I 
115TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 4395 
To improve the coordination and use of geospatial data. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 
Mr. WESTERMAN (for himself and Mr. MOULTON) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in 
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic-
tion of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To improve the coordination and use of geospatial data. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Geospatial Data Act 
of 2017’’. 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act— 
(1) the term ‘‘Advisory Committee’’ means the 
National Geospatial Advisory Committee described 
in section 4(a); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(2) the term ‘‘Committee’’ means the Federal 
Geographic Data Committee established under sec-
tion 3(a); 
(3) the term ‘‘covered agency’’ means an agen-
cy, as defined in section 551 of title 5, United States 
Code, that collects, produces, acquires, maintains, 
distributes, uses, or preserves geospatial data on 
paper or in electronic form to fulfill the mission of 
the agency, either directly or through a relationship 
with another organization, including a State, local 
government, Indian tribe, institution of higher edu-
cation, business partner or contractor of the Federal 
Government, and the public; 
(4) 
the 
term 
‘‘GeoPlatform’’ 
means 
the 
GeoPlatform described in section 8(a); 
(5) the term ‘‘geospatial data’’— 
(A) means information that is tied to a lo-
cation on the Earth, including by identifying 
the geographic location and characteristics of 
natural or constructed features and boundaries 
on the Earth, and that is generally represented 
by points (for example a well), lines (for exam-
ple a road), polygons (for example a forest), or 
other complex geographic features or phe-
nomena (for example a forest fire, the spread of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
West Nile virus, or the infestation of pine-bark 
beetles); 
(B) may be derived from, among other 
things, remote sensing, mapping, and surveying 
technologies; 
(C) includes images and raster datasets, 
aerial 
photographs, 
and 
other 
forms 
of 
geospatial data or datasets in digitized or non- 
digitized form; and 
(D) does not include— 
(i) geospatial data activities of an In-
dian tribe not carried out, in whole or in 
part, using Federal funds, as determined 
by the tribal government; 
(ii) classified national security-related 
geospatial data activities of the Depart-
ment of Defense, unless declassified under 
Executive Order 12951, as determined by 
the Secretary of Defense; 
(iii) classified national security-related 
geospatial data activities of the Depart-
ment of Energy, unless declassified under 
Executive Order 12951, as determined by 
the Secretary of Energy; or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(iv) intelligence geospatial data activi-
ties, as determined by the Director of Na-
tional Intelligence; 
(6) the term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ has the meaning 
given that term under section 4 of the Indian Self- 
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
U.S.C. 450b); 
(7) the term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ 
has the meaning given that term under section 102 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1002); 
(8) the term ‘‘lead covered agency’’ means a 
lead covered agency for an NGDA data theme des-
ignated under section 6(b)(1); 
(9) the term ‘‘local government’’ means any 
city, county, township, town, borough, parish, vil-
lage, or other general purpose political subdivision of 
a State; 
(10) the term ‘‘metadata for geospatial data’’ 
means information about geospatial data, including 
the content, source, vintage, accuracy, condition, 
projection, responsible party, contact phone number, 
method of collection, and other characteristics or de-
scriptions of the geospatial data; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(11) the term ‘‘NGDA data theme’’ means the 
National Geospatial Data Asset core geospatial 
datasets (including electronic records and coordi-
nates) relating to a topic or subject designated 
under section 6; 
(12) the term ‘‘National Spatial Data Infra-
structure’’ means the technology, policies, criteria, 
standards, and employees necessary to promote 
geospatial data sharing throughout the Federal Gov-
ernment, State, tribal, and local governments, and 
the private sector (including nonprofit organizations 
and institutions of higher education); and 
(13) the term ‘‘proven practices’’ means meth-
ods and activities that advance the use of geospatial 
data for the benefit of society. 
