It is likely that a study may cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. Yes, the specific processes within a staff organization can be benchmarked like many other processes. For instance, a site may want to benchmark its procedure for completing data calls with the procedures used at other sites or other government agencies. No, only the process being benchmarked needs to be similar. For instance, a site may want to benchmark its security procedures with the security procedures at chemical industrial plants or other businesses that may have similar security needs.
Partners can be either internal or external.
Internal partners will be other organizations within Environmental Management or the Department of Energy. If another federal agency or a private firm is selected as a benchmarking partner, then they are an external partner. Studies may use either type of partner or both. There are several legal issues to consider, two of which are discussed here. First, benchmarking with other organizations means that they are providing you with information on how to improve.