Decision Briefing

Elements of a Decision Briefing

• Outline — Agenda
• Purpose of Briefing/Issue(s)
• Background
• Assumptions
• Alternatives Identified
• Evaluation Criteria/Process
• Analysis of Identified Alternatives
• Recommended Alternative
• Rationale for Recommendation
• Recommended Implementation Plan
• Key Risks for Recommended Implementation Plan

What to Expect from the Person/People Receiving the Briefing

• Challenges to assumptions, definitions, methodology
• Questions concerning compliance with or changes to policy
• Sensitivity of the issue and/or recommended alternative to change
• Questions or challenges to analysis, tradeoffs, rationale for recommendations, and implementation plan
• Questions concerning risks for the recommended implementation plan

Note: Questions may be open-ended or closed (e.g., yes/no answers).