Strategic planning in a country or region, or within a given sector in a country or region, is the process by which USAID defines its objectives for development to maximize the impact of our work. Strategic planning is essential in all the contexts in which USAID works - from relatively stable countries to those that are constantly in flux.

For USAID’s Missions, the strategic planning process involves the development of a Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), which may be tailored by Missions (in cooperation with Washington Operating Unit (OU) stakeholders) to accommodate specific country contexts while ensuring that the strategy addresses relevant Agency priorities. USAID strategic planning processes are also part of broader interagency strategic planning, including the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS). (ADS 201.3.2)

The ICS is a multi-year plan that articulates USG priorities in a given country. The ICS sets USG Mission Goals and Objectives through a coordinated and collaborative planning effort among State, USAID, and other USG agencies with programming in country. Per ICS guidance, USAID Missions with an approved CDCS must include their DOs (including Special Objectives) as Mission Objectives in the ICS. (ADS 201. 3.2.10)