Farm data nerds seek paperwork renewal for security checks
Published Date: 9/2/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Economic Research Service (ERS) to request an extension of a currently approved information collection titled "Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data." ERS 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. ERS's data security agreements and other paperwork along with the corresponding security protocols allow ERS to maintain careful controls on confidentiality and privacy, as required by law.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Access Requires Training, MOUs, and Site Inspections
If ERS approves your application, you must complete additional security steps outside the SAP Portal—examples include CIPSEA training and review forms, a signed Certification and Restrictions on Use form, a site inspection checklist (in-person or video), a Memorandum of Understanding with your institution, data use agreements, and possible identity verification—before gaining access to unpublished ERS data.
Time Burden to Meet ERS Security Rules
If ERS approves your application for restricted-use data, you are estimated to spend an average of 110 minutes to complete ERS data security agreements and paperwork. ERS estimates it will collect this information for 20 approved applications per year, for an average annual burden of 37 hours (total 110 hours over the 3-year clearance).
SAP Portal Streamlines Multi-Agency Applications
The Standard Application Process (SAP) Portal provides a single web-based application and data catalog (www.sap.nsf.gov) to search for confidential data and apply across federal statistical agencies. The Portal is intended to reduce redundancies and applicant burden when requesting data from multiple agencies.
Federal Onboarding Collects Personal PII
As part of onboarding to access ERS restricted data, approved researchers must complete form OF-306 (Declaration for Federal Employment), which collects personal PII including Social Security Number, date of birth, sex, and citizenship; that information is submitted to REE Onboarding and will not be retained or processed by ERS. The OF-306 is approved under OMB Control No. 3206-0182.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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