Code of Federal Regulations Title 29. Labor § 29.1473.4 Requirements for clearance

(a) The guidance document complies with all relevant statutes and regulation (including any statutory deadlines for agency action);

(b) The guidance document identifies or includes:

(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 Service staff and will not foreclose the Service's consideration of positions advanced by affected private parties;

(d) The guidance document is written in plain and understandable English;  and

(e) All guidance documents include the following disclaimer prominently:  “The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.” When an agency's guidance document is binding because guidance is authorized by law or because the guidance is incorporated into a contract, the agency should modify this disclaimer to reflect either of those facts.