The Federal Maritime Commission released its Initial Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022 last week.

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.

“A strategic plan with a focused mission provides an essential roadmap for the activities and decision processes of all organizations, public and private,” said Acting FMC Chair Michael Khouri. “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 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.”

Those interested in commenting on the Initial Draft Strategic Plan may do so by submitting in paper form 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

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