Essential Functions

A subset of government functions that are determined to be critical activities. These essential functions are then used to identify supporting tasks and resources that must be included in the Department of Energy (DOE) Headquarters Office and Field Element continuity planning process. The term “essential functions” refers to those functions a Headquarters Office or Field Element must continue in a continuity situation, whether the functions are Mission Essential Functions (MEFs), Primary Mission Essential Functions (PMEFs), or Essential Supporting Activities (ESAs).