Version/Date: August 19, 2002 revised

The Circular provides direction for federal agencies that produce, maintain, or use spatial data either directly or indirectly in the fulfillment of their mission and provides for improvements in the coordination and use of spatial data. The Circular also describes effective and economical use and management of spatial data assets in the digital environment for the benefit of the Federal Government and the Nation. The Circular establishes a coordinated approach to electronically develop the National Spatial Data Infrastructure and establishes the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC).

Read online or Download [PDF 1.8MB] OMB Circular A-16 and Supplemental Guidance.

A-16 Supplemental Guidance

Version/Date: OMB Endorsed November 10, 2010

The A-16 Supplemental Guidance further defines and clarifies elements of OMB Circular A-16 to facilitate the adoption and implementation of a coordinated and effective Federal geospatial asset management capability, and will improve support of mission-critical business requirements of the Federal Government and its stakeholders.  It also provides the foundation for a portfolio management approach to Nationally Significant Geospatial Data Asset Themes (NGDA Themes) and their associated National Geospatial Data Asset Datasets.

A-16 Supplemental Guidance [PDF 0.5MB]

Supplemental Guidance Reference Documents

These reference materials are considered part of the guidance and are updated as needed to reflect on-going Work Group and FGDC Coordination Group efforts.  Updates are approved by the Coordination Group and/or the FGDC Steering Committee.

• FGDC Federal Agency Representation
  The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) organizational structure and committee, work group, and subcommittee membership are managed online.
• Key Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities [PDF 205KB]
  

  Version/Date: Endorsed December 2008, Revised May 28, 2010

  This document lays out the roles and responsibilities of National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Managers and stakeholders.  These roles and responsibilities do not supersede or alter in any way the content or intent of roles or responsibilities defined as part of the FGDC Steering Committee charter, or other FGDC charters.
  
• Process for Adjusting OMB Circular A-16 Appendix E: NSDI Geospatial Data Theme Principles [PDF 126KB]
  

  Version/Date: Endorsed December 2008, Released May 28, 2010

  This document describes the process for identifying, evaluating, and updating the A-16 geospatial themes and establishes a collaborative annual process for their review and update. 
  
• Stages of the Geospatial Data Lifecycle Pursuant of OMB Circular A-16 Sections 8(E)(D), 8(E)(F), and 8(E)(G) [PDF 359KB]
  

  Version/Date: Endorsed December 2008, Released May 28, 2010

  This section describes the Geospatial Data Lifecycle stages that agencies should use when developing, managing and reporting on National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Datasets under the auspices of OMB Circular A–16.  The matrix establishes a framework of standard terminology and processes for seven Geospatial Data Lifecycle stages.
• Lexicon of Geospatial Terminology
  This document is managed online and provides a common set of geospatially-related terms and concepts to encourage consistent use of terminology to promote a clearer understanding of commonly used terms.