OMB Policy 2: Ensure Information Quality

Policy

Per OMB M-05-04, "Policies for Federal Agency Public Websites" (PDF, 48 KB, 5 pages, December 2004):

• Your agency is required under the Information Quality Act and associated guidelines to maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information and services provided to the public. This includes making information and services available on a timely and equitable basis.
• Agencies must reasonably assure suitable information and service quality, consistent with the level of importance of the information. Reasonable steps include: 1) clearly identifying the limitations inherent in the information dissemination product (e.g., possibility of errors, degree of reliability, and validity) so users are fully aware of the quality and integrity of the information or service; 2) taking reasonable steps to remove the limitations inherent in the information; and 3) reconsidering delivery of the information or services

Implementation Guidance

• Provide dates and ensure content is current
• Provide access to documents in different file formats
• Provide access for people with disabilities
• Provide information in other languages
• Provide common access to a broad range of visitors
• Measuring customer satisfaction
• Organize content based on audience needs
• Write effective homepages
• Use consistent navigation
• Use basic common content and placement
• Use plain language
• Avoid duplication
• Manage links

Supporting Documents

• Information Quality Act
• Guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information disseminated by Federal agencies: (67 FR 5365) (PDF, 161 KB, 10 pages, February 2002)