Commission Publishes FY18-22 Initial Draft Strategic Plan

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC or Commission) invites comments on its Initial Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022 (draft Plan), which was released today.

Comments on the Commission’s draft Plan must be submitted on or before December 6, 2017.

The Commission is introducing with the draft Plan a new motto, “Competition and Integrity for America’s Ocean Supply Chain.” This statement concisely summarizes the Commission’s Congressionally-charged mandate and complements the mission statement, which has been retained.

The draft Plan retains, with slight language modifications, Strategic Goal One, “Maintain a competitive and reliable international ocean transportation supply system,” and Strategic Goal Two, “Protect the shipping public from unlawful, unfair and deceptive ocean transportation practices.” Notably, the Commission has developed a new objective under Strategic Goal One, namely “to ensure that actions under filed agreements do not result in unreasonable increases in transportation costs and/or unreasonable decreases in transportation services.” The measures to assess this objective will track modifications made in the review process to mitigate anti-competitive effects, and ensure timely review of monitoring reports.

The Commission has retained those other existing goals and measures which have proven to be well tested and appropriate targets for accomplishing its mission. Also retained is the “Administrative Strategies in Support of Agency Objectives” section, which guides the Commission’s management support functions: budgeting, contracting, information technology support, and human resources.

Acting Chairman Khouri noted “A Strategic Plan with a focused Mission provides an essential roadmap for the activities and decision processes of all organizations — public and private. The Federal Maritime Commission is committed to its Mission—ensure a competitive and reliable ocean transportation supply system that supports the U.S. economy and protects the pubic from unfair and deceptive practices. The Strategic Plan published today for public comments builds upon the foundation of that Mission and the past accomplishments of our agency’s dedicated staff. Together, we will continue to defend and protect competition and integrity for America’s ocean supply chain.”

The new Draft Plan replaces the current FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan.

Those interested in commenting on the Initial Draft Strategic Plan for FY2018-2022 may do so by submitting in paper form (only an original filing is needed) or as an attachment to an email (attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF). When submitting comments either in paper or by email, include in the subject line: “Comments on FMC Initial Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022”.

Address all comments concerning the draft Plan to:

Office of the Managing Director
Federal Maritime Commission
800 North Capitol Street, NW Room 1078
Washington, DC 20573-0001
Email: OMD@fmc.gov