OMB and NARA have just released a new memo, OMB/NARA M-23-07, Update to Transition to Electronic Records, (December 23, 2022). This memo extends the M-19-21 deadlines to June 30, 2024. The new deadline allows agencies more time to complete their transition to electronic records due to implementation delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This memorandum reinforces the requirements established in M-19-21, Transition to Electronic Records, and embraces the opportunities afforded to improve government by transitioning fully to an electronic environment. As noted in the first sentence of the new memorandum, “strong records management is necessary for transparency and accountability and underpins our democracy”.
If agencies are unable to meet these goals by the deadlines, they can request an exception. Information about exceptions is available in NARA Bulletin 2020-01, Guidance on OMB/NARA Memorandum Transition to Electronic Records (M-19-21). NARA will revise this guidance to reflect the requirements in the new memorandum.
For those Agencies who are already prepared for electronic record transfer, will NARA allow us to send electronic records NOW? For example, we have Employee Medical File Records (EMFS) covered under System of Record OPM GOVT 10, which must be sent to the National Personnel Records Center upon employee retirement. By sending e-records vs printing, placing into folders and filing, we would save 145 CF of records management and considerable resources from the FAA and NARA in records management and transfer costs. Please reach out I would love to know how to do this now vs. waiting another 18 months. We have been able to do this since 2017, and still keep hearing from NARA & NPRC they can’t take electronic records yet.