SEC. 3. FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There is established in the Office 
of Management and Budget an interagency committee to 
be known as the Federal Geographic Data Committee, 
which shall act as the lead entity in the executive branch 
for the development, implementation, and review of poli-
cies, practices, and standards relating to geospatial data. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.— 
The Director of the Office of Management and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
Budget and the Secretary of the Interior shall serve 
as Chairperson of the Committee and Vice Chair-
person of the Committee, respectively. 
(2) OTHER MEMBERS.—The President shall ap-
point the other members of the Committee from 
among the officers and employees of covered agen-
cies. 
(c) DUTIES.—The Committee shall— 
(1) lead the development and management of 
and operational decision making for the National 
Spatial Data Infrastructure strategic plan and 
geospatial data policy in accordance with section 5; 
(2) designate NGDA data themes and oversee 
the coordinated management of the NGDA data 
themes in accordance with section 6; 
(3) establish and maintain geospatial data 
standards in accordance with section 7; 
(4) periodically review and determine the extent 
to which covered agencies comply with geospatial 
data standards; 
(5) ensure that the GeoPlatform operates in ac-
cordance with section 8; 
(6) direct and facilitate national implementation 
of the system of NGDA data themes; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(7) communicate with and foster communica-
tion among covered agencies and other entities and 
individuals relating to geospatial data technology de-
velopment, transfer, and exchange in order to— 
(A) identify and meet the needs of users of 
geospatial data; 
(B) promote cost-effective data collection, 
documentation, maintenance, distribution, and 
preservation strategies; and 
(C) leverage Federal and non-Federal re-
sources; 
(8) define roles and responsibilities and pro-
mote and guide cooperation and coordination among 
agencies of the Federal Government, State, tribal, 
and local governments, institutions of higher edu-
cation, and the private sector in the collection, pro-
duction, sharing, and use of geospatial information, 
the implementation of the National Spatial Data In-
frastructure, and the identification of proven prac-
tices; 
(9) coordinate with international organizations 
having an interest in the National Spatial Data In-
frastructure or global spatial data infrastructures; 
(10) make available online and update at least 
annually— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(A) a summary of the status for each 
NGDA data theme, based on the report sub-
mitted by the applicable lead covered agency 
under section 6(b)(3)(E)(ii)(I), which shall in-
clude— 
(i) an evaluation of the progress of 
each lead covered agency in achieving the 
requirements under subparagraphs (A), 
(B), (C), and (D) of section 6(b)(3); and 
(ii) a determination of whether, for 
each of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and 
(D) of section 6(b)(3), each lead covered 
agency meets expectations, has made 
progress toward expectations, or fails to 
meet expectations; 
(B) a summary and evaluation of the 
achievements of each covered agency, based on 
the annual report submitted by the covered 
agency under section 9(b)(1), which shall in-
clude a determination of whether the covered 
agency meets expectations, has made progress 
toward expectations, or fails to meet expecta-
tions for each of paragraphs (1) through (14) 
of section 9(a); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(C) a collection of periodic technical publi-
cations, management articles, and reports re-
lated to the National Spatial Data Infrastruc-
ture; and 
(D) a membership directory for the Com-
mittee, including identifying members of any 
subcommittee or working group of the Com-
mittee; 
(11)(A) make available to and request com-
ments from the Advisory Committee regarding the 
summaries and evaluations required under subpara-
graphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10); 
(B) if requested by the Advisory Committee, re-
spond to any comments by the Advisory Committee; 
and 
(C) not less than once every 2 years, submit to 
Congress a report that includes the summaries and 
evaluations required under subparagraphs (A) and 
(B) of paragraph (10), the comments of the Advi-
sory Committee, and the responses of the Committee 
to the comments; 
(12)(A) make available to and request com-
ments from covered agencies regarding the sum-
maries and evaluations required under subpara-
graphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10); and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(B) not less than once every 2 years, submit to 
Congress a report that includes the comments of the 
covered agencies and the responses of the Committee 
to the comments; and 
(13) support and promote the infrastructure of 
networks, systems, services, and standards that pro-
vide a digital representation of the Earth to users 
for many applications. 
