H. R. 302—229 
(3) over the last 2 decades, Congress has passed legislation 
that promotes greater access and use of Government informa-
tion and data, which has— 
(A) sparked new, innovative start-ups and services; 
(B) spurred economic growth in many sectors, such 
as in the geospatial services; 
(C) advanced scientific research; 
(D) promoted public access to Federally funded services 
and data; and 
(E) improved access to geospatial data for the purposes 
of promoting public health, weather forecasting, economic 
development, 
environmental 
protection, 
flood 
zone 
research, and other purposes. 
SEC. 752. DEFINITIONS. 
In this subtitle— 
(1) the term ‘‘Advisory Committee’’ means the National 
Geospatial Advisory Committee established under section 
754(a); 
(2) the term ‘‘Committee’’ means the Federal Geographic 
Data Committee established under section 753(a); 
(3) the term ‘‘covered agency’’— 
(A) means— 
(i) an Executive department, as defined in section 
101 of title 5, United States Code, that collects, pro-
duces, acquires, maintains, distributes, uses, or pre-
serves geospatial data on paper or in electronic form 
to fulfill the mission of the Executive department, 
either directly or through a relationship with another 
organization, including a State, local government, 
Indian tribe, institution of higher education, business 
partner or contractor of the Federal Government, and 
the public; 
(ii) the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration; or 
(iii) the General Services Administration; and 
(B) does not include the Department of Defense 
(including 30 components and agencies performing national 
missions) or any element of the intelligence community; 
(4) the term ‘‘GeoPlatform’’ means the GeoPlatform 
described in section 758(a); 
(5) the term ‘‘geospatial data’’— 
(A) means information that is tied to a location 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 
in vector datasets by points, lines, polygons, or other com-
plex geographic features or phenomena; 
(B) may be derived from, among other things, remote 
sensing, mapping, and surveying technologies; 
(C) includes images and raster datasets, aerial photo-
graphs, and other forms of geospatial data or datasets 
in digitized or non-digitized form; and 
(D) does not include— 
(i) geospatial data and activities of an Indian tribe 
not carried out, in whole or in part, using Federal 
funds, as determined by the tribal government;
H. R. 302—230 
(ii) classified national security-related geospatial 
data and activities of the Department of Defense, 
unless declassified; 
(iii) classified national security-related geospatial 
data and activities of the Department of Energy, unless 
declassified; 
(iv) geospatial data and activities under chapter 
22 of title 10, United States Code, or section 110 of 
the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3045); 
(v) intelligence geospatial data and activities, as 
determined by the Director of National Intelligence; 
or 
(vi) certain declassified national security-related 
geospatial data and activities of the intelligence 
community, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, 
the Secretary of Energy, or the Director of National 
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 ‘‘intelligence community’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 
1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003); 
(9) the term ‘‘lead covered agency’’ means a lead covered 
agency for a National Geospatial Data Asset data theme des-
ignated under section 756(b)(1); 
(10) the term ‘‘local government’’ means any city, county, 
township, town, borough, parish, village, or other general pur-
pose political subdivision of a State; 
(11) the term ‘‘metadata for geospatial data’’ means 
information about geospatial data, including the content, 
source, vintage, accuracy, condition, projection, method of collec-
tion, and other characteristics or descriptions of the geospatial 
data; 
(12) the term ‘‘National Geospatial Data Asset data theme’’ 
means the National Geospatial Data Asset core geospatial 
datasets (including electronic records and coordinates) relating 
to a topic or subject designated under section 756; 
(13) the term ‘‘National Spatial Data Infrastructure’’ means 
the technology, policies, criteria, standards, and employees nec-
essary to promote geospatial data sharing throughout the Fed-
eral Government, State, tribal, and local governments, and 
the private sector (including nonprofit organizations and 
institutions of higher education); and 
(14) the term ‘‘proven practices’’ means methods and activi-
ties that advance the use of geospatial data for the benefit 
of society. 
SEC. 753. FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There is established within the Department 
of the Interior 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
H. R. 302—231 
review of policies, practices, and standards relating to geospatial 
data. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.—The Secretary 
of the Interior and the Director of the Office of Management 
and Budget shall serve as Chairperson of the Committee and 
Vice Chairperson of the Committee, respectively. 
(2) OTHER MEMBERS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The head of each covered agency 
and the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence 
Agency shall each designate a representative of their 
respective agency to serve as a member of the Committee. 
