SECOND OPEN GOVERNMENT NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAThis document will serve as a roadmap for the next two years as the Administration works in partnership with the public and civil society organizations to carry forth these Open Government efforts. T his report, however, is not representative of all U.S. Government efforts to further openness. The process of opening government is a continuing work-in-progress. Under the President’s leadership, the Administration will continue to generate and implement Open Government p olicies and reforms, as well as continue to seek input from outside groups and citizens about how to create a more Open Government.Creating a more Open Government requires a sustained commitment by public of ficials and employees at all levels of government; it also requires an informed and active citizenry . These new Open Government commitments include the expansion of original commitments as wel l as the launch of new initiatives. The Administration will work with the public and civil society organizations to implement each of these commitments over the next two years.THE OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPOGPPublic IntegrityIncrease Public Integrity1Open Government to Increase Public IntegrityPublic ParticipationImprove Public Participation in Government1.1In the first NAP, the Administration expanded opportunities for public participation in government, recognizing the value of the American public as a strategic partner in solving some of the country’s most difficult challenges. The United States is committed to continuing to expand public participation in government and will: We the PeopleExpand and Simplify the Use of We the People. 1.1.1In 2014, the White House will introduce improvements to We the People that will make petitioning the Government easier and more effective. These improvements will enhance public participation by creating a more streamlined process for signing petitions and a new Application Programming Interface (API) that will allow third parties to collect and submit signatures to We the People petitions from their own websites. These improvements will also enhance transparency by enabling the public to perform data analysis on the signatures and petitions. The White House will publish a software development kit to help people build tools using the We the People API and will engage with the public on improvements to the API and expansion of its use. Public ParticipationPublish Best Practices and Metrics for Public Participation. 1.1.2In the first National Action Plan, the Administration committed to identify best practices for public participation in government and to suggest metrics that would allow agencies to assess progress toward this goal . Over the past two years, the Administration consulted with the public , civil society stakeholders, and academics on how best to implement this initiative from the first National Action Plan. In 2014, the United States will continue these efforts and publish best practices and metrics for public participation.Records ManagementModernize Management of Government Records1.2The backbone of a transparent and accountable government is strong records management that documents the decisions and actions of the Federal Government . When records are well managed, agencies can use them to assess the impact of programs, reduce redundant efforts, save money, and share knowledge within and a cross their organizations. Greater reliance on electronic communications has radically increased the volume and diversity of information that agencies must manage. With proper planning, technology can make these records less burdensome to manage and easier to use and share. Email RecordsImplement new guidance that addresses the automated electronic management of email records.1.2.1National Archives and Records AdministrationTo meet current challenges, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) will work with Federal agencies to implement new guidance that addresses the automated electronic management of email records, as well as the Presidential Directive to manage both permanent and temporary email records in an accessible electronic format by the end of 2016.Data & Metadata StandardsEstablish voluntary data and metadata standards to make it easier to search government records .1.2.2NARANARA will also collaborate with industry to establish voluntary data and metadata standards to make it easier for individuals to search publicly - available government records.FOIAModernize the Freedom of Information Act1.3The Obama Administration has already made important progress to improve the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process by simplifying the process of filing requests at many agencies, by proactively disclosing information in the public interest in advance of requests, by speeding up processing times, by greatly reducing FOIA backlogs, and by publishing more data on FOIA compliance. There is still much more that the Administration can do and the United States is committed to further modernizing FOIA processes through the following initiatives: Online ServiceImprove the Customer Experience through a Consolidated Online FOIA Service. 