HUD's Web Management Operating Procedures

Section 3: Management Controls

G: Data Accuracy

Requirement: Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 and guidance from OMB requires agencies "to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information disseminated by Federal agencies." OMB policy memo M-05-04 says that agencies should take reasonable steps to ensure the quality of information by:

• "Clearly identifying the limitations inherent in the information dissemination product (e.g., possibility of errors, degree of reliability, and validity) so users are fully aware of the quality and integrity of the information or service,
• Taking reasonable steps to remove the limitations inherent in the information, and
• Reconsidering delivery of the information or services.

This applies to content, data, and links.

What Web Managers Must Do

• If inaccurate data is found on the website, the Web Manager need to work with the appropriate office to correct the data as soon as possible.
• If people who use HUD's website report potential inaccuracies in data that is presented on the website, via the webmail system, forward the message to the designated email box maintained by the Office of Administration, for processing: quality_info@hud.gov.
• When putting up new web content - especially content that presents or includes data - make the manager aware of the OMB requirements and include appropriate clarification or disclaimers.
• When evaluating new links or reviewing existing links to outside websites, consider the requirements of the OMB policies and include appropriate clarification or disclaimers.