Chapter 3: PLANNING AND APPROVAL FOR HEADQUARTERS AND FIRST-LEVEL FIELD OFFICES

(1) Clarifies the review process and better describes the approval procedures for organizational changes.  The descriptions of the procedures are sub-divided into separate sections and each section includes language that clearly delineates, describes, and clarifies the steps in the Departmental review and approval process, (2) Adds a new section that lists the documents that must be included in the request for approval of  organization changes, (3) Adds a new section that better describes the procedures to resolve issues that arise during the review process.  The responsible offices are identified and their roles and responsibilities in resolving issues are more clearly described, and (4) Deletes Appendix 2 and incorporates the requirements for space management and the Rural Development Act under a new section in the chapter and removes the OMB Circular A-105 requirements which are no longer required.