42 U.S.C. § 1437z: Data exchange standards for improved interoperability

necessary categories of information that State agencies operating related programs are required under applicable law to electronically exchange with another State agency; and Federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law. incorporate a widely accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable format, such as the eXtensible Markup Language; contain interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model; incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance; be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles; be implemented in a manner that is cost-effective and improves program efficiency and effectiveness; and be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary. Nothing in this section requires a change to existing data exchange standards for Federal reporting found to be effective and efficient. Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [ July 29, 2016 ], the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue a proposed rule to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a) [enacting this section]. identify federally required data exchanges; include specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized; address the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges; specify State implementation options; and describe future milestones.”