(B) REQUIREMENT
FOR
APPOINTMENTS.—An officer 
appointed to serve as a member of the Committee shall 
hold a position as an assistant secretary, or an equivalent 
position, or a higher ranking position. 
(3) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and as needed thereafter, the Director 
of the Office of Management and Budget shall update guidance 
with respect to membership of the Committee and the roles 
of members of the Committee. 
(c) DUTIES.—The Committee shall— 
(1) lead the development and management of and oper-
ational decision making for the National Spatial Data Infra-
structure strategic plan and geospatial data policy in accordance 
with section 755; 
(2) designate National Geospatial Data Asset data themes 
and oversee the coordinated management of the National 
Geospatial Data Asset data themes in accordance with section 
756; 
(3) establish and maintain geospatial data standards in 
accordance with section 757; 
(4) periodically review and determine the extent to which 
covered agencies comply with geospatial data standards; 
(5) ensure that the GeoPlatform operates in accordance 
with section 758; 
(6) direct and facilitate national implementation of the 
system of National Geospatial Data Asset data themes; 
(7) communicate with and foster communication among 
covered agencies and other entities and individuals relating 
to geospatial data technology development, transfer, and 
exchange in order to— 
(A) identify and meet the needs of users of geospatial 
data; 
(B) promote cost-effective data collection, documenta-
tion, maintenance, distribution, and preservation strate-
gies; and 
(C) leverage Federal and non-Federal resources, such 
as promoting Federal shared services and cross-agency 
coordination for marketplace solutions; 
(8) define roles and responsibilities and promote and guide 
cooperation and coordination among agencies of the Federal 
Government, State, tribal, and local governments, institutions 
of higher education, and the private sector in the collection, 
production, sharing, and use of geospatial information, the 
implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, 
and the identification of proven practices;
H. R. 302—232 
(9) coordinate with international organizations having an 
interest in the National Spatial Data Infrastructure or global 
spatial data infrastructures; 
(10) make available online and update at least annually— 
(A) a summary of the status for each National 
Geospatial Data Asset data theme, based on the report 
submitted by the applicable lead covered agency under 
section 756(b)(3)(E)(ii)(I), which shall include— 
(i) an evaluation of the progress of each lead cov-
ered agency in achieving the requirements under sub-
paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of section 756(b)(3); 
and 
(ii) a determination of whether, for each of sub-
paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of section 756(b)(3), 
each lead covered agency meets expectations, has made 
progress toward expectations, or fails to meet expecta-
tions; 
(B) a summary and evaluation of the achievements 
of each covered agency, based on the annual report sub-
mitted by the covered agency under section 759(b)(1), which 
shall include a determination of whether the covered 
agency meets expectations, has made progress toward 
expectations, or fails to meet expectations for each of para-
graphs (1) through (13) of section 759(a); 
(C) a collection of periodic technical publications, 
management articles, and reports related to the National 
Spatial Data Infrastructure; and 
(D) a membership directory for the Committee, 
including identifying members of any subcommittee or 
working group of the Committee; 
(11)(A) make available to and request comments from the 
Advisory Committee regarding the summaries and evaluations 
required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10); 
(B) if requested by the Advisory Committee, respond 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 com-
ments of the Advisory Committee, and the responses of the 
Committee to the comments; 
(12)(A) make available to and request comments from cov-
ered agencies regarding the summaries and evaluations 
required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10); 
and 
(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 provide a digital represen-
tation of the Earth to users for many applications. 
(d) STAFF SUPPORT.—The Committee shall establish an Office 
of the Secretariat within the Department of the Interior to provide 
administrative support, strategic planning, funding, and technical 
support to the Committee.
H. R. 302—233 
SEC. 754. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of the Interior shall estab-
lish within the Department of the Interior the National Geospatial 
Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations to 
the Chairperson of the Committee. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) COMPOSITION.—The Advisory Committee shall be com-
posed of not more than 30 members, at least one of which 
will be from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, who 
shall— 
(A) be appointed by the Chairperson of the Committee; 
(B) be 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 
(ii) with consideration of a geographic balance of 
residence of the members; and 
(C) be 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 industries; 
(vii) professional associations; 
(viii) scholarly associations; 
(ix) nonprofit organizations; 
(x) academia; 
(xi) licensed geospatial data acquisition profes-
sionals; and 
(xii) the Federal Government. 
