Us Code § 311 - Definitions

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 311 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 311. Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Agency.—The term "agency" means an agency referred to under section 901(b) of title 31.

(2) Director.—The term "Director" means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

(3) Evaluation.—The term "evaluation" means an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.

(4) Evidence.—The term "evidence" has the meaning given that term in section 3561 of title 44.

(5) State.—The term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, each territory or possession of the United States, and each federally recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

(6) Statistical activities; statistical agency or unit; statistical purpose.—The terms "statistical activities", "statistical agency or unit", and "statistical purpose" have the meanings given those terms in section 3561 of title 44.

(Added Pub. L. 115–435, title I, §101(a)(2), Jan. 14, 2019, 132 Stat. 5530.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 180 days after Jan. 14, 2019, see section 403 of Pub. L. 115–435, set out as an Effective Date of 2019 Amendment note under section 306 of this title.

Evaluation and Personnel Standards

Pub. L. 115–435, title I, §101(e), Jan. 14, 2019, 132 Stat. 5534, provided that:

"(1) Requirement.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 14, 2019], the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with any interagency council relating to evaluation, shall—

"(A) issue guidance for program evaluation for agencies consistent with widely accepted standards for evaluation; and

"(B) identify best practices for evaluation that would improve Federal program evaluation.

"(2) Guidance.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the guidance under paragraph (1) is issued, the head of each agency shall oversee the implementation of such guidance.

"(3) OPM guidance.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the guidance under paragraph (1) is issued, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall—

"(A) identify key skills and competencies needed for program evaluation in an agency;

"(B) establish a new occupational series, or update and improve an existing occupational series, for program evaluation within an agency; and

"(C) establish a new career path for program evaluation within an agency.

"(4) Definitions.—In this Act [see Short Title of 2019 Amendment note set out under section 101 of this title]:

"(A) Agency.—Except as otherwise provided, the term 'agency' has the meaning given the term 'Executive agency' under section 105 [probably means section 105 of title 5, United States Code].

"(B) Evaluation.—The term 'evaluation' has the meaning given that term in section 311 of title 5, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)."

About This Section

5 U.S.C. § 311 is part of Title 5 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 5 U.S.C. § 311. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Related Us Code Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 311

What does United States Code § 311 cover?

Section 311 ("Definitions") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 311?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 311" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 311 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.