To apply for Secure Transfer, Restricted-Use Data Lake (STRUDL) access, please email STRUDL@dol.gov and request application materials. Below is a description of all the required application materials.

STRUDL Handbook

  • Secure Transfer, Restricted-Use Data Lake Handbook (STRUDL) Handbook – The STRUDL Handbook serves as an introduction to STRUDL, its role in a project lifecycle, and summary of the policies and practices to applying disclosure avoidance techniques. The goal of the handbook is to increase transparency and understanding of data governance and disclosure avoidance practices at DOL. This handbook is also a living document that will be continuously updated to ensure that STRUDL remains up to date with the latest changes in safe data access. This handbook is written for three DOL groups: academic researchers, contractors, and departments. Although anyone interested in STRUDL is encouraged to read the entire handbook, there are some sections that are not relevant to certain groups. Download the STRUDL Handbook: PDF

STRUDL Application Materials

  • DOL Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) – The DOL NDA is a mandatory requirement for the applicants and applicants’ organizations to sign and the contents are not negotiable. Applicants must scan a signed version of the NDA or use verified e-signature software to sign the NDA. It is important to note that any violation of the NDA agreement will lead to the applicants and potentially the applicants’ institution being permanently barred from participating in STRUDL and may result in additional penalties.
  • Predominant Purpose Statement (PPS) – The purpose of this document is to provide DOL with information regarding the proposed project and to explain why the applicants require access to DOL data. Applicants should also review the “Predominant Purpose Statement Example” document, which demonstrates a completed PPS.
  • DOL Biographical Sketch – The purpose of this document is for applicants to provide detailed information about their qualifications to be considered as approved researchers for STRUDL. This form must be completed by applicants who are senior personnel, key personnel, or other significant contributors to the proposed project. Applicants must note that the inclusion of additional information beyond that specified in the “Biographical Sketch” may result in the application being returned without review. Applicants must not submit any personal information in the “Biographical Sketch.” This includes items such as home address; home telephone, fax, or cell phone numbers; home email address; driver’s license number; marital status; personal hobbies; and the like. Such personal information is not appropriate for the biographical sketch and is not relevant to the merits of the application. DOL is not responsible or in any way liable for the release of such information.
  • Biographical Sketch Details – The purpose of this document is to provide applicants guidance on the DOL Biograph Sketch part of STRUDL Application. It is advised that applicants review this accompanying document.
  • Disclosure Review Checklist – The purpose of this document is to evaluate the anticipated level of effort and identify high-risk variables or features in the data for the disclosure review of datasets. Applicants and approved researchers are required to complete the checklist both during their initial application to access DOL data and after they have been granted access. Questions that are applicable only after researchers gain access will be clearly indicated as such on the form.

STRUDL Disclosure Review Forms

  • Disclosure Review Checklist – The purpose of this document is to evaluate the anticipated level of effort and identify high-risk variables or features in the data for the disclosure review of datasets. Applicants and approved researchers are required to complete the checklist both during their initial application to access DOL data and after they have been granted access. Questions that are applicable only after applicants gain access as approved researchers will be clearly indicated as such on the form.
  • STRUDL Project Modification – The purpose of this document is for approved researchers to formally request a modification of the project's performance period from DOL.
  • DOL Project Close-Out Check List – The purpose of this document is to outline the procedures for approved researchers to appropriately close their STRUDL projects and return all DOL materials and equipment, such as laptops. It is crucial to adhere to this procedure to avoid any potential violations of the NDA, which could lead to researchers being prohibited from STRUDL in the future. All outputs, including research papers and reports, must explicitly include the following disclaimer.