§3561 Definitions

Summary

Gives short meanings for the main words used in this part. Agency is any organization that fits the definition of “executive agency” in section 102 of title 31 or “agency” in section 3502. Agent is an individual hired under a contract or agreement to do only statistical work for an agency—this can include private organization employees, researchers at colleges (including those with special sworn status under section 23(c) of title 13), people working under a government partner, self-employed researchers or consultants, and contractors who build or run data systems—and they must agree in writing to follow all laws about the information. Business data is operating and financial information about businesses, tax‑exempt groups, and government entities. Data asset has the meaning given in section 3502. Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Evidence is information produced by statistical work. Identifiable form is any data that lets someone reasonably figure out who the respondent is. Nonstatistical purpose is using identifiable data for non‑statistical uses (like enforcement, regulation, adjudication, or anything that affects a person’s rights or benefits) and includes disclosures under section 552 of title 5. Respondent is a person or group asked or required to give information or who is the subject of it. Statistical activities are collecting, compiling, processing, or analyzing data to describe or estimate groups or parts of the economy, society, or environment, and include making methods or tools (models, measurements, classifications, sampling frames). Statistical agency or unit is an executive branch agency or unit whose main job is statistical work, as named by the Director under section 3562. Statistical purpose is describing or estimating group characteristics without identifying the people or organizations, and includes making or keeping methods and procedures that support that work.