Agencies must create and maintain authentic, reliable, and usable records and ensure that they remain so for the length of their authorized retention period. A comprehensive records management program provides policies and procedures for ensuring that:
(a)
Records documenting agency business are created or captured;
(b)
Records are organized and maintained to facilitate their use and ensure integrity throughout their authorized retention periods;
(c)
Records are available when needed, where needed, and in a usable format to conduct agency business;
(d)
Legal and regulatory requirements, relevant standards, and agency policies are followed;
(e)
Records, regardless of format, are protected in a safe and secure environment and removal or destruction is carried out only as authorized in records schedules; and
(f)
Continuity of operations is supported by a vital records program (see part 1223 of this subchapter).