Federal Election 

Commission

FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2022-2026 identifies 

the Commission’s strategic objectives and provides a road map for meeting those objectives. It also 

describes current challenges facing the FEC and addresses future trends that may affect the 

achievement of the agency’s goal. 

The mission of the FEC is to protect the integrity of the federal campaign finance process by providing 

transparency and fairly enforcing and administering federal campaign finance laws. The Federal Election 

Campaign Act (FECA/the Act) reflects a belief that democracy works best when voters can make 

informed decisions in the political process—decisions based in part on knowing the sources of financial 

support for federal candidates, political party committees and other political committees. As a result, 

the FEC’s first strategic objective is to inform the public about how federal campaigns and committees 

are financed. Public confidence in the political process also depends on the knowledge that participants

in federal elections follow clear and well-defined rules and face consequences for non-compliance. 

Thus, the FEC’s second strategic objective focuses on the Commission’s efforts to promote voluntary 

compliance through educational outreach and to enforce campaign finance laws effectively and fairly. 

The third strategic objective is to interpret the FECA and related statutes, providing timely guidance to 

the public regarding the requirements of the law. The Commission also understands that organizational 

performance is driven by employee performance and that the agency cannot successfully achieve its 

mission without a high-performing workforce that understands expectations and delivers results. 

Consequently, the FEC’s fourth strategic objective is to foster a culture of high performance in order to 

ensure that the agency accomplishes its mission efficiently and effectively.

In an average fiscal year, the FEC receives campaign finance reports, statements and other disclosure 

documents from more than 16,000 political committees and other filers. In FY 2020, the FEC received 

90,605 campaign finance disclosure documents filed disclosing nearly 244 million transactions, which 

were included in the FEC’s campaign finance database. Campaign finance reports and statements filed 

electronically are made available on the FEC website upon filing, and reports and statements filed on 

paper with the FEC are placed on the FEC website within 48 hours of receipt. The Commission

facilitates transparency in the federal campaign finance process through a state-of-the-art web-based 

disclosure system for all campaign finance activity, ensuring that the vast quantity of campaign finance 

data reported to the FEC is available to the public quickly and in a manner that is easy for the general 

public to sort, search and comprehend. The agency is committed to continuously improving its 

campaign finance disclosure database and the information and resources available to the public at 

www.fec.gov.

Besides making campaign finance reports available to the public, the FEC works to ensure that the 

information disclosed is accurate and complete. The Office of Compliance’s Reports Analysis Division 

(RAD) reviews an ever-increasing volume of information to track compliance with the law and to 

ensure that the public record provides a full and accurate representation of reported campaign finance 

activity. If RAD’s review identifies an apparent violation or raises questions about the information 

disclosed on a report, RAD sends a Request for Additional Information (RFAI) to the committee, 

affording the committee an opportunity to take remedial action or correct the public record, if 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

necessary. If the committee is able to adequately respond to the items noted in the RFAI, it may avoid 

an enforcement action. If not, and the issue meets RAD’s thresholds (as approved by the Commission)

for further Commission action, the agency has several tools available to it, such as the Administrative 

Fine Program, the Audit Program, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program and the Office of 

General Counsel’s traditional enforcement program.

Commission initiatives, congressional action, judicial decisions, petitions for rulemaking or other 

changes in campaign finance law may necessitate that the Commission update or adopt new regulations. 

Consequently, the FEC undertakes rulemakings either to write new Commission regulations or revise 

existing regulations. The Commission also provides guidance on how the Act applies to specific 

situations through the advisory opinion process and represents itself in most litigation before the 

federal district and appellate courts.

The FEC has exclusive jurisdiction over the civil enforcement of the federal campaign finance law. 

Following procedures set forth in the FECA, the Office of General Counsel’s Enforcement Division 

investigates alleged violations of the law, recommends to the Commission appropriate action to take 

with respect to apparent violations and negotiates conciliation agreements, which may include civil 

penalties and other remedies, with respondents or their counsel to resolve the matter. If an 

enforcement matter does not resolve though conciliation during the administrative process, the 

Commission may authorize suit in district court, at which point the matter is transferred to the 

Litigation Division. 

In order to promote compliance with the Act, the Commission devotes significant resources to the 

widespread dissemination of educational materials. The Commission has redoubled its efforts to ensure 

that it uses the most effective and current communication techniques and technologies to disseminate

its educational and compliance information. 

