External Program Guidance

Executive Order 13891, "Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents" directs all Federal agencies to ensure their guidance documents clarify only existing obligations that significantly affect the public, and do not create binding requirements outside of those developed through activities regulated by the Administrative Procedure Act.

• Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract; and
  
• The agency may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the website existing under the EO, except to establish historical facts.

Please refer to the Federal Register notice implementing Executive Order 13891 for more information.

The following links provide Reclamation's documents that meet the definition of external guidance provided in Executive Order 13891:

• Asset management guidance supporting Reclamation's continuing commitment to better manage its constructed assets:


• Infrastructure Asset Management (includes Federal Real Property Profile, and the Reduce the Footprint Program)
• Land and Water Surface Use
• Lands Handbook
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Cost Index
• O&M guidelines (operating and maintaining Reclamation facilities)
• Recreation on Reclamation lands (multiple topics)


• Project Management Framework guidance supporting Reclamation's continuing commitment to improving performance in conducting its work for stakeholders.


• Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 Fact Sheets providing easy-to-read information for landholders and water districts on the requirements of the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 and its regulations.


• Safety of dams guidance supporting Reclamation's continuing commitment to the safety of its facilities and the public:


• Dam Safety Public Protection
  • Guidelines
  • Rationale
  • Examples of Use
• Reclamation Consequence Estimating Methodology (RCEM)
  • Guidelines
  • Examples of Use
  • Case History Compilation


• Use Authorizations for Non-Hydro Renewable Energy on Reclamation Lands Guidebook outlining Reclamation's support of the private sector non-hydro renewable energy industry.

Reclamation has an extensive library of internal guidance that details Reclamation's internal procedures, including staff and office responsibilities. While these internal guidance documents are not applicable to the definition of guidance provided in Executive Order 13891, they are available and transparent to the public. Please visit the Reclamation Manual website for more information.