1. The National Archives and Records Administration is developing the Electronic Records Archives to preserve and provide access to important US federal government records in the long term, which requires meeting requirements beyond the current state of the art. 2. NARA's research organization NCAST addresses needs like expanding advanced research, bringing new technologies into NARA, and identifying needed expertise. 3. Required assessment criteria for electronic records come from legal requirements, designated communities like the president and public, and archival principles, with consensus reached through coordination with other agencies and organizations.