Fundamental Science Practices Frequently Asked Questions

The BAOs, when reviewing any peer reviews and reconciliations, check to ensure that FSP peer review requirements have been followed. All peer reviews (including all USGS and journal reviews) and all reconciliations that occur before Bureau approval must be submitted as part of the approval package to the BAOs before any reconciliations are sent back to peer-reviewed journals. [Read more]

Yes. Manuscripts submitted for external peer review by any outside entity, including peer-reviewed journals, that have not received Bureau approval must carry the disclaimer statement about not disclosing or releasing the information being reviewed. [Read more]

A minimum of two peer reviews is required for these product types. If the peer-reviewed journal does not provide peer review for the given type of submission, then the author must follow Approach 1. Two USGS-initiated peer reviews must be obtained and reconciled, the manuscript must be revised, and these components must be uploaded to the IPDS. [Read more]

Maybe. In cases where the journal editor evaluates or critiques the science, the review may be counted as a peer review. In cases where the journal editor's review is editorial in nature only and no peer review is provided by the journal, an additional USGS-initiated peer review must be provided to meet the requirement for a minimum of two peer reviews. [Read more]

For USGS data products stored in non-USGS repositories, review, approval, release, and preservation requirements apply. A copy of the metadata record that describes the data asset and includes a resolvable Digital Object Identifier (DOI), must be added to the USGS Science Data Catalog, using the individual metadata upload page. [Read more]

A metadata review includes both checking for compliance with metadata standards by using a recommended metadata validation tool and performing quality checks. A minimum of one metadata review by a qualified reviewer is required for all USGS scientific data prepared for release. The role of the metadata reviewer is to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and usability of the metadata. [Read more]

News releases, opinion pieces (commonly called op-eds), and letters to the editor are under the purview of the USGS Office of Communications and Publishing (OCAP) and are governed by review, approval and release processes as detailed in SM 500.5. Refer to delegated Bureau approval authority for additional information about approval of scientific news media products. [Read more]

USGS scientific software information products and scientific data products follow similar FSP requirements for review and approval. Both are considered noninterpretive information. Scientific data are subject to the requirements of the OPEN Government Data Act while scientific software information products are subject to the SHARE IT Act. [Read more]

Depending on the product or product content, Bureau approval authority (formerly Director's approval) is delegated to Science Center Directors and to Bureau Approving Officials (BAO)s in the Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI). Refer to SM 205.18 for detailed information on the approval authority for various scientific information products. [Read more]

Approval is granted via the IPDS. The following documents are required: original manuscript; revised manuscript; for USGS-series and journal submissions, editor comments and directions in original form; all original peer reviewers' comments and all manuscript markups; a reconciliation document addressing all substantive peer review comments and any directions from the editor. [Read more]

For brief comments, the BAOs will use the comment box in the IPDS and indicate changes needed on the manuscript as necessary. For more extensive comments, the BAOs will provide a memorandum attached as a supporting document in the IPDS or as notes and tracked changes in the approved manuscript that indicates changes needed in the manuscript as necessary. [Read more]

Refer to USGS series descriptions (their intent, audience, format) and discuss series options with your Science Center, Bureau Approving Official, and local Publishing Service Center Chief to determine which USGS series is appropriate to use for your published information product. [Read more]

USGS series information products consist of a Professional Paper, Scientific Investigations Report, Scientific Investigations Map, Data Report, Techniques and Methods, Circular, Fact Sheet, General Information Product, or limited-use Open-File Report. [Read more]

Issues in clear violation of FSP policy and procedures or other policies can result in rejection of a manuscript with a request for revision and resubmittal for approval. These issues include inappropriate/inadequate peer reviewers, incomplete peer review or reconciliation, inappropriate criticism of others, advocacy in presentation of results, lack of product endorsement disclaimers. [Read more]

The BAOs recognize poorly written/edited manuscripts as not acceptable under general USGS standards for science presentation and clarity of expression and will return them for further work. Texts with editorial issues of sufficient scope and scale such that one cannot focus on content usually result in rejection. [Read more]

In FY2017 the average approval time was six business days, but the length of time for Bureau approval depends on a number of factors including length and complexity. Contacting your BAO in advance is recommended. [Read more]

The product’s lead or senior USGS author will receive an automated notice from the IPDS when a scientific information product has received Bureau approval. [Read more]

After Bureau approval, the author returns the manuscript to the PSC [USGS Series Reports] or submits to the outside entity [e.g. journal editor, cooperator, etc]. For outside publications, author uploads approved manuscript and disseminates [IPDS record is closed and goes to the dark archive]. [Read more]

The author is informed by the Science Center Director or designee after he/she receives a rejection notification from the IPDS.

Selection of the appropriate USGS publication series or external outlet is made by the author and Science Center Director, and may include consultation with PSC staff, managers and BAOs. [Read more]

Information related to obtaining Bureau approval for USGS science information products is found in SM 502.4 and who has the authority to approve is found in SM 205.18. A table summarizing these requirements and short FSP training modules are available. [Read more]