By Chris Heck

This post will be continuously updated as the reorganization process moves forward. Feedback on the DOI’s reorganization plan can be sent here.

Timeline:

January 10, 2018: Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced a planned reorganization of the Department of the Interior (DOI).

The reorganization plan includes the creation of “13 Common Regions” with boundaries established by watersheds and basins. Click here for a map of the regions. State directors and field managers from all interior bureaus inside a given region would report to the regional director. Currently proposed, the regional directors would serve two-year terms with the position rotating between the bureaus. Click here for responses to a series of frequently asked questions that came after a stakeholder meeting. Final details of the department’s reorganization plan is expected to be provided in the Fiscal Year (FY) 19 president’s budget.

July 7, 2017: Director Mulvaney sent a FY 2019 budget guidance memorandum to all department and agency heads.

The memo highlighted how the FY19 budget will continue to support Executive Order 13781.

April 12, 2017: Director Mulvaney sent the Comprehensive Plan for Reforming the Federal Government and Reducing the Federal Civilian Workforce.

The memorandum provided further clarification to the March EO regarding what the reform efforts should accomplish: Strengthening agencies by removing barriers that hinder front-line employees from delivering results and focusing the federal government on effectively and efficiently delivering those programs that are of the highest needs to citizens. The federal government would additionally focus on where there is a unique federal role rather than assuming current programs are optimally designed or needed.

March 13, 2017: President Trump issues Executive Order 13781.

The order seeks to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of the executive branch. Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, was instructed to propose a plan to reorganize governmental functions and eliminate unnecessary agencies (as defined in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code), components of agencies and agency programs. Department and agency heads were asked to propose plans to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of departments and agencies under their purview.

Chris Heck is NACD’s government affairs associate and can be reached by email at chris-heck[at]nacdnet.org.

Tags: interior, doi, reorganization