Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines, 53560-53569 [2019-21769]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 194 (Monday, October 7, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53560-53569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21769]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation, US Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION: Updated guidelines.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing updated 
guidelines to implement section 515 of the Treasury and General 
Government Appropriations Act for FY 2001. The Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has issued Government-wide guidelines under Section 515 
which direct each Federal agency to establish and implement written 
procedures to ensure and maximize the quality, utility, objectivity and 
integrity of the information that they disseminate. OMB has directed 
each agency to update its guidelines in accordance with the 
requirements of OMB Memorandum M-19-15.

DATES: Comments are due November 6, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by DOT-OST-2019-0135, by 
any of the following methods:

[[Page 53561]]

     Follow the instructions for sending comments on 
www.regulations.gov, or email [email protected]. Include DOT-OST-2019-
0135 in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room 
W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Room W12-140 on the ground level of 
DOT, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number for this notice. All comments received will be posted 
without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information provided.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or to Room 
W12-140 on the ground level of DOT, West Building, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you wish to receive 
confirmation of receipt of your written comments, please include a 
self-addressed, stamped postcard with the following statement: 
``Comments on DOT-OST-2019-0135.'' The Docket Clerk will date stamp the 
postcard prior to returning it to you via the U.S. mail. Please note 
that due to possible delays in the delivery of U.S. mail to federal 
offices in Washington, DC, we recommend that persons consider an 
alternative method (internet, or professional delivery service) of 
submitting comments to the docket and ensuring their timely receipt at 
DOT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Morgan, Chief Data Officer, 
OST, Department of Transportation at 202-366-9201 or by email at 
[email protected]. For specific inquiries on the Department's 
administration mechanisms for seeking correction of information covered 
by these guidelines, or for specific inquiries about the Department's 
statistical guidelines, please refer to the contacts listed in the 
guidelines.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Section 515 of the Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 
106-554), and consistent with the Office of Management and Budget's 
(OMB) ``Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, 
Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information Disseminated by 
Federal Agencies,'' and OMB Memorandum M-19-15, ``Improving 
Implementation of the Information Quality Act,'' the Department is 
revising its Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines (Guidelines). 
These guidelines were originally issued in 2002. The Department's 
Guidelines apply to a wide variety of its information dissemination 
activities to meet basic information quality standards. The Guidelines 
provide a framework under which the Department allows affected persons 
an opportunity to seek and obtain correction of information maintained 
and disseminated by the Department that does not comply with these 
guidelines.
    The written procedures established within DOT's guidelines apply to 
the following organization components of the Department: The Office of 
the Secretary, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the 
Federal Transit Administration, the Maritime Administration, the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Saint Lawrence 
Seaway Development Corporation.
    The updated guidelines are available on the Department's website at 
https://www.transportation.gov/dot-information-dissemination-quality-guidelines and in the docket. The Department seeks comment on the 
guidelines and the proposed changes.

    Authority: Issued in Washington, DC on October 1, 2019.
Ryan Cote,
Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation, Office of the 
Secretary.

The Department of Transportation's Information Dissemination Quality 
Guidelines

What is the purpose of this posting?

    Consistent with The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) 
Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, 
Utility, and Integrity of Information Disseminated by Federal Agencies 
implementing Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554) and the 
requirements outlined in OMB Memorandum M-19-15, Improving 
Implementation of the Information Quality Act, the U.S. Department of 
Transportation (henceforth DOT or Department) is updating guidelines 
explaining how the Department will ensure the quality of disseminated 
information. This document also explains how affected persons may seek 
and obtain corrections of information that does not comply with these 
Information Quality guidelines.

What version are these guidelines?

    These Guidelines were originally published on October 1, 2002 and 
were updated on October 1, 2019.

When are these guidelines effective?

    These Guidelines are effective October 1, 2019.

Who should be contacted for further information about these guidelines?

    Daniel Morgan, Assistant Chief Information Officer for Data 
Services/Chief Data Officer, [email protected] or 202-366-9201. For 
inquiries on the Department's administrative mechanisms for persons to 
seek correction of information, please contact the Office of the 
General Counsel, 202-366-4702. For inquiries on the guidelines 
concerning statistical disseminated information, contact the Bureau of 
Transportation Statistics, U.S. Department of Transportation; 800-853-
1351 or 202-366-DATA (3282). Written correspondence may be addressed to 
the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer (S-80), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590.

Contents

1. What is the background and purpose of these guidelines?
2. To which DOT operating administrations do these guidelines apply?
3. What are the scope, nature and legal effect of these guidelines?
    Scope
    Influential Information
    Protecting Data
    Nature and Legal Effect
4. What types of information are not subject to these guidelines?
5. What general standards of quality are DOT operating administrations 
implementing?
    Utility
    Objectivity
    Integrity
    Accessibility
    Public Access to Government Information (Open Data)
    Re-use of Existing DOT Program Data
6. What additional standards of quality are DOT operating 
administrations implementing for statistical information?
7. What processes does DOT utilize to ensure information quality before 
it is disseminated?

[[Page 53562]]

8. What are DOT's procedures concerning requests for correction of 
information?
    May I request a correction of information from the Department?
    Where do I submit a request for correction of information?
    How does the Department process incoming requests for correction?
    What should you include in a request for correction of information?
    May the Department reject a request for correction of information?
    Who has the burden of proof with respect to corrections of 
information?
    What determinations does the Department make concerning a request 
for correction of information?
    How does the Department process requests for correction concerning 
information on which the Department has sought public comment?
    How may I appeal the Department's decision on a request for 
correction?
9. What are the department's reporting requirements?
10. What are the definitions associated with these guidelines?

