In order to increase the quality and transparency of agency guidance practices and to comply with Executive Order (EO) 13891 of October 9, 2019, “Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents,” and the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) implementing memorandum M-20-02 (PDF, 5.8 MB) of October 31, 2019, Rural Development is providing the information below on its guidance documents. The term guidance document means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory or technical issue or an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue:
- Please note that these documents Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract; and
- The agency may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the website existing under the EO, except to establish historical facts.
If you wish to contact Rural Development regarding any significant guidance document, please do so by sending an email to comments@usda.gov or by mailing a letter to the following office:
Division Director
Innovation Center - Regulations Management Division
Rural Development
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
| Document ID: | Title of Document: | Date of Issuance: | Date Posted: | Topic: | Summary: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RD-GD-1960-01 | 415-1 | 10/25/1977 | 07/09/2020 | sale of property | The revisions have resulted from the necessity to accommodate the sample documents covered in REA Bulletin 415-1. |
| RD-GD-1969-02 | 2-1 | 08/15/1969 | 07/09/2020 | REA policy | To set forth policy concerning the relationship between the REA and its borrowers. |
| RD-GD-1972-03 | 345-54 | 08/07/1972 | 07/09/2020 | REA specification | To announce the revision of Page 1 of REA Specification PE-52 for Telephone Cable Splicing Connectors. |
| RD-GD-1977-04 | 183-1 | 01/01/1978 | 07/09/2020 | depreciation rates | This bulletin is issued to aid borrowers in their accounting for depreciation. |
| RD-GD-1979-05 | 345-83 | 10/07/1982 | 07/09/2020 | surge arresters | To announce the issuance of a new REA Specification for Gas Tube Surge Arresters. |
| RD-GD-1980-06 | 345-78 | 07/01/1980 | 07/09/2020 | carbon arresters assemblies | To announce the issuance of revised REA Specification PE-78. |
| RD-GD-1981-07 | 345-3 | 10/08/1981 | 07/09/2020 | acceptance of standards | To set forth policies and procedures for the determination of standards acceptable for the telephone program. |
| RD-GD-1986-08 | 50-4 | 11/20/1986 | 07/09/2020 | specifications and drawings | To announce the issuance of REA Standard D-801. |
| RD-GD-1988-09 | 320-12 | 09/01/1988 | 07/09/2020 | Fedwire deposit system | To provide instructions for preparing an FDS wire message using the new format. |
| RD-GD-1992-10 | 1770-1 | 07/16/1992 | 07/09/2020 | REA work order | To provide a uniform system for accumulating and distributing work order construction costs. |
| RD-GD-1992-11 | 1770B-1 | 11/12/1991 | 07/09/2020 | system of accounts | This bulletin sets forth the FCC Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) for Telecommunication Companies. |
| RD-GD-1993-12 | 1753F-205 | 06/04/1993 | 07/09/2020 | filled telephone cables | This specification covers REA requirements for filled telephone cables. |
| RD-GD-1993-13 | 1753F-208 | 06/04/1993 | 07/09/2020 | filled telephone cables | This specification covers REA requirements for filled telephone cables with expanded insulation intended for direct burial installation. |
| RD-GD-1994-14 | 1753F-206 | 01/14/1994 | 07/09/2020 | filled buried wires | This specification covers REA requirements for filled buried wires intended for direct burial as a subscriber drop and/or distribution wire. |
| RD-GD-1994-15 | 1753E-002 | 04/26/1994 | 07/09/2020 | software license agreement | This bulletin provides a user-friendly reformatting of the uniform Telecommunications Software License Agreement. |
| RD-GD-1994-16 | 1753F-207 | 07/14/1994 | 07/09/2020 | terminating cables | This specification covers REA requirements for terminating cables. |
| RD-GD-1995-17 | 1753F-401 | 03/03/1995 | 07/09/2020 | splicing cables | This standard describes approved methods for splicing plastic-insulated copper and fiber optic cables. |
