[FW1] Where does the policy go?

[Firewall Guy]

Hi.   I was wondering if someone could tell me where a policy is stored on a FW after it is compiled and pushed from a management server? Is it flat text file? Can it be manipulated if I cannot reach my management server but need to make a policy change?   My other question is what is the interval that the System Status uses to check the health of the firewalls? Is this configurable?   TIA,   Jon