(2) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the Committee shall 
appoint the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee. 
(3) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Members shall be appointed for a 
term of 3 years, with the term of 1⁄3 of the members 
expiring each year. 
(B) VACANCIES.—Any vacancy in the Advisory Com-
mittee shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in 
the same manner as the original appointment. 
(4) LIMIT
ON
TERMS.—Except for the member from the 
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, 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 consecutive 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, permit, contract, claim, agreement, 
or related litigation) with the Department of the Interior in 
which the member has a direct financial interest. 
(6) INCUMBENTS.—
H. R. 302—234 
(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 Secretary of the Interior may serve as a member 
of the Advisory Committee until the end of the term of 
the individual under the appointment. 
(B) LIMIT
ON
TERMS.—Any period of service as a 
member of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee 
established by the Secretary of the Interior shall be consid-
ered a period of service as a member of the Advisory 
Committee for purposes of paragraph (4). 
(c) SUBCOMMITTEES.—A subcommittee of the Advisory Com-
mittee— 
(1) may be formed for the purposes of compiling information 
or conducting research; 
(2) shall be composed of members appointed by the Chair-
person of the Advisory Committee; 
(3) shall act under the direction of the Chairperson of 
the Advisory Committee and the officer or employee designated 
under section 10(e) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
(5 U.S.C. App.) with respect to the Advisory Committee; 
(4) shall report the recommendations of the subcommittee 
to the Advisory Committee for consideration; and 
(5) shall meet as necessary to accomplish the objectives 
of the subcommittee, subject to the approval of the Chairperson 
of the Advisory Committee and the availability of resources. 
(d) MEETINGS.— 
(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 Com-
mittee shall— 
(1) provide advice and recommendations relating to— 
(A) the management of Federal and national geospatial 
programs; 
(B) the development of the National Spatial Data Infra-
structure; and 
(C) implementation of this subtitle; 
(2) review and comment on geospatial policy and manage-
ment 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) 
MEETINGS.—The 
Advisory 
Committee 
may 
hold 
meetings (which shall be open to the public) and sit and act 
at such times and places as the Advisory Committee considers 
advisable to carry out this subtitle. 
(2) INFORMATION FROM COVERED AGENCIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee, with the 
concurrence of the Chairperson of the Committee, may 
secure directly from any covered agency such information 
as the Advisory Committee considers necessary to carry 
out this subtitle. Upon request of the Chairperson of the
H. R. 302—235 
Advisory Committee, the head of such agency shall furnish 
such information to the Advisory Committee. 
(B) NONCOOPERATION.—The Advisory Committee shall 
include in the comments of the Advisory Committee sub-
mitted under section 753(c)(11) a discussion of any failure 
by a covered agency to furnish information in response 
to a request under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. 
(3) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Advisory Committee may use 
the United States mails in the same manner and under the 
same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government. 
(g) ADVISORY COMMITTEE PERSONNEL MATTERS.— 
(1) NO COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.— 
(A) NON-FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES.—A member of the 
Advisory Committee who is not an officer or employee 
of the Federal Government shall serve without compensa-
tion. 
(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 compensation received for the services of the member 
as an officer or employee of the Federal Government. 
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—The members of the Advisory Com-
mittee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem 
in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of 
agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United 
States Code, while away from their homes or regular places 
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 Committee to 
support the Advisory Committee without reimbursement, and 
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service 
status or privilege. 
(4) STAFF SUPPORT.—The Office of the Secretariat estab-
lished by the Committee under section 753(d) shall provide 
administrative support to the Advisory Committee. 
(h) APPLICABILITY OF FACA.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (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 paragraph (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 Secretary of the Interior to renew the Advisory Committee 
before the date on which the Advisory Committee would other-
wise terminate. 
SEC. 755. NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The National Spatial Data Infrastructure 
shall ensure that geospatial data from multiple sources (including
H. R. 302—236 
the covered agencies, State, local, and tribal governments, the pri-
vate sector, and institutions of higher education) is available and 
easily integrated to enhance the understanding of the physical 
and cultural world. 