| RD-GD-1996-19 | 1753E-001 | 01/23/1996 | 07/09/2020 | central office equipment | This revision removes the requirement for multiparty service and associated features and services. |
| RD-GD-1996-20 | 1753F-204 | 08/22/1996 | 07/09/2020 | aerial service wires | This specification covers RUS requirements for aerial service wires intended for aerial subscriber drops. |
| RD-GD-1996-21 | 1753E-201 | 1996 | 07/09/2020 | acceptance test | This bulletin provides acceptance tests that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of RUS Form 522. |
| RD-GD-1996-22 | 1753F-302 | 07/03/1996 | 07/09/2020 | outside plant housings | This specification informs of the engineering and technical requirements that are considered necessary for satisfactory performance in outside plant environments. |
| RD-GD-1997-23 | 1753F-201 | 08/26/1997 | 07/09/2020 | telecommunications plant | This standard covers RUS acceptance tests and measurements to be performed on installed copper and fiber optic cable telecommunications plant. |
| RD-GD-1997-26 | 345-72 | 10/18/1985 | 07/09/2020 | filled splice closures | To announce the issuance of a revised REA Specification PE-74. |
| RD-GD-1998-27 | 1710B-1 | 02/24/1998 | 07/09/2020 | financing bank loans | This bulletin is a guide to assist electric and telecommunications borrowers in understanding the terms, conditions, and options of RUS guaranteed loans made by the Federal Financing Bank (FFB). |
| RD-GD-1998-28 | 1728F-803 | 12/15/1998 | 07/09/2020 | line construction | To set forth requirements, specifications and standards for the construction of 24.9/14.4 kV overhead electric distribution lines and associated equipment and construction assembly units. |
| RD-GD-1998-29 | 1728F-800 | 12/16/1998 | 07/09/2020 | assembly unit numbers | This bulletin explains and documents the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) construction assembly unit numbering scheme. |
| RD-GD-1999-30 | 1780-6 | 06/04/1999 | 07/09/2020 | processing checklist | This bulletin is issued to outline the documents needed for water and waste processing. |
| RD-GD-1999-31 | 1728F-810 | 04/09/1999 | 07/09/2020 | electric transmission specs | To provide general construction requirements for representative wood pole structures and assemblies for 34.5 through 69 kV transmission lines. |
| RD-GD-1999-32 | 1728F-811 | 04/09/1999 | 07/09/2020 | electric transmission specs | To provide general construction requirements for representative wood pole structures and assemblies for 115 through 230 kV transmission lines. |
| RD-GD-1999-33 | 1724E-104 | 09/23/1999 | 07/09/2020 | rural distribution lines | This bulletin covers the principal considerations applicable to reduced size neutral conductors and outlines a procedure for their selection and installation. |
| RD-GD-2000-34 | 1780-10 | 03/20/2000 | 07/09/2020 | letter of agency commitment | This bulletin is issued to confirm certain understandings on behalf of RUS. |
| RD-GD-2000-35 | 1780-10A | 03/20/2000 | 07/09/2020 | letter of agency commitment | This bulletin is issued to confirm certain understandings on behalf of RUS. |
| RD-GD-2000-36 | 1780-17 | 04/21/2000 | 07/09/2020 | water program audit | This bulletin is issued to audit water programs. |
| RD-GD-2000-37 | 1780-32 | 09/05/200 | 07/09/2020 | Appalachian Regional Commission | This bulletin provides the MOA between the Federal Co-Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Under Secretary of RD. |
| RD-GD-2001-38 | 1744-2 | 03/05/2001 | 07/09/2020 | financial and statistical reports | To provide instructions for all Telecom borrowers required to submit operating reports to RUS (Form 479). |
| RD-GD-2001-39 | 1724E-153 | 04/25/2001 | 07/09/2020 | line guys and anchors | This guide bulletin provides information needed to properly design guying for conductors attached to wood distribution poles. |
| RD-GD-2001-41 | 1753F-151 | 08/21/2001 | 07/09/2020 | construction of underground plant | This specification provides assembly unit descriptions, materials, construction and installation, and drawings for underground plant associated with RUS Form 515. |
