Geospatial LoB Draft Strategic Plan 

GEOSPATIAL LINE OF BUSINESS 

DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN   

MARCH 3, 2008  

Last Updated 7/22/2008  i 

Table of Contents GEOSPATIAL LINE OF BUSINESS ............................................................................................. I 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3 

1.1 Background................................................................................................................................ 3 1.2 Purpose ..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Performance framework ............................................................................................................ 3 

2 OVERVIEW OF GEOSPATIAL LINE OF BUSINESS TASKS ........................................... 5 3 FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 GEOSPATIAL LINE OF BUSINESS STRATEGIC PLAN....... 7 

3.1 Task One: Review/update FGDC guidance documents ........................................................... 8 3.2 Task Two: Evaluate and define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle and identify 

common capabilities to allow cost-benefit ROI for shared services .......................................... 9 3.3 Task Three: Define and establish A-16 data steward lifecycle responsibilities and 

performance measures............................................................................................................ 11 3.4 Task Four: Expand SmartBUY (and alternatives) for geospatial data and technologies........ 12 3.5 Task Five: Develop outreach programs to demonstrate the value of “place-based” 

approaches and geospatial technology................................................................................... 14 3.6 Task Six: Develop and implement common grants language for geospatial information and 

services.................................................................................................................................... 16 3.7 Task Seven: Develop and implement geospatial requirements language for Federal contracts 

(FAR, DFAR) ........................................................................................................................... 18 3.8 Task Eight: Implement MOUs/SLAs/ELAs for common geospatial services .......................... 19 3.9 Task Nine: Develop requirements and recommendations for technology and 

telecommunications infrastructure required to deliver geospatial services............................. 20 3.10 Task Ten: Provide a broker service for data searching among agencies which will build on 

and improve existing systems ................................................................................................. 21  

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Geospatial Line of Business (LoB) is a government wide initiative sponsored by the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) supporting effective geospatial investments and better performance 

across the Federal government.  The Geospatial LoB focuses on improving the effectiveness of 

government through the more widespread use of geospatial information, which can often improve the 

quality and timeliness of agency decision-making across a wide variety of programmatic contexts. The 

Geospatial LoB helps to improve the efficiency of government by making geospatial data more 

accessible, reliable, and less expensive to acquire through enhanced data-sharing and more effective 

management of investments.  

Reflecting decades of cooperative interagency activity in the geospatial arena, the Geospatial LoB is itself 

an interagency activity.  The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey has been designated by 

OMB as Managing Partner for the initiative, but governance truly is shared across more than two dozen 

other partner agencies. The primary mechanism for this coordination is the interagency Federal 

Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), established decades ago pursuant to OMB Circular A-16.   

FGDC promotes the coordinated development, use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data through 

mechanisms such as Geospatial One Stop (GOS).  The GOS online “card catalog” of geospatial holdings, 

the portal for accessing data, and the marketplace functionality represent critical tools for advancing the 

National Spatial Data Infrastructure.  Many Geospatial Line of Business tasks will enable the government 

to better leverage and expand usage of GOS capabilities. 

The purpose of this Strategic Plan is to present key goals and deliverables for the Geospatial LoB based 

on the objectives of this initiative and overall goals of FGDC.  This document rests on foundation 

documents that include a Common Solution and Target Architecture (CSTA) document, a Performance 

Management Strategy, and an OMB Exhibit 300.   This Strategic Plan is eighteen months more current 

than the CSTA, is essentially a high level version of the more detailed and recently developed 

Performance Management Plan and specific work plans for each work group, which in turn address the 

tactical approach the Geospatial LoB will employ to achieve its goals and objectives over the next several 

years.  The milestones and task completion dates within this Strategic Plan reflect a bottoms-up analysis 

by each work group based on a thorough analysis of level of effort of the objectives set forth in the CSTA 

approximately 18 months ago.   

There are ten tasks to be undertaken by the Geospatial Line of Business:  

• enhance governance: 

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• define the geospatial data lifecycle,  

• establish lifecycle responsibilities,  

• utilize SmartBUY,  

• develop outreach programs,  

• adopt grants language,  

• adopt procurement language,  

• reach common services agreements,  

• define IT infrastructure, and  

• provide broker services.   

Many of these tasks are expected to be fulfilled over a timeline that extends through 2013. However, FY 

2008 emphasis will be given to grants and procurement guidance, common services, and Smart-Buy 

initiatives, in order to produce and demonstrate measureable results during calendar 2008.  Additional 

steps will occur during FY 2008 to initiate other tasks that involve extensive planning and analysis 

needed prior to implementation. 

This strategic plan will be reviewed annually to ensure performance and outcomes are in alignment with 

the goals of the Geospatial LoB throughout the lifecycle of this initiative. 

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1 INTRODUCTION  This Geospatial Line of Business (LoB) Strategic Plan herein referred to as the “Plan” provides a 

framework that lays out the LoB tasks and provides an accountability framework for results.  It addresses 

our approach for FY08 and FY09, but is a living document that will be updated annually as we learn more 

about the most effective ways to focus our efforts and accomplish outcomes. 

