§ 1700.9 - Information, legislation, policy and management analysis.

The Deputy Administrator—Management and Policy Support, directs two separate staffs of the Agency dealing with public information and legislation, and policy and management analysis.

(a) The Legislative and Public Affairs Staff performs the following functions:

(1) Analyzes the policy, programs and procedural implications of Federal and State legislation affecting RUS programs; prepares special reports for the Administrator on legislative affairs; and responds to inquiries from Congress and others concerning RUS programs;

(2) Maintains liaison with the Department's legislative staff and with congressional offices;

(3) Manages the information activities of the Agency to provide borrowers and the public with timely information concerning the operations, status, progress and accomplishments of the rural electrification, rural telephone and rural development programs;

(4) Evaluates the public information activities of the Agency and advises on actions that will improve public understanding and acceptance of Agency functions; and

(5) Administers the public information provisions of 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq., the Administrative Procedure Act.

(b) The Policy and Management Analysis Staff performs the following functions:

(1) Coordinates the development and monitors the implementation of the Agency's long-term program and management plans, ensuring that these plans are up to date at all times;

(2) Ensures that these long-term plans include quality-improvement, efficiency, and cost saving initiatives;

(3) Ensures that audit resolutions are incorporated in the Agency's strategic planning and other processes for establishing goals and objectives; and

(4) Initiates and coordinates management productivity programs of the Agency.