Data Standards

Standards, schemas, and related resources — this category will continue to be built out in response to Federal Data Strategy Action 20, which calls for a data standards repository to accelerate the creation and adoption of data standards across agencies

This section is a work in progress; your input is requested!

We are currently working to develop this data standards repository in response to Action 20 of the Federal Data Strategy and we welcome your feedback via Github or by emailing datagov@gsa.gov.

Guidance

OMB Circular A-119: Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities

Office of Management and Budget circular that directs agencies to use standards developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies rather than government-unique standards, except where inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Revised Jan. 27, 2016.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (43 pages, 517 KB)

Implementation Guidance for the Title V of the E-Government Act, Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (CIPSEA)

The purpose of the CIPSEA implementation guidance is to inform agencies about the requirements for using CIPSEA and to clarify the circumstances under which CIPSEA can be used. Dated June 15, 2007.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (17 pages)

Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (CIPSEA)

An Act to enhance the management and promotion of electronic government services and processes by establishing a Federal Chief Information Officer within the Office of Management and Budget, and by establishing a broad framework of measures that require using Internet-based information technology to enhance citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. Dated December 17, 2002.

Source

Public law

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (72 pages)

Schedule of Release Dates for Principal Federal Economic Indicators for 2019

Provides a schedule of release dates for principal Federal economic indicators for 2019.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (4 pages)

FIPS 199: Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems

Federal Information Processing Standards publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that contains standards for the categorization of federal information systems.

Source

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Keywords

data standards, security

Format

PDF (13 pages, 74 KB)

OMB M-03-13: Improper Payments Information Act of 2002

Outlines how Federal agencies should implement the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002. This legislation greatly expanded the Administration's efforts to identify and reduce erroneous payments in the government's programs and activities. When implemented, this guidance promises to improve the integrity of the government's payments and the efficiency of its programs and activities. Dated May 21, 2003.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (8 pages)

OMB M-06-28: Reporting Small Business Contracting Information

Directs agencies to ensure that reported small business contracts and related contract actions were actually awarded to small businesses. Each Department and agency is responsible for submitting accurate data to FPDS and verifying the accuracy of such data. Dated September 26, 2006.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (2 pages, 44 KB)

OMB M-07-09: Collection of Information on Earmarks

Provides guidance on information collection for earmark reform. Dated January 25, 2007.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (4 pages, 63 KB)

OMB M-07-23 — Supplement 2: Recipient Reporting Data Model

This data model is intended to be used in conjunction with the Section 1512 of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Provided for quarter ending September 30, 2009.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (23 pages, 211 KB)

OMB M-07-23: Requiring Agency Use of the International Trade Data System

Requires the use of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) when collecting information to clear or license the import and export of cargo. When fully utilized, ITDS will help us reduce redundant information collections, efficiently regulate the flow of commerce, and effectively enforce international trade laws. Dated September 10, 2007.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (2 pages, 37 KB)

OMB M-09-21: Implementing Guidance for the Reports on Use of Funds Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

This memorandum transmits government-wide guidance for carrying out the reporting requirements included in Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Dated June 22, 2009.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (41 pages, 551 KB)

OMB M-10-08: Updated Guidance on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – Data Quality, Non-Reporting Recipients, and Reporting of Job Estimates

This Memorandum provides Federal agencies with a standard methodology that is necessary for effectively implementing reviews of the quality of data submitted by recipients; provides guidance to Federal agencies on the format and dates to provide OMB with the list of awards subject to recipient reporting; and provides guidance to Federal agencies on the format and dates to provide OMB with the associated list of specific recipients who failed to submit required reports. Dated December 18, 2009.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (24 pages, 190 KB)

OMB M-10-22: Guidance for Online Use of Web Measurement and Customization Technologies

This Memorandum establishes new procedures and provides updated guidance and requirements for agency use of web measurement and customization technologies. The central goal is to respect and safeguard the privacy of the American public while also increasing the Federal Government’s ability to serve the public by improving and modernizing its activities online. Dated June 25, 2010.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

privacy, data standards

Format

PDF (9 pages, 130 KB)

OMB M-10-23: Guidance for Agency Use of Third-Party Websites and Applications

This Memorandum requires Federal agencies to take specific steps to protect individual privacy whenever they use third-party websites and applications to engage with the public. Dated June 25, 2010.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

privacy, data standards

Format

PDF (9 pages, 78 KB)

OMB M-13-17: Next Steps in the Evidence and Innovation Agenda

To help agencies move forward in harnessing evidence and evaluation, this memorandum (1) provides guidance for 2015 agency Budget submissions and (2) invites agencies to participate in a series of workshops and interagency collaborations to help agencies develop and strengthen proposals that catalyze innovation and learning. Dated July 26, 2013.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (14 pages, 753 KB)