1.3.1More than 100 Federal agencies are subject to FOIA. For the average requester, this can mean significant energy spent searching for the right agency and navigating the unique process for submitting a request to that agency. The Administration will launch a consolidated request portal that allows the public to submit a request to any Federal agency from a single web site and includes additional tools to improve the customer experience. The U.S. Government will establish a FOIA task force that will review current practices, seek public input, and determine the best way to implement this consolidated FOIA service.Regulations & PracticesDevelop Common FOIA Regulations and Practices for Federal Agencies.1.3.2Certain steps in the FOIA process are generally shared across Federal agencies. Standardizing these common aspects through a core FOIA regulation and common set of practices would make it easier for requesters to understand and navigate the FOIA process and easier for the Government to keep regulations up to date. The Administration will initiate an interagency process to determine the feasibility and the potential content of a core FOIA regulation that is both applicable to all agencies and retains flexibility for agency - specific requirements.Agency ProcessesImprove Internal Agency FOIA Processes. 1.3.3Over the past few years, several agencies have analyzed existing FOIA practices and used this information to make dramatic improvements in their backlogs and processing times, as well as to increase the proactive release of information in the public interest. The U.S. Government will scale these targeted efforts to improve the efficiency of agencies with the biggest backlogs, and to share lessons learned to further improve internal agency FOIA processes.Advisory CommitteeEstablish a FOIA Modernization Advisory Committee. 1.3.4FOIA Advisory CommitteeImprovements to FOIA administration must take into account the views and interests of both requesters and the Government. The United States will establish a formal FOIA Advisory Committee, comprised of government and non-governmental members of the FOIA community, to foster dialog between the Administration and the requester community, solicit public comments, and develop consensus recommendations for improving FOIA administration and proactive disclosures. TrainingImprove FOIA Training Across Government to Increase Efficiency. 1.3.5In order to efficiently and effectively respond to FOIA requests, every Federal employee -- not just those in an agency’s FOIA office -- should fully understand the FOIA process. The Administration will make standard e-learning training resources available for FOIA professionals and other Federal employees and encourage their use.Security ClassificationTransform the Security Classification System1.4While national security requires that certain information be protected as classified, democratic principles simultaneously require government to be transparent -- wherever possible -- about its activities. Overclassification may have high costs and operational impacts on agencies. Classification must therefore be kept to the minimum required to meet national security needs, and information should be made available to the public through proper declassification once the need for protecting the information has passed. In continuation of our efforts to transform the classification system and declassify as much material as possible, while simultaneously protecting national security, the Administration will:Security Classification ReformCreate a Security Classification Reform Committee. 1.4.1Security Classification Reform CommitteeThe Public Interest Declassification Board, an advisory committee made up of experts outside government as well as former government classification experts, has made several recommendations for reducing over classification and simplifying the classification system in its report, Transforming the Security Classification System. The interagency Classification Review Committee, which will report to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, will review these recommendations, coordinate efforts to implement those that are accepted, and meet periodically with external stakeholders to obtain their input as appropriate. Nuclear ActivitiesSystematically Review and Declassify Historical Data on Nuclear Activities.1.4.2Classification Review CommitteeDepartment of DefenseDepartment of EnergyOffice of the Director of National IntelligenceDepartment of StateThe Classification Review Committee will work with the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Department of State to determine, consistent with applicable statutes, how to implement a systematic review process for the declassification of no-longer sensitive historical information on nuclear programs (Formerly Restricted Data or FRD), focusing on specific events and topics of historical nuclear policy interest and ways for the public to help identify priorities for declassification review. Technological ToolsPilot Technological Tools to Analyze Classified Presidential Records. 1.4.3Central Intelligence AgencyNARAThe Central Intelligence Agency and NARA will pilot the use of new tools to provide classification reviewers with search capability for unstructured data and automate initial document analysis, beginning with Presidential Records from the Reagan Administration’s classified e-mail system. Monitoring & TrackingImplement Monitoring and Tracking of Declassification Reviews. 