AC 09.2015

January 14, 2015

MEMORANDUM TO FEDERAL AGENCY CONTACTS: A Reminder about GRS Notifications

NARA is extending the deadline for submitting notifications related to GRS (General Records Schedule) Transmittal 23 (see AC Memo 03.2015) from January 15, 2015, to March 1, 2015. Notification to the GRS Team is required for agencies intending to use agency-specific disposition authorities instead of the newly issued GRS authorities in Transmittal 23.

After March 1, 2015, notifications will not be accepted unless an agency has been granted an extension. Any agency that has not submitted a notification will be required to use either the GRS or submit a new schedule to NARA for approval. This includes big bucket schedules that include records covered by the GRS.

This memo also serves as notice that NARA will be reviewing notification requests and may choose to withdraw agency authorities if we find that the GRS should be applied instead of the agency’s authority. The review process may take up to 90 days or more for requests involving a difference in disposition (permanent vs. temporary). It should take less time for requests involving changes in retention period and requests to use big bucket items where there is no change in disposition. During the request review period, accessions to the National Archives under the affected disposition authorities will not be processed.

Notifications or requests for extensions should be sent to GRS_Team@nara.gov.

PAUL M. WESTER, JR.
Chief Records Officer
for the U.S. Government