AC 35. 2021

Date: September 30, 2021

MEMORANDUM TO FEDERAL SENIOR AGENCY OFFICIALS FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND AGENCY RECORDS OFFICERS: Federal Agency Records Management Annual Report, 2020

We are pleased to announce the publication of NARA’s Federal Agency Records Management Annual Report, 2020. This consolidated report provides a summary analysis of the state of federal records management programs across the Federal Government.

In January 2021, NARA required Federal agencies to submit three reports: the annual Senior Agency Official for Records Management (SAORM) Report, the annual Records Management Self-Assessment (RMSA), and a supplemental Federal Electronic Records and Email Management Report. 

The 2020 reporting year was particularly challenging for all Federal agencies due to COVID-19. Extensive telework reinforced the vital importance of fully electronic government and the related requirements in OMB/NARA M-19-21, Transition to Electronic Records (June 2019). Based on the data from all three submissions, it is clear that as agencies implemented new systems and processes to improve virtual collaboration and accomplish their missions, made necessary due to COVID-19, the value and importance of electronic records and the ability to access them became more evident. 

While most agencies are following recordkeeping requirements prescribed by Federal statutes and regulations, there remains room for improvement, particularly in managing historically valuable electronic records. NARA is committed to providing the guidance and oversight necessary to ensure progress continues.

Please send any questions or comments about the report to rmselfassessment@nara.gov.

LAURENCE BREWER
Chief Records Officer
for the U.S. Government