1. What is the background and purpose of these guidelines?

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) is updating guidelines 
originally released in 2002 to implement Section 515 of the Treasury 
and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 
106-554). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) previously issued 
guidelines under Section 515 which direct Federal agencies subject to 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) to establish and 
implement written guidelines to ensure and maximize the quality, 
utility, objectivity and integrity of the information that they 
disseminate. These updated 2019 DOT guidelines apply to a wide variety 
of substantive information dissemination activities to meet basic 
information quality standards set forth by Section 515. Under Section 
515, the Department is responsible for carrying out the OMB information 
quality guidelines as well as for implementing its own guidelines that 
are set forth in this document. Consequently, when this document refers 
to ``the guidelines,'' it should be taken to refer to the OMB 
guidelines, as applied to DOT programs and activities, as well as the 
2019 DOT guidelines themselves, unless the context suggests otherwise.
    The purpose of these 2019 DOT guidelines is to provide a framework 
for DOT's compliance with the OMB guidelines, and to provide affected 
persons an opportunity to seek and obtain correction of information 
maintained and disseminated by DOT that does not comply with these 
guidelines. DOT has designated the Departmental Chief Information 
Officer (CIO) as the senior official responsible for DOT compliance 
with these guidelines. Administrators of DOT's Operating 
Administrations (OAs) are also responsible for ensuring proper 
implementation of these Departmental guidelines. The CIO is responsible 
for the Office of the Secretary's compliance.
    In implementing these guidelines, the Department acknowledges that 
ensuring the quality of information is an important management 
objective that takes its place concurrently with other Departmental 
objectives, such as ensuring the success of agency missions, observing 
budget and resource priorities and restraints, and providing useful 
information to the public.
    These guidelines were updated in 2019 to reflect current procedures 
and compliance with OMB's Memorandum M-19-15. Implementation updates 
from that memorandum are footnoted where they are addressed in this 
update.

2. To which DOT operating administrations do these guidelines apply?

    These guidelines apply to the Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation (OST) and to the following DOT OAs.

 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
 Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
 Maritime Administration (MARAD)
 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
 Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)

    DOT OAs may adopt further guidance, consistent with these 
guidelines, to address the specifics of their programs and information 
products.

3. What are the scope, nature and legal effect of these guidelines?

Scope

    These guidelines apply to certain information (including both 
statistical and non-statistical data, as well as computer software 
(including code) as defined in 48 CFR 27.401 and 48 CFR 2.101 and in 
accordance with the Federal Source Code Policy). These guidelines apply 
to information disseminated by DOT on or after October 1, 2002, 
regardless of when the information was first disseminated. Maintenance 
of information on DOT websites or paper files does not, in itself, 
subject information disseminated before this date to the guidelines. 
However, information that the Department maintains in a way that is 
readily available to the public and that continues to play a 
significant, active role in Department program or in private sector 
decisions is subject to the guidelines. These guidelines apply to 
information dissemination in all media (printed, electronic, or in 
other form). When the Department has performed analysis using a 
specialized set of computer code, the computer code used to process it 
should be made available to the public for further analysis, if 
consistent with applicable law and policy.\1\ As is the intent of OMB's 
guidelines, DOT's guidelines will focus primarily on the dissemination 
of substantive information (e.g., reports, tabular and geospatial 
datasets, analyses, studies, summaries) rather than information 
pertaining to basic agency operations.
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    \1\ Implementation Update 3.2, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
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    The standards of these guidelines apply only to information that 
DOT generates. However, these guidelines serve as recommendations for 
information that external sources provide to DOT, if the external 
parties seek to have the Department rely upon or disseminate this 
information or the Department decides to do so. When using non-
government sources to create influential information (as defined below) 
that is communicated to the public, DOT will include sufficient 
information on the characteristics of the data and analysis, including 
its scope, generation protocols, and any other information necessary to 
allow the public to reproduce that source's conclusions.\2\ For 
example, suppose that a trade association, in commenting on a proposed 
rule, supplies a scientific or technical study or an economic analysis 
in support of its position on what the final rule should say. For DOT 
to rely on this information in a subsequent DOT dissemination of 
information (e.g., as part of the basis cited for decisions in the 
final rule), the quality of the trade association's information would 
have to be consistent with these guidelines. Likewise, if the 
Department

[[Page 53563]]

disseminates information originally created by, for example, a 
contractor or consultant, these guidelines would apply. The types of 
Departmental information not subject to these guidelines are outlined 
in Section 4.
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    \2\ Implementation Update 3.3, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
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Influential Information

    The OMB guidelines and subsequent Information Quality Bulletin for 
Peer Review define ``influential information'' as information that the 
agency reasonably can determine ``will have or does have a clear and 
substantial impact on important public policies or important private 
sector decisions.'' This definition applies only to scientific, 
financial, or statistical information. DOT defines ``scientific 
information'' as in the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review 
(excerpted below) and notes that DOT considers financial and 
statistical information to be types of scientific information.

    ``The term ``scientific information'' means factual inputs, data, 
models, analyses, technical information, or scientific assessments 
based on the behavioral and social sciences, public health and medical 
sciences, life and earth sciences, engineering, or physical sciences. 
This includes 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 
includes information that an agency disseminates from a web page, but 
does not include the provision of hyperlinks to information that others 
disseminate. This definition does not include opinions, where the 
agency's presentation makes clear that what is being offered is 
someone's opinion rather than fact or the agency's views.''