1.1 Background  This Plan is based on the Geospatial LoB Performance Management Plan (PM Plan), completed in 

January 2008, which identifies key goals and strategies for delivering timely, useful, and cost-effective 

geospatial data and services to federal agencies and, U.S. citizens.  The Plan provides a framework to 

assess progress towards the completion of the Geospatial LoB tasks across several dimensions, including 

the capability to: 

• Enhance performance and accountability; 

• Assess, track, and report on planned schedules and performance measures; 

• Assess, track, and report on cost and schedule performance; 

• Assess, track, and report on outcome-oriented metrics, reflective of customer-centric result;  

• Assess operational performance of the LoB; and 

• Assess reporting and compliance performance of the LoB to manage risks. 

1.2 Purpose  The purpose of this document is to convey the goals, strategies, tasks, schedule, and performance targets 

for the Geospatial LoB.  The Plan provides a framework to guide the achievement of LoB tasks and to 

provide accountability for measuring and evaluating progress in pursuit of these goals and strategies.  

This Plan builds structured timelines, introduces anticipated deliverables, and identifies dependencies 

associated with the completion of tasks and subtasks.  The foundation for the Plan comes from a 

comprehensive performance framework found in the PM Plan that serves to: 1) provide over-arching end 

outcome goals that shape nearer-term intermediate outcome goals, strategies, and tasks; and 2) serve as a 

context for aligning every part of the effort in an integrated manner.   

1.3 Performance framework The Geospatial LoB has created a performance framework that follows a conventional performance 

management logic model approach.  The approach shows the relationship between specific tasks to the 

overall Geospatial LoB vision. The performance framework is consistent with the Geospatial LoB 

Common Solution and Target Architecture document and the federal enterprise architecture performance 

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model.  This model outlines intermediate outcomes designed to produce measurable progress toward the 

end outcomes annually based on a set of complex tasks, each with its own detailed work breakdown 

structures. 

The Geospatial LoB Performance Framework, represented in Figure 1, depicts the vertical alignment that 

links individual tasks and subtasks to higher-level strategies and outcomes.  The framework also 

illustrates horizontally how the goals, strategies, and tasks are unified across the network of data 

providers and users.  The use of standard performance management terminology promotes effective 

communication and coordinated action as well as allows participants to better understand the specific 

contexts in which they carry out their roles and responsibilities in the LoB. 

Figure 1-1: Geospatial LoB Performance Framework 

What isour VISION?

WhatEND OUTCOMESmeasure success?

WhatSTRATEGIESwill getus there?

What INTERMEDIATEOUTCOMESindicate thatstrategies areworking?

What TASKSwill activatethe strategies?

Serve the Nation’s interests, and the core missions of Federal agencies and their partners, throughthe effective and efficient development, provision, and interoperability of geospatial data and services

1. DataReliability

2. InformationTimeliness

3. CostEffectiveness

4. CustomerUtility

A. Establish agovernance mechanismthat fosters 

collaboration across sectors

B. Coordinateplanning &investment 

to maximize ROI

C. Optimize andstandardizedata and services

I. Increasedagency

useof

datastandards

IV. Active, themebased

communitieswith strong

data stewards

III. Partners cooperate

and complywith  Federalrequirements

V. Broader adoptionof GIS

Technologyby federalagencies

II. Cost savingsfrom shared

data

1. Enhancegovernance

2. Definedata 

lifecycle

3. Establish lifecycle 

responsibilities

4. Utilize SmartBUY

5. Develop outreach programs

6. Adopt grantslanguage

7. Adoptprocurement

language

8. Reach commonservices 

agreements

9. Define IT infrastructure

10. Provide broker

services

What isour VISION?

WhatEND OUTCOMESmeasure success?

WhatSTRATEGIESwill getus there?

What INTERMEDIATEOUTCOMESindicate thatstrategies areworking?

What TASKSwill activatethe strategies?

Serve the Nation’s interests, and the core missions of Federal agencies and their partners, throughthe effective and efficient development, provision, and interoperability of geospatial data and services

1. DataReliability

2. InformationTimeliness

3. CostEffectiveness

4. CustomerUtility

A. Establish agovernance mechanismthat fosters 

collaboration across sectors

B. Coordinateplanning &investment 

to maximize ROI

C. Optimize andstandardizedata and services

I. Increasedagency

useof

datastandards

IV. Active, themebased

communitieswith strong

data stewards

III. Partners cooperate

and complywith  Federalrequirements

V. Broader adoptionof GIS

Technologyby federalagencies

II. Cost savingsfrom shared

data

1. Enhancegovernance

2. Definedata 

lifecycle

3. Establish lifecycle 

responsibilities

4. Utilize SmartBUY

5. Develop outreach programs

6. Adopt grantslanguage

7. Adoptprocurement

language

8. Reach commonservices 

agreements

9. Define IT infrastructure

10. Provide broker

services

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2 OVERVIEW OF GEOSPATIAL LINE OF BUSINESS TASKS A set of ten key tasks are planned for FY08 and FY09 to support the four overarching strategies within 

the geospatial framework.  Table 3-1 elaborates on each of the ten tasks and depicts the associated 

strategies as well as the intermediate and long-term outcomes supported. 

