DA Form 7796: AIS Questionnaire Guide & Download – The DA Form 7796, officially titled Automated Information Systems (AIS) Questionnaire, is a key U.S. Army document used for records management and IT system oversight. Army personnel responsible for Electronic Information Systems (EIS), IT services, or automated systems must understand and use this form to ensure compliance with federal and Army regulations.
What Is DA Form 7796?
DA Form 7796 is a questionnaire that collects detailed information about Automated Information Systems (AIS) used within the Army. It supports the integration of records management controls into these systems throughout their lifecycle—from development and operation to migration and decommissioning.
The current version (as of the latest updates) is dated November 1, 2022 (proponent: CIO). It replaced the May 2020 edition and is available as a fillable PDF.
Download the official DA Form 7796 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN38762-DA_FORM_7796-002-EFILE-2.pdf
Purpose of the AIS Questionnaire
The primary purpose of DA Form 7796 is to gather system configuration and records-related data for upload into the Army Portfolio Management System (APMS). This helps the Army Records Management Directorate (ARMD) ensure:
- Records management controls are embedded in systems.
- Compliance with DoDI 5015.02 (DoD Records Management) and Army Regulation (AR) 25-400-2, The Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS).
- Proper scheduling, preservation, migration, and disposition of records in electronic systems.
- Identification and tracking of all EIS/IT services containing Army records.
It supports broader Army goals for electronic records management, including transitioning to fully electronic environments per OMB directives and ensuring permanent records are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in digital form where possible.
Who Needs to Complete DA Form 7796?
- System owners, program managers, and IT proponents for new, legacy, or modified Automated Information Systems.
- Records Administrators (RAs) and Records Managers (RMs) at commands, units, and HQDA levels.
- Personnel involved in system acquisition, development, enhancement, or decommissioning.
- Anyone managing systems that create, store, or process Army records (including those outside central APMS tracking).
Commands and units must report systems via this form to maintain visibility in APMS, even for locally developed or third-party systems.
How DA Form 7796 Fits into Army Records Management?
AR 25-400-2 establishes ARIMS as the official system for Army recordkeeping. DA Form 7796 directly supports this by providing the data needed for APMS integration. Key related elements include:
- ARIMS/RRSA — For disposition schedules.
- APMS — Portfolio tracking of IT systems.
- DoDI 5015.02 — Records management in electronic systems.
Failing to incorporate records management (e.g., through unreported systems) can lead to compliance issues, as noted in NARA inspections of Army programs.
Key Sections and What the Form Covers
While the exact fields are best reviewed on the fillable PDF, the questionnaire typically requests:
- System identification and description.
- Records types, formats, and volumes generated/stored.
- Retention and disposition requirements.
- System configuration details relevant to records management (e.g., storage, access controls, migration plans).
- Proponent and point-of-contact information.
Accurate completion ensures records are properly scheduled and managed per the Army Records Retention Schedule – Army (RRS-A).
Step-by-Step Guidance for Completing and Submitting DA Form 7796
- Access the Form — Download from the official Army Publishing Directorate link above.
- Gather Information — Coordinate with system administrators, records officers, and legal/IT stakeholders.
- Complete Accurately — Provide detailed, current information on the AIS.
- Submit — Route through your command’s Records Management channels for APMS upload and review by ARMD.
- Retain Records — Follow ARIMS for any associated documentation.
For detailed procedures, consult DA Pam 25-403, Guide to Recordkeeping in the Army, or your local Records Administrator. Training is available via ARIMS and the Army Learning Management System (ALMS).
Why Compliance Matters?
Proper use of DA Form 7796:
- Ensures legal compliance with federal records laws (e.g., 44 U.S.C., 36 CFR).
- Supports efficient operations and audits.
- Protects essential records during contingencies.
- Facilitates secure decommissioning and data migration.
- Reduces risks of unauthorized destruction or loss of records.
U.S. Army personnel should prioritize records management integration early in the system lifecycle.
Additional Resources
- AR 25-400-2: The Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS).
- ARIMS Website: https://www.arims.army.mil (for schedules and tools).
- Army Publishing Directorate: Search for DA Form 7796 and related pubs.
- NARA Guidance: Federal records management best practices.
- Contact your command’s Records Management Office or ARMD for assistance.
Stay compliant and informed — Download and use DA Form 7796 today for any Army AIS under your responsibility. Regular review and updates in APMS keep Army information assets properly managed and protected.