The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public comment on the draft directive and standard for feasibility studies to formulate, evaluate and select project plans for implementation. These updated guidelines establish the responsibilities, requirements and procedures for performing detailed planning studies, including feasibility studies conducted for the purpose of recommending congressional action, including approval, authorization, or appropriations, in accordance with Executive Order 12322.

The requirements in this draft directive and standards provide direction for conducting feasibility level water resource planning studies that are consistent with the Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related Resources Implementation Studies, commonly referred to as P&G's.

Changes to the directive and standard include:

• An extended definition of "feasibility level" to establish general expectations for data collection, technical and scientific analysis, design and cost-estimating.
• An independent review facilitated by Reclamation's Office of Policy and Administration. This policy review process is modeled on existing procedures for DEC reviews and Title XVI feasibility study reviews.
• Criteria for considering and analyzing climate change impacts as directed by Secretarial Order 3289.

The draft directive and standard is available for review at: http://www.usbr.gov/recman/drafts/Public_Review_Draft_CMP_09-02_(09-16-11)_FINAL.pdf.

Comments or questions may be directed to Chris Perry at cperry@usbr.gov. Comments must be received by Reclamation by 5 PM on October 21, 2011.