42 U.S.C. § 629m: Data exchange standards for improved interoperability

necessary categories of information that State agencies operating programs under State plans approved under this part are required under applicable Federal law to electronically exchange with another State agency; and Federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable Federal law. incorporate a widely accepted, non-proprietary, 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 subsection 1 shall be construed to require a change to existing data exchange standards found to be effective and efficient. 1 So in original. identifies federally required data exchanges, include [sic] specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized, and address [sic] the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges; and specifies State implementation options and describes future milestones.”