| RD-GD-2001-42 | 1753F-152 | 08/21/2001 | 07/09/2020 | construction of aerial plant | This specification provides assembly unit descriptions, materials, construction and installation, and drawings for aerial plant associated with RUS Form 515, . |
| RD-GD-2001-43 | 1753F-153 | 08/21/2001 | 07/09/2020 | service installations | This specification provides assembly unit descriptions, materials, construction and installation, and drawings for service installations at customer access locations associated with RUS Form 515. |
| RD-GD-2001-44 | 1753F-801 | 09/11/2001 | 07/09/2020 | customer access locations | This standard covers RUS service installation practices at permanent or mobile home customer access locations. |
| RD-GD-2002-45 | 1717B-2 | 02/14/2002 | 07/09/2020 | financial and statistical reports | To provide instructions to all electric distribution borrowers required to submit operating reports to RUS. |
| RD-GD-2002-46 | 1751F-643 | 08/28/2002 | 07/09/2020 | underground plant design | This bulletin provides RUS borrowers, consulting engineers, contractors and other interested parties with information on the design and construction of underground plant facilities. |
| RD-GD-2002-47 | 1751F-644 | 08/28/2002 | 07/09/2020 | underground plant construction | This bulletin provides RUS borrowers, consulting engineers, contractors and other interested parties with information on the construction of underground plant facilities. |
| RD-GD-2003-48 | 1724E-152 | 07/30/2003 | 07/09/2020 | overhead distribution line conductors | To present and explain: The equations needed to calculate ruling spans and conductor sags and tensions, the guidelines for preparing or selecting sag-tension tables, and, the characteristics, behavior, installation and aeolian vibration of distribution line conductors. |
| RD-GD-2003-49 | 1724E-154 | 07/30/2003 | 07/09/2020 | distribution conductor clearances | This bulletin presents information and the equations needed to determine the maximum span lengths that will meet NESC mid-span and supporting structure clearance requirements between conductors. |
| RD-GD-2004-50 | 1726I-602 | 02/19/2004 | 07/09/2020 | attachments to contract forms | This is a new bulletin which provides attachments that can be used with RUS electric program standard contract forms. |
| RD-GD-2005-51 | 1730B-2 | 01/07/2005 | 07/09/2020 | emergency restoration plan | This guide bulletin contains information to assist RUS electric borrowers in the development of a vulnerability and risk assessment (VRA) and an Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP). |
| RD-GD-2005-52 | 1717M-2 | 02/09/2005 | 07/09/2020 | sale or transfer of capital assets | To set forth Rural Utilities Service guidelines to be followed in the sale of capital assets of electric borrowers. |
| RD-GD-2005-53 | 1780-33 | 03/21/2005 | 07/09/2020 | value engineering studies | This bulletin is available to assist Rural Development (RD) Staff and Water and Waste Program applicants in conducting a Value Engineering Study. |
| RD-GD-2006-54 | 1717B-3 | 05/17/2006 | 07/09/2020 | financial and statistical reports | To provide instructions to all borrowers required to submit operating reports to RUS. |
| RD-GD-2008-55 | 1724E-302 | 01/24/2008 | 07/09/2020 | oil spill prevention | This publication aids the electric borrower in interpreting Federal regulations and developing the necessary documents and oil retention systems to meet these regulations. |
| RD-GD-2008-56 | 1767B-1 | 09/17/2009 | 07/09/2020 | uniform system of accounts | This bulletin sets forth, in a more user-friendly format, the RUS Uniform System of Accounts (USoA) and accounting interpretations for electric borrowers. . |
| RD-GD-2009-57 | 1724E-301 | 03/04/2009 | 07/09/2020 | large power transformer losses | This bulletin provides guidelines for evaluating transformer losses and including such losses in bid evaluations. |
| RD-GD-2009-58 | 1730A-119 | 03/24/2009 | 07/09/2020 | service continuity objectives | To provide guidance on recording and reporting service interruptions and outages, the calculation of industry standard indices for measuring distribution system performance and promotion of consistent outage recordkeeping and reporting among borrowers. |
