The General Records Schedule

The General Records Schedule (GRS) provides standardized guidance on how long federal agencies should keep different types of records before disposing of them. It helps ensure records are retained for as long as needed for legal, historical, or operational purposes and then securely destroyed when no longer necessary. The GRS streamlines record management across agencies by offering clear retention periods, reducing confusion and promoting consistency. Essentially, it acts as a nationwide blueprint for properly managing government records, balancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.