FSP FAQs: USGS Publication Series
Fundamental Science Practices for Science Publishing Network production and publication of all USGS Series product types; includes information on revising a product post-publication.
As an author, what is my responsibility for maintaining official copies of my Bureau-approved RFFIR? [149]
A printed copy of each Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR) must be sent to the USGS Library (Reston) for the Library’s limited-access storage. Another copy of the RFFIR should be maintained with other project material in accordance with the Department’s policy regarding official records. [Read more]
How can I convert an RFFIR publicly released by the receiving U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner into a USGS Open-File Report (OFR) to be cited and indexed in the Publications Warehouse? [150]
Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIRs) are not public and cannot be cited, it may be worthwhile to publicly release these reports in other USGS series, such as Open File Report (OFR), once deemed appropriate to do so. A new IPDS record for OFR should be created, following the standard process for review, approval, and coordination with the Science Publishing Network. [Read more]
Can I cite or index RFFIRs on a USGS public-facing web page? [151]
Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIRs) are not to be referenced, posted, or indexed on USGS public-facing web pages or included in a list of publications on individual staff profile pages. Because RFFIRs are not citable, they are not to be indexed in the USGS Publications Warehouse or included in a list of publications on individual staff profile pages.
What are the entities for which I can and cannot prepare RFFIRs? [152]
The Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIR) series is to be used for confidential communication between USGS and a U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner. RFFIRs cannot be produced for private communications. [Read more]
What is the difference between a cooperator publication and a USGS Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR)? [188]
A cooperator publication with scientific contributions from USGS authors is released by the cooperator on a publicly accessible website and is citable. Conversely, RFFIRs are limited-use USGS publication series information products prepared by the USGS and provided as confidential communications only to other government or international entities, and are not citable. [Read more]