In order to meet these challenges, the FEC must maintain a workforce that is highly qualified to deliver 

the agency’s mission effectively and efficiently. Managing effective human capital requires a strategic 

approach. Therefore, this strategic plan addresses the operational processes, skills and technology, and 

the human capital, information and other resources required to achieve the agency’s objectives.

Administering and enforcing the FECA includes promoting public disclosure of campaign finance 

activity; providing information and policy guidance on the law and Commission regulations;

encouraging voluntary compliance with FECA requirements; and fairly and vigorously enforcing the 

statute through audits, investigations and civil litigation. The Commission believes that this Strategic 

Plan, 2022-2026, provides a robust plan for the agency to meet the challenges ahead in all areas of its 

operations and to succeed in performing its mission.
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

1.0 MISSION STATEMENT

1.1 FY 2022 – 2026 FEC Mission

The mission of the Federal Election Commission is to protect the integrity of the federal campaign 

finance process by providing transparency and fairly enforcing and administering federal campaign 

finance laws.

1.2 Scope of Responsibilities

The FEC is an independent regulatory agency responsible for administering, enforcing, defending 

and interpreting the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

1 The Commission is also responsible for 

administering the federal public funding programs for presidential campaigns. This responsibility 

includes certifying and auditing all participating candidates and committees and enforcing the public 

funding laws. 

To accomplish its legislative mandate, the FEC is directed by six Commissioners, who are appointed 

by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. By law, no more than three Commissioners 

may be members of the same political party. Each member serves a six-year term, and two seats are 

subject to appointment every two years. Commissioners may serve beyond their six-year terms until 

new Commissioners are confirmed. The position of the Commission Chair rotates among the 

members. The Commissioners are responsible for administering and enforcing the Act and meet 

regularly to formulate policy and to vote on significant legal and administrative matters. The Act

requires at least four votes for the Commission to approve certain official actions, thus requiring 

bipartisan decision-making. The FEC has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and does not have any 

regional offices.

Under the Act, all federal political committees, including the committees of presidential, Senate and 

House candidates, must file reports of receipts and disbursements. In an average fiscal year, the FEC 

makes disclosure reports filed by more than 16,000 political committees and other filers, and the 

data contained in them, available to the public through the Commission’s Internet-based public 

disclosure system, as well as in a public records office at the Commission’s Washington, D.C. 

headquarters. The FEC also has exclusive responsibility for civil enforcement of the Act, and has 

litigating authority independent of the Department of Justice in U.S. district court and the courts of 

appeals. Additionally, the Commission promulgates regulations implementing the Act and issues 

advisory opinions responding to inquiries.

1The Commission’s primary responsibilities pertain to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, Public Law 92-225, 86 Stat. 3 (1972) as 

amended (codified at 52 U.S.C. §§ 30101-30145) (the Act or the FECA). The Commission’s responsibilities for the Federal public 

funding programs are contained in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, Public Law 92-178, 85 Stat. 562 (1971) (codified at 26

U.S.C. §§ 9001-13) and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act, Public Law 93-443, 88 Stat. 1297 (1974) (codified at 26

U.S.C. §§ 9031-42).
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

2.0 STRATEGIC GOAL

2.1 FY 2022 – 2026 FEC Strategic Goal

To fairly, efficiently and effectively administer and enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act, promote 

compliance and engage and inform the public about campaign finance data and rules, while 

maintaining a workforce that delivers results.

2.2 Strategic Goal Context

Congress created the FEC to administer and enforce the FECA. The Act reflects Congress’s efforts

to ensure that voters are fully informed of the sources of candidates’ financial support. Public

confidence in the political process depends not only on laws and regulations to ensure transparency, 

but also on the knowledge that those who disregard the campaign finance laws will face 

consequences.

Disclosing the sources and amounts of funds used to finance federal elections is one of the most 

important duties of the FEC. The FEC provides the public with data concerning where candidates 

for federal office derive their financial support. Effective disclosure enables the Commission to 

fulfill its other responsibilities. The FEC relies on a robust IT infrastructure to fulfill the agency’s 

responsibilities, and this infrastructure serves not only the FEC staff, but also the public. While the 

demands on the IT infrastructure peak around federal elections, the demands continue throughout 

the election cycle, just as the filing schedules continue throughout the election cycle. The agency is 

committed to providing accessible and user-friendly information to the public.