1.4.4Presidential LibrariesThe National Declassification Center at NARA will implement a referral and tracking system that will automatically notify appropriate agency representatives when classified records are ready for declassification review and enable monitoring to ensure that agencies meet review deadlines. This system will include records of Presidential Libraries.Controlled Unclassified InformationImplement the Controlled Unclassified Information Program1.5NARAThe Government currently uses ad hoc, agency-specific policies, procedures, and markings to safeguard and protect certain controlled unclassified information (CUI), such as information that involves privacy, security, proprietary business interests, and law enforcement investigations. This patchwork of policies has resulted in inconsistent marking and safeguarding of documents, unclear or unnecessarily restrictive dissemination policies, and impediments to authorized information sharing. The President therefore directed NARA to establish a program to standardize processes and procedures for managing CUI. Over the next year, NARA will issue implementation guidance, with phased implementation schedules, and an enhanced CUI Registry that designates what information falls under the program.Foreign Intelligence SurveillanceIncrease Transparency of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Activities1.6U.S. Intelligence CommunityFISA CourtIn June 2013, the President directed the U.S. Intelligence Community to declassify and make public as much information as possible about certain sensitive intelligence collection programs undertaken under the authority of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), while being mindful of the need to protect national security. Nearly two thousand pages of documents have since been released, including materials that were provided to Congress in conjunction with its oversight and reauthorization of these authorities. As information is declassified, the U.S. Intelligence Community is posting online materials and other information relevant to FISA, the FISA Court, and oversight and compliance efforts. The Administration has further committed to:National Security Legal AuthoritiesShare Data on the Use of National Security Legal Authorities. 1.6.1The Administration will release annual public reports on the U.S. Government ’s use of certain national security authorities . These reports will include the total number of orders issued during the prior twelve-month period and the number of tar gets affected by them. DeclassificationReview and Declassify Information Regarding Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Programs.1.6.2Director of National IntelligenceThe Director of National Intelligence will continue to review and, where appropriate, declassify information related to foreign intelligence surveillance programs. Stakeholder ConsultationConsult with Stakeholders. 1.6.3Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight BoardThe Administration will continue to engage with a broad group of stakeholders and seek input from the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to ensure the Government appropriately protects privacy and civil liberties while simultaneously safeguarding national security.Privacy ComplianceMake Privacy Compliance Information More Accessible1.7As data increasingly help drive efficiency and effectiveness of public services, public trust in the Government’s good stewardship of data is essential. The Federal Government has a dedicated workforce that has long worked to ensure the proper management and security of personal information held by Federal agencies. Agencies are required to routinely review, assess, and publicly report on their collection and use of personal information. To improve transparency and accountability of Federal data collection, the Administration will: Policies & ReportsImprove the Accessibility of Privacy Policies and Compliance Reports. 1.7.1To make it easier for citizens to find and understand what information the Government collects and maintains, Federal agencies will make it easier for the public to access, download, and search online for publicly - available privacy policies and privacy compliance reports. ReportingUpdate and Improve Reporting on Federal Agency Data Policies and Practices. 1.7.2Agencies will collaborate to review the content of publicly - available privacy compliance reports and to consider best practices to ensure that the reports provide meaningful information about the Federal Government’s management of personal information.Open Government PlansSupport and Improve Agency Implementation of Open Government Plans1.8Office of Management and BudgetOffice of Science and Technology PolicyThe Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy will work with an existing interagency open government group, made up of individuals from across the Executive Branch, to develop guidelines for Federal agencies as they work to update their Open Government Plans in the coming months. DisclosureRequire proactive disclosures.1.8.1These guidelines will require, at a minimum, new measures on proactive disclosures. InputSolicit input from civil society organizations for these guidelines.1.8.2Civil Society OrganizationsThe interagency group will solicit input from civil society organizations for these guidelines and will work to ensure robust implementation of the agency plans in accordance with the Open Government Directive.ImplementationEnsure robust implementation of the agency plans.1.8.3Whistleblower ProtectionsStrengthen and Expand Whistleblower Protections for Government Personnel1.9WhisleblowersFederal EmployeesEmployees with the courage to report wrongdoing through appropriate, legally authorized channels are a government’s best defense against waste, fraud, and abuse. Federal law prohibits retaliation against most government employees and contractors who act as whistle blowers , and those protections were strengthened by recent legislation and Executive action. However, some who work for the Government still have diminished statutory protections . The Government must also ensure that Federal employees know their rights. Therefore, the Administration will: Whistleblower Certification ProgramMandate Participation in the Office of Special Counsel Whistleblower Certification Program. 1.9.1Office of Special CounselTo ensure that Federal employees understand their whistleblower rights and how to make protected disclosures, the Administration will require covered agencies to complete the U.S. Office of Special Counsel’s program to certify compliance with the Whistleblower Protection Act’s notification requirements.Presidential DirectiveImplement the Presidential Directive on Protecting Whistleblowers. 