Associated End Outcomes 

Associated Strategies  

Associated Intermediate Outcomes   

Task # 

Task 

Data reliability 

Information tim

eliness 

 Cost effectiveness 

Custom

er utility 

Establish governance 

Maxim

ize RO

I 

Optim

ize data/services 

Increased agency use of data standards 

Cost savings 

Grant/contract 

 policy compliance 

Active com

munities 

Broader adoption of G

IS technology by agencies 

1 Enhance governance 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 2 Define data lifecycle 9 9 9 9 9  9 9 9 9 9 9 3 Establish lifecycle 

responsibilities 9 9 9 9 9  9 9 9 9 9 9 

4 Utilize SmartBUY 9 9 9 9 9  9 9 9  9 9 5 Develop outreach 

programs  9 9 9 9  9 9 9  9 9 

6 Adopt grants language 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 7 Adopt procurement 

languages  9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 

8 Reach common services agreements   9 9 9 9 9 9 9  9 9 

9 Define IT infrastructure    9 9  9 9 9 9 9 9 10 Provide broker services 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 

Table 2-1: Alignment between Geospatial LoB Tasks and Performance Framework 

To accomplish all of these tasks, interagency work group participants from partner agencies have been 

formed.  Work groups are responsible for deliverables associated with target beginning Quarter of 

Completion.  Table 3-2 depicts the major deliverables targeted for completion by each work group within 

FY08 and FY09. 

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Work Group Responsible Tasks 

FY08 Milestones  FY09 Milestones 

Performance Management  

Task One: Review/update FGDC Guidance Documents   

• Memorandum from DOI Deputy Secretary Scarlett transferring LoB management  responsibility from LoB Task Force to FGDC Coordination Group 

    (08Q2) • Geospatial LoB Performance 

Management Plan      (08Q2) 

• OMB concurrence with proposed changes to A-16 appendix on data themes  (09Q2) 

Common Services  Task Four: Expand SmartBUY (and Alternatives) for Geospatial Data and Technologies  Task Eight: MOUs/ SLAs/ELAs for Common Geospatial Services  

• ELA scope requirements and acquisition plan(s) 

     (08Q2) • Selection of ELAs to pursue       (08Q3) • ELA negotiation strategy      (08Q3)  •  

• Establishment of two multi-agency ELA agreements  (09Q1) 

• Deployed/hosted registry of reusable tools and components (09Q2) 

Lifecycle Management  

Task Two: Evaluate and define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle and identify common capabilities to allow cost-benefit return on investment (ROI) for shared services   Task Three: Define and establish A-16 data steward lifecycle responsibilities and performance measures  

• FDGC-approved lexicon of data lifecycle stages 

     (08Q2)   

• Development of a repeatable process for modifying A-16 appendices and recommendations for specific A-16 changes

     (09Q4) • Proposal for 

government wide management of data lifecycle for most significant data sets  (09Q4) 

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Work Group Responsible Tasks 

FY08 Milestones  FY09 Milestones 

Geo-Enabled Business  

Task Five: Develop outreach programs to demonstrate the value of “place-based” approaches and geospatial technology  Task Ten: Provide a broker service for data searching among agencies which will build on and improve existing systems  

• Final Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan  

    (08Q2) • CAP grants evaluation and 

compilation of best practices      (08Q2) • Development and 

dissemination of two best practice articles supporting agencies in geo-enabling their programs   

     (08Q4)    

To be determined 

Grants and Contracts  

Task Six: Develop and implement common grants language for geospatial information and services   Task Seven: Develop and implement geospatial requirements language for Federal contracts (FAR, DFAR) 

• Adoption of proposed grants guidance language in 2 CFR 

    (08Q4) • Development of voluntary 

agency-specific contract language models 

    (08Q4) 

• Approved timeline for changes to FAR/ DFAR or addition to contracts 

    (09Q1) 

Technical Architecture  

Task Nine: Develop Requirements and Recommendations for Technology and Telecommunications Infrastructure Required to Deliver Geospatial Services 

• Publication of FEA Geospatial Profile, Version 2.0  

    (08Q4) 

• Web services testing and requirements reporting  

     (09Q4) 

Table 2-2: Geospatial LoB FY08 and FY09 Work Groups, Tasks, and Milestones  

3 FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 GEOSPATIAL LINE OF BUSINESS STRATEGIC PLAN This section provides summary information on the ten major tasks outlined in the PM Strategy.  It briefly 

provides information on the draft subtasks currently expected to be initiated in FY08 and FY09, and 

offers estimates of Federal and contractor resources associated with these subtasks.   

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3.1 Task One: Review/update FGDC guidance documents  Review guidance governing FGDC, including OMB Circular A-16 and the Geospatial LoB Common 

Solution and Target Architecture (CSTA), to determine recommended changes to FGDC organizational 

structure and membership, roles and responsibilities, stewardship lifecycle operating procedures, 

standards development, and related activities.   

