2.1: Senior Agency Official (SAO)

Agencies Must Designate a Senior Agency Official (SAO)

Other Information:

The Presidential Memorandum previously required all agencies to designate a Senior Agency Official (SAO) to oversee a review of their records management program. This Directive also requires agencies to designate an SAO, but with broader agency-wide responsibilities with respect to records management. By November 15, 2012, each agency will name it's SAO, and by November 15th of each subsequent year, all agencies will reaffirm or name any new SAO.

Stakeholder(s):

• Senior Agency Official (SAO): The SAO is responsible for coordinating with the Agency Records Officer and appropriate agency officials to ensure the agency's compliance with records management statutes and regulations. The SAO is a senior official at the Assistant Secretary level or its equivalent who has direct responsibility for ensuring that the department or agency efficiently and appropriately complies with all applicable records management statutes, regulations, and NARA policy, and the requirements of this Directive. The SAO must be located within the organization so as to make adjustments to agency practices, personnel, and funding as may be necessary to ensure compliance and support the business needs of the department or agency.


• Agency Records Officers

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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