> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://usdr.gitbook.io/digital-service-toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://usdr.gitbook.io/digital-service-toolkit/assess-your-readiness/process-for-assessing.md).

# Process for Assessing

Assess your organization’s directive, structure, current state, and history to build a grounded understanding of where you are starting.

## What You'll Assess in this Discovery Period

Use the structured discovery process provided here to understand your organization’s starting point, identify important gaps, and prepare stakeholders to make informed decisions.

The process covers four areas presented in a suggested order, but you can move between them as new information emerges.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### [Digital Service Directive](/digital-service-toolkit/assess-your-readiness/process-for-assessing/digital-service-directive.md)

Clarify what is driving the work, what outcomes are expected, who has authority, and what funding or accountability requirements may shape the effort.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### [Organizational Structure](/digital-service-toolkit/assess-your-readiness/process-for-assessing/organization-structure.md)

Understand where digital services fit within the organization, how decisions are made, and which teams, leaders, and partners need to be involved.
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{% step %}

### [Current State Inventory](/digital-service-toolkit/assess-your-readiness/process-for-assessing/dnu-current-state-inventory.md)

Document the people, services, systems, tools, processes, and vendors already supporting the work. This provides a practical view of existing capabilities, gaps, and dependencies.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### [Risk and History](/digital-service-toolkit/assess-your-readiness/process-for-assessing/assess-risk-and-history.md)

Learn from previous efforts and understand how your organization approaches risk and change. Consider past successes, challenges, stakeholder concerns, and institutional norms that may affect the path forward.
{% endstep %}
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## Download the Information Gathering Starter Guide

Visit [Templates & Tools](/digital-service-toolkit/resources/templates-and-tools.md#information-gathering-starter-guide) to download the Information Gathering Starter Guide in your preferred format. Use this guide to capture key information throughout the discovery process. You’ll know you’ve gathered enough information to identify and prioritize opportunities when any remaining gaps are unlikely to significantly change your understanding of the current state.

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
This discovery period is about context, not solutions. The goal is to leave with a grounded understanding of where you are starting and what will shape the path forward.
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### Getting unstuck

There’s a lot of information listed in this section, and some of it won’t be available or easy to track down. Make notes when you find these gaps and continue onward; think about how they impact your view of the organization as a whole. 

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**Want help building your Digital Service Team?** [Request support here](https://form.jotform.com/240083950102041)
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