Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
Requirement: All federal public websites* must comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) to ensure that information collected from the public minimizes burden and maximizes public utility. One of the principal requirements of the PRA is that organizations must have OMB approval before collecting information from the public (such as forms, general questionnaires, surveys, instructions, and other types of collections), and they must display the current OMB control number on the collection. Organizations should review the PRA and implementation guidance to ensure their public websites meet the full range of requirements:
- Paperwork Reduction Act
- Paperwork Reduction Act, Section 3507, "Public Information Collection Activities"
- Guidance from OMB: "Paperwork Requirements"
Examples
- Peace Corps displays its OMB control number for collecting data about prospective volunteers.
- Department of Education lists its OMB control number on its online survey.
* These requirements apply to executive departments and agencies and their public websites. Check the specific law to see if it also applies to judicial or legislative agencies or to intranets.
Page Updated or Reviewed: December 14, 2005
