Procedures to Seek a Correction

In accordance with Section 515 of Public Law 106-554, codified at 44 U.S.C. 3516, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has established the following procedure to allow you to seek and obtain correction of information that NASS disseminates.

To seek a correction under Section 515, follow the procedure described below:

State that your request for correction of information is submitted under Section 515 of Public Law 106-554.
Include your name, mailing address, fax number (or e-mail address), telephone number, and organizational affiliation, if any.
Clearly describe the information you believe to be in error and want corrected. Include the name of the statistical report or information product, the date of issuance, and a detailed description of the information you feel should be corrected.
State in detail why you feel the information should be corrected and, if possible, recommend specifically how it should be corrected. Please clarify which NASS Information Quality Guidelines were not followed or were not sufficient. Provide documentary evidence, such as comparable data, which will help in review.

Submit your request using one of the following procedures:

Mail: Standards Officer, USDA NASS, Room 4117 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-2001
Fax: Standards Officer, USDA NASS, 202-720-9013
E-mail: HQ AA@nass.usda.gov

Based on a review of the information provided, we will:

Determine whether a correction is warranted and, if so, what action to take. The nature, influence, and timeliness of the information involved, the significance of the correction on the proper use of the information, and the magnitude of the correction will determine the level of review and any corrective action.
Respond to you by letter, e-mail, or fax within 10 working days. Our response will explain the findings of the review and the actions that NASS will take. If the request will require more than 10 working days to fully resolve, we will state the reason for the additional time and provide an estimated decision date.
Inform you of your appeal rights and the appeal process, if your request is rejected.

Last modified: 11/17/08