Voluntary compliance with the requirements of the FECA is also a focus of the Commission’s 

efforts, and its educational outreach and enforcement programs are both designed to ensure 

compliance with the Act’s limits, prohibitions and disclosure provisions. The FEC maintains a 

robust enforcement program to ensure that the campaign finance laws are swiftly and fairly 

enforced. Because of the large number of political committees and the growing number of

financial disclosure reports filed with the FEC, voluntary compliance is essential to enforcing the

requirements of the Act. Accordingly, the Commission devotes considerable resources to 

encouraging voluntary compliance through educational outreach programs directed to the public,

the press, political committees and state election officials.

2.3 Consultation with Congress / Other Stakeholders

As a first step in drafting the FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, the FEC conducted a comprehensive 

review of its past strategic planning activities and researched sources that could provide insight into 

ways the agency could improve upon these efforts. The Draft Strategic Plan was made available to 

the public for comment on the FEC website, and the FEC provided staff from the agency’s House 

and Senate authorizing committees and Appropriations Subcommittees with the draft and solicited

their feedback on the agency’s proposed goal, objectives and strategies. One response was received 

from the public commenting on the effectiveness of performance metrics under Objective 2, 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

Promote Compliance with the FECA and Related Statutes, and Objective 3, Interpret the FECA 

and Related Statutes, in helping the agency meet its statutory mission.

3.0 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

3.1 FY 2022 – 2026 FEC Strategic Objectives

3.2 Strategic Objective Context

Objective 1:

Engage and Inform the Public 

about Campaign Finance Data

Objective 2:

Promote Compliance with the 

FECA and Related Statutes

Objective 3: 

Interpret the FECA and Related 

Statutes 

Objective 4:

Foster a Culture of High 

Performance

Objective 1: 

Engage and Inform 

the Public about 

Campaign Finance 

Data 

The Federal Election Campaign Act requires accurate and comprehensive public 

disclosure by federal candidates and political committees of all contributions 

and expenditures. In an average fiscal year, the FEC receives campaign 

finance reports, statements and other disclosure documents from more than

16,000 political committees and other filers. In FY 2020, the FEC received

90,605 campaign finance filings. Campaign finance reports filed during the 

year disclosed nearly 244 million financial transactions, which were included 

in the FEC’s campaign finance database. 

During FY 2022-2026 the Commission will facilitate transparency in the 

federal campaign finance system through a state-of-the-art, web-based public 

disclosure system for all campaign finance activity, ensuring that this vast 

quantity of campaign finance data is available to the public quickly and in a 

manner that is easy for the general public to sort and search. In addition to 

ensuring greater access to a larger quantity of campaign finance data, the FEC 

will also promote public engagement, usability and greater understanding of 

campaign finance data through targeted educational and communication 

initiatives. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

Objective 2:

Promote Compliance 

with the FECA and 

Related Statutes

The Commission’s statutory obligation is to administer, interpret and enforce the FECA, 

which serves the compelling governmental interest in deterring corruption and the 

appearance of corruption in financing elections. In doing so, the Commission must 

remain mindful of the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and 

association, and the practical implication of its actions on the political process. 

Public confidence in the political process depends not only on laws and regulations to 

assure transparency and limits and prohibitions on the amounts and sources of 

contributions, but also on the knowledge that those who disregard campaign finance 

regulations will face consequences for non-compliance. In FY 2022-2026, the FEC will 

focus on administering fair, effective and timely enforcement and compliance programs.

Complementing the FEC’s vigorous enforcement and compliance programs are the 

FEC’s increased efforts to promote voluntary compliance. Because of the large and 

rising number of political committees and the ever-growing number of financial 

disclosure reports filed with the FEC, voluntary compliance is essential. Accordingly, the 

Commission will devote significant resources in FY 2022-2026 to encourage voluntary 

compliance through the widespread dissemination of educational materials related to 

campaign finance laws to the public, the press, political committees and to state election 

officials.

Objective 3:

Interpret the FECA 

and Related Statutes

The Commission responds to questions about how the Act applies to specific situations 

by issuing advisory opinions (AOs). In addition, Commission initiatives, Congressional 

action, judicial decisions, petitions for rulemaking or other changes in campaign finance 

law often necessitate that the Commission update or adopt new regulations. 

Consequently, the FEC undertakes rulemakings either to write new Commission 

regulations or revise existing regulations.

The Commission represents itself in litigation before the federal district and circuit courts 

and before the Supreme Court with respect to cases involving publicly financed 

Presidential candidates. It also has primary responsibility for defending the Act and 

Commission regulations against court challenges. In addition, the FECA authorizes the 

Commission to institute a civil action in enforcement matters that cannot be resolved 

through voluntary conciliation.

