Find the meaning. Understand the context. Navigate U.S. agencies, public programs, and the language of government with confidence.
Government, translated.
Understand how the pieces connect.
Searches definitions, examples, and alternate spellings. Press Enter to jump to results.
Runs in your browser. Keep capitalization on to reduce matches with ordinary words. Matches suggest meanings; they do not interpret an instruction.
Interactive search needs JavaScript. The full reference is available in the alphabetical index below; use your browser’s Find command to search it.
Try a different term or clear your filters.
Exports and printouts include every matching result. Saved terms stay in this browser.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A report documenting observations and lessons from an incident, exercise, or operation.
In practice: A jurisdiction prepares an AAR after a regional exercise.
An AAR should support improvement actions and follow-through.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The federal commission that administers U.S. military cemeteries and memorials overseas, honoring service members who served abroad.
In practice: Find ABMC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — The U.S. trade-processing system used for specified import and export data submissions.
In practice: A broker submits required trade data through ACE.
System access and filing obligations depend on the transaction and role.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) funds state, territory, local, and tribal organizations to provide family assistance (welfare), child support, child care, Head Start, child welfare, and other programs relating to children and families.
In practice: Find ACF's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) encourages the preservation of historic properties across the nation.
In practice: Find ACHP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Administration for Community Living supports community living, independence, and access to services for older adults and people with disabilities.
In practice: Find ACL's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A report describing a product's support for specified accessibility criteria.
In practice: A procurement team reviews an ACR alongside practical accessibility testing.
Scope, product version, methods, and exceptions matter.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) is an independent federal agency dedicated to improving federal agency administrative processes and procedures.
In practice: Find ACUS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — A federal civil-rights law addressing disability discrimination and accessibility in covered settings.
In practice: An agency reviews accessibility and accommodation obligations.
ADA also means Antideficiency Act in federal budget work.
Budget, finance & economy · Law or regulation · Federal — Federal fiscal-law provisions restricting obligations and expenditures beyond available authority and certain other practices.
In practice: A budget officer reviews a potential ADA issue before committing funds.
In accessibility discussions, ADA usually means Americans with Disabilities Act.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law prohibiting certain age-based employment discrimination.
In practice: HR reviews an employment policy for age discrimination concerns.
The statute's scope and procedures depend on the employment context.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — An agency report presenting financial statements and related accountability information.
In practice: An analyst opens an AFR to review financial statements and audit findings.
An AFR is distinct from a performance report, even when reporting is coordinated.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Gulfport and Washington campuses of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) are retirement centers for veterans of the U.S. military.
In practice: Find AFRH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — The chief legal officer of a jurisdiction, subject to its constitutional and statutory framework.
In practice: A resident visits the state AG's consumer-protection page.
Confirm whether a reference concerns federal, state, territorial, or tribal government. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — Gross income reduced by specified adjustments under federal income-tax rules.
In practice: A tax return calculation uses AGI before applying certain deductions.
AGI differs from taxable income and modified AGI.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) supports research to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.
In practice: Find AHRQ's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — The identifier for a federal assistance program in Assistance Listings.
In practice: A grant accountant records the award's ALN.
Older documents may call this a CFDA number.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — An income benchmark used in housing and community-development eligibility and planning.
In practice: A housing program expresses an income limit relative to AMI.
Use the program's published limits, geography, household size, and year.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) supports the fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products.
In practice: Find AMS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) promotes self-sufficiency and cultural preservation for Native Americans by providing social and economic development opportunities through financial assistance, training, and technical assistance.
In practice: Find ANA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — An early notice seeking input before an agency develops a proposed rule.
In practice: An agency uses an ANPRM to gather views on regulatory options.
It precedes a proposal and does not itself establish a final rule.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A senior official with authority to accept specified information-system security and privacy risks.
In practice: An AO reviews a system authorization package.
AO also has other meanings in government documents; check the issuing office.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A Grants.gov role authorized to submit applications on behalf of an organization.
In practice: The AOR submits the completed grant application.
Role permissions and workspace participation determine what the user may submit.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — A federal statute establishing procedures for agency rulemaking and adjudication, with judicial-review provisions.
In practice: An agency considers APA requirements when developing a rule.
Different actions and exceptions have different procedural rules.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A limited set of priority performance goals used in federal agency performance management.
In practice: An agency publishes progress against an APG.
Goal selection and reporting follow the applicable management framework.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) protects and promotes U.S. agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and manages wildlife damage.
In practice: Find APHIS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A defined interface through which software components exchange requests and data.
In practice: An agency publishes an API for an open dataset.
An API's existence does not imply public access or permission to use all data.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) works for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia.
In practice: Find ARC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) works to find solutions to agricultural problems.
In practice: Find ARS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforces federal criminal laws regulating the firearms and explosives industries.
In practice: Find ATF's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A management decision authorizing operation of a system under a specified security-risk framework.
In practice: An agency evaluates evidence before granting an ATO.
An ATO has a scope and conditions; it is not a universal security certification.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) responds to, and protects people from harmful chemical exposures.
In practice: Find ATSDR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — An absence that has not been authorized, or for which leave has not been approved.
In practice: A timekeeper flags an unauthorized absence for review.
AWOL and approved leave without pay have different meanings.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — An umbrella term for federal flexible and compressed work schedules.
In practice: An office policy offers employees an AWS option.
Agency approval and the particular schedule determine how it operates.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — Authority provided by law to incur financial obligations that will result in outlays.
In practice: A budget table lists BA separately from outlays.
Budget authority, obligations, and cash payments are different measures.
Defense & veterans · Government process · Federal — A military housing allowance determined under applicable eligibility and rate rules.
In practice: A service member reviews BAH on a pay statement.
Duty location, dependency status, and other rules affect the allowance.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision makers, researchers, and the American public to follow and understand the performance of the Nation's economy.
In practice: Find BEA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) produces United States currency notes and serves to ensure that adequate amounts of currency and coin are in circulation.
In practice: Find BEP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Indian Affairs administers specified federal programs and responsibilities involving federally recognized tribes, tribal lands, and trust resources.
In practice: Find BIA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) promotes the nation’s economic development and technological advancement by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system.
In practice: Find BIS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) publishes information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems.
In practice: Find BJS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production on public lands.
In practice: Find BLM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) measures labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.
In practice: Find BLS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common name for a state or local election-administration body.
In practice: A voter checks the local BOE for election information.
BOE can also mean Board of Education.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A governing or oversight board for education in a particular jurisdiction.
In practice: A school district publishes a BOE meeting agenda.
The same letters can identify a Board of Elections.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) promotes energy independence, environmental protection, and economic development by managing offshore energy resources.
In practice: Find BOEM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) manages federal prisons, and community-based facilities that provide work and opportunities to assist offenders.
In practice: Find BOP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) creates and delivers a reliable power supply to the Pacific Northwest.
In practice: Find BPA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A simplified method for filling anticipated repetitive needs through arrangements with qualified sources.
In practice: An office establishes a BPA for recurring purchases.
BPA also identifies Bonneville Power Administration.
Defense & veterans · Government process · Federal — The military retirement system combining a defined benefit with a defined-contribution component and other elements.
In practice: A service member checks how BRS and TSP fit together.
Coverage, vesting, matching, and retirement eligibility follow specific rules.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) provides oversight and enforcement to promote safety, protect the environment, and conserve offshore resources.
In practice: Find BSEE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) collects and publishes comprehensive transportation statistics.
In practice: Find BTS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law governing major air-pollution control programs.
In practice: A facility evaluates relevant CAA permitting obligations.
CAA may have other expansions in different programs.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A smart-card credential used by the defense community for specified identity and access purposes.
In practice: A covered employee uses a CAC to authenticate to an approved service.
Access still depends on role and system authorization.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — An identifier used to identify organizations and locations in government acquisition systems.
In practice: A supplier's registration includes a CAGE code.
A CAGE code is distinct from a UEI or NAICS code.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A senior administrative role used by some local governments and other public bodies.
In practice: A municipal report identifies the CAO responsible for administration.
The title and powers depend on local governance arrangements. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The Chief Acquisition Officers Council (CAOC) monitors and improves the federal acquisition system.
In practice: Find CAOC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produces independent, nonpartisan, analysis of economic and budgetary issues to support the Congressional budget process.
In practice: Find CBO's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prevents people from entering the country illegally or bringing anything harmful or illegal into the United States.
In practice: Find CBP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — A HUD program providing funding for eligible community-development activities.
In practice: A city uses eligible CDBG funding for a community project.
Eligible uses, national objectives, and grant conditions must be checked.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.
In practice: Find CDC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) gives the president advice on domestic and international economic policy.
In practice: Find CEA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is responsible for defending and promoting U.S. interests in 20 nations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the strategic waterways that surround them.
In practice: Find CENTCOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates federal environmental activities, and the development of environmental policy.
In practice: Find CEQ's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law associated with the Superfund hazardous-substance response and liability framework.
In practice: A site investigation references CERCLA authority.
Liability and cleanup responsibilities require site-specific review.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — The former catalog name still found in older federal assistance documents.
In practice: An old grant agreement lists a CFDA number.
Legacy terminology: current program listings use Assistance Listings and ALNs.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews transactions that could result in control of a U.S. business by a foreign person.
In practice: Find CFIUS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A senior official responsible for specified financial management functions.
In practice: A city's CFO reviews its financial reporting process.
CFO is a role; the federal Chief Financial Officers Council is a separate entity.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Chief Financial Officers Council coordinates improvements in federal financial management.
In practice: Find CFOC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) helps consumers by providing educational materials and accepting complaints. It supervises banks, lenders, and large non-bank entities, such as credit reporting agencies and debt collection companies. The Bureau also works to make credit card, mortgage, and other loan disclosures clearer, so consumers can understand their rights and responsibilities.
In practice: Find CFPB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — The subject-organized codification of general and permanent federal rules.
In practice: A grants policy cites 2 CFR part 200.
Check the relevant title, part, section, and effective date.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) protects the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and financial futures and options, and to fosters open, competitive, and financially sound futures and option markets. They investigate and prosecute commodities fraud, including foreign currency schemes, energy manipulation and hedge fund fraud, and works with other federal and state agencies to bring criminal and other actions.
In practice: Find CFTC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — An agency official with responsibilities for workforce strategy and human-capital management.
In practice: An agency CHCO coordinates workforce planning.
The CHCO role is distinct from the Chief Human Capital Officers Council.
Federal workforce · Agency or office · Federal — The Chief Human Capital Officers Council supports coordination and improvement of federal human-capital management.
In practice: Find CHCOC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A federal-state coverage program for eligible children, with program design varying by state.
In practice: A parent checks Medicaid and CHIP coverage options.
Income standards and application rules vary across states.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) collects, evaluates, and disseminates vital information on economic, military, political, scientific, and other developments abroad to safeguard national security.
In practice: Find CIA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) address integrity, economy, and effectiveness issues in the federal government.
In practice: Find CIGIE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A senior official responsible for specified information-technology leadership and management functions.
In practice: An agency CIO reviews an IT modernization proposal.
Duties and authority depend on the organization and governing rules.
Technology & cybersecurity · Agency or office · Federal — The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defends critical infrastructure against threats.
In practice: Find CISA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A senior official responsible for an organization's information-security program.
In practice: A CISO coordinates cybersecurity risk reporting.
The title alone does not establish approval authority for every system.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides health coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. The CMS seeks to strengthen and modernize the Nation’s health care system, to provide access to high quality care and improved health at lower costs.
In practice: Find CMS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Software used to create, organize, and publish digital content.
In practice: A government web team updates a page through its CMS.
CMS also means Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A person with authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations within delegated limits.
In practice: A vendor asks the CO to clarify a proposed contract change.
A COR has different authority from a CO.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A local authorization concerning occupancy or use of a building under applicable rules.
In practice: A building project checks whether a CO is required before occupancy.
This local building term differs from Contracting Officer; rules vary by jurisdiction. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — A community planning structure and HUD program framework addressing homelessness.
In practice: A local CoC coordinates homeless-assistance planning.
CoC also appears in other contexts; identify the program being discussed.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — An adjustment tied to changes in living costs under the rules of a particular benefit or pay program.
In practice: An annuitant reads a COLA notice.
A Social Security COLA and federal pay adjustments are different mechanisms.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — Planning and capabilities for continuing essential functions during disruption.
In practice: An agency activates its COOP arrangements after losing access to a facility.
Continuity planning is distinct from a complete disaster-recovery or incident-response plan.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) advances the practice of community policing through sharing information and making grants to police departments in the United States.
In practice: Find COPS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A person designated in writing to assist with technical or administrative contract oversight within delegated limits.
In practice: A COR documents contractor performance against the PWS.
A COR cannot change contract price, quantity, delivery, or other terms beyond their authority.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A title used in some agency or older records for a technical contract representative.
In practice: An older contract file assigns monitoring duties to a COTR.
Check the appointment letter and agency usage; COR is the common FAR term.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The system used to document and review contractor performance information.
In practice: An agency prepares a contractor performance assessment in CPARS.
Access and comment rights depend on the relevant role and record.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A cost-reimbursement contract type with a negotiated fee fixed at inception, subject to specified adjustments.
In practice: A research contract uses CPFF where costs cannot be estimated confidently.
Reimbursable cost and fee are separate elements.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A family of indexes measuring changes in prices paid by consumers for a market basket.
In practice: A report cites CPI inflation over a specified period.
Identify the particular index, geography, and adjustment basis.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A CPI population index covering urban consumers as defined by BLS.
In practice: An analyst reports the change in CPI-U.
It differs from CPI-W in population coverage.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A CPI population index used in specified wage and benefit adjustments.
In practice: A Social Security COLA discussion references CPI-W.
Use the program's specific comparison period and adjustment formula.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A cost-reimbursement contract type with a fee adjusted by a formula tied to allowable costs.
In practice: A contract shares cost underruns or overruns through a CPIF arrangement.
The incentive formula is set by the contract.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) protects the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under its jurisdiction, including products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
In practice: Find CPSC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — Legislation providing temporary or other continuing appropriations when regular appropriations are not in place.
In practice: An agency operates under funding provided by a CR.
The specific law determines rates, dates, restrictions, and exceptions.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — A federal law providing a process for congressional review of agency rules.
In practice: Congress considers a joint resolution under the CRA.
CRA also means Community Reinvestment Act in banking.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Congressional Research Service (CRS) serves the Congress throughout the legislative process by providing comprehensive and reliable legislative research and analysis that are timely, objective, authoritative, and confidential, thereby contributing to an informed national legislature.
In practice: Find CRS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigates industrial chemical accidents.
In practice: Find CSB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) provides supervision of adults on parole, probation, and supervised release in the District of Columbia.
In practice: Find CSOSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — An organization providing cloud-computing services.
In practice: An agency evaluates a CSP's service offering and security evidence.
Review the particular offering, deployment, and authorization boundary.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — The older federal civilian retirement system that still covers some employees and annuitants.
In practice: An annuitant's retirement paperwork identifies CSRS coverage.
Do not assume CSRS and FERS rules are interchangeable.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — A federal tax credit for qualifying children under applicable tax rules.
In practice: A taxpayer reviews whether a child qualifies for the CTC.
Amounts and eligibility conditions depend on the tax year.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Information requiring safeguarding or dissemination controls under applicable law, regulation, or government-wide policy, while remaining unclassified.
In practice: A contract identifies applicable CUI handling requirements.
CUI is not classified information; categories and authorities matter.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law governing major water-pollution control and water-quality programs.
In practice: A project team reviews CWA permitting requirements.
Coverage and permitting rules depend on the discharge or activity.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A fixed work schedule that completes the required biweekly work hours in fewer than ten workdays for full-time employees.
In practice: An approved schedule uses four ten-hour days each week.
A compressed schedule differs from a flexible schedule.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — The twelve-month period from January 1 through December 31.
In practice: A report distinguishes CY data from federal FY data.
State whether a time series uses fiscal or calendar periods.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A local or regional prosecutor's office title used in many jurisdictions.
In practice: A court notice names the county DA's office.
Other jurisdictions use state attorney, county attorney, or similar titles. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) serves as the central research and development organization of the Department of Defense.
In practice: Find DARPA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law requiring prevailing wages on certain covered federal construction contracts.
In practice: A project administrator checks the wage determination for covered construction.
Coverage and related acts require project-specific review.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits U.S. Department of Defense contracts.
In practice: Find DCAA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCAMA) is responsible for contract management for the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and several other federal, state, foreign and international governments and agencies. Its goal is to ensure contracts are fulfilled on time and at the correct cost.
In practice: Find DCMA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) provides industrial security engagement and counterintelligence support to secure the trustworthiness of the U.S. government's workforce, contract support, technologies, services, and supply chains.
In practice: Find DCSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — Competitive examining work performed by an agency under delegated OPM authority.
In practice: An HR team processes an open competitive announcement through DE.
Follow the authority and procedures named in the announcement.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces the United States' controlled substance laws and regulations and aims to reduce the supply of and demand for such substances.
In practice: Find DEA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A state or local agency name used for environmental programs.
In practice: A project sponsor contacts the relevant DEP about a permit.
DEP can have other expansions; identify the issuing jurisdiction. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state-agency name for environmental protection and permitting.
In practice: A facility checks its state DEQ's permit guidance.
Names, delegated authorities, and responsibilities vary by state. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Procurement & contracting · Law or regulation · Federal — The acquisition regulation supplement used for covered defense procurements.
In practice: A defense solicitation includes DFARS clauses.
DFARS supplements the FAR; contract terms and applicable deviations still control.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) oversees payments to Department of Defense servicemembers, employees, vendors and contractors. The Defense Finance and Accounting Services also provides Department of Defense decision makers with business intelligence, finance and accounting information.
In practice: Find DFAS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world.
In practice: Find DFC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Health Agency (DHA) supports uniformed services health care, including the TRICARE health plan.
In practice: Find DHA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A hiring authority permitting agencies to fill covered positions through specified streamlined procedures.
In practice: A vacancy states that it uses DHA.
This hiring meaning differs from Defense Health Agency.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works to improve the security of the United States. The Department's work includes customs, border, and immigration enforcement, emergency response to natural and manmade disasters, antiterrorism work, and cybersecurity.
In practice: Find DHS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state or local department name for social-service programs.
In practice: A resident contacts the county DHS for benefit-service information.
DHS also identifies the federal Department of Homeland Security. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) provides defense intelligence to war fighters, planners, and policy makers.
In practice: Find DIA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) provides a global infrastructure for information sharing and communication across the Department of Defense, from the President on down.
In practice: Find DISA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) provides logistical, acquisition, and technical support for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and other federal agencies and allies.
In practice: Find DLA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state-agency name for vehicle registration, driver licensing, or related services.
In practice: A resident looks up the DMV for their state.
Names and responsibilities differ by state; some use other department names. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) reviews the content and implementation of health and safety standards at Department of Energy Defense Nuclear Facilities. The board also makes recommendations to the President and Secretary of Energy regarding health and safety issues at Defense Nuclear Facilities.
In practice: Find DNFSB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state-agency name for natural-resource management.
In practice: A land manager checks the state DNR's program guidance.
DNR also has medical and other meanings outside this directory context. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — An order for supplies placed against an established contract or agreement.
In practice: An agency issues a DO for equipment.
An order must fit the authority and scope of its underlying vehicle.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Commerce (DOC) works with businesses, universities, communities, and the Nation’s workers to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living for Americans.
In practice: Find DOC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Defense (DOD) provides the military forces needed to deter war, and to protect the security of the United States.
In practice: Find DOD's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Energy (DOE) manages the United States' nuclear infrastructure and administers the country's energy policy. The Department of Energy also funds scientific research in the field.
In practice: Find DOE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state or local abbreviation for an education department.
In practice: A school policy cites the state DOE.
DOE is the federal Department of Energy in another context; federal education uses ED. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state or local agency name for health administration.
In practice: A provider checks its state DOH's licensing information.
Exact responsibilities depend on the jurisdiction. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages public lands and minerals, national parks, and wildlife refuges and upholds Federal trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and Native Alaskans. Additionally, Interior is responsible for endangered species conservation and other environmental conservation efforts.
In practice: Find DOI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces federal laws, seeks just punishment for the guilty, and ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice.
In practice: Find DOJ's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Labor (DOL) administers federal labor laws to guarantee workers' rights to fair, safe, and healthy working conditions, including minimum hourly wage and overtime pay, protection against employment discrimination, and unemployment insurance.
In practice: Find DOL's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state-agency name for labor standards, employment, or related services.
In practice: An employer reviews a notice from its state DOL.
A state DOL is distinct from the U.S. Department of Labor. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state-agency name for tax collection and revenue administration.
In practice: A business checks its state DOR's registration instructions.
Some states use a tax commission or another agency name. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of State (DOS) advises the President and leads the nation in foreign policy issues. The State Department negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign entities and represents the United States at the United Nations.
In practice: Find DOS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects. It also sets safety regulations for all major modes of transportation.
In practice: Find DOT's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state or local agency name for transportation administration and infrastructure.
In practice: A contractor checks the state DOT's project notice.
Distinguish the named state or local department from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) works to recover service members who became missing during their service.
In practice: Find DPAA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common state or local agency name for public-health functions.
In practice: A county document directs residents to DPH information.
Some jurisdictions use DOH or another name. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A common local department name for infrastructure maintenance and public services.
In practice: A resident reports a road-maintenance issue to DPW.
Service responsibilities differ among cities and counties. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a partnership to improve economic and community growth in eight states. Those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
In practice: Find DRA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — In 1961, the federal government and the governments of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, entered into an agreement that created the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). The Commission has the independent legal authority to oversee and manage the Delaware River Basin.
In practice: Find DRBC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) supports U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. They train, educate, advise, and equip foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges.
In practice: Find DSCA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) serves the Department of Defense as a repository of government funded scientific, technical, engineering and business related information.
In practice: Find DTIC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is a combat support agency whose goal is to reduce the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.
In practice: Find DTRA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A proprietary business identifier historically used in federal award systems.
In practice: An archived grant form asks for a DUNS number.
Legacy federal-award identifier: current federal systems use UEI rather than DUNS.
Environment, energy & land · Government process · Federal — A document used to assess whether a proposed action requires an environmental impact statement or can support a finding of no significant impact.
In practice: An agency prepares an EA for a proposed action.
EA can also mean Enterprise Architecture in IT.
Technology & cybersecurity · Government process · Cross-government — A description of an organization's business, information, systems, and technology relationships.
In practice: An agency evaluates how a new service fits its EA.
