Title 7

SECTION 1.902

1.902 Public access to effective guidance documents.

§ 1.902 Public access to effective guidance documents.

Each USDA agency that issues guidance documents shall:

(a) Ensure all guidance documents in effect are on its website in a single, searchable, indexed database, and available to the public. Guidance documents that do not appear on the website are considered rescinded.

(b) Note on its website that guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract.

(c) Maintain and advertise on its website a means for the public to comment electronically on any guidance documents that are subject to the notice-and comment procedures of this subpart and to submit requests electronically for issuance, reconsideration, modification, or rescission of guidance documents in accordance with this subpart.

(d) Designate an office to receive and address complaints from the public that a USDA agency is not following the requirements of OMB's Good Guidance Bulletin or is improperly treating a guidance document as a binding requirement.

---