    Note that the definition above applies to information itself, not 
to decisions that the information may support. The guidelines assign to 
DOT the task of defining ``influential information'' in ways 
appropriate to the agency and its various programs.
    At DOT, influential information may be used to support rulemakings, 
regulatory actions, and analysis or other purposes. Every decision DOT 
makes based on disseminated information is important to someone. That 
does not mean that disseminated information used for each decision is 
influential, as the term is used in the guidelines.
    In rulemakings, influential information is scientific, financial, 
or statistical information that can reasonably be regarded as being one 
of the major factors in the resolution of one or more key issues in a 
significant rulemaking, as that term is defined in Executive Order 
12866. DOT's interpretation of influential information reflects the 
``clear and substantial impact'' language in the OMB guidelines 
language. The reference to key issues on significant rules reflects the 
``important'' public policy language of the guidelines.
    In non-rulemaking contexts, DOT considers two factors in 
determining whether information is influential.
     Breadth: Influential information affects a broad number 
and/or range of stakeholders or parties (e.g., an entire industry or a 
significant part of an industry, as opposed to a single company). In 
making this determination, the Department would also evaluate the 
overall magnitude of the impact of the information, not only its impact 
on a per capita or per unit basis.
     Impact: Influential information has a substantial 
economic, regulatory, or behavioral impact, as determined by the DOT 
Component. In considering whether information has a substantial impact, 
DOT Components consider the same kinds of factors that cause a rule to 
be an economically significant rule as defined in Executive Order 
12866. DOT-initiated or sponsored distribution of influential 
information may be novel, controversial, and/or precedent-setting.
    When DOT substantially changes information that it disseminates, 
such as through a change in information collected under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA), DOT will re-evaluate the information disseminated 
to determine whether it is influential. DOT reserves the right to 
designate other information as influential provided the information is 
scientific, financial, or statistical, although Components should not 
designate information products or types of information as influential 
without consultation with the Department Chief Information Officer.

Protecting Data

    DOT is prioritizing increased access to the data and analytic 
frameworks (e.g., models) used to generate influential information. 
Data disclosures will be consistent with statutory, regulatory, and 
policy requirements for protections of privacy and confidentiality, 
proprietary data, and confidential business information.\3\ DOT uses 
and continues to explore methods that provide wider access to datasets 
while reducing the risk of disclosure of personally identifiable 
information (PII) and/or sensitive data. Implementation of these 
approaches (e.g., tiered access) is consistent with principles for 
ethical governance, which include employing sound data security 
practices, protecting individual privacy, maintaining appropriate 
confidentiality, and ensuring appropriate access and use.\4\ These 
methods apply to both government and non-government information and 
data used in the development of influential information and data. DOT 
retains data in accordance with established records schedules and the 
DOT Records Management Policy (DOT Order 1351.28).\5\
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    \3\ Implementation Update 3.4, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
    \4\ Implementation Update 3.5, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
    \5\ https://www.transportation.gov/digitalstrategy/policyarchive/Records-Management.
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    Nature and Legal Effect
    These guidelines are policy views of DOT. They are not intended to 
be, and should not be construed as, legally binding regulations or 
mandates. These guidelines are intended only to improve the internal 
management of DOT and do not create any right or benefit, substantive 
or procedural, enforceable at law or equity, by any party against the 
United States, its agencies (including DOT or any Component), officers, 
or employees, or any person.
    This guidance is not legally binding in its own right and will not 
be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative 
enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with 
this guidance is voluntary only and nonconformity will not affect 
rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.

4. What types of information are not subject to these guidelines?

    The following information is not subject to these guidelines:
     Distribution of information that is intended to be limited 
to government employees, agency contractors or grantees;
     Distribution of information that is intended to be limited 
to intra- or inter- agency use or sharing of government information; 
responses to requests under FOIA, Privacy Act, the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act or other similar laws;
     Predisclosure Notification to Submitters of Confidential 
Commercial Information (49 CFR 7.29);
     Distribution limited to correspondence with individuals or 
persons (regardless of medium, e.g., email). The possibility of further 
distribution by the recipient does not

[[Page 53564]]

