200.2 - Redelegations

                                           Director, U.S. Geological Survey

1.    Purpose.  This Survey Manual (SM) chapter sets forth policy governing delegations of authority to carry out specific U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) activities.

2.    Authority.  Department of the Interior, Departmental Manual (DM), 120 DM 1, Creation, Authority, Mission, and Functions; 120 DM 2, Office of the Director; 220 DM 2, General Program Authority; and DM Part 220.

3.    Reference.  USGS employees, refer to internal delegation reference documents.

4.    Definitions.

A.  Authority is the power vested in a person to approve or authorize an action.  The exercise of an authority enacts a binding decision that commits the direct or indirect expenditure of funds or other resources.

B.  Delegating is the official vesting of an authority, in whole or in part, by one person to another, to give legal effect or administrative approval to actions taken.

5.    Policy.  Authority in the USGS is delegated: (1) to the lowest level practicable, so that decisions can be made where the issues/problems exist; (2) so that it is not more restrictive than permitted by higher authority, unless there is good management reason for doing so; and (3) in a manner that strengthens the chain of command so that authority is commensurate with responsibility.  The USGS maintains an orderly system for approving, issuing, limiting, withdrawing, and keeping track of delegations of authority in place at all levels of the organization.

6.    Guidelines.  In making decisions to delegate authority, the following USGS standards apply: 

A.  The delegation to a lower level would provide for greater efficiency.

B.  Adequate guidance exists for the proposed recipient to carry out the authority or can be drafted and approved at the appropriate level in advance of the activity.

C.  The proposed recipient of the delegation is trained and qualified to exercise the authority effectively.

D.  The delegation of authority would not interfere with the operations and functions of other employees, programs, or legal and policy requirements. 

E.  The delegating official is able to monitor the use of the authority and remain accountable for the results.  (Note: An official delegating authority does not relinquish the power to exercise that authority at any time and is not relieved of the responsibility for action taken by the person(s) to whom the authority has been delegated.)  The official delegating the authority may, temporarily or permanently, withdraw or limit the delegation by issuing such a decision.

F.  Delegations are made in writing whenever possible and leave no doubt as to the extent or limits of the authority delegated.  Note: In emergency situations or for temporary periods, authority may be delegated verbally.

G.  A delegation of authority made to an individual is also made to that individual's supervisor unless stated otherwise in the delegation of authority.  Also, when designated as “Acting,” an individual has the same authority as the person for whom they are acting, unless a further restriction is documented.

H.  Employees must exercise the redelegated authority in conformance with any requirements in the original delegation. 

I.  Delegations are issued to position titles rather than to named officials whenever possible.  The delegating official must make this determination in the written delegation of authority.