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:
Regulations: