Institutional procedures for fielding out-of-state data requests are examined in order to develop procedures for the generation of data for state agencies in a prompt, accurate, yet politically astute manner. Part I (Analyzing the Request for Data) discusses the importance of understanding the reasonableness and complexity of the request. Part II (Collecting the Data) offers six management steps involved in data collection: (1) informing relevant units or departments; (2) checking existing data bases to avoid duplication; (3) preparing report formats; (4) actual collection activity; (5) tabulating and editing of data; and (6) forwarding and filing of data. Part III (Monitoring the External Agency's Analysis of the Data) discusses the need for monitoring and control by representatives of the colleges and universities which agency staff claim to have analyzed. Part IV (Review of the Agency's Use of Data in Decision-Making) focuses on the importance of knowing what data is examined by the agency; only data used in decisionmaking should be emphasized in the report. The final part (Evaluating Data Reporting Procedures) suggests that once every three years colleges and university administrators should compile a careful record of the number of data requests and responses in order to develop the best system for reporting. It is suggested that knowing the agency's purpose and use for the request enables the institution to respond with a tailor-made response; therefore, paperwork and staff energy are kept to a minimum. References are provided. (LC)