About Treasury • Budget and Performance
IRS Strategic Operating Plan
A strategic operating plan describes multi-year priorities for how an organization will improve operations and deliver results. For large service organizations, these plans often emphasize modernization, customer experience, workforce capability, and improved systems and controls.
What an Operating Plan Typically Covers
- Service improvements: making services easier to use, more accessible, and more reliable.
- Technology modernization: updating systems, security, and digital tools.
- Process efficiency: reducing delays and improving throughput with better workflows.
- Compliance and integrity: strengthening fair and consistent administration and risk controls.
- Workforce strategy: recruiting, training, and supporting staff to meet operational needs.
How Progress Is Measured
Operating plans commonly include milestones and measurable indicators so stakeholders can track progress over time. Metrics often cover delivery timelines, digital adoption, service quality, and operational risk.
- Milestones for system upgrades and process rollouts.
- Service-level indicators (timeliness, accuracy, accessibility).
- Security and reliability measures for systems and data.
- Efficiency measures (cycle time and backlog reduction).
How It Connects to Budget and Performance
A strategic operating plan is closely linked to resource planning. It helps justify investments and provides a structured roadmap for how funds translate into improved outcomes.