FIGURE 2.1 Reporting structures for SSLE and CIO.

The centralized management structure for security contrasts with the way most other BOR functions are managed. Since 1994, BOR has delegated much of its authority for program management and implementation to its 5 regional and 24 area offices (Figure 2.2). Authority formerly exercised from BOR central offices in Denver was delegated to lower organizational levels, and senior personnel positions at the central location were eliminated. At the same time, the Reclamation-wide directives known as Instructions were withdrawn. Mandatory requirements that replace the Instructions have been and continue to be developed and published as policy and directives in the Reclamation Manual, a Web-based collection of policies and directions that is continuously updated and revised² (NRC, 2006).

Reclamation’s facilities are managed by the 24 area offices, with each of the five regional offices having full responsibility for operating and maintaining the assets in its region. In most but not all cases, this means that all the assets in a single watershed are operated and maintained by the same regional office. The exceptions include the Colorado, Canadian, and Rio Grande river basins, each of which needs an additional level of coordination (NRC, 2006).

Reclamation also oversees operations and maintenance activities where the responsibilities for implementing operations and maintenance