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Planning Community Toolbox
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About Corps Planning
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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.

RAPID Feasibility Study Decision Framework
RAPID 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.
 Black Dot Image The RAPID Feasibility Study Decision Framework: A Guide for Study Teams and Partners (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 guide was developed to support teams and decision makers in the adoption of the RAPID framework for Civil Works study execution.
 Black Dot Image RAPID Feasibility Study Framework - A variety of resources for USACE project delivery teams is available on the USACE Knowledge Management Portal.  
Key Resources
 Black Dot Image 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.
 Black Dot Image 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
 Black Dot Image 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.
 Black Dot Image 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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Policy and Guidance Updates
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ball graphicPolicy and Procedures for Termination of Civil Works Studies and Projects
ball graphicInterim Federal Interest Determination (FID) Guidance
ball graphicEngineer Regulation 1110-2-1302: Civil Works Cost Engineering

 
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Planning Community Webinars
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ball graphicTribal Consultation in the RAPID Framework
ball graphicSection 106 Compliance under the RAPID Framework
ball graphicEnvironmental Considerations under the RAPID Framework
ball graphicAn Introduction to the Program and Project Management CoP
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Other News
ball graphicThe RAPID Feasibility Study Decision Framework: A Guide for Study Teams and Partners
ball graphicDCG-CEO Report: Rio de Flag, Flagstaff, AZ, Validation Report
ball graphicDCG-CEO Report: Port of Long Beach Deep Draft Navigation Project, Los Angeles County, California, Validation Report
ball graphicChief's Report - New York - New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Study, New York and New Jersey - East Riser, New Jersey Actionable Element
More News/What's New Postings
 

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