Implementation of the Paperwork Reduction Act Public Law 96-511

In testimony before a congressional subcommittee, GAO stated that progress toward achieving the Paperwork Reduction Act's objectives has been slow. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has failed to provide the forceful leadership and guidance needed to create the momentum for timely and effective implementation. Although OMB has successfully effected paperwork reduction in many areas of the Government and, although it estimates that it will continue to do so through fiscal year 1982, significant amounts of paperwork will continue to hamper bureaucratic efficiency, and a number of problems persist: (1) OMB resources continue to be directed to tasks other than those contemplated by the Act; (2) basic policy guidance for implementing the paperwork review process is not consistent with the Act; and (3) criteria have not been developed for delegating authority to agencies to issue information collection requests without individual OMB reviews. GAO found that a very serious problem hindering the Act's objectives is the granting of exemptions from the Act's coverage. Thus far, three exemptions have been granted. However, GAO does not believe they are necessary, because the Act contains ample flexibility to deal with any conceivable situation; and any further exemptions may undermine the entire framework for improving Federal information resources management. GAO concluded that action is needed to ensure that: (1) OMB gives priority to implementing all provisions of the Act; (2) OMB provides clear-cut guidance to the agencies; (3) agencies develop appropriate management structures and plans for implementing the Act; and (4) OMB effectively coordinates with the General Services Administration, the Department of Commerce, and the agencies in working toward achieving the Act's objectives.