October 28, 2019
How will I know when the Department of the Interior (DOI) has been reorganized?
The reorganization of DOI from 49 regions across 8 bureaus to 12 unified Interior Regions is complete. Several key milestones marked the implementation of DOI’s reorganization.
First, the unified Interior Region boundaries - based on watersheds but generally drawn along state lines to simplify coordination with external partners - became final on August 22, 2018. Bureaus have amended their Department Manual chapters to officially align their regional/office boundaries with the Interior Region boundaries.
Second, on August 9, 2019, Interior Secretary Bernhardt named Field Special Assistants (FSAs) in each Interior Region as points of contact for state and local governments, and other entities within each region. The Field Special Assistants serve as a multi-agency and bureau coordinator and convener for relevant topics and issues as specified by the Secretary of the Interior.
Third, on August 14, 2019, the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget issued guidance to assistant secretaries and bureau heads regarding rebranding to reflect our new organizational structure by displaying signs in our facilities, using Interior Region letterhead for official correspondence, and transitioning to new business cards and email signatures that let partners know we are part of an Interior Region. This memo accompanied a revised version of 314 DM 6, the Department Manual Chapter on Letterhead and Stationery.
Who are the Field Special Assistants?
Field Special Assistants (FSAs) are individuals selected by the Secretary under the authority of 110 DM 3.
What happened to the Interior Regional Directors?
Secretary Bernhardt believes the FSAs, who serve as a conveners and collaborators rather than having direct line authority, will most effectively implement the Interior Region structure and ensure long-term success of the Department’s reorganization.
What’s next?
The next phase of the reorganization involves transforming administrative processes to gain efficiencies and deliver better services by sharing resources for common administrative services such as Information Technology, Procurement, and Human Resources. This effort, called “Efficiency 2020,” focuses on improving delivery of administrative operations to benefit our employees and customers by transforming and modernizing the Department to focus on improving administrative processes; serving people; and ensuring value.
For our external customers and partners, more efficient administrative operations will result in better customer service; savings in time and effort. Benefits for employees are benefits for taxpayers.
For our DOI employees, more efficient administrative operations result in helping employees get their jobs done more quickly and efficiently; and increased opportunities for employee development, including career pathing via the new My DOI Career tool.
If bureau regional boundaries are different, how do I know who my bureau regional director is?
This bureau-to-region chart shows every regional and state director for the DOI bureaus that participated in the Reorganization. If you still have questions about who your regional director is, please contact your supervisor.
Does the new branding mean that I am not part of a bureau anymore?
No. Bureau identity is very important to our 70,000+ employees across the nation. The new graphics, products and naming conventions are not meant to replace individual bureau logos, but to reinforce our collective commitment to come together across bureaus to better achieve our mission and address common issues and challenges, and to communicate our new spirit of collaboration to our partners.
Can I still provide input?
Yes. Although we have moved into a new phase, Efficiency 2020, this is an evolving process and the Department is committed to ensuring that this effort continues to be undertaken as efficiently and transparently as possible. Please share your thoughts by contacting us at reorg@doi.gov, or through the DOI Reorg feedback page.
Reorganization Basics
Why has the Department of the Interior reorganized?
Reorganizing from 49 regions across 8 bureaus to 12 unified Interior Regions adds greater efficiency, accountability, collaboration and consistency across our bureaus
Reorganization makes joint problem-solving and improved coordination between our bureaus and local partners easier, improving the experience for the customer, whether that is a government agency, permit seeker, or landowner.
Modifying our business practices and processes will eliminate unnecessary steps and duplicative reviews, while maintaining rigorous and transparent scientific standards. We are also better positioned to collaborate across bureaus on core mission areas of conservation, recreation and permitting.
Do Field Special Assistants have line authority over bureau operations?
FSAs do not have line authority. They serve as coordinators and conveners for multi-agency and bureau relevant topics and issues as specified by the Secretary. To achieve the collaboration envisioned by the Interior Regions, FSAs play a critical role in coordinating Department-wide perspectives on interdepartmental issues and resolving inter-bureau issues. They also have a direct line to the Secretary to bring issues to his attention. FSAs are convening Regional Field Committees to assist them in these important duties.
Is the Field Special Assistant a full-time, permanent position?
No. With two exceptions (individuals who were previously appointed as full-time FSAs), the FSA role is a part-time, collateral duty, and the FSAs are still serving as a bureau regional executive.
Is the FSA intended to be my direct supervisor or my supervisor’s supervisor?
No. FSAs will not supervise bureau employees in their capacity as FSAs.
What are the specific duties of the FSA?
Per 110 DM 3, FSAs:
How do the FSAs coordinate with other Department bureaus in their regions?
FSAs will coordinate and convene Regional Field Committees comprising the senior executives appointed by the heads of bureaus and offices with responsibilities for a given Interior Region, as well as the Regional Solicitor. The breadth of experience, programmatic knowledge, and demonstrated leadership capability of the Regional Field Committees will greatly contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the bureaus in each region.
Which bureaus are involved in the reorganization?
Reorganization applies to all bureaus and offices except for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.
Who provided input about Reorganization?
The Department consulted with the Department’s career senior executive staff, Congress, governors, and a wide variety of external stakeholders on the goals and objectives of reorganization, as well as on the development of the Interior Regional boundaries.
Although the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians are not participating in the reorganization at their request, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs has conducted Tribal consultations and will continue to keep the Tribes informed.
The Department also conducted town halls and listening sessions with Department employees in several states and will continue to conduct outreach at all levels. External contractors were also engaged to perform independent assessments of the Department’s HR, IT and Procurement functions. Recommendations from those reports will be implemented over the next few years.
How do I find out more information about the Reorganization?
Periodic updates will be provided via email, listening sessions, teleconferences and other venues, such as the reorganization webpage at www.doi.gov/reorg.