Senior Officials Biographies
Diplomats in Residence/On Campus
Hometown Diplomats
Bureaus and Offices A-Z
U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Organization Chart
Mission
Budget and Performance
Diplomacy at Work
Inspector General Reports
IG Hotline
Former Secretaries of State
History at State
Foreign Relations (FRUS) Series
U.S. Diplomacy Center
Great Seal
Register To Tour Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Diplomatic Reception Rooms Virtual Tour
Art in Embassies Program
Culturally Significant Properties [PDF]
Press Transcripts
Major Publications
Executive Order 13422
Performance Plans and Reports
Strategic Plan
State Department
Treaty Affairs
Foreign Affairs Manual
Forms
Information Quality Guidelines
Website Inventory
Emergency Announcements
State Magazine
Family Liaison Office
FSI's Transition Center
Library Services
No Fear Act
Office of Civil Rights
Overseas Schools
Pay Schedules
Alphabetical List of Bureaus and Offices
Links in the following list provide the available web pages for the domestic organizational components of the State Department in alphabetical order. Also see the list of components grouped by organizational responsibility under the Secretary and Under Secretaries. (Information about Bureaus and Offices that do not have web pages can be found in "Department Organization" and the organization chart.)
Secretary of State (S)
Deputy Secretary (D)
Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance and Administrator of USAID (F)
Counselor of the Department (C)
Under Secretary for:
Arms Control and International Security (T)
Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs(E)
Democracy and Global Affairs (G)
Management (M)
Political Affairs (P)
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R)
Bureaus and Offices:
Administration (A)
African Affairs (AF)
Allowances (A/OPR/ALS)
Authentication Division (A/OPR/GSM/AUTH)
Coordinator for Counterterrorism (S/CT)
Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS)
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief of Staff (S)
Civil Rights, Office of
Consular Affairs (CA)
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)
Diplomatic Security (DS)
Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources (DGHR)
East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP)
Economic, Energy and Business Affairs (EEB)
Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR)
Executive Secretariat (S/ES)
Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
Foreign Missions, Office of
Global AIDS Coordinator, Office of (S/GAC)
Human Resources (M/HR)
Information Resource Management (IRM)
Inspector General (OIG)
Intelligence and Research (INR)
International Information Programs (IIP)
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
International Organization Affairs (IO)
International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN)
Legal Adviser (L)
Legislative Affairs (H)
Management Policy (M/P)
Medical Services (M/DGHR/MED)
Near Eastern Affairs (NEA)
Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES)
Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)
Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Office of (R/PPR)
Policy Planning Staff (S/P)
Political-Military Affairs (PM)
Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM)
Protocol (S/CPR)
Public Affairs (PA)
Resource Management (RM)
Rightsizing the U.S. Government's Overseas Presence (M/R)
Science & Technology Adviser (G/STAS)
South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA)
Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP)
Verification, Compliance, and Implementation (VCI)
War Crimes Issues (S/WCI)
Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA)
Women's Issues (WI)
Former Secretaries of State
2001-2005: Colin L. Powell
1997-2001: Madeleine Korbel Albright
1993-1997: Warren Minor Christopher
1992-1993: Lawrence Sidney Eagleburger
1989-1992: James Addison Baker III
1982-1989: George Pratt Shultz
1981-1982: Alexander Meigs Haig, Jr.
1980-1981: Edmund Sixtus Muskie
1977-1980: Cyrus Roberts Vance
1973-1977: Henry Alfred Kissinger
1969-1973: William Pierce Rogers
1961-1969: Dean David Rusk
1959-1961: Christian Archibald Herter
1953-1959: John Foster Dulles
1949-1953: Dean Gooderham Acheson
1947-1949: George Catlett Marshall
1945-1947: James Francis Byrnes
1944-1945: Edward Rielly Stettinius, Jr.
1933-1944: Cordell Hull
1929-1933: Henry Lewis Stimson
1925-1929: Frank Billings Kellogg
1921-1925: Charles Evans Hughes
1920-1921: Bainbridge Colby
1915-1920: Robert Lansing
1913-1915: William Jennings Bryan
1909-1913: Philander Chase Knox
1909: Robert Bacon
1905-1909: Elihu Root
1898-1905: John Hay
1898: William Rufus Day
1897-1898: John Sherman
1895-1897: Richard Olney
1893-1895: Walter Quintin Gresham
1892-1893: John Watson Foster
1889-1892: James Gillespie Blaine
1885-1889: Thomas Francis Bayard
1881-1885: Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen
1881: James Gillespie Blaine
1877-1881: William Maxwell Evarts
1869-1877: Hamilton Fish
1869: Elihu Benjamin Washburne
1861-1869: William H. Seward
1860-1861: Jeremiah Sullivan Black
1857-1860: Lewis Cass
1853-1857: William Learned Marcy
1852-1853: Edward Everett
1850-1852: Daniel Webster
1849-1850: John Middleton Clayton
1845-1849: James Buchanan
1843-1845: John Caldwell Calhoun
1843-1844: Abel Parker Upshur
1841-1843: Daniel Webster
1834-1841: John Forsyth
1833-1834: Louis Mclane
1831-1833: Edward Livingston
1826-1831: Martin Van Buren
1825-1829: Henry Clay
1817-1825: John Quincy Adams
1815-1817: James Monroe
1811-1814: James Monroe
1809-1811: Robert Smith
1801-1809: James Madison
1800-1801: John Marshall
1795-1800: Timothy Pickering
1794-1795: Edmund Randolph
1789-1793: Thomas Jefferson
Foreign Relations of the United States
The Foreign Relations of the United States series presents the official documentary historical record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity. The series, which is produced by the State Department's Office of the Historian, began in 1861 and now comprises more than 350 individual volumes. The volumes published over the last two decades increasingly contain declassified records from all the foreign affairs agencies.
Foreign Relations volumes contain documents from Presidential libraries, Departments of State and Defense, National Security Council, Central Intelligence Agency, Agency for International Development, and other foreign affairs agencies as well as the private papers of individuals involved in formulating U.S. foreign policy. In general, the editors choose documentation that illuminates policy formulation and major aspects and repercussions of its execution. Volumes published over the past few years have expanded the scope of the series in two important ways: first
by including documents from a wider range of government agencies, particularly those involved with intelligence activity and covert actions, and second by including transcripts prepared from Presidential tape recordings.
A staff of more than 30 historians and editors at the Office of the Historian in the Department of State compile and prepare the volumes for publication. Agencies whose documents are included in a volume participate in a declassification review. The Office can appeal the results of these reviews in an effort to release as much material as possible. The Office receives guidance from the Advisory Committee on Historical Diplomatic Documentation, a group of distinguished scholars from outside the U.S. Government. The Committee meets four times a year to review progress and
make recommendations concerning the Foreign Relations series.