SEC. 4. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is in the Department 
of the Interior the National Geospatial Advisory Com-
mittee to provide advice and recommendations to the 
Chairperson of the Committee. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) COMPOSITION.—The Advisory Committee 
shall be composed of 30 members who shall be— 
(A) appointed by the Chairperson of the 
Committee; 
(B) selected— 
(i) to generally achieve a balanced 
representation of the viewpoints of various 
interested parties involved in national 
geospatial activities and the development of 
the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; 
and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(ii) with consideration of a geographic 
balance of residence of the members; and 
(C) selected from among groups involved 
in the geospatial community, including— 
(i) States; 
(ii) local governments; 
(iii) regional governments; 
(iv) tribal governments; 
(v) private sector entities; 
(vi) geospatial information user indus-
tries; 
(vii) professional associations; 
(viii) scholarly associations; 
(ix) nonprofit organizations; 
(x) academia; and 
(xi) the Federal Government. 
(2) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the 
Committee shall appoint the Chairperson of the Ad-
visory Committee. 
(3) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Members shall be ap-
pointed for a term of 3 years, with the term of 
1⁄3 of the members expiring each year. 
(B) VACANCIES.—Any vacancy in the Ad-
visory Committee shall not affect its powers, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
but shall be filled in the same manner as the 
original appointment. 
(4) LIMIT ON TERMS.—An individual— 
(A) may not be appointed to more than 2 
consecutive terms as a member of the Advisory 
Committee; and 
(B) after serving for 2 consecutive terms, 
is eligible to be appointed as a member of the 
Advisory Committee on and after the date that 
is 2 years after the end of the second consecu-
tive term of the individual as a member of the 
Advisory Committee. 
(5) ETHICAL
REQUIREMENTS.—A member of 
the Advisory Committee may not participate in any 
specific-party matter (including a lease, license, per-
mit, contract, claim, agreement, or related litigation) 
with the Department of the Interior in which the 
member has a direct financial interest. 
(6) INCUMBENTS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—An individual serving 
on the day before the date of enactment of this 
Act as a member of the National Geospatial 
Advisory Committee established by the Sec-
retary of the Interior may serve as a member 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
of the Advisory Committee until the end of the 
term of the individual under the appointment. 
(B) LIMIT ON TERMS.—Any period of serv-
ice as a member of the National Geospatial Ad-
visory Committee established by the Secretary 
of the Interior shall be considered a period of 
service as a member of the Advisory Committee 
for purposes of paragraph (4). 
(c) SUBCOMMITTEES.—A subcommittee of the Advi-
sory Committee— 
(1) may be formed for the purposes of com-
piling information or conducting research; 
(2) shall be composed of members appointed by 
the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee; 
(3) shall act only under the direction of the 
Chairperson of the Advisory Committee; 
(4) shall report the recommendations of the 
subcommittee to the Advisory Committee for consid-
eration; and 
(5) shall meet as necessary to accomplish the 
objectives of the subcommittee, subject to the ap-
proval of the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee 
and the availability of resources. 
(d) MEETINGS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee 
shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, not less 
than 1 time each year and not more than 4 times 
each year. 
(2) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of 
the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum, 
but a lesser number of members may hold meetings 
or hearings. 
(e) DUTIES OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The 
Advisory Committee shall— 
(1) provide advice and recommendations relat-
ing to— 
(A) the management of Federal and na-
tional geospatial programs; 
(B) the development of the National Spa-
tial Data Infrastructure; and 
(C) implementation of this Act; 
(2) review and comment on geospatial policy 
and management issues; and 
(3) ensure the views of representatives of non- 
Federal interested parties involved in national 
geospatial activities are conveyed to the Committee. 
(f) POWERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
(1) HEARINGS.—The Advisory Committee may 
hold such meetings or hearings, sit and act at such 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
times and places, take such testimony, and receive 
such evidence as the Advisory Committee considers 
advisable to carry out this Act. 
