The purpose of this page is to inform the public about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Information Quality practices and guidelines.
Public Law 106-554, Section 515, otherwise known as the Data Quality Act (or Information Quality) requires Federal agencies to issue guidelines ensuring and maximizing the quality, utility, objectivity, and integrity of information disseminated by the Federal government. The Data Quality Act was enacted in December 2000 and builds on the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Information Quality applies to agencies subject to the PRA.
Information Quality is unique in its scope in that it includes influential scientific, financial, and statistical information (not operational information such as agency street address, contact information, typos, etc.). If a Federal agency releases influential scientific, financial, or statistical information to the public, and a person or persons deem it erroneous, then the person/persons may petition the government to correct the error.
In February 2002, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum that all Federal agencies issue and implement Information Quality Guidelines. In response to this memorandum, DHS issued and implemented guidelines (Directive and Instruction) to meet the requirements.
In April 2019, OMB issued memorandum M-19-15 to reinforce, clarify, and interpret agency responsibilities with regard to the requirements of the Information Quality Act (IQA). It reinforces that agencies develop information quality assurance procedures before disseminating information. It also directs agencies to update their Information Quality guidelines within 90 days, provide responses to OMB prior to responding to requests for correction, fully protect the privacy of the public’s data, and post requests for correction on their agency website. DHS is fully complying with these requirements.
In order to ensure the accuracy and integrity of its published information, DHS follows a standardized process wherein the information undergoes internal peer review. DHS maintains the highest standards possible for published information to ensure integrity and transparency.
The Data Quality Act requires each agency to develop an administrative mechanism for receiving complaints and appeals regarding Information Quality. Within this structure, any person or organization may assert a claim that DHS information does not comply with OMB guidelines, and, if appropriate, may petition for correction or remedy. Using the administrative mechanism as outlined below in the Instruction Guide, affected persons can seek, and obtain where appropriate, timely correction of DHS information that does not comply with OMB or DHS guidelines. Address any questions or concerns to DHS.InfoQuality@HQ.DHS.GOV.
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