Volumes in the series since 1952 are organized chronologically according to Presidential administrations, and geographically and topically within each subseries: 25 volumes cover the Kennedy administration (1961-1963), 34 cover the Johnson administration (1964-1968), and about 54 are scheduled for the Nixon and Ford administrations (1969-1976). Volumes on the Nixon administration are now being researched, annotated, and prepared for publication.
Volumes may be purchased through the U.S. Government Printing Office (202-512-1800). Recent volumes are also available on-line. For further information contact the Office of the Historian on 202-663-1123 (voice); 202-663-1289 (fax). For technical questions concerning our electronic publications, please email e-volume_help@state.gov, however for general comments and queries regarding the Office of the Historian please email history@state.gov.
Great Seal
Fact Sheet
Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
April 1, 2002
In the Department of State, the term "Great Seal" has come to include not just the die, but the counter-die, the press, and the cover, or cabinet in which it is housed, as well. These stand in the Exhibit Hall of the Department, inside a glass enclosure which is kept locked at all times, even during the sealing of a document. The mahogany cabinet's doors are also kept locked and the press is bolted and padlocked in position except when in use. The seal can be affixed only by an officer of the Department of State, under the authority of its custodian, the Secretary of State. When there are documents ready for sealing, one of the officers carries them to the enclosure where the Great Seal is kept and prepares them for impressing.
First, a 3-3/4-inch, scalloped, blank paper wafer of off-white linen stock is glued in the space provided for it to the left of the document's dating clause. If ribbons are used in binding the document, they are run under the paper wafer and glued fast. Second, the document is inserted between the counter-die, with the wafer carefully lined up between them. Third, the document is held in place with the left hand and the weighted arm of the press is pulled sharply forward with the right hand, from right to left. This drives the die down onto the wafer, document, and counter-die,
which impresses the seal in relief. The die is then raised, releasing the document and allowing for its removal. When an envelope containing letters of credence or recall is to be sealed, the wafer is impressed first, and then glued to the sealed envelope, leaving the envelope itself unmarked.
Read all about the Great Seal and its history [pdf], from 1776 to present day.
Major State Department Publications
Publications are listed in alphabetical order. Those marked with are our most-requested publications.
Battling International Bribery
Annual report by the Department of State on enforcement and monitoring of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Background Notes
These handy guides provide information on a country's leaders, politics, economy, and relations with the U.S. Note: Background Notes are no longer available from the U.S. Government Printing Office.
Budget Requests
Provides information about the International Affairs category of the federal budget, called Function 150, which includes funding for the programs and activities of four cabinet departments, seven independent agencies, three foundations, and numerous other international organizations. Budget in Brief provides more specific information about the Department of State budget.
Congressional Budget Justification provides detailed information about the Foreign Operations portion of Function 150.
Chiefs of Mission
Chiefs of Mission are the principal officers in charge of U.S. diplomatic missions and U.S. offices abroad, which the Secretary of State has designated as diplomatic in nature. This publication is updated several times annually.
Congressional Testimony
Collection of transcripts from testimony by Department Officials appearing before the Congress.
Consular Notification and Access
Instructions for Federal, State, and other Local Law Enforcement and Other Officials Regarding Foreign Nationals in the United States and the Rights of Consular Officials to Assist Them.
Country Commercial Guides
Country Commercial Guides are available in the Market Research Library on the U.S. Commercial Service website (select "Report Type: Country Commercial Guides). These guides present a comprehensive look at countries' commercial environments using economic, political, and market analysis.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
Country Reports submitted annually to the Congress by the Department of State regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights practices.
Country Reports on Terrorism
Country Reports submitted annually to Congress by the Department of State on countries where terrorist acts have occurred, the status of cooperation against terrorism between the United States and selected countries, a report on state sponsorship of terrorism, and assessments of terrorist groups.
Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department at Work [PDF]
This publication explains the State Department's role with foreign governments, international organizations, and the people of other countries. It also explains the Department's main goals: protecting the U.S. and Americans; advancing democracy, human rights, and other global interests; promoting international understanding of American values and policies; and supporting U.S. diplomats, government officials, and all other personnel at home and abroad who make these goals a reality.
Diplomatic List
This annual publication contains the names of the members of the diplomatic staffs of all missions and their spouses. Members of the diplomatic staff are the members of the staff of the mission having diplomatic rank. These persons, with the exception of those identified, enjoy full immunity under provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S.
This annual publication contains a complete and official listing of the foreign consular offices in the United States, and recognized consular officers.
Foreign Relations of the United States
This historical record of American foreign policy is produced by the State Department's Office of the Historian. First published in 1861, Foreign Relations of the United States preserves a key part of American history in more than 350 individual volumes. Each volume documents the major foreign policy decisions and diplomatic activity of the U.S. Government and contains declassified records from the White House, the Department of State, and other foreign affairs agencies.
Great Seal of the United States [pdf]
A publication on the history and official use of The Great Seal of the United States. [Note: You will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this 980KB .pdf file.] This publication, No. 10411, also is available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Guide to Doing Business With the U.S. Department of State
Lists useful information concerning the Department's procurement opportunities, points of contact, subcontracting opportunities, etc. This can be obtained in hard copy from the Superintendent of Documents.
Human Rights Reports (Country Reports on Human Rights Practices)
Country Reports submitted annually to the Congress by the Department of State regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights practices.
International Religious Freedom Report
The Annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom describes the status of religious freedom in each foreign country, and government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. It is submitted in compliance with P.L. 105-292 (105th Congress) and is cited as the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts
This directory lists key officers and their telephone and fax numbers from the Departments of State and Commerce, and other U.S. agencies at Foreign Service posts who assist American business representatives around the world. This publication is updated periodically during the year.
Narcotics Control Strategy Report
Annual report submitted to the Congress by the Department of State, in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act, which describes the efforts of countries, including those that received U.S. assistance, in the fight against drugs, and on Presidential narcotics certification determinations on drug producing and transit countries.
Performance and Accountability Report
The Performance and Accountability Report combines detailed information on the Department's audited financial statements and performance results achieved. The Report is submitted to the President, Congress, and members of the public to inform on how well the Department performed in managing its programs and finances. (Note: Beginning with FY 2002, the Program Performance Report and Accountability Report were combined into one.)
Religious Freedom Report (International Religious Freedom Report)
The Annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom describes the status of religious freedom in each foreign country, and government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. It is submitted in compliance with P.L. 105-292 (105th Congress) and is cited as the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
State Magazine
Published monthly by the Department to facilitate communication between management and employees at home and abroad and to acquaint employees with developments that may affect operations or personnel.
