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Food Safety and Inspection Service

FY 2014 Annual Performance Plan
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Messagefrom the

Administrator

I AM PROUD to present the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) FY 2014 

Annual Performance Plan (APP). This is our third APP under the FSIS FY 2011-16 

Strategic Plan. 

FSIS is the public health regulatory agency responsible for the safety of the U.S. 

meat, poultry, and processed egg products supply. For over a century, the 

Agency and its employees have helped to ensure that America’s food is safe from 

contamination. The vital services of FSIS have and continue to touch the lives of 

almost every citizen, every day in America. FSIS is accountable for protecting 

food for over 300 million American people and millions more around the world.

This APP provides the American public and FSIS employees with a clear list of 

Agency priorities and a detailed roadmap of the steps we intend to take this year 

to achieve our mission. The document outlines an operational plan that I intend 

to use to steer the Agency in the coming months, as we work to prevent 

foodborne illness and protect public health. 

Importantly, this Plan also serves as a link between the FSIS FY 2011-16 Strategic 

Plan and FSIS senior manager’s individual performance standards. It provides 

managers and stakeholders with a wide range of Agency actions and activities 

designed to achieve the Agency’s key results. Doing so will move the Agency 

closer to realizing the goals set out in its Strategic Plan.

This APP is divided into two main sections. The first section showcases the range 

of FSIS work as it applies to the eight FSIS Strategic Plan goals. FSIS Program Area

top ‘results’ are presented by each of the Strategic Plan goals. Readers can 

see how Agency activities contribute to the many functions of food processing and distribution; the inspection 

of domestic product, imports and exports; conducting risk assessments; and educating the public among other 

activities. The second section of the APP presents ‘key’ results that each individual FSIS Program Area is 

working toward achieving in FY 2014 and corresponding actions that they expect to undertake. 

This FY 2014 APP reveals that the Agency is working across a wide range of issues to continuously improve its 

ability to protect consumers from harm. We are one team, with only one purpose. And that is to protect public 

health. 

Alfred Almanza

Administrator

Alfred V. Almanza was appointed as the 

Administrator of the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection 

Service on May 6, 2010. In this position, he 

leads FSIS and its employees in their 

mission of protecting public health through 

food safety and food defense.
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Contents

Part I: Key Program Area Results to be Achieved by the End of FY 2014 

Presented by FSIS FY 2011-16 Strategic Plan Goal

Goal 1 Ensure that Food Safety Inspection Aligns with Existing and Emerging Risks 6 

Goal 2 Maximize Domestic and International Compliance with Food Safety Policies 7 

Goal 3 Enhance Public Education and Outreach to Improve Food-Handling Practices 8 

Goal 4 Strengthen Collaboration Among Internal and External Stakeholders to Prevent 

Foodborne Illness 9 

Goal 5 Effectively Use Science to Understand Foodborne Illness and Emerging Trends 10 

Goal 6 Implement Effective Policies to Respond to Existing and Emerging Risks 11 

Goal 7 Empower Employees with the Training, Resources, and Tools to Enable Success 

 in Protecting Public Health 12 

Goal 8 Based on the Defined Agency Business Needs, Develop, Maintain, and Use 

Innovative Methodologies, Processes, and Tools, including PHIS, to Protect Public 

Health Efficiently and Effectively to Support Defined Public Health Needs and Goals 13 

Part II: Key Program Area Results to be Achieved and Actions Undertaken 

by the End of FY 2014 Presented by Individual Program Area

 Civil Rights Staff (CRS) 15

 Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) 18

 Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) 21

 Office of Data Integration and Food Protection (ODIFP) 24

 Office of Field Operations (OFO) 27

 Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA) 31

 Office of Management (OM) 33

 Office of Outreach, Employment, Education and Training (OOEET) 39

 Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE) 42

 Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) 45

 Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD) 49 

 U.S. Codex Office (CODEX) 53

 U C
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Part One

Key Program Area 

Results to be Achieved 

by the End of FY 2014 

Presented by FSIS FY 2011-16 Strategic Plan Goal

 
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FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE

FY 2014 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN

STRATEGIC THEME

Prevent Foodborne Illness

Goal 1: Ensure that Food Safety 

Inspection Aligns with Existing and 

Emerging Risks

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 1.1 PHIS

Minimize existing and 

emerging food safety 

hazards through the

most effective means 

 Pathogens

Outcome 1.2 Inspections

Resources are targeted

to existing and emerging risks

 

Data 

Outcome 1.3 

Surveillance, 

investigation, and

enforcement are 

effectively implemented 

across the Farm-to-Table

Continuum

• THE FRAMEWORK APPLICATION DESCRIBED IN Data Driven Inspection for Processing and 

Slaughter Establishments--Public Health Decision Criteria, September 2010, AS WELL AS THE 

“EQUAL TO” STATE, FOREIGN EQUVIALENCE ITDS CBP INTERFACE, INDUSTRY CORPORATE 

REPORTING, AND EXPORT CERTIFICATION MODULES WILL BE FULLY-IMPLEMENTED IN THE 

FSIS’ PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM (PHIS) BY THE END OF FY2014 (OIEA Result 1).

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY THE PHIS EXPORT MODULE (OCIO Result 2). 

• TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO SALMONELLA IN POULTRY, PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 

30, 2014, FSIS WILL COMPLETE BOTH THE HAZARD ANALYSIS VERIFICATION (HAV) AND 

FOOD SAFETY ASSESMENTS (FSA) PROCEDURES ASSOCIATED WITH RAW COMMINUTED 

POULTRY IN AT LEAST 75 % OF ALL ELIGIBLE SLAUGHTER/PROCESSING OPERATIONS AND IN 

AT LEAST 25 % OF ALL ELIGIBLE PROCESSING OPERATIONS 

(OFO Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE HAZARDS AND RISKS 

ASSOCIATED WITH FSIS REGULATED COMMODITIES, SO THAT, AS A RESULT OF THAT 

IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING, THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE CHANGES TO 

REDUCE CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO FOODBORNE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH FSISREGULATED COMMODITY (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL ADDRESS MAJOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALMONELLA, AND ON THE BASIS

OF THE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS, THE AGENCY WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO TAKE 

ACTIONS THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN ATTRIBUTABLE 

TO FSIS REGULATED PRODUCTS (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COLLABORATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES ON FOODBORNE ILLNESS ATTRIBUTION 

AND OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (ODIFP Result 2).

• FSIS’ OFFICE OF INSPECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND AUDIT (OIEA) WILL CONTRIBUTE TO 

ACHIEVING THE CORPORATE TARGET OF A MAXIMUM OF 384,362 ILLNESSES ATTRIBUTED 

TO Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli 0157H:7 THROUGH ITS SURVEILLANCE, 

INVESTIGATIVE, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO MEAT, POULTRY AND 

PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED, TRANSPORTED, STORED, AND OTHERWISE 

HANDLED IN COMMERCE (OIEA Result 2).

• FSIS WILL WORK TO REDUCE ILLNESSES IN RAW GROUND BEEF AND OTHER PRODUCTS 

BY UNDERTAKING REVIEWS OF FSIS TEST RESULTS AND INSTRUCTIONS AND IN NOTICES

AND DIRECTIVES. SPECIFICALLY, FSIS WILL ASSESS WHETHER ITS VERIFICATION 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-O157 STEC AND O157 ARE BEING EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED 

AND MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES BASED ON THE REVIEWS. (OPPD Result 2).

• FSIS WILL FOCUS ITS REGULATION DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ON (i) MODERNIZING 

POULTRY AND BEEF SLAUGHTER OPERATIONS, (ii) REDUCING ADULTERANTS IN FSIS

PRODUCT, AND (iii) REDUCING E.COLI O157:H7 and LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND 

STRENGTHENING VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES RELATED TO IMPORTED PRODUCT 

(OPPD Result 3).

• FSIS WILL INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY AND ANALYSIS OF ITS DATA, INCLUDING PHIS DATA, 

FOR AGENCY DECISION MAKING (ODIFP Result 3).

• 85% OF FSIS’ OIEA SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES WILL FOCUS ON ENSURING THAT THE HIGHEST 

RISK FACILITIES OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT MAINTAINS THE SAFETY OF THE PRODUCTS 

THAT THE FACILITIES RECEIVE, AND THAT PROTECTS THOSE PRODUCTS FROM INTENTIONAL 

CONTAMINATION (OIEA Result 3).

• FSIS’ OIEA FOLLOW-UP TO SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITY WILL PRODUCE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL 

FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SUCH THAT 83% OF FOOD SAFETY VIOLATIONS 

DOCUMENTED DURING INITIAL SURVEILLANCES ARE CORRECTED BEFORE FOLLOW-UP 

(OIEA Result 4).
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Goal 2: Maximize Domestic and 

International Compliance with 

Food Safety Policies

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreignproduced products 

meet food safety

performance standards

Outcome 2.2 

Humane handling and

slaughter practices are a

Central focus of 

Establishment employees as 

evidenced by the awareness

of proper procedures and

the implementation of a 

systematic approach to 

humane handling

Outcome 2.3 

Food protection and 

handling systems 

ensure protection 

against intentional 

contamination

• FSIS WILL ADDRESS THREE MAJOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALMONELLA, AND ON THE 

BASIS OF THE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS, THE AGENCY WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO 

TAKE ACTIONS THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED PRODUCTS (OPPD Result 1).

• U.S. CODEX OFFICE SUCCESSFULLY SERVES AS SECRETARIAT FOR THREE CODEX COMMITTEES 

AND ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS HOSTED BY THE UNITED STATES IN 

ACHIEVEMENT OF THE [SPECIFIED] ACTIONS. THOSE COMMITTEES ARE: FOOD HYGIENE, 

PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, RESIDUES OF VETERINARY DRUGS IN FOODS 

(CODEX Result 2). 

• TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO CAMPYLOBACTER AND SALMONELLA IN POULTRY, 

PRIOR TO DECEMBER 31, 2013, WORKING WITH THE OFFICE OF DATA INTEGRATION AND 

FOOD PROTECTION (ODIFP), THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCE (OPHS), AND THE 

OFFICE OF POLICY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (OPPD), THE OFFICE OF FIELD 

OPERATIONS (OFO) WILL PROVIDE A LETTER TO AT LEAST 90 % OF ALL ELIGIBLE POULTRY 

SLAUGHTER ESTABLISHMENTS DESIGNATING THEIR CATEGORY STATUS FOR CONTROL OF 

BOTH CAMPYLOBACTER AND SALMONELLA IN CARCASSES, ALONG WITH OTHER RELEVANT 

PUBLIC HEALTH-IMPACTING INFORMATION, AND BY SEPTEMBER 31, 2014, IMPLEMENT 

STRATEGIES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN CATEGORY 1 

(OFO Result 2).

• FSIS WILL INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY AND ANALYSIS OF ITS DATA, INCLUDING PHIS DATA, 

FOR AGENCY DECISION MAKING (ODIFP Result 3).

• TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO PATHOGENS OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN, 

WITHIN 5 WORKING DAYS OF IDENTIFICATION OF A NON-COMPLIANCE TREND FOR FOOD 

SAFETY VIOLATIONS, FSIS WILL INITIATE SPECIAL CONTACT WITH FOOD EXPORTING 

COUNTRIES IN ORDER TO TIMELY FOCUS ON THE STATUS OF EQUIVALENCE (OFO Result 3).

• OFO WILL ENSURE ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASINGLY UTILIZE A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO 

HUMANE HANDLING TO MEET STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLING AND 

SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK (OFO Result 5).

• FSIS WILL INCREASE AWARENESS AND VOLUNTARY ADOPTION OF FOOD DEFENSE 

PROGRAMS BY INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT, DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL 

(ODIFP Result 1).

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY THE PHIS EXPORT MODULE (OCIO Result 2).

• FSIS’ OIEA THROUGH AUDITING FOREIGN GOVERNMENT MEAT AND POULTRY SAFETY 

SYSTEMS, EITHER ON-SITE OR BY USE OF SRT, AND STATE MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION 

SYSTEMS WILL VERIFY THE EQUIVALENCE OF THESE SYSTEMS TO THAT OF FSIS 

(OIEA Result 5).

• FSIS’S OIEA WILL TAKE STEPS TO VERIFY AND ENSURE THAT 91% OF TIER 1 & 2 INCOMMERCE FACILITIES HAVE IMPLEMENTED FOOD DEFENSE PRACTICES (OIEA Result 6).

 
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Goal 3: Enhance Public Education 

and Outreach to Improve FoodHandling Practices

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 3.1

Consumers, including 

vulnerable and 

underserved 

populations, adopt 

food safety best practices

Outcome 3.2 

Consumers have 

effective tools and 

information to keep “inhome” food safe

• FSIS WILL EDUCATE AND PROMOTE CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE 

FOUR KEY FOOD SAFETY BEST PRACTICES AND THERMOMETER USE TO PROACTIVELY 

INFLUENCE CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CHANGE (OPACE Result 1).

• FSIS WILL UTILIZE ITS WEBSITE’S MOBILE ABILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS TO 

SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS TO THE AGENCY’S CUSTOMERS (OPACE Result 2). 

• FSIS WILL FULLY EXPLORE ENHANCING THE SAFE FOOD HANDLING LABEL ON MEAT AND 

POULTRY PRODUCTS PACKAGED FOR CONSUMERS (OPACE RESULT 3).

 
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Goal 4: Strengthen Collaboration 

Among Internal and External 

Stakeholders to Prevent 

Foodborne Illness

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes 

relationships with 

public health and food 

safety partners to 

enhance the food 

safety system

• FSIS/U.S. CODEX OFFICE WILL PROMOTE THE ADOPTION BY THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS 

COMMISSION OF VOLUNTARY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, CODES OF HYGIENIC 

PRACTICE, AND OTHER GUIDELINES THAT ALIGN WITH U.S. FOOD SAFETY GOALS, PUBLIC 

HEALTH REGULATIONS, AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE GOALS (Codex Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COLLABORATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES ON FOODBORNE ILLNESS ATTRIBUTION 

AND OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (ODIFP Result 2).

• FSIS WILL WORK TO REDUCE ILLNESSES IN RAW GROUND BEEF AND OTHER PRODUCTS 

BY UNDERTAKING REVIEWS OF FSIS TEST RESULTS AND INSTRUCTIONS AND IN NOTICES

AND DIRECTIVES. SPECIFICALLY, FSIS WILL ASSESS WHETHER ITS VERIFICATION 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-O157 STEC AND O157 ARE BEING EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED 

AND MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES BASED ON THE REVIEWS. (OPPD Result 2).

• FSIS WILL WORK TO REDUCE ILLNESSES IN RAW GROUND BEEF AND OTHER PRODUCTS 

FSIS WILL IMPROVE ITS INFORMATION SHARING WITH SMALL AND VERY SMALL 

ESTABLISHMENTS (OOEET Result 3).

• FSIS WILL ADVANCE THE COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT PROGRAM BY 

SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCING INFORMATION SHARING WITH STATE MEAT AND POULTRY 

INSPECTION (MPI) PROGRAMS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM (OOEET Result 4).

• INFORMATION SHARING WITH STATE MPI PROGRAMS, HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL 

CONTROL POINT (HACCP) CONTACTS AND COORDINATORS, AND OTHER PARTNERS WILL BE 

SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED THROUGH NOVEL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, WHILE 

REDUCING TRAVEL AND OVERHEAD (OOEET Result 5).

