In order to ensure achievement of strategic goals, the Government Performance and Results Act and OMB guidance provide that each agency will develop annual performance budgets, which are submitted along with the agency’s budget requests. The annual performance budget demonstrates the linkage between the agency’s strategic goals and its performance goals to be achieved during the budget year.

The RRB develops annual performance budgets, based on its strategic goals, which are designed to make continual, measurable progress on our objectives. Annual performance budgets are developed using the performance-based approach outlined in the Strategic Plan. Annual performance goals for key work areas are articulated in this Strategic Plan, along with our methods for measuring achievement of those goals. We will, of course, monitor our performance throughout the year and make adjustments, as needed, to achieve the desired results. The RRB submitted its most recent annual performance report, as required by the Government Performance and Results Act, in November 2005, as part of its Performance and Accountability Report.

In addition to developing our performance plan every year for inclusion with the budget, we will monitor our Strategic Plan annually and update it as needed. At a minimum, we will continue to update our Strategic Plan every 3 years as required to project 5 years into the future. Figure 2 illustrates the agency’s strategic planning process.

The Railroad Retirement Board expects that our Strategic Plan will guide us as we continue our long and distinguished tradition of excellence in service to our customers. The RRB has a proven track record of carrying out its plans and achieving results. We believe that this Strategic Plan, along with the annual performance budgets and sufficient resources, will help us to achieve the results our customers need and deserve.

Figure 2: Strategic Planning Process