scope:

PURPOSE.

a. Information is vital to the success of any organization and provides the basis for management decisions. Specific types of data are needed to meet particular requirements. Information collections are the major means for providing this data. As conditions or needs change, information management must provide for the improvement of collections or systems; it must also provide for the control of information requirements to ensure minimum collection burden is expended and maximum effectiveness obtained.

b. This Instruction provides policies and guidance for the management and direction of the Coast Guard Information Collection (IC) Program that applies to all Coast Guard units with a requirement to collect information from the public of ten or more persons.