FSP FAQs: Project Reporting and Cooperator Publications
General overview of Fundamental Science Practices for review and approval of manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, posters, web pages, audiovisual materials, geonarratives/storymaps, book reviews, preprints, Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports, and other written materials, use of the Information Product Data System, and description of the dark archive.
Filter Total Items: 45
How does the USGS address derogatory and (or) offensive words, names, and phrases that may be found in USGS scientific information products? [012] How does the USGS address derogatory and (or) offensive words, names, and phrases that may be found in USGS scientific information products? [012]
The U.S. Geological Survey is committed to addressing derogatory and (or) offensive words, names, and phrases as detailed in a Survey Manual Instructional Memorandum and guidance by the Board of Geographic Names. [Read More]
What are the categories of “Open Access” journals and what are the FSP peer review requirements for these products? [042] What are the categories of “Open Access” journals and what are the FSP peer review requirements for these products? [042]
Journal peer review processes—Category 1: anonymous peer reviews and draft manuscripts are not available to the public; USGS approval process for peer-reviewed journal articles is used. Category 2: peer reviews of draft manuscripts open to the public; two USGS-initiated peer reviews and Bureau approval are required before sending the manuscript to journal. [Read more]
What are cooperator publications and how are they addressed in FSP? [047] What are cooperator publications and how are they addressed in FSP? [047]
Cooperator publications are released in full by the cooperating entity in a publicly accessible location and are clearly a cooperator's product and not a USGS product. Cooperator publications must receive at least two peer reviews, reconciliation, supervisory and science center approvals, and Bureau approval before release. [Read more]
What are the general FSP requirements for peer-reviewed journal submission? [048] What are the general FSP requirements for peer-reviewed journal submission? [048]
Peer-reviewed journal submissions require a minimum of two peer reviews. Bureau approval occurs after peer review reconciliation and before the reconciled manuscript is returned to the journal for possible acceptance. [Read more]
What is the review and approval process for news releases, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces? [058] What is the review and approval process for news releases, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces? [058]
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]
What is the FSP policy for the release of USGS science information in journals and other outside publications? [085] What is the FSP policy for the release of USGS science information in journals and other outside publications? [085]
As with information products released by the USGS, the review and approval requirements for external information products are governed by FSP. Refer to SM 1100.4 for policy on outside publications. [Read more]
May USGS authors use preprint servers to distribute their journal manuscripts? [086] May USGS authors use preprint servers to distribute their journal manuscripts? [086]
Yes, authors may use preprint servers in accordance with the guidance provided for preprints [Read more].
What are the requirements related to planning and conducting data collection and research? [115] What are the requirements related to planning and conducting data collection and research? [115]
USGS data collection and research activities are governed by work plans. Work plans ensure scientific goals are achievable and appropriate to the mission of the USGS. [Read more]
What are FSP requirements for release of research data collected by USGS but funded by external cooperators? [118] What are FSP requirements for release of research data collected by USGS but funded by external cooperators? [118]
If data are collected by USGS employees, students, emeritus and other volunteers, and contractors to benefit the USGS, or using USGS funds, it is the responsibility of the USGS to ensure appropriate release. An agreement between the cooperator/collaborator and USGS should specify the data management responsibilities. [Read more]
What if a USGS coauthor finds out from the non-USGS lead author that the scientific information product has been accepted by the journal and will be published more quickly than expected? [144] What if a USGS coauthor finds out from the non-USGS lead author that the scientific information product has been accepted by the journal and will be published more quickly than expected? [144]
Inform your supervisor, Center Director, and BAO to expedite review and approvals; BAOs may be able to move the product up in their queues. Manuscripts that will be posted online as soon as they are received by the journal should obtain Bureau approval prior to submission. To avoid these situations, discuss the USGS FSP process with coauthors before a manuscript is sent to a journal. [Read more]
Why must the accepted manuscript be placed in the IPDS after it is published by the journal? [145] Why must the accepted manuscript be placed in the IPDS after it is published by the journal? [145]
The IPDS serves as an archive for short-term, temporary records. In the event the journal does not provide free public access, the accepted manuscript that is placed in the IPDS can be provided to the public through the USGS Publications Warehouse. This will ensure the USGS meets the OSTP public access requirement for federally funded research. [Read more]
Under what circumstances should products in the Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR) series (formerly Administrative Report series) be prepared? [146] Under what circumstances should products in the Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR) series (formerly Administrative Report series) be prepared? [146]
These limited-use publication series products are prepared when directed by USGS management in concert with or independent of a request from a U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner. RFFIRs are directed and (or) requested when investigations involve threatened or endangered species or are in support of confidential negotiations or litigation.
