Previous: Enactment - Step 11: Budget Hearing Next: Enactment - Step 13: Appeal

Questions for the Record (QFRs) ((AKA “Questions and Answers” (Q&A))

Questions requiring input from multiple bureaus must be coordinated by the lead bureau assigned to the question. Answers to questions for the record must adhere to the requirements described below.

• • Documents should be prepared in Microsoft Word using Times New Roman font, size 12;
• • Left margin should be set at 1.6", right margin at 1.2", top and bottom margins at 1";
• • All text should be single-spaced with double-spacing between paragraphs, topics, and center heads;
• • A center head in CAPS identifying the senator or representative for each member’s set of questions should be included; QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY [INSERT REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR’S NAME].
• • The topic of the question should be identified and underlined following the center head;
• • Questions should be restated verbatim in bold type;
• • Succinct answers with a minimum of one complete sentence per question should be prepared; “Yes” or “No” answers are not acceptable.
• • “QUESTION:” should precede each question; “ANSWER:” should precede each answer (both must be in all caps); and indentations are not permitted.
• • There should be a new page for each member’s set of questions (a set of questions encompasses all of the member’s questions).

Transcripts and QFRs are reviewed and subsequently cleared by multiple offices. The process for the review of transcripts and QFRs is described below. For convenience, “documents” will be used to denote the QFRs, transcripts, and transcript inserts.

Agency receives the documents from the congressional committee with the applicable due date noted. Agency distributes the documents to the responsible operating units with due dates and any other necessary guidance. Operating units then provide their input.

Agency reviews the documents and requests clarification from the operating units when necessary. Agency forwards the documents to OMB for review. Any questions OMB may have will go through budget office who will work with operating units to ensure responses are timely and responsive. Operating units should refrain from contacting OMB directly without the involvement of budget office.

Subsequent to OMB clearance, Agency will forward the documents to the Secretarial staff offices for review. Upon clearance by Secretarial staff, agency transmits the documents to the congressional committee.

Previous: Enactment - Step 11: Budget Hearing Next: Enactment - Step 13: Appeal