Certified and other national models, guidance, and PCX links.

Certified Models These models have met all requirements and are certified for use on planning studies.

Beach-fx 1.0 (Certified) BEACH-fx is a certified prototype shore protection engineering-economic software tool. The model consists of a Monte-Carlo simulation that evaluates beach erosion, physical storm impacts, and damages that occur from a storm passing ashore. The goal of this project is to produce a tool to assist engineers in coastal nourishment and rehabilitation studies. Generation II Coastal Risk Model (G2CRM) G2CRM has been certified by the USACE national Planning Center of Expertise for Coastal Storm Risk Management for estimating economic damages related to coastal storms. The model is an alternative to BeachFX. HarborSym (Certified) HarborSym is a planning-level simulation model designed to assist in economic analyses of coastal harbors. With user-provided input data, such as the port layout, vessel calls, and transit rules, the model calculates vessel interactions within the harbor. Unproductive wait times result when vessels are forced to delay sailing due to transit restrictions within the channel; HarborSym captures these delays. HEC-EFM: Ecosystem Functions Model The Ecosystem Functions Model (HEC-EFM) is designed to help study teams determine ecosystem responses to changes in the flow regime of a river or connected wetland. HEC-EFM analyses involve: 1) statistical analyses of relationships between hydrology and ecology, 2) hydraulic modeling, and 3) use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to display results and other relevant spatial data. HEC-FDA: Flood Damage Reduction Analysis Software (Certified) This certified software provides the capability to perform an integrated hydrologic engineering and economic analysis during the formulation and evaluation of flood risk management plans. HEC-FDA is designed to assist USACE study members in using risk analysis procedures for formulating and evaluating flood risk management measures (EM 1110-2-1619, ER 1105-2-101). LifeSim The Risk Management Center's (RMC) Life Loss Estimation (LifeSim) software is spatially-distributed dynamic simulation modeling system for estimating potential life loss and direct economic damages from floods. The software is used extensively in the USACE Dam and Levee Safety Programs to inform program priorities and investment decisions; however, for use in traditional USACE planning studies it is certified for estimating potential life loss only. IWR Planning Suite 1.0.11.0 (Certified) This model assists with formulating plans, cost-effectiveness, and incremental cost analysis, which are required in ecosystem restoration projects. Use of this model is acceptable for studies with Review Plans approved prior to May 31, 2018. Other studies should be using IWR Planning Suite II (Version 2.0.9). IWR Planning Suite 2.0.6 (Certified) This model expands Version 1.0.11.0 by adding an "annualizer" module. This module allows for easy calculations of equivalent annual average values, total net values, annualizing non-monetary benefits, and calculating costs. Use of this model is acceptable for studies with Review Plans approved prior to May 31, 2018. Other studies should be using IWR Planning Suite II (Version 2.0.9). IWR Planning Suite II (version 2.0.9) (Certified) IWR Planning Suite II (version 2.0.9) includes the following modules to assist with plan formulation and evaluation: Plan Generator; Cost-Effectiveness and Incremental Cost Analysis (CE/ICA); Annualizer; Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA); Uncertainty Analysis; and Watershed Wizard. This version of the software provides improved performance across all modules, a new user interface and database, and more robust reporting capabilities than previous versions. Please refer to the 31 May certification memo for conditions regarding use of this model. Net Emissions Analysis Tool The USACE Net Emissions Analysis Tool (NEAT) calculates the net emissions for air pollutants and greenhouse gas species and their corresponding social costs over a project lifetime. These calculations are required to quantify net emissions to meet guidance on National Environmental Policy Act Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change. ORNIM (Certified) Ohio River Navigation Investment Model (ORNIM) is a planning-level model developed by the Corps of Engineers to assist in economic analysis of proposed inland navigation investments. OR-NIM was first used in the Ohio River Mainstem Systems Study (ORMSS) to develop a system investment plan incorporating risk and uncertainty, and made possible the first systemwide optimization of navigation investments. Regional Economic System (RECONS) The RECONS 2.0 model is a regional economic impact modeling tool developed by the USACE Institute for Water Resources (IWR) to provide accurate and defensible estimates of regional economic impacts associated with Federal expenditures. This modeling tool automates calculations and generates estimates of jobs and other economic measures such as income and sales associated with USACE spending on Civil Works programs and projects. The RECONS 2.0 model incorporates impact area data, multipliers, direct ratios, and geographic capture rates extracted from other planning models utilized to evaluate the economic effects of proposed actions. Section 902 Analysis Certified Tool Section 902 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 defines the maximum amount that a project may cost. This is often called the 902 Limit or Project Cost Cap. It is, "The maximum project cost limit imposed by Section 902 is a numerical value specified by law which must be computed in a legal manner (ER 1105-2-100 Appendix G)." This tool assists with this calculation. Section 902 Analysis Certified Tool Manual This is a manual that accompanies the Section 902 Certified Analysis Tool. Section 902 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 defines the maximum amount that a project may cost. This is often called the 902 Limit or Project Cost Cap. It is, "The maximum project cost limit imposed by Section 902 is a numerical value specified by law which must be computed in a legal manner (ER 1105-2-100 Appendix G)." U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 902 Cost Limit Policy Clarification and Applicability This memorandum provides clarification and applicability details to MSCs on Section 902 Cost Limit Policy. Inspection of Section 902 Cost Limit Requirements for Civil Works Projects This memorandum directs the Engineer Inspector General to evaluate Section 903 Cost Limit Requirements for Civil Works projects withing USACE." Corps Section 902 Cost Limit Policy Clarification and Applicability Procedures - Notable Deficiency This memorandum is intended to report the results of an informal investigation into deficiencies related to funding requests being in compliance with WRDA1986 Section 902 Maximum Cost Limits for all authorized projects seeking PED and/or Construction funds within the Civil Works Program as a Notable Deficiency under the management control checklist. Unit Day Value (UDV) tool The Unit Day Value (UDV) tool is a certified spreadsheet intended to calculate recreation values. Please note the policy limitations on using UDV and also ensure that the current year's version (updated annually) is being employed.