1.9.2The U.S. Government will continue to work to implement the President’s October 2012 Policy Directive on Protecting Whistleblowers with Access to Classified Information (PPD - 19), including by ensuring strong, independent due process procedures; awareness of protections; and agency understanding of the protections available to government contractors under the directive.Legislation Advocate for Legislation to Expand Whistleblower Protections.1.9.3CongressWith the Administration’s support, Congress recently enacted legislation t o strengthen whistleblower protections for most Federal Government employees and contractors, but there are still gaps in statutory protections available to certain government employees and contractors. The Administration will continue to work with Congress to enact appropriate legislation to protect these individuals.Executive AuthorityExplore Executive Authority to Expand Whistle blower Protections if Congress Does Not Act. 1.9.4While statutory protections are preferable, the Administration will explore additional options for utilizing Executive authority to further strengthen and expand whistleblower protections if Congress fails to act further.Legal EntitiesIncrease Transparency of Legal Entities Formed in the United States1.10Legal EntitiesThe United States has been working closely with partners around the world to combat the criminal misuse of businesses, shell companies, and front companies. These legal entities are used to access the international financial system and facilitate financial crime, while masking the true identity of illicit actors. These legal entities are also used by individuals and companies to shelter assets and evade taxes. Enhanced transparency of companies formed in the United States will help to prevent criminal organizations from obscuring who really benefits from the businesses they operate, help to address tax avoidance, and also help developing countries to combat corruption when criminal actors look to illicitly deposit their money abroad. To promote transparency in company ownership, the Administration will: DisclosureAdvocate for Legislation Requiring Meaningful Disclosure. 1.10.1The White House will continue to publicly advocate for legislation requiring disclosure of meaningful information at the time a company is formed, showing not just who owns the company, but also who receives financial benefits from the entity. Due DiligenceEstablish an Explicit Customer Due Diligence Obligation for U.S. Financial Institutions. 1.10.2U.S. Financial InstitutionsBeneficial OwnersTreasury DepartmentIn 2014, the Administration will work to enact a rule requiring U.S. financial institutions to identify the beneficial owners of companies that are legal entities. The Treasury Department is currently engaged in rulemaking to clarify customer due diligence requirements for U.S. financial institutions. The agency has received public comments through an Advance Notice of Rulemaking and also hosted several stakeholder roundtables . Resource ManagementManage Resources More Effectively2Open Government to Manage Resources More EffectivelyExtractive IndustriesImplement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative2.1Extractive IndustriesTwo years ago, at the launch of the OGP, President Obama announced the U.S. commitment to implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an international standard aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the payments that companies make and the revenues governments receive for their natural resources. The United States has actively worked toward increasing revenue transparency and accountability in relevant industry sectors, ensuring that American taxpayers receive every dollar due for the extraction of the Nation’s natural resources. The United States continues to work toward EITI candidacy, including by seeking public comment and feedback on the Federal Government’s candidacy application. The Administration intends to publish the first United States EITI report in 2015 and to achieve EITI compliance in 2016. The United States will also: Geothermal & Renewable EnergyDisclose additional revenues on geothermal and renewable energy.2.1.1DOI PaymentsUnilaterally disclose all payments received by the U.S. Department of Interior.2.1.2U.S. Department of InteriorTimber RevenuesCreate a process to discuss future disclosure of timber revenues.2.1.3Open Data ToolsPromote the development of innovative open data tools that make extractive data more meaningful for and accessible to the American people.2.1.4American PeopleFossil Fuel SubsidiesMake Fossil Fuel Subsidies More Transparent2.2Group of 20International BodiesRegular public reporting on U.S. Government spending on fossil fuel subsidies will increase transparency and enhance accountability. The United States will publicly publish an annual report outlining Government spending on fossil fuel subsidies and share it with the Group of 20 (G - 20) and other relevant international bodies. Spending TransparencyIncrease Transparency in Spending2.3The Administration’s efforts to increase transparency in Federal spending have opened up new data on Federal procurement and financial assistance. The Administration intends to further increase the transparency of where Federal tax dollars are spent by committing to: GIFTJoin the Global Initiative on Fiscal Transparency. 2.3.1Global Initiative on Fiscal TransparencyGIFT Working GroupThe United States will join the Global Initiative on Fiscal Transparency (GIFT), an international network of governments and non-government organizations aimed at enhancing financial transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement. The Administration will actively participate in the GIFT Working Group and seek opportunities to work with others to champion fiscal openness in appropriate global forums.Stakeholder EngagementRegularly Engage with External Stakeholders. 