U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE …

1 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON, 20250 DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION Number: 1410-001 Date: February 7, 2003 SUBJECT: Publications Review/Clearance Policy OPI: office of Communications, Information Review Team SECTION PAGE 1 Purpose 1 2 Special Instructions/Cancellations 1 3 Abbreviations and Definitions 1 4 Forms 2 5 Responsibilities 3 6 Scope of USDA Publishing 4 7 Types of Publications Issued by USDA 5 8 Publications Planning and Coordination 6 9

2 Publications Control and Clearance 7 10 Standard Publishing Practices 12 11 Articles, Books, and Other Materials Published Outside the government 14 12 Endorsements, Commercial References, and Use of Brand Names by Employees or in USDA Information 15 1 PURPOSE This regulation establishes the policies, procedures, and standards related to the planning, preparation, coordination, clearance, and control of nonadministrative documents that are developed and published by the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE --either as hard copy or electronically--for use by the DEPARTMENT s external audiences.

3 2 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/CANCELLATIONS This regulation supersedes DR 1410-1, Publishing Policies. 3 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS CCRC - Communications Coordination and Review Center DR - Departmental Regulations GPO - government printing office IRT - OC's Information Review Team JCP - Congressional Joint Committee on printing 1 OC - USDA's office of Communications OMB - office of Management and Budget USDA - DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE a Publication. An external document or manuscript prepared in finished form and reproduced in multiple copies, including materials disseminated or made available electronically. b Periodical. Publications, including annual reports and newsletters, issued annually or more often and with a consistent format, content, and purpose.

4 C Final Manuscript. An author's final, fully edited, thoroughly cleared, double-spaced copy that is provided to OC for final departmental review and clearance to publish. d Camera Copy. All materials, including disks, that are suitably prepared for photographic reproduction, including illustrations (line or half-tone), type matter, charts, graphs, and other materials prepared for printing . Also includes final information ready for dissemination/distribution electronically. e Administrative Document. A document for internal use only and not intended for the general public. Audience is limited to USDA personnel and official cooperators who need the information to carry out the agency's program responsibilities. These documents do not require OC review.

5 F Public Distribution. Dissemination to any persons or groups specified in section 6, to the undefined citizens of the United States in general, or to any individuals who are not employees or official cooperators of the Federal government . g printing . All systems, processes, and equipment used to create an original reproducible image when they are capable of reproducing multiple copies of that image. This term includes all processes and equipment related to composition, platemaking, presswork, and binding as well as to automated distribution. 4 FORMS The following forms are used to assist in controlling and clearing written information that USDA's agencies intend to publish: a AD-159 Manuscript Clearance -- transmits draft manuscripts among USDA program agencies or Federal Departments for review/comment.

6 AD-159 is used when an agency proposes to publish information that discusses the programs or policies of another agency or DEPARTMENT , or that could have an effect on another agency or DEPARTMENT . b AD-59 Request for Manuscript Review -- transmits final, fully edited, 2 3 thoroughly cleared, double-spaced publication manuscripts to the OC/CCRC/Information Review Team (IRT) for review/clearance. The AD-59 explains the need for a publication, the target audience, quantity desired, any special printing treatments planned (including justification for multicolor printing or special paper stock), etc., and is signed by the requesting agency s administrator and publications control officer. c AD-78 Request for printing and Binding -- transmits publications camera copy and related print-ready materials through OC s Information Review Team (IRT) for clearance to print.

7 See USDA printing Center regulations or consult with the OC printing Center. 5 RESPONSIBILITIES a In the execution of its publications program, OC has the following responsibilities: (1) To administer statutes, policies, and regulations governing publishing activities within USDA. (2) To review and consider for approval to publish those information materials and manuscripts prepared by USDA agencies. (3) To advise agency information personnel on procedures for securing clearances; publications control; and efficient coordination of editorial, graphics, photography, and printing functions. (4) To establish policies and procedures that enable agencies to publish quality information quickly and economically. (5) To prepare essential publications on agricultural subjects when the agencies are unable to do so.

8 (6) When requested by the agencies, to suggest sources of training in editing and writing for USDA employees who produce material for publication by USDA. (7) To plan and administer tests on the need for and effectiveness of USDA publications and to conduct surveys of the attitudes and opinions of the audiences to which they are directed. b In the scope of their publishing programs, USDA agencies are responsible for: (1) Ascertaining supply and demand for new, revised, and existing information products. (2) Fully clearing and ensuring quality editing of all information products 4 before submitting them to OC to obtain departmental review/clearance to publish. (3) Cooperating with OC and other USDA agencies to ensure an effective, efficient, and coordinated departmental publishing program.

9 6 SCOPE OF USDA PUBLISHING In accordance with public laws, executive orders, policies, and congressional directives authorizing USDA to publish information on AGRICULTURE and related subjects, USDA publications span a broad range of topics. For example, they report on research, statistics and economics, consumer information, food and nutrition, improved farming practices, natural resources management, agricultural marketing, conservation and environmental protection, homeland security, regulatory activities, and credit and rural development programs. USDA publications are issued: a To aid the application of technical information resulting from research in AGRICULTURE and related areas. b To inform the public of national and regional issues concerning AGRICULTURE and the use of the Nation's natural resources.

10 C To inform the public of USDA programs to improve agricultural production; food processing and marketing; the quality of rural life; the environment; homeland security; and the nutrition, health, and welfare of the general public. d To secure compliance with regulatory programs provided by legislation for the national interest. e To provide economic and statistical data and information for use in public decisionmaking concerning AGRICULTURE and the use of natural resources. f To encourage cooperation in regional, national, and international programs related to AGRICULTURE . g To advance scientific research in AGRICULTURE through communication with the scientific community, both nationally and internationally. In addition to the general public, audiences to which information is addressed include farmers, ranchers, and other land managers; educators and students; scientists; individuals in industries related to AGRICULTURE and rural development; and persons, organizations, and firms eligible to participate in USDA programs or subject to USDA-administered laws and regulations.