Task Lead: John Mahoney, DOI-USGS  

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards, grant/contract policy compliance, 

active communities, broader adoption of GIS technology by federal agencies 

End Outcomes: Data reliability, cost effectiveness, customer utility 

3.1.1 Description The review and update of FGDC governance processes and documents will result in more effective and 

coordinated management of Federal geospatial programs and investments. 

Interagency collaboration for geospatial-related activities and investments across all levels of government 

is a prerequisite for effectively leveraging taxpayer dollars.  Subtasks will serve to re-energize the FGDC 

and make it easier for FGDC member agencies to: 

• Identify, evaluate, and implement common geospatial priorities, services, processes, and best practices;  

• Signal effective Federal leadership and competence to non-Federal geospatial stakeholders; and 

• Enhance coordination among geospatial community stakeholders. 

3.1.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

Memorandum from Deputy Secretary Scarlett designating FGDC Coordination Group as assuming the responsibilities of the Geospatial LoB Task Force  

08Q2 

Geospatial LoB Performance Management Plan 08Q2 

OMB concurrence with proposed changes to A-16 appendix on data themes 

09Q2 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

1.1 Transition LoB Task Force roles and responsibilities to FGDC Coordination Group as defined in LoB Common Solutions/Target Architecture document  

08Q2 

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Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

1.2  

Review and revise FGDC operational organizations (theme-based and LoB sub-groups) to align with JBC and Program Management Plan objectives (including procedures and criteria for changing data themes and theme leads) 

08Q4 

1.3 Complete Performance Management Plan 08Q2 1.4  

Review OMB Circular A-16 to identify desired changes, particularly with respect to data themes and theme leads, and secure FGDC Steering Committee and OMB approval 

08Q4 

1.5   

Align FY09 FGDC CAP grant solicitation with JBC and Program Management Plan objectives 

09Q1 

1.6   

Review A-16 and revise appendices to include Data Lifecycle Management (nine stages) requirements for Data Stewards; develop/define A-16 common terminology, processes, and procedures  

09Q2  

3.1.3 Task Dependencies Task 1 has the following dependencies: 

• Task 3: Define and establish A-16 data steward lifecycle responsibilities and performance measures, and 

• Task 5: Develop outreach programs to demonstrate the value of “place-based” approaches and geospatial 

technology. 

3.2 Task Two: Evaluate and define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle and identify common capabilities to allow cost-benefit ROI for shared services  

Define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle (including identifying and developing common 

terminology and practices as well as assessing existing practices) in order to determine best practices that 

allow for shared services. 

Task Lead: Wendy Blake-Coleman, EPA 

Intermediate Outcomes: Active communities 

End Outcomes: Information timeliness, customer utility 

3.2.1 Description Current geospatial efforts are largely conducted independently across Federal agencies based on agency-

specific geospatial business requirements.  Duplicative efforts to capture data and services result in 

parallel business processes and potential disinvestment.  There is a need to foster an environment where 

Federal agencies use common standards to publish and share geospatially-enabled data.  As geospatial 

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data stewards and consumers better articulate needed investments in thematic data, more effective 

strategies can be employed to meet data user requirements of Federal agencies and other users. 

Specific attention is needed to: 

• Create cost-efficient access to geospatial data and information facilitated by shared requirements, 

acquisition strategies, and flexible processing methods; 

• Coordinate geospatial requirements and capabilities; and 

• Enhance thematic data layer portfolio management on an interagency basis. 

After identifying authoritative datasets and their sources, this work group will coordinate with Geospatial 

One Stop (GOS) to ensure that information on these datasets is posted on the GOS portal for others to 

access.  

3.2.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

FDGC-approved lexicon of data lifecycle stages 08Q2 

Proposal for government wide management of data lifecycle for most significant data sets 

09Q4 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

2.1  Define the nine lifecycle stages and create a detailed lexicon including the following: inventory, collect/produce, process, analyze/use, store, publish, distribute, archive, and dispose 

08Q2 

2.2  

For each A-16 data theme: a) identify known data sets; b) based on available information, for each data set, list current leads, production schedules, milestones, performance measures, and budget; and c) based on agreed-upon criteria, identify the most significant data sets for each theme 

08Q2 

2.3   

Define geospatial data lifecycle stages (e.g., common terminology, practices, and procedures); propose how to reconcile terms under key Federal documents (e.g., LoB, CSTA, A-130, and FEA); establish a matrix depicting the geospatial lifecycle phases/sub-elements and determine granularity 

08Q3 

2.4  

Based on identification of the most significant data sets for each theme, quantitatively assess opportunities to capture efficiencies in development and maintenance (cost, schedule, and quality) of lifecycle stages on a government wide basis; identify ‘best practices’ for each lifecycle phase 

09Q4   

2.5  

Structure annual A-16 theme data steward report consistent with the lifecycle lexicon 

09Q2 

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3.2.3 Task Dependencies Task 2 dependencies include: 

• Task 1: Review/update FGDC guidance documents, 

• Task 4: Expand SmartBUY (and alternatives) for geospatial data and technologies, and 

• Task 8: Implement MOUs/SLAs/ELAs for common geospatial services. 

