This page provides resources for project delivery teams related to study reviews, including review guidance, review plans, District Quality Control, Agency Technical Review, Independent External Peer Review, Policy and Legal Compliance Review, review tools and processes, and review training and best practices.
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Guidance
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Civil Works Response to the Engineer Inspector General "Inspection of USACE Civil Works Review Processes"
Direction and Action Plan for HQUSACE and MSCs to in response to the EIG Inspection of Civil Works Review Processes report and recommendations endorsed by the Chief.
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Engineer Regulation 1165-2-217: Civil Works Review Policy
This Engineer Regulation (ER) establishes policy and procedures for a comprehensive accountable review strategy for Civil Works by providing a seamless process for review of all projects throughout the lifecycle. This ER will ensure the quality and credibility of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) decision, implementation, and other work products. It reinforces quality and comprehensive review are equal to cost and schedule compliance. This ER supersedes Engineer Circular 1165-2-217: Water Resource Policies and Authorities, Review Policy for Civil Works which expired on 31 March 2020.
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Engineer Pamphlet 1105-2-61: Feasibility And Post-Authorization Study Procedures And Report Processing Requirements (formerly Appendix H of the PGN)
This Engineer Pamphlet outlines the development of feasibility and post-authorization reports, report processing requirements, and the decisions and processes associated with feasibility studies and their milestones. Note: This EP replaces Appendix H of the Planning Guidance Notebook and supersedes several Planning Bulletins and other memorandums. See paragraph 1-6 for details.
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Engineer Regulation 1110-1-8159: DrChecks
This regulation updates the policy and procedures for managing the Design Review and Checking System (DrChecks) initially established 10 May 2001 with current website address and technical contact information.
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Engineer Regulation 1165-2-502: Resources Policies and Authorities; Delegation of Review and Approval Authority for Post-Authorization Decision Documents
This regulation provides guidance on delegated review and approval of Post-Authorization Decision Documents.
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Interim Guidance on Streamlining Independence External Peer Review (IEPR) for Improved Civil Works Product Delivery
This memorandum summarizes the current guidance on delegated IEPR authorities to the field, and provides updated guidance on IEPR mandatory triggers. In particular, it streamlines the mandatory triggers to reflect only the statutory requirements for Type I IEPR. When the statutory requirements for IEPR were first introduced in the WRDA 2007, USACE adopted a broad application of these reviews. In the years since, USACE improved its quality management and strengthened all layers of review. In a resources constrained environment, USACE must focus its IEPR implementation on the most complex, highest cost projects, as well as those that pose a high risk to public safety, the economy, and the environment.
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Planning Bulletin 2019-04: Incorporating Life Safety into Flood and Coastal Storm Risk Management Studies
This Planning Bulletin provides information on the use of life safety in the planning process. Risks to human life are a fundamental component of all facets of flood and coastal storm risk management and must receive explicit consideration throughout the planning process. The bulletin augments, but does not supersede, the procedures in Engineer Regulation 1105-2-100, Planning Guidance Notebook and Engineer Regulation 1105-2-101, Risk Assessment for Flood Risk Management Studies. This document applies to all flood and coastal storm risk management feasibility studies, including those conducted under the Continuing Authorities Program and studies conducted by non-federal interests under Section 203 of WRDA 1986, as amended. Note: the POC for the Dam and Levee Senior Oversight Groups is Brad Arcement, MVK.
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Review Plans
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Review Plan Template
 The Review Plan Template is a MS Word document, containing all of the required elements of a Review Plan. The template follows the guidance in ER 1165-2-217. The template was developed to serve any phase of a project from study to design work to construction and operations activities. To assist in review plan development project delivery teams are encouraged to discuss review plan requirements with the appropriate Planning Center of Expertise or other Review Management Organization very early after the initiation of a project phase (i.e., study, design, construction, etc.).
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Review Plan Checklist
The Review Plan Checklist is provided in MS Excel format to assist Project Delivery Teams and Major Subordinate Commands in assessing if a Review Plan includes all of the required elements as outlined in ER 1165-2-217. The checklist should be completed and included in the formal transmittal of the draft Review Plan from the District to the MSC for approval.
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Review of Civil Works Projects: Planning SMART Guide
High level overview of internal review processes conducted as part of USACE feasibility studies and project development.
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Review Plans by District or Division
This link redirects to the USACE Headquarters website for district and division review plans.
