1. The Case for Data Management: Agency Requirements
This training module is part of the Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (or ESIP Federation’s) Data Management Course for Scientists. The subject of this module is “The case for data management: Agency Requirements.” This module was authored by Ruth Duerr from the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Besides the ESIP Federation, sponsors of this Data Management Course are the Data Conservancy and the United States National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Version 1.0
Review Date
Ruth Duerr
National Snow and Ice Data Center

2. Overview
Most agencies have or are developing data management policies or guidelines
As an investigator
You may need to discuss data management in your proposals in order to obtain funding
You may need to follow agency mandates in regards to managing or archiving the data you generate in order to retain funded status
This module provides a high level overview of the ways that some of the US Federal Agencies, in particular those that deal with Earth Science data, are promoting good data management practices.
Since these are, for the most part, new requirements you will have to decide for yourself whether the carrot of funding is worth the new responsibilities or whether these just yet another stick!

3. Agencies requiring data management discussion in proposals
NSF requires a two page data management plan submitted with all proposals
Many NASA Earth Science solicitations require a discussion of data management in submitted proposals
NOAA requires that NOAA grantees include a Data Sharing Plan as part of their project narrative
Proposals to the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center or any of the Department of the Interiors Climate Science Centers require a Proposal Data Management Plan

4. Agencies with data management mandates
Many NSF directorates and even specific solicitations have detailed requirements for what data should be archived and where the data should go
All NASA Earth Science science missions, projects, and grants and cooperative agreements require a data management plan
NOAA is in the process of developing a comprehensive suite of data management related procedural directives covering all NOAA-related data activities
USGS NCCWSC and DOI CSC funded projects must develop and maintain a Research Data Management Plan

5. Resources
UC3 overview of Federal Funding Agency Data Management and Sharing Policies: l
Agency Guidance:
NSF Guidance:
NASA Data Policy: data/data-information-policy/
NOAA Administrative Order : html
USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center guidance:

6. Other Relevant Modules
Expanded discussion by agency
NSF data management planning
NASA data policies
NOAA Administrative Order , Management of Environmental and Geospatial Data and Information
Data management plans
Local data management
Preservation strategies