MSU developed a six-step model that is utilized to initiate public-private partnerships for joint crisis management through the Critical Incident Protocol – Community Facilitation Program.  Agencies, businesses, associations, and stakeholders can implement this model to create or enhance partnerships in the community.

This model addresses individual and organizational benefits as well as how members can aid in the creation of a resilient partnership for managing critical incidents.

The Partnership Model includes the following steps:

Step #1 - Identify public and private sector stakeholders to co-share leadership:

When first establishing a partnership, it is important to have co-sponsors that represent the public and private sectors.  This sends a message to the business community that they will have a voice in the process if there is a co-leader from the private sector.  The same applies to the public sector.  Traditionally, many partnership groups are directed by the public sector, which may be perceived as ‘another government organization’, creating an impression of exclusivity.  Generally, the leading organizations should be well-known in the community.

Step #2 – Ask leaders to bring others to the table:

One of the best methods to maximize participation is for the leaders to contact and invite prospective members within their own networks. For business participation, invite the largest employer down to the smallest, including those that work with public sector agencies.  Look to the Chamber of Commerce and related business groups, as well as security, business continuity, police, fire, emergency management, and risk management associations.  Invite hospitals and health care organizations, airports and railroads, public transportation, utilities, American Red Cross and similar entities, Citizen Corps Councils and member groups, colleges and secondary schools, and other stakeholders.  From the public sector, invite police, fire, EMS, health, emergency management, homeland security, public works, public transportation, government administrators, parks/recreation, economic development, and other stakeholders, including local, state, federal, and tribal entities.

Step #3 – Identify common issues on emergency preparedness for collaboration:

A common issue or major crisis can bring together the public and private sectors for joint cooperation.  Yet, the issue should be specific in nature.  Due to the diverse backgrounds of participants, there may be a potential for discussions to become sidetracked.  In order to develop a lasting relationship or partnership, the issues must affect the group collectively, which leads to further collaboration, cooperation, and communication.

Step #4 – Identify new resources in the community to mitigate the impact of critical incidents:

To further build cohesiveness, identify resources in the community that can mitigate the impact of critical incidents.  The depth of diversity in the partnership can add resources that may not typically be available.  Participants who recognize the availability of resources will feel committed to the process and problem-solving approaches.  Look to integrate resource allocation and management through a jurisdiction-wide centralized process.

Step #5 – Determine the challenges that participating organizations encounter:

An important step in a partnership is to identify which man-made and/or natural disasters have the potential to damage a community’s public and private sectors.  Organizations within a community will face challenges (e.g., threats, risks and vulnerabilities) that affect them individually or collectively.  When partnership groups identify potential crises, such as a loss of power, weather, and natural disasters that can impact their communities, they establish a common bond for future cooperation. 

Step #6 - Create sustainability in the partnership through a needs assessment, setting goals, and task performance:

This step is composed of three components that create “sustainability” in the partnership. 

In summary, when creating public-private partnerships for joint crisis management, the process should support individual and group efforts that facilitate cooperation and communication to enable communities and organizations to focus on needs and resources.