3.3 Task Three: Define and establish A-16 data steward lifecycle responsibilities and performance measures  

Identify and evaluate key stakeholder geospatial data requirements and compare these requirements to 

work under way on A-16 themes and associated data, including definitions/standards, data production 

schedules, milestones, and budgets.  Make recommendations for improving the management of the A-16 

portfolio, including developing interagency communities of interest under data steward leads, adjusting 

the content of the A-16 portfolio inventory, and make recommendations for applying these approaches to 

non A-16 data sets of national significance. 

Task Lead: Wendy Blake-Coleman, EPA 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards, cost savings, grant/contract policy 

compliance, active communities, broader adoption of GIS technology by federal agencies  

End Outcomes: Data reliability, information timeliness, cost effectiveness, customer utility 

3.3.1 Description Although information sharing is occurring within some communities of interest, the atypical nature of 

common data acquisition, sharing, standards, and practices results in unnecessary inefficiencies and costs.  

Establishing partnerships, communities of interest, and lead agency (data steward) responsibilities and 

budgets will promote accountability and efficiency across government. 

One of the primary objectives of the Geospatial LoB Common Solutions/Target Architecture document is 

to optimize and standardize common geospatial functions, services, and processes to be more responsive 

to customers.   

This task will promote objectives including: 

• Implement guidance provided through the FEA Geospatial Profile; 

• Adopt, deploy, and promote effective use of geospatial interoperability standards; and 

• Establish an LoB-wide business architecture for common functions associated with geospatial 

information. 

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3.3.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

Development of a repeatable process for modifying A-16 appendices and recommendations for specific A-16 changes 

09Q4 

 Subtask 

Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

3.1   Compare the results of the FY06 and FY07 OMB Geospatial Data Calls and FY07 A-16 data theme/layers report to identify commonalities, inconsistencies, and discrepancies as a basis for defining data requirements or priorities  

08Q2 

3.2 Identify additional key /nationally significant data themes, data layers and associated data content standards not on the current A-16 list, but should be considered for inclusion based on user requirements and develop a repeatable process for modifying A-16 appendices  (This subtask includes reconciliation of existing agency A-16 responsibilities with Homeland Security Information Program (HSIP) recommendations) 

08Q4 

3.3  

Analyze the difference between work currently being done or scheduled under A-16 compared to user requirements for both A-16 and other nationally-significant data sets  

09Q4  

3.4  

Complete plan to address identified gaps between current A-16 data work and user needs identified under task 3.4 to include harmonization of data definitions and feature classes, and standards, developing COI and adding/deleting data sets from A-16  

10Q3 

3.5 Make recommendation for establishing Minimum Data Standard, definitions and feature classes for non A-16/Nationally Significant Data Themes in support of NSDI (consult with NGAC)  

10Q2  

3.3.3 Dependencies Task 3 dependencies include: 

• Task 1: Review/update FGDC guidance documents, and 

• Task 2: Evaluate and define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle and identify common 

capabilities to allow cost-benefit ROI for shared services. 

3.4 Task Four: Expand SmartBUY (and alternatives) for geospatial data and technologies 

Expand SmartBUY (and alternatives) efforts for geospatial data and technologies and consider 

government wide licenses, or shared licenses for smaller agencies that could be facilitated by a designated 

agency.   

Task Lead: Matthew Leopard, EPA 

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Intermediate Outcomes: Cost savings, active communities 

End Outcomes: Cost effectiveness, customer utility 

3.4.1 Description The General Services Administration’s (GSA) SmartBUY Program utilizes group discounts through 

volume purchasing.  SmartBUY uses common, high utility, flexible agreements to improve access to and 

lower the cost of licenses.  SmartBUY also ensures that smaller agencies or smaller groups of users can 

gain access to the best technologies at the lowest cost.  Options to add geospatially-related products and 

services to GSA SmartBUY will be identified and evaluated.  Work Group efforts will identify products 

and services or recommend use of SmartBUY or other government wide contract vehicles with the 

intention of providing meaningful tools and direction to Federal agencies consistent with the Federal 

Enterprise Architecture.  Cost efficient acquisition, processing, and access to geospatial data and 

information can be facilitated by coordinated acquisition strategies within the Federal sector.   

Designated lead agencies are expected to: 

• Coordinate geospatial requirements and capabilities, and 

• Identify opportunities and consolidate geospatial acquisition activities when cost-effective and when all 

essential agency requirements are met. 

The Common Services Work Group will review data captured during the 2007 Geospatial LoB data call 

to identify Federal agency requirements for geospatial technologies and services including current 

contract vehicles.  In addition, the Work Group will determine if a need for new vehicles, products, or 

services is identified by the data call.  GOS will serve this work group as a channel for publicizing 

opportunities for sharing geospatial software as well as cross-agency collaboration to establish ELAs.   

