EPA will maintain an inventory of the information and data in Agency information systems. Documentation of EPA information and data requirements and collections will be shared. To the extent permitted by the confidentiality requirements of Federal law, regulation, and policy, EPA will share Agency metadata in order to improve the compatibility and efficiency of Agency information systems and improve access to Agency information and data resources for all potential users, including the public. Documentation of EPA information and data requirements and collections will address the quality of the dat a. To enable the fullest use of EPA information and data resources, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that data are of known and specified quality.
Quality is understood to include such characteristics as accuracy, adequacy, and reliability.
EPA will promote information and data exchange and sharing. To the extent permitted by the confidentiality requirements of Federal law, regulation, and policy, the Agency will support efficient use and effective stewardship of information and data resources by exchanging and sharing information and data both within and outside the Agency. EPA will use Agency-wide standards to establish essential information and data resources management controls. The Agency will adopt applicable international, national and Federal Information Processing Standards for data where appropriate or required. When needed, Agency-specific standards will be developed.