What We Do
The Policy and Regulations Branch serves as an expert resource to Service programs and offices by applying advanced-level program management analysis, administrative support, and technical writing activities for a variety of matters relating to the administration of the Service’s Regulatory Development, Federal Register, Directives Management, Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and Information Collection Clearance Programs.
Our Services
- Conducts technical reviews of regulations, notices, and policies for publication in the Federal Register
- Assists program offices with the processing of public comments via the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) for public viewing on Regulations.gov
- Manages the Service’s directives system, which includes the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Director’s Orders, policy memoranda, and handbooks
- Maintains an index of directives and guidance in the Centralized Library of Servicewide Policies and Guidance that is available to employees and to the public
- Maintains an electronic library of the Service’s Federal Register publications dating back several years
- Coordinates program/office compliance with the requirements of the:
- Administrative Procedure Act
- Congressional Review Act
- Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)
- Paperwork Reduction Act
- Oversees Service compliance with the requirements of 119 FW 1 – Approving and Completing Surveys
- Develops procedures for and oversees regulatory review and reform
- Serves as a liaison between the Office of the Solicitor and employee inventors on inventions and potential patents
- Survey Approval
Our Laws and Regulations
Laws:
- Administrative Procedure Act (APA; 5 U.S.C. Subchapter II § 551)
- Congressional Review Act (CRA; 5 U.S.C.801(a)(1)(A))
- Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA, Pub. L. 92–463, §1, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770.)
- Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
- Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601-612)
- Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA; P.L. 104-121)
Regulations:
- Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public (5 CFR 1320)
- Federal Advisory Committee Management (41 CFR 102-3)