EA also means Environmental Assessment.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) supports state and local election officials in their efforts to ensure accessible, accurate. and secure elections. EAC develops guidance to meet the Help America Vote Act requirements, adopts voluntary voting system guidelines, and serves as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration. EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as audits the use of Help America Vote Act funds.
In practice: Find EAC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — A document evidencing specified employment authorization.
In practice: An employee presents an acceptable EAD during employment verification.
Document validity and the applicable authorization rules must be checked.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — The organizational contact associated with electronic business permissions in the federal grants registration process.
In practice: An applicant coordinates AOR permissions with the EBiz POC.
Follow the current SAM.gov and Grants.gov account instructions.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) offers information and assistance on employer-sponsored retirement benefit and health benefit plans.
In practice: Find EBSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — An electronic system used to deliver and redeem specified public benefits.
In practice: A household uses an EBT card for eligible SNAP purchases.
EBT is the delivery mechanism; it is not itself one specific benefit program.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — The continuously updated electronic presentation of the Code of Federal Regulations.
In practice: A reader checks an eCFR section and its displayed date.
The eCFR describes itself as authoritative but unofficial; publication and historical versions can matter.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The leadership qualification framework used in federal executive hiring.
In practice: An SES application addresses the applicable ECQs.
Use the current OPM and vacancy instructions for the required framework.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Education (ED) fosters educational excellence and ensures equal access to educational opportunity for all.
In practice: Find ED's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides grants to economically distressed communities to generate new employment, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth.
In practice: Find EDA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A designation within SBA's women-owned small-business contracting framework.
In practice: A business reviews EDWOSB eligibility requirements.
Economic disadvantage requirements are separate from basic WOSB qualification.
Employment laws & safety · Workforce term · Cross-government — Employment practices and processes addressing prohibited discrimination and equal opportunity.
In practice: An applicant reads an EEO statement in a vacancy announcement.
EEO is a principle and process area; EEOC is an agency.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that make discrimination illegal in the workplace. The commission oversees all types of work situations including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.
In practice: Find EEOC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — The former federal student-aid index used before the Student Aid Index.
In practice: An older financial-aid letter shows an EFC.
Legacy term: current federal aid calculations use SAI; neither term is simply a tuition bill.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — A U.S. Treasury service for paying federal taxes electronically.
In practice: An employer schedules an applicable federal tax payment using EFTPS.
Payment channels and enrollment requirements can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Energy Information Administration (EIA) researches, collects and disseminates information on energy topics.
In practice: Find EIA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — An IRS taxpayer identifier used for businesses and other entities.
In practice: An employer supplies its EIN on payroll tax filings.
An EIN is not a Social Security number or UEI.
Environment, energy & land · Government process · Federal — A detailed environmental-review document for qualifying major federal actions.
In practice: A reader reviews an EIS and its alternatives analysis.
Preparing an EIS is a process step, not automatically a project approval.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — A federal tax credit for eligible taxpayers with earned income, subject to detailed rules.
In practice: A taxpayer checks eligibility for the EITC.
Income, family, identification, and filing requirements affect eligibility.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A presidential directive issued under constitutional or statutory authority.
In practice: A document cites an EO by number.
Scope, legal authority, amendments, and revocations matter.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A location or function supporting incident coordination, information, and resources.
In practice: A county activates its EOC during a major emergency.
An EOC supports coordination; it is not necessarily the on-scene command post.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The date an employee officially begins duty in a federal appointment.
In practice: An offer letter gives an EOD date.
This employment meaning differs from Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
Defense & veterans · Government process · Federal — Specialized activities involving detection, identification, evaluation, rendering safe, and disposal of explosive ordnance.
In practice: An incident plan requests qualified EOD support.
In federal hiring, EOD means Entrance on Duty.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) administers the immigration court system, which decides whether an individual charged with violating immigration law should be allowed to stay in the country or not.
In practice: Find EOIR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A plan describing how a jurisdiction or organization will manage emergency operations.
In practice: A city updates its EOP after an exercise.
EOP also means Executive Office of the President.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The group of offices supporting the president in managing executive-branch responsibilities.
In practice: A federal document identifies OMB as an office within the EOP.
EOP also means Emergency Operations Plan.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — An electronic collection of an employee's official personnel documents.
In practice: An employee retrieves a personnel action from eOPF.
Access and system availability depend on the employing agency.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects people and the environment from significant health risks, sponsors and conducts research, and develops and enforces environmental regulations.
In practice: Find EPA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law setting standards for many private-sector employee benefit plans.
In practice: A contractor reviews ERISA obligations for an employee benefit plan.
Governmental plans are generally excluded; do not assume every public-sector plan is covered.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — An organization-wide approach to identifying and managing risks to objectives.
In practice: An agency coordinates major operational risks through ERM.
ERM supports decisions; it does not imply all risks can be removed.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Economic Research Service (ERS) provides the Department of Agriculture and the public economic information and research on food, agriculture, the environment and rural development.
In practice: Find ERS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law protecting listed species and designated critical habitat through specified mechanisms.
In practice: A federal project reviews ESA consultation needs.
Federal, state, and tribal requirements can overlap.
Education & workforce programs · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law authorizing major elementary and secondary education programs.
In practice: A district reviews ESEA program requirements.
Read the statute as amended, including by ESSA.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A coordinating structure for grouping capabilities and responsibilities in emergency support.
In practice: A response plan assigns transportation coordination to an ESF.
Numbering and responsibilities depend on the framework being used.
Education & workforce programs · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The law reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 2015.
In practice: A state plan references ESSA accountability provisions.
ESSA amended ESEA; the terms do not identify two unrelated systems.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — A system used to determine travel eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program.
In practice: A traveler checks ESTA requirements before travel under the VWP.
An ESTA authorization is not a visa or a guarantee of admission.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides job training and help with finding jobs and careers.
In practice: Find ETA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) assists American businesses export their goods by providing financial assistance in the form of loans, loan guarantees and insurance. The focus of the Export-Import Bank is on assisting small businesses.
In practice: Find EXIM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A term commonly used for indirect costs supporting sponsored activities.
In practice: A university includes eligible F&A costs in a sponsored-project budget.
Use the applicable rate agreement and award restrictions.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) works to ensure that air travel is safe.
In practice: Find FAA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law governing specified advisory committees and their operation.
In practice: An agency organizes a covered advisory committee under FACA.
Not every group advising an agency is covered.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — The application used to apply for federal student aid and often other education assistance.
In practice: A student submits the FAFSA for the relevant award year.
Application deadlines can differ by federal, state, and institutional program.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — An education entitlement defined under applicable disability-education laws.
In practice: An IEP team considers services needed to provide FAPE.
The legal meaning depends on the statute and context.
Procurement & contracting · Law or regulation · Federal — The main government-wide regulation governing acquisition by executive agencies within its scope.
In practice: A solicitation cites a FAR clause.
Read the current clause, agency supplement, and any applicable deviation.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) helps bring U.S. agricultural products to international markets by providing resource and market intelligence assistance to exporters. The Foreign Agricultural Service also assists in the administration of foreign food aid, including helping to boost the agricultural capabilities of aid recipients.
In practice: Find FAS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The GSA service responsible for major government acquisition programs and related purchasing support.
In practice: A buyer reviews a purchasing program operated by GSA FAS.
FAS also means Foreign Agricultural Service.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) serves the public interest by improving federal financial reporting through issuing federal financial accounting standards and providing guidance after considering the needs of external and internal users of federal financial information.
In practice: Find FASAB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes. In an emergency dial 911!
In practice: Find FBI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) is an independent financial regulatory agency that oversees the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions that serve farmers, ranchers, agricultural cooperatives, and other eligible borrowers. It also oversees the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation or Farmer Mac, which provides a secondary market for agricultural real estate mortgage loans, rural housing loans, and rural cooperative loans.
In practice: Find FCA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications through cable, radio, television, satellite and wire. The goal of the Commission is to promote connectivity and ensure a robust and competitive market.
In practice: Find FCC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC) is a quasi-judicial body that hears claims cases brought by U.S. nationals against foreign governments. The jurisdiction of the body is specific, and its decisions are final.
In practice: Find FCSC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) ensures the payment of principal and interest on insured notes, bonds, and other obligations issued on behalf of Farm Credit System.
In practice: Find FCSIC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA also provides accurate, science-based health information to the public.
In practice: Find FDA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) answers questions about federal deposit insurance coverage, and handles complaints and inquiries about FDIC-insured state banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System.
In practice: Find FDIC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Election Commission (FEC) enforces federal campaign finance laws, including monitoring donation prohibitions, and limits and oversees public funding for presidential campaigns.
In practice: Find FEC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — The federal program for assessing and managing security risk in covered cloud services.
In practice: An agency reviews a cloud offering's FedRAMP status and scope.
Program authorization and an agency's own risk decisions are related but distinct.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — A voluntary dental and vision insurance program for eligible participants.
In practice: An employee compares FEDVIP dental plans.
Dental and vision elections are separate from an FEHB medical plan.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — The group life-insurance program for eligible federal employees and retirees.
In practice: An employee reviews a FEGLI coverage election.
Coverage choices and continuation rules are separate from health insurance.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — The health-benefits program for eligible federal employees and other covered groups.
In practice: An employee compares FEHB plans during an enrollment opportunity.
Eligibility and enrollment events govern coverage.
Emergency management · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports citizens and emergency personnel to build, sustain, and improve the nation's capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
In practice: Find FEMA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, and also regulates hydropower projects and natural gas terminals.
In practice: Find FERC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law addressing access to and privacy of covered education records.
In practice: A school reviews whether it may disclose a student's education record.
Coverage, exceptions, and consent rules require separate analysis.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — The retirement system combining a basic benefit, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan for covered employees.
In practice: An employee reviews FERS service credit when planning retirement.
The components have different eligibility and payment rules.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Financing Bank (FFB) was created to centralize, reduce the cost of, and efficiently manage federal borrowing.
In practice: Find FFB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) is an interagency body that seeks to standardize the oversight criteria and methods of the various financial regulatory bodies.
In practice: Find FFIEC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A contract type with a price generally not adjusted based on the contractor's cost experience.
In practice: A vendor prices a defined deliverable under an FFP contract.
Fixed price does not eliminate every possible contractual adjustment.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A report of financial information for a federal award, commonly using SF-425.
In practice: A grant administrator reconciles expenditure records before submitting an FFR.
A financial report is distinct from a performance report.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A payment model in which providers are paid for individual covered services.
In practice: A policy compares FFS payment with managed care.
Payment rules and covered services depend on the program.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) is an interagency group that promotes and coordinates the production, use, and publication of geospatial data.
In practice: Find FGDC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provides mortgage insurance on single-family, multifamily, manufactured home, and hospital loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories.
In practice: Find FHA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) enforces federal laws and establishes policies to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice.
In practice: Find FHEO's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) provides supervision, regulation, and housing mission oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
In practice: Find FHFA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) supports state and local government in the design, construction, and maintenance of the highway system.
In practice: Find FHWA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — The law under which Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes are imposed.
In practice: A payroll statement separates Social Security and Medicare deductions associated with FICA.
Tax rates, wage bases, and additional Medicare rules require current review.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Standards issued for specified federal information-processing uses.
In practice: A requirement calls for a cryptographic module validated under an applicable FIPS standard.
Compliance depends on the specific standard, version, and validation scope.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — The federal law updating agency information-security program and oversight requirements.