 
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STRATEGIC THEME

Understand and Influence 

the Farm-to-Table 

Continuum

Goal 5: Effectively Use Science to 

Understand Foodborne Illness 

and Emerging Trends

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually 

improves its capacity 

for and use of cuttingedge science in policy 

development to better 

defend against public 

health risks

Outcome 5.2 

FSIS increases the 

application of cuttingedge science across the 

Farm-to-Table supply 

chain to improve public

health

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE HAZARDS AND RISKS 

ASSOCIATED WITH FSIS REGULATED COMMODITIES, SO THAT, AS A RESULT OF THAT 

IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING, THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE CHANGES TO 

REDUCE CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO FOODBORNE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH FSISREGULATED COMMODITY (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL ADDRESS THREE MAJOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALMONELLA, AND ON THE 

BASIS OF THE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS, THE AGENCY WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO 

TAKE ACTIONS THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED PRODUCTS (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL WORK TO REDUCE ILLNESSES IN RAW GROUND BEEF AND OTHER PRODUCTS 

BY UNDERTAKING REVIEWS OF FSIS TEST RESULTS AND INSTRUCTIONS AND IN NOTICES

AND DIRECTIVES. SPECIFICALLY, FSIS WILL ASSESS WHETHER ITS VERIFICATION 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-O157 STEC AND O157 ARE BEING EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED 

AND MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES BASED ON THE REVIEWS. (OPPD Result 2).

• U.S. CODEX OFFICE WILL SUPPORT USDA/FSIS MISSION GOALS BY PROMOTING 

INTERNATIONAL FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS FOR MAXIMIZING INTERNATIONAL 

COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD SAFETY POLICIES AND STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION 

AMONG EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS TO PREVENT FOODBORNE ILLNESS (CODEX Result 3). 

• FSIS WILL IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF EMERGING ISSUES FROM FARM-TO-TABLE, SO 

THAT THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE INSTITUTE CHANGES THAT WILL REDUCE, ELIMINATE OR 

PREVENT CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO NEW FOODBORNE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH MEAT, 

POULTRY, AND PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS (OPHS Result 2).

• FSIS WILL REFINE AND DEVELOP TOOLS TO BETTER ANALYZE THE IMPACT OF AGENCY 

POLICY ON PUBLIC HEALTH, INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE MODELING AND ANALYSIS TOOLS 

AND NEW LABORATORY METHODS, TO MEASURE HOW FSIS POLICIES IMPROVE THE SAFETY 

OF REGULATED COMMODITIES 

(OPHS Result 3).

 
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Goal 6: Implement Effective 

Policies to Respond to Existing 

and Emerging Risks

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are 

mitigated through 

effective strategies 

based on the best 

available information

• FSIS WILL ADDRESS THREE MAJOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALMONELLA, AND ON THE

BASIS OF THE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS, THE AGENCY WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO 

TAKE ACTIONS THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED PRODUCTS (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL WORK TO REDUCE ILLNESSES IN RAW GROUND BEEF AND OTHER PRODUCTS 

BY UNDERTAKING REVIEWS OF FSIS TEST RESULTS AND INSTRUCTIONS AND IN NOTICES

AND DIRECTIVES. SPECIFICALLY, FSIS WILL ASSESS WHETHER ITS VERIFICATION 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-O157 STEC AND O157 ARE BEING EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED 

AND MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES BASED ON THE REVIEWS. (OPPD Result 2).

FSIS WILL INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY AND ANALYSIS OF ITS DATA, INCLUDING PHIS DATA, 

FOR AGENCY DECISION MAKING (ODIFP Result 3).

• FSIS WILL FOCUS ITS REGULATION DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ON (i) MODERNIZING 

POULTRY AND BEEF SLAUGHTER OPERATIONS, (ii) REDUCING ADULTERANTS IN FSIS

PRODUCT, AND (iii) REDUCING E.COLI O157:H7 and LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND 

STRENGTHENING VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES RELATED TO IMPORTED PRODUCT 

(OPPD Result 3).

• TO REDUCE EXPOSE OF THE PUBLIC TO CHEMICAL HAZARDS, FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT 

STRATEGIES TO BRING ABOUT GREATER COMPLIANCE BY ESTABLISHMENTS WITH 

CONTROLS FOR CHEMICAL FOOD SAFETY HAZARDS, INCLUDING ALLERGENS AND DRUG 

RESIDUES (OFO Result 4).

 
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STRATEGIC THEME

Empower People and 

Strengthen Infrastructure

Goal 7: Empower Employees with 

the Training, Resources, and 

Tools to Enable Success in 

Protecting Public Health

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 7.1

Each employee 

understands how he/she 

impacts public health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the 

knowledge, tools, and 

resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, 

engaged, highperforming, and 

satisfied workforce

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT THE SECRETARY’S INITIATIVE FOR THE 

ADMINISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS PROJECT TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS 

ACROSS THE DEPARTMENT. THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE AGENCY’S 

DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL SERVICE CENTER FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (OM Result 1). 

• FSIS WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN THE CONNECTION OF FIELD EMPLOYEES WITH THE 

AGENCY'S MISSION TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH, INCLUDING USE OF THE 'ONE TEAM, ONE 

PURPOSE' CAMPAIGN (OPACE Result 4).

• FSIS WILL CONTINUE TO ENHANCE ITS CURRENT EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO), 

CIVIL RIGHTS, AND DIVERSITY TRAINING PROGRAM TO ENSURE THAT IT PROVIDES TIMELY, 

EFFECTIVE, AND QUALITY LEARNING EXPERIENCES (CRS Result 1).

• SPEARHEAD THE PROMOTION OF EFFICIENT SPENDING ACROSS FSIS THROUGH INCREASED 

TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ONGOING COST-CUTTING MEASURES

(OCFO Result 1).

• FSIS WILL DEVELOP A COMPETENCY MODEL TO SUPPORT MISSION CRITICAL OCCUPATIONS 

(MCOs) (OOEET Result 1).

• BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 OCFO WILL DEVELOP WITHIN THE PROGRAM EVALUATION AND 

IMPROVEMENT STAFF (PEIS) A ROBUST EVALUATION AGENDA, METHODOLOGY, AND 

SUFFICIENT STAFFING AND EXPERTISE TO DELIVER ONE MAJOR AND TWO MINOR 

PROGRAM EVALUATIONS (OCFO Result 2). 

• FSIS WILL STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SCIENTIFIC, AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OF THE 

WORKFORCE (OOEET Result 2).

• IMPLEMENT TWO KEY ACTIONS THAT WILL IMPROVE FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND MORE 

EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES ACROSS THE AGENCY: IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AND 

APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ROLL-OUT EMPLOYEE 

ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE AGENCY PERFORMANCE

(OCFO Result 3).

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY NECESSARY FIELD CONNECTIVITY TO RELIEF, PATROL AND HIGH-VOLUME 

ASSIGNMENTS USING INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES, TECHNOLOGIES, AND PARTNERSHIPS.

(OCIO Result 3).

• FSIS WILL MEET THE GOALS OF THE FEDERAL SPECIAL CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE 

PROJECT, ONE OF THE PRESIDENT’S TOP 14 PRIORITY CROSS-AGENCY PERFORMANCE 

GOALS (OCIO Result 4).

• FSIS WILL PROMOTE THE SIX ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS THAT ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A 

MODEL EEO PROGRAM (CRS Result 2).

• FSIS WILL REDUCE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES AS A RESULT OF ESTABLISHING THE FSIS HEALTH 

AND SAFETY COMMITTEE. THIS GROUP WILL ANALYZE PROBLEMS, RECOMMEND 

SOLUTIONS, AND IMPLEMENT NEW IDEAS FOR INCREASING EMPLOYEE SAFETY IN THE 

WORKPLACE (OM Result 2).

• FSIS WILL MARKET THE MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM TO THE FSIS 

WORKFORCE TO FACILITATE EARLY, EFFECTIVE, AND EFFICIENT RESOLUTION OF WORKPLACE 

DISPUTES AND EEO COMPLAINTS (CRS Result 3).

• FSIS WILL ACCOMPLISH MISSION WORK BY EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTING PROGRAM 

REQUIREMENTS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING AND 

HIRING REFORM (OM Result 3).

• FSIS WILL ADVANCE THE CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVE BY CONTINUOUSLY 

FACILITATING A COOPERATIVE, RESPECTFUL, AND COMMUNICATIVE WORKPLACE IN WHICH 

EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED, ARE FULLY DEVELOPED AND UTILIZED, AND KNOWLEDGABLY 

CONTRIBUTE TO AGENCY SUCCESS (OM Result 4).

• BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 FSIS WILL CLOSE-OUT ALL RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE 2013 

AUDITS OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND PROCUREMENT BY THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL 

MANAGEMENT (OPM) , RURAL DEVELOPMENT (PRE-AUDIT), AND PRICE WATERHOUSE 

COOPER AUDIT (OM Result 5).
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Goal 8: Based on the Defined 

Agency Business Needs, Develop, 

Maintain, and Use Innovative 

Methodologies, Processes, and 

Tools, including PHIS, to Protect 

Public Health Efficiently and 

Effectively and to Support 

Defined Public Health Needs and 

Goals

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate 

and seek to understand 

and employ new or 

innovative missionsupporting processes, 

methodologies, and 

technologies

Outcome 8.2 

Implement value-added 

business processes, 

methodologies, or 

technologies that 

contribute to serving the 

FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate 

areas within FSIS

• FSIS WILL INCREASE BY 10% ABOVE THE FY 2013 BASELINE THE NUMBER OF INNOVATIVE 

INITIATIVES FOR WHICH: (A) A BASELINE IS ESTABLISHED, (B) THERE IS AN EVALUATION 

ONCE THE INITIATIVE IS DEPLOYED, AND (C) THERE IS AN ASSESSMENT AS TO WHETHER 

THEY MEET THEIR INTENDED OUTCOMES TO SUPPORT CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

(OCIO Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE HAZARDS AND RISKS 

ASSOCIATED WITH FSIS REGULATED COMMODITIES, SO THAT, AS A RESULT OF THAT 

IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING, THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE CHANGES TO 

REDUCE CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO FOODBORNE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH FSISREGULATED COMMODITY. OPHS WILL ALSO PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT FOR OTHER FSIS 

STRATEGIC GOALS (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY THE PHIS EXPORT MODULE (OCIO Result 2). 

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY NECESSARY FIELD CONNECTIVITY TO RELIEF, PATROL AND HIGH-VOLUME 

ASSIGNMENTS USING INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES, TECHNOLOGIES AND PARTNERSHIPS.

(OCIO Result 3).
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Part Two

Key Program Area 

Results to be Achieved 

and Actions Undertaken 

by the End of FY 2014 

Presented by Individual Program Area

 
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Civil Rights Staff

Work Contributes to Strategic Plan 

Goal(s), Outcome(s) & Measure(s): 

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.3

Percentage of all managers/ 

supervisors that complete three (3) 

hours of EEO training—annually 

(FY 2014 Target 75%)

Performance Measure 7.2.4

Percentage of all nonmanagers/non-supervisors that 

complete two (2) hours of EEO 

training—annually 

(FY 2014 Target 60%) 

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1: 

FSIS WILL CONTINUE TO ENHANCE ITS CURRENT EQUAL EMPLOYMENT 

OPPORTUNITY (EE0), CIVIL RIGHTS, AND DIVERSITY TRAINING PROGRAM 

TO ENSURE THAT IT PROVIDES TIMELY, EFFECTIVE, AND QUALITY 

LEARNING EXPERIENCES. Continual enhancement of the Agency’s EEO, Civil 

Rights, and Diversity training program will enable the Agency to educate a larger 

percentage of its workforce. Furthermore, it will provide for a more effective 

learning experience for FSIS employees, resulting in a greater understanding of 

EEO and Civil Rights laws and regulations and the benefits of Diversity. Training 

needs will be identified using a variety of methods that will enable the Agency to 

train the broadest possible audience in FSIS. Through planning, consideration of 

Agency culture, and best practices, the Agency will identify and utilize the most 

appropriate methods to deliver training. By identifying and utilizing these 

methods, 75% of managers/supervisors will complete three (3) hours of EEO, 

Civil Rights, and Diversity training, and 60% of non-managers/non-supervisors 

will complete two (2) hours of EEO, Civil Rights, and Diversity training. 

Actions: 

• Continue to collaborate with the Center for Learning (CFL) to utilize the 

AgLearn system for the purposes of delivering online EEO, Civil Rights, and 

Diversity training to the FSIS workforce. By July 1, 2014, develop and 

launch two new EEO, Civil Rights, or Diversity training modules that are 

tailored for a virtual training environment. 

• Deliver MD-715 training to 75% of all supervisors/managers by September 

30, 2014.

• Develop a training schedule by December 1, 2013, that will enable CRS 

personnel to deliver training at various times throughout FY 2014. 

• Assist the Department in hosting five (5) Special Emphasis Program (SEP) 

observances in headquarters by September 30, 2014. Observances will be 

made available to field employees via webcast. Participation in SEP 

observances/events will be tracked through AgLearn and will be the 

equivalent of one (1) hour of Diversity training, regardless of the number of 

SEP observances/events/activities a manager, supervisor, or employee 

attends. 

• Host two (2) SEP observances/activities/events in field locations by 

September 30, 2014, to ensure that the diverse workforce in the field is 

provided the same opportunity to participate in activities similar to those of 

their headquarters counterparts. 

• Track the effectiveness of training delivered to the workforce through post 

evaluations. Customers will be asked to provide feedback regarding 

training content, delivery, and method. CRS will use this information to 

modify/update training modules and provide additional training to staff, as 

necessary. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the training conducted will “Meet” 

or “Exceed” expectations. 

Data Sources:

iComplaints, compliance reports, training needs assessment and analysis, 

AgLearn, MD-715.
16

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied 

workforce.

Performance Measure 7.3.4

Increase the workforce for Persons 

with Targeted Disabilities 

(FY 2014 Target 2.0%)

Result 2: 

FSIS WILL PROMOTE THE SIX ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS THAT ESTABLISH 

AND MAINTAIN A MODEL EEO PROGRAM. The six essential elements 

provide the foundation upon which the Agency will maintain an effective 

and efficient Civil Rights and EEO program. These elements are: (1) 

Demonstrated commitment from Agency leadership; (2) Integration of EEO 

into the Agency’s strategic mission; (3) Management and program 

accountability; (4) Proactive prevention of unlawful discrimination; (5) 

Efficiency; and (6) Responsiveness and legal compliance. These elements 

provide guidance and serve as a self assessment designed to provide an 

efficient and effective means for determining whether the Agency’s overall 

EEO program is compliant with the Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission’s Management Directive 715 (MD715). To promote the six 

essential elements, the Agency will advance its EEO program by establishing 

a formal Barrier Analysis workgroup that will complete at least four actions 

that address the findings that were made in the barrier analysis done for the 

Agency in 2013.

Actions: 

Update EEO policy statements by March 31, 2014 to ensure consistency with 

the six essential elements of a Model EEO Program.

• As a follow-up to the comprehensive Barrier Analysis that was 

conducted in FY2013, the CRS will establish a formal Barrier Analysis 

ongoing workgroup that will lead the implementation of at least four 

action items that resulted from the FY 2013 Barrier Analysis. The four 

action items derived from the Barrier Analysis are: 

o Address, by September 30, 2014, the data validation and 

substantiation issues that impede the process of analyzing 

applicant and workforce data. 

o Enhance, by September 30, 2014, EEO emphasis across FSIS by 

improving the information on EEO presented in the new 

employee orientation, by updating EEO policy statements, and 

by strengthening partnerships between the Civil Rights Staff 

and District Offices. 

o Enhance EEO presence within the Districts by incorporating 

District Management into the MD-715 reporting process. By 

December 31, 2013, CRS will provide MD-715 training to the 

Districts to inform them of the MD-715 reporting requirements 

and their roles in analyzing workforce data. By September 30, 

2014, CRS will implement a quarterly reporting process that 

will provide quarterly MD-715 data to each District. CRS will 

also hold two teleconferences with the Districts before the end 

of FY2014 to review current MD-715 data, assist in addressing 

barriers, and discuss other EEO and Civil Rights issues. 

