Farm Stats Bureau Wants to Tweak Data Security Paperwork Again
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request a revision and extension of a currently approved information collection titled "NASS Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data." NASS plans to collect information from the public to fulfill its data security requirements when providing access to restricted use data for the purpose of evidence building. NASS's data security agreements and other paperwork along with the corresponding security protocols allow NASS to maintain careful controls on confidentiality and privacy, as required by law.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork to access NASS restricted data
If you are approved to access NASS restricted-use data, you must complete NASS security paperwork including a Security Briefing, form ADM-043 (Certification and Restrictions on Use of Unpublished Data), a User Attestation Form, and a NASS Site Inspection Checklist. NASS estimates the average time to complete these security requirements is 145 minutes per applicant, expects to collect this information from 200 positively determined applicants per year, and estimates a total annual burden of 484 hours (1,452 hours over the three-year OMB clearance).
OF-306 collects applicants' PII for onboarding
Researchers approved for NASS access will be required to complete the OF-306 (Declaration for Federal Employment), which collects administrative PII such as Social Security Number, date of birth, sex, and citizenship. The OF-306 data will be submitted directly to REE Onboarding and will not be retained or processed by NASS; the OF-306 is approved under OMB Control No. 3206-0182 and its burden is not included in this NASS information-collection estimate.
SAP Portal streamlines multi-agency applications
The Standard Application Process (SAP) Portal (www.sap.nsf.gov) provides a single web-based application and data catalog to request access to confidential federal statistical data, and is designed to reduce redundancies when applicants request data from multiple agencies. The Portal will automate key tasks, track application status, and is intended to bring agencies into compliance with the Evidence Act.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06122, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service plans to update and extend its Livestock Slaughter Survey for three more years. This means some questions might change, and the number of people surveyed could shift, affecting how much time it takes to respond. Farmers, meat producers, and others in the livestock industry should know this helps keep meat supply info fresh and accurate, with comments due by May 29, 2026.
2026-15754, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request feedback from the general public on the "Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Programs". This collection was developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection to OMB for approval and solicits comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.
2026-01161, Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renewal an Information Collection; Correction
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is fixing a previous notice about renewing their survey that predicts crop yields like corn and soybeans. This update clears up details and invites the public to comment by March 16, 2026. Farmers, researchers, and anyone interested in agriculture stats should take note—no big cost changes, just smoother info collection ahead!
2026-00541, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) plans to update and extend its Cotton Ginning Survey for three more years. This survey collects important info from cotton producers about how much cotton and cottonseed they process, helping farmers and businesses plan better. If you’re involved in cotton farming or ginning, your input matters—comments are due by March 16, 2026, and no extra costs are expected.
2026-00540, Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate an Information Collection
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service plans to bring back the 2027 Census of Agriculture, a big survey that collects important info about farms across the U.S. and its territories. Farmers and farm operators who produce $1,000 or more in products will be part of this. Comments on this plan are open until March 16, 2026, and this survey helps keep farming data fresh and useful without extra costs to participants.
2026-00542, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service plans to update and extend its Objective Yield Surveys, which help predict crop production for things like corn, soybeans, and nuts. Farmers and others involved in agriculture will keep sharing info through these surveys, which guide important crop reports. Comments on these changes are welcome until March 16, 2026, and the update will last for three more years with no new costs announced.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15754, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request feedback from the general public on the "Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Programs". This collection was developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection to OMB for approval and solicits comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.
Next: 2026-15759, Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures Against Foreign Persons, Including a Ban on U.S. Government Procurement
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. is putting the brakes on certain foreign people and companies from Russia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Iran who helped spread dangerous tech linked to weapons. These folks are now banned from getting U.S. government contracts, making it harder for them to do business with the U.S. This move aims to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction and keep everyone safer.