NARA is represented on the PDF/A U.S. Committee and TC-46 SC11 on the PDF/A Joint Working Group.  The following information about PDF/A from Susan Sullivan, our representative, may be helpful for Larry and others:

PDF/A is a programming specification based on the PDF Reference Manual, Version 1.4.  Vendors will use the PDF/A standard to create software that will read, write, and otherwise process PDF/A conformant files.  As such, there is no need to preserve the source code of any vendor's software.

The standard prohibits, restricts, requires, or recommends the use of specific PDF components (e.g., fonts, graphics, annotations) in PDF/A conformant files.  The result is a file format, based on PDF 1.4 that is more suitable for long term preservation.  PDF/A files will be more self-contained, self-describing, device-independent than typical PDF 1.4 files.
Later versions of PDF (e.g., 1.5, 1.6) will be addressed in future Parts of the PDF/A standard.

As a file format specification, organizations will need to establish their own capture methodology that meets domain specific policies and procedures (e.g., for reliability, integrity, compliance, comprehensiveness).  For example, Federal agencies will need to implement PDF/A in conjunction with additional requirements identified in NARA's guidance for transferring permanent PDF records to NARA,. http://www.archives.gov/records_management/initiatives/pdf_records.html.

For more information, visit the AIIM web site. http://www.aiim.org/standards.asp?ID=25013.



Nancy Allard
Senior Policy Specialist
Policy and Communications Staff
NARA
301-837-1477
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