FGC3 charter

CHARTER

DRAFT 2

FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATING COMMITTEE OF CALIFORNIA CHARTER

6 SEPTEMBER, 2001

Section I – Background

A. Federal agencies with responsibilities in the State of California administer a wide variety of programs that depend on the effective use of geographic information. Geographic information and associated technologies have been successfully implemented by many agencies to assist in the management and analysis of geographic data. Agencies use geographic information to improve their effectiveness in planning, delivering, and monitoring the conditions associated with their programs.

B. The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) was established by the Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-16 to coordinate the Federal Government's role in developing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Representatives from 17 Cabinet level and independent federal agencies participate in the FGDC because cooperation across agencies improves the ability of federal agencies to manage and deliver “place-based” services and programs. It is incumbent upon the regional offices of the federal agencies to carry forth, implement and advance the coordination concepts and standards set forth by the FGDC.

Therefore:

The Federal Geographic Coordinating Committee of California (FGC3) has assembled as a forum for coordinating cost-effective development, use, acquisition, exchange and management of geographic data among federal agencies with offices and/or responsibilities in the State of California.

Section II. Purpose & Goals

A. The purpose of FGC3 is to provide a collaborative forum for cooperation and communication in matters related to the use and development of geographic information among federal agencies with offices and/or responsibilities in the State of California. Improved coordination of geographic information among the members will foster informed decision-making, environmental and cultural management and education.

B. The Goals of FGC3 are as follows:

1. Coordinate framework data
2. Support and participate in programs to disseminate geographic data to FGC3 members, the State and the public.
3. Endorse and implement standards
4. Cooperate with other entities and organizations to develop and maintain the California Statewide Geographic Information Infrastructure
5. Share information

Section III. Organization & Structure

A. Membership
1. The Committee is composed of representatives from federal agencies with offices and/or responsibilities in California. All federal agencies are invited to join and participate.
2. Federal agencies with offices and/or responsibilities in California are encouraged to send any number of delegates as needed to provide for adequate representation of program areas with interest in geographic information within the agencies, and to participate in various Committee and Subcommittee activities.

B. Leadership
1. The Committee shall elect a Chair from its primary members. The Chair will be responsible for presiding over Committee and Steering committee meetings and representing the Committee in other meetings. The term of the Chair shall be two fiscal years.
2. The Committee shall elect a Vice Chair from its primary members. The Vice-Chair will be responsible, when the Chair is unavailable, for fulfilling the Chair's duties. The term of the Chair shall be two fiscal years.
3. The Committee shall establish Subcommittees to address specific technical, funding, communications and outreach issues as related to development, maintenance, and sharing of geographic information. Each Subcommittee shall have a Chair.

C. Meetings
1. The FGC3 will meet quarterly or as needed to address special opportunities or issues.
2. The Chair shall provide notice of the meetings via electronic mail at least 5 days in advance of the meetings.
3. Meeting locations may vary but will generally be held in the Sacramento-Davis area.
4. Special meetings of the Committee may be called by the Chair or by request of the primary members of the Committee, with at least forty- hours notice, to discuss and take action on issues that are critical and need immediate resolution. Special meetings may be conducted by telephone conference.
5. Subcommittees shall meet as needed to meet their specific needs. Reports of each sub-committee will be made at each meeting of the full Committee.

U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://fgc3.wr.usgs.gov/charter.html
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Last modified: Friday, 16-Apr-2004 13:10:05 EDT (alv)
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