2.3.2The U.S. Government will hold quarterly meetings with external stakeholders to identify and prioritize ways to improve the usability and functionality of the USASpending.gov website.Spending DataOpen Up Federal Spending Data. 2.3.3The U.S. Government will make Federal spending data more easily available in open and machine-readable formats.Contracting DataPublish Additional Federal Contracting Data. 2.3.4The Administration will facilitate the publication of certain Federal Government contract information not currently available in order to increase transparency and accountability of the Federal procurement system. Information will be made available consistent with Federal rulemaking procedures.Strategic DirectionProvide Strategic Direction for Enhancing Fiscal Transparency. 2.3.5Government Accountability and Transparency BoardThe Administration, through the work of the Government Accountability and Transparency Board (GATB), will continue to provide strategic direction to the Federal Government on ways to increase Federal spending transparency and to detect waste, fraud, or abuse. Procurement & GrantsUpdate GATB's annual plan [to address] data analytics and data integrity and standardization for procurement and grants.2.3.6GATBGATB will update its annual plan with 2013 accomplishments and 2014 objectives including issues of data analytics and data integrity and standardization for procurement and grants.Foreign AssistanceIncrease Transparency of Foreign Assistance2.4OMBUnited States Agency for International DevelopmentDepartment of StateDepartment of Health and Human ServicesDepartment of AgricultureDepartment of DefenseDepartment of TreasuryGreater foreign aid transparency promotes effective development by helping recipient governments manage their aid flows and by empowering citizens to hold governments accountable for the use of foreign assistance. Increased transparency also supports evidence-based, data-driven approaches to foreign aid. ForeignAssistance.govEstablish an automated and timely process for publishing foreign aid data to ForeignAssistance.gov.2.4.1As outlined in past OMB guidance to Federal agencies, by December 2015, agencies managing or implementing U.S. foreign assistance will establish an automated and timely process for publishing foreign aid data to ForeignAssistance.gov. DataAdd and expand foreign assistance data on ForeignAssistance.gov.2.4.2Throughout 2014, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Treasury, and other agencies will work to add or expand detailed, timely, and high-quality foreign assistance data to ForeignAssistance.gov. Stakeholder EngagementEngage civil society organizations and the public online about the content and the use of the data on the website2.4.3Department of StateCivil Society OrganizationsThe Public The Department of State, as the lead agency for the U.S. government on this issue, will also continue to engage civil society organizations and the public online about the content and the use of the data on the website.Performance.GovContinue to Improve Performance.Gov2.5Performance.gov provides a window to the public on the Administration’s efforts to create a government that is more effective, efficient, innovative, and responsive. The Federal Government improved the web site by publishing regular progress updates on agency and cross-agency goals. In 2014, the Federal Government will add new performance goals with implementation strategies as well as enhanced web site functionality, such as data exports, to make the information more accessible and useable.Goals & Implementation StrategiesAdd new performance goals with implementation strategies.2.5.1FunctionalityEnhance web site functionality, such as data exports, to make the information more accessible and useable.2.5.2Import and Export SystemsConsolidate Import and Export Systems to Curb Corruption2.6The Administration will develop guidelines for directing the consolidation of United States import/export systems to a “single window” platform to streamline business and regulatory transactions, promote transparency, and keep America competitive, safe, and secure. Community Spending DecisionsPromote Public Participation in Community Spending Decisions2.7ChicagoNew YorkSan FranciscoVallejoDepartment of Housing and Urban DevelopmentParticipatory budgeting allows citizens to play a key role in identifying, discussing, and prioritizing public spending projects, and gives them a voice in how taxpayer dollars are spent. Several communities around the country, such as Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Vallejo, already have had success in, or are currently planning, participatory budgeting processes to help determine local budgeting priorities. One way participatory budgeting can be utilized by cities is through eligible Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing and Community Development funds, which can be used to promote affordable housing, provide services to the mo st vulnerable citizens, and create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. SC2Work in collaboration with the Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative (SC2).2.7.1SC2Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative (SC2)National League of CitiesNon-Profit Organizations Philanthropies CitiesAmerican CommunitiesIn 2014, the Administration will work in collaboration with the Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative (SC2), the National League of Cities, non-profit organizations, philanthropies, and interested cities to: Tools & Best PracticesCreate tools and best practices that communities can use to implement projects.2.7.1.1CommunitiesAwarenessRaise awareness among other American communities that participatory budgeting can be used to help determine local investment priorities.2.7.1.2EducationHelp educate communities on participatory budgeting and its benefits.2.7.1.3Visa SanctionsExpand Visa Sanctions to Combat Corruption2.8Corrupt IndividualsKleptocratsIn early 2014, the U.S. Government will launch an interagency process to explore ways to strengthen U.S. efforts to deny safe haven to corrupt individuals. These efforts include the possibility of strengthening the Presidential Proclamation that denies safe haven in the United States to those who have committed, participated in, or were beneficiaries of corrupt practices in performing public functions. Although this 2004 Proclamation has proven useful in denying safe haven to kleptocrats and their associates and families, experience with its enforcement has revealed several potential areas for enhancement that the Administration will continue to explore.Public ServicesImprove Public Services3Open Government to Improve Public ServicesRegulationsFurther Expand Public Participation in the Development of Regulations3.1The Administration continues to promote public participation in rulemaking, which covers such diverse subjects as energy, education, homeland security, agriculture, food safety, environmental protection, health c are, and airline and automobile safety. Regulations.gov and a related underlying electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) support the rulemaking processes at most Administration and many independent regulatory agencies, and are designed to make it easier for the public to comment on proposed regulations and for government agencies to post those proposed rules online. The online platform currently allows the public to view and comment on proposed rules, and includes associated data in the docket that can be searched and downloaded. The Administration will:CommentingMake Commenting on Proposed Rulemakings Easier. 3.1.1eRulemaking Program Management OfficeThe eRulemaking Program Management Office (PMO), which leads Regulations.gov and the FDMS, will explore launching an API to allow the public to comment on proposed regulations using third-party web sites.OutreachContinue Proactive Outreach with Stakeholders. 3.1.2To be responsive to non-government users of Regulations.gov, the PMO will continue to proactively engage and meet with outside stakeholder groups to obtain input on how best to improve the web site.ReadabilityMake Regulations Easier to Read.3.1.3The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched an open source pilot to make regulations easier to read and understand. Based on the performance of the pilot, the model will be considered for potential expansion to other agencies.Open DataOpen Data to the Public3.2The PublicJournalistsCitizensEntrepreneursCharitiesFarmersOpen Data fuels innovation that grows the economy and advances government transparency and accountability. Government data has been used by journalists to uncover variations in hospital billings, by citizens to learn more about the social services provided by charities in their communities, and by entrepreneurs building new software tools to help farmers plan and manage their crops. Building upon the successful implementation of open data commitments in the first NAP, the second NAP will include commitments to make government data more accessible and useful for the public. Through these commitments, the United States will:Data ManagementManage Government Data as a Strategic Asset.3.2.1Data InventoryDevelop an inventory of data and publish a list of datasets that are public or can be made public.3.2.1.1U.S. Government AgenciesIn an effort to make U.S. Government data more accessible and useful, Federal agencies will develop an inventory of their data and publish a list of datasets that are public or can be made public. Public FeedbackDevelop new mechanisms to solicit public feedback regarding open government data.3.2.1.2Agencies will also develop new mechanisms to solicit public feedback regarding open government data. Data.govLaunch an Improved Data.gov. 3.2.2Researchers JournalistsData.gov allows the public to easily find, download, and use data collected or created by the Federal Government. The United States will launch a new version of Data.gov to make it even easier to discover, understand, and use open government data. The new Data.gov will index all Federal agency datasets in one easy-to-use catalog. This new web site will help developers, researchers, journalists, and other stakeholders find data and will help the public more easily find tools and resources to access Government services. Agriculture & NutritionOpen Agriculture and Nutrition Data. 3.2.3United KingdomGlobal development, agriculture, and health have been a key focus of the Administration’s Open Data Initiatives. To expand these efforts internationally, the United States, in partnership with the United Kingdom, established the Global Open Data on Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN). GODAN aims to increase the quality, quantity, and timeliness of available data to support agriculture and nutrition efforts -- as well as to increase the number and diversity of stakeholders who are applying data-based solutions to improve agriculture and nutrition. This initiative will support public and private global efforts to make agriculture and nutrition data more available and easier to access. The United States will create an interagency group that will promote open data efforts in the public and private sectors and encourage new efforts to release agriculture and nutrition data. Disaster-Related