SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

For a number of years, NARA has used a Federal Register notice (Transmittal Notice) to announce the issuance of revisions or updates to the General Records Schedule (GRS). The GRS provides mandatory disposition instructions for records common to all or several Federal agencies.

2. Discontinuation of Federal Register Transmittal Notices

NARA is discontinuing the practice of issuing separate Federal Register notices to announce a new GRS Transmittal. This change reflects NARA's ongoing commitment to modernizing communication and records management processes.

Agencies will be notified of the issuance of new GRS Transmittals through NARA's primary communication methods, including email notifications and announcements on the NARA website. All newly issued GRS schedules will be made immediately available on the GRS web page at www.archives.gov/​records-mgmt/​grs.html concurrently with their effective date. Anyone wanting to receive email notifications may do so at share.hsforms.com/​1JRQl-UXtTLSj5ZhbuM8F_​Qchjl4.

3. NARA's Approval Process Remains Unchanged

This administrative change to NARA's process for issuing GRS Transmittals does not change the appraisal and approval process for individual GRS. Consistent with 44 U.S.C. 3303a(a), NARA will continue to publish notices for public comment in the Federal Register for each GRS providing authority to dispose of federal records.

4. Agency Implementation Responsibilities Remain Unchanged

This administrative change to NARA's announcement process does not alter the mandatory requirements for Federal agencies to implement GRS changes. NARA regulations (36 CFR 1226.12(a)) still require agencies to disseminate GRS changes within six months of receipt. Additionally, the requirements under 36 CFR 1227.12 concerning mandatory adherence to GRS provisions and the process for requesting deviations remain in full effect.

Agencies should continue to cite the “DAA” number in the “Disposition Authority” column of the GRS table when communicating with NARA on records transfers or deviation requests. A GRS Disposition Authority Look-Up Table is available on NARA's website.

5. Whom should an agency contact for further information?

Please contact the GRS Team at GRS_Team@nara.gov with any questions related to the General Records Schedule. Your agency's records officer may also contact the NARA appraiser with whom your agency normally works for support.

91 FR 72924