Open Government Resources

You can submit a FOIA request to the Department for any agency record that is not publicly available. When filing your request, describe as best as possible the records you are requesting. In your description include information such as:

• the date and place the records were created
• file descriptions, subject matter, persons involved, and
• other pertinent details that will help identify the records for which you are asking.


 

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Data.gov

Data.gov is he home of the U.S. Government’s open data. on Data.gov you will find data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more.

• Impact - Open government data is important because the more accessible, discoverable, and usable data is, the more impact it can have. These impacts include, but are not limited to: cost savings, efficiency, fuel for business, improved civic services, informed policy, performance planning, research and scientific discoveries, transparency and accountability, and increased public participation in the democratic dialogue. Data.gov impact section provides examples of citizens leveraging open data. 
• Data Catalog - provides information on over 185 thousand government datasets made available to the public.
• Developer - Data.gov is a rich resource for civic hackers, tech entrepreneurs, data scientists, and developers of all stripes. In the Developer section of Data.gov you’ll find information about APIs, open source projects, and relevant developer resources across government. You’ll also find updates on the data.gov infrastructure itself, an open source project managed on GitHub..
• Applications - Open government data powers software applications that help people make informed decisions – from choosing financial aid options for college to finding the safest consumer products and vehicles. Data.gov Application section contains examples of government, community, and business tools that: use open government data from the United States; are accessible, vetted, and available; and are, for the majority, free and do not require registration to use..

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BusinessUSA

BusinessUSA implements a "no wrong door" approach for small businesses and exporters by using technology to quickly connect businesses to the services and information relevant to them, regardless of where the information is located or which agency's website, call center, or office they go to for help. Looking forward, the more federal agencies continue to add resources to BusinessUSA to encompass the full range of business programs and services, the more we will be able to reduce the confusing array of websites that exist today. To ensure that it is oriented towards the needs of the customer, BusinessUSA will be designed, tested, and built with the active feedback of U.S. businesses.BusinessUSA is where you can start.

The current version of Business.USA.gov Portal, has come a long way since its inception. With the help of your feedback BusinessUSA has added many new features and content namely Made in Rural America Export and Investment Initiative Portal,Microsites for States , Training Portal, FBO Open Opportunities and lots more. BusinessUSA has opened new channels of communication such as call centers, email and social media. They have started and progressing on integrating state and local governments, as well as related private sector partners. This will help BusinessUSA better deliver the information you need on your own terms.

To strengthen America's competitiveness in the global economy, businesses will need to be equipped with the best tools and information available to support innovation and job growth in the 21st century. BusinessUSA is your front door to all the government has to offer.