(2) INFORMATION FROM COVERED AGENCIES.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Com-
mittee may secure directly from any covered 
agency such information as the Advisory Com-
mittee considers necessary to carry out this Act. 
Upon request of the Chairperson of the Advi-
sory Committee, the head of such agency shall 
furnish such information to the Advisory Com-
mittee. 
(B) 
NONCOOPERATION.—The 
Advisory 
Committee shall include in the comments of the 
Advisory Committee submitted under section 
3(c)(11) a discussion of any failure by a cov-
ered agency to furnish information in response 
to a request under subparagraph (A) of this 
paragraph. 
(3) POSTAL
SERVICES.—The Advisory Com-
mittee may use the United States mails in the same 
manner and under the same conditions as other 
agencies of the Federal Government. 
(4) GIFTS.—The Advisory Committee— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(A) may accept, use, and dispose of gifts 
or donations of services or property; and 
(B) shall establish rules for the acceptance, 
use, and disposition of gifts and donations that 
avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of 
a conflict of interest. 
(g) ADVISORY COMMITTEE PERSONNEL MATTERS.— 
(1) NO COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.— 
(A) NON-FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—A mem-
ber of the Advisory Committee who is not an 
officer or employee of the Federal Government 
shall serve without compensation. 
(B) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—A member of 
the Advisory Committee who is an officer or 
employee of the Federal Government shall serve 
without compensation in addition to the com-
pensation received for the services of the mem-
ber as an officer or employee of the Federal 
Government. 
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—The members of the 
Advisory Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates 
authorized for employees of agencies under sub-
chapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
Code, while away from their homes or regular places 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
of business in the performance of services for the 
Advisory Committee. 
(3) DETAIL
OF
GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES.— 
Any Federal Government employee may be detailed 
to the Advisory Committee without reimbursement, 
and such detail shall be without interruption or loss 
of civil service status or privilege. 
(h) APPLICABILITY OF FACA.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Advisory Committee. 
(2) NO TERMINATION.—Section 14(a)(2) of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 
shall not apply to the Advisory Committee. 
(i) TERMINATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Advisory Committee shall terminate 
10 years after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(2) CONTINUATION.—The Advisory Committee 
may be continued for successive 10-year periods by 
action taken by the Director of the Office of Man-
agement and Budget to renew the Advisory Com-
mittee before the date on which the Advisory Com-
mittee would otherwise terminate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
SEC. 5. NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The National Spatial Data Infra-
structure shall ensure that geospatial data from multiple 
sources (including the Federal Government, State, local, 
and tribal governments, the private sector, and institu-
tions of higher education) is available and easily inte-
grated to enhance the understanding of the physical and 
cultural world. 
(b) GOALS.—The goals of the National Spatial Data 
Infrastructure are to— 
(1) ensure— 
(A) the privacy and security of the per-
sonal data of individuals and accuracy of statis-
tical information on individuals, both in raw 
form and in derived information products; 
(B) free access for the public to geospatial 
data, information, and interpretive products, in 
accordance with Office of Management and 
Budget Circular A–130, or any successor there-
to; 
(C) the protection of proprietary interests 
related to licensed information and data; and 
(D) the interoperability of Federal infor-
mation systems to enable the drawing of re-
sources from covered agencies and partners of 
covered agencies; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(2) support and advance the establishment of a 
Global Spatial Data Infrastructure, consistent with 
national security, national defense, national intel-
ligence, and international trade requirements, in-
cluding ensuring that covered agencies develop inter-
national geospatial data in accordance with inter-
national voluntary consensus standards, as defined 
in Office of Management and Budget Circular A– 
119, or any successor thereto. 
(c) STRATEGIC PLAN.—The Committee shall prepare 
and maintain a strategic plan for the development and im-
plementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure 
in a manner consistent with national security, national de-
fense, and emergency preparedness program policies re-
garding data accessibility. 
