What is the procedure for long-term paper records that are 10 years or older?

The procedure for handling long-term paper records that are 10 years or older involves retiring these documents to authorized federal records centers. This approach ensures that records are preserved in a secure and controlled environment, adhering to legal and regulatory requirements for record retention and management. Federal records centers are equipped to maintain the integrity of these records for future reference while ensuring their accessibility to relevant personnel when needed.

Archiving at local unit offices may not provide the same level of security and controlled access as federal records centers, which are specifically designated for storage and preservation of government records. Options involving destruction or digitization without following proper protocol could compromise the historical and legal value of these documents. As such, retiring to authorized federal records centers is the accepted standard practice to maintain compliance and protect important records.