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Deviations

Name of signatory in signature block

The person in the signature block and the person signing are the same person 

(digitally-signed documents only)

you must request permission for the name in the signature block to differ from the name on the PIV card if the signer wants to:

  • use an initial instead of a first name
  • use a nickname or middle name instead of a first name
  • add a middle name
  • drop or add a hyphenated last name

You do not need to request permission to:

  • drop a middle name
  • drop a maiden name
  • use an initial instead of a middle name

To request permission, email a signed letter to the Scheduling unit that includes the:

  • exact form of the digital signature,
  • preferred, non-compliant, signature block name, and
  • reason why the signature block cannot match the digital signature. 

The person in the signature block and the person signing are two different people

Agencies may create a "digital" autopen to use in place of the signer’s own PIV card. GSA has created a playbook for more information and guidance on creating a digital autopen: 

If you are not using an autopen (either traditional pen-and-ink or the specially-assigned PIV), the name in the signature block must be changed to match the name in the signer's digital signature.

Everything else

OFR allows agencies to request deviations from ACFR regulatory requirements and OFR style and format requirements.  For approval, agencies must provide a legal or practical justification in addition to, or in conjunction with, a unique need or unique set of circumstances.  We cannot, therefore, provide an example of a generic deviation request or a template to follow.  Instead, we have identified the overall categories of deviation requests, as well as the most commonly-requested types of requests, in the following form:

Deviation requests

To request a deviation:

  1. Download the form (or make sure to use the most-recent version)
  2. Complete, save, and digitally-sign the form, following the instructions (included in the pdf)
  3. Email the form, along with a draft document (if applicable), to the address specified in the instructions
  4. Make sure to:
    1. allow time for adequate review and response (at least 5 business days) before transmission of an affected document for publication
    2. include any specific deadlines
    3. add backup points of contact (if necessary)
    4. include the title of the person signing in the appropriate field

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can sign the request?

Anyone from your agency can sign as along as they:

  • have a Federally-issued (non-contractor) PIV-card, and
  • are authorized to make decisions on regulations.

Acceptable positions include Federal Register liaison officers, attorneys, and division or unit chiefs. 

Who can send the request to OFR?

Anyone from your agency can email the digitally-signed request form using their official Federal (non-contractor) email address. The person who emails the form is not specified so you do not need to know who will email the completed form before the request form is signed. 

What if I can't digitally sign the form?

Contact OFR's Legal Affairs and Policy Division, using the address in the instructions, to discuss possible alternatives.

Can I request a deviation for a joint document?

Yes. Contact OFR's Legal Affairs and Policy Division, using the address in the instructions, to discuss possible options.

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