"Reclamation has always believed in self-evaluation and continuous improvement," said Commissioner Robert Johnson. "Managing for Excellence is the latest example of Reclamation addressing how it does business with special emphasis on collaboration with stakeholders, transparency, and efficiency achieved through its business management practices."

The Managing for Excellence Initiative identified and addressed specific 21st century challenges Reclamation must meet to fulfill its mission to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

"Reclamation looks forward to working closely with employees, customers, the public and other stakeholders to realize the goals of Managing for Excellence in the accomplishment of our mission over the coming years," concluded Johnson.

The Managing for Excellence initiative is in response to a report from the National Research Council which examined several facets of Reclamations organization, practices, and culture. Their report and recommendations were addressed in the formulation of the Managing for Excellence Action Plan. During the past two years, Reclamation has worked through that action plan with the help of many dedicated employees, customers and other stakeholders.

To get a copy of the report or learn more about the Managing for Excellence Initiative, please visit its website at www.usbr.gov/excellence.