DataOpen Natural Disaster-Related Data to Support Response and Recovery Efforts.3.2.4FEMAFirst-RespondersSurvivorsImpacted CommunitiesGovernment data is used to help first responders and survivors make better-informed decisions during the chaos of a natural disaster. Expanding the amount of natural disaster-related open government data will increase awareness of the effects of natural disasters and improve disaster relief and recovery efforts. FEMA, through its OpenFEMA initiative, will release new disaster-related data in a machine-readable format and host workshops to build tools that support first-responders, survivors, and impacted communities. Expert NetworkingContinue to Pilot Expert Networking Platforms3.3Food and Drug AdministrationFederal Experts Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Department of AgricultureResearchersScientistsResearch CommunityExpert networking platforms offer the potential for Government officials to find and connect with Federal colleagues, academic researchers, or members of the general public that have specialized skills or unique expertise. The pilot program ExpertNet, launched by the Food and Drug Administration to connect Federal experts with each other and with citizens who have expertise on a pertinent topic, will be expanded in 2014. The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture are also working to leverage a similar networking platform to enable collaboration and discovery among researchers and scientists. The Administration will work with the research community to assess the impact of expert networking and will convene agencies to identify best practices.WebsitesReform Government Websites3.4More citizens seek government information through the internet than any other source. In addition to continuing to be accessible, government websites should be easy to find, use, and navigate. The Administration will continue to work to implement its Digital Government Strategy to improve Federal websites and to promote a more citizen-centered government. These efforts will include revising and updating OMB policies for Federal Agency websites in 2014 .InnovationPromote Innovation Through Collaboration and Harness the Ingenuity of the American Public3.5CitizensAmerican PublicCreating a more Open Government and addressing our Nation’s most challenging issues requires an informed and active citizenry. Recognizing the value of the American public as a strategic partner in addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges, the United States will work to more effectively harness the expertise, ingenuity, and creativity of the American public by enabling, accelerating, and scaling the use of open innovation method s across the Federal Government, including commitments to:Innovation ToolkitCreate an Open Innovation Toolkit.3.5.1In 2014, the Administration will convene an inter agency group to develop an “open innovation toolkit” for Federal agencies that will include best practices, training, policies, and guidance on authorities related to open innovation, including approaches such as incentive prizes, crowdsourcing, and citizen science. Prizes & ChallengesNew Incentive Prizes and Challenges on Challenge.gov. 3.5.2The U.S. Government champions the use of challenges, prizes, and competitions to catalyze breakthroughs in national priorities. Launched on September 2010, Challenge.gov has hosted more than 300 crowdsourcing competitions, and the platform has been used b y more than 50 Federal departments and agencies. The website will continue to provide public listings of new competitions offered by the Administration to engage citizen s in solving difficult problems to help agencies achieve their missions. Crowdsourcing & Citizen ScienceIncreased Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Programs.3.5.3Public participation in scientific research, one type of crowdsourcing known as “ citizen science”, allows the public to make critical contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math by collecting, analyzing, and sharing a wide range of data. The Administration will expand its use of crowdsourcing and citizen science programs to further engage the public in problem-solving . Asteroid Grand ChallengeIncrease the number of asteroid observations by the amateur astronomer community.3.5.3.1Astronomer CommunityNASAFor example, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will seek to drastically increase the number of asteroid observations by the amateur astronomer community as part of the Asteroid Grand Challenge. Space Apps ChallengeLaunch the third International Space Apps Challenge.3.5.3.2NASANASA will also launch the third International Space Apps Challenge in 2014, building upon the previously successful International Space Apps Challenges to continue to use publicly-released data to solve global challenges. Environmental Citizen ScienceExpand EPA citizen science activities.3.5.3.3Environmental Protection AgencyIn addition, the Environmental Protection Agency will will expand its citizen science activities, such as leveraging crowdsourcing to monitor water quality.ArchivingIncrease citizen archivist crowdsourcing projects.3.5.3.4NARACitizen ArchivistsArchivistsNARA will increase its citizen archivist crowdsourcing projects that make records more accessible online to include captioning of historical films and transcription of other Federal records by the public.National MapUse public input to improve the National Map. 3.5.3.5U.S. Geological SurveyThe U.S. Geological Survey will expand its National Map Corps program to use public input to improve the National Map. 2013-12-052015-12-312013-12-07http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/us_national_action_plan_6p.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net