Additionally, the Work Group proposed that purchasing opportunities be publicized, with an extensive outreach to state agencies involving volume discount purchase opportunities. The previous comments already noted under this section should be transformed into a series of appropriate steps an agency should take when acquiring GIS data. It was suggested that if an agency has resource or expertise limitations, they should reach out to OFT for assistance. Requests should specify any time related requirements. The real issue appears to be lack of training and awareness about the Cooperative.
Education is the key.
The Work Group unanimously agreed that education is vital to the success of the Cooperative and though improved communication and educational outreach, more agencies will spend less on redundant commercial GIS data sets that already exist through the Data Sharing Cooperative since they will either use more existing Cooperative members' GIS data sets or cooperatively work with other members to improve the existing GIS data sets for their use. Personnel turnovers of the GIS agency contacts require careful monitoring so that they are quickly brought up to speed on the Cooperative and their responsibilities. Seminars or on-line tutorials on use of the Clearinghouse, GIS electronic discussion lists, and existing GIS tools would also be helpful.