How to use these files
Each UTF-8 CSV contains column headings only, with no invented records or prefilled findings. Open a copy in a spreadsheet app, add one row per check, and keep the original source URLs. You can copy and adapt these worksheets for your own work. Use the print control to save this method page as a PDF.
These files work without an account. Editing happens in your chosen spreadsheet app; check that app’s sharing settings before entering private information.
Downloadable worksheet
Minnesota oversight office routing worksheet
Identify the government entity and question before choosing an auditor or records office.
Start with the entity involved, then consult the official office’s description of its remit. Save the published contact or data-request instructions. Do not infer jurisdiction from the word auditor alone.
Download blank CSV → · Read the method and use the guide
Fields in this worksheet
- Government entity
- Question or records needed
- Potential responsible office
- Official remit URL
- Reason this office may fit
- Official contact instructions URL
- Verified date
- Jurisdiction still unclear
StateAuditor.org is an independent educational project. This worksheet does not file a complaint or represent an official office.
Verify against: About the Office of the State Auditor · Minnesota OSA · Statutory authority · Minnesota Legislative Auditor · Data requests · Minnesota OSA · Data requests · Minnesota Legislative Auditor
Downloadable worksheet
Minnesota federal award trace worksheet
Preserve the identifiers and definitions needed to reproduce a federal award search connected to Minnesota.
Choose recipient location or place of performance deliberately. Record the filters, award ID, and transaction period. Keep obligations, outlays, award ceilings, and local spending records in separately labeled fields.
Download blank CSV → · Read the method and use the guide
Fields in this worksheet
- Research question
- Location filter used
- Period
- Recipient name
- Award identifier
- Awarding agency
- Measure and units
- Recorded amount
- Official award URL
- Transaction or access date
- Limits and reconciliation notes
Different measures cannot be added or substituted without checking definitions. An award record alone does not establish fraud or a local cash payment.
Verify against: Federal award search and data disclosures · U.S. Treasury · Federal Spending Guide · U.S. Treasury · About the Data · U.S. Treasury
Downloadable worksheet
Minnesota public data request log
Track a focused request for existing government data and preserve the actual correspondence.
Use the government entity’s official instructions. Record the requested records and period, acknowledgment, clarification, fee notice, and response. Quote a deadline only from the applicable official instruction or advice.
Download blank CSV → · Read the method and use the guide
Fields in this worksheet
- Government entity
- Official request policy URL
- Records described
- Date range
- Sent date
- Reference number
- Acknowledgment date
- Clarification requested
- Fee notice
- Response or next step
- Correspondence location
The file is a blank organizer, not a legal response-time calculator. Requests are not submitted by this site.
Verify against: Requesting government data · Minnesota Data Practices Office · Data requests · Minnesota OSA · Data requests · Minnesota Legislative Auditor