• Improve communication and information sharing throughout FSIS, 

focusing on career development opportunities for field personnel. By 

July 31, 2014, CRS will work with OOEET to develop a communication 

plan that focuses on efficiently and effectively distributing information 

to employees on career counseling and training, and promotional 

opportunities. Host a roundtable discussion by June 30, 2014, that will 

include internal and external stakeholders (i.e., HR representatives, SEP

managers, EEOACs, and affinity groups). The goal of the meeting will be 

to discuss the results of the FY2013 Barrier Analysis and identify plans 

for addressing the underrepresentation of women, minorities and 

persons with disabilities. Civil Rights Staff will monitor potential 

barriers within the Agency; develop action plans to address emerging 

barriers; and track the progress of all work completed to address those 

barriers and report to the FSIS Management Council. 

Data Sources:

iComplaints, NFC Reporting Center, HR’s Monster Database.
17

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting 

public health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied 

workforce

Performance Measure 7.3.3

Ranking in the Partnership for

Public Service’s Annual Report, Best 

Places to Work in the Federal 

Government 

(FY 2014 target – 80th of 224)

Result 3: 

FSIS WILL MARKET THE MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM 

TO THE FSIS WORKFORCE TO FACILITATE EARLY, EFFECTIVE, AND 

EFFICIENT RESOLUTION OF WORKPLACE DISPUTES AND EEO COMPLAINTS. 

In order to decrease the number of workplace disputes and EEO complaints within 

the Agency, FSIS will promote the benefits of mediation, early intervention, team 

conflict resolution, and facilitation. These programs serve as a means of resolving 

EEO and non-EEO complaints and disputes at the lowest level possible and will 

provide fast and cost-effective results. The Mediation and Conflict Resolution 

programs will also improve communication, relationships, and the overall morale 

in the workplace. The Agency will increase the mediation offer rate to 100% and 

participation rate to 45% for all EEO complaints. In addition, 98% of all EEO 

mediations will be completed within 90 calendar days. 

Actions: 

• Develop a communication strategy, by March 1, 2014, that will increase the 

visibility of MCR programs. The strategy will utilize the Wednesday 

Newsline, Beacon articles, and training as a means of publicizing MCR 

programs and their benefits. 

• Develop Mediation and Conflict Resolution (MCR) training module and 

deliver, by September 30, 2014, to 75% of supervisors/managers and 60% 

of non-supervisors/non-managers. The training will educate employees 

on the availability and benefits of the MCR programs. 

• Provide resolving official training to new FSIS supervisors and managers. 

Eighty-five percent (85%) of the training conducted will “Meet” or “Exceed” 

expectations. 

• Deliver training using a variety of methods and venues, including but not 

limited to work unit meetings, new employee orientation, Basic Supervisory 

Training, New Supervisory Training, and the EEO counseling process. 

Training will be also delivered in person, through AgLearn, and through 

other available means. 

Data Sources:

iComplaints, Mediation Database.

 
18

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 

Cross-cutting

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria, that are evaluated to assess 

whether they meet the intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute to 

the Agency’s efforts to perform its 

mission (FY 2014 Target 80%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1: 

SPEARHEAD THE PROMOTION OF EFFICIENT SPENDING ACROSS FSIS 

THROUGH INCREASED TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ONGOING 

COST-CUTTING MEASURES. Congress, the Department, and the American 

taxpayers expect performance effectiveness and cost efficiency in achieving our 

mission as a public health agency. Executive Order 13576 requires that Chief 

Financial Officers are responsible for achieving Agency cost savings. Maximum 

cost efficiencies can only be gained through an FSIS-wide team approach. 

 Develop a formal Agency goal of $4M in documented cost savings in 

FY14 ($1M per quarter average), independently validated and tracked 

by the Cost Branch in the Budget Division, and reinvest savings to 

achieve Agency strategic plan goals and objective.

 Reduce the amount of current year relocation obligations by 25 

percent by improving relocation estimate practices and developing

a historical database to allow for trend analysis. 

Actions: 

• Establish an ongoing Agency SAVE (Securing Americans Value and 

Efficiency) program with appropriate portal and guidance. In partnership 

with OPACE and program offices, solicit, review, and provide cost analysis 

of at least eight SAVE initiative submissions (by September 2014). 

• Using cost subject matter expertise, continue to refine and use Return on 

Investment (ROI) and Risk Evaluation in funding justifications (ongoing). 

• Review at least two USDA Working Capital Fund (WCF) activities with the 

objective of analyzing cost drivers to reduce Agency cost allocation in future 

years. Partnering with OM/OCIO, review non-WCF expenditures such as 

mail, distribution, and printing costs for more immediate savings (June 

2014). 

• Develop performance metrics for program timeliness and accuracy of 

quarterly Un-liquidated Obligation reviews (by February 2014). 

• Partnering with OCIO and OM, and leading the Actual Time Automation 

Committee (ATAC), make significant progress in the Agency’s Signature 

Process Improvement including e-devices pilot (by September 2014). 

• Partnering with OM, implement the updated version of WebTA payroll and 

leave system within timetable established by the Department. 

• Augment the existing Strategic Plan Dashboard tool by expanding the 

availability of the Dashboard to more FSIS employees and providing 

programs with data such as: Status of Funds, hiring cap staffing levels, 

government travel card delinquency and Un-liquidated Obligation 

performance metrics, and audit information (by July 2014). 

• Using data generated by the Position Management tool, increase accuracy of 

salary and benefits cost projections by 10 percent (by September 2014). 

• Develop an interface that eliminates the need to manually record cash 

drawdown’s and reduces reporting differences between the Payment 

Management System and Financial Management Modernization Initiative 

(FMMI) System (by June 2014). 

Data Sources:

Primarily collected from financial databases, PHIS, Audits, Eval Databases, 

FMMI, FSIS Performance Dashboard, IES management dbase, etc., or in some 

cases establishing new accounts to track cost savings and cost avoidance. 
19

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.1

% of competency gaps closed for 

targeted group (FY 2014 Target 10% 

decreased)

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, 

maintain, and use innovative 

methodologies, processes, and 

tools, including PHIS, to protect 

public health efficiently and 

effectively and to support defined 

public health needs and goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1 

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements

or criteria, that are evaluated to 

assess whether they meet the 

intended outcomes or otherwise 

contribute to the Agency’s efforts 

to perform its mission 

(FY 2014 Target 80%)

Result 2: 

BY 9/30/14, OCFO WILL DEVELOP WITHIN THE PROGRAM EVALUATION 

AND IMPROVEMENT STAFF (PEIS) A ROBUST EVALUATION AGENDA, 

METHODOLOGY, AND SUFFICIENT STAFFING AND EXPERTISE TO DELIVER 

ONE MAJOR AND TWO MINOR PROGRAM EVALUATIONS. OMB 

Memorandum, dated July 26, 2013, “Next Steps in the Evidence and Innovation 

Agenda”, challenges agencies to continually improve performance by applying 

existing evidence about what works, generating new knowledge, and using 

experimentation and innovation to test new approaches to program delivery. 

Specifically, FSIS will harness data and use data analysis to improve agency 

performance and results through the following primary objectives:

 By May 2014, establish an evaluation framework that becomes the

foundation to produce deliverables to improve program performance. 

 By September 2014, conduct at least one major evaluation and two 

minor evaluations to (1) identify the effectiveness of Agency programs 

or initiatives, and (2) propose new strategies or make specific 

recommendations to address challenges identified. 

 Reduce by 25 percent from the previous fiscal year the number of open 

audit recommendations that are beyond one year past due. 

Actions: 

• Obtain Agency’s leadership support of program evaluation for 

accountability and improvement using the governance process and internal 

FSIS focus groups (by Nov 2013). 

• Conduct ongoing program area outreach and training to increase awareness 

of and gain greater buy-in and commitment to program evaluation (by Dec 

2013). 

• Seek best practices in program evaluation through outreach with other 

federal agencies (e.g., CDC) and potential cost effective consultant support 

(December 2013). 

• Assess workload and skill set requirements to ensure adequate evaluation 

staff and sufficient program resources to effectively implement the 

evaluation recommendations (by Jan 2014). 

• Develop guidance that documents evaluation objectives, definitions, policy 

and procedures to ensure a standard and consistent evaluation process (by 

Feb 2014). 

• Develop an FY14 Agency evaluation prioritized work plan after engaging 

FSIS internal stakeholders to better understand issues and program 

requirements (by April 2014). 

• Design and deliver relevant evaluations that best meet program needs (by 

May 2014). 

• Develop a reporting format that provides evaluation results in a succinct, 

understandable, and usable format to promote the implementation of 

evaluation results and recommendations (by June 2014). 

• Implement an audit open recommendation tracking process to ensure audit 

recommendations are closed by the agreed date and none over one year (by 

December 2013). 

• Develop a Compliance Review (CR) methodology to evaluate the 

effectiveness of closed audit recommendations (January 2014). 

Data Sources:

Primarily collected from financial databases, PHIS, Audits, Eval Databases, 

FMMI, FSIS Performance Dashboard, IES management dbase, etc., or in some 

cases establishing new accounts to track cost savings and cost avoidance. 
20

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.1

% of competency gaps closed for 

targeted group (FY 2014Target10% 

decreased)

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, 

maintain, and use innovative 

methodologies, processes, and 

tools, including PHIS, to protect 

public health efficiently and 

effectively and to support defined 

public health needs and goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1 

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements 

or criteria, that are evaluated to 

assess whether they meet the 

intended outcomes or otherwise 

contribute to the Agency’s efforts 

to perform its mission (FY 2014 

Target 80%)

Result 3: 

IMPLEMENT TWO KEY ACTIONS THAT WILL IMPROVE FINANCIAL 

STEWARDSHIP AND MORE EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES ACROSS THE 

AGENCY: IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL 

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ROLL-OUT FSIS EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT 

PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE AGENCY PERFORMANCE. OCFO will 

ensure all resources are managed effectively and optimally, successfully 

evidenced in the following major objectives:

 Achieve 80 percent or above satisfaction level on semi-annual OCFO 

employee surveys that capture assessment of training, professional 

development, recognition, communication, and morale measures. 

 Obtain an average rating of “superior” through surveys that measure 

timeliness and quality of customer service provided to program users, 

individuals, and other stakeholders. 

 Effective systems and automated tools evidenced by project 

management standards in scope, time, and budget. 

Actions: 

• Using existing resources, establish a Quality Assurance Manager position to 

oversee and develop OCFO-wide performance indicators to assess 

performance and to identify areas needing improvement (by November 

2013). 

• Enhance OCFO staff professional development by partnering with OOEET to

develop a comprehensive training program plan and reporting system for 

areas of leadership and management, in-house training sessions, externally 

provided training, and self-paced courses (by December 2013). 

• Collaborating with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department, successfully hire 

veterans through the Non-Paid Work Experience program (by March 2014). 

• Establish a functional Customer Contact Center at the Financial Services 

Center in Urbandale, Iowa (by May 2014) that (1) provides rapid 

identification of Agency-wide issues and resolutions, (2) standardizes 

financial functions across the Agency, and (3) provides one-stop shopping 

for In-Plant Personnel (IPP) through centralization improves customer 

service and allows IPP to focus on core duties, not administrative tasks. 

• Continue quarterly meetings with the Department OCFO staff, District 

Managers, and the Office of Management to identify and implement 

customer service best practices (ongoing). 

• Conduct Cost Analysis training for at least 80 percent of all OCFO employees 

and members of the Resource Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) by 

April 2014. 

• Provide/coordinate internal controls training for the RMAC (by May 2014). 

• Ensure planning, data scrubbing, testing, coordination, and communication 

strategy for ETS2 travel system- GovTrip replacement (by September 

2014). 

• Implement electronic work papers for state grant reviews (March 2014). 

• Design, develop and roll-out, to a limited target pilot audience, at minimum 

one FSIS District, an FSIS employee engagement program called i-Improve 

FSIS, to promote linkages between employee’s work life objectives, 

program area work and targets, relevant FSIS FY 2014 APP key results, and 

applicable FSIS Strategic Plan goals and targets; and, encourage individual 

employee suggestions as to ways the Agency can achieve ‘best practices’ via 

a new i-Improve FSIS Web portal & 1-800 telephone number (by Sep 2014). 

Data Sources:

Primarily collected from financial databases, PHIS, Audits, Eval Databases, 

FMMI, FSIS Performance Dashboard, IES management dbase, etc., or in some 

cases establishing new accounts to track cost savings and cost avoidance. 
21

Office of the Chief Information Officer

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 8

Based on the defined Agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek to 

understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies

Performance Measure 8.1.1

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies for 

which the Agency has established a 

baseline (FY 2014 Target 55%)

Performance Measure 8.2.1 

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria that meet intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute 

to the Agency’s efforts to perform

its mission.

(FY 2014 Target 80%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014 

Result 1:

FSIS WILL INCREASE BY 10% ABOVE THE FY 2013 BASELINE THE NUMBER 

OF INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES FOR WHICH: (A) A BASELINE IS 

ESTABLISHED, (B) THERE IS AN EVALUATION ONCE THE INITIATIVE IS 

DEPLOYED, AND (C) THERE IS AN ASSESSMENT AS TO WHETHER THEY 

MEET THEIR INTENDED OUTCOMES TO SUPPORT CONTINUOUS 

IMPROVEMENT.

Actions: 

• Using the approved definition of “innovation” and the following five criteria: 

(1) time saved, (2) costs saved/avoided, (3) increased accuracy, (4) increased 

data availability, and (5) impact on public health, use data collected on 

potentially innovative projects against baseline data using weighted criteria. 

• For six initiatives in which a baseline was established in FY13(PHIS report 

usage, micro-blogging effectiveness, in-commerce verification, automated 

sample scheduling, managed print services, internal working group blog 

effectiveness and automation of reimbursable services), begin collecting 

implementation data for FY14.

• Identify FY14 innovations and establish baselines, with goal of establishing 

seven baselines in FY14.

• Identify additional data sources that can be routinely used as metrics to assist 

future metric identification. 

Data Sources: 

Current agency data either in the Data Warehouse or agency systems as well as 

data identified through gap analysis. 

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with the existing and 

emerging risks

Outcome 1.2 

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks 

Performance Measure 1.2.2 

% of importing countries requiring 

more immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention more than 

twice within the previous year 

(FY 2014 Target Remains less than 

20%)

AND

Goal 2 

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

Result 2: 

FSIS WILL DEPLOY THE PHIS EXPORT MODULE. 

Actions: 

• Deploy the export release of PHIS by September 30, 2014.

• Leverage results of user acceptance testing to identify, prioritize and resolve 

critical fixes. 

• Ensure PHIS supports: 

o Directing inspection and verification of food safety requirements. 

o Documenting the results of inspection activities. 

o Analyzing and reporting inspection activity data to assign appropriate 

resources to emerging risks. 

Data Sources: 

User acceptance testing results, project management data, PHIS inspection data. 
22

safety policies.

Outcome 2.3 

Food protection and handling 

systems ensure protection against 

intentional contamination.

Goal 8

Based on the defined Agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including 

PHIS, to protect public health 

efficiently and effectively and to 

support defined public health 

needs and goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek to 

understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies 

Performance Measure 8.1.1

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies for 

which the Agency has established a 

baseline (FY 2014 Target 55%) 

Performance Measure 8.1.2

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies 

that, once employed, are evaluated 

by the Agency 

(FY 2014 Target 73%)

Goal 7 

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health 

Outcome 7.2 

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission. 

