An organization cannot plan for all contingencies, but must base its vision within the framework of given assumptions. The following assumptions were used in formulating this strategic plan.

• The mission of the RRB will not change during this planning period.
   
• The RRB will continue as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government.
   
• The benefit programs will not experience any funding crises during this period.
   
• The public will expect continued excellent service.
   
• Budgetary resources will remain tight during the planning period.
   
• Technological improvements will be necessary for the RRB to meet customer expectations and operate within its budget.
   
• The primary service delivery will be through a structure of field offices.
   
• Over the long term, claims processing workloads will decline along with the total number of beneficiaries (see Figure 2).
   
• Maintenance workloads will decline, but reductions will be partly offset by increased initiatives in quality assurance and program integrity.
   
• A large number of experienced employees will retire during the planning period, resulting in a significant loss of business expertise.
   
• Legislative amendments will continue to be made, and may affect both processing and maintenance workloads.

Figure 2

Average Railroad Employment Calendar Years 2005 - 2014 1

Railroad Retirement Beneficiaries Fiscal Years 2005 - 2014 2

1	2008-2014 estimates from the 24th Actuarial Valuation, employment assumption II
2	2009-2014 estimates from the 24th Actuarial Valuation, employment assumption II.