Supporting Human Rights and Democracy
An annual report submitted to Congress highlighting actions taken by the U.S. Government to encourage respect for human rights. This report complements the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
Trafficking in Persons
The Secretary of State submits this annual report to Congress. It covers "severe forms of trafficking in persons" defined as: "(a) sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or (b) the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for
labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."
U.S. Participation in the United Nations
This report is a survey of the activities of the U.S. Government in the United Nations and its agencies, as well as the activities of the United Nations and those agencies themselves. More specifically, this report seeks to assess UN achievements, the effectiveness of U.S. participation in the United Nations, and whether U.S. goals were advanced or thwarted and is submitted to Congress yearly.
Treaty Affairs
The Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs
serves as the principal U.S. government repository for U.S. treaties and other international agreements. The treaty office advises other offices under the Legal Adviser, other Department bureaus (including posts overseas), and other government agencies on all aspects of treaty law and procedure, including constitutional questions, and provides guidance and assistance in the authorization, drafting, negotiation, application, and interpretation of hundreds of agreements annually. It also responds to treaty-related inquiries from Congress, academia, members of the
public, and officials of foreign governments and international organizations.
The treaty office oversees the Department's compliance with the statutory requirements of 1 U.S.C. 112a and 112b to report international agreements other than treaties to Congress and to publish international agreements. (Under U.S. law, treaties are those international agreements that receive the advice and consent of the Senate.) These authorities provide, among other things, that an international agreement may not be concluded on behalf of the United States without prior consultation with the Secretary of State, and that reportable agreements must be transmitted to Congress within 60 days of entry into force. In that connection, the office is responsible for compliance with the Circular 175 procedure by which the Secretary authorizes the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements. It often advises on the need for a Circular 175 and additionally reviews hundreds of non-binding instruments annually, to ensure that they do not contain binding language that would create legal obligations for the United States.
The office coordinates the transmittal of treaties to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification and works closely with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff to foster timely action by the Senate.
The office coordinates and conducts treaty signing ceremonies, including ceremonies that involve the President, the Secretary and other cabinet-level officials.
It also discharges the U.S. government's function as depositary for certain multilateral treaties, such as the North Atlantic Treaty, the Antarctic Treaty, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and the Biological Weapons Convention.
The office is responsible for the registration of treaties and international agreements with the United Nations pursuant to Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations. Article 102 provides that State Members of the United Nations have an obligation to register treaties and international agreements with the Secretariat of the United Nations, and the Secretariat is mandated to publish registered treaties or international agreements.
Finally, the office publishes Treaties in Force (TIF), which details the over 10,000 U.S. treaties and international agreements in force as of January 1 of each year, and is charged with publication of treaties and international agreements in the Treaties and Other International Acts Series (TIAS).
Regulations
Foreign Affairs Manual
1 FAM - Organization and Function
2 FAM - General
3 FAM - Personnel
4 FAM Financial Management
5 FAM Information Management
6 FAM General Services
7 FAM Consular Affairs
8 FAM (Cancelled - incorporated into 7 FAM)
9 FAM Visas
10 FAM Public, Educational, and Cultural Affairs
11 FAM Political Affairs
12 FAM Diplomatic Security
13 FAM Training and Professional Development
14 FAM Logistics Management
15 FAM Overseas Buildings Operations
16 FAM Medical Program
Foreign Affairs Handbooks
2 FAH-1 Foreign Affairs Manual Handbook
2 FAH-2 Post Management Organization Handbook
3 FAH-1 Personnel Operations Handbook
3 FAH-2 Foreign Service National
4 FAH-1 Account Structure and Classification Codes Handbook
4 FAH-2 Disbursing Officer Handbook
4 FAH-3 Financial Management Procedures
5 FAH-1 Correspondence Handbook
5 FAH-2 Telecommunications Handbook
5 FAH-3 TAGS Terms Handbook
5 FAH-4 Records Management Handbook
5 FAH-5 Information Technology Systems Handbook
5 FAH-7 Graphics Standards Handbook
5 FAH-8 Web Development Handbook
5 FAH-11 Information Assurance Handbook
6 FAH-5 ICASS Handbook
12 FAH-3 Field Office Management Handbook
12 FAH-7 Local Guard Program
14 FAH-1 Department-Wide Personal Property Management
14 FAH-2 Contracting Officer's Representative Handbook
14 FAH-3 Acquisition Career Management Program Handbook
14 FAH-4 Pouch and Mail Handbook
15 FAH-1 Facilities Maintenance Handbook
Official Forms
Visa
-- DS-117 Application to Determine Returning Resident Status [279 Kb]
-- DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application [32 Kb]
-- DS-156-E Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application [233 Kb]
-- DS-156-K Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application [217 Kb]
-- DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application [253 Kb]
-- DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant [296 Kb]
-- DS-230 Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration [468 Kb]
-- DS-234 Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form [97 Kb]
-- DS-1648 Application for A, G, or NATO Visa [37 Kb]
-- DS-1981 Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child [88 Kb]
-- DS-3032 Choice of Address and Agent [172 Kb]
-- DS-3035 J-1 Visa Waiver Review Application [230 Kb]
-- DS-3052 Nonimmigrant V Visa Application [173 Kb]
-- DS-4034 Class A Non-immigrant Visa Referral [204 Kb]
-- DSP-122 Supplemental Registration for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program [117 Kb]
Passport
-- DS-10 Birth Affidavit [193 Kb]
-- DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport or Registrations (Fillable) [1000 Kb]
-- DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport or Registrations (Non-Fillable) [743 Kb]
-- DS-60 Affidavit Regarding Change of Name [188 Kb]
-- DS-64 Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport [1270 Kb]
-- DS-71 Affidavit of Identifying Witness [33 Kb]
-- DS-82 Application for U.S. Passport by Mail (Fillable) [717 Kb]
-- DS-82 Application for U.S. Passport by Mail (Non-Fillable) [787 Kb]
-- DS-86 Statement of Non-Receipt of a Passport [181 Kb]
-- DS-1173 Passport File Request Form [224 Kb]
-- DS-3053 Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor under Age 16 (Fillable) [157 Kb]
-- DS-3053 Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor under Age 16 (Non-Fillable) [143 Kb]
-- DS-3077 Request for Entry into Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program [207 Kb]
