Code of Federal Regulations Title 22. Foreign Relations § 22.212.28 Requirements for clearance

(a) The guidance document complies with all relevant statutes and regulations (including any statutory deadlines for the Agency's action);

(b) The guidance document identifies or includes the following:

(c) The guidance document avoids using mandatory language, such as “shall,” “must,” “required,” or “requirement,” unless the language is describing an established statutory or regulatory requirement, or is addressed to USAID's staff and will not foreclose the Agency's consideration of positions advanced by affected private parties;  and

(d) The guidance document is written in plain and understandable English. All guidance documents should include a clear and prominent statement to declare that the contents of the document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way, and the document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or USAID's policies.