 The annual move is NARA's process for legally transferring permanent records from federal record centers, FRCs, to NARA archival units across the nation. It's a uniquely cross-functional activity that supports NARA's core mission of preserving the permanently valuable records of the federal government. The annual move is overseen by the annual move coordinating group. Agency's participation in the process is integral to ensuring permanent records are transferred in a timely manner according to an approved record schedule. Each annual move facilitates the transfer of permanent records which are determined to be eligible in January of the following calendar year. Work relating to an annual move cycle begins more than two years prior. Activities relating to one move cycle overlap both the previous and subsequent move cycles. For example, work on the January 2014 move cycle would have begun in October 2012 and run through 2013 and 2014. It could also have extended until April 2015. Work on the January 2015 move cycle would have begun in October 2013 and so on. There are several key roles in the annual move. The annual move coordinating group's role is to manage the process and provide general oversight and coordination among NARA units. The coordinating group also identifies all eligible transfers to archival custodial units and agencies for review for the upcoming annual move. The group maintains the SOP and other guidance products. They also manage all email and external communications with agencies. FRC's role is to review the feedback provided by the custodial units and agencies and, if necessary, make changes to the data in ARCIS for the upcoming annual move. They are responsible for the physical transfer of records and updating the ARCIS system to reflect the transfer process through the physical move. The archival unit's role is to review any upcoming transfers, schedules, and associated data. They provide feedback and results to the FRC's and to agencies. Once transfers are proposed by an agency, archival units make a final determination and facilitate the physical and legal transfer of permanent records. Several other units provide additional support by validating the data provided in ARCIS, entering legacy schedules into ERA, reviewing authority lists, testing data integrity and system functionality, and ultimately transforming the data received from ARCIS into ERA by October 1 of each year. The agency's role is to review data and documentation about eligible transfers identified in the candidate list and begin internal approval processes and communicate needed changes to existing ARCIS data or removal of the transfer from the upcoming annual move. These are responsible for proposing transfer requests in ERA so that the agency's records can be transferred into NARA's custody. If you are involved in the annual move, keep in mind that it is a collaborative effort between NARA and the agencies. Agency participation is an integral part in NARA completing its mission to preserve the historical record of the federal government. The process allows for agencies to be proactive in reviewing records and data that are eligible for transfer and updating changes in records management for their office. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, NARA is always here to help.