-- DS-4085 Application for Additional Visa Pages (Fillable) [729 Kb]
-- DS-4085 Application for Additional Visa Pages (Non-Fillable) [614 Kb]
-- DS-5504 U.S. Passport Re-Application (Fillable) [955 Kb]
-- DS-5504 U.S. Passport Re-Application (Non-Fillable) [881 Kb]
Grants
-- DS-3036 Exchange Visitor Program Application [33 Kb]
-- DS-3037 Update of Information on Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor [33 Kb]
-- DS-3091 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program [233 Kb]
-- DS-4502 Application for Teaching and Administrative Exchanges and Seminars Abroad [429 Kb]
-- DS-7001 Participant Application, 2009-2010 Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program [495 Kb]
-- DS-7004 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program Hosting Application [697 Kb]
-- DS-7005 Participant Application, 2009-2010 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program [518 Kb]
American Citizen Services
-- DS-2029 Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the Unites States of America [286 Kb]
-- DS-2060 Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad [101 Kb]
-- DS-3013 Application for Assistance under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction [487 Kb]
-- DS-3013-S Application for Assistance Under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction [437 Kb]
-- DS-3072 Emergency Loan Application and Evacuation Document [333 Kb]
-- DS-3077 Request for Entry into Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program [207 Kb]
-- DS-4024 Travel Registration [358 Kb]
-- DS-4024 Travel Registration (Online Application) [32 Kb]
-- DS-4079 Information for Determining Possible Loss of U.S. Citizenship [234 Kb]
-- DS-4080 Oath of Renunciation of the Nationality of the United States [68 Kb]
-- DS-4081 Statement of Understanding Concerning the Consequences and Ramifications of Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship [31 Kb]
-- DS-4082 Witnesses' Attestation Renunciation of Citizenship [58 Kb]
-- DS-4083 Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States [27 Kb]
-- DS-5505 Authorization for the Release of Information Under the Privacy Act [185 Kb]
Employment / Benefits
SF-278 Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report
-- CA-1 Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation [34 Kb]
-- CA-2 Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation [33 Kb]
-- CA-2-A Notice of Recurrence [32 Kb]
-- CA-5 Claim for Compensation by Widow, Widower, and/or Children [33 Kb]
-- CA-5-B Claim for Compensation by Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Grandparents, or Grandchildren [34 Kb]
-- CA-6 Official Superior's Report of Employee's Death [34 Kb]
-- CA-7 Claim for Compensation [31 Kb]
-- CA-7-A Time Analysis Form [32 Kb]
-- CA-7-B Leave Buy Back (LBB) Worksheet/Certification and Election [33 Kb]
-- CA-12 Claim for Continuance of Compensation under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act [33 Kb]
-- CA-17 Duty Status Report [33 Kb]
-- CA-20 Attending Physician's Report [33 Kb]
-- CA-35 Evidence Required in Support of a Claim for Occupational Disease [34 Kb]
-- DS-578 Danger Pay Factors Form [398 Kb]
-- DS-765 Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System Participant Record [382 Kb]
-- DS-1416 Conversion to Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System [269 Kb]
-- DS-1622 Medical History and Examination for Foreign Service (for children 11 years and under) [398 Kb]
-- DS-1843 Medical History and Examination for Foreign Service (for persons 12 years and over) [130 Kb]
-- DS-1950 Application for Employment [534 Kb]
-- DS-2008 Notice of Termination of Diplomatic, Consular, or Foreign Government Employment [189 Kb]
-- DS-3076 Application for Child Care Subsidy Program [261 Kb]
-- DS-4002 Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports [181 Kb]
-- DS-4017 Statement of Interest Foreign Service Officer [125 Kb]
-- DS-4018 Statement of Interest Student Employment [44 Kb]
-- DS-4095 Subsistence Expense Allowance Application [265 Kb]
-- JF-62 Personal Services Contracting Action [235 Kb]
-- JF-62-A Personal Services Agreement Action [447 Kb]
-- OF-126 Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report [130 Kb]
-- OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment [33 Kb]
-- OPM-71 Request for Leave or Approved Absence [33 Kb]
-- OPM-630 Application to Become a Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program [35 Kb]
-- OPM-630-A Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program [39 Kb]
-- OPM-630-B Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program [39 Kb]
-- OPM-630-C Transfer of Leave Records for Leave Recipient Covered by the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program [38 Kb]
-- OPM-1637 Application to Become a Leave Recipient Under the Emergency Leave Transfer Program [35 Kb]
-- OPM-1638 Request to Donate Annual Leave Under the Emergency Leave Transfer Program [35 Kb]
-- OPM-1639 Transfer of Donated Annual Leave To or From the Emergency Leave Transfer Program [35 Kb]
-- OWCP-5-B Work Capacity Evaluation for Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Conditions [36 Kb]
-- OWCP-5-C Work Capacity Evaluation for Musculoskeletal Conditions [34 Kb]
-- OWCP-16 Rehabilitation Plan and Award [33 Kb]
-- OWCP-17 Rehabilitation Maintenance Certificate [33 Kb]
-- OWCP-20 Overpayment Recovery Questionnaire [34 Kb]
-- OWCP-44 Rehabilitation Action Report [33 Kb]
-- OWCP-915 Claim for Medical Reimbursement [34 Kb]
-- OWCP-957 Medical Travel Refund Request [34 Kb]
-- OWCP-1500 Health Insurance Claim Form [33 Kb]
-- SF-61 Appointment Affidavits [31 Kb]
-- SF-85 Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions [32 Kb]
-- SF-85-P Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions [33 Kb]
-- SF-85-P-S Supplemental Questionnaire for Selected Positions [33 Kb]
-- SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions [34 Kb]
-- SF-86-A Continuation Sheet for Questionnaires SF 86, SF 85P, AND SF 85 [34 Kb]
-- SF-144 Statement of Prior Federal Service [32 Kb]
-- SF-256 Self-Identification of Handicap [32 Kb]
-- SF-1190 Foreign Allowances Application [63 Kb]
-- UB-04 Medicare Claims Processing [41 Kb]
-- W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate [33 Kb]
-- WH-380 Certification of Health Care Provider [24 Kb]
Retirement
-- Retirement Forms
Miscellaneous
-- DD-254 Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification [34 Kb]
-- DS-63 Education Allowance Questionaire [473 Kb]
-- DS-1663 Report of Mishap [558 Kb]
-- DS-1664 Overseas Motor Vehicle Mishap Report [386 Kb]
-- DS-1921 Award / Modification of Interagency Acquisition Agreement [185 Kb]
-- DS-1929-A Overseas Contract File Table of Contents (Section I - Pre-Solicitation Documents) [241 Kb]
-- DS-1929-B Overseas Contract File Table of Contents (Section II - Solicitation Documents) [75 Kb]
-- DS-1929-C Overseas Contract File Table of Contents (Section III - Pre-Award Documents) [155 Kb]
-- DS-1929-D Overseas Contract File Table of Contents (Section IV - Post-Award Documents) [155 Kb]
-- DS-1929-E Overseas Contract File Table of Contents (Section V - Contract Administration Documents) [63 Kb]
-- DS-1929-F Overseas Contract File Table of Contents (Section VI - Contract and Modifications / Contract Closeout) [72 Kb]
-- DS-1930-A Domestic Contract File Table of Contents (Section I - Pre-Solicitation Documents) [162 Kb]
-- DS-1930-B Domestic Contract File Table of Contents (Section II - Solicitation Documents) [170 Kb]
-- DS-1930-C Domestic Contract File Table of Contents (Section III - Pre-Award Documents) [158 Kb]
