OMB Memos

Memoranda from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are formal policy guidance documents that translate legislation into detailed, actionable requirements for implementation by federal agencies. Unlike laws, which establish broad frameworks, OMB Memos provide the specific instructions agencies need for implementing statutory requirements. These instructions—often developed in consultation with stakeholder groups and officials—define timelines, set standards for reporting and fulfillment, and clarify expectations. 

Federal data, evaluation, and evidence-building activities are governed by a variety of OMB memoranda that build upon each other, and in some cases reverse prior guidance, as part of implementing laws and executive orders across decades of presidential administrations. For this reason, OMB memos provide stakeholders with a valuable roadmap for government actions and reference points for interpreting key terms, agency responsibilities, and strategic products such as learning agendas. For example, the most critical memo for Evidence Act implementation is M-19-23, titled "Phase 1 Implementation of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018," which both laid out a four-phase plan for implementation and provided detailed guidance on planning key activities and designating personnel. These four phases are being gradually fulfilled by subsequent memoranda, including M-20-12 (Phase 4) and M-25-05 (Phase 2).

White House Office of Management and Budget

< Back to Laws and Guidances page 

< Back to Evidence Act Hub