cause such correspondence to be subject to these guidelines. However, 
information sent by letter to a wide variety of individuals (e.g., a 
``Dear Colleague'' letter sent to heads of all recipients of financial 
assistance from a DOT OA) would be subject to coverage under these 
guidelines;
     Archival records disseminated by Federal agency libraries, 
websites, or similar Federal data repositories; (e.g., inactive or 
historical materials in DOT libraries and other data collections--
including bibliographies or responses to reference requests pertaining 
to such materials);
     Public filings, such as material filed by DOT or non-DOT 
parties in DOT dockets or by DOT in other agencies' dockets. For 
example, a study filed in the DOT docket by a commenter on a proposed 
rule does not become subject to these guidelines simply because it has 
been filed there. However, if the Department chooses to rely on the 
study in the rulemaking or another information product, the study would 
become subject to these guidelines because of the Department's use of 
it;
     Contents of the National Transportation Library that are 
not products of DOT-funded research or DOT-funded data collections.
     Information intended to be limited to subpoenas and 
adjudicatory processes. These processes would include:
    1. Court or administrative litigation (e.g., briefs and 
attachments, or other information that the Department submits to the 
court or other decision maker);
    2. Administrative enforcement proceedings conducted by the 
Department;
    3. Civil rights and personnel complaints and reviews conducted by 
the Department (e.g., under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act; 
the Americans with Disabilities Act; Sections 501, 504 and 508 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise matters);
    4. Debarment and suspension matters, 49 CFR part 29 (Federal-aid 
contracts) and 48 CFR part 9 (direct contracts);
    5. Merit System Protection Board matters (Sections 7511, 7543, and 
70701 of Title 5, United States Code);
    6. Locomotive engineer certification matters, 49 CFR part 240, 
subpart E-Dispute Resolution procedures;
     Hyperlinks to information that others disseminate (as well 
as paper-based information from other sources referenced but not 
adopted or endorsed by DOT);
     Views or opinions, where the presenter makes it clear that 
what is being offered is someone's opinion rather than fact or the 
Department's views;
     Information presented to Congress as part of the 
legislative or oversight processes (e.g., testimony of DOT officials, 
information or drafting assistance provided to Congress about pending 
or proposed legislation or oversight) that has previously been subject 
to the guidelines, is primarily a statement of the views of the 
Department on an issue, or is provided to a member of Congress who then 
disseminates it publicly. However, the Department would treat studies 
or other information products that are presented to Congress, and that 
have not previously been subject to these guidelines, as being covered.
     Press releases and other information of an ephemeral 
nature, advising the public of an event or activity of a finite 
duration--regardless of medium. Information products referenced in such 
releases may be subject to the guidelines, however (e.g., a study 
referred to in a press release); and
     Procedural, operational, policy, and internal manuals 
prepared for the management and operations of DOT that are not 
primarily intended for public dissemination. This includes personnel 
notices such as vacancy announcements.

5. What general standards of quality are DOT operating administrations 
implementing?

    DOT has traditionally utilized standards, policies, and other 
operational guidelines to ensure the quality of all its disseminated 
information. Incorporating these guidelines further reinforces DOT's 
commitment of meeting higher standards of quality prior to 
disseminating information to the public. The Department has made 
implementation of these guidelines a part of its performance plan, 
including performance goals and standards.
    To ensure compliance with these guidelines, each DOT Component is 
responsible for appointing a data quality official who will serve as 
the liaison for implementing these guidelines within its organization.
    OMB's guidelines define ``quality'' as an encompassing term 
comprising utility, objectivity, and integrity. Therefore, the 
guidelines sometimes refer to these statutory terms, collectively, as 
``quality.'' At a minimum, a basic standard of quality is established 
for all DOT information prior to its dissemination. In addition, 
repeatedly or continuously disseminated information is reviewed on a 
regular basis to ensure all information is current and complies with 
these guidelines. Specifically, DOT will set the following standards at 
levels appropriate to the nature and timeliness of substantive 
information to be disseminated.

Utility

    DOT Components will assess the usefulness of the information to be 
disseminated to the public. The originating office will continuously 
monitor the information needs and develop new sources or revise 
existing methods, models, and information products where appropriate.
    DOT's policy is to disseminate information in machine-readable and 
open formats, to the greatest extent possible, such that the 
information that can be easily consumed by a wide external audience. 
DOT's Data Management Policy (DOT Order 1351.34) outlines requirements 
for interoperability and standardization of data and information.
    DOT's policy is to provide the public with sufficient documentation 
about each dataset released to allow data users to determine the 
fitness of the data for the purpose for which third parties may 
consider using it.\6\ DOT may employ templates or frameworks provide 
data users with the relevant information.
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    \6\ Implementation Update 2.2, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
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Objectivity

    DOT Components will ensure disseminated information is accurate, 
clear, complete, and unbiased in substance and presentation, and 
presented in a proper context. The originating office will use reliable 
data sources and sound analytical techniques. Quality control 
procedures will be included when data is created or processed. To the 
extent possible and consistent with confidentiality protections, the 
originating office will identify the source of disseminated information 
so that the public can assess whether the information is objective. The 
2012 version of DOT's Scientific Integrity Policy,\7\ states:
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    \7\ Available at https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/mission/administrations/assistant-secretary-research-and-technology/282391/scientificintegritypolicy.pdf.

    ``The Department is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the 
research it conducts and funds. It will not tolerate misconduct in 
the performance of these activities nor in the application of these 
activities to decision-making. Political appointees at DOT should 
never suppress or

[[Page 53565]]

alter research findings or conclusions. Political appointees are not 
to censure or coerce DOT employees to alter scientific findings. 
This policy encompasses all sciences including hard, natural and 
life, and social sciences, and all findings including results 
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derived from data (actual or simulated).''

