Legal Definitions - Administrative Conference of the United States

The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) was a federal agency that operated from 1964 until its abolition in 1995. Its primary mission was to improve the efficiency, fairness, and transparency of the administrative processes used by federal government agencies.

ACUS served as a unique forum where a diverse group of experts—including government officials, legal scholars, private attorneys, and academics—collaborated. They conducted research, identified problems, and developed recommendations aimed at streamlining how federal agencies developed regulations, conducted hearings, managed information, and administered various federal programs. Essentially, ACUS functioned as a governmental "think tank" dedicated to enhancing the practical operations of the U.S. federal bureaucracy.

• Example 1: Improving Regulatory Development

  Imagine a federal agency in the early 1990s tasked with creating new environmental regulations for a burgeoning industry. ACUS might have convened a task force of experts to study the agency's current rulemaking procedures. This group could have identified bottlenecks, suggested methods for more effective public participation, or recommended best practices for drafting clear and enforceable rules. The goal would be to help the agency develop regulations more efficiently and fairly, without unnecessary delays.

  This example illustrates how ACUS focused on improving the "procedures that agencies use in administering federal programs," specifically in the context of regulatory development.

• Example 2: Enhancing Dispute Resolution Processes

  Consider a federal agency responsible for adjudicating claims for disability benefits. If the process for appealing denied claims was overly complex, confusing for applicants, or perceived as unfair, ACUS could have stepped in. It might have researched the agency's hearing and appeals procedures, gathering input from claimants, lawyers, and agency staff. Based on this research, ACUS could then recommend changes, such as simplifying notice requirements, clarifying evidentiary standards, or improving training for administrative judges, to ensure a more just and transparent resolution process.

  This demonstrates ACUS's role in studying and recommending improvements to agency procedures, particularly those involving fairness and due process in dispute resolution.

• Example 3: Streamlining Information Collection

  Suppose multiple federal agencies, such as the Department of Commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency, were independently collecting similar economic or environmental data from businesses. This often led to redundant requests and an increased burden on the private sector. ACUS could have undertaken a study to identify these overlaps and recommend standardized data collection forms, common definitions, or coordinated reporting schedules across agencies. This would aim to reduce administrative burdens on businesses while improving the consistency and utility of the collected data for the government.

  This example highlights ACUS's function in improving efficiency and reducing burdens in the administration of federal programs by addressing inter-agency procedural inconsistencies.