National Models In Review

HEC-EFM Plotter: Ecosystem Functions Model Plotter HEC-EFM Plotter is designed to help users view, navigate, and interpret output generated by HEC-EFM. Available outputs are automatically imported as a series of "Standard Plots" for the flow regimes and relationships being analyzed in HEC-EFM. HEC-WAT: Watershed Analysis Tool The Watershed Analysis Tool (HEC-WAT) software developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers' Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) is a tool that streamlines the analytical and reporting processes of software commonly used by the multi-disciplinary teams in Corps offices for water resources studies. The WAT accomplishes this through a common graphical user interface in the PC environment.

Ecosystem Restoration Model Library The Ecosystem Restoration Planning Center of Expertise Model Library is intended to serve planners and practitioners of ecosystem restoration by consolidating and providing access to information about ecosystem restoration planning models and software.

Model Documentation and Resources This page provides resources and links to different models that can be used on a variety of water resources projects.

Guidance

Certification of the Hydrologic Engineering Center's Flood Damage Analysis Software Version HEC-FDA v1.4.3 As of December 2024, HEC-FDA v2.0 replaces HEC-FDA v1.4.3 as the latest certified version of HEC-FDA, although this HEC-FDA v1.4.3 certification remains active. See the HEC-FDA v. 2.0 certification memo for additional information and the transition plan for ongoing feasibility studies using v. 1.4.3. Certification of the Hydrologic Engineering Center's Flood Damage Reduction Analysis Software Version HEC-FDA v2.0 This memo confirms certification of HEC-Flood Damage Reduction Analysis model (HEC-FDA) v2.0. HEC-FDA v2.0 is a modern risk analysis software with a contemporary user interface, and incorporates several changes to the Flood Damage Reduction Analysis software. For more information on HEC-FDA's model certification review, contact the USACE Flood Risk Management Planning Center of Expertise or the Hydrologic Engineering Center. Decertification of the Average Annual & Interest During Construction Tool This 20 September 20210 memorandum announces that the Average Annual & Interest During Construction Tool is decertified and notes that the IWR Plan Annualizer has been certified and should be used instead. Delegation of Model Certification This memo directs that guidance contained within EC 1105-2-412, Assuring Quality of Planning Models, as well as the memorandum issued 4 December 2017, Modification of the Model Certification Process and Delegation of Model Approval for Use, remain applicable until an update of the EC is issued, with the exception that certification of models is now delegated to the Directors of the Planning Centers of Expertise. Engineer Circular 1105-2-412: Assuring Quality of Planning Models This circular establishes the process and the requirements for assuring the quality of planning models. Per Planning Bulletin 2013-02 (March 2013), EC 1105-2-412 remains in effect until permanent planning model guidance is issued. The Assuring Quality of Planning Models: EC 1105-2-412 Rollout Webinar provides an overview of the EC. Note: This EC has since been modified by the Modification of the Model Certification Process and Model Approval for Use (4 December 2017) and Delegation of Model Certification (11 May 2018) memos from the Director of Civil Works. Engineering and Construction Bulletin No. 2007-6, Model Certification Issues for Engineering Software in Planning Studies The purpose of this document is to clarify issues regarding the application of EC 1105-2-407, "Planning Models Improvement Program: Model Certification" to engineering software used in USACE studies. Future Without Project In-Progress Review (Requirements for SAD) This memo provides guidance on the SAD requirement for Districts to provide a Future Without-Project condition in-progress review for all planning feasibility studies. This requirement applies to SAD studies that began after April 2024, although an in-progress review confirming the modeling establishing the future without project condition is a best practice for all feasibility studies. HarborSym Manual This document is descriptive of version 1.5.5.2 (October 2013) and includes details on the latest HarborSym functionality. HarborSym Widening Model Certification Memorandum This memorandum provides guidance on the HarborSym Deepening and Associated Tools - Model Certification. HEC-LifeSim 1.01 (Certified for Life Loss Estimation) The Hydrologic Engineering Center's (HEC) Life Loss Estimation (HEC-LifeSim) software is a