    DOT employees are prohibited from any behavior that attempts to 
inappropriately alter the scientific process or to suppress, fabricate, 
or falsify scientific findings.
    The Department follows a policy of determining, in consultation as 
appropriate with relevant scientific and technical communities, when it 
is useful and practicable to apply reproducibility standards to 
original and supporting data. In making such determinations, the 
Department will be guided by commonly accepted scientific, financial or 
statistical standards, as applicable. The Department's Scientific 
Integrity Policy guides its scientific research. With respect to 
analytic results, the Department's policies favor sufficient 
transparency about methods to allow independent reanalysis by qualified 
members of the public. In situations where public access will not occur 
(e.g., because of confidentiality requirements or the use of 
proprietary models), the Department's policy is to apply and document 
especially rigorous robustness checks.
    In OMB's guidelines, one of the aspects of ensuring objectivity 
concerns the use of peer review. For information products to which peer 
review is relevant, OMB's guidelines create a rebuttable presumption 
that the information meets the OMB guidelines' objectivity standards if 
the data and analytic results have been subject to formal, independent, 
external peer review. Anyone seeking to rebut this presumption (i.e., 
as part of the request for correction process) would have the 
obligation of demonstrating that the information was not substantively 
accurate, clear, complete, or unbiased, both as to substance and 
presentation, and in a proper context.
    With respect to influential scientific information disseminated by 
the DOT Components regarding analysis of risks to human health, safety, 
and the environment, DOT Components will adopt, with respect to the 
analysis in question, quality principles of the Safe Drinking Water Act 
of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)(3)(A) & (B), except where the agency 
adapts these principles to fit the needs and character of the analysis. 
These principles are as follows:
     Use the best available science and supporting studies 
conducted in accordance with sound and objective scientific practices, 
including peer-reviewed studies where available.
     Use data collected by accepted methods or best available 
methods, in accordance with all applicable standards (if the 
reliability of the method and the nature of the decision justifies the 
use of the data), and document methods used in metadata which 
accompanies disseminated datasets.
     In the dissemination of influential scientific information 
about risks, ensure that the presentation of information is 
comprehensive, informative, and understandable, and that influential 
information is accompanied by a clear explanation of underlying 
assumptions. In a document made available to the public, specify, to 
the extent practicable:
    1. Each population addressed by any estimate of applicable effects.
    2. The expected risk or central estimate of risk for the specific 
populations affected.
    3. Each appropriate upper bound or lower-bound estimate of risk.
    4. Each significant uncertainty identified in the process of the 
risk assessment and studies that would assist in reducing the 
uncertainty.
    5. Any additional studies, including peer-reviewed studies, known 
to the agency that support, are directly relevant to, or fail to 
support the findings of the assessment and the methodology used to 
reconcile inconsistencies in the scientific data.
    In 2019, DOT revisited the parameters for identifying and 
disseminating influential information. DOT will provide guidance for 
determining the amount and type of pre-dissemination review necessary, 
specific types of information that are influential and a rigorous 
process for determining whether types of information not specifically 
listed in the guidelines qualify as influential.\8\ DOT will ensure 
that influential information is communicated transparently by including 
a clear explication of underlying assumptions, accurate 
contextualization of uncertainties, and a description of the 
probabilities associated with both optimistic and pessimistic 
projections, including best-case and worst-case scenarios.\9\
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    \8\ Implementation Update 1.1, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
    \9\ Implementation Update 3.1, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 24, 
2019.
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    Prior to dissemination, all influential information produced by the 
DOT shall be peer reviewed by subject matter experts (may be either 
internal or external to DOT, or both) that have not participated in the 
preparation of the influential information being reviewed. When using 
scientific information, including third-party data or models, to 
support their policies, DOT will comply with the requirements of OMB's 
Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review. DOT will ensure reviewers 
are asked to evaluate the objectivity of the underlying data and the 
sensitivity of conclusions to analytic assumptions. Furthermore, when 
influential information that has been peer-reviewed changes 
significantly, DOT will conduct a second peer review.\10\ Peer review 
will also apply to influential information in economically significant 
regulations under Executive Order 12866.
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    \10\ Implementation Updates 1.2-1.4, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, 
April 24, 2019.
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Integrity

    DOT's policy is to ensure that information is protected from 
unauthorized access, corruption or revision (i.e., make certain 
disseminated information is not compromised through corruption or 
falsification). The Department will apply appropriate protections to 
information as determined by DOT policy. DOT Components will comply 
with relevant Department policies that protect the integrity of 
information, including but not limited to:

     DOT Order 1351.18, Departmental Privacy Risk Management 
Policy
     DOT Order 1351.37, Departmental Cybersecurity Policy

Accessibility

    DOT's policy is to ensure that all disseminated information 
(including electronic and web-based media) is accessible to all 
persons. DOT Components will comply with relevant Departmental policies 
that ensure the accessibility of disseminated information, including 
but not limited to DOT Order 1351.23, Electronic and Information 
Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy.

Public Access to Government Information (Open Data)

    When DOT makes available information originally collected by 
another agency, the contributing agency is responsible for the quality 
of the information they contribute, and DOT will clearly communicate 
that responsibility.
    DOT's policy is to provide the public with sufficient documentation 
about each dataset to allow data users to determine fitness for 
purpose. DOT will, when applicable, safeguard privacy and

[[Page 53566]]

confidentiality when releasing data. DOT Components will comply with 
the DOT Order 1351.34, Departmental Data Management Policy, when 
disseminating, sharing, safeguarding, and evaluating data and 
information.

Re-Use of Existing DOT Program Data

    DOT will:
     Consider potential for using existing data sources from 
inside and outside the agency for statistical and research purposes, 
while protecting privacy and confidentiality.
     Solicit comments about downstream uses from statistical, 
research, and evaluation agencies/offices when designing or improving 
data collection systems.
     Coordinate with the Senior Agency Official for Privacy if 
considering secondary analysis that involves PII.
     Develop procedures for clearly documenting the quality of 
administrative data that have the potential to be used for statistical 
purposes.\11\
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    \11\ Implementation Updates 2.3-2.6, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, 
April 24, 2019.
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    DOT's Data Management Policy (DOT Order 1351.34) also provides 
detailed information regarding re-use of data and information.

