12 Steps In A Needs Assessment – By Coastal Services Center of The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

1. Confirm the Issues and Audience
2. Establish the Planning Team
3. Establish the Goals and Objectives
4. Characterize Your Audience
5. Conduct Information and Literature Search
6. Select Your Data Collection Methods
7. Determine Your Sampling Scheme
8. Design and Pilot the Collection Instrument
9. Gather and Report Data
10. Analyze Data
11. Manage Data 
12. Synthesize Data and Create Report