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District Quality Control (DQC)
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Agency Technical Review (ATR)
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Agency Technical Review Guide for Ecosystem Restoration Projects
This review guide was developed by the National Ecosystem Restoration Planning Center of Expertise. In August 2003, the Corps' Director of Civil Works directed the establishment of national centers to conduct larger, complex planning studies for inland navigation, deep-draft navigation, ecosystem restoration, water supply, and flood damage reduction. The national centers are part of a Corps initiative to improve the quality and -effectiveness of the planning process for water resources projects called the Planning Excellence Program (PEP). The PEP includes training and work force capability improvement, enhanced quality assurance and control efforts, process improvement and regional and national planning centers.
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Agency Technical Review Summary Report Template
Word template / example for developing an Agency Technical Review (ATR) summary report, developed by the USACE Planning Centers of Expertise.
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Agency Technical Review Work Plan Template
Word template / example for developing an Agency Technical Review (ATR) work plan, developed by the USACE Planning Centers of Expertise.
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The Role of Counsel in the SMART Planning Process
On 8 February 2012, DCG-CEO directed implementation of a new process - SMART Planning - for conducting civil works feasibility studies. This memorandum provides additional guidance to Managing Counsels, Division Counsels, and District Counsels on their roles in the SMART Planning process
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ATR Team Leader Responsibilities Presentation
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ATRT Lead Checklist for Planning and Decision Documents
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Climate Preparedness and Resilience Community of Practice (CPR CoP) Climate Assessment Agency Technical Review (ATR) and Policy and Legal Compliance Review (P&LCR) Standards of Practice
This document summarizes review requirements and best practices for both Climate Preparedness and Resilience (CPR) Agency Technical Review and Policy and Legal Compliance Review.
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DQC and ATR - What You Should Know
This presentation from the 2015 National Planning Community of Practice Training provided an overview of basics and best practices for District Quality Control and Agency Technical Review.
- Find Engineering & Construction ATR Certified Reviewers
The Engineering & Construction (E&C) Community of Practice maintains a roster of
ATR certified reviewers as part of its Corps of Engineers Reviewer Certification and
Access Program (CERCAP). Individuals are certified by E&C sub-CoP and area(s)
of expertise.
- Find Planning SubCoP ATR Certified Reviewers in the Planner Database
Project delivery teams can identify ATR certified reviewers by Planning sub-CoP
(Plan Formulation, Economics, Environmental/Ecosystem Restoration, Cultural
Resources) on the Planner Database.
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Technical Guide for District Quality Control (DQC) Reviews and Agency Technical Reviews (ATR) of Planning Studies
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide additional guidance on the effective and efficient completion of District Quality Control review and ATR, emphasizing the Army's and the agency's review policies, including the importance of consistent application of climate change analysis tools. This memorandum supersedes the Policy for Targeted Agency Technical Review of Flood Risk Management and Coastal Storm Risk Management Planning Studies, dated 9 July 2020.
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Independent External Peer Review (IEPR)
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Annual Report to Congress on IEPR
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Headquarter Peer Review Website
Guidance, publications, resources, review plans, peer review reports and USACE responses.
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GAO Report: Peer Review Process for Civil Works Project Studies Can Be Improved
GAO was asked to examine the number of Corps project studies that have undergone independent peer review in response to Section 2034 of WRDA 2007, the cost of those studies, and the processes the Corps used to conduct peer review.
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Revised Delegation of Authority in Section 2034(a)(5)(A) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007), as amended (33 U.S.C. 2343)
Section 2034 of WRDA 2007, as amended, requires Independent External Peer Review (IEPR) of studies or projects with an estimated total cost of more than $200 million unless the Chief of Engineers determines that the study is exempt from an IEPR. This memorandum allows delegation of authority to the MSC Commanders to determine if a study is excluded from IEPR and puts into effect that delegation. This authority may not be further delegated.
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Independent External Peer Review - Standard Operating Procedure
The Planning Centers of Expertise produced this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Districts to use in the conduct of Independent External Peer Review (IEPR). The SOP clearly outlines and describes the steps for successfully completing an IEPR from the point that a study Review Plan is initiated, through the Agency response, which is posted on the HQUSACE website, and to inclusion of the Final IEPR Report in the final decision document. The SOP includes the process for seeking an exclusion if it is determined that IEPR is not necessary for a specific project.
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Policy and Legal Compliance Review
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Director's Policy Memorandum (DPM 2019-01): Policy and Legal Compliance Review
This webinar addressed the recently released Directors Policy Memorandum (DPM 2019-01): Policy and Legal Compliance Review. Mr. Michael Hallisy (Economics Section Chief, Los Angeles District) provided an overview of of DPM 2019-01, which establishes procedures to ensure consistency in the conduct of policy and legal compliance reviews across USACE. It was developed to aid implementation of DPM 2018-05: Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness in USACE Civil Works Project Delivery, which delegated policy and legal compliance review for draft and final planning decision documents to the MSCs. The webinar described the purpose, key provisions, and anticipated benefits associated with the implementation of DPM 2019-01, as well as potential challenges and next steps.