Objective 4:

Foster a Culture of 

High Performance

The Commission understands that its greatest resource is its employees. Organizational 

performance is also significantly improved when internal management processes are 

efficient and effective. The Commission will take steps outlined in this plan to ensure that 

the agency’s working environment promotes and supports the best efforts of its staff. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

3.3 Strategies for Achieving Strategic Objectives

The strategic objectives described in Section 3.2 represent the FEC’s high-level performance 

commitments for FY 2022-2026. To distill those objectives into actionable next steps, the FEC has 

further enumerated strategic activities to be accomplished by FY 2026. 

The FEC is committed to the successful completion of each strategic activity. The agency identified 

a leader for each activity, and heavily involved those leaders in defining and finalizing the strategic 

activities. Leaders will be required to provide the Commission with a brief on staff’s progress on the 

strategic activities on a quarterly basis. 

Objective 1: Engage and Inform the Public about Campaign Finance Data 

Strategic Activity 1: Evaluate and improve existing procedures to ensure the timely 

processing of reports and disclosure data made available to the public. 

Activity Description: 

The FEC will continue to review its procedures for processing and coding data received in 

campaign finance filings to improve the speed of data processing while maintaining its current 

high level of data accuracy.

Strategic Activity 2: Make improvements to ensure the continued stability and resiliency 

of the campaign finance disclosure database and campaign finance API. 

Activity Description: 

The number of financial transactions reported to the FEC has nearly doubled each election cycle 

for the past several election cycles, resulting in a steep rise in the number of transactions that must 

be received, processed and made available to the public. This increase in reported activity places a 

strain on staff, systems and databases. For example, the number of financial transactions received 

during October 2020 alone was more than what was received during the entire 2016 election cycle. 

The FEC will take steps to ensure it can continue to meet the agency’s disclosure mission in 

future years even as the amount of reported activity continues to rise. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

Objective 2: Promote Compliance with the FECA and Related Statutes 

Strategic Activity 1: Hold instructional conferences, workshops and webinars. 

Activity Description: 

One of the greatest strengths of the FEC’s educational outreach program is that it gives the public 

the opportunity to speak directly with FEC Commissioners and senior staff members who set 

policy for the agency. The FEC will provide conferences and workshops that are comprehensive 

and cost effective for the public.

Strategic Activity 2: Continually engage with FEC customers to identify opportunities to 

improve their experience when interacting with FEC staff, systems and information.

Activity Description: 

Track and measure customer engagement through feedback to identify opportunities for the 

agency to improve customer experience. Tracking feedback on an ongoing basis will help the 

agency to identify trends, draw conclusions and improve customer satisfaction over time.

Strategic Activity 3: Process cases in an efficient and accurate manner through each stage 

of the enforcement and compliance processes. 

Activity Description: 

The Commission’s statutory obligation is to administer, interpret and enforce the FECA, which 

serves the compelling governmental interest in deterring corruption and the appearance of 

corruption in financing elections. In doing so, the Commission must remain mindful of the First 

Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and association, and the practical implication of 

its actions on the political process. To meet its statutory obligation, the FEC strives to process 

cases timely and accurately, while making the best use of the Commission’s limited resources.

Strategic Activity 4: Timely inform committees of potential violations found in reviews of 

reports, providing consistent guidance for corrective actions. 

Activity Description: 

The FEC works to ensure that the campaign finance information disclosed is accurate and 

complete. The Reports Analysis Division (RAD) reviews all reports to track compliance with the 

law and to ensure that the public record provides a full and accurate representation of campaign 

finance activity. If RAD’s review identifies an apparent violation or raises questions about the 

information disclosed on a report, RAD sends a Request for Additional Information (RFAI) to 

the committee, affording the committee an opportunity to take remedial action or correct the 

public record, if necessary. If the committee is able to adequately respond to the items noted in 

the RFAI, it may avoid an enforcement action. If not, and the issue meets RAD’s thresholds (as 

approved by the Commission) for further Commission action, the agency has several tools 

available to it, such as the Audit Program, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program and the 

traditional enforcement program.
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

Objective 3: Interpret the FECA and Related Statutes 

Strategic Activity 1: Give timely and well-written advice to the Commission so that it can 

conduct and complete rulemakings and advisory opinions necessary to clarify the 

requirements of campaign finance laws. 