OMB M-14-06: Guidance for Providing and Using Administrative Data for Statistical Purposes

The goal of this Memorandum is to help both program and statistical agencies and components (including evaluation and analysis units) use administrative data more fully in a manner that respects privacy and protects confidentiality. Specifically, this guidance will help program agencies manage their administrative data with statistical purposes in mind. Dated February 14, 2014.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

privacy, open data, data standards, access

Format

PDF (38 pages)

OMB M-15-12: Increasing Transparency of Federal Spending by Making Federal Spending Data Accessible, Searchable, and Reliable

This Memorandum provides guidance to Federal agencies on current reporting requirements pursuant to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) as well as new requirements that agencies must employ pursuant to the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act). Dated May 8, 2015.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (8 pages, 868 KB)

OMB M-15-15: Improving Statistical Activities through Interagency Collaboration

This memorandum strongly encourages the Federal statistical agencies and units, and their parent Departments, to build interagency collaboration that will help the Federal statistical community more effectively meet the information needs of the 21st century. Dated July 8, 2015.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (3 pages, 1.47 MB)

OMB M-17-04: Additional Guidance for Data Act Implementation: Further Requirements For Reporting And Assuring Data Reliability

This Memorandum provides additional guidance to Federal agencies to support the technical operationalization of reporting to USASpending.gov in accordance with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of20062 (FFATA), as amended by the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of2014, and in furtherance of Federal spending transparency. Dated November 4, 2016.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (11 pages, 10.16 MB)

OMB M-19-18: Federal Data Strategy – A Framework for Consistency

This memorandum establishes a Federal Data Strategy (Strategy) as a framework of operational principles and best practices that help agencies deliver on the promise of data in the 21st century. Through consistent data infrastructure and practices, the Strategy will enable Government to fully leverage data as a strategic asset by supporting strong data governance and providing the protection and security that the American people, businesses, and partners deserve. Dated June 4, 2019.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards, Federal Data Strategy

Format

PDF (8 Pages, 631 KB)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 1: Fundamental Responsibilities of Federal Statistical Agencies and Recognized Statistical Units

This Directive affirms the fundamental responsibilities of Federal statistical agencies and recognized statistical units in the design, collection, processing, editing, compilation, storage, analysis, release, and dissemination of statistical information. Dated December 2, 2014.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (8 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 2 — Addendum: Standards and Guidelines for Cognitive Interviews

This Addendum provides Standards and Guidelines for Conducting Cognitive Interviews. Dated October 12, 2016.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (2 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 2: Standards and Guidelines for Statistical Surveys

As part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information collected and disseminated by the Federal Government, OMB is issuing revised Standards and Guidelines for Statistical Surveys. Dated September 22, 2006.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards, access

Format

PDF (2 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 3: Compilation, Release, and Evaluation of Principal Federal Economic Indicators

The revised directive clarifies and strengthens OMB guidance to Federal agencies on the compilation and release of principal economic indicators. Dated September 25, 1985.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (3 pages)

OMB Bulletin 17-01: Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas

This bulletin establishes revised delineations for the Nation's Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas. The bulletin also provides delineations of Metropolitan Divisions as well as delineations of New England City and Town Areas. Dated August 15, 2017.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards, geospatial

Format

PDF (221 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 4: Release and Dissemination of Statistical Products Produced by Federal Statistical Agencies

Issues a new Statistical Policy Directive for the release and dissemination of statistical products produced by Federal statistical agencies. Dated March 7, 2008.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (6 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 10: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)

Announces OMB's final decision for the 2018 revision of Statistical Policy Directive No. 10, Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). Dated November 28, 2017.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (3 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity

Announces OMB's decision concerning the revision of Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, Race and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting. Accepts the recommendations of the Interagency Committee for the Review of the Racial and Ethnic Standards with the following two modifications: (1) separating the Asian or Pacific Islander category into two categories—‘‘Asian’’ and ‘‘Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander,’’ and (2) changing the term ‘‘Hispanic’’ to ‘‘Hispanic or Latino.’’ Dated October 30, 1997.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (9 pages)

Statistical Policy Directive No. 8: North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)/Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a system for classifying establishments (individual business locations) by type of economic activity. This announces OMB's adoption of NAICS revisions. Dated August 8, 2016.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards

Format

PDF (2 pages)

Guidance on Agency Survey and Statistical Information Collections

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) requires agencies to submit requests to collect information from the public to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. This guidance is designed to assist agencies and their contractors in preparing Information Collection Requests (ICRs), which may be commonly known as PRA submissions or “OMB clearance packages,” for surveys used for general purpose statistics or as part of program evaluations or research studies. Updated October 2016.

Source

Office of Management and Budget

Keywords

data standards, PRA

Format

PDF (100 pages)