-- DS-1930-D Domestic Contract File Table of Contents (Section IV - Post-Award Documents) [206 Kb]
-- DS-1930-E Domestic Contract File Table of Contents (Section V - Contract Administration Documents) [154 Kb]
-- DS-1930-F Domestic Contract File Table of Contents (Section VI - Contract and Modifications / Contract Closeout) [157 Kb]
-- DS-1969 Procurement Request (Domestic) [198 Kb]
-- DS-1970 Procurement Request (Abroad) [197 Kb]
-- DS-1990 PSA - Limited Personal Services Agreement, Time & Attendance Record, and Payment Voucher [318 Kb]
-- DS-1996 Living Pattern Questionaire [440 Kb]
-- DS-2020-I Instructions for the Retail Price Schedule [163 Kb]
-- DS-2020-P1P2 Retail Price Schedule Part 1 & 2 [372 Kb]
-- DS-2020-P3 Retail Price Schedule Part 3 [1088 Kb]
-- DS-2021 Retail Price Schedule Part 4 [348 Kb]
-- DS-2021-I Instructions for the Retail Price Schedule Part 4 [101 Kb]
-- DS-2026 Retail Price Schedule Part 7 [334 Kb]
-- DS-2031 Shrimp Exporter's / Importer's Declaration [240 Kb]
-- DS-2032 Statement of Registration [40 Kb]
-- DS-2038 Application for Certificate of International Educational Character [251 Kb]
-- DS-2076 Purchase Order, Receiving Report, and Voucher [477 Kb]
-- DS-2077 Purchase Order, Receiving Report, and Voucher (Continuation Sheet) [274 Kb]
-- DS-3023 Public Voucher for Language Services [334 Kb]
-- DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update [249 Kb]
-- DS-3084 Secretary's Open Forum Registration [194 Kb]
-- DS-4053 Mentor-Protege Program Application [223 Kb]
-- DS-4054 Building Admission Application [235 Kb]
-- DS-4088 Request for Translation Service [92 Kb]
-- DS-4100 Iran Democracy Program Grants [199 Kb]
-- DS-7002 Trainee / Internship Placement Plan [198 Kb]
-- DS-7604 Living Quarters Summary Expenditure Report [269 Kb]
-- DS-7646 U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Laura Bush Traveling Fellowship [210 Kb]
-- DSP-94 Authority to Export Defense Articles Sold Under the Foreign Military Sales Program [35 Kb]
-- OF-347 Order for Supplies or Services [1129 Kb]
-- SF-26 Award/Contract [35 Kb]
-- SF-30 Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract [36 Kb]
-- SF-1402 Certificate of Appointment [36 Kb]
-- SF-1442 Solicitation, Offer, and Award (Construction, Alteration, or Repair) [37 Kb]
Information Quality Guidelines
October 2002
Released by the Office of the Legal Adviser
These guidelines are based upon and implement Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Final Guidelines issued on February 22, 2002 (67 FR 8451-8460). The OMB guidelines were issued pursuant to Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for FY 2001 (Public Law 106-554; HR 5658). In response to the legislation and OMB Guidelines, the Department identifies the following policies and procedures for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information disseminated by the Department; and it hereby establishes additional procedures for affected persons to seek and obtain correction of information maintained and disseminated by the Department within the United States that does not comply with standards set out in the OMB guidelines and these guidelines. These guidelines represent Department goals, policies or procedures; they have no legal effect and do not create any legal rights or obligations.
I. Procedures for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information Prior to Dissemination
The OMB guidelines define "quality" as an encompassing term comprising utility, objectivity, and integrity. The standards of utility and objectivity relate to the preparation of materials for dissemination and are therefore grouped together, while "integrity" refers to the protection of information and is treated separately below. The Department will promote the dissemination of information that meets the standards of quality, utility, objectivity and integrity set forth in these guidelines and will incorporate information quality criteria into information dissemination practices.
Objectivity and Utility of Information
1.
2. Many of the Department’s policies and procedures are set out in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and the Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), as well as other forms of internal Department guidance. The quality control procedures followed by the Department vary with the nature of the information and the manner of its distribution. While the Department has detailed procedures applicable to official statements by Department personnel and agents to non-U.S. Government audiences, the following guidelines focus on procedures for the "dissemination" of "information," as those terms are defined herein. Accordingly, procedures specifically applicable to forms of communication outside the scope of these guidelines, such as those for correspondence or press releases, among others, are not included.
3. The Department’s quality control system for information dissemination is based generally on the "action" and "clearance" processes, by which the Department makes certain decisions, including decisions on the content and manner of the Department’s information dissemination. These processes place responsibility for action upon an action office, while ensuring that the information and opinions of other offices are brought to bear on the proposed action. The action office is encouraged to consult widely on proposed disseminations of information, with all offices having a substantial interest in the proposed action being given a right of clearance. Where appropriate, substantive input also is sought from other U.S. Government agencies, foreign governments, non-government organizations, and the public.
4. Responsibility for an "action" relating to the dissemination of information begins with an "action office," which assigns an "action officer," typically the principal drafter. Normally, the action officer consults informally with officers in other interested offices before preparing information for dissemination.
5. The action officer’s role includes:
a. Preparing an action document after consulting the necessary materials and people, including government and non-government sources, as appropriate;
b. Determining clearance points;
c. Making the initial determination as to where the final decision shall be made;
d. Obtaining clearances; and
e. Overcoming delays and, if necessary, presenting the matter to higher authority.
6. Clearances on information for dissemination generally are obtained from any office within the Department or any other agency within the U.S. Government that has a substantive interest in the information. If an office designated for clearance disagrees with information drafted for dissemination and differences cannot be resolved at that level, then the matter is raised to a higher level Department official.
7. In addition to the formal requirement for clearances by offices with substantial interests at stake, action officers may also seek advice from other offices having a collateral interest in the subject matter. For example, an office that has useful information or views to contribute, but whose field of responsibility is not vitally affected by the proposed action, may be consulted on information proposed for dissemination, even where it need not clear the draft.
8. Where there are significant differences in views within the Department concerning a proposed information dissemination, those differences would be discussed and may be documented and explained, and offices asked to clear the document. After reasonable efforts have been made to resolve substantive differences, superior officers are informed of the dissenting views and make the necessary decisions.