(b) GOALS.—The goals of the National Spatial Data Infrastruc-
ture are to— 
(1) ensure— 
(A) that geospatial data are reviewed prior to disclosure 
to ensure— 
(i) compliance with section 552a of title 5 (com-
monly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act of 1974’’); and 
(ii) that personally identifiable information is not 
disclosed, which shall include an assessment of re- 
identification risk when determining what data con-
stitute personally identifiable information; 
(B) that geospatial data are designed to enhance the 
accuracy of statistical information, both in raw form and 
in derived information products; 
(C) free and open 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 thereto; 
(D) the protection of proprietary interests related to 
licensed information and data; and 
(E) the interoperability and sharing capabilities of Fed-
eral information systems and data to enable the drawing 
of resources from covered agencies and partners of covered 
agencies; and 
(2) support and advance the establishment of a Global 
Spatial Data Infrastructure, consistent with national security, 
national defense, national intelligence, and international trade 
requirements, including ensuring that covered agencies develop 
international geospatial data in accordance with international 
voluntary consensus standards, as defined in Office of Manage-
ment and Budget Circular A–119, or any successor thereto. 
(c) STRATEGIC PLAN.—The Committee shall prepare and main-
tain a strategic plan for the development and implementation of 
the National Spatial Data Infrastructure in a manner consistent 
with national security, national defense, and emergency prepared-
ness program policies regarding 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 Infrastruc-
ture. 
SEC. 756. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL DATA ASSET DATA THEMES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall designate as National 
Geospatial Data Asset data themes the primary topics and subjects 
for which the coordinated development, maintenance, and dissemi-
nation of geospatial data will benefit the Federal Government and 
the interests of the people of the United States, which shall— 
(1) be representations of conceptual topics describing digital 
spatial information for the Nation; and 
(2) contain associated datasets (with attribute records and 
coordinates)— 
(A) that are documented, verifiable, and officially des-
ignated to meet recognized standards;
H. R. 302—237 
(B) that may be used in common; and 
(C) from which other datasets may be derived. 
(b) LEAD COVERED AGENCIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—For each National Geospatial Data Asset 
data theme, the Committee shall designate one or more covered 
agencies as the lead covered agencies for the National 
Geospatial Data Asset data theme. 
(2) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY.—The lead covered agencies 
for a National Geospatial Data Asset data theme shall be 
responsible for ensuring the coordinated management of the 
data, supporting resources (including technology and per-
sonnel), and related services and products of the National 
Geospatial Data Asset data theme. 
(3) SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES.—To assist in fulfilling the 
responsibilities under paragraph (2) with respect to a National 
Geospatial Data Asset data theme, the lead covered agencies 
shall— 
(A) provide leadership and facilitate the development 
and implementation of geospatial data standards for the 
National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, with a par-
ticular emphasis on a data content standard for the 
National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, including by— 
(i) assessing existing standards; 
(ii) identifying anticipated or needed data stand-
ards; and 
(iii) developing a plan to originate and implement 
needed standards with relevant community and inter-
national 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 National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, which 
shall— 
(i) include developing partnership programs with 
States, Indian tribes, institutions 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 resource needs; 
(iv) identify needs relating to standards, metadata 
for geospatial data within the National Geospatial Data 
Asset data theme, and the GeoPlatform; and 
(v) expedite the development of necessary National 
Geospatial Data Asset data themes; 
(C) establish goals that support the strategic plan for 
the National Spatial Data Infrastructure prepared under 
section 755(c); 
(D) as necessary, collect and analyze information from 
users of geospatial data within the National Geospatial 
Data Asset data theme regarding the needs of the users 
for geospatial data and incorporate the needs of users 
in strategies relating to the National Geospatial Data Asset 
data theme; and
H. R. 302—238 
(E) as part of administering the National Geospatial 
Data Asset data theme— 
(i) designate a point of contact within the lead 
covered agency who shall be responsible for developing, 
maintaining, coordination relating to, and dissemi-
nating data using the GeoPlatform; 
(ii) submit to the Committee— 
(I) a performance report, at least annually, 
that documents the activities relating to and 
implementation of the National Geospatial Data 
Asset data theme, including progress in achieving 
the requirements under subparagraphs (A), (B), 
(C), and (D); and 
(II) comments, as appropriate, regarding the 
summary and evaluation of the performance report 
provided 
by 
the 
Committee 
under 
section 
753(c)(12); 
(iii) publish maps or comparable graphics online 
(in accordance with the mapping conventions specified 
by the Committee) showing the extent and status of 
the National Geospatial Data Asset data themes for 
which the covered 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 National Geospatial Data Asset data 
theme to provide access to such data through the 
GeoPlatform; 
(v) coordinate with the GeoPlatform; and 
(vi) identify and publish proven practices for the 
use and application of geospatial data of the lead cov-
ered agency. 
