness During Emergencies' Tabletop Exercise for the third consecutive year and the Governor’s Cabinet Tabletop Exercise.

Click HERE to contact Tom Mattioli or call (703) 519-4510 to discuss how CRA can assist you with exercise development.