§ 3504. Authority and functions of Director

(a)

(1) The Director shall oversee the use of information resources to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental operations to serve agency missions, including burden reduction and service delivery to the public. In performing such oversight, the Director shall—

(A) develop, coordinate and oversee the implementation of Federal information resources management policies, principles, standards, and guidelines; and

(B) provide direction and oversee—

(i) the review and approval of the collection of information and the reduction of the information collection burden;

(ii) agency dissemination of and public access to information;

(iii) statistical activities;

(iv) records management activities;

(v) privacy, confidentiality, security, disclosure, and sharing of information; and

(vi) the acquisition and use of information technology, including alternative information technologies that provide for electronic submission, maintenance, or disclosure of information as a substitute for paper and for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures.

(2) The authority of the Director under this subchapter shall be exercised consistent with applicable law.

(b) With respect to general information resources management policy, the Director shall—

(1) develop and oversee the implementation of uniform information resources management policies, principles, standards, and guidelines;

(2) foster greater sharing, dissemination, and access to public information, including through—

(A) the use of the Government Information Locator Service; and

(B) the development and utilization of common standards for information collection, storage, processing and communication, including standards for security, interconnectivity and interoperability;

(3) initiate and review proposals for changes in legislation, regulations, and agency procedures to improve information resources management practices;

(4) oversee the development and implementation of best practices in information resources management, including training; and

(5) oversee agency integration of program and management functions with information resources management functions.

(c) With respect to the collection of information and the control of paperwork, the Director shall—

(1) review and approve proposed agency collections of information;

(2) coordinate the review of the collection of information associated with Federal procurement and acquisition by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, with particular emphasis on applying information technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal procurement, acquisition and payment, and to reduce information collection burdens on the public;

(3) minimize the Federal information collection burden, with particular emphasis on those individuals and entities most adversely affected;

(4) maximize the practical utility of and public benefit from information collected by or for the Federal Government;

(5) establish and oversee standards and guidelines by which agencies are to estimate the burden to comply with a proposed collection of information; of title 40;

(3) coordinate the development and review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of policy associated with Federal procurement and acquisition of information technology with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy;

(4) ensure, through the review of agency budget proposals, information resources management plans and other means—

(A) agency integration of information resources management plans, program plans and budgets for acquisition and use of information technology; and

(B) the efficiency and effectiveness of inter-agency information technology initiatives to improve agency performance and the accomplishment of agency missions; and

(5) promote the use of information technology by the Federal Government to improve the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of Federal programs, including through dissemination of public information and the reduction of information collection burdens on the public.

(Added Pub. L. 104–13, § 2, May 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 167; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. E, title LI, § 5131(e)(1), title LVI, § 5605(b), (c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 688, 700; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, § 1073(h)(5)(B), (C), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1907; Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XVII, § 1702, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–749; Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title X, § 1064(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–275; Pub. L. 107–198, § 2(a), June 28, 2002, 116 Stat. 729; Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(l)(5), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 107–296, title X, § 1005(c)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2272; Pub. L. 107–347, title III, § 305(c)(1), Dec. 17, 2002, 116 Stat. 2960.)

References In Text

References in Text

The date of enactment of the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, referred to in subsec. (c)(6), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 107–198, which was approved June 28, 2002.

Section 322 of title 40, referred to in subsec. (h)(2), was repealed by Pub. L. 109–313, § 3(h)(1), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1736.

Prior Provisions

Prior Provisions

A prior section 3504, added Pub. L. 96–511, § 2(a), Dec. 11, 1980, 94 Stat. 2815; amended Pub. L. 98–497, title I, § 107(b)(26), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2291; Pub. L. 99–500, § 101(m) [title VIII, §§ 814, 821(b)(2)], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–308, 1783–336, 1783–342, and Pub. L. 99–591, § 101(m) [title VIII, §§ 814, 821(b)(2)], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–308, 3341–336, 3341–342, related to authority and functions of Director prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 104–13.

Another prior section 3504, Pub. L. 90–620, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1303, provided for designation of a central collection agency, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 96–511. See section 3509 of this title.

Amendments

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 107–198 added par. (6).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 107–296, § 1005(c)(1)(A), and Pub. L. 107–347, § 305(c)(1)(A), amended par. (1) identically, inserting “and” at end.

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 107–347, § 305(c)(1)(B), substituted “section 11331 of title 40 and subchapter II of this chapter” for “sections 11331 and 11332(b) and (c) of title 40” and a period for “; and” at end.

Pub. L. 107–296, § 1005(c)(1)(B), which directed amendment of par. (2) by substituting “section 11331 of title 40 and subchapter II of this title” for “sections 11331 and 11332(b) and (c) of title 40” and a period for the semicolon, could not be executed because of amendment by Pub. L. 107–347, § 305(c)(1)(B). See Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2002 Amendments notes below.

Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(l)(5)(A), substituted “sections 11331 and 11332(b) and (c) of title 40” for “section 5131 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1441), and sections 5 and 6 of the Computer Security Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note)”.

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 107–296, § 1005(c)(1)(C), and Pub. L. 107–347, § 305(c)(1)(C), amended subsec. (g) identically, striking out par. (3) which read as follows: “require Federal agencies, consistent with the standards and guidelines promulgated under sections 11331 and 11332(b) and (c) of title 40, to identify and afford security protections commensurate with the risk and magnitude of the harm resulting from the loss, misuse, or unauthorized access to or modification of information collected or maintained by or on behalf of an agency.”

Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(l)(5)(B), substituted “sections 11331 and 11332(b) and (c) of title 40” for “section 5131 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1441) and sections 5 and 6 of the Computer Security Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note)”.