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined Agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Result 3: 

FSIS WILL DEPLOY NECESSARY FIELD CONNECTIVITY TO RELIEF, PATROL 

AND HIGH-VOLUME ASSIGNMENTS USING INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES, 

TECHNOLOGIES AND PARTNERSHIPS.

Actions: 

• Identify connectivity gaps at field locations by October 31, 2013.

• Coordinate and partner within and outside of USDA to provide innovative 

solutions to achieve broadband access to employees by September 30, 2014.

• Verify that field employees have necessary connectivity by September 30, 

2014.

 

Data Sources: 

• Federal Communications Commission. 

• National Broadband Project.

• Commercial partners.

• Location and needs data provided by the Office of Field Operations. 
23

Performance Measure 8.2.1

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria, that are evaluated to assess 

whether they meet the intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute to 

the Agency’s efforts to perform its 

mission (FY 2014 Target 80%)

Goal 7 

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health 

Outcome 7.2 

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Result 4: 

FSIS WILL MEET THE GOALS OF THE FEDERAL SPECIAL CYBERSECURITY 

WORKFORCE PROJECT, ONE OF THE PRESIDENT’S TOP 14 PRIORITY 

CROSS-AGENCY PERFORMANCE GOALS. 

Actions: 

• Coordinate with USDA and FSIS’s Office of Management and Office of Outreach, 

Employee Education and Training to document workforce competency 

requirements by October 31, 2013.

• Leveraging the OPM model, the new OPM Cybersecurity Data Element 

Standard and the NIST National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, identify 

gaps and a plan of action and milestones by December 31, 2013.

• Incorporate this initiative into the Agency’s competency plan for assessments 

by February 1. 

• Document employee training information in AgLearn for reporting by 

September 30, 2014.

• Have at least 90% of the 2210 Occupational Series positions coded in the new 

cybersecurity databank and apply these codes to positions in other occupation 

series where cybersecurity work is assigned by September 30, 2014.

 

Data Sources: 

• Office of Personnel Management. 

• National Institute of Standards and Technology.

• Federal Chief Information Officers’ Council.

• U.S. Department of Agriculture.
24

Office of Data Integration and Food 

Protection

Work Contributes to Strategic Plan 

Goal(s), Outcome(s) & Measure(s):

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and international 

compliance with food safety policies

Outcome 2.3 

Food protection and handling systems 

ensure protection against intentional 

contamination

Performance Measure 2.3.1

% of all official establishments with a 

functional Food Defense Plan

(FY 2014 Target 85%) 

Performance Measure 2.3.3

Outreach to eligible countries to 

encourage implementation of a system 

that protects product from intentional 

contamination (FY 2014Target 70%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1:

FSIS WILL INCREASE AWARENESS AND VOLUNTARY ADOPTION OF FOOD 

DEFENSE PROGRAMS BY INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT, DOMESTIC AND 

INTERNATIONAL. Utilizing targeted outreach to small and very small plants, FSIS 

will meet its FY2014 target that 85% of establishments have a functional food 

defense plan. Conducting international food defense activities in or for eligible 

countries will help meet the FSIS target of outreach to 70% of them for FY2014. 

Actions:

• Mail letters—in collaboration with OOEET—to encourage development of a 

functional food defense plan to all establishments that lack such a plan, and 

emphasize the importance of such plans and encourage their continued updating 

and testing prior to the next food defense plan survey. Call management of 40% 

of establishments that lack a written food defense plan, by the end of FY2014, and 

track responses to evaluate progress. 

• By January, 2014, evaluate the effectiveness of FY2013 telephone calls, and 

modify the script developed to communicate with establishments, or develop 

alternative approaches to contacting establishments if telephone calls were not 

effective.

• By the end of FY14, revise Directive 5420.1, which details FSIS’ food defense 

activities in regulated establishments, in response to focus group results. 

• Meet quarterly with executives from OPACE and other program offices to 

highlight recent food defense activities and ensure that the food defense message 

is included in external speeches, as appropriate.

• Identify and convene a focus group to better understand and determine the use of 

cyber and cyber-based technologies employed in FSIS-regulated establishments, 

and, by May 2014, develop a report on the basis of the focus-group findings to 

inform FSIS of any potential cybersecurity issues in FSIS-regulated industry.

• By the end of FY2014, revise Directive 5420.1, which details FSIS’ food defense 

activities in regulated establishments, in response to focus group results. 

• Manage development and implementation of the 2014 food defense plan survey. 

• By the end of FY2014, in conjunction with OPPD and OIEA, develop a plan to 

improve adoption of food defense practices by foreign countries that export to 

the US, potentially tracking improvement by questions in the self-reporting tool 

used by foreign countries and other data sources, as available.

Data Sources:

Results of annual food defense plan survey of OFO inspection program personnel

(IPP). Results of focus groups on cybersecurity and agency food defense activities. 

Inclusion of food defense messages in FSIS outreach activities.

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among internal 

and external stakeholders to prevent 

foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1 

FSIS maximizes relationships with public 

Result 2:

FSIS WILL COLLABORATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES ON FOODBORNE ILLNESS 

ATTRIBUTION AND OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE. Progress in 

attributing foodborne illnesses to meat, poultry and processed egg products will be 

made through approved interagency analytics projects. Building on the three IFSAC 

projects completed and used in FSIS policies and analyses in FY2013, in FY2014, 

analysis work will be completed and draft reports and/or manuscripts will be 
25

health and food safety partners to 

enhance the food safety system

Performance Measure 4.1.2 

% of results from interagency 

collaboration on analytics used in FSIS 

policy (FY 2014 Target 53%)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection aligns 

with existing and emerging risks

Outcome 1.1 

Minimize existing and emerging food 

safety hazards through the most effective 

means

Performance Measure 1.1.1 

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coli O157:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by FSIS

(FY 2014 Target 384,362)

started for the IFSAC project to develop harmonized tri-agency-approved simple 

food attribution fractions, among other projects. 

Actions:

• Initiate two (2) proposals for FSIS projects for consideration by IFSAC to 

contribute to improved attribution estimates.

• Brief IFSAC on two (2) FSIS activities related to Agency priorities, including 

efforts to reduce Salmonella illnesses, to ensure that FSIS’ priorities are 

considered when setting IFSAC goals.

• Evaluate how using IFSAC’s Food Commodity Hierarchy and the IFSAC 

tri-agency approved attribution fractions would affect FSIS’ estimates 

of illnesses attributable to specific FSIS-regulated products and FSIS’ 

All Illness Estimates, respectively, to plan for any future updated Agency 

performance measures and activities. 

• Incorporate CDC’s FY2011 data on attribution into FSIS’ FY2014 illness measures 

by January 31, 2014. 

Data Sources:

Data source: IFSAC steering committee approved data analytics projects as 

reported by the committee. The specific analytics projects will rely on data from 

multiple sources including CDC illness, outbreak and serotype data; FSIS and 

FDA testing data; and, other sources as needed.

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection aligns 

with existing and emerging risks

Outcome 1.2 

Resources are targeted to existing and 

emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.1 

% of domestic establishments that meet 

the “for cause” Food Safety Assessments 

and monthly Hazard Analysis Verification 

decision criteria more than once per year 

(FY 2014 Target 1.60%)

AND

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and international 

compliance with food safety policies

Outcome 2.1 

Domestic and foreign produced 

products meet food safety performance 

standards

Performance Measure 2.1.1 

% of broiler plants passing the carcass 

Salmonella verification testing

(FY 2014 Target 92%)

AND

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to respond 

to existing and emerging risks

Outcome 6.1 

Public health risks are mitigated through 

effective strategies based on the best 

available information

Performance Measure 6.1.2 

Result 3:

FSIS WILL INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY AND ANALYSIS OF ITS DATA, 

INCLUDING PHIS DATA, FOR AGENCY DECISION MAKING. FSIS will take steps to 

effectively use the data and other information developed and captured by PHIS and 

other systems to support Agency activities, and ensure that PHIS functions and 

reports are being used and fulfilling agency needs.

Actions:

• Increase the use of automated PHIS reports by 10% from the use in FY2013.

• Expand the suite of PHIS reports to include:

o appeals information.

o non-PHIS sampling data.

o PHIS questionnaire data.

o data from FIMS.

• To improve data coordination across the agency, working with OPHS, OPPD, and 

OFO: 1) develop electronic data streams that describe FSIS’ data; and 2) better 

link the provision of data to DCC data analysis projects.

• Utilize the advanced analytics capabilities of PHIS on at least two high priority 

analysis projects by September 30, 2014. Those projects will be in the general 

areas of addressing an emerging public health need, implementing the Agency’s 

Salmonella Action Plan or incorporating new data collected within PHIS, and will 

be developed in consultation and coordination with OPHS, OPPD, and other 

Agency program areas.

• In the first quarter of FY2014, collaborating with OPHS and OPPD, identify the 

Agency’s top priorities for data analyses for FY14 utilizing the DCC and agency 

governance process.

• By September 2014, develop plans for the implementation of two (2) new 

sampling strategies, including in support of the Agency’s Salmonella Action Plan. 

• In the first quarter of FY2014, in conjunction with OPHS and OPPD, identify the 

lessons learned from the policy analyses completed in FY2013.

• By the end of FY2014, develop 30 analysis reports to support agency priorities 

and decision making. 

• Using information available from FIMS upgrades that improve data sharing 

between FIMS and PHIS through the data warehouse, develop quarterly reports 

on the impact of significant incidents on the FSIS-regulated food supply. Track 

trends in significant incidents in FIMS, and brief the DCC on those trends on a 

quarterly basis.
26

% of regulated industry adhering to key 

public health related policies 

(establishments receiving zero public 

health related non-compliance in a year

(FY 2014 Target 77%)

Performance Measure 6.1.3 

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies regarding 

significant public health risks 

(FY 2014 Target Bi-Monthly)

Data Sources:

Data in PHIS on number of times reports are accessed and by which offices. 

Presentations given to DCC or Management Council utilizing PHIS analytics 

functionality or data from FIMS. The FSIS strategic data analysis plan. Data.gov 

postings.
27

Office of Field Operations 

Work Contributes to 

Strategic Plan Goal(s), 

Outcome(s) & Measure(s):

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety 

inspection aligns with existing 

and emerging risks 

Outcome 1.1 

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, 

Listeria monocytogenes, and 

E.coli O157:H7 illnesses from 

products regulated by FSIS

(FY 2014 Target 384,362)

Goal 2 

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and 

emerging risks

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreign-produced 

products meet food safety 

performance standards

Measure 2.1.1 

Percentage of broiler plants 

passing the carcass Salmonella

verification testing

(FY 2014 Target 92%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014 

Result 1: 

TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO SALMONELLA IN POULTRY, PRIOR TO 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014, FSIS WILL COMPLETE BOTH THE HAV AND FSA PROCEDURES 

ASSOCIATED WITH RAW COMMINUTED POULTRY IN AT LEAST 75 % OF ALL ELIGIBLE 

SLAUGHTER/PROCESSING OPERATIONS AND IN AT LEAST 25 % OF ALL ELIGIBLE 

PROCESSING OPERATIONS. To achieve this result, FSIS will implement multiple items 

from the 2013 Salmonella Action Plan of the Strategic Performance Working Group, along 

with other mitigation strategies. 

Actions: 

• Prior to December 31, 2013, work with OPPD to ensure that the HAV procedures are 

updated based on an analysis of the pilot project of 30 poultry establishments, issued, 

and implemented by IPP nationwide. 

• Prior to December 31, 2013, work with OPPD to ensure that the FSA methodology for 

comminuted poultry is updated and issued to EIAOs, incorporating learning from the

completed poultry checklist survey, Salmonella Strategic Performance Working Group, 

and stakeholder comments.

• Prior to January 31, 2014, complete a correlation with SEIAOs and EIAOs from each 

District Office on consistent and uniform application of the new FSA methodology for 

comminuted poultry. 

• Prior to September 30, 2014, through execution of the new FSA methodology and 

lessons learned from the poultry checklist for comminuted poultry, OFO, working 

with ODIFP, OPHS, and OPPD, will establish criteria for when to issue an NOIE at 

comminuted poultry establishments because of insufficient process control to 

prevent an insanitary condition or because of insufficient pathogen reduction. 

Data Sources: PHIS for establishment profiles and indicators of current regulatory compliance and OFO 

tracking of Pilot Data. 

Result 2: 

TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO CAMPYLOBACTER AND SALMONELLA IN 

POULTRY, PRIOR TO DECEMBER 31, 2013, WORKING WITH ODIFP, OPHS, AND OPPD, 

OFO WILL PROVIDE A LETTER TO AT LEAST 90 % OF ALL ELIGIBLE POULTRY 

SLAUGHTER ESTABLISHMENTS DESIGNATING THEIR CATEGORY STATUS FOR 

CONTROL OF BOTH CAMPYLOBACTER AND SALMONELLA IN CARCASSES, ALONG WITH 

OTHER RELEVANT PUBLIC HEALTH-IMPACTING INFORMATION, AND BY SEPTEMBER 

31, 2014, IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS 

IN CATEGORY 1. To achieve this result, FSIS will implement multiple items from the 2013 

Salmonella Action Plan of the Strategic Performance Working Group, along with other 

mitigation strategies.

Actions: 

• Prior to December 31, 2013, provide the IPP (on-line and off-line) associated with 

each eligible poultry slaughter establishment a copy of the letter sent to the 

establishment and verify that at least one work unit meeting was held in which the IIC 

explains to the IPP the context of what the establishment letter means, how the IPP 

can take steps to identify and stop insanitary conditions from becoming exacerbated, 
28

and how each IPP impacts public health. Items to be addressed by the IIC include:

o The Campylobacter and Salmonella categories for the establishment. Prior 

to December 31, 2014 FSIS will publish in the Constituent Update the 

industry breakout for category status for Campylobacter and Salmonella

using the new performance standards for carcasses, and that within 60 

days after that we will issue the letter to the establishment specifying the 

assigned category for each individual establishment.

o The % positive rate for carcasses, parts (when available), and comminuted 

poultry (when available), as well as whether the establishment is above, 

at, or below the national average generated through either a baseline 

study, on-going FSIS verification testing, or investigative assessment.

o The non-compliance rate for public health regulations, particularly those 

regulations associated with reducing exposure of the public to insanitary 

conditions and pathogens of public health concern, as well as whether the 

establishment is above, at, or below the national average.

o The drug resistance profile of all pathogens of public health concern found 

by FSIS in the establishment for at least the prior two years.

o By September 30, 2014, working with OPPD, ensure that appropriate 

issuances (e.g., Federal Register Notice, FSIS Directive) are provided to 

stakeholders, including the poultry slaughter industry and FSIS IPP, that 

describe FSIS actions that will be taken by FSIS IPP until the establishment 

demonstrates Category 1 control by either establishment or FSIS data.

Data Sources:

PHIS and new Poultry Slaughter Modernization SharePoint site to capture implementation data.
29

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with 

food safety policies

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreign-produced 

products meet food safety 

performance standards

Performance Measure 1.2.1b

Percentage of importing 

countries requiring more 

immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention more 

than twice within the previous 

year (FY 2014Target Remains 

less than 20%)

Result 3:

TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO PATHOGENS OF PUBLIC HEALTH 

CONCERN, WITHIN 5 WORKING DAYS OF IDENTIFICATION OF A NON-COMPLIANCE 

TREND FOR FOOD SAFETY VIOLATIONS, FSIS WILL INITIATE SPECIAL CONTACT WITH

FOOD EXPORTING COUNTRIES IN ORDER TO TIMELY FOCUS ON THE STATUS OF 

EQUIVALENCE. Specifically, FSIS will identify and provide technical assistance to repeat 

violator countries (i.e., those that have had more than two unrelated shipments rejected by 

FSIS for food safety reasons within a 6 month moving window). FSIS will work with these 

countries to strengthen their performance before there is a food safety crisis, and before

FSIS is compelled to delist the country.

