NARA's statutory authorities include assisting agencies in carrying out their records management responsibilities and, when necessary, inspecting agency programs and reporting to Congress on those inspections. Part 1239 identifies the types of records management guidance and program assistance NARA provides to agencies under its 44 U.S.C. chapter 29 mandate; the conditions under which NARA will invoke its inspection authority, also under chapter 29; and the requirements for agencies to cooperate fully in such inspections.

The authorities for this part are 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906.

(a) See § 1220.18 of this subchapter for definitions of terms used in part 1239.

(b) As used in part 1239—

Inspection means a formal review and report by NARA under 44 U.S.C. 2904(c) and 2906(a) of an agency's recordkeeping processes that focus on significant records management problems affecting records at risk that meet one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Have a direct and high impact on legal rights or government accountability;

(2) Are the subject of high profile litigation, Congressional attention, or widespread media coverage;

(3) Have high research potential; or

(4) Are permanent records with a large volume, regardless of format.

These regulations conform with guidance provided in ISO 15489-1:2001. Paragraphs 7.1, Principles of records management programmes, and 10, Monitoring and auditing, apply to this part.