308.69 – Facilities Investment Review Board

Issuance Number:      308.69

Subject:                            Facilities Investment Review Board

Issuance Date:             7/25/2022

Expiration Date:         7/30/2027

Responsible Office:    Office of Administration

Instruction:                  This is a new Survey Manual (SM) chapter.

Approving Official:    /s/ Shari DeLung  

                                       Acting Associate Director for Administration

1.    Background.  This SM chapter separates the Facilities Investment Review Board (IRB), formerly housed under SM 308.62, from the Information Management Technology (IMT) Investment Review Board.  This SM chapter revises Facilities IRB membership and provides instructions for meetings, terms, and procedures.

2.    Purpose.  The purpose of the Facilities IRB is to ensure the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) facilities capital investment portfolio meets mission and strategic goals, embraces sustainability principles, minimizes risks, and maximizes benefits and returns consistent with the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) process.  The Facilities IRB reviews and approves projects before the project moves to the next major phase, and it promotes efficient and effective program delivery. 

3.    Authority.  

A.  Capital Programming Guide, Supplement to OMB Circular A-11 – Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget

B.  CPIC for Construction and Leased Space

C.  Executive Order 13327 – Federal Real Property Asset Management

D.  DOI Deferred Maintenance and Capital Improvement Planning Guidance

4.    Membership.

The Facilities IRB consists of permanent, rotating, and non-voting members. Members will designate an alternate with full authority to execute the responsibilities of the position.  It is strongly recommended that alternates receive the appropriate Facilities IRB training prior to participation.  Rotating members are appointed by the USGS Executive Leadership Team and serve 3-year terms.  The USGS Deputy Director, Administration and Policy serves as Chair.  The Chair may extend the terms of any rotating member by no more than 1 year to stagger term expirations and thereby provide membership continuity.  The Chair may designate additional experts to provide specialized expertise and advice as needed.  The Associate Director for Administration serves as Vice-Chair.  Members are as follows:

A.  Permanent Members.

(1)  USGS Deputy Director for Administration and Policy

(2)  Associate Director for Administration

(3)  Associate Director, Office of Budget, Planning, and Integration

(4)  Director, Office of Science Quality and Integrity

B.  Rotating Members.

(1)  Two Associate Directors from the science mission areas

(2) Two Regional Directors

(3) Two Science Center Directors

C.  Non-Voting Members.

(1)  Chief, Office of Management Services (OMS)

(2) Associate Chief Information Officer

5.    Meetings.  The Facilities IRB will meet quarterly, provided there are topics on the agenda.  The Chair may call meetings more frequently. 

6.    Subcommittees.  The Facilities IRB is authorized to establish permanent and ad hoc subcommittees to facilitate the review of proposed investments and for other purposes consistent with the Facilities IRB objectives.

7.    Procedures.  The Facilities IRB will employ DOI CPIC guidance and associated business case analysis processes in its review of proposed investments that meet established dollar thresholds.  The Facilities IRB will make decisions on process changes, investments, related sustainability issues, and other matters by voting.  A designated alternate may represent an absent member and vote on the member’s behalf. For a vote to occur, a quorum of six voting members must be present.  The Facilities IRB passes proposals by a simple majority.

8.    Records and Staff Support.  OMS will provide administrative support to the Facilities IRB, including administration of the process for nominating members, promptly filling vacancies, and maintaining and distributing membership rosters.  OMS will also maintain and distribute minutes of proceedings, records of decisions, and related reports.  OMS will provide staff support for other related Facilities IRB matters.