| RD-GD-2009-59 | 1724D-105 | 05/22/2009 | 07/09/2020 | voltage conversion considerations | This bulletin recommends that system planners include an evaluation of whether it would be beneficial to convert some system circuits to a different voltage energization level. |
| RD-GD-2009-60 | 1767B-1 | 09/17/2009 | 07/09/2020 | uniform system of accounts | This bulletin sets forth, in a more user-friendly format, the RUS Uniform System of Accounts (USoA) and accounting interpretations for electric borrowers. |
| RD-GD-2009-61 | 1753F-601A | 12/22/2009 | 07/09/2020 | minimum performance specification | This bulletin updates the fiber optic cable specifications to meet current industry standards. |
| RD-GD-2009-62 | 1753F-601B | 12/22/2009 | 07/09/2020 | minimum performance specification | To update current specifications to meet current industry standards. |
| RD-GD-2010-63 | 1724D-106 | 08/03/2010 | 07/09/2020 | replacing storm damaged conductors | This bulletin provides guidelines that will assist Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers to expediently make this decision. |
| RD-GD-2010-64 | 1753F-150 | 09/29/2010 | 07/09/2020 | direct buried plant | This specification provides industry-created assembly unit descriptions, materials, construction and installation, and drawings for direct buried plant associated with RUS Form 515. |
| RD-GD-2012-65 | 1777-2 | 08/21/2012 | 07/09/2020 | project selection criteria | To provide a worksheet for Section 306C WWD Loans and Grants Project Selection Criteria. |
| RD-GD-2012-66 | 1777-3 | 08/21/2012 | 07/09/2020 | transmittal memorandum | To provide a memorandum for requesting funds from the National Office. |
| RD-GD-2012-67 | 1724D-113 | 05/16/2012 | 07/09/2020 | voltage levels | This bulletin provides recommended voltage levels and limits to serve as guidelines in the design and operation of electric distribution systems. |
| RD-GD-2012-68 | 1724E-102 | 10/23/2012 | 07/09/2020 | sectionalizing distribution lines | This bulletin provides guidance and assistance in sectionalizing distribution lines to protect them from faults. |
| RD-GD-2012-69 | 1724D-101B | 07/09/2020 | system planning guide | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance to borrowers and engineers in the preparation of construction work plans (CWPs) for electric systems. | |
| RD-GD-2013-70 | 1780-2 | 04/04/2013 | 07/09/2020 | preliminary engineering reports | The State Office staff is familiar with the use of the documents in their states and can answer specific questions on Agency requirements. |
| RD-GD-2013-71 | 1730B-121 | 08/13/2013 | 07/09/2020 | wood pole inspection | To furnish information and guidance in establishing a continuing program of pole maintenance. |
| RD-GD-2013-72 | 1780-34 | 09/05/2013 | 07/09/2020 | competitive sealed bids | This bulletin assists Rural Development staff in providing information and guidance to applicants and professional consultants in appropriate procedures for using the Competitive Sealed Bids process. |
| RD-GD-2013-73 | 1726-601 | 10/28/2013 | 07/09/2020 | electric system policies and procedures | The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify certain requirements of 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures. This revision includes additional interpretations. |
| RD-GD-2014-74 | 1778-1 | 01/27/2014 | 07/09/2020 | imminent community water assistance | To provide project selection criteria for Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grants. |
| RD-GD-2014-75 | 1778-2 | 01/27/2014 | 07/09/2020 | imminent community water assistance | To provide the transmittal memorandum used to request funds from the National Office for ECWAG grants. |
| RD-GD-2014-76 | 1780-12 | 01/27/2014 | 07/09/2020 | grant agreements | To provide the grant agreement to be used for Water and Waste System Grants, Exhibit A, and for Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, Exhibit B. |
| RD-GD-2014-77 | 1724E-150 | 08/14/2014 | 07/09/2020 | unguyed distribution poles | This guide bulletin presents equations, data, and other information. |
| RD-GD-2015-78 | 1724E-200 | 12/21/2015 | 07/09/2020 | high voltage transmission lines | This guide publication is a reference containing fundamental engineering guidelines and basic recommendations on structural and electrical aspects of transmission line design, as well as explanations and illustrations. |