In practice: An agency reports information-security performance under FISMA.
Older materials may refer to the 2002 Federal Information Security Management Act.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — Common payroll shorthand for federal income tax, often its withholding component.
In practice: A pay statement labels federal withholding as FIT.
Withholding is a payment toward tax liability, not necessarily the final tax owed.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), through strategic partnerships, prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America’s people, property, and institutions.
In practice: Find FLETC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) is a quasi-judicial body that manages relations between federal agencies and employees.
In practice: Find FLRA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law addressing minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and youth employment for covered work.
In practice: A payroll team reviews whether a position is exempt or nonexempt under the FLSA.
Coverage and exemptions require more than an acronym definition.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — The federal matching percentage used for specified state Medicaid expenditures and related programs.
In practice: A budget document uses FMAP to discuss federal-state financing.
The applicable rate depends on program, period, and statutory rules.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.
In practice: Find FMC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) provides mediation and other conflict resolution services for managing and enhancing labor-management relationships.
In practice: Find FMCS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works to prevent deaths and injuries related to commercial motor vehicles. You can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration if you have trouble with a mover.
In practice: Find FMCSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law providing eligible employees of covered employers with qualifying job-protected leave.
In practice: HR reviews a request for leave to care for a qualifying family member.
Eligibility, coverage, certification, and administration rules depend on the applicable provisions.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A notice describing a funding opportunity and its application requirements.
In practice: A researcher reviews an FOA before preparing an application.
Agencies may use NOFO or other announcement terminology.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law allowing requests for agency records, subject to exclusions and exemptions.
In practice: A requester files a FOIA request with the agency holding the records.
FOIA does not apply identically to Congress, federal courts, or state records.
Environment, energy & land · Government process · Federal — An agency finding supported by an environmental assessment that an EIS is not required under applicable NEPA standards.
In practice: An agency issues a FONSI after completing an EA.
The finding relates to the analyzed action and applicable standards.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A legacy marking used by some agencies for certain unclassified information.
In practice: An older document bears an FOUO marking.
Legacy marking: do not assume it maps automatically to a specific CUI category.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The name associated with federal contract-action reporting data and services.
In practice: An analyst sees FPDS referenced in an older procurement report.
Reporting interfaces can migrate; use current SAM.gov guidance for access.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The grade level at which a position's full duties are normally performed.
In practice: A career-ladder vacancy lists a promotion potential or FPL of GS-12.
Promotion is subject to the applicable position and personnel rules.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — Common shorthand for federal poverty guidelines used in many eligibility calculations.
In practice: An application describes an income limit as a percentage of FPL.
Poverty guidelines differ from Census poverty thresholds; FPL also means Full Performance Level in staffing.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Protective Service (FPS) is a federal law enforcement agency that provides security and law enforcement services to federally owned and leased buildings.
In practice: Find FPS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — The daily federal publication for rules, proposed rules, notices, and specified presidential documents.
In practice: A reader finds a proposed rule in the FR.
The Federal Register publishes documents; the CFR organizes codified rules.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) creates and enforces rail safety regulations, administers rail funding, and researches rail improvement strategies and technologies.
In practice: Find FRA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) administers the Thrift Savings Plan, a tax-deferred retirement account similar to a 401(k).
In practice: Find FRTIB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports farms and farming communities with programs including disaster relief, conservation programs, commodity price guarantee programs, and loan programs.
In practice: Find FSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — A tax-favored arrangement for reimbursing eligible health or dependent-care expenses under plan rules.
In practice: An employee submits an eligible expense to a health care FSA.
FSA can also identify Farm Service Agency or Federal Student Aid.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — The federal student-aid office and associated services within the Department of Education.
In practice: A student uses Federal Student Aid resources to manage an application.
FSA also means Farm Service Agency and Flexible Spending Account.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) protects the public's health by ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and egg products.
In practice: Find FSIS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) seeks to improve public transportation by assisting state and local governments with planning, implementation, and financing public transportation projects.
In practice: Find FTA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices. They also provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid scams and fraud.
In practice: Find FTC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A workload or employment measure that expresses hours as the equivalent of full-time workers.
In practice: Two employees working half-time may represent one FTE in a staffing model.
Formula: FTE = covered hours / full-time hours for the same period. The required denominator depends on the reporting rules.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — The law imposing a federal unemployment tax on covered employers.
In practice: An employer reviews its FUTA reporting obligations.
FUTA is generally an employer tax, distinct from employee FICA withholding.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) works to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats.
In practice: Find FWS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The federal pay system for covered trade, craft, and labor employees.
In practice: A maintenance vacancy uses a wage-grade pay schedule.
FWS can also mean Fish and Wildlife Service.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A twelve-month accounting period used for budgeting and reporting.
In practice: The federal fiscal year begins October 1 and ends September 30.
State, local, tribal, and business fiscal years can differ.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — The professional auditing standards published by GAO in the Yellow Book.
In practice: An audit report states it was conducted under GAGAS.
Not every review labeled an audit is a GAGAS audit.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Government Accountability Office (GAO) gathers information to help Congress determine how effectively executive branch agencies are doing their jobs.
In practice: Find GAO's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A measure of economic activity based on incomes earned in production.
In practice: An analyst compares GDP and GDI estimates.
GDP and GDI are conceptually equal but differ in measured estimates.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — The value of final goods and services produced within an economy during a period.
In practice: An analyst compares real GDP growth across quarters.
Nominal and inflation-adjusted GDP answer different questions.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — A federal law restricting certain uses of genetic information in health coverage and employment.
In practice: An employer reviews how genetic information is handled in employment records.
Different titles cover health insurance and employment.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation operates and maintains the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system.
In practice: Find GLS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Government Publishing Office (GPO) publishes and distributes official government publications to Congress, federal agencies, federal depository libraries, and the public. Anyone may use the services of a federal depository library to access government publications.
In practice: Find GPO's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Law or regulation · Federal — A federal law establishing elements of agency performance planning and reporting.
In practice: An agency links performance goals to GPRA reporting.
Later legislation modified the performance-management framework.
Budget, finance & economy · Law or regulation · Federal — The law updating the federal performance planning, priority-goal, and reporting framework.
In practice: An agency prepares performance information under GPRAMA.
Read together with the underlying GPRA framework.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — The federal website for finding and applying for many federal grant opportunities.
In practice: An organization searches Grants.gov for relevant notices.
Grants.gov is a website name rather than a conventional acronym.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The principal federal pay system for many white-collar civilian positions, organized by grade and step.
In practice: A vacancy lists GS-11 as its pay grade.
Grade, step, locality, and work schedule affect the actual salary.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The General Services Administration (GSA) manages federal property and provides contracting options for government agencies.
In practice: Find GSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A multiagency information-technology task-order or delivery-order contract operated by a designated executive agent.
In practice: An agency acquires IT services through a GWAC.
Use the vehicle's scope, ordering guide, and terms.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A joint resolution originating in the House of Representatives.
In practice: A constitutional-amendment proposal may be introduced as an H.J.Res.
Joint resolutions and simple resolutions serve different purposes.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — The designation used for a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In practice: A reader follows H.R. 123 through Congress.gov.
Introduction or House passage alone does not make a bill law.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A resolution dealing with matters of the House alone.
In practice: The House uses an H.Res. for certain internal procedures.
A simple resolution is not presented to the president as a bill.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — Rental assistance administered through public housing agencies for eligible households.
In practice: A household contacts a PHA about its HCV program.
Waiting lists, eligibility, and landlord participation vary.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) protects the health of all Americans and provides essential human services.
In practice: Find HHS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A subject-area shorthand also used in names of state or local human-services departments.
In practice: A county document refers to its HHS office.
Confirm the jurisdiction; the federal Department of Health and Human Services is a separate entry.
Health & public benefits · Law or regulation · Federal — A federal law with provisions addressing health coverage and standards for covered health information.
In practice: A health agency reviews HIPAA requirements for a covered activity.
HIPAA does not apply to every organization or every health-related record.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A FEMA grant program supporting eligible hazard-mitigation measures following qualifying disaster declarations.
In practice: A jurisdiction proposes an eligible risk-reduction project under HMGP.
Availability, cost share, and eligibility depend on the declaration and program rules.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — A local information system used to collect client and service data for homeless-assistance programs.
In practice: A provider records required service information in its HMIS.
Privacy, access, and data standards apply.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — A HUD program supporting eligible affordable-housing activities through participating jurisdictions.
In practice: A city allocates HOME funds to an eligible housing project.
HOME is a program name; funds have specific affordability and compliance requirements.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) improves access to health care for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.
In practice: Find HRSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — A tax-advantaged account that eligible individuals can use for qualified medical expenses.
In practice: An employee reviews HSA eligibility before contributing.
An HSA and a health FSA have different eligibility and account rules.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — The U.S. classification schedule used to identify imported goods and applicable tariff provisions.
In practice: An importer determines the relevant HTS classification.
Classification and duty treatment depend on the goods and current rules.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — An SBA contracting program connecting qualifying small businesses with designated geographic areas.
In practice: A business checks its location and workforce criteria for HUBZone eligibility.
Location alone does not establish certification or ongoing eligibility.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers programs that provide housing and community development assistance. The Department also works to ensure fair and equal housing opportunity for all.
In practice: Find HUD's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — The form used to document identity and employment-authorization verification for covered U.S. hires.
In practice: An employer completes Form I-9 for a new employee.
Use current form instructions, acceptable-document rules, and timing requirements.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — FEMA programs providing specified assistance to eligible individuals and households following qualifying disasters.
In practice: A household checks whether IA is available for its declared disaster.
IA is distinct from Public Assistance for eligible organizational applicants.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — An agreement documenting a transaction or working arrangement between government agencies.
In practice: One agency obtains an authorized service from another under an IAA.
The agreement must have an applicable legal and funding basis.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A cloud service model offering computing, storage, and networking resources.
In practice: An IT team deploys a workload on IaaS.
Customer configuration and operational responsibilities still matter.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A plan describing objectives, organization, and actions for an incident operational period.
In practice: Responders receive an IAP before the next operational period.
An IAP is incident- and period-specific.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — The person responsible for overall management of an incident under the applicable command structure.
In practice: The IC sets incident objectives with the command organization.
Unified Command uses a coordinated structure involving multiple responsible authorities.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — The discipline for managing identities, credentials, and access decisions.
In practice: An agency coordinates onboarding and access removal through ICAM processes.
Authentication proves identity; authorization determines permitted actions.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.
In practice: Find ICE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A standardized approach for organizing on-scene incident management.
In practice: Responders establish an ICS organization for an incident.
ICS also means Industrial Control System in cybersecurity.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Systems and components used to monitor or control industrial processes.
In practice: A water utility evaluates cybersecurity risks to its ICS.
In emergency command, ICS instead means Incident Command System.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Technology covering information processing and communication functions.
In practice: An accessibility review evaluates a purchased ICT product.
The applicable procurement or accessibility definition determines scope.
Education & workforce programs · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal special-education law covering eligible children with disabilities and related services.
In practice: A district reviews its responsibilities under IDEA.
Different parts address different age groups and programs.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A contract structure for supplies or services within stated minimum and maximum quantities over a specified period.
In practice: An agency places task orders under an IDIQ contract.
An IDIQ award does not promise orders up to the maximum.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — A written education program for a qualifying child under IDEA.