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Overview of QC/QA and Policy & Legal Compliance Review Procedures
This webinar discussed the review process which USACE has developed to address the Information Quality Act and the OMB Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review. Ms. Karen Miller (Regional Technical Specialist for LRD, CELRH) presented information on Quality Control and Quality Assurance, including some best practices. Ms. Fay Lachney (Plan Formulation Team Lead for the Office of Water Project Review, HQUSACE) presented an overview of the Legal and Policy Compliance and State and Agency reviews. The presenters also provided an overview of EC 1165-2-217 and ER 1105-2-100, which establish the procedures to ensure the quality and credibility of USACE decision and implementation documents.
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Review Tools and Processes
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Feasibility Study Vertical Team Coordination: Key HQ and MSC Tasks
This document summarizes the key Vertical Team and Headquarters tasks associated with feasibility study coordination, review, milestone meetings, report approval, and processing the final report package in preparation for a signed Chief's Report or Director's Report. It includes tasks delegated to the MSCs from Headquarters associated with policy and legal review and milestone decision making. It does not include tasks/activities such as District Quality Control, Quality Assurance, technical reviews, etc.
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Policy and Legal Compliance Review Manager Roles and Responsibilities
This document provides a general guide on the specific roles and responsibilities of the Policy and Legal Compliance Review Manager throughout the duration of the feasibility study, including the completion of the Chief's or Director's Report.
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DORF Template
Template for a Documentation of Review Findings (DORF). It covers policy compliance review findings, as well as the review history for a project and policy review comments.
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Example DORF Transmittal Memo
Template for a brief memo that transmits the documentation of policy compliance review finings for the subject study and provides point(s) of contact.
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PGM Template
Template for a Policy Guidance Memorandum (PGM). It covers the final review and draft review comments on the draft and final report.
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Example PGM Transmittal Memo for DRAFT Report
Template for a brief memo that transmits the policy and legal compliance review findings for a PGM on a particular study. It briefly identifies concerns and a general timeline for discussing a path forward to resolve the named issues, and provides point(s) of contact.
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Example PGM Transmittal Memo for FINAL Report
Template for a brief memo that transmits the policy and legal compliance review findings for a PGM on a particular study. It indicates if there are unresolved comments from the draft report, identifies new comments, states if a team needs to meet to discuss resolving any outstanding concerns before the final report is approved, and provides point(s) of contact.
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Dr. Checks
DrChecks℠ is the designated enterprise tool for conducting technical reviews. The web-based tool is one of the ProjNet℠ suite of tools. Reviewers enter comments in the system, and PDT members respond to the comments. DrChecks℠ facilitates and documents the issue identification and resolution process.
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FRM-PCX Review Process Webinar Series
The Review Process Webinar Series, prepared by the
Flood Risk Management Planning Center of Expertise, is
applicable to all Civil Works Feasibility studies. The goal
of this series, which consists of short 5-10 minute
videos on specific topics, is to provide some tools and
tips to make reviews more efficient and effective and
make the guidance for review more accessible for
project delivery teams.
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Webinar 0 - The Review Process Overview
Review is an important aspect of the study process and is best understood within the context of the planning process itself. This webinar highlights the sequencing of reviews within a typical study. It also provides an outline for follow-on webinars focused on more specific topics.
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Webinar 1.0 - The Review Plan
The review plan guides the review throughout the study and provides a strategic path for engagement with review teams. This webinar provides study teams with information on the role of the Review Plan, why it is needed and tips for writing one.
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Webinar 2.0 - District Quality Control (DQC)
DQC is the process by which the framework and foundation of a study are evaluated. This webinar discusses the DQC process and provides study teams with best practices for conducting an efficient and effective DQC.
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Webinar 3.0 - Agency Technical Review Comment Response and Backcheck
ATR documentation supports a risk informed decision to move forward with the project and continued Federal investment so it is important to document review comments and their resolution in a clear and concise manner. This webinar focuses on the comment resolution process and some best practices to help teams successfully complete ATR.
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Webinar 3.1 - ATR Charge
The "charge" to reviewers contains the instructions to the review team regarding the objective of the review and the specific advice sought. This webinar provides guidelines for developing the charge, including key considerations and tips on creating a better ATR charge statement.
