Background and Basis for CRE Interest

Due to the importance which Data Access and Data Quality play in the formulation of government policy formulation, regulation, and resource allocation, CRE has undertaken efforts to promote the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information used and disseminated by the federal government. Consequently, CRE has been one of the initial proponents of the Data Access and Data Quality provisions incorporated in the FY 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-277) and conference report.

Specifically, the new law directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to amend OMB Circular A-110 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations) to require federal agencies providing grants to ensure that all data produced under an award will be made available to the public through procedures established under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The OMB regulations must be issued by September 30, 1999. Relevant federal agencies must then issue their own conforming regulations consistent with the OMB rules.