In practice: A school team reviews a student's IEP.
Eligibility, development, and services follow the applicable special-education rules.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for protecting immigrants authorized to work in the U.S. against employment discrimination.
In practice: Find IER's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides rigorous evidence on which to base educational policy and practices.
In practice: Find IES's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A solicitation used in sealed bidding.
In practice: A contractor submits a bid under an IFB.
Sealed bidding uses a different process from negotiated procurement.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
In practice: Find IHS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) works to improve working conditions, raise living standards, protect workers’ ability to exercise their rights, and address the workplace exploitation of children and other vulnerable populations.
In practice: Find ILAB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a grant making organization that also conducts research and develops policy. The Institute helps libraries and museums innovate, fosters lifelong learning and cultural and civic engagement.
In practice: Find IMLS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Taxes & revenue · Agency or office · Federal — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers and enforces U.S. federal tax laws.
In practice: Find IRS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — An official supporting the security of a particular information system.
In practice: An ISSO coordinates control documentation and risk tracking.
Responsibilities depend on the organization's assignments.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Technology used to create, process, store, and exchange information.
In practice: An agency lists IT systems in an asset inventory.
IT includes more than personal computers.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The International Trade Administration (ITA) promotes U.S. exports by providing diplomatic support, helping to shape trade policy, removing trade barriers, and enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements.
In practice: Find ITA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — An IRS processing number for certain people who need a U.S. taxpayer identifier but are not eligible for an SSN.
In practice: An individual checks ITIN application requirements for a tax return.
An ITIN does not itself authorize employment or establish immigration status.
Transportation & infrastructure · Government process · Cross-government — Technologies used to improve transportation operations, safety, and information.
In practice: A city deploys an ITS traffic-management project.
ITS is a transportation meaning; the same letters can be used elsewhere.
Employment laws & safety · Workforce term · Cross-government — A structured review of job steps, hazards, and controls.
In practice: A crew completes a JHA before an unfamiliar maintenance task.
A JHA supports hazard control; it is not a substitute for applicable standards.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A structure supporting coordinated public information across participating organizations.
In practice: Agencies coordinate messages through a JIC.
A JIC supports the broader Joint Information System.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — The system integrating incident information and public-affairs coordination across organizations.
In practice: A response plan describes how the JIS will operate.
A JIS is a coordination system, not only a physical center.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) works to deter, detect, and if necessary, deal with the consequences of a weapon of mass destruction attack.
In practice: Find JPEO-CBRND's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The competencies used to describe what a person needs to perform a job.
In practice: An applicant supplies examples that demonstrate the requested KSAs.
The announcement determines how qualifications must be documented.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — A public education authority, often a school district, as defined for the applicable law or program.
In practice: A grant names the school district as the LEA.
Program definitions determine which entities qualify.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — A pay statement showing earnings, deductions, and leave information.
In practice: An employee checks the LES for a leave-balance adjustment.
Statement fields vary by payroll provider and employee group.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A variation of time-and-materials contracting in which the contractor does not supply materials.
In practice: An agency obtains specialist labor under an LH arrangement.
The actual terms determine allowable billing and oversight.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A federal assistance program supporting eligible households with home energy costs and related services.
In practice: A household contacts the local LIHEAP administering office.
Availability and application rules depend on the administering jurisdiction.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The national library serving Congress and preserving and providing access to extensive collections.
In practice: A researcher uses LOC collections to study a government document.
LOC is a common shorthand; LC is also used.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — A person granted lawful permanent residence in the United States.
In practice: An immigration form asks whether the applicant is an LPR.
Permanent residence is different from citizenship.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — An approved temporary absence from duty in a nonpay status.
In practice: An employee requests LWOP for an absence not covered by paid leave.
Benefit and service-credit effects depend on the circumstances.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) reviews federal and state medicaid and CHIP policies and makes recommendations to Congress, the department of health and human services, and the states.
In practice: Find MACPAC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — AGI modified under the rules of a particular tax or benefit provision.
In practice: A household checks the MAGI definition for a specific program.
There is no single universal MAGI formula for every program.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Maritime Administration supports the U.S. maritime transportation system, including merchant marine and related infrastructure programs.
In practice: Find MARAD's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — GSA's schedule program for purchasing commercial products and services from awarded contracts.
In practice: A buyer searches the MAS program for available suppliers.
A schedule contract does not guarantee sales.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) promotes the growth of minority owned and operated businesses.
In practice: Find MBDA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — An organization arranging covered health services under a managed-care contract.
In practice: A Medicaid enrollee selects an available MCO.
Covered benefits, networks, and contract terms vary.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is a research, development, and acquisition agency that works on ballistic missile defense systems for the United States and its allies.
In practice: Find MDA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) advises Congress on a range of issues affecting Medicare, including payments, services, access, and regulations.
In practice: Find MedPAC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Authentication using more than one distinct factor category.
In practice: An employee uses a security key plus a PIN to access an approved system.
Two passwords are not two different factor categories.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A document recording agreed responsibilities or arrangements between parties.
In practice: Agencies use an MOA to document operational responsibilities.
MOU and MOA usage varies by agency and context.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A written record of an understanding between parties about an activity or relationship.
In practice: Two agencies document coordination responsibilities in an MOU.
Legal effect depends on the document and authority, not just the title.
Transportation & infrastructure · Government process · Cross-government — A regional body responsible for specified metropolitan transportation planning.
In practice: An MPO develops a regional transportation plan.
An MPO's area and responsibilities are established under applicable planning rules.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A threshold used to define a micro-purchase under applicable procurement rules.
In practice: A purchase-card holder checks the current applicable MPT.
Dollar limits and exceptions must be confirmed in current rules.
Employment laws & safety · Workforce term · Cross-government — An older name for a chemical-hazard information document.
In practice: An archived procedure tells staff to obtain an MSDS.
Legacy term: current OSHA hazard communication uses Safety Data Sheets.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) works to prevent mining related deaths, injuries, and illnesses through mine regulations, inspections, and training programs.
In practice: Find MSHA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Agency or office · Federal — The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) hears appeals from federal employees, and studies federal merit systems in an effort to protect the rights of federal employees.
In practice: Find MSPB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A defined cost base used in applying certain indirect cost rates to federal awards.
In practice: A grant accountant calculates MTDC before applying an eligible indirect rate.
Included costs and exclusions depend on the applicable Uniform Guidance version and award terms.
Environment, energy & land · Government process · Federal — EPA standards for specified common air pollutants in outdoor air.
In practice: An air-quality plan discusses attainment of NAAQS.
The standards differ from an individual facility's permit limits.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The standard system used to classify establishments by economic activity.
In practice: A solicitation identifies a NAICS code for its industry classification.
A NAICS code is not an agency identifier or a product category.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The National Agricultural Library (NAL) is the main source of information and research on agriculture.
In practice: Find NAL's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) preserves U.S. government records, manages the Presidential Libraries system, and publishes laws, regulations, Presidential, and other public documents.
In practice: Find NARA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explores space, and researches Earth systems, the solar system, and the universe.
In practice: Find NASA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) studies and provides the market with detailed information about U.S. agriculture.
In practice: Find NASS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provides burial space for Veterans and their eligible family members, and maintains national cemeteries as national shrines, sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there.
In practice: Find NCA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The CAGE-related identifier used for entities outside the United States through participating codification systems.
In practice: An overseas supplier reviews whether it needs an NCAGE code.
Follow the applicable registration and codification instructions.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) conducts and supports research and provides information about complementary health products and practices. It is part of the National Institutes of Health.
In practice: Find NCCIH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Council on Disability (NCD) makes recommendations to the President and Congress on policies affecting Americans with disabilities. They empower individuals with disabilities and promote equal opportunity.
In practice: Find NCD's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducts and supports research, training, health information distribution, and other programs related to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
In practice: Find NCI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) crafts long-range plans and policies for the National Capital Region. The Commission provides building and zoning advice to Washington, DC and the surrounding area, and approves various federal construction plans.
In practice: Find NCPC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) charters and supervises federal credit unions and insures savings in federal and most state-chartered credit unions.
In practice: Find NCUA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The National Defense University (NDU) provides educational opportunities for military personnel and civilians.
In practice: Find NDU's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with opportunities for arts participation.
In practice: Find NEA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funds humanities programs in the United States such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, radio stations, and individual scholars.
In practice: Find NEH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law establishing environmental-review responsibilities for covered federal actions.
In practice: An agency determines the applicable NEPA review process.
Review duties and procedures depend on current law, agency rules, and the proposed action.
Emergency management · Program or service · Federal — The federal program providing flood insurance through participating communities and supporting floodplain management.
In practice: A property owner checks flood insurance options under the NFIP.
Flood insurance is distinct from disaster assistance; policy and community rules apply.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) provides location-based intelligence in support of national security.
In practice: Find NGA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides training, and education programs to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases to enhance the health of all individuals.
In practice: Find NHLBI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations, conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety, and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.
In practice: Find NHTSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) provides health information on allergic, infectious, and immunologic diseases. Diseases include food allergy, sinusitis, and genital herpes. Consumers can call or write to the institute with questions and can order publications over the phone or on the Web site.
In practice: Find NIAID's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases.
In practice: Find NIAMS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) gives training, technical assistance, and information services to federal, state, and local corrections facilities.
In practice: Find NIC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — An agreement documenting approved indirect cost rates and applicable terms.
In practice: A recipient uses its NICRA when preparing an allowable-cost budget.
The agreement's period, rate type, and base matter.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders supports research on hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.
In practice: Find NIDCD's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports the research of diabetes, digestive diseases, kidney diseases, and more.
In practice: Find NIDDK's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is a research and grant-making organization focused on agriculture.
In practice: Find NIFA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Agency or office · Federal — The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) coordinates the national mobilization of resources for wildland fire and other incidents throughout the United States.
In practice: Find NIFC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.
In practice: Find NIH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science.
In practice: Find NIJ's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) conducts and supports research that seeks to understand, treat, and prevent mental illness.
In practice: Find NIMH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A national framework for coordination across organizations managing incidents.
In practice: Agencies use NIMS concepts in preparedness and response planning.
NIMS is broader than the Incident Command System.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) investigates the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, autism, and stroke.
In practice: Find NINDS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.
In practice: Find NIOSH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) was established in 2005 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA's) National Agricultural Library (NAL) to meet the information needs of users, including the National Invasive Species Council (Council or NISC).
In practice: Find NISIC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Agency or office · Federal — The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
In practice: Find NIST's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) enforces the National Labor Relations Act by investigating allegations of wrong-doing brought by workers, unions, or employers, conducting elections, and deciding and resolving cases.
In practice: Find NLRB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The National Mediation Board (NMB) facilitates the resolution of labor-management disputes in the rail and airline industries.
In practice: Find NMB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) works to ensure that the nation's stockpile of nuclear weapons is safe and secure. It also works to ensure the safety of naval nuclear reactors, is the first responder in case of nuclear emergency, and works on worldwide nuclear nonproliferation issues.
In practice: Find NNSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. Their work supports severe weather preparedness, and international shipping.
In practice: Find NOAA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A public announcement explaining an opportunity to apply for federal financial assistance.
In practice: A grants team reads the NOFO for eligibility and evaluation criteria.
Use the specific notice and amendments for deadlines and requirements.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The permit program addressing covered discharges of pollutants to waters under the Clean Water Act.
In practice: A wastewater facility operates under an NPDES permit.