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Training and Best Practices
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Webinars
2024
- Agency Technical Review (8 August)
- This webinar provided an overview of the USACE certification for Agency Technical Review (ATR) in Planning, including
certification application timelines and tips for success. Presenters included members of each of the Planning sub-
Communities of Practice: Nancy Brighton (Cultural Resources ATR Lead, HQUSACE), Charlie Hanneken (Plan Formulation
ATR Lead, Northwestern Division), Max Millstein (Economics ATR Lead, South Atlantic Division), and Debby Scerno
(Environmental Compliance/Ecosystem Restoration ATR Lead, HQUSACE Office of Water Project Review).
2023
- District Quality Control and the Review Process (6 April)
- This webinar provided an overview of the importance of District Quality Control (DQC) and the review process. Presenters
Emily Cala (Levee Safety Center), Monique Savage (Headquarters PCoP), and Karen Miller (LRD-RIT) discussed seamless
DQC as described in Engineer Regulation 1165-2-217: Civil Works Review Policy as well as current best practices;
addressed Agency Technical Review, the Review Management Organization role, and best management practices related to
USACE review processes.
2022
- Feasibility Study Templates, Checklists & SOPs (1 September)
- This webinar provided an overview of a number of new and updated templates for Chief's Reports and Director's Reports,
Review Manager and Vertical Team Roles and Responsibilities guides, and Study Issue checklists. Jeff Lin, Plan
Formulation Team Lead (HQUSACE Office of Water Project Review) discussed the purpose and intent of each of the new
templates, guides, and checklists.
- Independent External Peer Review (IEPR) – Updated Standard Operating Procedures (21 April)
- This webinar provided a detailed overview of the updated Independent External Peer Review (IEPR) Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP), along with real examples of some of the process steps required to complete IEPR for studies. The 2019 IEPR
SOP previously made available to planners has been revised to reflect current guidance and policies. Presenters Andy MacInnes
(MVN) and Anastasiya Kononova (NAB) highlighted noteworthy IEPR concepts for all study teams, including the important and
time sensitive steps that study teams need to be aware of in order to ensure that IEPR is started at the appropriate time to
coincide with concurrent reviews.
2021
- Overview and Use of the Feasibility Report Format and Content Guide (2 December)
- This webinar provided an overview of the Feasibility Report Format and Content Guide – a
new tool that has been produced by a team of experts within USACE for nationwide use.
Presenter Ray Wimbrough (HQUSACE Senior Policy Advisor) discussed the contents of
the guide, which contains a suggested format, typical content for each section and
subsection, and general notes for development of reports. The guide is envisioned to be
helpful to beginner as well as experienced planners, provides a general starting point for
any feasibility study, and can also be used as a reference/checklist to assist in technical
and/or policy review.
- ER 1165-2-217: Civil Works Review Guidance Policy (10 and 17 June 2021) (10 June)
- The 10 and 17 June 2021 Planning CoP Webinars addressed updates to the Civil Works
Review Guidance Policy recently published in Engineer Regulation (ER) 1165-2-217 (dated
1 May 2021) and was presented by the primary authors: Ms. Karen Miller (Planning
Regional Technical Specialist, Huntington District); John Clarkson (Senior Reviewer, Risk
Management Center); and Erica Reinsel (Quality Manager, Jacksonville District). ER 1165-
2-217 provides updated guidance for Civil Works Review and supersedes the expired
Engineer Circular 1165-2-217: Civil Works Review Policy. This webinar highlighted the
overall purpose of the policy and significant changes from the EC to the ER, and
reminded planners of the major elements of responsibility for ensuring quality products
throughout the Civil Works program.
- Office of Water Project Review (OWPR): Who We Are and What We Do (22 April)
- This webinar provided an overview of the Headquarters Office of Water Project Review
(OWPR). Presenters Wes Coleman (OWPR Chief) and members of the team Judy McCrea
(Plan Formulation), Fay Lachney (Plan Formulation Team Lead), Chris Bouquot
(Economics), and Jeff Lin (Plan Formulation) discussed the history of OWPR origins and
provided insight on the current organization of the office and its people. In addition to
discussing OWPR staff policy review roles and responsibilities, the presenters shared
other ongoing OWPR initiatives.
- Getting to the Finish Line – Preparing for a Successful Final Report and Chief’s or Director’s Report (4 March)
- This webinar discussed common issues in final report submittal packages and
Washington-level review and processing. Members of the Office of Water Project Review
(OWPR) and the Regional Integration Teams (RITs) shared a list of final report content
and processing problems that have caused significant delays for studies as they work
towards approval and authorization, and provided observations and tips to help study
teams avoid these pitfalls. The webinar was presented by Quana Higgins (NWD/POD RIT
Planner), Judy McCrea (OWPR Plan Formulation Team member), Fay Lachney (OWPR Plan
Formulation Team Lead), and Charles Wilson (SPD RIT Planner).