6. What additional standards of quality are DOT operating 
administrations implementing for statistical information?

    The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) provides additional 
guidance for statistical information. Under 49 U.S.C. 6302(b)(3)(B), 
the BTS Director is required to:
     Continually improve surveys and data collection methods of 
the Department to improve the accuracy and utility of transportation 
statistics;
     Encourage the standardization of data, data collection 
methods, and data management and storage technologies for data 
collected by the Bureau; the operating administrations of the 
Department (OAs); State and local governments; metropolitan planning 
organizations; and private sector entities;
     Build and disseminate the transportation layer of the 
National Spatial Data Infrastructure. . . including by coordinating the 
development of transportation geospatial data standards, compiling 
intermodal geospatial data, and collecting geospatial data that is not 
being collected by other entities;
     Issue guidelines for the collection of information by the 
Department that the BTS Director determines necessary to develop 
transportation statistics and carry out modeling, economic assessment, 
and program assessment activities to ensure that such information is 
accurate, reliable, relevant, uniform, and in a form that permits 
systematic analysis by the Department;
     Review and report to the Secretary on the sources and 
reliability of the statistics proposed by the heads of the OAs of the 
Department to measure outputs and outcomes as required by the 
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Pub. L. 103-62; 107 
Stat. 285); and at the request of the Secretary, any other data 
collected or statistical information published by the heads of the OAs 
of the Department; and
     Ensure that the statistics published under [49 U.S.C. 
6302] are readily accessible to the public, consistent with applicable 
security constraints and confidentiality interests.
    BTS has published a Statistical Standards Manual,\12\ a Guide to 
Good Statistical Practice in the Transportation Field,\13\ and a 
Confidentiality Policy.\14\ BTS maintains these documents to reflect 
current statistical policies and methods regarding data quality and 
confidentiality as well as challenges related to new data sources and 
analytical methods. The most current version of these manuals and 
guides applies.
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    \12\ Available at https://www.bts.gov/learn-about-bts-and-our-work/statistical-methods-and-policies/bts-statistical-standards-manual.
    \13\ Available at https://www.bts.gov/archive/publications/guide_to_good_statistical_practice_in_the_transportation_field/index.
    \14\ Available at https://www.bts.gov/confidentiality.
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    As one of the 13 principal federal statistical agencies, BTS 
adheres to all Statistical Policy Directives of the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB). These directives are published at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-regulatory-affairs/statistical-programs-standards/.

7. What processes does DOT utilize to ensure information quality before 
it is disseminated?

    DOT's policy is to conduct a pre-dissemination review on all 
information it disseminates on or after October 1, 2002. During this 
review, each DOT organization shall conduct subject matter expert 
(internal or external, or both) peer reviews and other review 
mechanisms to ensure the quality of all disseminated information. The 
costs and benefits of using a higher quality standard or a more 
extensive review process will be considered in deciding the appropriate 
level of review and documentation. With respect to information 
collection requirements covered by the PRA, the Department will ensure 
that these requirements are consistent with the guidelines and will so 
state in the PRA submission to OMB. The main components of DOT's pre-
dissemination review policy are:
     Allow adequate time for reviews, consistent with the level 
of standards required for the type of information to be disseminated. 
Consult with other stakeholders who have a substantial interest in the 
proposed dissemination of the information.
     Verify compliance with these guidelines (i.e., utility, 
objectivity, integrity and accessibility requirements) as well as other 
DOT organization specific guidance/procedures;
     With respect to information a DOT organization believes to 
be influential, maintain internal records of what additional standards 
will be applied to ensure its quality.
     Ensure that the entire information product fulfills the 
intentions stated and that the conclusions are consistent with the 
evidence;
     Indicate origin of data (when including data from an 
external source); and
     Ensure that each program office can provide additional 
data or metadata on the subject matter of any covered information it 
disseminates.

8. What are DOT'S procedures concerning requests for correction of 
information?

    You may request the correction of information from the Department, 
but not all requests for correction fall under these Guidelines. For 
instance:
     The DOT maintains certain information about individuals in 
its systems of records that those individuals may know or suspect is 
inaccurate, irrelevant, untimely, or incomplete. In such cases, the 
Privacy Act permits those individuals to request that the DOT correct 
or amend the information. To learn more about your rights under the 
Privacy Act, please visit: https://www.transportation.gov/privacy.
     The DOT maintains information in support of its basic 
agency operations that relevant parties may have an opportunity to 
correct. In such cases, individual DOT programs may develop their own 
review and redress procedures that are not subject to these Guidelines. 
To learn more about such programs, please visit the website of the 
relevant DOT OA.
    To request correction of information that is subject to these 
Guidelines, follow the procedures below.

[[Page 53567]]

May I request a correction of information from the Department?

    You may request that the Department correct information 
disseminated after October 1, 2002. Information originally disseminated 
before October 1, 2002, is subject to this correction process if it 
remains publicly available (e.g., it is posted on a DOT website or the 
Department makes it available on a generally distributed information 
source) and it continues to play a significant, active role in 
Department programs or in private sector decisions. If data or 
information is already covered by an existing quality review process, 
it will be addressed by that process and not by the correction of 
information procedure described here. If the information relates to a 
final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the DOT organization may 
handle the request as though it were a request for a Supplemental EIS.

Where do I submit a request for correction of information?

    You may make a request for correction of information or request for 
reconsideration by emailing [email protected]. If you wish to 
use postal mail, please send your request to: U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT), Docket Management, Re: Request for Correction of 
Information under the Information Quality Act, West Building, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

How does the Department process incoming requests for correction?