(d) ADVISORY ROLE.—The Committee shall advise 
Federal and non-Federal users of geospatial data on their 
responsibilities relating to implementation of the National 
Spatial Data Infrastructure. 
SEC. 6. NGDA DATA THEMES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall designate as 
NGDA data themes the primary topics and subjects for 
which the coordinated development, maintenance, and dis-
semination of geospatial data will benefit the Federal Gov-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
ernment and the interests of the people of the United 
States, which shall— 
(1) be representations of conceptual topics de-
scribing digital spatial information for the Nation; 
and 
(2) contain associated datasets (with attribute 
records and coordinates)— 
(A) that are documented, verifiable, and 
officially designated to meet recognized stand-
ards; 
(B) that may be used in common; and 
(C) from which other datasets may be de-
rived. 
(b) LEAD COVERED AGENCIES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—For each NGDA data 
theme, the Committee shall designate one or more 
covered agencies as the lead covered agencies for the 
NGDA data theme. 
(2) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY.—The lead cov-
ered agencies for an NGDA data theme shall be re-
sponsible for ensuring the coordinated management 
of the data, supporting resources (including tech-
nology and personnel), and related services and 
products of the NGDA data theme. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(3) SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES.—To assist in 
fulfilling the responsibilities under paragraph (2) 
with respect to an NGDA data theme, the lead cov-
ered agencies shall— 
(A) provide leadership and facilitate the 
development and implementation of geospatial 
data standards for the NGDA data theme, with 
a particular emphasis on a data content stand-
ard for the NGDA data theme, including by— 
(i) assessing existing standards; 
(ii) identifying anticipated or needed 
data standards; and 
(iii) developing a plan to originate and 
implement needed standards with relevant 
community and international practices— 
(I) in accordance with Office of 
Management and Budget Circular A– 
119, or any successor thereto; and 
(II) consistent with or as a part 
of the plan described in subparagraph 
(B); 
(B) provide leadership and facilitate the 
development and implementation of a plan for 
nationwide population of the NGDA data 
theme, which shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(i) include developing partnership pro-
grams with States, Indian tribes, institu-
tions of higher education, private sector 
entities, other Federal agencies, and local 
governments; 
(ii) meet the needs of users of 
geospatial data; 
(iii) address human and financial re-
source needs; 
(iv) identify needs relating to stand-
ards, metadata for geospatial data within 
the 
NGDA 
data 
theme, 
and 
the 
GeoPlatform; and 
(v) expedite the development of nec-
essary NGDA data themes; 
(C) establish goals that support the stra-
tegic plan for the National Spatial Data Infra-
structure prepared under section 5(c); 
(D) as necessary, collect and analyze infor-
mation from users of geospatial data within the 
NGDA data theme regarding the needs of the 
users for geospatial data and incorporate the 
needs of users in strategies relating to the 
NGDA data theme; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(E) as part of administering the NGDA 
data theme— 
(i) designate a point of contact within 
the lead covered agency who shall be re-
sponsible for developing, maintaining, co-
ordination relating to, and disseminating 
data using the GeoPlatform; 
(ii) submit to the Committee— 
(I) a performance report, at least 
annually, that documents the activi-
ties relating to and implementation of 
the NGDA data theme, including 
progress in achieving the requirements 
under subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), 
and (D); and 
(II) comments, as appropriate, 
regarding the summary and evalua-
tion of the performance report pro-
vided by the Committee under section 
3(c)(12); 
(iii) publish maps or comparable 
graphics online (in accordance with the 
mapping conventions specified by the Com-
mittee) showing the extent and status of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
the NGDA data themes for which the cov-
ered agency is a lead covered agency; 
(iv) encourage individuals and entities 
that are a source of geospatial data or 
metadata for geospatial data for the 
NGDA data theme to provide access to 
such data through the GeoPlatform; 
(v) coordinate with the GeoPlatform; 
and 
(vi) identify and publish proven prac-
tices for the use and application of 
geospatial data of the lead covered agency. 
