These guidelines implement Section 515 of Public Law 106-554 which directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidelines that “provide policy and procedural guidance to Federal agencies for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information (including statistical information) disseminated by Federal agencies.” Further, Section 515 requires that, within one year after OMB issues its guidelines, agencies must issue their own guidelines that include “administrative mechanisms allowing affected persons to seek and obtain correction of information maintained and disseminated by the agency” that does not comply with OMB’s guidelines. These guidelines are in compliance with Department of Commerce (DOC) and OMB Information Quality Guidelines and may be revised periodically, based on experience, evolving requirements in DOC, ESA and concerns expressed by the public.