| RD-GD-2016-79 | 1724E-203 | 02/01/2016 | 07/09/2020 | upgrading RUS transmission lines | This bulletin provides engineering personnel with information for upgrading transmission lines. |
| RD-GD-2016-80 | 1724E-151 | 02/23/2016 | 07/09/2020 | mechanical loading | To furnish design information needed to determine the permitted mechanical loading on wood distribution crossaims and crossarm assemblies. |
| RD-GD-2016-81 | 1724E-216 | 07/27/2016 | 07/09/2020 | prestressed concrete transmission | This bulletin provides a basis for procuring standard class prestressed concrete poles. |
| RD-GD-2016-82 | 1724D-107 | 08/09/2016 | 07/09/2020 | economic evaluation of transformers | This bulletin explains the total owning cost (TOC) method for conducting present worth dollar analysis of the cost of owning a transformer over its useful life. |
| RD-GD-2016-83 | 1724E-206 | 08/09/2016 | 07/09/2020 | prestressed concrete poles | This bulletin provides a basis for procuring prestressed concrete poles and concrete pole structures. |
| RD-GD-2016-84 | 1730-1 | 09/23/2016 | 07/09/2020 | electric systems operations and maintenance | This bulletin contains guidelines related to electric borrowers' operation and maintenance (O&M) and outlines the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) standard practices with respect to review and evaluation of O&M practices. |
| RD-GD-2017-85 | 1724D-101A | 02/16/2017 | 07/09/2020 | long range planning guide | The purpose of this guide is to highlight the key engineering principles and methods used in the preparation of long-range plans that will assure sound, long range economic conclusions for owners, engineers, and consultants. |
| RD-GD-2017-86 | 1724E-205 | 05/02/2017 | 07/09/2020 | preliminary embedment depths | This bulletin provides engineering information concerning selection of preliminary embedment depths, along with final embedment design criteria, for steel and concrete transmission poles subject to large overturning moments. |
| RD-GD-2017-87 | 1724E-220 | 05/09/2017 | 07/09/2020 | non-ceramic composite insulators | This bulletin provides a basis for procuring non-ceramic composite insulators for voltage class 34.5 kV and above. |
| RD-GD-2017-88 | 1780-35 | 08/30/2017 | 07/09/2020 | American Iron and Steel requirements | This Bulletin assists RD staff in providing information and guidance to applicants, professional consultants, general contractors, and manufacturers regarding the AIS Requirements. |
| RD-GD-2020-89 | 1780-26 | 06/16/2020 | 07/09/2020 | engineers joint contract documents | This Bulletin assists Rural Development staff in providing information and guidance to applicants and professional consultants. |
| RD-GD-2017-90 | 1724D-114 | 12/04/2017 | 07/09/2020 | voltage regulator application | This bulletin provides fundamental information about voltage regulators, their controls, and their application on rural distribution systems for Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers and others. |
| RD-GD-2018-91 | 1773-1 | 04/30/2018 | 07/09/2020 | policy on audits | This bulletin sets forth, in a more user-friendly format, the codified policies and procedures found in Title 7 CFR Part 1773, RUS Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers and Grantees. |
| RD-GD-2018-92 | 1724D-112 | 10/04/2018 | 07/09/2020 | applications of capacitors | To provide Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers and others guidance on the use, characteristics, and benefits of power factor correction capacitors on rural distribution systems. |
| RD-GD-2018-93 | 1728F-806 | 10/11/2018 | 07/09/2020 | underground electric distribution | This bulletin contains complete specifications settings forth the RUS requirements for constructing rural underground electric distribution systems. |
| RD-GD-2019-94 | 1724D-104 | 02/14/2019 | 07/09/2020 | computer workbook procedure | This bulletin describes the Rural Utilities Service engineering economics computer application. |