SEC. 7. GEOSPATIAL DATA STANDARDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with section 216 of 
the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note), 
the Committee shall establish standards for each NGDA 
data theme, which— 
(1) shall include— 
(A) rules, conditions, guidelines, and char-
acteristics for the geospatial data within the 
NGDA data theme and related processes, tech-
nology, and organization; and 
(B) content standards for metadata for 
geospatial data within the NGDA data theme; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be 
consistent international standards and protocols; and 
(3) the Committee shall periodically review and 
update as necessary for the standards to remain cur-
rent, relevant, and effective. 
(b) DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS.—The Committee 
shall— 
(1) develop and promulgate standards under 
this section— 
(A) in accordance with Office of Manage-
ment and Budget Circular A–119, or any suc-
cessor thereto; and 
(B) after consultation with a broad range 
of data users and providers; 
(2) to the maximum extent possible, use na-
tional and international standards adopted by vol-
untary standards consensus bodies; and 
(3) establish new standards only to the extent 
standards described in paragraph (2) do not exist. 
(c) EXCLUSION.—The Director of the Office of Man-
agement and Budget shall withhold from public disclosure 
any information the disclosure of which reasonably could 
be expected to cause damage to the national interest, secu-
rity, or defense of the United States, including informa-
tion relating to geospatial intelligence data activities, as 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
determined in consultation with the Director of National 
Intelligence. 
SEC. 8. GEOPLATFORM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall operate an 
electronic service that provides access to geospatial data 
and metadata for geospatial data, to be known as the 
GeoPlatform. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—The GeoPlatform— 
(1) shall— 
(A) be available through the internet and 
other communications means; 
(B) be accessible through a common inter-
face; 
(C) include all geospatial data collected by 
covered agencies, directly or indirectly; and 
(D) include a set of programming instruc-
tions and standards providing an automated 
means of accessing available geospatial data, 
which— 
(i) harmonize sources and data stand-
ards associated with geospatial data, in-
cluding metadata; and 
(ii) to the maximum extent prac-
ticable, as determined by the Chairperson 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
of the Committee, shall be made publicly 
available; 
(2) may include geospatial data from a source 
other than a covered agency, if determined appro-
priate by the Committee; and 
(3) shall not include proprietary data acquired 
under a license by the Federal Government. 
(c) CLARIFICATION.—Although the GeoPlatform is 
intended to include all National Geospatial Data Asset 
and other Federal datasets, nothing in this Act shall be 
construed to prevent a covered agency from also pre-
senting, providing, or disseminating data that is— 
(1) specific to the functions of the covered 
agency; or 
(2) targeted to information consumers that di-
rectly interface with the services, portals, or other 
mechanisms of the covered agency. 
SEC. 9. COVERED AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Each covered agency shall— 
(1) prepare, maintain, publish, and implement a 
strategy for advancing geographic information and 
related geospatial data activities appropriate to the 
mission of the covered agency, in support of the 
strategic plan for the National Spatial Data Infra-
structure prepared under section 5(c); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(2) collect, maintain, disseminate, and preserve 
geospatial data such that the resulting data, infor-
mation, or products can be readily shared with other 
Federal agencies and non-Federal users; 
(3) promote the integration of geospatial data 
from all sources; 
(4) ensure that data information products and 
other records created in geospatial data activities are 
included on agency record schedules that have been 
approved by the National Archives and Records Ad-
ministration; 
(5) allocate resources to fulfill the responsibil-
ities of effective geospatial data collection, produc-
tion, and stewardship with regard to related activi-
ties of the covered agency, and as necessary to sup-
port the activities of the Committee; 
(6) use the geospatial data standards, including 
the standards for metadata for geospatial data, and 
other appropriate standards, including documenting 
geospatial data with the relevant metadata and mak-
ing metadata available through the GeoPlatform; 
(7) coordinate and work in partnership with 
other Federal agencies, agencies of State, tribal, and 
local governments, institutions of higher education, 
