“…a table top exercise…[to increase] federal executive branch, state, tribal and local continuity of operations (COOP) readiness for a pandemic event. The interactive sessions…[were] conducted throughout August and September [2007] in the National Capital Region, and include[d] participants from a wide cross-section of federal departments and agencies and state organizations…. Exercise "Determined Accord" is designed to help identify gaps or weaknesses in pandemic planning in organization COOP plans, policies and procedures and is based on pandemic COOP guidance developed by FEMA and an interagency pandemic steering committee that includes representatives from across the executive branch. While all COOP elements are explored, the exercise encourages participates to give special consideration to ensuring the health and safety of employees and providing essential government functions and services with high absence rates”. (FEMA, "Determined Accord" Increases Pandemic Influenza Preparedness 22 Sep 2007)