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(l)(5)(C), substituted “section 11331 of title 40” for “section 5131 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1441)”.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 107–217, § 3(l)(5)(D), substituted “subtitle III of title 40” for “division E of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)” and “section 322 of title 40” for “section 110 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 757)”.

2000—Subsecs. (a)(2), (d)(2), (f)(1). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted “subchapter” for “chapter”.

1998—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 105–277 amended cl. (vi) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (vi) read as follows: “the acquisition and use of information technology.”

1997—Subsecs. (g)(2), (3), (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–85, § 1073(h)(5)(C), substituted “Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1441)” for “Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996”.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, § 1073(h)(5)(B), substituted “division E of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)” for “the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996”.

1996—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 104–106, § 5131(e)(1)(A), substituted “sections 20 and 21 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–3 and 278g–4), section 5131 of the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996, and sections 5 and 6 of the Computer Security Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note)” for “the Computer Security Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note)”.

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 104–106, § 5131(e)(1)(B), substituted “the standards and guidelines promulgated under section 5131 of the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 and sections 5 and 6 of the Computer Security Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note)” for “the Computer Security Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note)”.

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 104–106, § 5605(b), substituted “section 5131 of the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996” for “section 111(d) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 759(d))”.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 104–106, § 5605(c), substituted “the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 and directives issued under section 110 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 757)” for “sections 110 and 111 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 757 and 759)”.

Effective Date Of Amendment

Effective Date of 2002 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–347 effective Dec. 17, 2002, see section 402(b) of Pub. L. 107–347, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3541 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective 60 days after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 4 of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as an Effective Date note under section 101 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–398 effective 30 days after Oct. 30, 2000, see section 1 [[div. A], title X, § 1065] of Pub. L. 106–398, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3531 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective 180 days after Feb. 10, 1996, see section 5701 of Pub. L. 104–106, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 702.

Miscellaneous

Government Paperwork Elimination

Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XVII, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–749, provided that:

“SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE.

“This title may be cited as the ‘Government Paperwork Elimination Act’.

“SEC. 1702. AUTHORITY OF OMB TO PROVIDE FOR ACQUISITION AND USE OF ALTERNATIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES.

“[Amended this section.]

“SEC. 1703. PROCEDURES FOR USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES.

“(a)In General.—In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104–106) [see Short Title of 1996 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41, Public Contracts] and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this title, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998], develop procedures for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures by Executive agencies.

“(b)Requirements for Procedures.—

(1) The procedures developed under subsection (a)—

“(A) shall be compatible with standards and technology for electronic signatures that are generally used in commerce and industry and by State governments;

“(B) may not inappropriately favor one industry or technology;

“(C) shall ensure that electronic signatures are as reliable as is appropriate for the purpose in question and keep intact the information submitted;

“(D) shall provide for the electronic acknowledgment of electronic forms that are successfully submitted; and

“(E) shall, to the extent feasible and appropriate, require an Executive agency that anticipates receipt by electronic means of 50,000 or more submittals of a particular form to take all steps necessary to ensure that multiple methods of electronic signatures are available for the submittal of such form.

“(2) The Director shall ensure the compatibility of the procedures under paragraph (1)(A) in consultation with appropriate private bodies and State government entities that set standards for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures.

“SEC. 1704. DEADLINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES OF PROCEDURES FOR USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES.“In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104–106) [see Short Title of 1996 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41] and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this title, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall ensure that, commencing not later than five years after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998], Executive agencies provide—

“(1) for the option of the electronic maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information, when practicable as a substitute for paper; and

“(2) for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures, when practicable.

“SEC. 1705. ELECTRONIC STORAGE AND FILING OF EMPLOYMENT FORMS.

“In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104–106) [see Short Title of 1996 Amendment Act set out under section 101 of Title 41] and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this title, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998], develop procedures to permit private employers to store and file electronically with Executive agencies forms containing information pertaining to the employees of such employers.

“SEC. 1706. STUDY ON USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES.

“(a)Ongoing Study Required.—In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divisions D and E of Public Law 104–106) [see Short Title of 1996 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41] and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this title, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, in cooperation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, conduct an ongoing study of the use of electronic signatures under this title on—

“(1) paperwork reduction and electronic commerce;

“(2) individual privacy; and

“(3) the security and authenticity of transactions.

“(b)Reports.—The Director shall submit to Congress on a periodic basis a report describing the results of the study carried out under subsection (a).

“SEC. 1707. ENFORCEABILITY AND LEGAL EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS.

“Electronic records submitted or maintained in accordance with procedures developed under this title, or electronic signatures or other forms of electronic authentication used in accordance with such procedures, shall not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability because such records are in electronic form.

“SEC. 1708. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.

“Except as provided by law, information collected in the provision of electronic signature services for communications with an executive agency, as provided by this title, shall only be used or disclosed by persons who obtain, collect, or maintain such information as a business or government practice, for the purpose of facilitating such communications, or with the prior affirmative consent of the person about whom the information pertains.

“SEC. 1709. APPLICATION WITH INTERNAL REVENUE LAWS.“No provision of this title shall apply to the Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service to the extent that such provision—

“(1) involves the administration of the internal revenue laws; or

“(2) conflicts with any provision of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 [Pub. L. 105–206, see Tables for classification] or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.].

“SEC. 1710. DEFINITIONS.“For purposes of this title:

“(1)Electronic signature.—The term ‘electronic signature’ means a method of signing an electronic message that—

“(A) identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic message; and

“(B) indicates such person’s approval of the information contained in the electronic message.

“(2)Executive agency.—The term ‘Executive agency’ has the meaning given that term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.”