Actions: 

• Daily, OFO will monitor Point of Entry (POE) violations related to microbiological, physical, 

and chemical food safety hazards.

• Weekly, OFO will ascertain whether there is a repeat violator country and, if so, initiate an 

ad hoc team that includes members from ODIFP, OIEA, OPHS, and OPPD to evaluate the 

evidence, including a review of the country’s Self Reporting Tool (SRT) for completeness.

• Within 5 days after the repeat violator determination is made, issue a response to the 

country identifying why FSIS believes that the foreign government’s oversight is lacking; 

OFO will then contact the country about FSIS providing technical assistance.

• By September 30, 2014, OFO will have led a workgroup that establishes and memorializes in 

an appropriate document a process that establishes objective criteria for making a 

determination to suspend a country’s equivalence for a process or to suspend the entire 

country.

Data Sources:

PHIS, and new OFO database on DVMS SharePoint site to capture systematic approach data.

Goal 6

Implement Effective Policies to 

Respond to Existing and 

Emerging Risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies 

based on the best available 

information

Performance Measure 6.1.2

Percentage of regulated industry 

adhering to key public health 

related policies (establishments 

receiving zero public health 

related non-compliance in a 

year) (FY 2014Target 77%)

Result 4:

TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF THE PUBLIC TO CHEMICAL HAZARDS, FSIS WILL 

IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES TO BRING ABOUT GREATER COMPLIANCE BY 

ESTABLISHMENTS WITH CONTROLS FOR CHEMICAL FOOD SAFETY HAZARDS, 

INCLUDING ALLERGENS AND DRUG RESIDUES.

Actions: 

• By December 31, 2013, working with OPPD, ensure that an FSIS Notice is issued that 

instructs IPP to conduct label verification checks against formulation practices on a 

recurring basis through PHIS in all eligible establishments; ensure that the instruction is 

informed by lessons learned from the one-time verification activity from FY13.

• By September 30, 2014, post a report to the FSIS web page that summarizes how the new 

FSIS Notice on allergens impacted allergen-related non-compliance (e.g., IPP rather than 

EIAO or the consumer is now more likely to identify misbranding incidences). 

• By December 31, 2013, in working with OPPD, ensure that an FSIS Directive on residues is 

issued that provides greater clarity on decision making associated with professional 

judgment to be used in consistently and uniformly selecting carcasses and product for 

chemical residue testing through KIS and laboratory-submittals.

• By September 30, 2014, in working with FDA, OPHS, and OPPD, ensure that IPP are more 

effectively scheduling verification activities that encourage establishments to provide 

more accurate and complete information about suppliers of live animals to the slaughter 

establishment to facilitate a more timely traceback investigation.

Data Sources:

PHIS, and new OFO database on DVMS SharePoint site to capture systematic approach data.
30

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with 

food safety policies

Outcome 2.2

Humane handling and slaughter 

practices are a central focus of 

establishment employees as 

evidenced by an awareness of 

proper procedures and the 

implementation of a systematic 

approach to humane handling

Performance Measure 2.2.1

% of slaughter plants identified 

during DVMS humane handling 

verification visits as having an 

effective systematic approach to 

humane handling (all four 

elements of a systematic approach 

implemented) 

(FY 2014 Target 60%)

Result 5: 

OFO WILL ENSURE ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASINGLY UTILIZE A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH 

TO HUMANE HANDLING TO MEET STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR HUMANE HANDLING 

AND SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK. When livestock are handled in connection with slaughter in 

official establishments that have effectively designed and implemented humane handling 

programs, they consistently receive better treatment. Target a result of 60% of all livestock 

slaughter establishments in FY 2014 to have incorporated systematic approaches to humane 

handling of livestock. Record the reasons an establishment has not adopted a systematic 

approach to humane handling. 

Actions: 

• Develop two new Humane Interactive Knowledge Exchange (HIKE) scenarios 

involving enforcement actions at poultry establishments concerning noncompliance 

with poultry good commercial practices.

• Humane Handling Enforcement Coordinator (HHEC), with the DVMS team, will 

continue to analyze 100% of all humane handling NRs to identify plants that require 

special attention due to recurring non-compliance, and inspection personnel that may 

need refresher training or correlation on humane handling regulations and noncompliance documentation. 

• Target and encourage small and very small plants to develop a systematic approach to 

humane handling by utilizing DVMS outreach during humane handling visits. DVMS’s 

will share material about developing a systematic approach at establishments that do 

not yet have a systematic approach to humane handling and slaughter. DVMS’s will 

conduct follow up communication (telephone call/visit/email exchange) with the 

plant management by the end of the quarter, after the quarter in which the visit 

occurred, to see if the establishment was able to develop a systematic approach. 

• New Situation-Based Humane Handling Training Modules (Refresher for Module 1 

and Module 2) will be developed and published by the HHEC and DVMS team.

Data Sources:

PHIS and new OFO database on managed by the HHEC to capture systematic approach 

data.
31

Office of Investigation, Enforcement and 

Audit

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E. coliO157:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2014 Target 384,362 

illnesses)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1:

THE FRAMEWORK APPLICATION DESCRIBED IN Data Driven Inspection for 

Processing and Slaughter Establishments--Public Health Decision Criteria, 

September 2010, AS WELL AS THE “EQUAL TO” STATE, FOREIGN EQUVIALENCE 

ITDS CBP INTERFACE, INDUSTRY CORPORATE REPORTING, AND EXPORT 

CERTIFICATION MODULES WILL BE FULLY-IMPLEMENTED IN THE FSIS’ PUBLIC 

HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM (PHIS) BY THE END OF FY2014.

Actions: 

Develop PHIS so that it provides an infrastructure that will:

• Direct Federal, State, export and import inspection and verification of food safety 

requirements, 

• Document the results of inspection activities, and 

• Analyze the data resulting from inspection activities to assign resource to emerging 

risks through the most effective means. 

Data Sources:

Public Health Information System (PHIS).

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7

illnesses from products regulated 

by FSIS (FY 2014 Target 384,362 

illnesses)

Result 2:

FSIS’ OIEA WILL CONTRIBUTE TO ACHIEVING THE CORPORATE TARGET OF A 

MAXIMUM OF 384,362 ILLNESSES ATTRIBUTED TO Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E. coli 0157H:7 THROUGH ITS SURVEILLANCE, 

INVESTIGATIVE, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO MEAT, 

POULTRY AND PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED, TRANSPORTED, 

STORED, AND OTHERWISE HANDLED IN COMMERCE. 

Actions: 

• Ensure 82% of investigative cases address food safety violations.

• Ensure 85% of enforcement actions (administrative, criminal, or civil) address food 

safety violations and deter future ones.

Data Sources:

In-Commerce System (ICS).

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.3

Surveillance, investigation, and 

enforcement are effectively 

implemented across the Farm-toTable Continuum

Result 3:

85% OF FSIS’ OIEA SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES WILL FOCUS ON ENSURING 

THAT THE HIGHEST RISK FACILITIES OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT 

MAINTAINS THE SAFETY OF THE PRODUCTS THAT THE FACILITIES RECEIVE, 

AND THAT PROTECTS THOSE PRODUCTS FROM INTENTIONAL 

CONTAMINATION. Highest risk facilities are distributors, warehouses, and 

transporters; all have significant inherent food safety hazards, handle large volumes 

of meat, poultry and processed egg products, and have minimal oversight by other 

regulatory agencies.
32

Performance Measure 1.3.1

% of priority in-commerce facilities 

e.g., warehouses, distributors and 

transporters) covered by surveillance 

activities (FY 2014 Target 85%)

Actions: 

• Ensure OIEA investigators allocate their time to the highest risk facilities. 

• Ensure field supervisors and managers monitor ICS data and reports on a regular 

basis; then provide guidance and resources as needed. 

Data Sources:

In-Commerce System (ICS).

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.3

Surveillance, investigation, and 

enforcement are effectively 

implemented across the Farm-toTable Continuum

Performance Measure 1.3.2

% of follow-up surveillances resulting 

in compliance (FY 2014 Target 83%)

Result 4: 

FSIS’ OIEA FOLLOW-UP TO SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITY WILL ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE 

WITH ALL FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SUCH THAT 83% OF FOOD SAFETY 

VIOLATIONS DOCUMENTED DURING INITIAL SURVEILLANCES ARE CORRECTED 

BEFORE FOLLOW-UP. 

Actions: 

• Ensure OIEA field supervisors and managers verify at least 83% of food safety 

violations documented during initial surveillances and are corrected on an annual 

basis in ICS data base.

Data Sources:

In-Commerce System (ICS).

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and international 

compliance with food safety policies

Outcome 2.3

Food protection and handling systems 

ensure protection against intentional 

contamination

Result 5:

FSIS’ OIEA THROUGH AUDITING FOREIGN GOVERNMENT MEAT AND POULTRY 

SAFETY SYSTEMS, EITHER ON-SITE OR BY USE OF SELF REPORTING TOOL, AND 

STATE MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION SYSTEMS WILL VERIFY THE 

EQUIVALENCE OF THESE SYSTEMS TO THAT OF FSIS.

Actions:

• Will do an on-site audit or self reporting tool review of 95% of countries exporting 

to the U.S. and take appropriate action if there is evidence that a country is failing to 

maintain equivalence with the U.S. system.

• Will do an on-site audit or review of 95% of State Meat and Poultry Programs and 

take appropriate action if there is evidence that a State is failing to meet the “at least 

equal to” Federal standard.

• Working with OPPD, issue a directive on ongoing equivalence verification audits of 

foreign countries.

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and international 

compliance with food safety policies

Outcome 2.3

Food protection and handling systems 

ensure protection against intentional 

contamination

Performance Measure 2.3.2

% of food defense practices 

implemented at priority (tier 

1&2) in-commerce 

(FY 2014 Target 91%)

Result 6:

FSIS’S OIEA WILL TAKE STEPS TO VERIFY AND ENSURE THAT 91% OF TIER 1 & 

2 IN-COMMERCE FACILITIES HAVE IMPLEMENTED FOOD DEFENSE PRACTICES. 

Actions:

• Ensure 91% of food defense practices will be implemented at priority (Tier 1 &2) 

in-commerce facilities by providing firms with food defense educational materials 

and the FSIS web site which has examples of food defense plans and encouraging 

firms that do not have a food defense plan to develop a food defense plan. 
33

Office of Management

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.1

Each employee understands how 

he/she impacts public health

Performance Measure 7.1.1

Average score on the Annual 

Employee Viewpoint Survey for 

questions related to workers’ 

understanding of their impact on 

public health (FY 2014 Target 92%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1:

FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT THE SECRETARY’S INITIATIVE FOR 

THE ADMINISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS PROJECT TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND 

EFFECTIVENESS ACROSS THE DEPARTMENT. THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED 

THROUGH THE AGENCY’S DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL SERVICE CENTER 

FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. Key targets for 

FY 2014 include: Improving space utilization and decreasing the FSIS footprint 

by 5%; increasing effective purchasing through strategic sourcing contracts by 

5%; and, reducing high risk contracts so as not to exceed 10%. 

FSIS will establish a framework to provide world class administrative services, 

specifically human resources; safety and health; contracting, leasing, and 

procurement that are customer-focused, results oriented; and promote 

innovation and efficiency in a national service center/center of excellence 

delivery model. The framework will include a service catalog, service level 

agreements, performance metrics, and customer feedback mechanisms that will 

integrate USDA efforts to streamline processes and avoid/reduce costs. As a 

result, Agency efforts to improve service availability and service delivery to FSIS 

employees will be improved. FSIS will capitalize on employee/customer input 

and creativity to transform and change the Agency culture, promote the idea of 

‘One Team with One Purpose’, and act as a means of improving effectiveness and 

efficiency of government operations in a more sustainable way. 

Actions: 

• Improve utilization of real property. Implement space efficiencies to meet 

FY14 targeted space allocation reduction by 5% over FY12 baseline.

• FSIS will lead USDA Administrative Solutions Project (ASP) initiatives in 

Occupational Workers’ Compensation Program and Marketplace solutions 

on behalf of the Administrative Business Initiative Council, by completing 

and implementing the Center of Excellence proposal for OWCP by 5/30/14, 

and completing the second phase service menu and populating the website 

for Marketplace solutions by 6/1/14. 

• FSIS will further develop relationships between Management and Labor, by 

continually offering PDI at every opportunity, with regular reporting of this 

activity to the Departmental LM Forum; providing comprehensive LM 

training to managers and NJC officials; include NJC members in Agency 

workgroups including the Green initiative and Safety and Health; and,

developing comprehensive safety training for all employees by 9/30/2014.

• Increase safety and preparedness at USDA infrastructure, by increasing 

physical security assessments by 1% over FY13. Conduct 3 security 

assessments at District Offices (mission critical sites) and install ePacs at 

three DOs by 8/30/14. 

• Increase the percentage of employees utilizing HSPD-12 LincPass credential 

for regular logical access to 60%, from the 2013 baseline of 50%.

• Implement a more efficient personal property program decentralizing 

accountability of day to day transactions, meeting departmental bi-annual 
34

inventory requirements by 3/15/14.

• Increase efficient and effective purchasing, by leveraging shared first or 

strategic sourcing contracts by 5%, and limiting high risk contracts not to 

exceed 10% over FY13.

• Conduct mail management assessment to eliminate waste and identify cost 

savings by 3/30/14.

• Identify, and submit to the National Archives and Records Administration, 

25 % of the initial records schedules for electronic information systems by 

9/1/14.

Data Sources:

OPM Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey; USDA goals and targets; industry 

benchmark data.
35

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Performance Measure 7.3.1 

% of workplace injury/illness cases 

(FY 2014 Target 6.00%)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL REDUCE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES AS A RESULT OF 

ESTABLISHING THE FSIS HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE. THIS GROUP 

WILL ANALYZE PROBLEMS, RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS AND IMPLEMENT 

NEW IDEAS FOR INCREASING EMPLOYEE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE. 

OM will facilitate reaching the Agency’s goal of reducing the percentage of 

injury/illness cases to a target of 6.00% in FY 2014. Key dates and targets 

include: ensuring training materials are developed and distributed to District 

personnel by 9/1/2014; Reducing worker’s compensation costs by 4%, and 

reducing work place violence cases by 5% over FY13.

Actions:

• Work closely with program managers to reduce injury/illness cases to 

6.00% by 9/30/14 by improving education, outreach and collaboration 

with employees, supervisors and program offices; identifying safety 

training needs and partnering with programs to create a curriculum as 

appropriate; developing comprehensive guidance and educational material 

for District use by September 2014; and reviewing 25% of Agency safety 

and health policy for currency, updating, or elimination.

• Work closely with Assistant Administrators to reduce Workplace Violence 

Prevention (WPV) cases by 5% by 9/30/14 from 2012 baseline by 

establishing an employee safety educational campaign to increase 

awareness of WPV.

• Work closely with District Managers to reduce Office of Worker’s 

Compensation Program (OWCP) costs by 4% by 9/30/14 from 2009 

baseline through a complete assessment of 10% of OWCP cases identifying 

opportunities for increasing the number of employees returning to work or 

the termination of benefits; increase the timely filing of wage-loss claims 

(form CA-7) to meet or exceed 60% in FY14; reduce lost production day 

rates by 1 % below the FY 2009 baseline or maintain a rate of 15 days or 

less; measure compliance with the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act 

(FECA) regulations, which require all employers to submit notices of 

traumatic injury, occupational disease and wage loss compensation 

electronically (forms CA-1, CA-2 and CA-7).

