Understanding the FGDC Standards Process Presented by Julie Binder Maitra FGDC Standards Coordinator August 12, 2003

FGDC Standards Process What is the Federal Geographic Data Committee 12-Step Process and how is a standard developed? What is the timeline for the standards setting process? What organizations and entities would be key to implementing this standard? What resources will be necessary for the standards setting process?

What is the Federal Geographic Data Committee 12-Step Process and how is a standard developed? FGDC Standards Process

The FGDC Standards Process is: Structured Iterative Well-documented FGDC Standards Process

FGDC Steering Committee12 – EndorsementFINAL CG11 - Approve Standard for Endorsement SWG10 - Evaluate Responsiveness to Public Comments Standards Development Group9 - Respond to Public Comments FGDC Secretariat8 - Coordinate Public Review FGDC Coordination Group (CG)7 - Approve Standard for Public Review SWG6 - Review and Evaluate Committee DraftREVIEW SC/WG5 - Review Working Draft Standards Development Group4 - Produce Working DraftDRAFT FGDC Subcommittee or Working Group (SC/WG) 3 - Set Up ProjectPROJECT SWG2 - Review Proposal FGDC Standards Working Group (SWG)1- Develop ProposalPROPOSAL CUSTODIANSTEPSTAGE From FGDC Standards Reference Model,

FGDC Standards Process The FGDC Standards Process is iterative From FGDC Standards Reference Model,

The standards development group should familiarize themselves with the FGDC Standards Reference Model and the following directives: 1.FGDC Standards Reference Model, especially Section 4 2.FGDC Directive #4, Guide to Completing a Standards Proposal, 3.FGDC Directive #3, Public Review Process, provides guidance to standards development groups for public review of proposals and standards as well as to the SWG and FGDC Secretariat 4.FGDC Directive #2c, Guidelines For Conducting Standards Reviews, provides guidelines for standards development groups that are submitting standards for SWG review at Steps 6 & 10 FGDC Standards Process

The following directives are helpful to understand the FGDC Standards Working Group’s role in the FGDC Standards Process: 1.Directive # 2a: Standards Working Group Review Guidelines: Review Process, 2.Directive #2b, Standards Working Group Review Guidelines: Review Criteria/Checklist, FGDC Standards Process

What is the timeline for the standards setting process? FGDC Standards Process

There is no time limit specified for the standards development group to carry out their development and post-public review work. On the other hand, the Standards Working Group and Coordination Group have time limits for their work. FGDC Standards Process

A floor of 222 days is built into the FGDC Standards Process

FGDC Standards Process What resources will be necessary for the standards setting process? What organizations and entities would be key to implementing this standard?

FGDC Standards Process Who uses FGDC Standards Federal agencies: –OMB Circular A-16 (2002) incorporates EO 12906, which requires Federal agencies to ensure that data comply with FGDC-endorsed standards prior to obligating funds –OMB Circular A-11 requires Federal agencies to indicate if geospatial data to be acquired as part of budget request comply with FGDC-endorsed standards Data producers doing business with Federal Agencies Others: are not required to use FGDC standards, but FGDC standards are freely available and promote data sharing

FGDC Standards Process While nonFeds are not obliged to use FGDC standards, States and locals have higher expectations for participation in FGDC standards development From the proposal, the Sustainable Forests WG appears to have done an excellent job of identifying affected stakeholders in all sectors (Federal, State, local, non-profits, trade associations, etc.) to participate in standards development

Some recommendations: Create a database of contacts in all segments Solicit participation from all segments in development of the standard Nominate a project leader, who can designate a project editor FGDC Standards Process

Julie Binder Maitra WWW: fgdc.gov/standards Thank You! FGDC Standards Process