    We will post incoming requests for correction, requests for 
reconsideration and DOT organizational responses on the Federal Dockets 
Management System.
    You should be aware that the Department is not required to change, 
or in any way alter, the content or status of information simply based 
on the receipt of a request for correction. Nor does the receipt of a 
request, or consideration by the Department, result in staying or 
changing any action of the Department. The receipt of a request for 
correction likewise does not affect the finality of any decision of a 
DOT Component.

What should you include in a request for correction of information?

    You should:
     Include a statement that you are submitting a request for 
correction of information under DOT's Information Dissemination Quality 
Guidelines.
     Include your name, mailing address, email address, 
telephone number and organizational affiliation, if any.
     Describe how the information in question affects you 
(e.g., how an alleged error harms you, and/or how the correction will 
benefit you).
     Clearly identify the report, dataset, or other document 
that contains the information you want the Department to correct. 
Please include identifying characteristics such as title, date, and how 
information was accessed.
     Not rely solely on general statements that allege some 
type of error. You should specify, in detail, why you believe the 
information in question is inconsistent with the Department's and/or 
OMB's information quality guidelines (i.e., how the information fails 
to meet standards of integrity, utility, and/or objectivity).
     Include any documents and/or evidence you believe is 
relevant to your request (e.g., comparable data or research results on 
the same topic).
     Specify what corrections you wish for DOT to make to the 
information and why the recommended corrections would make the 
information more consistent with DOT's and/or OMB's information quality 
guidelines.

May the Department reject a request for correction of information?

    Once the appropriate data quality official has received your 
request for correction of information s/he will review your request and 
answer the following questions to determine if your request for 
correction is valid:
    1. Did DOT (as opposed to some other person or organization) 
disseminate the information you are requesting to be corrected?
    2. Is the information about which you are requesting a correction 
from DOT covered by these Guidelines (see Section 4)?
    3. Is your request frivolous or not germane to the substance of the 
information in question?
    4. Has DOT responded previously to a request that is the same or 
substantively very similar? (Note: This does not mean that the 
Department would automatically reject a second or subsequent 
information correction request concerning the same information product. 
If one party made a request concerning one aspect of the information 
product, and a second party made a request concerning a different 
aspect of the same product, the two requesters are seeking correction 
on different grounds and it could be appropriate for the Department to 
consider both).
    5. With respect to information in a final rule, final environmental 
impact statement, or other final document on which there was an 
opportunity for public comment or participation with respect to the 
compliance of the information with these guidelines, could interested 
persons have requested the correction of the information at the 
proposed stage?
    If the DOT organization determines that the answer to 1,2, or 3 is 
``no'' or that the answer to Question 4, 5, or 6 is ``yes,'' DOT has 
the discretion to reject your request without responding to it on its 
merits.
    If DOT rejects your request, the DOT OA will send a written 
response explaining why. Normally, the DOT OA will send this response 
within 60 calendar days of receiving your request. The DOT OA will file 
this response in the Federal Docket Management System. If the DOT 
organization does not reject your request, it will consider the request 
on its merits. DOT will not opine on the requestor's or DOT's policy 
position. DOT's response will contain a point-by-point response to any 
data quality arguments contained in the request for correction and will 
refer to a peer review that directly considered the issue being raised, 
if available. Prior to the release to the requestor, DOT will share a 
draft response with OMB for assessment of compliance with the above 
norms.\15\
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    \15\ Implementation Updates 4.2-4.4, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, 
April 24, 2019.
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Who has the burden of proof with respect to corrections of information?

    As the requester, you bear the burden of proof with respect to the 
necessity for correction as well as with respect to the type of 
correction you seek.

What determinations does the Department make concerning a request for 
correction of information?

    If DOT considers your request on its merits (that is, does not 
reject it for one of the reasons stated above), DOT will make the 
determination whether information subject to the DOT information 
quality guidelines complies with the guidelines. In doing so, the 
Department will consider whether the information or the request for 
correction is stale. If DOT did not disseminate this information 
recently (i.e., within one year of your request), or it does not have a 
continuing significant impact on DOT projects or policy decisions or on 
important private sector decisions, we may regard the information as 
stale for purposes of responding to a correction request, unless the 
requestor can show that he or she is affected by its dissemination. If 
we determine that

[[Page 53568]]

information subject to the 2019 DOT guidelines does not comply with the 
guidelines, the Department will decide what correction is appropriate 
to make to ensure compliance. While the Department's policy is to 
correct existing information when necessary, the Department is not 
obligated to generate new or additional information to respond to 
requests for correction.
    The DOT provides a response directly to the requestor. This 
response will normally be issued within 60 calendar days of receiving 
the request. If the response will take significantly longer, DOT will 
inform the requester that more time is required and indicate the reason 
why and an estimated decision date. DOT will not take more than 120 
days to respond without first seeking the concurrence of the 
requester.\16\ This written explanation to the requestor will also be 
filed in the Federal Dockets Management System.
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    \16\ Implementation Update 4.1, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, April 
24, 2019.
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How does the Department process requests for correction concerning 
information on which the Department has sought public comment?