What are the possible format options for RFFIRs? [147] What are the possible format options for RFFIRs? [147]
A letter report is one possible format for a Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR). An optional template for RFFIRs is available. [Read more]
As an author, what is my responsibility for maintaining official copies of my Bureau-approved RFFIR? [149] As an author, what is my responsibility for maintaining official copies of my Bureau-approved RFFIR? [149]
A printed copy of each Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR) must be sent to the USGS Library (Reston) for the Library’s limited-access storage. Another copy of the RFFIR should be maintained with other project material in accordance with the Department’s policy regarding official records. [Read more]
How can I convert an RFFIR publicly released by the receiving U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner into a USGS Open-File Report (OFR) to be cited and indexed in the Publications Warehouse? [150] How can I convert an RFFIR publicly released by the receiving U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner into a USGS Open-File Report (OFR) to be cited and indexed in the Publications Warehouse? [150]
Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIRs) are not public and cannot be cited, it may be worthwhile to publicly release these reports in other USGS series, such as Open File Report (OFR), once deemed appropriate to do so. A new IPDS record for OFR should be created, following the standard process for review, approval, and coordination with the Science Publishing Network. [Read more]
Can I cite or index RFFIRs on a USGS public-facing web page? [151] Can I cite or index RFFIRs on a USGS public-facing web page? [151]
Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIRs) are not to be referenced, posted, or indexed on USGS public-facing web pages or included in a list of publications on individual staff profile pages. Because RFFIRs are not citable, they are not to be indexed in the USGS Publications Warehouse or included in a list of publications on individual staff profile pages.
What are the entities for which I can and cannot prepare RFFIRs? [152] What are the entities for which I can and cannot prepare RFFIRs? [152]
The Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIR) series is to be used for confidential communication between USGS and a U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner. RFFIRs cannot be produced for private communications. [Read more]
What types of project progress information can be reported and why is that important? [153] What types of project progress information can be reported and why is that important? [153]
Project progress reporting can involve noninterpretive scientific information, previously published interpretive scientific information, or new interpretive scientific. The type of content dictates how the FSP apply and whether tracking in the IPDS is required. [Read more]
What formats can be used for reports of project progress? [154] What formats can be used for reports of project progress? [154]
Reports of project progress that contain non-interpretive or previously published interpretive information can be delivered in slides, summaries, correspondence, emails, or oral communications; conversely, new interpretive content must be tracked in IPDS and may include: (1) abstract, poster, presentation, exhibit, newsletter, (2) USGS publication series product, or (3) outside publication. [Read...
Is there a product type for reports of project progress in IPDS? [155] Is there a product type for reports of project progress in IPDS? [155]
No. There is not a product type in the IPDS for reports of project progress.
What are the requirements for communicating unpublished interpretive content in reports of project progress among collaborators? [157] What are the requirements for communicating unpublished interpretive content in reports of project progress among collaborators? [157]
Project progress reports with new interpretive information must include disclaimers indicating preliminary/provisional, deliberative, predecisional nature of information; requirement to not disclose or release information; and waiving of USGS and U.S. Government liability. These reports must be labeled “Preliminary Information Subject to Revision. Not for Citation or Distribution." [Read more]