Permits may be administered by EPA or an authorized jurisdiction.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A standard identifier used for covered health care providers in specified transactions.
In practice: A claim includes the provider's NPI.
An NPI is an identifier, not a certification of quality or coverage.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) is the reference and referral service for information on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and tuberculosis (TB).
In practice: Find NPIN's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A notice proposing regulatory changes and usually inviting public comment.
In practice: A trade association comments on an NPRM.
A proposed rule is not automatically a final, effective requirement.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The National Park Service (NPS) cares for the more than 400 national parks in the United States. The National Park Service partners with local communities to assist in historic preservation and the creation and maintenance of recreational spaces.
In practice: Find NPS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates commercial nuclear power plants, and other uses of nuclear materials.
In practice: Find NRC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with landowners for conservation planning and assistance to foster healthy ecosystems.
In practice: Find NRCS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A national guide describing how the country responds to disasters and emergencies.
In practice: An emergency planner reviews the NRF's coordinating structures.
The NRF and NIMS address related but different parts of emergency management.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is responsible for designing, building, launching, and maintaining intelligence satellites.
In practice: Find NRO's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The National Security Agency (NSA) protects national security systems and information.
In practice: Find NSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The National Security Council (NSC) advises the President on national security and foreign policy.
In practice: Find NSC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research and education across all fields of science and technology, primarily through grants.
In practice: Find NSF's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Agriculture & food · Program or service · Federal — A federally assisted meal program operating in participating schools and residential child care institutions.
In practice: A school administrator reviews NSLP meal-program requirements.
Participation, meal standards, reimbursement, and eligibility rules apply.
Technology & cybersecurity · Agency or office · Federal — The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) manages federal spectrum use, makes grants to develop and deploy broadband internet, conducts telecommunications research, and advises the president on telecommunications and information policy issues.
In practice: Find NTIA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) provides businesses, universities, and the public access to government-funded scientific, engineering, technical, and business related information.
In practice: Find NTIS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates every civil aviation accident in the U.S. and significant accidents in other modes of transportation. Based on their investigative findings and special studies, the board makes recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.
In practice: Find NTSB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Agency or office · Federal — The NOAA organization providing weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States.
In practice: An emergency manager checks NWS warnings before a severe-weather briefing.
Follow the warning for the specific location and time.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (NWTRB) provides scientific and technical oversight of the Department of Energy's program for managing and disposing of high-level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel.
In practice: Find NWTRB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — The Social Security insurance programs providing retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to eligible people.
In practice: A wage statement identifies an OASDI deduction.
OASDI does not include Medicare or SSI.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks. It also supervises the federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.
In practice: Find OCC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Cross-government — An office responsible for specified civil-rights enforcement or policy functions within its parent agency.
In practice: A notice names the Department of Education OCR; an HHS OCR notice concerns a different office.
OCR exists in multiple agencies; always read the parent department.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) assures that support (both financial and medical) is available to children through locating parents, establishing paternity, identifying support obligations, and enforcing those obligations.
In practice: Find OCSS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) administers and coordinates programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges.
In practice: Find OCTAE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) advances workplace rights, safety, health, and accessibility in the Legislative Branch.
In practice: Find OCWR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) creates policies to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated in the workforce.
In practice: Find ODEP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) integrates the intelligence gathering and analysis functions performed across the intelligence community to provide intelligence to decision makers.
In practice: Find ODNI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) works to improve the achievement of students in preschool through secondary school. The office also works to ensure equal education opportunities for all, and to provide assistance to state and local schools.
In practice: Find OESE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A BLS program estimating employment and wages by occupation.
In practice: A compensation analyst reviews an OEWS occupation estimate.
Survey estimates are not a mandated pay schedule.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of the Federal Register (OFR) oversees the Federal Register publication system, making available the full text of federal laws and regulations, presidential documents, and other federal program information.
In practice: Find OFR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) provides oversight, policy, and guidance to the Executive Branch regarding ethics laws and policies.
In practice: Find OGE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Cross-government — An office conducting independent audits, investigations, and related oversight within a specified agency.
In practice: Identify which agency’s OIG issued an audit before following its recommendations.
OIG identifies many offices; the parent agency is essential context.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — An office within OMB with responsibilities involving regulatory review, information collections, and information policy.
In practice: An agency submits a covered information collection for OIRA review.
OIRA review and the agency’s own statutory duties are distinct.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) sponsors research, programs and training initiatives in an effort to strengthen the juvenile justice system and serve at risk youth and their families.
In practice: Find OJJDP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is a research and grant-making organization that works to provide local and state law enforcement agencies with information, training, coordination, and innovative strategies for dealing with the most pressing law enforcement issues.
In practice: Find OJP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) works to make private homes safe from lead and other harmful materials.
In practice: Find OLHCHH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) oversees the performance of federal agencies, and administers the federal budget.
In practice: Find OMB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Minority Health (OMH) improves the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and programs.
In practice: Find OMH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) advises the president on drug-control issues.
In practice: Find ONDCP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) manages the revenues from energy and mineral leases for the use of public natural resources on the Outer Continental Shelf and onshore Federal and American Indian lands.
In practice: Find ONRR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) develops programs to increase access to postsecondary education. This office works with state accreditation agencies to recognize institutions of higher learning that provide quality education.
In practice: Find OPE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Agency or office · Federal — The federal agency responsible for civilian personnel policy and major federal employee health and retirement programs.
In practice: Find OPM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) conducts world-leading research in advanced materials exploration, alternative fuels, clean energy, and supercomputing.
In practice: Find ORNL's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) promotes the health, well-being, and stability of refugees, unaccompanied children, and other eligible individuals and families through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based services.
In practice: Find ORR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an investigative and prosecutorial office that works to end government and political corruption, and to protect government employees and whistleblowers.
In practice: Find OSC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) provides a wide array of supports to parents, students, school districts, and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation, and research.
In practice: Find OSERS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) assures safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
In practice: Find OSHA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) hears trials and appeals, deciding contests of citations or penalties that result from inspections performed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In practice: Find OSHRC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) protects populations and the environment during surface coal mining operations. The Office also works to clean and put to good use abandoned mine sites. These missions are accomplished primarily through regulation and oversight of state programs.
In practice: Find OSMRE's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) collects, preserves, and makes available the results of research and development carried out or sponsored by the Department of Energy.
In practice: Find OSTI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) advises the president on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs.
In practice: Find OSTP's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Hardware and software used to monitor or control physical devices and processes.
In practice: A utility separates OT risk assessment from ordinary office IT concerns.
Operational constraints and safety requirements affect control choices.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) works on textile trade policy, and textile trade agreements.
In practice: Find OTEXA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) reduces violence against women. They help victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
In practice: Find OVW's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — Federal law governing specified records about individuals maintained in systems of records by federal agencies.
In practice: A person requests access to covered records under the Privacy Act.
PA also means Public Assistance in disaster recovery.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — FEMA assistance supporting eligible emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public infrastructure and certain nonprofit facilities.
In practice: A local government reviews PA eligibility after a declaration.
PA also means Privacy Act; disaster eligibility and award conditions require separate review.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A cloud service model providing a platform for deploying applications.
In practice: A development team deploys an application on PaaS.
Provider and customer responsibilities depend on the service.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A combined report presenting performance and financial-accountability information.
In practice: A reader checks an agency's PAR for annual results.
Some agencies use separate financial and performance reports.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) insures and guarantees private sector workers' pensions.
In practice: Find PBGC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A measure of goods and services purchased by or on behalf of persons.
In practice: An analyst distinguishes PCE spending from the PCE price index.
Specify whether a reference concerns spending levels or prices.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) ensures that the federal government’s efforts to prevent terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties.
In practice: Find PCLOB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A document describing a position's duties, responsibilities, and classification information.
In practice: A supervisor reviews the PD before updating a vacancy announcement.
A PD describes the position, not an individual employee's resume.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) provides the Department of Housing and Urban Development up-to-date information and analysis of housing and community development issues.
In practice: Find PD&R's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — An assessment used to estimate disaster impacts and inform assistance decisions.
In practice: Officials conduct a PDA after severe flooding.
A PDA is part of an assessment process, not an automatic award approval.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) is a civilian agency that protects the occupants, visitors, and infrastructure of Pentagon facilities.
In practice: Find PFPA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Housing & communities · Program or service · Cross-government — A state or local entity administering public housing or specified housing assistance programs.
In practice: A resident contacts the local PHA about housing assistance.
PHA identifies an administering entity, not a single nationwide office.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — Individually identifiable health information within the scope of the HIPAA rules.
In practice: A covered entity evaluates whether a disclosure involves PHI.
The HIPAA definition and exceptions determine coverage.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulates the transport of hazardous materials.
In practice: Find PHMSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — An assessment examining privacy risks and how an information collection or system handles personal information.
In practice: An agency evaluates whether a new system requires a PIA.
A PIA is distinct from a system of records notice.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) works to ensure safe, decent and affordable housing.
In practice: Find PIH's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Information that can identify or be linked to an individual under the applicable definition.
In practice: A system inventory identifies fields containing PII.
PII and HIPAA-protected health information are not interchangeable categories.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A role coordinating incident or organizational public information.
In practice: A PIO prepares an approved incident update.
The role's reporting and approval structure depends on the incident or agency.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — The federal identity-verification framework associated with credentials for employees and contractors.
In practice: An employee uses a PIV credential for approved access.
Credential issuance, identity proofing, and access authorization are separate steps.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A law enacted by Congress, identified by Congress and law number.
In practice: A policy cites Public Law 118-xx.
A public-law citation and a U.S. Code citation locate law in different ways.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A document tracking corrective actions, resources, milestones, and completion targets for identified weaknesses.
In practice: An agency tracks an unresolved control weakness in a POA&M.
Listing a weakness in a plan does not resolve it.
Employment laws & safety · Workforce term · Cross-government — Equipment worn to reduce exposure to workplace hazards.
In practice: A public-works crew selects PPE after a hazard assessment.
The correct equipment depends on the hazard and task.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A family of indexes measuring changes in selling prices received by domestic producers.
In practice: A procurement analyst reviews a relevant PPI series.
PPI measures producer selling prices, not household retail spending.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — Paid leave available to eligible federal employees in connection with a qualifying birth or placement.
In practice: An employee asks HR about PPL following an adoption.
Eligibility, substitution, and service-agreement requirements require separate review.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law governing specified information collections and related federal information-management responsibilities.
In practice: An agency checks whether a proposed public survey needs OMB approval.
Collection scope and exceptions require separate review.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A code describing the product or service purchased in federal procurement data.
In practice: An award record identifies a PSC for the purchased service.
PSC describes what was bought; NAICS describes industry classification.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — The health-benefits program for eligible Postal Service employees, annuitants, and family members.
In practice: A postal employee compares PSHB plan options.
PSHB and FEHB are distinct enrollment programs.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A nonfederal entity that provides a subaward to a subrecipient to carry out part of a federal program.
In practice: A state agency issues a subaward to a local service provider.
Subrecipient and contractor classifications carry different obligations.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A statement describing required results with measurable performance standards.
In practice: An agency describes service outcomes and performance measures in a PWS.
A PWS focuses on required results and measurable standards.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — The first three months of a specified reporting year.
In practice: Federal fiscal Q1 covers October through December.
Calendar Q1 covers January through March; identify the reporting calendar.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The government's plan for monitoring contractor performance against requirements.