Activity Description: 

The Policy Division of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) works with Commissioners and 

staff from other divisions throughout the agency to draft various rulemaking documents for 

Commission consideration, such as Notifications of Availability of Petitions for Rulemaking, 

Notices of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs) and Final Rules and Explanations and Justifications. 

NPRMs provide an opportunity for members of the public to review proposed regulations, 

submit written comments to the Commission and testify at public hearings, which are conducted 

at the FEC when appropriate. The Commission considers the comments and testimony and 

deliberates publicly regarding the adoption of the Final Rules and the corresponding Explanations 

and Justifications, which provide the rationale and basis for the new or revised regulations. 

Advisory opinions (AOs) are official Commission responses to questions regarding the application 

of federal campaign finance laws to specific factual situations. The Act generally provides the 

Commission with 60 days to respond to an AO request. For AO requests from candidates in the 

two months leading up to an election, the Act provides the Commission with 20 days to respond 

to the request if the proposed transaction or activity is connected to the candidate’s upcoming 

election. 

Strategic Activity 2: Defend the campaign finance laws and the Commission’s regulations 

against legal challenges. 

Activity Description: 

The Commission has primary responsibility for defending the Act and Commission regulations 

against court challenges. In addition, the FECA authorizes the Commission to institute a civil 

action in enforcement matters that cannot be resolved through voluntary conciliation. The 

Litigation Division of OGC represents the Commission in litigation before the federal district and 

circuit courts and before the Supreme Court with respect to cases involving publicly financed 

Presidential candidates. The Solicitor General represents the Commission before the Supreme 

Court in other cases.
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

Objective 4: Foster a Culture of High Performance 

Strategic Activity 1: Increase recruitment efforts and ensure fair, impartial and inclusive 

hiring, training and promotion opportunities at all levels to attract and maintain a diverse 

and high-performing workforce. 

Activity Description: 

The FEC’s greatest resource is a well-trained and knowledgeable staff. By increasing our outreach 

and recruitment efforts and providing a fair, impartial, inclusive and accessible work environment, 

the FEC can strengthen its diverse workforce of highly performing individuals who offer unique 

perspectives that will improve the organization’s performance.

Strategic Activity 2: Modernize IT systems and applications 

Activity Description: 

The FEC is undertaking a multi-year IT modernization project to reduce overall costs to maintain 

the FEC’s systems and data, improve services provided to the public and better ensure the 

security of the FEC’s networks, systems and data. Ongoing improvements to the eFiling system 

will provide an opportunity to migrate the eFiling data center to a cloud environment, reducing 

costs for the support and maintenance of the legacy eFiling physical data center. Migrating 

additional assets, including legacy applications used by FEC staff to perform their mission, to a 

cloud environment will result in improved efficiency and effectiveness of these systems and 

applications and help control the long-term costs of maintaining these systems and applications. 

Strategic Activity 3: Develop a records management program in compliance with 

Presidential Directive requirements. 

Activity Description: 

The FEC will further develop a records management program in compliance with federal records 

management requirements. The program to preserve and disclose agency activities and decisions 

will increase efficiency and improve performance by eliminating paper and using electronic 

recordkeeping to the fullest extent possible. 

Strategic Activity 4: Implement strategic activities on time and within budget. 

Activity Description: 

The FEC’s focus on disclosure, voluntary compliance and education requires the agency to engage 

in new technological initiatives to increase data access and availability. As these initiatives 

represent a large allocation of the FEC’s financial and human resources, the agency will closely 

monitor project schedules and budgets. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

3.4 Contributing Programs for Strategic Objectives

The Commission’s statutory obligation is to administer, interpret and enforce the Federal Election 

Campaign Act, which serves the compelling governmental interest in deterring corruption and the 

appearance of corruption in financing elections. In doing so, the Commission remains mindful of 

the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and association, and the practical 

implication of its actions on the political process.

The Commission also administers the public funding of Presidential elections, as provided in the 

Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act and the Presidential Primary Matching Account Act. Through the 

public funding program, the Federal Government provides from the Presidential Election Campaign 

Fund: 1) matching funds to candidates seeking their party’s Presidential nomination and 2) grants to 

Presidential nominees for their general election campaigns. The Presidential Election Campaign 

Fund is funded by taxpayers who voluntarily check off the $3 designation for the Fund on their 

income tax returns.

Under the Presidential public funding program, the Commission 1) determines a candidate’s 

eligibility to participate in the program, 2) certifies the amount of public funds to which the 

candidate committee is entitled and 3) conducts a thorough examination and audit of the qualified 

campaign expenses of every recipient of payments under the program.

