It is a well-kept secret that the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau were the original two federal agencies to build the first national digital database of roads and boundaries in the United States. The agencies joined forces to develop homegrown computer software and state of the art technologies to convert existing USGS topographic maps of the nation to the points, lines, and polygons that fueled early GIS. Today, the USGS and Census Bureau have a longstanding goal to leverage and use roads and authoritative boundary datasets.

The report is intended to provide a common language and framework for reporting on the quality of data sets and a foundation upon which federal agencies can make decision about the management of data products throughout their lifecycle. The report fulfills a responsibility under Action Step 19 of the Federal Data Strategy 2020 Action Plan.

Provides policy and procedural guidance to Federal agencies for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information (including statistical information) disseminated by Federal agencies. Dated February 22, 2002.

The purpose of this Memorandum is to reinforce, clarify, and interpret agency responsibilities with regard to responsibilities under the Information Quality Act (IQA). Dated April 24, 2019.