Am I required to publish USGS scientific software information products associated with a cooperator publication? [185]

Yes. USGS Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) requirements for releasing scientific software information products associated with scholarly publications also apply to cooperator publications. The USGS must provide timely and free public access to scientific software created by or on behalf of the Bureau, except in cases where access must be restricted for security or other justified reasons. Because USGS scientific software constitutes Federal records, these products are government property and must be managed accordingly. 

Responsibility for managing, publishing, and preserving software depends on the funding organization, and responsibilities should be included in a data management plan, documenting how, when, and by whom the software will be reviewed, released, and preserved. However, the requirement to publicly release software applies when the USGS participated in designing or specifying scientific methods implemented in the software or in writing or modifying the source code as an author. For more guidance, refer to SM 502.6, SM 502.8, and SM 502.11.