    Information in rulemakings and other documents concerning which 
public participation and comment are sought are subject to these 
guidelines. However, the Department may respond to requests for 
correction concerning such information through a different process than 
we use for other types of information. When the Department seeks public 
comment on a document and the information in it (e.g., a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), studies cited in an NPRM, a regulatory 
evaluation or cost-benefit analysis pertaining to the NPRM; a draft 
environmental impact statement; a proposed policy notice or aviation 
order on which comment has been sought; a request for comments on an 
information collection subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act), there 
is an existing mechanism for responding to a request for correction. 
This mechanism is a final document that responds to public comments 
(e.g., the preamble to a final rule). Consequently, our response to a 
request for correction of such information will normally be 
incorporated in the next document we issue in the matter.
    The Department would consider making an earlier response, if doing 
so (1) would not delay the issuance of the final action in the matter; 
and (2) the Department determined that there would be an unusually 
lengthy delay before the final document would be issued or the 
requester had persuaded the Department that there was a reasonable 
likelihood that the requester would suffer actual harm if the 
correction were not made before the final action was issued.
    Once again, the DOT organization will place its response in the 
Federal Dockets Management System. As noted above, a DOT Component may 
reject a request for correction with respect to information in a final 
document if there was an opportunity for public comment or 
participation with respect to the compliance of information to these 
guidelines and interested persons could have requested the correction 
of the information at the proposed stage.

How may I appeal the Department's decision on a request for correction?

    You may request reconsideration under this section if you have 
requested a correction of information under these guidelines, and you 
are not satisfied with the DOT organization's response. You should 
request reconsideration within 30 days of the date you received the DOT 
Component's decision on your original request for correction.
    You should send your request in the same manner, and to the same 
address, as provided above.
    DOT will assign an official or establish a reconsideration panel to 
determine if additional corrective action is needed, and will issue a 
written response to the requestor stating the reasons for the decision. 
DOT will share a draft response of the appeal with OMB prior to release 
to the requestor for assessment of compliance with the above norms. To 
protect the integrity of the appeals process, DOT will ensure that 
individuals reviewing and responding to the appeals request were not 
involved in the review and initial response to the request for 
correction.\17\
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    \17\ Implementation Updates 4.4-4.5, OMB Memorandum M-19-15, 
April 24, 2019.
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    This guidance is non-regulatory and is not intended to constitute a 
set of legally binding requirements. However, DOT may be unable to 
process requests that omit one or more of the requested elements. DOT 
will attempt to contact and work with requesters to obtain additional 
information when warranted.
    The Department maintains records of all corrections and appeals 
requests. These records may contain contact information provided by you 
as authorized by Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 \18\ (Pub. L. 106-554, codified 
at 44 U.S.C. 3516). Contact information is needed to respond to your 
request and initiate follow-up contact with you if necessary. We may 
disclose part of the records relating to a correction or correction 
appeals, including requestor contact information to a congressional 
office in response to an inquiry made on your behalf, to the Department 
of Justice, a court, other tribunal when the information is relevant 
and necessary to litigation, or to a contractor or another Federal 
agency to help accomplish a function related to this process.
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    \18\ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-106publ554/pdf/PLAW-106publ554.pdf.
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9. What are the department's reporting requirements?

    The Departmental Office of the Chief Information Officer will 
provide annual reports to OMB, including the number and nature of 
complaints received concerning agency compliance as well as how 
complaints were resolved.

10. What are the definitions associated with these guidelines?

    DOT has adopted the definitions of terms set forth in The Office of 
Management and Budget's Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the 
Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information 
Disseminated by Federal Agencies. The following information explains 
further the way that DOT uses some of these terms.
    Reproducibility. Documented methods are capable of being used on 
the same data set to achieve a consistent result. For more information 
on this term, please refer to OMB's guidelines.
    Dissemination. As provided in OMB's guidelines, these guidelines 
apply only to information disseminated on or after October 1, 2002. The 
fact that an information product that was disseminated by DOT before 
this date is still maintained by the Department (e.g., in DOT's files, 
in publications that DOT continues to distribute on a website) does not 
make the information subject to these guidelines or to the request for 
correction process. As noted above, the Department's policy is to treat 
as subject to the guidelines information that we maintain in a way that 
is readily available to the public and that continues to play a 
significant, active role in Department programs or in private sector 
decisions.
    For example, suppose that DOT first issued a study in 1999. The 
study is relied upon in a 2000 DOT organization publication, and the 
DOT organization makes the publication available on its website. This 
study is not subject to these guidelines or to the request for 
correction process just because it is ``archived'' in an available 
paper publication or website. However, if DOT

[[Page 53569]]

issues a notice of proposed rulemaking in 2003 that relies on the same 
study, then it becomes subject to these guidelines--because it then has 
been disseminated (or, one might say ``re-disseminated'') after October 
1, 2002.
    Departmental Components. Offices, divisions, Operating 
Administrations (OAs) and comparable elements of the DOT.
    Departmental Chief Information Officer (CIO). The Departmental CIO 
is the senior management official responsible for the DOT Information 
Dissemination Quality Program.
    Data Quality Administrator (DQA). Designated representative in the 
Office of the CIO responsible for compiling agency reports and serving 
as agency liaison to OMB.
    Data Quality Official (DQO). The DQO serve as the point of contact 
for the Departmental CIO/Data Quality Administrator and will be 
responsible for implementing these guidelines within their 
organization.
    Federal Docket Management System. An electronic, image-based 
database in which all DOT docketed information is stored for easy 
research and retrieval.
    Docket. A docket is an official public record. DOT publishes and 
stores online information about proposed and final regulations, copies 
of public comments on proposed rules, and related information in the 
Federal Docket Management System. DOT uses this docketed material when 
making regulatory and adjudicatory decisions, and makes docketed 
material available for review by interested parties. Specific documents 
covering the same issues are stored together in a docket.

[FR Doc. 2019-21769 Filed 10-4-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P