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Planning plays a vital role in supporting the Corps of Engineers Civil Works water resources development mission. Through planning activities, including feasibility studies, Continuing Authorities Program studies, watershed studies, comprehensive/large scale studies, general reevaluation studies, validation studies and other post-authorization change studies - and more, Corps planners help decision-makers identify water resources problems, conceive solutions to them, and compare the importance of the inevitable conflicting values inherent in any solution.
The Planning Community Toolbox includes a wealth of information for planners and project delivery teams, including the policy, guidance, processes, and tools that are used every day in planning.
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| RAPID Feasibility Study Decision Framework |
In 2026, the Corps introduced the RAPID framework to accelerate Civil Works project delivery: Risk-Informed; Aligned; Proportional; Iterative; Decisive. Applying RAPID means streamlined decision making, reduced and eliminated duplicative paperwork, and a laser-focus on delivery.
 The RAPID Feasibility Study Decision Framework (2026) - The RAPID approach is the Corps' direct response to the call to deliver high quality and implementable solutions to the nation's pressing water resources challenges to Congress in a timely manner. This high-level overview provides key information about the RAPID framework for the Corps' study partners and teams.
The RAPID Feasibility Study Decision Framework: A Guide for Study Teams and Partners (2026) - This guide was developed to support teams and decision makers in the adoption of the RAPID framework for Civil Works study execution.
RAPID Feasibility Study Framework  - A variety of resources for USACE project delivery teams is available on the USACE Knowledge Management Portal.
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Feasibility Report Format and Content Guide (2023) - This guide provides general recommendations for the format and content of USACE feasibility reports with an integrated Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The guide can be used as a starting point for nearly all feasibility reports and is appropriate for use by entry-level to senior planners. It may also be used as a reference for policy reviewers and technical specialists. The format described in the guide is not mandatory.
Planning Workforce Development Guide (2023) - This document provides PCoP members guidance in holistic development based on their individual career goals and the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to excel in USACE water resources planning. The October 2023 update of the document includes the addition of KSAs and Career Roadmaps for all Planning Sub-Communities of Practice (Plan Formulation, Economics, Environmental, and Cultural Resources) as well as other updates to content and resources
Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non-Governmental Organizations (2019) - Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non-Governmental Organizations provides potential sponsors with information on the programs and processes available for non-Federal partners and USACE representatives to work together to address the Nation’s water resources problems. The Guide includes an overview of the USACE Civil Works Program and describes how USACE can work with local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and other non-Federal partners on activities ranging from technical services and advice to planning and constructing water resources projects. A previous version of this document was originally published as the Project Partnership Kit by IWR back in 1996 and revised in 2001.
The Importance of Early Coordination Under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act - This guide was developed through a collaboration between the Corps, USFWS and NMFS. The Guide provides an overview of the SMART Planning process and demonstrates how key environmental coordination and compliance activities fit into that process. The Guide highlights opportunities for engagement and coordination at all stages of a planning study, re-emphasizing the need for early coordination.
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More News/What's New Postings
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Environmental Planning Section Chief, Regional Planning and Environmental Division North (RPEDN) (GS-13) - The Regional Planning and Environmental Division North (St. Paul/Rock Island/St.
Louis) is recruiting for an Environmental Planning Section Chief (GS-13) located
at the Rock Island District. This position supervises an interdisciplinary team of
environmental specialists working on a full range of USACE civil works projects.
The Environmental Planning section prepares environmental compliance
documentation and provides environmental planning expertise for new and
operating flood risk management, inland navigation, streambank protection, and
aquatic ecosystem restoration projects across the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
The Section Chief also serves as a senior Environmental Technical Specialist and
provides expert advice, opinions, and recommendations on biological and
historical property aspects of environmental planning. For more information, or
to apply, please see the USAJobs posting (announcement number CEDC-26-
13073801-DHA).
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Engineer Research and Development Center