What is required to comply with Federal Source Code Policy? [138]

By Office of Science Quality and Integrity

Generally, source code associated with USGS software releases must be made available at minimum for Federal Government-wide reuse. Source code for USGS software releases must include an appropriate open-source license or secured re-use rights; be included in the USGS source code inventory; be accompanied by documentation to facilitate reuse and participation by third parties. [Read more]

The 2016 Federal Source Code Policy, SHARE IT ACT, and USGS Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) require a strategic analysis of mission goals and consideration of existing open, mixed, and proprietary software solutions free of preconceived preferences prior to starting a new software project. Custom-developed code may be considered only if existing solutions do not adequately satisfy USGS needs or the purpose of science and innovation.

With limited exceptions, all custom-developed code associated with USGS scientific software information products must be made publicly available. USGS scientific software information products must:

Include an appropriate open-source license. For contract work, agencies must secure rights sufficient for public reuse.
Be hosted on an approved hosting platform. Contact gs_git_help@usgs.gov for more information on approved hosting platforms.
Include a compatible software metadata record (for example, a code.json file or future standard).
Be accompanied by documentation and other supporting materials sufficient for a knowledgeable third party to evaluate, use, and reproduce the results of the software.