3.4.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

ELA scope requirements and acquisition plan 08Q2 

Selection of ELAs to pursue 08Q3 

ELA negotiation strategy 08Q3 

Establishment of two multi-agency ELA agreements   

09Q1 

Deployed/hosted Registry of Reusable Tools and Components 

09Q2 

Template for data, tool, and policy sharing 10Q2 

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Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

4.1  Review results of 2007 data call; compile summary pertaining to technology spending to establish baseline understanding; conduct a licensing needs analysis based on available information (2007 data call and other sources) 

08Q2 

4.2 Develop license purchasing scenarios for the federal community, identifying and redefining schedules based on scenarios as necessary, then tailoring technical and functional requirements to support profiles of small, medium, and large agencies 

08Q3 

4.3 Develop and implement cross-licensing agreements and contracts 09Q2 4.4 Develop and launch reusable tool component registry concept and 

publish list of Geo-tools 09Q3 

4.5 Seek two to three tools and services for CY08 deployment 09Q2 4.6 Develop approach to continue to expand enterprise licenses and share 

data 09Q2 

4.7 Assess "50 States Initiative" state plans to determine cost share opportunities 

09Q1 

3.4.3 Dependencies Task 4 dependencies include: 

• Task 2: Evaluate and define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle and identify common 

capabilities to allow cost-benefit ROI for shared services, 

• Task 5: Develop outreach programs to demonstrate the value of “place-based” approaches and geospatial 

technology,  

• Task 8: Implement MOUs/SLAs/ELAs for common geospatial services, and 

• Task 10: Provide a broker service for data searching among agencies which will build on and improve 

existing systems. 

3.5 Task Five: Develop outreach programs to demonstrate the value of “place-based” approaches and geospatial technology  

Develop outreach programs for program managers and architects to communicate the value of geospatial 

approaches to business processes, especially to audiences that have limited experience with geo-enabled 

decision-making.  The Work Group’s vision is to prepare Federal program managers and executives to 

identify their geo-enabled business needs, gaps in their geospatial capabilities, and opportunities for 

collaboration in their business outcomes; collectively, leading to economies of scale, purchasing power, 

and cost-avoidance.  FGDC communication vehicles (i.e. Spatially Speaking, the GOS website 

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geodata.gov), conferences, and government news publications will help facilitate the dissemination of 

communication products spearheaded by this work group. 

Task Lead: David Paschane, VA 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards, cost savings, active communities, 

broader adoption of GIS technology by federal agencies 

End Outcomes: Customer utility 

3.5.1 Description Application and use of geospatial concepts and technologies continues to grow within the federal 

government with further potential for expansion.  Increasing the use and demonstrating the value of 

geospatial technologies, in addition to promoting the geospatial “tagging” of data, would facilitate 

effective use of information and collaboration across agencies and levels of government. 

Development of programs to educate, demonstrate, or pilot use of geospatial information and 

technologies through place-based outreach programs can increase the use of geospatial technology as well 

as improve service delivery and cost-effectiveness.  Three activities to pursue in this area are: 

• Support the identification and execution of communication activities; 

• Assist other work groups to achieve their communication goals; 

• Reach out to professional associations focused on specific programmatic mission areas that are non-

traditional users of geospatial data and demonstrate the potential value of that information and technology; 

and 

• Work with Senior Agency Officials for Geospatial Information (SAOGIs) to identify those data sets which 

would be most useful to agencies, and establish priorities and schedules to accomplish geo-enabling. 

3.5.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

CAP grants evaluation and compilation of best practices  

08Q2  

Final Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan 

08Q2 

Development and Dissemination of two best practice articles supporting agencies in geo-enabling their programs    

08Q4  

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Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion  

5.1 Develop Geospatial LoB Communications Strategy and Communications Implementation Plan 

08Q4 

5.2 Execute Communications Implementation Plan 09Q1 

5.3 Execute communication-focused FY07 Category 4 CAP grants and evaluate their effectiveness 

08Q4 

3.5.3 Dependencies  Task 5 dependencies include: 

• Coordination of task-specific communications needed by other work group, 

• Approval of drafts and content inputs from members of the Geospatial LoB, 

• Completion of subtask by the awardees of the Category 4 CAP grants, 

• Development of communication messages from the Geospatial LoB workgroups,  

• Funding for communication materials from the FGDC or Geospatial LoB, and 

• Conducting Federal market analysis through the Geospatial LoB data calls. 

3.6 Task Six: Develop and implement common grants language for geospatial information and services   

Review OMB grants policy and development guidance for terms and conditions, including a means of 

passing common-language information to grantors and grantees. 

By providing guidance that requires Federal grantees to use Federally-approved geospatial data standards 

as well as report metadata on geospatial data acquisitions, geospatial data created as a result of Federal 

grant making will become more accessible and useful to the entire NSDI community.  In addition, 

pointing grantees to metadata catalogues and data clearinghouses will help grantees avoid duplicative data 

acquisition and increase the value obtained from grant funds. 

