cmajel
commented
5 years ago Adding a few notes from initial research.
Resources we've come across: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ISNa2ysGwk2nc0AR_qiLcmlbMABdYeEd441d_WoNHOs/edit#gid=0
Definitions of manuals vs handbooks: https://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/dughtml/overview.html
What is the difference between direction issued in the Manual and that issued in Handbooks? Direction is issued in the Directive System based on the scope of the direction and the intended audience. Forest Service Manual (FSM). The FSM contains legal authorities, objectives, policies, responsibilities, instructions, and guidance needed on a continuing basis by Forest Service line officers and primary staff in more than one unit to plan and execute assigned programs and activities. Forest Service Handbooks (FSH). Handbooks are the principal source of specialized guidance and instruction for carrying out the direction issued in the FSM. Specialists and technicians are the primary audience of Handbook direction. However, some FSHs include significant procedural direction needed by line officers and/or primary staff officers; examples include Handbooks on land management planning, appeals, litigation, and environmental analysis. Handbooks may also incorporate external directives (such as the Federal Property Management Regulations in FSH 6409.31) with related USDA and Forest Service directive supplements.
Is Manual or Handbook direction more binding on employees? The words used to issue direction, not whether the direction is located in the Manual or Handbook component of the Directive System, determine how binding the direction is on Forest Service employees. The use of the helping verbs “must” and “shall” or imperative mood (where the subject “you” is understood) convey mandatory compliance; “ought” and “should” convey required compliance, except for justifiable reasons; and “may” and “can” convey optional compliance. In general, the Manual contains the more significant policy and standards governing Forest Service programs, and thus the consequence of not complying with Manual direction is generally more serious than noncompliance with Handbooks. However, procedural direction in a number of Handbooks is often equally important.
MelissaBraxton
carlsonem
tram
csstarling
bboddiger
JonathanLerner54
aQuib
Background This story is about researching information permittees using the online system will be "required" to enter. We want to understand what's currently required, what flexibility we may have to revise requirements and handbooks so that our system requires the minimal info entry for users and avoids repetition.
USFS is currently revising handbooks, aiming for completion by end of summer 2020. We want to identify and recommend any handbook changes that may be needed to (1) support the new online process and (2) ensure parity between the online and in office experiences as soon as possible so that they can be written into the revised handbook.
Acceptance criteria
Tasks
Definition of done