Operating seamlessly, safely stewarding sensitive data resources

"Our Nation’s future, and the ability to serve our citizens equitably and effectively, requires high quality, useful, and objective information for decision-making across the public and private sectors. The Federal statistical system is key to generating this trusted information."
– Dr. Karin Orvis, Chief Statistician of the United States

• On Friday, October 11, 2024, OMB published the Fundamental Responsibilities of Statistical Agencies and Units Final Rule. This final rule, known as the Trust Regulation, sets forth requirements for recognized statistical agencies and units to carry out their four fundamental responsibilities, as articulated in the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act). It also sets forth requirements for all other agencies to “enable, support, and facilitate” the recognized statistical agencies and units in carrying out their responsibilities. For more information, read the announcement from the Chief Statistician of the United States.
• On September 27, 2024, OMB published the 2025 schedule of release dates for Principal Federal Economic Indicators. For more information on this and OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 3, see the Policies page.
• The Interagency Council on Statistical Policy recently adopted Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 Strategic Goals and Objectives. These Goals and Objectives propel the U.S. Federal statistical system toward our vision of operating as a seamless system — to become more efficient and effective in providing useful, objective, high-quality statistical data and meaningfully and safely expanding access to these data for evidence-building purposes. To learn more about the ICSP and its FY25–FY26 Strategic Goals and Objectives, visit our About Us page.

The Federal statistical system is guided by specific laws, policies, and guidance. These are foundational for the key responsibilities of the Office of the Chief Statistician of the United States; statistical agencies, units, and programs; Statistical Officials; and agencies across the Federal Government.

The Federal statistical system collaborates on development of periodic and one-time products to promote understanding of its initiatives, priorities, budgets, and activities.

For questions about or assistance with completing a federal survey, connect with the federal agency conducting or sponsoring the survey. Click here to learn about the statistical agencies. Approved federal surveys are issued an official OMB control number, which must be visible on survey forms, or available by asking the interviewer.

Federal law requires agencies to have public inventories of data sets. Many are also listed on the federal government’s data catalog. To discover available data sets and apply for access to restricted and confidential data for evidence building, visit the Federal statistical system’s Standard Application Process and its growing data catalog.