NPS Programmatic Clearance Process

Programmatic Clearance Status

Programmatic Clearance applications are now being accepted.
For more information regarding review timelines and requirements, please contact the Information Collections Review Coordinator early in your planning process. 

Crystal Forest, Petrified Forest National Park

NPS Photo

The NPS Programmatic Clearance Process applies to all NPS-sponsored social science information collections intended to furnish useful and applicable knowledge to managers and planners. It is designed for information collections that focus on the awareness, understanding, attitudes, preferences, or experiences of NPS visitors, potential visitors, or other stakeholders relating to existing or future services, products or communication materials.

This process is limited to applied research that is non-controversial and will not attract attention to significant, sensitive, or political issues. Questions asked under the Programmatic Clearance Process must show a clear tie to current NPS management and planning needs.

Investigators who are unsure if a study qualifies under the Programmatic Clearance Process are strongly encouraged to speak with their NPS park contact and reach out to the Information Collection Review Coordinator for clarification early in the planning process.

For more information on the specifics of the Programmatic Process, follow the links below:

Guidelines for the Programmatic Clearance Process

• Scope of the Programmatic Clearance Process

• Respondent Groups

• Information Collection Methods

• Limitations of the Programmatic Clearance Process

• Topic Areas within the Scope of the Programmatic Review

• Workflow

• Instructions and Checklist for Submitting a Request for Programmatic Review

• Frequently Asked Questions

Downloadable Forms

• Programmatic Clearance Form (.docx)
• Pool of Known Questions (.docx)
• Guidelines for the Programmatic Clearance Process (.docx)

For more information or to request forms, please contact the NPS Information Collection Review Coordinator.