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Reclamation Manual

What is the Reclamation Manual?

The Reclamation Manual consists of a series of Policies, Directives and Standards, and Delegations of Authority. Collectively, these assign program responsibility and authority, and document Reclamation-wide methods of doing business. All requirements in the Reclamation Manual are mandatory and constitute official Reclamation policy.  For more information on contents and organization of the Reclamation Manual, see RCD TRMR-15

Search Reclamation Manual:

Draft Policy and Directives and Standards

To access a specific DRAFT Policy or Directive and Standard, use the links below.  Each DRAFT release will provide an e-mail address for stakeholders to submit comments.  Reclamation will review and consider the comments received during the revision process of each Policy and Directive and Standard; however, Reclamation will not provide responses to submitted comments.  All Reclamation employees will continue to submit consolidated comments through their organizational directorate.

Draft Policy
•  Bureau of Reclamation’s Directives System
   (the Reclamation Manual (RM))
•  The Bureau of Reclamation’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Draft Directives and Standards
•  Reclamation Manual (RM)
•  Environmental Management System (EMS) Implementation

Policy and Directives and Standards Development Efforts

To view the inventory of current Reclamation Manual Policy and Directive and Standard development efforts and corresponding DRAFT Policy and Directives and Standards, click here.

Reclamation Manual Components

Policies
These statements reflect leadership direction and principles of Reclamation's top management, establish goals and objectives for Reclamation-wide programs and support activities, and define the broad framework in which program accomplishment will occur. They contain clear and concise statements of authority, responsibility, and accountability of line managers in carrying out the Policy. Policies are structured to encourage line managers to use innovation and discretion in work accomplishment. Policies are signed by the Commissioner.

Directives and Standards
Directives and Standards contain the minimum scope and level of detail necessary to ensure that they are consistently applied by line managers. These mandatory directives and standards are instructional in nature without undue constraint in interpretation and applicability. They contain the flexibility necessary to encourage line managers to use innovative techniques or approaches. Cross references to related policy, directives and standards, and mandatory handbooks are included. Directives and Standards are signed by the Senior Executive of the program function, unless further delegated.

Temporary Reclamation Manual Releases
These are issued in emergency situations as temporary releases to establish policy in advance of incorporation in the RM, or to announce temporary procedural changes. TRMR's are dated to expire 1 year after issuance and must be converted to an RM release within that time period. In order to expedite release, TRMR's are signed by the Commissioner if it is a Policy or the Senior Executive if it is a Directive and Standard, unless further delegated.

Supplements to DOI and Government-wide Regulations

These are issued when necessary to clarify Reclamation's procedures in implementing higher-level regulations. The same format and numbering system as the higher-level regulation are used. They are printed on distinguishing colored paper and filed interspersed with the higher regulation. These supplements are signed by the Senior Executive of the program function, unless further delegated. Links to these supplements can be found here.

Reclamation Manual Series

Policies and Directives and Standards within the Reclamation Manual fall into two major series: Program and Administrative. Those in the Program series primarily direct and define relationships with Reclamation's external stakeholders. Those in the Administrative series primarily direct and define Reclamation's internal processes and procedures. Each series is divided into subject areas identified by a three-letter alpha code:

Program

CMP	Comprehensive	NIA	National and International Affairs
ENV	Environmental Management	PEC	Program Economics, Revenues, and Contacts
FAC	Project Planning and Facility Operations, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation	RES	Research, Testing, and Technical
LND	Land Management and Development	SLE	Security and Law Enforcement
LON	Loans, Grants, Rehabilitation and Betterment, and Distribution	WTR	Water Management and Development

Administrative

ACM	Acquisition and Financial Assistance Management	IRM	Information Resources Management
ADM	Administrative Management	PRM	Property Management
BGT	Budget Management	RCD	Records Management
FIN	Financial Management	SAF	Safety Management
HRM	Human Resources Management

Release Numbers

Comments and feedback regarding accessibility and material to the Reclamation Manual are encouraged. If you would like to receive a response as to how your comment was addressed, include your contact information in your comment. Please click here to send your ideas and suggestions.