• Maintain FSIS employee satisfaction of 64.3% as measured by the Federal 

Viewpoint Survey (FVS) responses to the question "How satisfied are you 

with the following Work/Life programs in your agency... Health and 

Wellness Programs?" by educational awareness on the benefits of work/life 

balance opportunities and return on organizational investment.

• FSIS will achieve a Return to Work ratio of 90% or better.

• FSIS will reduce the number of days it takes to return an injured worker 

back to alternative duties once medically released, by reviewing and 

customizing position description for light duty assignments, and assigning 

workers to light duty positions within 3 days of release from medical 

provider.

Data Sources:

FEVS results; OSHA/USDA/Agency injury/illness reports; Agency OWCP case 

management data, case numbers and worker return to work ratios.

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Result 3:

FSIS WILL ACCOMPLISH MISSION WORK BY EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTING 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PROCESS 

REENGINEERING AND HIRING REFORM. FSIS will decrease cumulative days to 

hire time to 80 days; achieve a 25% increase in the use of Delegated 

Examining/Merit Promotion certificates, and reduce overall vacancy rate at or 

below 4.5%.
36

Performance Measure 7.3.2 

Annual rate of staff vacancies 

(FY 2014 Target 6.33%)

Actions: 

• Continue implementation of hiring reform requirements:

o Achieve 80-day hiring goal (from FY13 baseline of 88 days) by 

continuing to streamline the hiring processes by September 2014. 

o Achieve a 25% increase the use rate in Delegated 

Examining/Merit Promotion certificate from 32%/11% baseline.

o Train 80% of all hiring managers to facilitate the partnership with 

customers to meet HR program efficiency standards by April 

2014.

o Train all HR supervisory and Operations staff on basic staffing and 

qualification determinations; classification, pay setting and 

processing functions by May 2014.

• Ensure FSIS employees are medically fit to perform inspection activities. 

Review, and secure approval of proposed changes to medical qualification 

standards, and complete implementation for all new hires by 2/1/2014.

• Develop and implement SOPs district-wide to ensure OFO performance 

appraisals are complete and submitted within 90 days of the end of the 

rating cycle, in accord with OHRM Performance Management Policy. At 

least 90% of BUE appraisals are accounted for by 1/1/14.

• Streamline the performance management process to ensure consistency, 

timeliness, and equality Agency-wide, resulting in receipt of a score of 85 or 

better on the annual Performance Appraisal Assessment Tool (PAAT)

report.

• Fully implement to one automated staffing system by 6/30/2014; all 

vacancies will be filled, and selections processed, through the new system.

• Conclude Public Health Human Resources System (PHHRS) by 6/30/2014, 

with 90% accuracy in initial conversion for affected employees.

• Successfully process 100% of personnel actions for all Food Inspectors 

affected in the implementation of Poultry Slaughter Rule (PSR) by 9/30/14.

Data Sources:

OPM, USDA, Agency hiring goals; NFC data, FTE data. 

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Performance Measure 7.3.3

Ranking in the Partnership for Public 

Service’s Annual Report, Best Places 

to Work in the Federal Government 

(FY 2014 Target 80th of 224)

Result 4:

FSIS WILL ADVANCE THE CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVE BY 

CONTINUOUSLY FACILITATING A COOPERATIVE, RESPECTFUL AND 

COMMUNICATIVE WORKPLACE IN WHICH EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED, ARE 

FULLY DEVELOPED AND UTILIZED, AND KNOWLEDGABLY CONTRIBUTE TO 

AGENCY SUCCESS. FSIS will work to reduce conflict and complaints/grievances, 

increase the timely processing of formal challenges as employees proactively 

work together to identify holistic solutions, and timely resolve sensitive issues. 

FSIS will ensure that competency assessments and workforce succession plans 

are current and are foundational to the individual development planning 

process. The Agency will ensure supervisors and managers promote 

organization diversity goals and work life balance programs and initiatives.

Actions: 

• Ensure that OM programs/staffs have program-level workforce plans in 

place, skill gaps are identified and succession plans are developed to ensure 

a more efficient workforce and program delivery. Workforce plans will be 

published on the FSIS website and distributed to the individual program 

areas by January 2014; Succession Plans will be developed by 5/24/14, and 

identified skill gap measures implemented by 8/29/14.

• Using assessments piloted by OM in 2013 for selected positions, managers 

and supervisors will review results to identify competency gaps and 
37

develop strategies to close them. 100% of OM employees who completed 

assessments will revise IDPs by 10/30/2013, to include new strategies. 

FSIS will work to develop competency assessments for all other OM 

occupational series by 9/30/14. 

• Ensure that 85% of the workforce has current telework agreements in place 

to meet work life balance program and COOP requirements and ensure that 

50% of eligible employees actively utilize telework to work remotely.

• Work closely with hiring managers to implement recruitment plans and 

activities to increase hiring of persons with targeted disabilities. 100 % of 

HR specialists (201) will receive training on using Schedule A authority to 

hire persons with targeted disabilities by 9/30/14; 80% of hiring managers 

will receive training on using Schedule A authority to hire persons with 

targeted disabilities by 9/30/14.

• Improve access for socially disadvantaged contractors, including veteran 

owned, women owned, American Indian owned, and small business to 

USDA programs for 50% of contract awards, measured using FPDS data.

• Work closely with OPHS management to achieve Green Status under the 

FedCenter Environmental Management System Criteria by overseeing the 

environmental management programs at three FSIS laboratories.

• Evaluate the FSIS Student Employment Program (SEP) to ensure FSIS has a 

comprehensive program, annually converting 80% of eligible graduate 

program participants to permanent positions at the end of their 

appointment.

• Develop and implement strategy to reduce employee relations case 

processing time to 90 days or less. 

Data Sources:

USDA/FSIS program management performance metrics including grievance, 

settlement, and adverse action rates; USDA Cultural Transformation

Scorecard; MD-715 reports; CARE review reports; FEVS results.
38

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Result 5:

BY 9/30/2014, FSIS WILL CLOSE-OUT ALL RECOMMENDATIONS MADE 

IN THE 2013 AUDITS OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND PROCUREMENT. 

Specifically, FSIS will address all recommendations and issues arising from 

the August 2013 OPM audit, July 2013 Rural Development pre-audit, and the 

2013 Price Waterhouse Cooper audit, as well as management control 

process improvements identified under the FY 2013 A-123 certification 

process.

Actions: 

• FSIS will address and resolve findings and recommendations contained

within each of the three respective HR and procurement audit reports by 

9/30/14.

• FSIS will conduct periodic HR and procurement program reviews at least 

once a month and address any identified systemic issues before the end of 

every quarter. 

• FSIS will address common key findings of HR processing by 12/30/13. 

Areas to be addressed include: Category Rating; Case File Review; Job 

Analysis; Assessment; Internal Controls; and Training. Implement actions to 

resolve findings by 6/30/14.

• Ensure no material weaknesses are reportable for A-123/financial audit, 

and no repeat findings exist for FY 2014 in contracting, procurement, or 

human resource transaction processing. Close out all FY 2013 assessment 

items by 5/30/14

Data Sources:

OPM, FSIS, PWC data.
39

Office of Outreach, Employment Education 

and Training

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.1

% of competency gaps closed for 

targeted groups (FY 2014 Target 10% 

decrease in competency gap)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1:

FSIS WILL DEVELOP A COMPETENCY MODEL TO SUPPORT MISSION 

CRITICAL OCCUPATIONS (MCOs).

Actions:

By September 30, 2014, OOEET will:

• Collaborate with OM, OIEA, OPPD and OCIO to identify and define 

general competencies that cut across all MCOs.

• Identify how the cross cutting competencies will be assessed.

• Identify and develop specific actions that will improve the MCO’s 

standing on the specified cross cutting competencies.

• Collaborate with OM, OIEA, OPPD and OCIO to develop a process that 

will identify and define the technical competencies for all MCOs.

Data Sources:

Specific data sources will be identified or developed to facilitate the 

development of the competencies.

Result 2:

FSIS WILL STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SCIENTIFIC, AND 

TECHNICAL SKILLS OF THE WORKFORCE. In 100% of target courses, 

OOEET will measure the competency of students with the goal of 80% 

meeting the competency standard after training. Outcome results will be 

measured by taking the series of actions below.

Actions: 

For 100% of target courses in FY 2014, OOEET will:

• Calculate the demonstrated competency for each class and report the 

percentage of classes that met or do not meet the competency standard 

of 80% .

• Analyze the level of training effectiveness for each class by comparing 

the average pretest/posttest score improvements to a benchmark of 

training effectiveness reported in the scientific training evaluation 

literature.

• Review course evaluation feed back to identify areas of content or 

delivery that can be improved in order to increase training 

effectiveness. 

Data Sources:

Validation data, Participant post tests results, OOEET Quarterly and Annual 

Reports; AgLearn Completion Reports; Course Evaluations.
40

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food safety 

system

Performance Measure 4.1.3

% of identified opportunities realized 

to improve information sharing

(FY 2014Target 71%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL IMPROVE ITS INFORMATION SHARING WITH SMALL AND VERY 

SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS. To achieve this result, OOEET will conduct, 

develop, and produce publications, Webinars, conference calls, exhibits, and 

other initiatives to reach owners and operators of small and very small meat and 

poultry establishments. In addition, to serve increasingly diverse populations 

(using English as a second language) operating small plants, OOEET will 

translate more food safety resources into another language.

Actions: 

• Publish 12 editions of Small Plant News, online and in print. 

• Publish new resources including, at a minimum, one guidebook and 

three brochures for small and very small meat and poultry 

establishments on subjects of technical and scientific merit.

• Translate at least 6 more food safety resources that FSIS offers to 

industry into a foreign language, bringing the total up from 19 (as of 

end of FY 13) to 25 by the end of FY 14. This would represent 50% of 

the total resources that FSIS offers to small and very small 

establishments.

Data Sources:

Small plant help desk monthly data; Meat and poultry hotline data; askFSIS 

data; OPPD’s Policy Development Division data; OPPD’s Labeling and 

Program Delivery Division data, Small Plant News survey data.

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food safety 

system

Performance Measure 4.1.3

% of identified opportunities realized 

to improve information sharing 

(FY 2014 Target 71%)

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships 

with public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food 

safety system

Result 4:

FSIS WILL ADVANCE THE COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT 

PROGRAM BY SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCING INFORMATION SHARING WITH 

STATE MPI PROGRAMS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM. There are 27 States MPI 

Programs. Currently, three States participate in the Cooperative Interstate 

Shipment program. OOEET will work with OFO and OPACE to increase State 

awareness of the Cooperative Interstate Program with a goal of inducing 

additional States to participate in the program.

Actions:

• By September 30, 2014, OOEET will develop and implement an 

effective outreach plan to advance the Cooperative Interstate Shipment 

program by conducting at least 2 Webinars and instituting at least 

three other information exchanges to inform States of the 

requirements and advantages of the program for both States and 

participating plants.

 

Data Sources:

Small plant help desk monthly data; askFSIS data; Feedback from monthly State 

MPI Directors webinars; Data from the Office of Field Operations; GAO Report.

Result 5:

INFORMATION SHARING WITH STATE MPI PROGRAMS, HACCP CONTACTS 

AND COORDINATORS, AND OTHER PARTNERS WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY 

ENHANCED THROUGH NOVEL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, WHILE 

REDUCING TRAVEL AND OVERHEAD. There are 27 States MPI Programs, a 

comprehensive network of HACCP Contacts and Coordinators across the 

country, and numerous other food safety partners that all share the same goal of 

improving food safety. With reduced budgets, it is becoming more difficult to 

sponsor, or attend, face-to-face meetings and conferences to conduct business. 

However, food safety challenges still need to be addressed by federal, state, and 
41

Performance Measure 4.1.3

% of identified opportunities realized 

to improve information sharing 

(FY 2014 Target 71%)

local entities, as well as academia and industry that need to work together. 

Actions: 

By September 30, 2014:

1. Research webcasting as the communication vehicle to conduct virtual 

meetings. Working with OCIO to implement Webcasting if economically and 

technologically viable.

2. Conduct 12 monthly Webinars/Webcasts for the state meat and poultry 

inspection directors. These 27 state MPI programs, which represent an 

approximate $54 million outlay in FSIS’ budget, represent a critical link in 

the nation’s food safety infrastructure.

3. Conduct 12 monthly Webinars/Webcasts for HACCP Contacts and 

Coordinators. This constituency is comprised of HACCP Coordinators at 

universities across the country that provide technical advice to small and 

very small plant owners and operators.

 

Data Sources:

Small plant help desk monthly data; askFSIS data; OPPD’s Policy Development 

Division data; OPPD’s Labeling and Program Delivery Division data; Feedback 

from monthly state MPI Directors webinars; Feedback from monthly HACCP 

contacts and coordinators Webinars; Data from the Office of Field Operations; 

GAO Report.
42

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer 

Education

Work Contributes to 

Strategic Plan Goals(s), 

Outcome(s) & Measures(s):

Goal 3

Enhance public education and 

outreach to improve food 

handling practices

Outcome 3.1

Consumers, including vulnerable 

and underserved populations, 

adopt food safety best practices

Performance Measure 3.1.1

Average percentage of 

consumers who follow the four 

key food safety “best practices” 

(i.e., clean, separate, cook, and 

chill) and thermometer use. 

(FY 2016 Target 79%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS

Undertaken by the End of FY 2014 

Result 1:

FSIS WILL EDUCATE AND PROMOTE CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE AND 

ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOUR KEY FOOD SAFETY BEST PRACTICES AND 

THERMOMETER USE TO PROACTIVELY INFLUENCE CONSUMER 

BEHAVIOR CHANGE. FSIS will use output-based measures to track message 

reach to consumers while working with partners to institutionalize the 

collection of measurable data on consumer food handling practices.

Actions:

• Increase the number of impressions to Food Safe Families campaign to 318 

million. At the end of FY2013, the campaign has had 265 million impressions 

since it launched. The FY 2014 number reflects a 20% increase. 

• By March 31, 2014, OPACE and ODIFP will analyze and interpret data 

collected in FY13 to assess progress in increasing consumer acceptance of 

safe food handling practices. OPACE will use the results and analysis to 

enhance at least one consumer education initiative by September 30, 2014. 

By June 31, 2014, OPACE will solicit at least one information collection study 

during the year. 

• Devise and implement strategy that increases by 15% above FY 13’s total of 

1,125,000, consumer outreach to at-risk populations to 1,293,750. Establish 

opportunity with at least two membership organizations that serve 

vulnerable population groups to promote the food safety for at-risk 

persons, through social media and other means, to increase message 

outreach.

• Increase use of innovative consumer education tools, including increasing

the number of answers viewed within Ask Karen to 2.4 million, (25% 

above the FY 2013 level), while maintaining a high customer satisfaction 

level as a measure by a self-serve rate of greater than 95%, indicating that 

the public can find the information they need. 

• Increase Spanish-language capacity to proactively reach under-served 

populations, resulting in at least two consumer or agency message 

initiatives. Increase number of answers viewed within Spanish Ask Karen 

to 2.1 million (20% above the FY 2013 level).

• Implement at least two tactics for providing Salmonella-related food safety 

messages to the public, including why Salmonella is more challenging to 

control than other pathogens.

Data Sources:

Partnerships with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for Kansas State 

University to collect observational study data, and with International Food 

Information Council’s Food and Health survey to include consumer behavior 
43

questions provided by FSIS. Provide Ad Council media metrics and consumer 

reach reports using the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline, Ask Karen databases, and 

brochure distribution metrics.