In practice: A contract team uses a QASP to review service performance.
A QASP supports surveillance; it does not replace the contract.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — A BLS program publishing employment and wage data derived largely from unemployment-insurance records.
In practice: A researcher compares county employment using QCEW data.
Coverage, disclosure limits, and revisions matter.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law governing solid and hazardous waste-management frameworks.
In practice: A facility classifies its waste under applicable RCRA rules.
Generator status, waste classification, and state rules matter.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — An announcement inviting applications for a specified assistance or research opportunity.
In practice: A research office circulates an RFA for a defined funding topic.
An assistance application differs from a procurement proposal.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A request used to gather information, often as part of market research.
In practice: An agency issues an RFI about available scheduling software.
An RFI does not itself promise an award.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A solicitation inviting proposals for evaluation under the stated procurement approach.
In practice: A vendor prepares a technical and price proposal responding to an RFP.
Read evaluation factors and submission instructions closely.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A request asking suppliers to provide quotations for a proposed purchase.
In practice: A buyer requests pricing through an RFQ.
In federal simplified acquisition, a quotation is generally not an offer that the government can simply accept to form a contract.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A formal federal personnel process for certain separations, demotions, or reassignments caused by organizational needs.
In practice: An agency issues a RIF notice during restructuring.
RIF is a defined personnel process, not a synonym for every job loss.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — An identifier used to track a regulatory action in federal planning and publication systems.
In practice: A reader uses the RIN to follow a rulemaking across documents.
A RIN is distinct from a docket number.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) administers the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and provides risk management information and services to farmers and producers.
In practice: Find RMA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A structured approach for managing security and privacy risk across a system's life cycle.
In practice: A system team organizes authorization work using the NIST RMF.
RMF activities continue beyond an initial authorization decision.
Environment, energy & land · Government process · Federal — A document recording an agency's decision following specified environmental-review processes.
In practice: A project file includes a ROD after an EIS.
The governing program determines required content and legal effect.
Transportation & infrastructure · Government process · Cross-government — Land or a legal right used for transportation, utility, or related infrastructure purposes.
In practice: A road project evaluates needed ROW acquisition.
Ownership, easement terms, and legal rights are site-specific.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers retirement, survivor, unemployment, and sickness benefits for U.S. railroad workers and their families.
In practice: Find RRB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Agency or office · Federal — The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities obtain employment and live more independently.
In practice: Find RSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) provides funding for the development of rural utilities infrastructure such as water, waste management, power and telecommunications.
In practice: Find RUS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — The designation used for a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate.
In practice: A reader follows S. 123 through committee and floor actions.
This shorthand is ambiguous outside a legislative citation.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A joint resolution originating in the Senate.
In practice: A reader tracks an S.J.Res. under the Congressional Review Act.
Most joint resolutions require presidential action; constitutional amendments follow a different path.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A resolution dealing with matters of the Senate alone.
In practice: The Senate uses an S.Res. for certain internal matters.
A simple resolution does not become a statute.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A cloud service model in which users access provider-operated applications.
In practice: An agency considers SaaS for workforce administration.
Responsibilities remain divided between customer and provider.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — An index used in determining financial need for specified student-aid programs.
In practice: A FAFSA applicant reviews the SAI on a summary.
SAI replaced EFC in the federal aid formula beginning with the 2024–25 award year.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The federal system used for entity registration and multiple award-related information services.
In practice: A business maintains its entity record in SAM.gov.
Entity registration is free through the official government site.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) works to improve substance abuse and mental health treatment services to those who are most in need of them.
In practice: Find SAMHSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A threshold used to determine when certain simplified acquisition rules apply.
In practice: A contracting team checks the applicable SAT before choosing a procedure.
Thresholds can change and exceptions exist; no dollar amount is implied here.
Procurement & contracting · Agency or office · Federal — The Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships, the Small Business Administration assists and protects the interests of small business concerns.
In practice: Find SBA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — Common shorthand for federal service-contract labor standards governing covered service contracts.
In practice: A contractor reviews the applicable wage determination for a service contract.
The law is also called the Service Contract Labor Standards statute.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A date calculated from creditable service for a specified personnel purpose.
In practice: An employee checks the SCD used to calculate annual-leave accrual.
Different benefits can use different service computation dates.
Defense & veterans · Government process · Federal — An accredited facility for handling specified sensitive compartmented information.
In practice: A facilities plan identifies work requiring an accredited SCIF.
Facility accreditation and individual access authorization are separate requirements.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The highest court in the federal judiciary.
In practice: A legal summary uses SCOTUS to identify the Court.
SCOTUS is widely used shorthand; check the actual opinion and procedural posture.
Employment laws & safety · Workforce term · Cross-government — A standardized document describing a chemical's hazards and protective measures.
In practice: A supervisor checks the SDS before assigning chemical-handling work.
SDS replaced the older MSDS format in the OSHA hazard communication framework.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A small-business contracting designation subject to ownership, control, and certification requirements.
In practice: A veteran-owned company reviews SDVOSB certification.
The designation does not establish eligibility for every procurement.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law establishing a framework for protecting public drinking-water supplies.
In practice: A public water system reviews SDWA requirements.
Drinking-water regulation differs from wastewater discharge permitting.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — The state-level education authority responsible for specified education functions.
In practice: A school district submits required information to the SEA.
Exact responsibilities vary by law and jurisdiction.
Budget, finance & economy · Agency or office · Federal — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds in an effort to promote fair dealing, the disclosure of important market information, and to prevent fraud.
In practice: Find SEC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A schedule summarizing federal award expenditures for a reporting period in the single-audit context.
In practice: A recipient prepares its SEFA for the annual audit.
Apply the relevant audit rules when deciding what to include.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A federal personnel system for many executive leadership positions below top presidential appointees.
In practice: A leadership vacancy identifies an SES position.
SES positions use a different pay and selection framework from the General Schedule.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The standard document recording many federal civilian personnel actions.
In practice: An employee reviews an SF-50 after a promotion.
The form records the action; its codes explain the specific change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A standard form used to request a federal personnel action.
In practice: A supervisor initiates an SF-52 to request a staffing action.
A request is distinct from the completed personnel-action notification.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A standard application form used in many federal assistance submissions.
In practice: An applicant completes the SF-424 in a grant application package.
Use the version and instructions required by the notice.
Grants & assistance · Grant term · Federal — A standard form used to report specified financial information for federal awards.
In practice: A recipient prepares an SF-425 for an award reporting period.
The award establishes required reports and due dates.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A state official with responsibilities under the federal historic-preservation framework.
In practice: A federal project coordinates review with the SHPO.
A SHPO and a THPO have distinct responsibilities.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — Technology used to collect and analyze security-relevant logs and events.
In practice: An analyst correlates alerts in a SIEM.
Alerting depends on data quality, coverage, and detection configuration.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A category used to organize products and services within the GSA Multiple Award Schedule.
In practice: A vendor identifies the SIN covering its offered service.
A SIN differs from a NAICS industry classification.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — A report summarizing the current situation, actions, and needs during an incident or operation.
In practice: An EOC distributes a SITREP during a response.
Content and frequency depend on the reporting process.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The State Justice Institute (SJI) is a grant-making organization dedicated to improving the quality of justice in all state courts. It also works to facilitate better coordination between state and federal courts.
In practice: Find SJI's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A federal position and pay category for certain high-level positions outside the SES.
In practice: A vacancy identifies its pay plan as SL.
Do not read SL as a General Schedule grade.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A collective shorthand for these U.S. government partners.
In practice: A preparedness bulletin addresses SLTT partners.
The term groups distinct governments; it does not imply a single authority structure.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A federal nutrition-assistance program administered through state agencies for eligible households.
In practice: A household checks its state's SNAP application process.
State administration and household circumstances affect the application.
Budget, finance & economy · Government process · Federal — The federal statistical classification system for occupations.
In practice: An analyst maps job titles to SOC codes.
A SOC code identifies an occupation; NAICS identifies an industry.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A team or function monitoring and responding to cybersecurity events.
In practice: An agency SOC investigates a suspicious alert.
SOC also means Standard Occupational Classification in labor statistics.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A document describing high-level objectives that can support development of a proposed performance work statement.
In practice: A solicitation gives vendors an SOO for developing solutions.
An SOO provides objectives; it is not identical to a detailed PWS.
Law, Congress & records · Government process · Federal — A public notice describing a federal Privacy Act system of records.
In practice: A reader consults a SORN to understand routine uses of covered records.
Read the specific notice and applicable amendments.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A state constitutional office often responsible for business filings, elections, or records.
In practice: A business checks the state SOS website for filing instructions.
Duties differ by state; this is not the federal Secretary of State. The reference is an example jurisdiction, not a nationwide agency directory.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is responsible for security cooperation and operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
In practice: Find SOUTHCOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A description of work to be performed under a contract or agreement.
In practice: A service contract's SOW identifies the required work.
Specific wording, deliverables, and acceptance criteria matter.
Housing & communities · Agency or office · Federal — The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) is an interstate body, with representatives from New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the federal government, that manages the environmental stewardship and economic development of the Susquehanna river and its tributaries.
In practice: Find SRBC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The federal agency that assigns Social Security numbers and administers Social Security retirement, survivor, disability, and Supplemental Security Income programs.
In practice: Find SSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Agency or office · Federal — The Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB) advises the president, congress and the commissioner of Social Security on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income policy.
In practice: Find SSAB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — Social Security disability benefits based on qualifying disability and insured status under the program.
In practice: An applicant reviews work-history requirements for SSDI.
Disability eligibility and insured-status rules differ from SSI.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A federal program providing payments to eligible aged, blind, or disabled people with limited income and resources.
In practice: A benefits counselor distinguishes SSI from Social Security retirement benefits.
SSI is means-tested and differs from Social Security insurance benefits.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — A number assigned by SSA to identify a person for Social Security and other authorized purposes.
In practice: An employer uses an employee's SSN in required wage reporting.
Do not put real personal identifiers into public search or example text.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A document describing a system, its security requirements, and implemented or planned controls.
In practice: A system team updates its SSP after a material change.
An SSP describes controls; evidence is needed to assess their operation.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The Selective Service System (SSS) provides the Department of Defense personnel in the event of a national emergency. Male citizens and immigrants are required to register with the Selective Service when they turn 18.
In practice: Find SSS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A federal pay category for certain high-level scientific and professional positions.
In practice: A research leadership vacancy uses the ST pay plan.
Position coverage and appointment rules matter.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — The Surface Transportation Board (STB) regulates and decides disputes involving railroad rates, railroad mergers or line sales, and certain other transportation matters.
In practice: Find STB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Transportation & infrastructure · Government process · Cross-government — A state's program of transportation projects under federal transportation planning requirements.
In practice: A state incorporates qualifying projects into its STIP.
A project's listing is distinct from every later approval or funding action.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — Records and processes used to capture work hours, leave, and attendance for payroll.
In practice: A supervisor certifies T&A before payroll closes.
Approval, corrections, and audit trails matter as much as recorded totals.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A contract type paying specified hourly labor rates and applicable material costs under its terms.
In practice: A support contract uses T&M labor categories.
Ceilings, surveillance, and approval requirements matter.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A federal block-grant program supporting state and tribal programs for families.
In practice: A family checks locally administered TANF services.
States and tribes have distinct program rules and services.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A tribal program operating under the federal TANF framework.
