Fundamental Science Practices Frequently Asked Questions
What USGS scientific information products must follow FSP?
How does USGS define peer review and what are the FSP peer review requirements?
How is approval granted and what documents at a minimum must be submitted to the approving official?
What is the foundation of FSP?
What Federal Government policies require the release of scientific data, and how does the USGS intend to meet these requirements?
What is considered USGS scientific software and what are the USGS requirements for releasing it?
What types of project progress information can be reported and why is that important?
The frequently asked questions (FAQs) represent a Bureau consensus to ensure interpretations of Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) policies are uniformly applied throughout the USGS. These comprehensive FAQs not only provide further explanation of the FSP and related publishing policies but also describe the specific procedures and decision making necessary to meet the
FSP Background
Authorship
Review
Approval
USGS Publication Series
Journal Publications
Metadata
Data
Software
Project Reporting and Cooperator Publications
Web Pages, Conferences, Abstracts, and Presentations
Preprints
The FAQs will be updated as necessary and changes in the form of additions or revisions are reflected by date (month/year) as they occur. Questions about the FSP that are not addressed here should be directed to gs_fspac@usgs.gov.
FSP Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not know all the details of how my data will be managed? [132]
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]
Can a Science Center-wide plan be leveraged for my project-specific DMP? [131]
Yes. Some centers have developed guidance for data management. It is important that project-specific details are captured in the DMP. [Read more]
What tools are available to help me create my DMP? [130]
The USGS Data Management website provides guidance on developing DMPs and understanding data management best practices. [Read more]
Where can I find some DMP examples? [129]
DMP examples from various institutions can be found at https://dmptool.org/.
What is the relationship between a project work plan and a DMP? [128]
The overall project work plan of every research project must include a DMP. [Read more]
What information is included in a DMP? [127]
A DMP includes information about the data and metadata standards to be used and intended actions for managing data. [Read more]
What are data management plans or DMPs and why do I need to create them? [126]
A DMP outlines data management considerations of a given project to meet responsibility of OMB open data requirements. [Read more]
May I obtain a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for historical USGS data created before October 1, 2016, when the USGS public-access requirements went into effect? [125]
Yes, you may obtain a DOI for these data. Considerations apply. A DOI may be obtained using the USGS DOI Creation Tool. [Read more]
Who may review data and metadata? [124]
A qualified individual or separate individuals possessing technical expertise, familiarity with data may conduct data and metadata reviews. [Read more]
Where do I get a DOI for USGS data that has been approved for release? [123]
DOIs are assigned during data release preparation in separate USGS repositories. Additional info available on data management website. [Read more]
Do final technical project progress reports to cooperators or partners have to go through the FSP review and approval process? [163]
Yes, all scientific information products, including those submitted to an agency that has provided funding to the USGS to carry out scientific research, assessments, or investigations reporting final technical outcomes (new interpretive information) of a project must be peer reviewed and receive Bureau approval.
Can I login and enter data into the USGS ScienceBase before those data have been approved for release? [122]
Yes. Users with restricted/private permissions may manage data in ScienceBase prior to formal release. [Read more]