Operation and Maintenance

Once construction of the water resources project is complete, the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and rehabilitation (OMRR&R) phase begins, during which ongoing activities are conducted to support the function of the project.

OMRR&R requirements are initially identified during the Feasibility phase and considered in the economic analysis when weighing project costs and benefits. Responsibility for OMRR&R is described in the Feasibility Report and is outlined in the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA). Responsibilities for OMRR&R are based on the project purpose. If the non-federal partner will eventually operate and maintain the project, USACE will prepare an Operation and Maintenance Manual. During the OMRR&R phase, the non-federal partner completes a semi-annual operations report and USACE will periodically inspect the project through the Inspection of Completed Works program.

Key Guidance for Corps Planners

Additional Resources

Engineering and Construction Bulletins Engineering and Construction Bulletins provide interim guidance (directive and policy) as well as "for information" updates. Engineer Regulation 1105-2-100: Planning Guidance Notebook, Full Publication (2000 Expired 12/1/2023) ER 1105-2-100, the Planning Guidance Notebook will be superseded by several different pieces of new guidance. For the full suite of guidance replacing the PGN, visit the Core Civil Works Planning Guidance page. Engineer Circular 1165-2-220: Policy And Procedural Guidance For Processing Requests To Alter US Army Corps Of Engineers Civil Works Projects Pursuant to 33 USC 408 (2018) The purpose of this Engineer Circular is to provide policy and procedural guidance for processing requests by private, public, tribal, or other federal entities to make alterations to, or temporarily or permanently occupy or use, any USACE federally authorized Civil Works project under 33 USC 408 (Section 408). Proposed alterations must not be injurious to the public interest or impair the usefulness of the USACE project. In November 2023, a memorandum from the USACE Director of Civil Works directed USACE to continue applying the EC until the Section 408 policy is published in the Code of Federal Regulations. Engineer Regulation 1110 - Series This series of Engineering Regulations has dozens of Engineer Regulations pertaining to a spectrum of design, engineering, inspection, monitoring, and performance evaluations for all types of projects. The Planner's Library Links to Corps guidance, fact sheets, and lessons learned.

Civil Works Study and Project Partnerships (2015) Introduction to the partnership between USACE and non-federal sponsors in developing a feasibility study and recommendation of a Civil Works water resources project. 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.