Goal 3

Enhance public education and 

outreach to improve food 

handling practices

Outcome 3.2

Consumers have effective tools 

and information to keep in-home 

food safe.

Performance Measure 3.2.1

Population that views FSIS’ most 

important “in-home” food safety 

message (i.e., clean, separate, 

cook, and chill; thermometer 

use)

(FY 2014 Targets include:

Website page views (61 million)

YouTube views (500,000)

Twitter Followers (520,000)

Visitors to Food Safety Discovery

Zone (478,160))

Result 2:

FSIS WILL UTILIZE ITS WEBSITE’S MOBILE ABILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY 

ENHANCEMENTS TO SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS TO THE AGENCY’S 

CUSTOMERS. 

Actions:

• By September 30, 2014, increase website page views over FY 2013 level by 

10% to more than 61 million (cumulative). Increase mobile device usage by 

20%, increasing user numbers by 1.7 million, to 2.3 million.

• Increase YouTube video views by at least 30% to 500,000. Continue to 

expand innovative use of video content for consumer education and 

other Agency issues. Promote new and leverage existing products 

through other outreach and dissemination methods, including 

partnerships. 

• Sustain growth of the @USDAFoodSafety and increase the number of Twitter 

followers by at least 10% from FY 2013 to more than 520,000. In addition to 

adding followers, increase re-tweets (sharing content) by 10% using at least 

two campaigns or seasonal education pushes as vehicles. 

• Increase visitors to the Food Safety Discovery Zone (FSDZ)to 478,160, 10% over 

the FY 2013 APP target. Promote at least 75% of FSDZ events through 

traditional and social media. 

• By March 1, 2014, establish social media governance and strategy based on 

social media analytics and baseline data collected during FY13. 

• In coordination with OCIO, oversee the requirements and development 

phases of the Foodkeeper App to bring the project to a successful conclusion 

before December 31, 2014, (design, testing, and deployment) once the 

contracts have been awarded.

Data Sources:

Tools provided with Twitter, YouTube, and Ask Karen. Google Analytics for 

website visits and ForeSee survey tool for customer satisfaction of the 

website. Manually track estimated attendees for FSDZ events. Measure use 

of mobile users via Google analytics against 2013 as baseline. Determine 

training needs and establish responsibilities for social media engagement, as 

well as develop and implement process to issue notifications to senior agency 

leaders.

Goal 3

Enhance public education and 

outreach to improve food 

handling practices

Outcome 3.2

Consumers have effective tools 

and information to keep in-home 

food safe.

Performance Measure 3.2.1

Population that views FSIS’ most 

important “in-home” food safety 

message (i.e., clean, separate, 

cook, and chill; thermometer 

use)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL FULLY EXPLORE ENHANCING THE SAFE FOOD HANDLING 

LABEL ON MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS PACKAGED FOR CONSUMERS.

Actions:

• OPACE in cooperation with OPPD and OOEET will solicit ideas from 

stakeholders regarding the safe food handling label. 

• OPACE in cooperation with OPPD and OOEET will ensure that ideas are 

presented to stakeholders at the National Advisory Committee on Meat and 

Poultry Inspection by January 31, 2014.
44

(FY 2014 Targets include:

Website page views (61 million)

YouTube views (500,000)

Twitter Followers (520,000)

Visitors to Food Safety Discovery

Zone (478,160))

• Within 90-days of the advisory committee meeting, OPACE in cooperation 

with OPPD and OOEET, will develop a recommendation on whether and, if 

so, how to go forward with making changes in the safe handling label. If the 

recommendation is to go forward, the recommendation will include major 

milestones and a timeline for completion. 

Data Sources:

Input from stakeholders, NACMPI meeting dates.

Goal 7: 

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting 

public health.

Outcome 7.1

Each employee understands how 

he or she impacts public health.

Performance Measure 7.1.1

Average score on the Annual

Employee Viewpoint Survey for

questions related to workers’

understanding of their impact on

public health. 

(FY 2014 Target 92%)

Result 4:

FSIS WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN THE CONNECTION OF FIELD 

EMPLOYEES WITH THE AGENCY'S MISSION TO PROTECT PUBLIC 

HEALTH, INCLUDING USE OF THE 'ONE TEAM, ONE PURPOSE' CAMPAIGN.

Actions:

• By November 1, 2013, develop for Agency review a year-long adaptable 

communications strategy that includes coordinated messages that align with 

Agency priorities. Coordinate with OCFO and OFO to develop and distribute 

materials that will be useful to in-plant personnel. 

• Within 60-days of receiving the analyses of an FY13 internal survey of 

employees’ communications, conducted by OCFO, use the analyses to

develop an internal communications strategy with at least one improvement 

to the FY2013 approach. Create at least four communication opportunities to 

Districts/field that provide training, resources, and feedback opportunities.

• Expand the Food Safety Ambassador Program to engage employee 

representatives and enable them to carry internal messages to colleagues in 

the field. Educate, inform, and empower Ambassadors and volunteers to 

become change agents in support of internal communications campaigns. 

Ensure 80% of Districts are actively engaged in the Ambassador Program.

Data Sources:

Evaluate information obtained through data sources such as the Federal 

Employee Viewpoint Survey, DM meetings and feedback. Data collected for 

the Ambassador reports and approved for strategy.
45

Office of Public Health Science 

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.1

% of annual science agenda 

completed and number of agenda 

items initiated (FY 2014Target 95%)

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2014 Target 95%)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2014Target 384, 362

illnesses)

ALSO

Performance Measure 4.1.1

Research: % of time products from 

three research agencies (ARS,ERS and 

NIFA) used by FSIS and shared with 

stakeholders (FY 2016Target 25%

over baseline)

Performance Measure 6..1.1 

% of food safety appeals granted 

(categories of appeals in which FSIS 

actions were misapplied or poorly 

supported and overturned by a 

higher-level supervisor (FY 2014

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1:

FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE 

HAZARDS AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FSIS REGULATED 

COMMODITIES, SO THAT, AS A RESULT OF THAT IMPROVED 

UNDERSTANDING, THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE CHANGES 

TO REDUCE CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO FOODBORNE HAZARDS 

ASSOCIATED WITH EACH FSIS-REGULATED COMMODITY. 

FSIS will assess the public health impact of Agency actions using illness 

reduction targets identified by the Healthy People 2020 initiative and in the FSIS 

Quarterly and FSIS Annual Performance Reports. The assessment will focus on 

chemical hazards and pathogens of most concern to FSIS and for which FSIS has 

testing programs and regulates: Salmonella and Campylobacter (causing a 

sizeable fraction of the total burden of foodborne illness), Listeria 

monocytogenes (with a case-fatality rate of approximately 16%), and STEC (both 

O157 and non-O157 STEC that can cause severe illness). FSIS has established 

pathogen-specific illness reduction targets for FY2014 based on a linear 

reduction in illnesses over time to achieve the Healthy People 2020 targets. FSIS 

has set a goal for illnesses attributed to FSIS-regulated products for FY 2014: 

Objective Total Illnesses Foodborne Illnesses 

Attributable to FSIS 

products/100,000 

persons

Salmonella 366,923 4.88

Lm 795 0.13

E. coli O157:H7 16,644 0.32

All-Illness 

Measure

384,362

Actions:

By September 30, 2014:

1. USE SCIENCE TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT OF SALMONELLA AND 

CAMPYLOBACTER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – DEVELOP 

APPROPRIATE STANDARDS FOR COMMINUTED POULTRY AND 

CHICKEN PARTS AND CONTINUE WORK ON BASELINE FOR BEEF AND 

VEAL.

• Comminuted poultry exploratory study.

o Analyze data to provide pathogen prevalence and levels for 

Salmonella and Campylobacter.

o Develop options for performance standards or compliance guides.

• Guide establishment of performance standards for chicken parts.

o Develop a chicken parts risk assessment to guide the development 

of public health-based (HP2020) performance standards options 

for potentially reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter on chicken 

parts. This risk assessment will estimate the number of illnesses 

avoided given different number of allowable positive regulatory 

samples. 
46

Target 39.67%)

And

Goal 8

Based on the defined Agency business 

needs, develop, maintain, and use 

innovative methodologies, processes, 

and tools, including PHIS, to protect 

public health efficiently and 

effectively and to support defined 

public health need and goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek to 

understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies

Performance Measure 8.1.1

Percentage of innovativeprocesses, 

methodologies, or technologies for 

which the Agency has established a 

baseline (FY 2014Target 55%)

• Complete shakedown and final FSIS Notice for the Beef/ Veal Carcass 

baseline survey. Initiate baseline in FY14.

2. FSIS WILL TEST FOR HAZARDS IN FOOD AND WORK WITH STATE 

INSPECTION PROGRAM LABORATORIES TO ASSURE COMPARABILITY.

• FSIS laboratory services will screen for multiple analytes in each FSIS 

sample.

o Complete exploratory sampling projects - data from 2 multihazard identification projects will be analyzed and any 

documented hazards will be risk-ranked by the end of FY14.

o A multi-compound tranquilizer method for FSIS regulated 

products will be implemented by the end of FY14.

o The analytical capability of the multiple hormone method will 

increase by 40% by the end of FY14. 

3. REAL-TIME TRACKING AND UPLOAD OF PFGE PATTERN NAME DATA 

FOR FSIS BACTERIAL ISOLATES.

• By 09/30/2014, build out a prototype application and processes that will:

o Compare PulseNet records with records in the FSIS BioNumerics 

and FSIS LIMS databases.

o Generate files compatible with the LabWare LIMS File Importer.

o Process existing LIMS records to import new pattern name data 

identified with the historical reported pattern name.

Data Sources: 

Data warehouse, scientific literature, other sources, FSIS recall database, CCMS, 

FSIS AES Investigations Records database.

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.1

% of annual science agenda 

completed and number of agenda 

items initiated (FY 2014Target 95%)

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2014 Target 95%)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF EMERGING ISSUES FROM 

FARM-TO-TABLE, SO THAT THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE 

CHANGES THAT WILL REDUCE, ELIMINATE OR PREVENT CONSUMER 

EXPOSURE TO NEW FOODBORNE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH MEAT, 

POULTRY, AND PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS. Emerging issues includes 

newly identified hazards (pathogens or chemicals of concern), new 

information on the characteristics of a hazard (e.g., virulence factors), and 

newly identified exposure pathways or contributing risk factors. FSIS will 

conduct systematic reviews of the literature, evaluate laboratory data for 

signals of new chemical hazards, seek input and exchange information with 

scientific and technical experts, and evaluate risk factors identified in 

epidemiological data to identify and address emerging or newly identified 

food safety hazards and risks to align its efforts to protect public health.

Actions:

By September 30, 2014:

1. DEVELOP THOROUGH DESCRIPTIONS OF HAZARDS IN FSIS 

REGULATED COMMODITIES: READY-TO-EAT, RAW POULTRY PRODUCTS, 

RAW BEEF, RAW PORK, OR RAW LIQUID EGGS.

o Norovirus

o Differential virulence of Shigatoxin E.coli

o Salmonella in animals before they come to slaughter (pre-harvest)

2. ANALYZE CONSUMER COMPLAINT MONITORING SYSTEM AND 

FOODBORNE ILLNESS INVESTIGATION DATA TO IDENTIFY 

ASSOCIATIONS AND TRENDS BETWEEN FSIS PRODUCTS AND HUMAN 

ILLNESS.
47

o Conduct analysis of FY13 data to establish an approach for finding 

trends and emerging concerns that might reveal factors amenable 

to interventions that reduce foodborne illness and hazards.

3. COMPLETE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION TEAM (HIT) PROJECTS TO 

CHARACTERIZE AT LEAST 2 NEWLY IDENTIFIED RISKS IN KNOWN OR 

EMERGING HAZARDS; DELIVER INFORMATION TO FSIS RISK 

MANAGERS THAT ASSESS THE FOLLOWING 5 CRITERIA.

o Novelty

o Data quality

o Imminence

o Scale

o Severity

Data Sources: 

Data warehouse, scientific literature, other sources, FSIS recall database, 

FSIS AES Investigations Records database.
48

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.2

FSIS increases the application of 

cutting edge science across the 

Farm-to-Table supply chain to 

improve public health

Performance Measure 5.2.1

% of identified public health and food 

safety gaps addressed across the 

Farm-to-Table Continuum 

(FY 2014Target 64%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL REFINE AND DEVELOP TOOLS TO BETTER ANALYZE THE 

IMPACT OF AGENCY POLICY ON PUBLIC HEALTH, INCLUDING 

QUANTITATIVE MODELING AND ANALYSIS TOOLS, AND NEW 

LABORATORY METHODS, TO MEASURE HOW FSIS POLICIES IMPROVE 

THE SAFETY OF REGULATED COMMODITIES. FSIS will develop new or 

improve upon existing laboratory testing methods, design new analytics 

models to assess exposure and risk to foodborne hazards enabling FSIS to 

make better predictions about public health outcomes; develop new 

mathematical models to evaluate the growth of pathogens in foods 

(predictive microbiology); develop improved information on the 

distribution of chemical hazards within food animals (physiology-based 

pharmacokinetic modeling); and, strengthen the FSIS risk analysis process 

through improvements in the type of information shared and 

communication during the initial interaction between risk 

assessors/scientists and risk managers.

Actions: 

1. BUILD ON THE CREDIBILITY OF THE SCIENCE THAT SUPPORT FSIS 

POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THOUGH PUBLISHING IN THE PEER 

REVIEWED LITERATURE.

• By March 31, 2014 submit a manuscript to International Association 

of Food Protection on an evaluation of predictive microbiology 

models’ utility. The manuscript will describe the performance of these 

models for Clostridium perfringens to guide industry in choosing the best 

model for assessing processing deficiency events.

• By September 30, 2014 develop and submit for peer-reviewed 

publication an article that estimates human illness reductions 

following implementation of the FSIS Salmonella and Campylobacter

performance standards in young chicken slaughter establishments. 

This article will analyze data before and after implementation of the 

performance standards and compares this empiric evidence to model 

predictions that accompanied the new FSIS standards announced in 2011. 

It will use a Monte Carlo – Markov chain statistical methods to examine 

statistical similarities and differences between what is observed and what 

was predicted.

• By September 30, 2014 and in collaboration with IFSAC, OPHS and 

ODIFP, develop and submit for peer-reviewed publication an article 

that examines the appropriateness of outbreak-based food attribution 

when applied to the larger population of non-outbreak cases for 

Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes

human illnesses. 

2. INTRODUCE CAPABILITY FOR WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING (WGS) 

FOR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND FOODBORNE ILLNESS INVESTIGATIONS.

• FSIS Lab system will work with public health partners to identify, and by 

the fourth quarter in FY14 deploy, an agreed upon genotyping platform that 

generates genomic information uploaded to a central database. Timely WGS 

and examination of microbial genomes will result in more rapid detection 

of mutations that confer phenotypic virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and 

susceptibility to pathogens of interest to FSIS.

Data Sources: 

Data warehouse, LIMS, PHIS, FSIS/Applied Epidemiology Staff Investigations 

Records database, scientific literature, and other sources.
49

Office of Policy and Program Development

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E. coliO157:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2014Target 384,362 

illnesses)

AND

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreign produced 

products meet food safety 

performance standards

Performance Measure 2.1.1

% of broiler plants passing the carcass 

Salmonella verification testing 

(FY 2014 Target 92%) 

AND

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2014 Target 95%)

AND

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1:

FSIS WILL ADDRESS THREE MAJOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING 

SALMONELLA, AND ON THE BASIS OF THE ANSWERS TO THOSE 

QUESTIONS, THE AGENCY WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO TAKE

ACTIONS THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE ILLNESSES FROM THIS

PATHOGEN ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED PRODUCTS.