The FEC’s programs support the Strategic Objectives outlined in this plan, as described below.

➢ Objective 1: Engage and Inform the Public About Campaign Finance Data

Providing a transparent system that timely and accurately discloses the reported sources and 

amounts of funds used to finance federal elections is one of the most important responsibilities 

assigned to the FEC by the FECA. The Commission relies heavily on its information technology 

systems to make financial reports filed by federal political committees easily and readily accessible to 

the general public, the media and academics. The Office of the Chief Information Officer is 

responsible for creating and maintaining a state-of-the-art electronic filing system to collect

financial disclosure reports from federal candidates and political committees, as well as a campaign 

finance disclosure system that presents disclosure data that are easily searched, retrieved and 

understood.

The FEC is also committed to providing support and aid to the public in finding and understanding 

the vast store of data available on the FEC website. The Reports Analysis Division makes financial

disclosure reports available to the public in a timely, efficient and useful manner, and

processes and codes the data contained in campaign finance reports so that the information can be 

accurately organized, categorized and searched in the agency’s databases. The FEC’s Public 

Disclosure and Media Relations Division helps the public find and understand the campaign 

finance disclosure information available on the FEC website, answers media inquiries about 

campaign finance information and provides press releases that compile and disclose political 

fundraising and spending during each election cycle.
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

➢ Objective 2: Promote Compliance with the FECA and Related Statutes

The FEC has developed and implemented a number of programs intended to foster and maintain a 

high level of voluntary compliance. The agency strives to reduce the number of inadvertent 

violations by issuing clear guidance to the public through information and outreach activities, such 

as conferences and webinars, and compliance information available on the FEC website. The FEC

hosts instructional conferences and webinars where Commissioners and staff explain the Act’s

requirements to candidates and political committees. These outreach activities specifically address 

recent changes in the campaign finance law and focus on fundraising, methods of candidate support

and reporting requirements. The agency also maintains online resources to detail developments in 

the campaign finance law and Commission decisions and publishes a series of Campaign Guides 

written in plain language to help political committee representatives comply with the campaign 

finance laws. See https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/. The agency also

maintains its own YouTube channel, which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/FECTube. 

The FEC’s online instructional offerings include specific support for filers and general information 

for members of the public interested in learning more about the campaign finance process. Staff in 

the Information Division, Public Disclosure and Media Relations Division, Office of Legislative and 

Intergovernmental Affairs and Reports Analysis Division (RAD) are also available by phone or via 

email to answer general questions about campaign finance requirements, questions about campaign 

finance data and inquiries about filing requirements and procedures. Filers can obtain the name and 

contact information of their assigned Campaign Finance Analyst through the “Campaign Finance 

Analyst look up” feature on the FEC website.

In addition to its programs designed to encourage voluntary compliance, the FEC maintains a 

robust program to ensure that the campaign finance laws are swiftly and fairly enforced. The FEC 

has exclusive jurisdiction over the civil enforcement of federal campaign finance laws. In exercising 

that authority, the Commission uses a variety of methods to uncover possible campaign finance 

violations. RAD reviews campaign finance reports to track compliance with the law and to ensure 

that the public record provides a full and accurate representation of campaign finance activity. If 

RAD’s review identifies an apparent violation or raises questions about the information disclosed on 

a report, RAD sends a Request for Additional Information (RFAI) to the committee, affording the 

committee an opportunity to take remedial action or correct the public record, if necessary. The 

FEC’s Audit Division conducts audits of any committees that, according to internal thresholds

approved by the Commission, have not substantially complied with the law. As required by the 

public funding statutes, the FEC also audits all Presidential campaigns that receive public funds. 

Audit Reports and related documents are located at https://www.fec.gov/legalresources/enforcement/audit-reports/.

Instances of noncompliance may lead to an FEC enforcement case, or Matter Under Review 

(MUR). The Enforcement Division of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) handle MURs through 

the FEC’s traditional enforcement program pursuant to the procedures set forth in the FECA. In 

some cases, respondents may be given the opportunity to participate in the Commission’s 

Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, which seeks to resolve less complex matters more swiftly 

by encouraging settlement using a streamlined process that focuses on remedial measures for 

candidates, political committees and other entities. Normally, violations involving the late 

submission of FEC reports or failure to file reports are subject to the Administrative Fine Program. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

➢ Objective 3: Interpret the FECA and Related Statutes

Commission initiatives, Congressional action, judicial decisions, petitions for rulemaking or other 

changes in campaign finance law may necessitate that the Commission update or adopt new 

regulations or provide other guidance. 

