Proper contingency planning is important for Triad-based field activities to be successful. Once field crews are mobilized (whether for characterization or remediation purposes), down-time due to equipment failures or delays in decision-making translate directly into increased project costs. For field-deployed analytical techniques, per sample costs are primarily a function of sample through-put. Lower through-put because of down-time or delays means higher analytical costs.

There are three primary technical causes for delays in Triad activities that should be addressed by contingency planning. The first is equipment malfunction or problems with analytical method performance. The second is an unexpected project outcome (i.e., an unexpected sampling result or remediation finding) that requires deliberation before work proceeds. The third is delays in information analysis and sharing that prevents timely decision-making. All three possibilities should be addressed through contingency and logistical planning so that their impacts, if they occur, can be minimized. Readiness reviews combined with "dry runs" provide an effective means for testing and debugging proposed field activities and associated contingency plans.

There is a fourth programmatic cause for progress delays that is related to timely decision-making, and that occurs when decision-makers (e.g., a Triad core team) are not available as needed when decisions must be made. At the very least, project planning should include mechanisms for reaching time-critical decisions even if all pertinent decision-makers are unavailable for whatever reason at any point in time.