Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better

by Jennifer Pahlka

The law also required federal agencies to get permission from OIRA before collecting any information from the public. That’s why at the top of every passport application, tax return, and so on you’ll see something like “OMB No. 1545–0074.” The number tells you that OIRA, which is part of OMB, has reviewed the form and approved it. The intention of the Paperwork Reduction Act was to limit the administrative burden imposed on the American public by mandatory paperwork, such as filing taxes. But it has been interpreted to cover any time anyone in a federal agency wants to ask any member of the public any kind of question. And that interpretation has effectively functioned as a ban on user research. Getting OIRA approval typically takes six to nine months, includes several rounds of formally soliciting public comment through the government’s official daily journal, the Federal Register, and requires a researcher to submit in advance every single question that will be asked.