National Archives and Records Administration
The mission of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is to safeguard and preserve the records of the federal government, including presidential records, and ensure ready access to this information to the public, the President, Congress, and the courts. Agency business is increasingly being conducted using electronic documents — including e-mail — which continue to grow in volume and complexity.
- Agencies do not always have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that electronic records, including e-mail records, are appropriately identified and preserved.
Highlights of GAO-08-742 (PDF)
- NARA's oversight of federal records management has been limited.
Highlights of GAO-07-1142T (PDF)
- The system NARA is developing to store federal and presidential electronic records has faced schedule delays and cost increases. NARA faces additional challenges in meeting deadlines associated with the January 2009 presidential transition.
Highlights of GAO-08-1105 (PDF)
^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done
- Agencies need to ensure that the electronic records policies and procedures follow NARA guidance.
Highlights of GAO-08-742 (PDF)
- NARA needs to develop and implement an approach to overseeing agency records management programs that provides adequate assurance that agencies are following NARA guidance.
Highlights of GAO-08-742 (PDF)
- NARA needs to develop and implement a mitigation plan to ensure that it can fulfill its critical transition responsibilities in the event that the electronic records system it is developing is not fully operational at the time of the presidential transition.
Highlights of GAO-08-1105 (PDF)
Figure: Master Copies of Electronic Records in NARA's Archives
Source: NARA.
^ Back to topKey Reports
- Federal Records: National Archives and Selected Agencies Need to Strengthen E-Mail Management
- GAO-08-742, June 13, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 74 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Management: The National Archives and Records Administration's Fiscal Year 2008 Expenditure Plan
- GAO-08-1105, September 26, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 54 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
