What is a USGS author's obligation when data collected by an outside source are used (with permission) in a USGS scientific information product and have not been publicly released by the data collector, and who is responsible for releasing the data? [117]

Data used in USGS science information products should be made widely available to help ensure the accuracy, validity, and reproducibility of the scientific results. USGS scientists must ensure that the data associated with their research have proper acknowledgment regarding how the data were collected, where the data will reside, who will release the data, and how the data will be released. This information about data release must be described in data management plans (DMPs) that are included in associated research project plans (refer to guidance on developing DMPs). If the party collecting the data is another Federal agency, that agency has the primary responsibility for releasing the data according to their specific requirements. Refer to Guide to Data Releases With or Without a Companion Publication for six scenarios that describe data release obligations according to roles of USGS scientists and project funding arrangements.

Provisions for handling proprietary data and information, that is, data that cannot be released to the public for specific reasons, are found in SM 502.5. The author must ensure discussion about data release takes place with the data collector prior to signing any cooperative or collaborative agreement to use proprietary data, and decisions about these data releases should also be reflected in the DMP.

Data that are part of a USGS science data information product or used in interpretive work are subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. If the data are considered Federal records, we must comply with requirements related to responding to FOIA requests. Contact the USGS FOIA Officer for additional guidance.