Specifically, FSIS will determine: (1) whether there are actions it can

take to ensure that establishments that produce comminuted poultry

are effectively addressing Salmonella in their HACCP systems, and if so,

what those actions are; (2) how verification testing for Salmonella can

be improved; and (3) whether its existing policies on Salmonella are

being effectively implemented.

Actions:

By September 30, 2014:

• To address the first question, FSIS will test comminuted poultry to 

generate data for new performance standards for raw comminuted 

chicken and turkey products for Salmonella and Campylobacter. OPPD will 

issue a FRN with proposed new performance standards and include 

discussion of assessing whether establishments are meeting the 

performance standard based on a “moving window” approach. FSIS will 

begin FSAs in establishments producing comminuted poultry products 

using public health regulations (PHR) criteria.

• To implement the Salmonella action plan and to address the first 

question, OPPD will issue a revised Compliance Guideline for Controlling 

Salmonella and Campylobacter in Poultry, including information on the 

lessons learned from previous poultry pre-harvest meetings, and how 

those lessons were incorporated into or informed FSIS policies, including 

discussions on how FSIS has worked with the Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS) to overcome regulatory barriers. 

• To implement the Salmonella action plan and to address the second

question, OPPD will publish a directive that provides instructions to 

inspection program personnel on the verification activities related to 

sanitary dressing procedures in hog slaughter establishments. 

• To implement the Salmonella action plan, in collaboration with OPHS and 

ODIFP, OPPD will explore whether AMS data, combined with FSIS data, 

could provide information about effects of lymph nodes on Salmonella

contamination.

• To address the third question, OPPD will on an annual basis, determine

whether Salmonella related notices and directives are being effectively

implemented based on operational measure analyses performed in 

collaboration with ODIFP and modify and reissue notices and directives

as needed. 

• In collaboration with ODIFP, OPPD will develop and implement a plan for

reviewing the relevant notices and directives based on priorities

established and shared with DCC and other program areas, and revise the 

directives and notices as necessary based on the results of the review. 

• OPPD will issue, and FSIS will implement, procedures to begin

analyzing for Salmonella in all raw beef samples collected for STEC 

analysis.
50

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.1

% of food safety appeals granted 

(categories of appeals in which FSIS 

actions were misapplied or poorly 

supported and overturned by a highlevel supervisor) (FY 2014Target 

39.67%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.2

% of regulated industry adhering to 

key public health related policies 

(establishments receiving zero public 

health related non-compliance in a 

year) (FY 2014Target 77%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public health 

risks (FY 2014 Target Bi-Monthly)

Data Sources:

FSAs, checklist data, PulseNet (CDC), VetNet (ARS), PBIS, LIMS, M2K, PREP, 

PHIS, SIP, AssuranceNet, DCC matrix, related askFSIS Q&As, public comment 

and other feedback on current policies or guidance. 

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E. coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2014 Target 384,362)

illnesses)

AND

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety partners 

to enhance the food safety system.

Performance Measure 4.1.2 

Key Federal Partners: Percentage of 

results from interagency 

collaboration on analytics 

(FY 2014target 53%)

Performance Measure 4.1.3

Percentage of identified 

opportunities resulting in 

improved information sharing 

Result 2:

FSIS WILL WORK TO REDUCE ILLNESSES IN RAW GROUND BEEF AND 

OTHER PRODUCTS BY UNDERTAKING REVIEWS OF FSIS TEST

RESULTS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN NOTICES AND DIRECTIVES.

SPECIFICALLY, FSIS WILL ASSESS WHETHER ITS VERIFICATION 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-O157 STEC AND O157 ARE BEING 

EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED AND MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES 

BASED ON THE REVIEWS.

Actions:

By September 30, 2014, OPPD will:

• Complete cost-benefit analysis for expanding FSIS non-O157 testing

to include raw ground beef and ground beef components in 

addition to trim and make it available for public comment.

• Analyze comments received in response to Federal Register notice on 

options for targeting testing of trim more effectively and make

appropriate changes to better target testing.

• In response to OIG audit on boxed beef, make necessary changes to

instructions to field so that FSIS begins sampling at the receiving 

establishment boxed beef and whole muscle cuts used for raw non-intact 

products; FSIS often does not sample this type of product at the slaughter 

establishment.

• In response to OIG audit on FSIS sampling protocol, make necessary 

changes to Directive 10,010.1 to ensure random sampling and to clarify 

instructions on finding non-compliance.

• Determine whether STEC related notices and directives are being

effectively implemented based on operational measure analyses

performed in collaboration with ODIFP and modify and reissue them as 

needed. 

• In collaboration with ODIFP, develop and implement an annual action 

plan for reviewing the relevant notices and directives based on priorities

established and shared with DCC and other Offices, and revise the 

directives and notices as necessary based on the results of the review.

• Update the May 2010 E. coli O157:H7 pre-harvest cattle guidance to
51

(FY 2014 target 71%)

AND

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2014 Target 95%)

AND

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.2

% of regulated industry adhering to 

key public health related policies 

(establishments receiving zero public 

health related non-compliance in a 

year) (FY 2014Target 77%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public health 

risks (FY 2014 Target Bi-Monthly)

address non-O157:H7 Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) and 

interventions and strategies that can be used at pre-harvest to reduce 

STEC based on current scientific literature. Also, incorporate lessons 

learned from the NACMPI November 2011 public meeting, including 

discussions on how FSIS has worked with FDA and APHIS to overcome 

regulatory barriers. 

Data Sources:

PBIS, PHIS, LIMS, PREP, STEPS, PHIS, M2K and related askFSIS questions, 

checklist data, public comment and other feedback on current policies or 

guidance.
52

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.2

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.1

% of establishments that meet the “for 

cause” Food Safety Assessments and 

monthly Hazard Analysis Verification 

decision criteria more than once per 

year (FY 2014 Target 1.60%) 

Performance Measure 1.2.2

% of importing countries requiring 

more immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention more than 

twice within the previous year 

(FY 2014Target less than 20%)

AND

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public health 

risks (FY 2014 Target Bi-Monthly)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL FOCUS ITS REGULATION DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ON: 

(i) MODERNIZING POULTRY AND BEEF SLAUGHTER OPERATIONS, 

(ii) REDUCING ADULTERANTS IN FSIS PRODUCT, AND (iii) REDUCING 

E.COLI O157:H7 and LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND STRENGTHENING 

VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES RELATED TO IMPORTED PRODUCT. 

Actions:

 By September 30, 2014, OPPD will:

• Finalize poultry slaughter regulations and develop and issue 

necessary instructions to implement the regulations.

• Finalize validation guidance and a Federal Register announcement

of the availability of the guidance, and issue necessary instructions

to the field so that FSIS can verify that establishments meet 

regulatory validation requirements.

• Use FSIS meat industry survey to develop economic analysis for beef 

slaughter proposed rule consistent with the poultry slaughter 

modernization regulations, as appropriate. 

• Issue final regulations, instructions to the field, and guidance to industry to 

expand generic labeling.

• Issue guidance to retail delis to prevent Listeria monocytogenes. 

• Issue necessary instructions to inspection personnel so that they 

can better identify problems in the establishment that may lead to 

Listeria monocytogenes contamination, in order to prevent this

contamination. 

• Respond in the Federal Register to comments received on the 

Federal Register notice, “On-going Equivalence Verification of 

Foreign Food Regulatory Systems,” update and make necessary 

changes to the methodology for On-going Equivalence Verification 

of Foreign Food Regulatory Systems. 

• Issue at least three directives or notices to the field on foreign 

audits, on FSIS assessments of corrective actions taken by foreign 

food regulatory systems related to port-of-entry violations or audit 

findings, and on determinations of initial equivalence of foreign 

food regulatory systems.

• Complete the cost-benefit analysis and update instructions to the field for 

enforcement of temperature requirements for shell eggs. 

• Finalize regulation on common or usual name for raw meat and poultry 

products containing added solutions. 

• Finalize regulation on descriptive designation for needle- or bladetenderized (mechanically tenderized) beef products. 

• Propose regulation on records to be kept by official establishments 

and retail stores that grind raw beef products.

Data Sources:

PBIS, PHIS, M2K, Recall data; related askFSIS questions, checklist data, 

public comment and other feedback on inspection procedures and 

regulations. 
53

U.S. Codex Office

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 4 

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness 

Outcome 4.1: 

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food safety 

system

Performance Measure 4.1.2 

Key Federal Partners FDA and CDC: 

Percentage of results from 

interagency collaboration on 

analytics used in FSIS policy.

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2014

Result 1: 

FSIS/U.S. CODEX OFFICE WILL PROMOTE THE ADOPTION BY THE CODEX 

ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION OF VOLUNTARY INTERNATIONAL 

STANDARDS, CODES OF HYGIENIC PRACTICE, AND OTHER GUIDELINES 

THAT ALIGN WITH U.S. FOOD SAFETY GOALS, PUBLIC HEALTH 

REGULATIONS, AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE GOALS. 

Actions: 

• Organize U.S. Delegations to 10 international meetings of Codex committees 

that prepare draft standards on nutrition, food hygiene, spices, fishery 

products, fruits and vegetables, methods of analysis, food additives, 

contaminants, pesticides, and food labeling/organically produced foods; and 

to the Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting where draft standards are 

formally adopted and proposals for new work are approved.

• 90% participation in meetings of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, 

Committees, and working groups to promote international standard setting 

based on scientific assessment of risk from food borne illness.

• Solicit comments from technical experts in other U.S. Federal agencies to 

establish U.S. positions on proposals for new work and on the development of 

draft standards in Codex committees.

• 90% submission of written U.S. technical responses to requests for comment 

on draft international food safety standards.

• 12 public meetings conducted and 13 Federal Register notices published to 

solicit public comment on U.S. positions. 

• Prepare draft U.S. positions on the technical issues to be discussed at each 

committee meeting and meetings of electronic working groups.

• Coordinate meetings of the inter-agency Codex Policy Committee and Codex 

Technical Committee.

• Distribute proposed standards and requests for comments from the Codex 

Secretariat to subject matter experts in appropriate Federal agencies and 

external stakeholders as appropriate to develop formal responses that convey 

U.S. interests.

• Conduct multi-agency training for U.S. Delegates to Codex committees.

• Publish biweekly on-line Codex News update to inform stakeholders and other 

interested parties on U.S. activities in the development of Codex standards.

Data Sources:

Formal reports of Codex meetings published by the Codex Secretariat; 

formal circular letters distributed by the Codex Secretariat requesting 

national comments on draft international standards.

Draft U.S. positions, U.S. Delegate Reports, and biweekly Codex News 

updates published on the U.S. Codex pages of the FSIS website.
54

Goal 2 

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies 

Outcome 2.1 

Domestic and foreign produced 

products meet food safety 

performance standards 

Result 2: 

U.S. CODEX OFFICE SUCCESSFULLY SERVES AS SECRETARIAT FOR THREE 

CODEX COMMITTEES AND ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS 

HOSTED BY THE UNITED STATES IN ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SPECIFIED

ACTIONS. THOSE COMMITTEES ARE: FOOD HYGIENE, PROCESSED FRUITS 

AND VEGETABLES, AND RESIDUES OF VETERINARY DRUGS IN FOODS.

Actions: 

• Work to gain approval, in November 2013, by the Committee on Food 

Hygiene, and subsequent approval in July 2014 by the Commission, of a 

proposal for new work to establish an international standard for the 

control of Salmonella spp. in beef and pork; and for the Committee on 

Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Use to undertake new work to 

establish a standard international nutrient reference value for potassium.

• Prepare timely detailed conference proposals and secure Department 

approvals.

• Enter into agreements with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. 

• Where applicable, negotiate responsibilities and cost-sharing with cohosting developing countries.

• Contract for venue and translation, conduct site visits of possible 

conference venues, coordinate with Codex Secretariat on invitation and 

agenda, and implement efficient and secure registration procedures.

• Prepare, translate and distribute meeting documents in three official 

languages used in Codex meetings; contract and manage simultaneous 

interpretation services, audio /visual services.

• Conduct briefings for Committee chairs and the Codex Secretariat.

• Assist chair in managing meeting agenda and achieving meeting goals.

• Design, conduct in conjunction with Codex Secretariat, and analyze 

evaluation results from survey of committee delegates.

• 80% favorable post-event survey responses on meeting expectations of 

Committee Chairpersons, Delegates and senior management of UN Food 

and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization.

• Manage funds efficiently, seek cost-effective solutions.

• Organize inter-sessional electronic and physical working groups as 

directed by the committees and ensure that working group documents are 

produced in time for committee meetings.

• U.S. hosted Codex Committee meetings comply with USDA and Federal 

procedures for conferences; 80% procurements at or below budget 

forecasts and financial allocations.

• Publish on-line reports by U.S. Delegates on outcomes of 90% of Codex 

committee meetings.

Data Sources:

Documents prepared, translated and distributed prior to each committee 

meeting; formal Reports by Codex Secretariat on decisions at committee 

meetings; delegate evaluations of committee sessions. 
55

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends 

Outcome 5.1 

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for use of cutting-edge 

science policy development to 

better defend against public 

health risks.

. 

Result 3: 

U.S. CODEX OFFICE WILL SUPPORT USDA/FSIS MISSION GOALS BY 

PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS FOR 

MAXIMIZING INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD SAFETY 

POLICIES AND STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION AMONG EXTERNAL 

STAKEHOLDERS TO PREVENT FOODBORNE ILLNESS. Consensus is the 

preferred method of adopting Codex standards, so the U.S. depends on the 

support of most of Codex member countries to advance U.S. interests. The 

Codex system is predicated on science-based decision making, which is why 

Codex was recognized as the international food safety standards-setting 

organization in trade agreements. U.S. Codex Outreach Program is managed 

and financed in cooperation with the Foreign Agricultural Service.

Actions: 

• Work to gain approval by the Committee on Food Hygiene in November 

2013 for the “Proposed Draft guidelines for Control of Specific Zoonotic 

Parasites in Meat: Trichinella spp. and Cysticercus bovis,”, and promote 

adoption of the proposed guidelines as a new international standard by 

the Codex Commission in July 2014.

• Promote adoption by the Codex Commission in July 2014 of “Proposed 

Draft Guidelines on Performance Characteristics for Multi-Residues 

Methods” for residues of veterinary drugs in foods. 

• Gain approval in May 2014 by the Committee on Pesticide Residues and 

adoption by the Codex Commission in July 2014 of maximum residue 

limits for pesticides in food and feed and revisions to the standards for 

the classification of food and feed for vegetable commodity groups. 

• Organize, manage, and participate 3 regional outreach events to foster 

inter-regional collaboration and to promote common approaches 

between U.S. delegates and (1) African delegates; (2) Asian delegates; and 

(3) delegates from Latin America and the Caribbean region. 

• Organize, manage, and participate in a multi-regional partnership 

program in Washington, DC for leaders of Codex National Committees 

and Codex Contact Point Offices of select countries in Africa, Asia, Latin 

America and the Caribbean and their U.S. counterparts.

• Collaborate with Brazil and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation 

in Agriculture to organize bilateral workshops in individual countries of 

Latin America to enhance the management capacity of Codex Contact 

Points in support of that country’s more effective participation in Codex 

standard-setting activities.

• Organize and conduct meetings between U.S. Delegations and those from 

Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean prior to each Codex 

committee Codex Alimentarius Commission session.

• Organize and conduct teleconferences and on-site meetings with 

delegations from Australia, Canada and New Zealand prior to 70% of 

Codex Committee meetings.

Data Sources:

Reports prepared in partnership with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), 

evaluations provided by FAS cooperating institutions, official Codex meeting 

reports and standards.