9. While the "action" and "clearance" processes are general requirements for a range of information dissemination actions, there are specific procedures for certain categories of information dissemination. For example, the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Public Affairs is responsible for approving official public remarks and testimony by Assistant Secretaries as well as statements prepared for Department personnel making official appearances before the media or general public to give formal interviews, speeches, or remarks. The same requirement applies to unofficial
speaking, writing, or teaching activities that are of official concern. Department statements, speeches released to the press, and media interviews also are cleared by the Bureau of Public Affairs.
Where Department personnel speak or write unofficially on topics of official interest, the Department of Public Affairs reviews any prepared materials and requires the presenter to clearly represent that the views are personal to the presenter and not necessarily those of the Department.
10. The Bureau of Public Affairs also approves journals, magazines, periodicals, books, pamphlets, leaflets, and similar substantive hard-copy publications of the Department, as well as all information published on the Department’s website, after clearances are obtained from other appropriate Department offices.
11. The Department also controls the quality of disseminated information through limits on who may speak on behalf of the Department. For example, comments to the press may be made only by the Secretary, an Under Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs/Department Spokesman or Deputy Spokesman, authorized personnel of the Office of Press Relations, or other Department officials cleared to deliver such statements by the Bureau of Public Affairs. Even within this constraint, Department officials need clearance from Public Affairs for official public appearances.
12. Conclusion: The Department maximizes the quality of the information it disseminates, in terms of objectivity and utility, first by looking for input from a range of sources and perspectives, to the extent practicable, and second by subjecting draft materials to a review process involving as many Department offices as may be in a position to offer constructive input, and other USG agencies as appropriate. Where the Department intends to disseminate influential scientific, financial or statistical information, clearance is first obtained from the agency or agencies of the U.S. Government primarily responsible for developing such information.
Often, the Department disseminates reports or other statements based on observations and analysis of activities of foreign governments and current events. In preparing such documentation, the Department utilizes input from multiple sources, such as: foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and public comment; and the Department attempts to corroborate all information received. In instances where statements cannot be corroborated adequately, those statements are accompanied by attribution to the source, wherever practicable, to assist the reader in assessing
their credibility. Where the Department disseminates conclusions concerning foreign governments or other international actors or current conditions in foreign countries, effort is made to identify the facts or events upon which the conclusions are based, to the extent appropriate.
B. Integrity of Information
1. "Integrity" refers to the security of information--protection of the information from unauthorized access or revision--to prevent information from being compromised through corruption or falsification.
2. Within the Department, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has Department-wide oversight responsibility for the integrity of information. That role includes developing and maintaining an information security program promoting effective implementation and maintenance of information security policies, procedures, and control techniques throughout the Department, as well as training, overseeing and assisting Department personnel with significant information security related responsibilities. Under the CIO, the Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM)
develops, implements, and maintains new computer software and hardware systems and provides operational support for systems and system users.
3. Under the oversight of, and assisted by, the CIO, senior Department officials (for each Bureau, at the level of the Office of Assistant Secretary) are primarily responsible and accountable for the integrity of information within their bureaus. On a day-to-day basis, the responsibilities are carried out by the managers of networks, systems and applications. These technical personnel assess and manage the information security risks associated with the operations and assets for programs and systems within their control. In that capacity, the technical personnel determine the levels of information security appropriate to protect such operations and assets and periodically test and evaluate information security controls and techniques.
4. Computer security is a shared responsibility of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Diplomatic Security, with the CIO being the senior officer with ultimate responsibility for approving all new policies. The CIO generally oversees security operations related to the Department-wide information resources management and systems; whereas, Diplomatic security typically is more focused on developing information security policies. However, both of the Bureaus, Information Resource Management and Diplomatic Security, engage in policy development and planning.
Section II. Requests for Correction of Information Publicly Disseminated by the Department of State
The Department works continuously to be responsive to users of its information and to improve Department information products. The public is welcome at any time to contact the Department with comments, questions or other concerns by calling (202) 647-6575 or send email through the Department’s website at http://contact-us.state.gov, which includes links to the main web site at http:
//state.gov and topical subsections.
For questions about individual passports, relevant information is available through the Department web site at: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html or by telephone at 1-900-225-5674 (TDD: 1-900-225-7778) (a toll call) or 1-888-362-8668 (TDD 1-888-498-3648) (a flat fee will be charged) or by writing to: Bureau of Consular Affairs Passport Services, Rm. 6811, Washington, D.C. 20520. For visa questions, contact the Department by e-mail at usvisa@state.gov or see the Department’s web site for information for foreign nationals visiting or emigrating to the United States or for U.S. citizens seeking visas to travel abroad. Foreign nationals needing information about visiting or immigrating to the United States should contact: Public Inquiries, Visa Services, U.S.
Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-0106; Tel: 202-663-1225.
In some cases, a bureau may disseminate a study, analysis, or other information in connection with the issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking or other action that involves well-established procedures for obtaining, considering, and responding to comments from the public. In most cases, comments concerning the quality of the disseminated information can be addressed through these procedures, such as by responding to a request for correction of the information in the preamble to a final rule. However, in unusual circumstances, it would be appropriate for a bureau to
address and respond to such comments pursuant to these guidelines before issuing the final rule. For example, the procedures of these guidelines should be used if the commenter has shown a reasonable likelihood of suffering actual harm if the comment is not resolved before the issuance of the final action and the bureau determines that resolving the matter pursuant to these guidelines will not unduly delay the final action.
The procedures set forth below do not affect any of the above options or other existing procedures for questions, concerns and public comments directed to the Department. The following "information quality" procedures are available for "affected" persons who seek to correct information publicly disseminated by the Department. The procedures apply to information disseminated by the Department on or after October 1, 2002, even if the original dissemination occurred prior to that date:
1. Persons seeking to utilize procedures available under the statute and these guidelines to correct information affecting them that was publicly disseminated by the Department should complete the Data Quality Act form at http://dataquality.state.gov/.
3. These guidelines apply only to requests submitted in the form of a Request for Correction of Public Information or other requests prepared and submitted in accordance with these guidelines that explicitly reference these guidelines and generally include the essential information identified in the Request for Correction. With respect to any such request, the Department may decide not to apply these guidelines if the Department determines:
(a) it is not submitted by an affected person, as that term is defined in these guidelines;
(b) it does not involve the correction of publicly disseminated information of the Department of State, as those terms are defined in these guidelines;
(c) the information requested in the Request for the Correction of Public Information has not been provided in sufficient detail to determine the problem, or;
(d) application of the guidelines would not advance material interests of the requester, the general public, or the Department.
