You know when you're in a bureaucracy when...

You have a Word template for something called a "Decision Paper". These documents need to be submitted in advance of the meeting you are about to have, or else the meeting doesn't happen. Here is the body of the document:

DECISION PAPER TEMPLATE

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DIVISION/UNIT

DATE

FOR

SUBJECT:

PURPOSE: In one precise sentence, state the issue or problem being addressed and what you want the decision maker to do.

RECOMMENDATION: What decision is wanted or required? Quantify dollars, resource levels (internal and external), and equipment, if involved. Clearly state desired decision.

ASSUMPTIONS:

a. State assumptions, i.e., it is assumed that current funding levels will remain constant.

b. If there are no assumptions, state, "none."

BACKGROUND: Provide a brief background of the issue or problem. Describe the situation requiring a decision, and explain why the specific recommendation was chosen. Include the current status of the issue or problem.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION: The assumptions, if any and facts should support the recommendation

IMPACT OF SUCCESS OR FAILURE: State the results of putting and not putting the recommendation into action.

COORDINATION: If coordination is not required, state, "not required." Write the name and organization of the person with whom coordination was made, the date, and whether there was concurrence or nonconcurrence of the recommendation.

APPROVED ___ DISAPPROVED ___ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED ___