Although regulations are part of the Directives System, as a matter of law, they are developed through notice and public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act. All directives are applicable to Department employees. Requirements contained in directives other than regulations are applicable to Department contractors only to the extent provided in the relevant contract. Requirements contained in Department regulations are applicable to Department contractors to the extent provided by the terms of each regulation. Directives reflect the Headquarters' responsibility for program planning and direction and Field responsibility for program execution.
Maximum flexibility is provided for implementation decisions.
Implementation decisions are made at the appropriate level commensurate with the scope of work and the hazards. Requirements contained in directives are expressed, to the extent possible, as performance objectives and expected outcomes. Guides and technical standards are limited to the identification of useful or acceptable methods for implementing directives' requirements and do not establish requirements or constitute the basis for a finding of noncompliance with a specific requirement. Supplemental directives, for local use, are issued to address matters not covered by Department directives or to implement requirements contained in Department directives. Directives developed through the Directives System are periodically reviewed for applicability, accuracy, and continuing need at a frequency determined by the Directives System Manager.