Records Management and FOIA: So Happy Together

Today on Records Express, guest author Alina M. Semo, Director of the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), the Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Ombudsman’s office, discusses the vital role records management teams play in agencies’ responses to FOIA requests. You can read more about OGIS’s work at The FOIA Ombudsman and on their … Continue reading Records Management and FOIA: So Happy Together

Example Statement of Objectives for a Needs Assessment

As part of our Federal Electronic Records Modernization Initiative (FERMI), we are working to make it easier for Federal agencies to obtain electronic records management (ERM) services and solutions that will meet their needs.  Agencies often request sample procurement documents from other agencies, such as Statements of Objectives, Statements of Work, Requests for Information, and … Continue reading Example Statement of Objectives for a Needs Assessment

Proposed Digitization Regulation for Permanent Records

This post comes from Michael Horsley and Kevin De Vorsey As a reminder, we are calling attention to the proposed digitization regulations for permanent records which were posted on the Federal Register for public review and comment.  Comments are due on or before February 1, 2021. To make a comment, please follow the instructions in … Continue reading Proposed Digitization Regulation for Permanent Records

Getting Notifications When Schedules Are Open for Comment

The Federal Records Act 44 U.S.C. § 3303a(a) provides the public with an opportunity to comment on all schedules for records proposed as temporary. NARA publishes notice in the Federal Register of agency records schedules open for public comment. Schedules and appraisal reports are published on the Federal Government’s eRulemaking portal, regulations.gov, for public review. … Continue reading Getting Notifications When Schedules Are Open for Comment

Transition Post 4: President-Elect Transition Team Materials

Here is another post in our series on records management during Presidential transitions. We have received questions concerning the records management responsibilities related to Transition Teams.  The President-elect’s Transition Team (PETT) represents the President-elect during the Presidential transition. The materials that PETT members create or receive are not Federal or Presidential records, but are considered … Continue reading Transition Post 4: President-Elect Transition Team Materials

Permanent Digitization Regulations Ready for Review and Update on Transition Activity

We wanted to share two important updates from our office.  First, we wanted to call attention to the proposed digitization regulations for permanent records which were posted on the Federal Register for public review and comment.  Comments are due on or before February 1, 2021. To make a comment, please follow the instructions in the … Continue reading Permanent Digitization Regulations Ready for Review and Update on Transition Activity

Transition Post 3: Managing Official Email and Social Media Accounts

The next post in our Federal Government transition series highlights the need to manage official email and social media accounts of senior officials as they enter and exit Federal Service. It is very important for these officials to keep personal materials separate from official accounts or systems. This avoids the laborious and difficult task of … Continue reading Transition Post 3: Managing Official Email and Social Media Accounts

Cognitive Technologies White Paper

This post is written by Sharmila Bhatia and Markus Most. We are pleased to announce the release of a white paper on the records management implications of: Internet of Things (IoT)Robotic Process Automation (RPA)Machine Learning (ML)Artificial Intelligence (AI) This white paper provides a basic description of each of these technologies, examples of their various applications, … Continue reading Cognitive Technologies White Paper

Transition Post 2: Entrance and Exit Checklists for Senior Officials

The next post in our Federal Government transition series highlights the specific resources we have created for senior officials entering and exiting Federal Service. It is critically important these officials are aware of their records management responsibilities. Our Documenting Your Public Service guide includes Model Records and Information Management Entrance and Exit Checklists. These checklists … Continue reading Transition Post 2: Entrance and Exit Checklists for Senior Officials