The FEC undertakes rulemakings either to write new regulations or revise existing regulations. The 

Policy Division of OGC drafts various rulemaking documents for Commission consideration, such 

as Notifications of Availability of Petitions for Rulemaking, Notices of Proposed Rulemakings 

(NPRMs), and Final Rules and Explanations and Justifications. NPRMs provide an opportunity for 

members of the public to review proposed regulations, submit written comments to the 

Commission and testify at public hearings, which are conducted at the FEC, when appropriate. The 

Commission considers the comments and testimony and deliberates publicly regarding the adoption 

of the Final Rules and the corresponding Explanations and Justifications, which provide the 

rationale and basis for the new or revised regulations. The Policy Division also drafts for 

Commission approval advisory opinions (AOs), which are official Commission responses to 

questions regarding the application of federal campaign finance law to specific factual situations. The 

Act generally provides the Commission with 60 days to respond to an AO request. For AO requests 

from candidates in the two months leading up to an election, the Act provides the Commission with 

20 days to respond to the request if the proposed transaction or activity is connected to the 

candidate’s upcoming election.

Through OGC’s Litigation Division, the Commission represents itself in litigation before the federal 

district and circuit courts and before the Supreme Court with respect to cases involving publicly 

financed Presidential candidates. At the direction of the Commission, staff from the Litigation 

Division also defend the Act and Commission regulations against court challenges. In addition, the 

FECA authorizes the Commission to institute civil actions in enforcement matters that cannot be 

resolved through voluntary conciliation. 

➢ Objective 4: Foster a Culture of High Performance

The Commission recognizes that its greatest asset is a diverse, inclusive and engaged workforce that 

supports the accomplishment of its mission. All FEC staff members must collaborate across offices 

and divisions in order to deliver mission results and ensure the agency maintains the most efficient 

and effective management processes.

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) plays a critical role in helping the Commission meet its 

mission and strategic performance goals by providing HR programs and systems that must succeed 

in identifying, attracting, developing, managing and retaining a high-quality and diverse workforce 

capable of accomplishing the agency’s mission. OHR is responsible for implementing the FEC’s 

performance appraisal system.

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) promotes the establishment of a workplace 

environment free from harassment and discrimination by monitoring and analyzing the 

Commission’s personnel policies, practices and procedures; identifying barriers to the recruitment 

and advancement of special emphasis group members; offering EEO Counseling or ADR services; 

processing informal and formal allegations of discrimination; and providing staff education and 

targeted training programs.
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

The Administrative Services Division (ASD) has overall responsibility for physical security and 

safety, facility management and maintenance, property and inventory management, fleet vehicle 

management and mail center services. In addition, the ASD provides centralized services integral to 

ensuring that the FEC functions efficiently, including copy services, facsimile and duplication 

equipment, courier and transportation services and furniture and conference room management. 

The ASD assists with government travel cards, records management and document reproduction. 

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer produces timely, accurate and useful financial information, 

essential for making day-to-day decisions and managing the agency’s operations more efficiently and 

effectively. This office is responsible for fully complying with all financial management laws and

standards, and all aspects of budget formulation, execution and procurement.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) plans for, develops and maintains an

integrated system of hardware and software, including its cloud infrastructure. It helps support the 

Commission’s responsibility for providing public disclosure by aiding in the data analysis of all

campaign finance reports. It maintains the agency’s databases and IT systems in direct support of 

the FEC’s transparency objective, other aspects of the FEC mission and non-mission related data.

The OCIO secures the Commission’s IT infrastructure against the ever-present threats of data

misuse, destruction or inappropriate disclosures, while ensuring continuity of operations in the event

of a disaster. The Commission continually takes aggressive actions to secure its IT infrastructure,

including implementing cybersecurity directives from the Department of Homeland Security as well 

as holding a mandatory security awareness training program for its employees and contractors. In

addition, the FEC must continue to develop strategies and initiatives relating to risk assessments

of operations, disaster recovery and continuity of operations in the event of a disaster.