| RD-GD-2019-95 | 1724E-204 | 04/09/2019 | 07/09/2020 | steel single pole and H-frame structure | This bulletin provides guidance that should assist borrowers in procuring steel pole and steel H-frame structures. |
| RD-GD-2019-96 | 1724E-214 | 04/09/2019 | 07/09/2020 | class steel transmission pole | This bulletin provides guidance for procuring standard class steel poles for transmission applications. |
| RD-GD-2019-97 | 1728F-700 | 04/15/2019 | 07/09/2020 | wood pole, stubs, and anchor logs | To describe: (1) The minimum acceptable quality of wood poles, stubs; and anchor logs permitted to be purchased by or for RUS borrowers; and (2) the plans of procurement under which these wood products may be purchased. |
| RD-GD-2019-98 | 1724E-224 | 05/07/2019 | 07/09/2020 | steel pole construction | This guide bulletin provides general construction requirements for representative steel pole structures and assemblies for 34.5 through 230 .kV transmission lines. |
| RD-GD-2019-99 | 1724E-226 | 05/07/2019 | 07/09/2020 | concrete pole construction | This guide bulletin provides general construction requirements for representative concrete pole structures and assemblies for 34.5 through 230 kV transmission lines. |
| RD-GD-2020-100 | 1780-29 | 01/29/2020 | 07/09/2020 | poverty guidelines | This bulletin provides field offices with revised poverty guidelines. |
| RD-GD-2020-101 | 1780-5 | 03/12/2020 | 07/09/2020 | fund allocations | This staff instruction informs field offices of allocation levels and related information for FY 2020. |
| RD-GD-2020-102 | 1780-1 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | selection criteria | To lay out how priority points are awarded for Water and Waste projects. |
| RD-GD-2020-103 | 1780-7 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | legal services agreement | To outline the legal agreement between attorney and owner(s). |
| RD-GD-2020-104 | 1780-8 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | minimum suggested contents | To outline the minimum suggested contents of management agreements. |
| RD-GD-2020-105 | 1780-9 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | water users agreement | A users agreement between a member and an Association. |
| RD-GD-2020-106 | 1780-11 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | loan grant docket | This bulletin is issued only for use by State Program Officials in the preparation of documents which will inform applicants and RUS personnel on the items to be included in the docket. |
| RD-GD-2020-107 | 1780-18 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | daily inspection report | Daily inspector report conducted by an inspector and submitted to borrowers. |
| RD-GD-2020-108 | 1780-19 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | letter of conditions | The bulletin is issued to establish conditions which must be understood and agreed to by you before further consideration may be given to the application. |
| RD-GD-2020-109 | 1780-20 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | bylaws | This bulletin is issued to outlay the Bylaws for purposes for which a corporation is formed, and the powers which it may exercise are set forth in the articles of incorporation of the corporation. |
| RD-GD-2020-110 | 1780-22 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | eligibility certification | This bulletin is issued to outline the eligibility requirements for commercial credit and outstanding judgments. |
| RD-GD-2020-111 | 1780-23 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | project management agreement | This bulletin is issued to outline the agreement between the Rural Utility Service and the Regional Commission. |
| RD-GD-2020-112 | 1780-24 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | public works assisted by agency loan | This bulletin is issued to establish a memorandum of understanding between the Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce, and Department of Agriculture. |
| RD-GD-2020-113 | 1780-25 | 07/09/2020 | 07/09/2020 | public works and development facilities | This bulletin is issued to establish a memorandum of understanding between the Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce, and Department of Agriculture regarding supplementary grant assistance. |