4. If the Department determines that a request is not covered by these guidelines, then it may so advise the requester and/or it may respond to the requester consistent with standard Department procedures for public comments, which vary depending upon the form and substance of the communication.
5. For requests processed under these guidelines, the office reviewing the request will give the request due consideration, including a review of the disseminated information at issue and other materials, as appropriate. Where the reviewing office determines that the information publicly disseminated by the Department was incorrect and a response appropriate, in light of these guidelines, it may consider corrective measures, as appropriate, recognizing the potential implications for the requester, the United States, and the Department, without disrupting agency processes.
6. In determining whether a response to a request for correction is appropriate, the reviewing office may take the following factors into consideration:
(a) Whether the statements challenged by the requester fall within the scope of "information" that has been "disseminated" by the Department, as those terms are defined in these guidelines;
(b) Whether the requester is "affected" by the information at issue, as that term is defined in these guidelines;
(c) Whether the requester has provided the information requested on the Request For The Correction of Publicly Disseminated Information;
(d) The timeliness and importance of the information involved; and
(e) The nature and extent of the request and the public benefit of making the requested correction.
Where the Department determines that a response under these guidelines is not appropriate, it may so advise the requester and/or it may respond to the requester consistent with standard Department procedures for public comments, which vary depending upon the form and substance of the communication.
7. In most cases, where response under these guidelines is appropriate, the Department aims to respond within sixty (60) days of receipt of the request. The requester should be notified if additional time is required, the reasons why the additional time is needed and the estimated time to complete. Department responses will describe the disposition of the request, including any corrective action taken or pending.
8. Subject to applicable law, rules and regulations, corrective measures may include, without limitation, personal contacts via letter or telephone, form letters, press releases or postings on the Department website to correct a widely disseminated error or address a frequently raised request. Corrective measures, where appropriate, should be designed to provide reasonable notice to affected persons of any corrections made.
Section III. Procedures for Requesting Reconsideration
1. The following procedures are available to an affected person who has filed a Request for Correction of Public Information in accordance with Section II, above; who received notice from the Data Quality Coordinator of the disposition of the request; and who believes that the Department did not take appropriate corrective action. Requests determined by the Department to fall outside of the guidelines (see Section II, paragraph 4, above) and requests determined not to be appropriate for response under these guidelines (see Section II, paragraph 7, above) may not be
reconsidered under these provisions. These procedures apply to information disseminated by the Department on or after October 1, 2002 even if the original dissemination occurred prior to that date.
2. To request reconsideration, a copy of the previously submitted Request for the Correction of Public Information must be resubmitted, with Section IV "Requests for Reconsideration" completed.
Resubmission should be made to the Data Quality Coordinator by e-mail, fax or mail using the contact information in Section II, paragraph 1, above. Requests for Reconsideration must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the date of the Department’s notification to the requester of disposition of the underlying request for correction.
3. Requests for reconsideration, for which these procedures are available, in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Section, will be forwarded to the appropriate Office of the Assistant Secretary, generally within the Bureau responsible for the disseminated information.
4. The Office of the Assistant Secretary may delegate to any Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS), including an Acting DAS, or to another person of equivalent or higher rank, responsibility for responding to a request for reconsideration; provided that the designee did not decide the underlying request for correction. Where such a delegation is made, the designee will assume all responsibilities of the Office of the Assistant Secretary set out in these guidelines.
5. The Office of the Assistant Secretary or designee receiving the request for reconsideration should apply the same standards and procedures applicable to requests for correction, as set out in Section II, above.
6. In most cases, where a response is appropriate, the Department aims to issue decisions on requests for reconsideration within sixty (60) days of receipt of the request. The requester will be notified if additional time is required to resolve the request, the reason the time is needed and the estimated time of completion. The requester will be informed by the Data Quality Coordinator of the disposition of the request, including any action taken or pending. The Department will give reasonable notice allowing affected persons to learn of any corrections made.
Section IV. Definitions
1. "Affected" persons are those who may personally benefit or be harmed by the disseminated information, e.g., (a) persons seeking to address information about themselves or about other persons to whom they are directly related or publicly associated; and (b) persons that may reasonably be expected to experience significant adverse impact to their financial interests as a result of the information deficiency.
2. "Dissemination" means Department initiated or sponsored distribution of information within the United States to the general public (see 5 CFR 1320.3(d) "Conduct or Sponsor"). Dissemination does not include distributions of information or other materials that are:
(a) intended for government employees or agency contractors or grantees (for example: directories, staffing information, internal manuals; cables);
(b) intended for U.S. Government agencies;
(c) produced in responses to requests for agency records under the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Federal Advisory Committee Act or similar law;
(d) correspondence or other communication limited to individuals (examples include questions or concerns about individual passports, visas, adoptions, missing persons, applications for employment, or federal benefits) or to other persons, as defined in paragraph 7, below;
(e) distributed to the press as a summary of a recent event or Department action;
(f) archival records; public filings; responses to subpoenas or compulsory document productions; or
(g) intended to be limited to adjudicative processes. These guidelines do not impose any additional requirements on agencies during adjudicative proceedings and do not provide parties to such adjudicative proceedings any additional rights of challenge or appeal.
3. "Influential," when used in the phrase "influential scientific, financial, or statistical information," refers to a narrow category of information with respect to which an agency can reasonably determine that dissemination will have a clear and substantial impact on important public policies or important private sector decisions. To be considered influential, information must be based on objective and quantifiable data that constitute a principal basis for substantive policy positions adopted by the Department. Any influential information to be disseminated by the Department is reviewed for quality by the agency within the U.S. Government primarily responsible for developing such information. Where circumstances deem it appropriate, the Department supports including in disseminated information the identity of the U.S. Government agency or international organization originating any cited influential information.
