STRUDL Handbook
For the most up-to-date information on the Secure Transfer, Restricted-Use Data Lake (STRUDL), please review the 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.
STRUDL Data
Please visit the Enterprise Data Inventory to learn more about what data may be available for use as part of STRUDL.
Joining STRUDL
The following outlines who can apply, the criteria for an approved project, and the general policies governing the process of joining STRUDL. Applicants must carefully review this section before submitting their applications to ensure that the potential project meets STRUDL standards, and the application materials are completed accurately and in accordance with the requirements. Please note that incomplete or improperly filled out applications will be automatically rejected.
Who can Apply to STRUDL?
Applicants must demonstrate to DOL that they have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and resources to meaningfully work with the data to accomplish their research objectives while adhering to a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). See a description of the NDA form in the STRUDL Application Materials section of STRUDL: Forms. As part of the application process, all senior personnel, key personnel, and other significant contributors must each complete a DOL biographical sketch (i.e., the “DOL Biographical Sketch” document) to demonstrate their qualifications to complete the proposed work. Applicants must also be based in and access STRUDL data from the United States.
DOL only grants access to restricted-use data to individuals or groups of individuals and not organizations. Any applicants who intend to access or interact with the data or statistics that have not undergone disclosure review in any way before publication clearance from DOL must be listed in the research application proposal. These individuals and groups represent their respective organizations (i.e., recipients). Violation of DOL agreements can result in applicable legal penalties as well as suspension from accessing DOL data and systems for individuals and their organizations.
If additional project personnel are required after the project commences, then the NDA may be eligible to be amended. Members of the project should contact their restricted-use NDA administrator to add or remove any individuals from the NDA.
Researchers or potential applicants will begin the process by contacting the Restricted Use manager at STRUDL@dol.gov.
Criteria for an Approved Project
DOL provides access to confidential data to approved researchers who propose a tractable project that benefits DOL and its customers. Applicants must explain why access to restricted-use data is necessary and that public-access data or alternative sources of data are insufficient to answer their research questions. The proposal must also describe how the intended project can benefit DOL’s mission and the broader public. Applicants must clearly describe how the question is of interest to DOL and its customers as well as commit to publicly publishing their research results. Researchers cannot use DOL restricted data that do not meet DOL’s guiding principles, or for fiduciary purposes, such as conducting market research.
STRUDL Application Process
The following provides an overview of the STRUDL application process, as well as a swimming lane process map of the process for all applicants (see Figure 1).
The general process is as follows:
- Potential applicants are advised to thoroughly review the STRUDL application materials before submitting their STRUDL applications. The latest information and documentation can be found on the DOL STRUDL website. For any questions about STRUDL, potential applicants are encouraged to contact STRUDL@dol.gov. Descriptions of all required application documents can be found on STRUDL: Forms. Applicants should email STRUDL@dol.gov to receive application forms and materials.
- Upon reviewing the application materials, potential applicants should express their interest in applying by sending an email to STRUDL@dol.gov. In the email, applicants should briefly describe their proposed research idea, state the DOL data they hope to access, and indicate if they intend to use external data along with DOL data. Within 30 days, a DOL disclosure review staff member will respond to the inquiry and provide the latest version of the application materials. If the potential applicant plans to incorporate external data, DOL staff may contact other agencies to evaluate the feasibility and potential value of combining these datasets.
- Once the application materials have been completed, applicants must submit the forms to STRUDL@dol.gov. Within 30 days, the DOL disclosure review staff will acknowledge receipt of the application and collaborate with other DOL personnel to assess the feasibility and disclosure risk associated with the proposed project. The DOL staff will complete an Application Determination form and a Disclosure Review Determination form, generating a consensus report indicating whether the proposed project is “approved,” “rejected with resubmission,” or is “rejected.