spatially-distributed dynamic simulation modeling system for estimating potential life loss and direct economic damages from floods. The software is used extensively in the USACE Dam and Levee Safety Programs to inform program priorities and investment decisions; however, for use in traditional USACE planning studies it is certified for estimating potential life loss only. Model Coordination for Civil Works Planning Studies This memorandum from the Headquarters Planning and Policy Division (CECW-P) and Headquarters Engineering and Construction Division (CECW-EC) clarifies the responsibilities of all study teams using planning and engineering models for Civil Works planning studies. The purpose of this memo is to ensure cross-functional coordination for model identification, appropriateness and proper application of planning and engineering models, and confirm that modelers have the knowledge and experience required to complete modeling tasks. Modification of the Model Certification Process and Delegation of Model Approval for Use This memo directs that guidance contained within EC 1105-2-412, Assuring Quality of Planning Models, remains applicable until an update of the EC is issued and, further, that the requirement for a HQUSACE Model Certification Panel is rescinded and the responsibilities are transferred to the PCX in accordance with their enterprise-wide role in their mission areas. National Certification of the Net Emissions Analysis Tool (NEAT) This memorandum documents the planning model certification for the Net Emissions Analysis Tool (NEAT). NEAT is certified for national use in the continental United States. Planning Bulletin 2013-02: Assessing Quality of Planning Models (EC 1105-2-412) Guidance for assuring the quality of Planning models contained in EC 1105-2-412 (expiration March 31, 2013) remains in effect per this Planning Bulletin until permanent Planning models guidance is issued as an Engineering Regulation. Memo: Policy Guidance on Certification of Ecosystem Output Models This memorandum establishes additional policy and procedures regarding the certification requirements for ecosystem output models used in all planning activities. Protocols for Certification of Planning Models: Planning Models Improvement Program This paper provides information on the certification process and on the criteria to be used to ensure high quality models for use by Corps planners. Recommendation for Planning Model Certification of Beach-fx v 2.0 with SBEACH Forcing for Use in Estimating Economic Consequences of Coastal Storm Events This memo documents the Planning Model Certification of Beach-fx version 2.0 with SBEACH (Storm-induced BEAch CHange) inputs for estimating economic consequences of coastal storm events for use in Coastal Storm Risk Management planning studies. Coastal Storm Risk Management study teams currently applying Beach-fx should contact the Coastal Storm Risk Management Planning Center of Expertise for any issues or questions. Recommendation for Planning Model Certification of Generation II Coastal Risk Model (G2CRM) v. 0.4.564 for Use in Estimating Economic Consequences of Coastal Storms The purpose of this memorandum is to document the National Planning Center of Expertise for Coastal Storm Risk Management (PCX-CSRM) endorsement of the Planning Model Certification of G2CRM Version 0.4.564, which can be utilized for estimating economic damages related to coastal storms. Regional Economic System (RECONS) Model Re-Certification Memo The RECONS 2.0 model is a regional economic impact modeling tool developed by the USACE Institute for Water Resources (IWR) to provide accurate and defensible estimates of regional economic impacts associated with Federal expenditures. This modeling tool automates calculations and generates estimates of jobs and other economic measures such as income and sales associated with USACE spending on Civil Works programs and projects. The RECONS 2.0 model incorporates impact area data, multipliers, direct ratios, and geographic capture rates extracted from other planning models utilized to evaluate the economic effects of proposed actions. An earlier version of RECONS was previously certified by HQUSACE. Standard Operating Procedure for ERDC Hydrology, Hydraulics and Coastal (HH&C) Numerical Model Verification & Validation (V&V) and Certification of Coastal Engineering and Planning Models This document provides guidelines on the process of verifying ERDC Hydrology, Hydraulics and Coastal numerical models (including both engineering and planning) as ready for official use, and when required, certifying Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) numerical models by the Planning Center of Expertise for Coastal Storm Risk Management (PCX-CSRM).