In practice: A family contacts a participating tribe's TANF office.
Service area, eligibility, and program design depend on the approved tribal program.
State, local & tribal · Agency or office · State/local — A tribal official carrying out approved historic-preservation responsibilities.
In practice: A project team identifies the appropriate THPO for consultation.
Consultation obligations and responsibilities depend on the project and tribe.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — A general term for identification numbers used to administer tax laws.
In practice: A form requests the payee's TIN.
EIN, SSN, and ITIN are different types of taxpayer identifiers.
Transportation & infrastructure · Government process · Cross-government — A metropolitan program of transportation projects covering a specified period.
In practice: A project sponsor seeks inclusion in the regional TIP.
TIP differs from the statewide STIP.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — An order for services placed against an established contract or agreement.
In practice: An agency issues a TO for an implementation project.
The underlying vehicle and order terms both matter.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — A temporary immigration status for eligible people under designated country conditions.
In practice: An individual checks current TPS designation and re-registration information.
Designations, periods, and employment authorization can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) protects the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
In practice: Find TSA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Law or regulation · Federal — The federal law governing specified chemical-substance reporting, review, and control activities.
In practice: A manufacturer reviews a chemical under TSCA requirements.
Coverage and exclusions depend on the substance and use.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — The defined-contribution retirement savings plan for eligible federal employees and uniformed service members.
In practice: An employee changes a TSP contribution election.
Investment, contribution, withdrawal, and tax rules are distinct from pension rules.
Taxes & revenue · Agency or office · Federal — The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) collects taxes and enforces regulations on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition.
In practice: Find TTB's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Government process · Cross-government — An incident-command arrangement allowing agencies with responsibility to establish common objectives jointly.
In practice: Multiple responsible agencies form UC for a complex incident.
UC does not remove each agency's legal authority or accountability.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — The identifier assigned through SAM.gov to identify entities in federal award systems.
In practice: An applicant includes its UEI in a federal grant application.
UEI replaced DUNS as the federal government's entity identifier in 2022.
Pay, leave & benefits · Program or service · Cross-government — A federal-state system providing benefits to eligible unemployed workers and financed under applicable tax rules.
In practice: An employer checks its state UI reporting instructions.
Eligibility, wage reporting, and employer tax rules vary by state.
Transportation & infrastructure · Agency or office · Federal — A U.S. Army organization performing military engineering and civil-works missions.
In practice: A water-resources project involves a USACE district.
Identify the responsible district and the particular project authority.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — The federal government's principal website for publicly advertised federal employment opportunities.
In practice: A candidate finds an announcement and follows its application instructions.
USAJOBS is a service name, not a letter-by-letter acronym.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Arctic Research Commission (USARC) develops and recommends a national Arctic research policy.
In practice: Find USARC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Law or regulation · Federal — The subject-organized compilation of general and permanent federal statutes.
In practice: A policy cites 5 U.S.C. for a federal personnel statute.
A statutory citation is different from a regulation in the CFR.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with monitoring federal civil rights enforcement.
In practice: Find USCCR's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) safeguards the maritime interests of the United States and the environment around the world.
In practice: Find USCG's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Law, Congress & records · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reviews the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress.
In practice: Find USCIRF's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and establishing policies regarding immigration services.
In practice: Find USCIS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Agriculture & food · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues.
In practice: Find USDA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law protecting covered civilian employment and reemployment rights related to uniformed service.
In practice: HR reviews a returning service member's reemployment request.
Eligibility and employer obligations depend on the facts.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The European Command (USEUCOM) works with partner nations to address regional issues, and keep the peace in Europe, parts of the Middle East, and Eurasia.
In practice: Find USEUCOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Emergency management · Agency or office · Federal — The United States Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, works to prepare for, prevent, respond to all hazards.
In practice: Find USFA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) organizes, staffs, trains, maintains, and equips Navy forces, and develops fleet readiness.
In practice: Find USFFC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The USDA agency managing national forests and grasslands and supporting forestry research and assistance.
In practice: A project team checks the relevant USFS forest office.
The Forest Service differs from the National Park Service.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency. It collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding of natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.
In practice: Find USGS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) is responsible for defending and promoting U.S. interests in the Pacific and Asia.
In practice: Find USINDOPACOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The International Trade Commission (USITC) investigates whether or not, and to what extent, an unfair trade practice harms U.S. businesses. When unfair trade practices are found to harm U.S. businesses, the Commission may implement corrective measures. The Commission also provides the President and Congress impartial information on international trade to inform trade policy.
In practice: Find USITC's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) provides security to the federal judiciary and manages the witness security program. It manages and sells seized or forfeited assets of criminals, is responsible for the confinement and transportation of federal prisoners who have not been turned over to the Bureau of Prisons and is the primary federal agency responsible for fugitive investigations.
In practice: Find USMS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is responsible for defending the continental United States and Alaska, and for coordinating with the defenses of Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
In practice: Find USNORTHCOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) provides mail processing and delivery services to individuals and businesses in the U.S.
In practice: Find USPS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Science, culture & public service · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the agency responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks.
In practice: Find USPTO's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Justice & public safety · Agency or office · Federal — A federal law-enforcement agency with protective and investigative missions.
In practice: An agency coordination document names USSS protective responsibilities.
USSS combines protective duties with specified financial and cybercrime investigations.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) detects and deters attacks against the U.S. and its allies. Their mission includes nuclear deterrence, space, and cyberspace capabilities.
In practice: Find USSTRATCOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions.
In practice: Find USTDA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Immigration, borders & trade · Agency or office · Federal — The executive office responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy and leading trade negotiations.
In practice: A trade-policy announcement names USTR as the lead office.
USTR policy work differs from CBP's border and customs administration.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) provides transportation services and capabilities to the other combatant commands, the military services, and defense agencies.
In practice: Find USTRANSCOM's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is comprised of a School of Medicine and a School of Nursing, providing higher health sciences education and training to service members.
In practice: Find USU's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs programs benefiting veterans and members of their families. It offers education opportunities and rehabilitation services and provides compensation payments for disabilities or death related to military service, home loan guaranties, pensions, burials, and health care that includes the services of nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers.
In practice: Find VA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps veterans receive benefits, such as educational and financial resources.
In practice: Find VBA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps veterans find meaningful careers and maximize their employment opportunities.
In practice: Find VETS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services to American veterans.
In practice: Find VHA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Pay, leave & benefits · Workforce term · Federal — A federal program allowing eligible employees to receive donated annual leave for a qualifying medical emergency.
In practice: An employee applies to become a leave recipient under VLTP.
Donation and eligibility rules are program-specific.
Transportation & infrastructure · Government process · Cross-government — The total distance traveled by vehicles over a specified area and time.
In practice: A transportation report estimates annual VMT.
Use a consistent geography, vehicle scope, and time period.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A business ownership designation used in specified federal contracting programs.
In practice: A vendor checks VOSB certification requirements for an opportunity.
Program-specific eligibility and procurement rules apply.
Technology & cybersecurity · Technology term · Cross-government — A template used to document how a technology product supports accessibility criteria.
In practice: A buyer requests an accessibility conformance report based on a VPAT.
The template is not itself an accessibility certification.
Immigration, borders & trade · Government process · Federal — A program allowing qualifying travelers from participating countries to seek specified short visits without a visa.
In practice: A traveler checks whether a planned trip qualifies under the VWP.
Nationality, travel history, purpose, and other conditions matter.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — The form used to report employee wages and certain withheld taxes.
In practice: An employee uses a W-2 when preparing a tax return.
This is a form identifier, not an acronym expansion.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — The form employees use to provide information for federal income-tax withholding.
In practice: An employee updates a W-4 after a relevant personal change.
A W-4 affects withholding; it does not establish final tax liability.
Taxes & revenue · Tax term · Federal — The form used to request a payee's TIN and specified certifications.
In practice: A payer requests a W-9 from a domestic vendor.
Providing a W-9 does not determine worker classification.
Environment, energy & land · Agency or office · Federal — The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) markets hydroelectric power generated by federal dams and associated services to public entities in the Western United States.
In practice: Find WAPA's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Education & workforce programs · Program or service · Cross-government — A state or local board involved in workforce-system planning and oversight.
In practice: A local WDB coordinates an area workforce plan.
Board structure and responsibilities follow applicable WIOA and state rules.
Federal workforce · Workforce term · Federal — A pay-plan abbreviation for nonsupervisory employees under the Federal Wage System.
In practice: A mechanic vacancy is listed as WG-10.
Wage-area schedules differ from GS locality tables.
Employment laws & safety · Agency or office · Federal — The Wage and Hour Division enforces federal minimum wage, overtime, child labor, and other worker-protection laws within its jurisdiction.
In practice: Find WHD's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Defense & veterans · Agency or office · Federal — The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) provides essential administrative functions for the Department of Defense.
In practice: Find WHS's official website and contact information through the linked USAGov directory entry.
Federal directory entry. Follow the linked agency page for official website and contact options; program authorities and office structures can change.
Health & public benefits · Program or service · Federal — A nutrition program serving eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and young children.
In practice: A family contacts its local WIC agency.
WIC eligibility and services differ from SNAP.
Education & workforce programs · Law or regulation · Cross-government — The federal law structuring major workforce-development and employment services programs.
In practice: A workforce board develops a plan under WIOA.
Program titles and participant eligibility differ.
Procurement & contracting · Contracting term · Federal — A small-business designation and contracting program category subject to SBA rules.
In practice: A vendor reviews WOSB certification before pursuing a set-aside.
Ownership, control, size, and certification requirements apply.
Resolve common mix-ups before reading a notice, applying for assistance, or responding to a solicitation.
SSI is based on qualifying age or disability and financial need. SSDI is tied to qualifying disability and Social Security insured status.
An RFP seeks proposals. An RFQ seeks quotations. In federal simplified acquisition, a quotation generally is not itself a binding offer.
A contracting officer holds delegated contracting authority. A representative provides oversight within a written designation.
The FAR governs covered federal acquisition. The CFR is the broader codification of federal rules, including the FAR in Title 48.
UEI is the federal entity identifier assigned through SAM.gov. DUNS is the older identifier found in historical award records.
Emergency managers use ICS to organize response. Cybersecurity teams use ICS for systems controlling industrial processes.
Bring employee scheduling, time and attendance, payroll, and job costing together with TimeTrex.
Disclaimer: This database provides a curated informational reference of common U.S. government, military, and administrative terminology and does not constitute official legal, contracting, human resources, or regulatory compliance advice. Government authorities, program rules, statutory citations, and procurement standards evolve continuously; users should always consult current agency guidance, the official Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or governing federal and state statutes before taking formal, administrative, or contractual action.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented here, the details may change over time or vary in different jurisdictions. Therefore, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or absolute accuracy of this information. The information on this page should not be used as a basis for making legal, financial, or any other key decisions. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified professional or expert in the relevant field for specific advice, guidance, or services. By using this webpage, you acknowledge that the information is offered “as is” and that we are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided. We shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or reliance on any content on this page.
Trusted By
Join our ever-growing community of satisfied customers today and experience the unparalleled benefits of TimeTrex.
Strength In Numbers
Time To Clock-In
Experience the Ultimate Workforce Solution and Revolutionize Your Business Today
Saving businesses time and money through better workforce management since 2003.
Copyright © 2026 TimeTrex. All Rights Reserved.