2020
- FRM-PCX Review Process Webinar Series: Webinar 0 - The Review Process Overview (11 June)
- Review is an important aspect of the study process and is best understood within the
context of the planning process itself. This webinar highlights the sequencing of reviews
within a typical study. It also provides an outline for follow-on webinars focused on more
specific topics.
- FRM-PCX Review Process Webinar Series: Webinar 1.0 - The Review Plan (11 June)
- The review plan guides the review throughout the study and provides a strategic path for
engagement with review teams. This webinar provides study teams with information on
the role of the Review Plan, why it is needed and tips for writing one.
- FRM-PCX Review Process Webinar Series: Webinar 2.0 - District Quality Control (DQC) (11 June)
- DQC is the process by which the framework and foundation of a study are evaluated. This
webinar discusses the DQC process and provides study teams with best practices for
conducting an efficient and effective DQC.
- FRM-PCX Review Process Webinar Series: Webinar 3.0 - Agency Technical Review Comment Response and Backcheck (11 June)
- ATR documentation supports a risk informed decision to move forward with the project
and continued Federal investment so it is important to document review comments and
their resolution in a clear and concise manner. This webinar focuses on the comment
resolution process and some best practices to help teams successfully complete ATR.
- FRM-PCX Review Process Webinar Series: Webinar 3.1 - ATR Charge (11 June)
- The "charge" to reviewers contains the instructions to the review team regarding the
objective of the review and the specific advice sought. This webinar provides guidelines
for developing the charge, including key considerations and tips on creating a better ATR
charge statement.
2019
- Overview of QC/QA and Policy & Legal Compliance Review Procedures (4 April)
- This webinar discussed the review process which USACE has developed to address the
Information Quality Act and the OMB Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review.
Ms. Karen Miller (Regional Technical Specialist for LRD, CELRH) presented information on
Quality Control and Quality Assurance, including some best practices. Ms. Fay Lachney
(Plan Formulation Team Lead for the Office of Water Project Review, HQUSACE)
presented an overview of the Legal and Policy Compliance and State and Agency reviews.
The presenters also provided an overview of EC 1165-2-217 and ER 1105-2-100, which
establish the procedures to ensure the quality and credibility of USACE decision and
implementation documents.
- Director's Policy Memorandum (DPM 2019-01): Policy and Legal Compliance Review (21 February)
- This webinar addressed the recently released Directors Policy Memorandum (DPM 2019-01): Policy and Legal Compliance
Review. Mr. Michael Hallisy (Economics Section Chief, Los Angeles District) provided an overview of of DPM 2019-01, which
establishes procedures to ensure consistency in the conduct of policy and legal compliance reviews across USACE. It was
developed to aid implementation of DPM 2018-05: Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness in USACE Civil Works Project Delivery,
which delegated policy and legal compliance review for draft and final planning decision documents to the MSCs. The webinar
described the purpose, key provisions, and anticipated benefits associated with the implementation of DPM 2019-01, as well as
potential challenges and next steps.
2018
- Policy and Legal Compliance Review (28 November)
- Mr. Jeremy LaDart (HQ Office of Water Project Review) and discussed the rollout of the
One Policy Review team policy and the new policy and legal review Planning Bulletin
2018-01. The webinar addressed roles and responsibilities of One Policy Review team
members (both MSCs and Headquarters), expectations for review comments, and how to
deal with issues when they arise.
- Agency Technical Review Document Templates (15 February)
- This webinar, presented by Mr. Miki Fujitsubo with the Flood Risk Management Planning
Center of Expertise, includes an overview of the types of ATR, roles and responsibilities,
and how to document the review. ATR is a key component of ensuring the technical
quality of our products. The presentation will also share some new templates for
documenting ATR - the ATR Work Plan and ATR Summary Report.
2017
- Dealing With Costs (2 March)
- Mr. Jeremy LaDart, Economist from the HQ Office of Water Project Review (OWPR) covered cost guidance, cost basics and
terminology, and cost share ratios. Mr. LaDart discussed how and where to obtain costs and common cost issues.
2015
- How to Effectively Write and Respond to Review Comments (3 December)
- Camie Knollenberg from MVDs Regional Planning Division North, and Eric Thaut of the FRM-PCX, encouraged good habits for
reviewers and reviewees, including understanding and using the 4-part comment structure; key components of comment
responses; and tips for discussing and back-checking comments.
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