PRIMO and SLEET Situational Analysis Template

Template 4 min
Begin internal research on a situation using the policy, resources, internal stakeholders, mission and operations – PRIMO – framework. Then use the sociocultural, legal, economic, external stakeholders and technology – SLEET – framework for an external analysis of the same situation.

Attention!
Check with your unit to ensure there are no local templates that should be used instead.

PRIMO and SLEET is a DINFOS-developed research framework designed to provide a structure for analyzing a situation, with particular attention to elements that impact either the information environment or a public affairs officer's ability to communicate about an issue, operation or event. It is one of many possible ways to approach research. As a framework, it isn't a rigid architecture. Information may fit into more than one factor, and for some topics, no information in a specific factor may be relevant. The framework is designed to be a tool – not an end state – to understand a situation.

It is particularly important, when analyzing each factor, to consider the situation from the public affairs/communication perspective. Answer the question: How does the information gathered impact the information environment, or a PAO's ability to communicate about the issue?

PRIMO

The first section of this template covers an internal situation analysis using the PRIMO framework. It is designed to help you organize your research on the public communication considerations regarding a unit problem, situation or opportunity from an internal perspective. As you work to complete the template, consider strengths, weaknesses and questions for each of the following factors: 

  • Policy 
  • Resources
  • Internal stakeholders 
  • Mission 
  • Operations  

SLEET

The second part of this template comprises an external situational analysis using the SLEET framework. It is designed to help you organize your research on the public communication considerations regarding a unit problem, situation or opportunity from an external perspective. As you work to complete the template, consider opportunities, threats and questions for each of the following factors:

  • Sociocultural
  • Legal 
  • Economic
  • External stakeholders
  • Technology

If there is data, a fact or information you are unsure of where to place in the template, note it and move forward with your research. PRIMO and SLEET are just templates that increase the potential that you take a 360-degree view of the problem or opportunity when researching. Using these frameworks, perform research and list factors in whichever category makes sense, note any inconsistencies and then determine later where those factors belong.