DOT Updates Rules for Handling Confidential Data
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics wants to make sure anyone accessing secret data follows new security rules. They’re asking for public feedback by June 25, 2026, before finalizing these changes. This update affects researchers and agencies handling confidential info and aims to keep data safe without adding extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Approved Applicants Must Complete Security Paperwork
If your SAP Portal application to access BTS confidential data is approved, BTS will require you to complete its data security agreements and other paperwork outside the SAP Portal. BTS estimates the average time to complete and submit these security agreements and paperwork is 90 minutes per approved application.
Single SAP Portal Streamlines Applications
BTS will use the Standard Application Process (SAP) Portal as a single web-based application to find and apply for confidential federal statistical data, which provides a streamlined application process across agencies and reduces redundancies. The SAP Portal itself is not a data repository; confidential data remain stored at agency facilities.
Small Number of Expected Approvals Annually
BTS estimates it will collect data security information for about five application submissions that receive a positive determination in the SAP Portal per year. BTS estimates the total burden over the three-year OMB clearance will be about 22.5 hours, with an average annual burden of 7.5 hours.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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