FHWA Order H 1321.1B: FHWA Directives Management Program Handbook
April 10, 2000 • INTRODUCTION

1. What is the purpose of this introduction? This introduction contains information to help you understand the directives system. This new Handbook gives you the policies and procedures for implementing the directives system. It covers areas such as responsibilities, authorities, authorized issuances, and clearance requirements relating to FHWA directives.
   
   
2. To whom does this Order apply? The provisions of this Handbook apply to all Washington Headquarters elements who originate or use FHWA directives. The offices that originate directives are referred to as Office of Primary Interest (OPI).
   
   
3. How is agency policy issued? The directives system is the primary means of issuing FHWA policy, instructions, procedures, and requirements.
   
   
   1. Materials covered. Most written communications and issuances must be issued as directives when the material prescribes or establishes policy, organization, methods, procedures, requirements, guidelines, or delegations of authority or gives information essential to the administration or operation of the FHWA.
      
      
   2. Materials excluded. The following are examples of written communications and issuances excluded from the directives system:
      
      

      (1) technical publications and informational publications issued primarily to and for the use of the public,

      (2) interagency agreements and technical reports, except that an interagency agreement may be incorporated into a directive by reference, and

      (3) policy memorandums.

4. What are the objectives of the directives system? The objectives of the directives system are:
   
   
   1. providing FHWA personnel, State highway officials, metropolitan planning organizations, Governor's Highway Safety Representatives, the public, and other organizations with policy, procedures, and guidelines that are needed, current, complete, in plain language, and readily accessible,
      
      
   2. classifying approved directives by type and subject classification code for tracking and research purposes,
      
      
   3. ensuring that only essential guidance is issued and that there is no unnecessary delay in the drafting, coordination, approval, and posting of directives, and
      
      
   4. providing guidelines and standards for planning, referencing, formatting, writing, coordinating, and maintaining directives.
      
      
5. How are FHWA directives issued? Shortly after approval, all FHWA directives are posted on the FHWA Directives and Policy Memorandums website. Approved directives are also posted on the FHWA Home Page at What's New. You may also click on Recent Additions to see directives posted during the last several months. FHWA does not print, mail, or store a bulk supply of paper directives.
   
   
6. How do I know what acronyms and abbreviations to use? You may refer to FHWA Order M 1325.1C, FHWA Correspondence Manual, dated January 3, 1994.
   
   

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