4. "Information," for purposes of these guidelines, including the administrative mechanism described in Sections II and III, above, means any communication or representation of knowledge such as facts or data, in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual forms. This definition does not include:
(a) statements of U.S. foreign policy, including official explanations of, positions on, and responses to, international events;
(b) statements reporting or interpreting actions of foreign governments and other international actors, including evaluations of foreign government compliance with international law, custom or practice or U.S. or international sanctions;
(c) statements, the modification of which might cause harm to the national security, including harm to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States;
(d) opinion or exercise of judgment, where the presentation makes clear that the statements are subjective, rather than facts or objective determinations by the Department; however, any underlying information published by the Department upon which the opinion or judgment is based may be subject to these guidelines. For example, recommendations on foreign travel constitute an exercise of judgment, rather than objective "information," and are not covered by these guidelines; however, facts alleged as the basis for the recommendations may be covered by these
guidelines;
(e) information originated by, and attributed to, non-Department sources, provided the Department does not expressly rely upon it. Examples include: information originated by other U.S.G. agencies or non-U.S.G. sources and duly attributed in reports prepared and disseminated by the Department; hyperlinks on the Department’s website to information that others disseminate; and reports of advisory committees and international organizations published on a Department website;
(f) Foreign government information, including:
(1) statements provided to the United States Government by a foreign government or governments, an international organization of governments, or any element thereof;
(2) statements produced by the United States pursuant to, or as a result of, a joint arrangement with a foreign government or governments, or an international organization of governments, or any element thereof;
(g) materials covered by the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (the Smith-Mundt Act) 22 USC Sec. 1461-1a (Ban on domestic activities);
(h) statements related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the Department and other materials produced for Department employees, contractors, agents or alumni;
(i) descriptions of the agency, its responsibilities and its organizational components;
(j) testimony of Department officials before courts, administrative bodies, or Congress with respect to materials otherwise disseminated;
(k) investigatory material compiled pursuant to U.S. law or for law enforcement purposes in the United States or abroad; or
(l) statements which are, or which reasonably may be expected to become, the subject of litigation, whether before a U.S. or foreign court or in an international arbitral or other dispute resolution proceeding.
5. "Integrity" refers to the security of information -- protection of the information from unauthorized access or revision, to prevent the information from being compromised through corruption or falsification.
6. "Objectivity" denotes whether disseminated information is being presented in an accurate, clear, complete, and unbiased manner, including background information where warranted by the circumstances, and whether as a matter of substance, is accurate, reliable and unbiased.
7. "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, business trust, or legal representative, an organized group of individuals, a regional, national, State, territorial, tribal, or local government or branch thereof, or a political subdivision of a State, territory, tribal, or local government or a branch of a political subdivision, or an international organization;
8. "Quality" is an encompassing term comprising utility, objectivity, and integrity.
9. "Utility" refers to the usefulness of the information to its intended users, including the public.
2. Requests submitted to the Data Quality Coordinator as described above that are processed under these guidelines will be assigned a reference number and receipt will be acknowledged by the Data Quality Coordinator. Typically, requests raising substantive issues will be forwarded to the bureau within the Department responsible for the subject area.
As defined in Section IV, below, "objectivity" means disseminating information that is "accurate, clear, complete, and unbiased;" whereas, "utility" refers to the usefulness of the information to its intended audience. The Department is committed to providing to its constituencies reliable and useful information. To meet those goals, the Department collects information from as many reasonably available and reliable sources as appropriate and subjects draft information intended for dissemination to an extensive review process. Within the Department, it is the primary responsibility of the office drafting information intended for dissemination to pursue the most knowledgeable and reliable sources reasonably available through Department resources around the world and to confirm the objectivity and utility of all information with all interested offices across the Department, and with other U.S. Government agencies as appropriate. These guidelines incorporate appropriate quality control procedures for all stages of the information lifecycle, including the times of creation, collection, maintenance, and dissemination. Additionally, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Department will demonstrate in its PRA clearance submissions to OMB that the proposed collection of information will result in information that will be collected, maintained, and used in a way consistent with the OMB and Department information quality guidelines.
Office of Civil Rights
At the Department of State, diversity is not just a worthy cause: it is a business necessity. Diversity of experience and background helps Department employees in the work of diplomacy. The Secretary believes that diversity is extremely important in making the State Department an employer of choice. The Secretary has delegated both tasks of advancing diversity within the Department and ensuring equal opportunity to all employees to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR), who also serves as the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO).
S/OCR advises and assists the Secretary and other principal officers in equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy and diversity management issues that relate to the Department of State. The office is symbiotically separated into three sections: Diversity Management and Outreach, Intake and Resolution, and Legal.
The Diversity Management and Outreach section helps the Department foster a work environment free of discrimination by maintaining an affirmative outreach program. It performs this task by preparing workforce diversity reports, managing special emphasis programs, delivering EEO and diversity briefings, conducting workforce analysis to eradicate barriers to equal employment opportunity for individuals and groups, organizing commemorative events to recognize the contributions of a diverse array of individuals and groups, and more.
The Intake and Resolution section handles all complaints surrounding employment discrimination in both the informal/counseling process and the formal complaint process. The Intake and Resolution section manages the Department's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program and the counseling program. Any employee or applicant who believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or reprisal for protected EEO activity should contact S/OCR or an EEO counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory act.
S/OCR is one of the few EEO offices within the federal government to employ in-house counsel. The Legal section seeks to advance the mission of S/OCR by providing assistance with legal compliance as it relates to the administrative processing of EEO complaints and other EEO issues. The Legal section also investigates sexual and discriminatory harassment complaints within the Department reported pursuant to the requirements of 3 FAM 1525 and 1526.
S/OCR is in the forefront of establishing best practices for EEO and diversity management within a federal agency. The Department of State is the first cabinet-level agency to appoint a Chief Diversity Officer with oversight authority to integrate and transform diversity principles into practices in the Department's operations. Another best practice cited by the EEOC is a dialogue between S/OCR and each bureau within the Department to discuss the bureau's current diversity statistics and ways that each bureau can work to improve the diversity of staff, experiences, and thought.
For more information about EEO and diversity, please contact us at:
Office of Civil Rights
S/OCR, Room 7428
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Email: socr_direct@state.gov
Tel: (202) 647-9295 or (202) 647-9294
Fax: (202) 647-4969
Library Services
The Ralph J. Bunche Library of the U.S. Department of State is the oldest Federal Government library. It was founded by the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson in 1789. It was dedicated to and renamed the Ralph J. Bunche Library on May 5, 1997. The Library has a large and important collection of unclassified and published information sources on foreign relations.
Foreign Relations is defined broadly to include books about foreign countries; world history, especially since the American Revolution; international organizations, such as the United States and the Organization of American States; wars and international conflicts, particularly those involving the United States; espionage: treaties, treaty-making, and legal agreements between nations; American history especially as it relates to the Department of State and the conduct of diplomacy; trade relationships around the world; foreign assistance and development; information on the American government and foreign governments.
The Ralph J. Bunche Library is a Federal Depository Library. The mission of the Library is to support the research needs of personnel of the Department of State. The Library is not open to the public and does not lend books directly to members of the public. The Library will lend books, at its discretion, to other libraries. Members of the public must contact a library through which they may borrow books from the Ralph J. Bunche Library. Magazines, newspapers, and microfilm may not be borrowed from the Ralph J. Bunche Library. Libraries may request books through
interlibrary loan at:
phone: 202-647-1099
fax: 202-647-2971
e-mail: library@state.gov
mail:
Ralph J. Bunche Library
U.S. Department of State
A/ISS/IPS/LIBR, Room 3239
2201 C St. NW
Washington, DC 20520-2442