Planning Centers of Expertise

Coastal Storm Risk Management Deep Draft Navigation Ecosystem Restoration Flood Risk Management Inland Navigation Water Management and Reallocation

Webinars

2023
• An Introduction to the Net Emissions Analysis Tool (NEAT) (19 October)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Net Emissions Analysis Tool (NEAT). Presenter Jason Emmons (Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Sub-CoP) discussed the quantification of gross and net greenhouse gases (GHG) with their associated social costs, which should be included in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents per the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Interim NEPA Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change. Despite the numerous models available for quantifying emissions, a model is needed that can quantify and integrate air pollutant and GHG emissions from diverse emissions sources to compute the net effects relevant for USACE projects. To this end, the NEAT model was developed to utilize output data from pre-existing air pollutant and GHG emissions models while providing the capability to quantify GHG fluxes from Federal actions such as wetland restoration, flood risk management, and vertical construction. NEAT leverages the benefits of pre-existing models, while innovating new capabilities for quantifying emissions using an expandable tabular methodology that can accommodate additional GHG sources and sinks as needed. NEAT combines results from these sources and sinks to calculate the net emissions for air pollutants and GHG species and their corresponding social costs over a project lifetime. These calculations are essential for project planners in USACE as they quantify net emissions for NEPA purposes.
  
  2022
• Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP) Overview (27 January)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP) and how it can help address current and future environmental planning challenges. Presenter Dr. Brook Herman (Research Ecologist and Program Manager, EMRRP) discussed how EMRRP is designed to be a flexible research program capable of addressing a wide range of issues associated with ecosystem restoration that can be a source of collaboration bringing together planning teams with subject matter experts. Dr. Herman also described how research funded by EMRRP has addressed planning challenges, such as helping to increase the number of certified ecological planning models and providing knowledge transfer of monitoring and adaptive management practices. In addition, Dr. Herman addressed the Statement of Need (SON) process and important submittal dates.
  
  2021
• Ecological Benefits, Resource Significance, and Their Impact on Project Budget (18 November)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of how significance, benefits, and budget work together. Presenter Debby Scerno (Environmental Reviewer, Office of Water Project Review) focused on Ecosystem Restoration projects, but much of the information provided can also be applied to compensatory mitigation. The webinar highlighted tools and resources to help project teams describe resource significance for both Ecosystem Restoration and mitigation, as well as to determine what benefits will be sought for a project.
• Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and IWR Planning Suite (9 September)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) module withing the Institute for Water Resources (IWR) Planning Suite II. Presenter Eric Johnson (Economist, IWR) provided an overview of the MCDA module’s ability to consider the influence of multiple criteria on project alternatives; how the module helps planners and economists clarify and convey tradeoffs across multiple criteria; and how the module can assist study teams in the evaluation of multiple benefit types across the four accounts (National Economic Development, Environmental Quality, Regional Economic Development, and Other Social Effects).
  
