NARAELCM (National Archives And Records Administration Electronic Lifecycle Management)

What is NARAELCM (National Archives And Records Administration Electronic Lifecycle Management)?

NARAELCM provides guidelines and regulations established by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for the management of electronic records throughout their lifecycle. This framework ensures that government contractors handling federal information create, maintain, and dispose of electronic records in a compliant and secure manner. Understanding NARAELCM is crucial for contractors seeking to meet federal record-keeping requirements.

Definition

NARAELCM encompasses the policies, procedures, and best practices for managing electronic records from their creation or receipt to their ultimate disposition. This includes activities such as data capture, metadata management, storage, preservation, retrieval, and disposition (archiving or destruction). The legal basis for NARAELCM stems from laws like the Federal Records Act and NARA regulations codified in 36 CFR Chapter XII, which mandate the proper management of federal records. For government contractors, compliance with NARAELCM is essential to avoid penalties, maintain eligibility for future contracts, and ensure the integrity of government information. Contracts often include specific clauses referencing NARA regulations and outlining contractor responsibilities for electronic records management.

Key Points

• Records Management Responsibilities: Contractors are responsible for understanding and implementing NARA regulations within their systems and processes.
• Lifecycle Approach: Managing electronic records requires a comprehensive lifecycle approach, from creation to disposition, ensuring records are accessible and preserved throughout.
• Data Integrity and Security: Maintaining the integrity and security of electronic records is paramount, requiring appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized access, modification, or deletion.
• Metadata Management: Accurate and complete metadata is crucial for effective records management, enabling efficient retrieval and ensuring the long-term understandability of electronic records.

Practical Examples

1. Contract Deliverables: When delivering contract deliverables in electronic format, contractors must adhere to NARA standards for file formats, metadata, and record-keeping practices. This may involve providing specific metadata tags or using approved file formats for long-term preservation.
2. Email Management: Contractors must properly manage email communications related to government contracts, ensuring that relevant emails are captured, stored, and retained according to NARA regulations. This can involve implementing email archiving solutions or establishing clear email management policies for employees.
3. Data Destruction: When a contract ends or records reach their retention period, contractors must dispose of electronic records in a secure and compliant manner, following NARA guidelines for data sanitization and destruction. This may involve using certified data wiping tools or physical destruction methods.