What is A-16 NGDA Portfolio Management?
A-16 NGDA Portfolio Management, according to OMB Circular A-16 Supplemental Guidance, is the coordination of Federal geospatial data assets and investments to most efficiently support national priorities and government missions. The data assets are the first component of the NSDI and the standard core set of digital spatial information for the Nation that serve as a foundation for users of geographic information.
Why use Portfolio Management?
- Reduces duplication and cost
- Provides greater accessibility
- Supports shared services across the Federal Government
- Offers an accurate and accountable inventory of Federal Geospatial Portfolio assets
- Improves government accountability and transparency
- Improves data quality through lifecycle evaluations for content quality and fitness for use
- Ensures national data are high quality, dependable, consistent, and available to agencies
- Increases return on existing geospatial investments by promoting the reuse of data, applications, and tools
NGDA Themes & Datasets
The A–16 National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Portfolio is organized by NGDA Themes made up of one or more associated NGDA Datasets. Currently, 16 NGDA Themes and more than 177 NGDA Datasets make up the A–16 NGDA Portfolio. NGDA Themes and NGDA Datasets are managed by Theme Leads and Dataset Managers respectively. They use industry-accepted practices to improve management of Themes leading to better outcomes. Data within Themes are made available through the Geospatial Platform.
NGDA Themes
Roles and Responsibilities Related to NGDAs
Role | Who | Responsibilities |
Senior Agency Official for Geospatial Information (SAOGI) |
Senior agency official from agencies responsible for spatial data themes and are required members of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) pursuant to OMB Circular A-16 |
|
NGDA Theme Lead Agency |
Federal agencies identified in OMB Circular A–16 Appendix E, to lead the coordination of a NGDA Theme |
|
Executive NGDA Theme Champion |
A member of the Senior Executive Service or a senior level individual designated by a Theme Lead Agency’s SAOGI |
|
NGDA Theme Lead |
Individuals who provide interdepartmental leadership and coordination at the NGDA Theme level |
|
NGDA Dataset Manager |
Individuals who provide coordination and standards for NGDA Datasets at a national level |
|
FGDC Coordination Group Members |
Representatives from Federal agencies and FGDC recognized stakeholder groups, chairpersons of the thematic Subcommittees and 'cross-cut' Working Groups |
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Implementation
The concept portfolio management of Federal geospatial data assets was introduced in 2010 when the OMB’s Circular A-16 Supplemental Guidance was issued. To implement the guidance an interagency team developed the NGDA Management Plan that was approved by the FGDC Steering Committee in 2014.
Since that time the FGDC agencies have collaborated build the framework and processes for managing National Geospatial Data Assets (NGDAs) as a single Federal Geospatial Portfolio in accordance with OMB policy and Administration direction.
Learn more about NGDA Management Plan and implementation activities.