The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has initiated a formal process to bring its Scientific Exchanges Program (SEP) data collection practices into full compliance with federal regulations. On September 8, 2026, FAS published a notice in the Federal Register, announcing its intention to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an existing information collection currently in use without a designated OMB control number. This action marks a critical step in formalizing the data collection integral to a program that supports international agricultural collaboration and scientific advancement.
Understanding the Scientific Exchanges Program (SEP)
The Scientific Exchanges Program is a cornerstone of USDA's efforts to foster global agricultural research and development. Its primary mission is to promote collaborative programs among agricultural professionals from eligible countries, their U.S. counterparts, the international agricultural research system, and various U.S. research entities. SEP is designed to provide invaluable scientific training and collaborative research opportunities, primarily targeting early and mid-career scientists, researchers, and policymakers. By facilitating these exchanges, the program aims to enhance agricultural innovation, address food security challenges, and strengthen international scientific ties.
The Information Collection: Purpose and Scope
To effectively achieve its objectives, the SEP relies on a structured application process to identify and select qualified participants, known as Fellows. The application form is a crucial tool, used by both FAS Posts abroad and FAS Washington to assess a candidate's suitability for the program. The information collected is extensive and includes details regarding the applicant's professional status, personal contact information, and specific data points vital for program administration. Specifically, the application captures Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as first name, middle name, last name, gender, salutation, birth date, birth city, citizenship country, country of residence, work phone, permanent home address, work address, personal email, work email, and emergency contact details including a family contact's name, relationship, home phone, cell phone, and email.
FAS asserts that this information collection is an integral tool for its Fellowship Programs Division and supports the agency's broader strategic goals. The data allows the agency to ensure that the most promising and relevant candidates are selected, thereby maximizing the impact and effectiveness of the Scientific Exchanges Program.
Regulatory Compliance and the Paperwork Reduction Act
This notice is issued in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), a federal statute designed to minimize the paperwork burden on individuals and businesses, as well as to improve the quality and utility of information collected by federal agencies. The PRA mandates that agencies obtain OMB approval for most information collections. The current situation for SEP is an
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