Task Lead: Lew Sanford, DOJ 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards, cost savings, grant/contract policy 

compliance, active communities, broader adoption of GIS technology by federal agencies 

End Outcomes: Data reliability, information timeliness, cost effectiveness, customer utility 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            17 

3.6.1 Description Federal grant programs are independently administered across Federal agencies.  The Catalogue of 

Domestic Federal Assistance, managed by the Office of Management and Budget, provides metadata on 

Federal grant programs, and www.grants.gov allows on-line grant applications.  While there are a few 

explicitly geospatial grant programs distributing a small amount of money, there are many Federal grants 

that do not have geospatial activity as their primary purpose, but may nonetheless produce geospatial 

information in the course of accomplishing their primary purposes.  The geospatial spending associated 

with these non-geospatial grants can be significant.  However, there is no consistent guidance for how 

grantees acquire or manage geospatial data they secure with Federal grants.  The lack of common 

guidance provides an opportunity to enhance coordination among Federal agencies and their grantees 

regarding the management of geospatial information and services. 

Productive intergovernmental collaboration for geospatial-related activities and investments across all 

sectors and levels of government is a critical goal needed to leverage taxpayer dollars.  Efforts around this 

task will provide a coordinated approach for developing and implementing grants requirements in order 

to:  

• Enhance coordination across geospatial community stakeholders, and 

• Enhance LoB-wide portfolio management. 

Additionally, GOS portal users will directly benefit as additional geospatial metadata and data are made 

available by grantees at the GOS portal. 

3.6.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of 

Completion 

Adoption of proposed grants guidance language in 2 CFR  08Q4 

Development of voluntary contract language models   08Q4 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

6.1 Determine process for both grants updates to 2 CFR  08Q2 6.2 Work with OMB to finalize grants policy guidance and terms and 

conditions language 08Q4 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            18 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

6.3 Conduct meetings to resolve policy issues; meet with OMB (all); meet on Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) issue with OMB/OIRA concerning grants; track and resolve open items 

08Q3 

3.6.3 Dependencies Task 6 dependencies include: 

• Task 7: Develop and implement geospatial requirements language for Federal contracts (FAR, 

DFAR). 

3.7 Task Seven: Develop and implement geospatial requirements language for Federal contracts (FAR, DFAR) 

Develop and implement voluntary language requirements for federal contracts related to geospatial 

technology and develop a strategy for the implementation of FAR and DFAR language revisions. 

Task Lead: Lew Sanford, DOJ 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards, cost savings, grant/contract policy 

compliance, active communities, broader adoption of GIS technology by federal agencies 

End Outcomes: Data reliability, information timeliness, cost effectiveness, customer utility 

3.7.1 Description Many agencies use contractors to acquire geospatial data, or to perform work for the government that the 

contractor decides requires them to acquire geospatial data using Federal funds.  This activity is largely 

conducted independently across Federal agencies based on individual program requirements.  There are 

few efforts to ensure that contractors acquire data to commonly approved standards, or that they routinely 

make that data accessible to other Federal agencies, leading to duplicative spending on geospatial data 

and services.  This task will promote the following objectives: 

• Avoid duplicative data acquisition by Federal contractors, and 

• Ensure that data acquired by contractors and owned by the government is collected to appropriate 

standards and readily discoverable by and accessible to other Federal and non-Federal agencies. 

Additionally, GOS portal users will directly benefit as additional geospatial data metadata is made available by 

contractors on the GOS portal. 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            19 

3.7.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks  Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

Approved timeline for changes to FAR/DFAR or addition to contracts  

08Q1 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

7.1 Work with acquisition community to assess the feasibility of developing voluntary, agency-specific contract language 

08Q4 

7.2 Engage OMB and GSA to develop a strategy for FAR and DFAR geospatial contract language provisions 

09Q3 

7.3 Brief key stakeholders to reacquaint them with intended grants/contracts language 

08Q3 

7.4 Set timeline for changes to FAR/DFAR or addition to contracts 09Q1 

3.7.3 Dependencies Task 7 dependencies include: 

• Task 6: Develop and implement common grants language for geospatial information and services.   

3.8 Task Eight: Implement MOUs/SLAs/ELAs for common geospatial services Implement MOUs/SLAs/ELAs to facilitate secure geospatial information sharing for rapid access and 

retrieval of existing sensitive geospatial information from reliable government repositories or commercial 

sources.   

Task Lead: Matthew Leopard, EPA 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency participation, cost savings, active communities, Geospatial 

LoB awareness 

End Outcomes: Data cost effectiveness, customer utility 

3.8.1 Description Some Federal agencies have access to geospatial data that would be extremely useful to other agencies.  A 

mechanism is needed to facilitate easy but appropriate sharing of geospatial information across the Federal 

government to benefit agencies that have programmatic need for information possessed by or available to other 

agencies through the formulation of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) .  The availability of the SLAs 

and ELAs accomplished under this task would be communicated at GOS’s geodata.gov portal, among other 

venues. 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            20 

3.8.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

Template for Data, Tool and Policy Sharing 08Q2 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

8.1 Identify existing MOUs/SLAs/ELAs across Federal government for secure data sharing (HSIP) 

10Q2 

8.2 Recommend best practices for establishing MOU/SLA/ELA for additional data sharing across stakeholder communities 

11Q2 

3.8.3 Dependencies Task 8 dependencies include: 

• Task 2: Evaluate and define the nine stages of the geospatial data lifecycle, and identify common capabilities to allow cost-benefit ROI for shared services, and 

• Task 4: Expand SmartBUY (and alternatives) for geospatial data and technologies 

3.9 Task Nine: Develop requirements and recommendations for technology and telecommunications infrastructure required to deliver geospatial services 

The majority of activities under this task will be occurring in FY2009 and FY2010.  As a result the 

subtasks are presently not fully defined.  Members of the Technical Architecture Work Group responsible 

for executing this task led the development of the Common Solutions/Target Architecture document 

which serves as a foundation for other tasks, especially Tasks 2-4.  Technical Architecture Work group 

members will also continue to assist with interpretation and implementation of the CS/TA to accomplish 

other Geospatial LoB tasks.   