and the private sector to efficiently and cost-effec-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
tively collect, integrate, maintain, disseminate, and 
preserve geospatial data, building upon existing non- 
Federal geospatial data to the extent possible; 
(8) use geospatial information to— 
(A) make Federal geospatial information 
and services more useful to the public; 
(B) enhance operations; 
(C) support decision making; and 
(D) enhance reporting to the public and to 
Congress; 
(9) protect personal privacy and maintain con-
fidentiality in accordance with Federal policy and 
law; 
(10) support emergency response activities re-
quiring geospatial data in accordance with the Rob-
ert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As-
sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and other gov-
erning law; 
(11) participate in determining, when applica-
ble, whether data declassified pursuant to Executive 
Order 12951 can contribute to and become a part 
of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; 
(12) 
search 
all 
sources, 
including 
the 
GeoPlatform, to determine if existing Federal, State, 
local, or private geospatial data meets the needs of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
the covered agency before expending funds for 
geospatial data collection; 
(13) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure 
that a person receiving Federal funds for geospatial 
data collection provides high-quality data; and 
(14) appoint a contact to coordinate with the 
lead covered agencies for collection, acquisition, 
maintenance, and dissemination of the NGDA data 
themes used by the covered agency. 
(b) REPORTING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each covered agency shall 
submit to the Committee an annual report regarding 
the achievements of the covered agency in preparing 
and implementing the strategy described in sub-
section (a)(1) and complying with the other require-
ments under subsection (a). 
(2) BUDGET SUBMISSION.—Each covered agen-
cy shall include geospatial data as a capital asset for 
purposes of preparing the budget submission of the 
President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United 
States Code (including for purposes of the informa-
tion required under submissions under exhibits 53 
and 300 of Office of Management and Budget Cir-
cular A–11, relating to planning, budgeting, acquisi-
tion, and management of major information tech-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
nology capital investments, or any successor there-
to). 
(3) DISCLOSURE.—Each covered agency shall 
disclose each contract, cooperative agreement, grant, 
or other transaction that deals with geospatial data, 
which may include posting information relating to 
the contract, cooperative agreement, grant, or other 
transaction on www.USAspending.gov, or any suc-
cessor thereto. 
(4) OMB REVIEW.—In reviewing the annual 
budget justifications submitted by covered agencies, 
the Office of Management and Budget shall take 
into consideration the summary and evaluations re-
quired under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 
3(c)(10), comments, and replies to comments as re-
quired under paragraphs (11) and (12) of section 
3(c), in its annual evaluation of the budget justifica-
tion of each covered agency. 
(5) REPORTING.—The Office of Management 
and Budget shall include a discussion of the sum-
maries and evaluation of the progress in establishing 
the National Spatial Data Infrastructure in each E- 
Government status report submitted under section 
3606 of title 44, United States Code. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS
(c) AUDITS.—Not less than once every 2 years, the 
Inspector General of a covered agency (or senior ethics 
official of the covered agency for a covered agency without 
an Inspector General) shall submit to Congress an audit 
of the collection, production, acquisition, maintenance, dis-
tribution, use, and preservation of geospatial data by the 
covered agency, which shall include a review of— 
(1) the compliance of the covered agency with 
the 
standards 
for 
geospatial 
data, 
including 
metadata for geospatial data, established under sec-
tion 7; 
(2) the compliance of the covered agency with 
the requirements under subsection (a); and 
(3) the compliance of the covered agency on the 
limitation on the use of Federal funds under section 
10. 
SEC. 10. LIMITATION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS. 
On and after the date that is 5 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, Federal funds shall not be avail-
able for the collection, production, acquisition, mainte-
nance, or dissemination of geospatial data that does not 
comply with applicable standards established under sec-
tion 7, as determined by the Committee. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:28 Nov 20, 2017
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H4395.IH
H4395
daltland on DSK30NT082PROD with BILLS