SEC. 757. 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 National Geospatial Data Asset 
data theme, which— 
(1) shall include— 
(A) rules, conditions, guidelines, and characteristics 
for the geospatial data within the National Geospatial Data 
Asset data theme and related processes, technology, and 
organization; and 
(B) content standards for metadata for geospatial data 
within the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme; 
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be consistent 
with international standards and protocols; 
(3) shall include universal data standards that shall be 
acceptable for the purposes of declassified intelligence commu-
nity data; and 
(4) the Committee shall periodically review and update 
as necessary for the standards to remain current, relevant, 
and effective. 
(b) DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS.—The Committee shall— 
(1) develop and promulgate standards under this section— 
(A) in accordance with Office of Management and 
Budget Circular A–119, or any successor thereto; and
H. R. 302—239 
(B) after consultation with a broad range of data users 
and providers; 
(2) to the maximum extent possible, use national and inter-
national standards adopted by voluntary standards consensus 
bodies; and 
(3) establish new standards only to the extent standards 
described in paragraph (2) do not exist. 
(c) EXCLUSION.—The Secretary of the Interior shall withhold 
from public disclosure any information the disclosure of which 
reasonably could be expected to cause damage to the national 
interest, security, or defense of the United States, including 
information relating to geospatial intelligence data activities, as 
determined in consultation with the Director of National Intel-
ligence. 
SEC. 758. GEOPLATFORM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall operate an electronic 
service that provides access to geospatial data and metadata for 
geospatial data to the general public, to be known as the 
GeoPlatform. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The GeoPlatform— 
(A) shall— 
(i) be available through the internet and other 
communications means; 
(ii) be accessible through a common interface; 
(iii) include metadata for all geospatial data col-
lected by covered agencies, directly or indirectly; 
(iv) include download access to all open geospatial 
data directly or indirectly collected by covered agencies; 
and 
(v) include a set of programming instructions and 
standards providing an automated means of accessing 
available geospatial data, which— 
(I) harmonize sources and data standards 
associated 
with 
geospatial 
data, 
including 
metadata; and 
(II) to the maximum extent practicable, as 
determined by the Chairperson of the Committee, 
shall be made publicly available; 
(B) may include geospatial data from a source other 
than a covered agency, if determined appropriate by the 
Committee; and 
(C) shall not store or serve proprietary information 
or data acquired under a license by the Federal Govern-
ment, unless authorized by the data provider. 
(2) MANAGING
PARTNER.—The Chairperson of the Com-
mittee shall designate an agency to serve as the managing 
partner for developing and operating the GeoPlatform, taking 
direction from the Committee on the scope, functionality, and 
performance of the GeoPlatform. 
(c) CLARIFICATION.—Although the GeoPlatform is intended to 
include all National Geospatial Data Asset and other Federal 
datasets, nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prevent 
a covered agency from also presenting, providing, or disseminating 
data that is— 
(1) specific to the functions of the covered agency; or
H. R. 302—240 
(2) targeted to information consumers that directly inter-
face with the services, portals, or other mechanisms of the 
covered agency. 
SEC. 759. 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 and activities appropriate to the mission of the covered 
agency, in support of the strategic plan for the National Spatial 
Data Infrastructure prepared under section 755(c); 
(2) collect, maintain, disseminate, and preserve geospatial 
data such that the resulting data, information, 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 and activities are included on agency 
record schedules that have been approved by the National 
Archives and Records Administration; 
(5) allocate resources to fulfill the responsibilities of effec-
tive geospatial data collection, production, and stewardship with 
regard to related activities of the covered agency, and as nec-
essary to support the activities of the Committee; 
(6) use the geospatial data standards, including the stand-
ards for metadata for geospatial data, and other appropriate 
standards, including documenting geospatial data with the rel-
evant metadata and making 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 effi-
ciently and cost-effectively collect, integrate, maintain, dissemi-
nate, 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 confidentiality 
in accordance with Federal policy and law; 
(10) participate in determining, when applicable, whether 
declassified data can contribute to and become a part of the 
National Spatial Data Infrastructure; 
(11) search all sources, including the GeoPlatform, to deter-
mine if existing Federal, State, local, or private geospatial 
data meets the needs of the covered agency before expending 
funds for geospatial data collection; 
(12) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that a 
person receiving Federal funds for geospatial data collection 
provides high-quality data; and
H. R. 302—241 
(13) appoint a contact to coordinate with the lead covered 
agencies for collection, acquisition, maintenance, and dissemi-
nation of the National Geospatial Data Asset 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 subsection (a)(1) and complying with the other 
requirements under subsection (a). 
