NARA  is seeking public comment on the draft Appraisal
Guidelines for Federal Research and Development Records, published in the March 14, 2005 Federal Register at
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-4940.pdf

Comments are due by April 28.  Please send your comments to [log in to unmask]

Following is additional background information.

The Strategic Plan of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) states that NARA will ensure ready access to essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience.  The NARA Appraisal Policy (found at http://www.archives.gov/records_management/initiatives/appraisal.html) sets out the strategic framework, objectives, and guidelines that the National Archives and Records Administration uses to determine whether Federal records have archival value.  It also provides more specific guidelines for appraising the continuing historical value of certain categories of records.

The draft guidelines at the end of the Federal Register notice concern appraisal of research and development (R&D) records.  They aim to assist NARA staff in more effectively appraising NARA records by identifying considerations that need to be taken into account in determining the value of such records.  They also serve to acquaint the records management community, scientists, engineers and managers of R&D operations in Federal agencies, and others with an interest in R&D records, of the standards NARA uses in determining which R&D records have sufficient value to warrant eventual transfer to the National Archives of the United States.

NARA met in November 2003 with agency scientists and representatives of the scientific community to discuss the R&D work process and the appraisal of R&D records.  In summer 2004 NARA conducted a series of site visits to Federal agency R&D facilities to review research and development records and discuss their creation, use, and disposition with scientists, engineers and managers.  With this assistance from the R&D stakeholder community, NARA has developed these draft guidelines.

Posted by:
Nancy Allard
Policy and Communications Staff
NARA

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