AC 39. 2022

July 25, 2022  

Memorandum to Senior Agency Officials for Records Management and Agency Records Officers: Federal Agency Records Management Annual Report, 2021

We are pleased to announce the publication of NARA’s Federal Agency Records Management Annual Report, 2021. This consolidated report provides a summary analysis of the state of federal records management programs across the federal government.
 
In January 2022, 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 activities in these reports cover the calendar year 2021. This consolidated report provides a summary analysis on the state of federal records management programs based on these submissions.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the importance of electronic access to records. Agencies focused on upgrading or developing electronic systems and processes to improve virtual collaboration to accomplish their missions and to make the transition to electronic recordkeeping as required by OMB/NARA Transition to Electronic Records (M-19-21). These efforts are critical now and into the future as the ability to access records contributes to continuity and efficiency. Some of the records, information, and data created and collected today will become part of the Nation's history.

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