(2) BUDGET SUBMISSION.—Each covered agency shall— 
(A) include geospatial data in preparing the budget 
submission of the covered agency to the President under 
sections 1105(a) and 1108 of title 31, United States Code; 
(B) maintain an inventory of all geospatial data assets 
in accordance with OMB Circular A–130, or any successor 
thereto; and 
(C) prepare an annual report to Congress identifying 
Federal-wide geospatial data assets, as defined in OMB 
Circular A–16, as set forth in OMB memo M–11–03, 
Issuance of OMB Circular A–16 Supplemental Guidance 
(November 10, 2010), or any successor thereto. 
(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 and 
www.itdashboard.gov, or any successors thereto. 
(4) OMB REVIEW.—In reviewing the annual budget jus-
tifications submitted by covered agencies, the Office of Manage-
ment and Budget shall take into consideration the summary 
and evaluations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
of section 753(c)(10), comments, and replies to comments as 
required under paragraphs (11) and (12) of section 753(c), in 
its annual evaluation of the budget justification of each covered 
agency. 
(5) REPORTING.—The Office of Management and Budget 
shall include a discussion of the summaries and evaluation 
of the progress in establishing the National Spatial Data Infra-
structure in each E-Government status report submitted under 
section 3606 of title 44, United States Code. 
(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, acquisi-
tion, maintenance, distribution, 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 section 757; 
(2) the compliance of the covered agency with the require-
ments under subsection (a); and 
(3) the compliance of the covered agency on the limitation 
on the use of Federal funds under section 759A.
H. R. 302—242 
SEC. 759A. LIMITATION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS. 
(a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘implementation 
date’’ means the date that is 5 years after the date on which 
standards for each National Geospatial Data Asset data theme 
are established under section 757. 
(b) LIMITATION.—Except as provided otherwise in this section, 
on and after the implementation date, a covered agency may not 
use Federal funds for the collection, production, acquisition, mainte-
nance, or dissemination of geospatial data that does not comply 
with the applicable standards established under section 757, as 
determined by the Committee. 
(c) EXCEPTION FOR EXISTING GEOSPATIAL DATA.—On and after 
the implementation date, a covered agency may use Federal funds 
to maintain and disseminate geospatial data that does not comply 
with the applicable standards established under section 757 if the 
geospatial data was collected, produced, or acquired by the covered 
agency before the implementation date. 
(d) WAIVER.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairperson of the Committee may 
grant a waiver of the limitation under subsection (b), upon 
a request from a covered agency submitted in accordance with 
paragraph (2). 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—A request for a waiver under para-
graph (1) shall— 
(A) be submitted not later than 30 days before the 
implementation date; 
(B) provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for 
seeking a waiver; 
(C) provide a detailed plan to achieve compliance with 
the applicable standards established under section 757; 
and 
(D) provide the date by which the covered agency shall 
achieve compliance with the applicable standards estab-
lished under section 757. 
(e) BEST EFFORTS
TO COMPLY DURING TRANSITION.—During 
the period beginning on the date on which standards for a National 
Geospatial Data Asset data theme are established under section 
757 and ending on the implementation date, each covered agency, 
to the maximum extent practicable, shall collect, produce, acquire, 
maintain, and disseminate geospatial data within the National 
Geospatial Data Asset data theme in accordance with the standards. 
SEC. 759B. SAVINGS PROVISION. 
Nothing in this subtitle shall repeal, amend, or supersede any 
existing law unless specifically provided in this subtitle. 
SEC. 759C. PRIVATE SECTOR. 
The Committee and each covered agency may, to the maximum 
extent practical, rely upon and use the private sector in the United 
States for the provision of geospatial data and services. 
Subtitle G—Miscellaneous 
SEC. 761. NEXTGEN RESEARCH. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology and the Committee on Transportation and