An organization cannot plan for all contingencies, but must base its vision within the framework of given assumptions. The following assumptions were used in formulating this strategic plan.
- The mission of the RRB will not change during this planning period.
- The RRB will continue as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government.
- The benefit programs will not experience any funding crises during this period.
- The public will expect continued excellent service.
- Budgetary resources will remain tight during the planning period.
- Technological improvements will be necessary for the RRB to meet customer expectations and operate within its budget.
- The primary service delivery will be through a structure of field offices.
- Over the long term, claims processing workloads will decline along with the total number of beneficiaries (see Figure 2).
- Maintenance workloads will decline, but reductions will be partly offset by increased initiatives in quality assurance and program integrity.
- A large number of experienced employees will retire during the planning period, resulting in a significant loss of business expertise.
- Legislative amendments will continue to be made, and may affect both processing and maintenance workloads.
Figure 2
Average Railroad Employment
Calendar Years 2010 - 2018 1
Railroad Retirement Beneficiaries
Fiscal Years 2010 - 2018 2
12010-2018 estimates from the 2011 Section 502 Report, employment assumption II
22011-2018 estimates from the 2011 Section 502 Report, employment assumption II.