  2020
• Overview of the Regional Economic System (RECONS) Model (3 September)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Regional Economic System (RECONS) model, which automates calculations of regional economic activity. RECONS Team members Wen Chang (Senior Economist, Institute for Water Resources), Dena Abou (Regional Technical Specialist, Inland Navigation Economics, Chicago District, and Holly Bender (Lead Regional Economist, Kansas City District) discussed the importance of RECONS in light of the 3 April 2020 directive issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) for USACE to provide a comprehensive documentation of benefits in feasibility studies. RECONS is the Agency's only certified regional economic development (RED) model, making it an essential tool for compliance with the ASA(CW) directive. Presenters summarized key differences between the national economic development (NED) and RED accounts, and provided an overview of the RECONS model, including a live demo.
• IWR Planning Suite II Uncertainty Module (23 July)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Uncertainty Module within the Institute for Water Resources (IWR) Planning Suite II. The module provides its users with the ability to consider the influence of uncertainty on the results of cost-effectiveness and incremental cost analyses performed on study alternatives involving monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits. Presenter Shawn Komlos (Supervisory Physical Scientist at IWR) discussed how the module, which is a standard component of the certified version of the IWR Planning Suite II software, was developed and implemented to support a study teams efforts to rapidly assess the influence of uncertainty on alternatives on or near the cost-effective frontier.
• Ecological Model Review and Certification Process (9 July)
  
  This webinar, presented by Nate Richards (ECO-PCX Model Review Manager), provided an overview of the model certification process for ecological models and presented advancements in the process. Model review and certification has a reputation of taking a long time and requiring significant funds. These misconceptions, among others, have decreased in recent years thanks to a greater understanding of the certification requirements, increased emphasis on model quality by planning teams, delegation of approval authority, and implementation of best practices. The webinar also provided useful information and tips for planners, decision-makers, researchers, and others that develop, implement, and review aspects of ecological planning models.
• Ecological Model Development within the Planning Phase (20 February)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the advancements being made in ecological model development. The webinar was presented by Dr. Kyle McKay (ERDC-EL), Dr. Todd Swannack (ERDC-EL), and Nate Richards (ECO-PCX Model Review Manager), and focused on developed and implemented tools, guidelines, and methodologies that improve the way we develop ecological models and align development, certification, and project planning. Case studies presented demonstrated that model development and certification are not only possible within SMART Planning timelines, but also valuable to decision-making.
  
  2019
• IWR Planning Suite II (3 October)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the capabilities and uses of the USACE-certified IWR Planning Suite II (IWRPS-II) software. The webinar was presented by Shawn Komlos and Laura Witherow (Institute for Water Resources), as well as and Cory Rogers (CDM Smith) and focused on the IWRPS-II Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis module and its potential uses during execution of USACE Planning Studies.
  
  2018
• IWR Planning Suite II (26 July)
  
  Ms. Laura Witherow (Institute for Water Resources) and Ms. Monique Savage (St. Paul District) provided information on the IWR Planning Suite II, the latest certified version of the IWR Planning Suite Software used to conduct Cost-Effectiveness and Incremental Cost Analyses and Annualize Ecosystem Outputs for ecosystem restoration, impact analysis, and mitigation planning. The webinar highlighted the new capabilities of IWR Planning Suite II, including multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), uncertainty, and watershed wizard. Additional topics included how the software is used in planning, a brief review of each module within the software, and instructions on downloading the software.
  
  2011
• Assuring Quality of Planning Models: EC 1105-2-412 Rollout (14 June)
  
  Information for the field in implementing EC 1105-2-412, Assuring Quality of Planning Models. This circular established the process and the requirements for assuring the quality of planning models. Per Planning Bulletin 2013-02 (March 2013), EC 1105-2-412 remains in effect until permanent planning model guidance is issued.
  
  

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