  The field of dark matter detection is a highly visible and highly competitive
one. In this paper, we propose recommendations for presenting dark matter
direct detection results particularly suited for weak-scale dark matter
searches, although we believe the spirit of the recommendations can apply more
broadly to searches for other dark matter candidates, such as very light dark
matter or axions. To translate experimental data into a final published result,
direct detection collaborations must make a series of choices in their
analysis, ranging from how to model astrophysical parameters to how to make
statistical inferences based on observed data. While many collaborations follow
a standard set of recommendations in some areas, for example the expected flux
of dark matter particles (to a large degree based on a paper from Lewin and
Smith in 1995), in other areas, particularly in statistical inference, they
have taken different approaches, often from result to result by the same
collaboration. We set out a number of recommendations on how to apply the now
commonly used Profile Likelihood Ratio method to direct detection data. In
addition, updated recommendations for the Standard Halo Model astrophysical
parameters and relevant neutrino fluxes are provided. The authors of this note
include members of the DAMIC, DarkSide, DARWIN, DEAP, LZ, NEWS-G, PandaX, PICO,
SBC, SENSEI, SuperCDMS, and XENON collaborations, and these collaborations
provided input to the recommendations laid out here. Wide-spread adoption of
these recommendations will make it easier to compare and combine future dark
matter results.