Task Lead: Doug Nebert, DOI-USGS 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards 

End Outcomes: Customer utility 

3.9.1 Description There are certain statutory powers provided to agency CIOs and OMB’s E-Government Executive that the 

Geospatial LoB can take advantage of to achieve its vision.  For instance, the Clinger-Cohen Act allows 

OMB to impose legally-binding requirements on agency IT managers.  The CIO Council has a role in the 

development of legally-binding Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for agencies.  The CIO 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            21 

Council also has oversight of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA), which includes the Geospatial 

Profile, and is therefore in a position to advocate necessary changes to the Geospatial Profile or FEA as 

the Geospatial LoB evolves.   A longer-term goal of the LoB is to better utilize these processes to promote 

the success of the Geospatial LoB. 

3.9.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

Publication of FEA Geospatial Profile, Version 2.0 08Q4 

Web services testing and requirements reporting 09Q4 

 Subtask 

Name Subtask Description Quarter of 

Completion 

9.1  Solicit and process comments on the Geospatial Profile, V2, conclude agency review and approval, gain approval from the CIO Council and FGDC Coordination Group 

08Q4 

9.2  Promote the Profile through all possible channels to expand awareness and adoption; assess and develop supplementary documents and documentation to support additional audiences and improve uptake 

10Q3 

9.3  Process and advance periodic updates to the FEA Geospatial Profile as a result of LoB requirements and feedback and changes and evolution of FEA and external standards and practices  

10Q3 

9.4  Investigate and document operational demands and requirements of geospatial Web services as “Best Practices” for federal operators or contractors 

10Q1 

9.3 Engage other Geospatial LoB activities in the definition, operation, or acquisition of common geospatial services to assure adherence to the FEA Geospatial Profile and referenced  reference model guidance 

11Q1 

3.9.3 Dependencies Tasks 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10 – all related to implementation context  

3.10 Task Ten: Provide a broker service for data searching among agencies that will build on and improve existing systems 

A long-term goal of the Geospatial LoB is to explore enhancements or alternatives for a broker 

service/Help Desk function for data searching among agencies (peer-to-peer, service-to-service) that will 

build upon and improve existing services.  It will steer novice agency users of geospatial information in 

the right direction in terms of meeting their data, services, software, and hardware needs.  The majority of 

activities under this task will be occurring in FY2009 and FY2010.  As a result the subtasks are presently 

not fully defined.  GOS will be explored as a possible delivery mechanism for these services. 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            22 

Task Lead: David Paschane, VA 

Intermediate Outcomes: Increased agency use of data standards, cost savings, active communities, 

broader adoption of GIS technology by federal agencies  

End Outcomes: Data reliability, information timeliness, cost effectiveness, customer utility 

3.10.1 Description Many facets of geospatial data and technology are complex.  Users of this data and technology often vary 

in their ability to access existing data and services as well as in their understanding about how to use the 

data and services.  An improved broker service/help desk function can alleviate some of these challenges 

by guiding novice users as they access and use geospatial technology, as well as assisting experienced 

users with more complex data searches.  Additionally, the broker service/help desk function will assist all 

users in connecting to active communities of interest where they can find more geospatially-experienced 

colleagues with similar programmatic interests who can act as coaches.  This service will increase data 

reliability, efficiency in accessing data, cost-effectiveness in terms of reduced unnecessary data 

acquisition, and customer utility through better decision making informed by geospatial information.  The 

Geo-Enabled Business Work Group will look at current broker models and explore means to give novice 

geospatial users more streamlined access to the geospatial data that best serves their needs. 

3.10.2 Major Milestones and Subtasks Milestone Name Quarter of Completion 

Evaluation of existing and alternative geospatial broker services 

09Q3 

Complete pilots to assess the geo-enabling of information exchange networks among Federal and partner networks 

11Q1 

Subtask Name 

Subtask Description Quarter of Completion 

10.1 Identify geospatial best practices and comprehensive listing of existing broker services and later, define broker services approach that best supports needs of target communities.  

09Q3 

10.2 Conduct pilots to assess the geo-enabling of information exchange networks among Federal and partner networks 

11Q1  

10.3 Develop a communications approach for cross-agency investment strategy for data management and use within a geo-enabling business framework; regularly update the Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan to reflect changes in approach  

10Q4 

Last Updated 7/22/2008            23 

3.10.3 Dependencies • Task 4: Expand SmartBUY (and alternatives) for geospatial data and technologies, and 

• Task 5: Develop outreach programs to demonstrate the value of “place-based” approaches and geospatial 

technology.