Last updated: April 2021

The submittal of the complete final report package to HQUSACE initiates a series of Washington-level actions that would ideally culminate in the authorization of the recommended project. Final decision documents recommending the authorization of new projects and/or modification of existing projects must be transmitted to HQUSACE for review and approval prior to the execution of design agreements or project partnership agreements (PPAs), and the subsequent obligation and expenditure of funds for design or construction.

Upon receiving the MSC submittal materials (ER 1105-2-100, Appendix H, Exhibit H-7), the policy and legal compliance review team will briefly assess the compliance of the materials with previous guidance and the decision log to identify any obvious concerns that may warrant delaying the release for state and agency review.

The Headquarters Chief of Planning and Policy will approve release of the final decision and NEPA documents and the proposed Report of the Chief of Engineers for state and agency review and final NEPA review.

In those situations where the Headquarters Chief of Planning and Policy provides a contingent approval and identifies additional work or clarifications that are needed prior to releasing the report for state and agency review, the District will address the concerns and make any necessary changes to the report and submittal materials.

Resources

• Memorandum: Civil Works Review Board Expectations and Guidance (2 May 2014)
  Although the agency no longer conducts Civil Works Review Boards, this memo emphasizes required standards regarding the district commander's final report package, the Division Commander's endorsement of the final report package, and the preparations for a successful Chief's Report briefing.
• Memorandum: Further Advancing Project Delivery Efficiency and Effectiveness of USACE Civil Works (21 June 2017)
  The subject memo was signed by Mr. James Dalton, Director of Civil Works, outlining his intent to operationalize risk-informed decision making at all levels, reduce redundancies and delegate authority to the most practical and appropriate level to meet the objective of advancing project delivery efficiency and effectiveness across USACE Civil Works.
• Getting to the Finish Line – Preparing for a Successful Final Report and Chief’s or Director’s Report (4 March 2021)
• Planning Bulletin 2018-01
  The purpose of this Planning Bulletin is to clarify the decisions and processes associated with feasibility study milestones. This bulletin was developed to assist teams in development of the feasibility study products and clarify processes and procedures to reach each of the decision milestones. This bulletin also defines the decision-making delegation for each milestone. Please see PB 2018-01-S for clarification. This bulletin supersedes Planning Bulletin 2017-01: Feasibility Study Milestones and also supersedes specific sections of ER 1105-2-100 (Planning Guidance Notebook) that reference feasibility study milestones, including: Appendix G (30 June 2004) exhibits G-3, G-4, G-5, Appendix H (20 November 2007) section H-4 (discussion of Feasibility Scoping Meeting and Alterative Formulation Briefing), and Appendix H exhibits H-3, H-4, H-5, and H-7.
• Planning Bulletin 2018-01(S)
  This bulletin supplements Planning Bulletin 2018-01: Feasibility Study Milestones. This guidance applies to all feasibility studies where the USACE planning decision document could lead to a recommendation for project authorization or modification to a project authorization, including general re-evaluation studies, post authorization change reports, and other reports supporting project authorization or budget decisions that results in a Chiefs Report or Directors Report.