FSP FAQs: Data

For USGS data products stored in non-USGS repositories, review, approval, release, and preservation requirements apply. A copy of the metadata record that describes the data asset and includes a resolvable Digital Object Identifier (DOI), must be added to the USGS Science Data Catalog, using the individual metadata upload page. [Read more]

USGS scientific software and data follow the same basic FSP requirements for review and approval and both are considered noninterpretive information. Both releases are subject to the requirements of the 2013 OSTP directive on increasing access to the results of federally funded scientific research. [Read more]

Additional guidance is available on the USGS Data Management web page and the FSP web page.

OSTP's February 22, 2013 memorandum Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research and OMB's memorandum M-13-13, Open Data Policy—Managing Information as an Asset require the release of scientific data. The Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research at the USGS provides information related to how the Bureau meets these OSTP and OMB requirements. [Read more]

Yes. If data collection for a cooperator publication is USGS-funded, a publicly accessible data release is required prior to or simultaneously with release of the associated cooperator publication. An acceptable digital repository for the data release should be identified in the data management plan or agreement. [Read more]

Access to or release of the USGS data may be restricted because of security, privacy, confidentiality, or other constraints, or data mentioned in the published product are not used as a basis for the conclusions. [Read More]

If the non-USGS funded data have not been made publicly available by the data owner, the USGS can suggest or request but cannot require the data be made publicly available. If the data are not made available, a statement indicating that at the time of publication the data were not available from the responsible non-USGS agency should be included in the associated information product. [Read More]

Citations referring to unpublished data are allowed when the citation refers to content or auxiliary information that is not essential to ensuring others can replicate the results or evaluate the validity of the data used to support the conclusions of the scholarly publication. [Read More]

Science Center Directors or their designees ensure compliance with data management requirements for data produced in their centers or offices and consult with other managers, scientists, and staff as needed with regard to carrying out data management activities, including ensuring the development of data management plans. [Read more]

A data management plan (DMP) is helpful for staff in your program or center thinking about and become committed to data management responsibilities before a project begins. You may need data management input from other staff and experts. If data management details change, your DMP should be updated to reflect those changes. [Read more]

Yes. Some centers have developed guidance for data management. It is important that project-specific details are captured in the DMP. [Read more]

The USGS Data Management website provides guidance on developing DMPs and understanding data management best practices. [Read more]