• By Steve Morgan
• May 11, 2023

Resource Guide: Master Plan Review and Controlled Unclassified Information

Master plans are an important part of the planning process for federal installations and campuses. A master plan is a comprehensive development proposal which considers mission needs and anticipates new or changing activities. They consider complex planning issues related to future changes, perimeter security, landscape, visual and cultural resources, stormwater management, flooding protection, transportation, and security.

But what happens when some of the information is designated Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? Examples of CUI include financial information, payroll information, and proprietary information. NCPC has prepared a resource guide that explains the process of master plan reviews and how the Commission handles CUI.

Master plans should be regularly updated and submitted for Commission review before an agency designs and funds future development. A master plan is considered a “living” document that helps guide a federal campus/installation’s transition from its current condition into the future.

Master plans have a different review process from other plans with only three phases: concept, draft, and final. Of course, staff always recommends a pre-submission briefing early in the planning process. Agencies are required to review master plans at least every five years to ensure they accurately reflect anticipated changes to the campus/installation. Applicant agencies should advise the Commission of the results of such reviews and provide the Commission with a proposed schedule to update a master plan if the applicant has determined an update is necessary.

NCPC recognizes that some federal installations or campuses have enhanced security needs. The Commission offers some flexibility when dealing with master plans that might contain CUI and have policies in places that allow agencies to submit all required information.

The resource guide provides more information about how NCPC handles Controlled Unclassified Information and how to submit master plans for review.

Resource Guide