"Forward Challenge 04, a Federal government-wide Continuity of Government exercise?. '"This is the first time that the Federal government has conducted a government wide test of its continuity of operations plans. This exercise provides a unique opportunity for the federal government to evaluate and refine its operational readiness to ensure that officials in federal departments and agencies can function away from their normal headquarters and make response decisions in the event of an emergency incident' [DHS Secretary Tom Ridge]. The exercise tested organization plans and procedures to alert senior management and to deploy quickly to alternate operating locations outside of the National Capital Region. Also tested were interagency communications, the ability of Departments and agencies to respond to requests for assistance and information from these alternate locations, and explore issues of Delegations of Authority and Orders of Succession". (NWS, NWS Participates in Government-Wide Emergency Drill, 2004)