The steps below are suggestions for using this guide. They may be useful for  district federal programs officers and district staff leading pipeline development.

1. Review Part 1 of this guide to reflect on the seven domains of a high-quality principal pipeline. Consider using the Principal Pipeline Self-Study Guide for Districts to determine which domains to focus on first.
2. For each domain, use the guide to identify the federal sources that could help support it. 

Review Part 2 of this guide to identify the purpose, core allowable uses, and allocation mechanisms for each of the federal funding sources. Ensure that your particular uses meet statutory and regulatory requirements.