Open Government Directive?

Remember the open government directive - the guidance that President Obama on his first day in office memoed his administration about. He said he wanted recommendations by May 21 for regulations -- to be issued by the Office of Management and Budget -- that would put the principles of transparency, collaboration and participation in government into practice.

Six months later, after receiving recommendations from agency heads, citizens and federal employees, there is still no directive. But there is a lot of hope.

Dave McClure, associate administrator for the Office of Citizen Services and Communications at the General Services Administration, said that the directive should be released next month.

"I think OMB is being careful to make sure it doesn't rush a new directive out -- because this does create some new requirements and new resource investments," he said.

Some advocates in the open government community say they are frustrated and disappointed, knowing there's something ready to be seen and knowing that it's not out. But they understand that good governance can take some time. The delay, activists said, may indicate that the guidance could be a big change in the way agencies have to do business.

OMB spokesman Tom Gavin responded, "The administration is moving forward with initiatives across agencies to better open government to the public and provide expanded transparency and accountability. These initiatives have been largely informed by the thousands of suggestions received from the public during the open government initiative," a series of spring and summer online forums for citizens and agency employees to contribute directive ideas.

He added, "We appreciate the strong and innovative ideas that continue to come in from organizations and individuals alike."