The Office of the Commission Secretary (OCS) is responsible for a broad range of functions that 

relate to the official operations of the Commission. The OCS serves as the central repository and 

official custodian for all Commission documents and as a distribution point for the circulation of 

materials to the Commission. The OCS prepares certifications for all Commission votes. The OCS 

handles all administrative matters for Commission meetings and hearings. As such, OCS coordinates 

closely with other Commission staff to ensure that material is distributed timely and accurately. The 

Commission’s Secretary and Clerk is the official archival and reference authority and manager of the 

FEC’s Records Management Program. 

3.5 External Factors Affecting Strategic Objectives

This Strategic Plan includes an assessment of significant external factors that may influence the 

agency’s success in achieving its goal and objectives. Despite these political, economic, technological 

and legal factors, the FEC is committed to successfully administering the FECA.

In this examination of external factors, the agency considered a broad range of possible events, 

including the possibility for significant or substantial changes to the FECA that could change the 

nature of the FEC’s work; continued and accelerated changes in technology that could require 

additional skills, training and expertise among FEC staff; and information technology developments 

that could require the FEC to significantly change the methods it uses to make campaign finance 

information available to the public. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

FEC operations are influenced by a variety of external factors. Some of the most critical of these are:

• Significant and substantive amendments to the FECA and significant judicial opinions 

construing the FECA, the Commission’s regulations or other final actions taken by the 

Commission.

• The nomination and Senate confirmation of FEC Commissioners.

• Significant changes in the level of competition in federal election campaigns, the volume and 

intensity of fundraising and technological developments that significantly alter the way 

campaign funds are raised and spent, as well as increased public demand for the data.

• The number of candidates who run for federal office, the number of filers involved in the 

election cycle, the amount of activity reported to the Commission and the number of 

presidential candidates who participate in the presidential public funding program, and their 

level of financial activity. (Although the number of elections for federal office held in any 

election cycle is fixed, various factors, such as the number of open-seat races, can affect the 

number of candidates running for those seats.)

• Technological developments related to communications and data storage and retrieval that 

require the FEC to significantly change or upgrade its disclosure systems.

• Unfunded mandates and insufficient resources affecting core mission activities.

• Changes to government-wide human capital requirements or other operating requirements 

that could require significant changes by the FEC.

• New financial reporting standards and information technology requirements.

These and other unanticipated events can influence the amount of money and specific types of 

activity to be regulated by the FEC each election cycle. FEC workloads are driven by such factors as 

the number of reports filed and transactions to be processed, the volume of requests for 

information, data and assistance, the number of advisory opinion requests submitted and the 

number of complaints filed with the Commission. 
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

4.0 PERFORMANCE GOALS

4.1 FY 2022 – 2026 FEC Performance Goals

Objective 1: Engage and Inform the Public about Campaign Finance Data

Performance Goal Description

Improve the public’s access to 

information about how campaign 

funds are raised and spent.

After campaign finance disclosure reports are imaged for 

disclosure purposes, the information is coded and entered 

into the FEC’s database for review to assess accuracy and 

ensure complete disclosure of campaign finance information. 

This metric evaluates the timeliness of the coding and entry 

process.

Objective 2: Promote Compliance with FECA and Related Statutes

Performance Goal 1 Description

Encourage voluntary compliance 

with FECA requirements through 

educational outreach and 

information.

The FEC hosts conferences and webinars where 

Commissioners and staff explain how the FECA applies to 

candidates, parties and political action committees. These 

outreach programs address recent changes in the law and 

focus on fundraising, methods of candidate support and 

reporting requirements. This metric evaluates customer 

satisfaction with these efforts.

Performance Goal 2 Description

Seek adherence to FECA

requirements through fair, effective

and timely enforcement and 

compliance programs.

The FEC has formed strategies for ensuring that its 

enforcement and compliance programs are fair, effective and 

timely. This metric evaluates the timeliness of the resolution 

of enforcement matters.
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FEC Strategic Plan FY 2022 – 2026 

Objective 3: Interpret the FECA and Related Statutes

Performance Goal Description

Provide timely legal guidance to the 

public.

The FEC undertakes rulemakings either to write new 

Commission regulations or revise existing regulations. The 

Commission also provides guidance on how the FECA

applies to specific situations through the advisory opinion 

process and represents itself in most litigation before the 

Federal district and appellate courts. This metric evaluates the 

FEC’s success in meeting statutory and court-ordered 

deadlines.

Objective 4: Foster a Culture of High Performance

Performance Goal Description

Foster a workforce that delivers

results.

The Commission sets quarterly performance goals across a 

range of mission-critical activities. This metric evaluates

staffs’ success in meeting internal performance goals.