COMDTINST 5420.40C — Commandant’s Executive Decision Making (edm) Process

COMDTINST 5420.40C governs the Coast Guard Executive Decision Making framework and decision support role of key executive forums.

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  • Publication number: COMDTINST 5420.40C
  • Title: COMMANDANT’S EXECUTIVE DECISION MAKING (EDM) PROCESS
  • Date: 8/10/2021
  • Proponent: VCG

View COMDTINST 5420.40C on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses enterprise decisions, executive forums, organizational roles, and the relationship between executive decision making and PPBE. It requires specified senior personnel to become familiar with and comply with the Instruction, and establishes approval and consultation requirements for certain decisions.

Applies to: All Flag Officers, Senior Executive Service (SES) civilian employees, and their staffs shall familiarize themselves and comply with the provisions of this Instruction.

Topics covered

  • Executive decision making
  • Enterprise decisions
  • Executive forums
  • PPBE process
  • Senior leader roles
  • Decision support
  • Coast Guard governance

Questions and answers

Who must comply with COMDTINST 5420.40C?

All Flag Officers, Senior Executive Service (SES) civilian employees, and their staffs shall familiarize themselves and comply with the provisions of this Instruction. (paragraph 2)

What does the Coast Guard executive decision-making framework provide?

A properly designed decision-making framework facilitates well-informed and timely decisions made at the right level in the organization. It provides regular, repeatable and transparent processes that promote appropriate deliberation while ensuring decision-makers receive accurate, timely input from relevant parties. (paragraph 4)

Who must be consulted for Coast Guard executive decisions?

For all decisions, the Judge Advocate General (CG-094), Director, Governmental and Public Affairs (CG-092), and Assistant Commandant for Resources (CG8) shall be consulted as appropriate and early as practicable and shall be available to advise all levels with executive decision-support. (paragraph 4)

Which decisions require CCG or VCG approval?

Enterprise decisions require CCG or VCG approval.

How are enterprise decisions routed for approval?

All enterprise decisions requiring CCG or VCG approval will be routed through both Deputy Commandants and will include assessments of the legal, political and budgetary impacts/risk, via endorsements, from Commandants (CG-092), (CG-094), and (CG-8).

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