USGS Geospatial Data Contracts
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Commercial Remote Sensing Data Contracts Information Sheet CRSDC Home | Information Sheet | Contractors | Data Request | Contacts
The United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Commercial Remote Sensing Data Contracts (CRSDCs) provide government agencies with access to a broad range of commercially available remotely sensed satellite data. These contracts were established to support The National Map partners, other Federal Civilian agency programs, and Department of Defense programs that require data for the United States and its territories. Experience shows that centralized procurement of remotely sensed data leads to considerable cost savings to the Federal government through volume discounts, reduction of redundant contract administrative costs, and avoidance of duplicate purchases. These contracts directly support the President's Commercial Remote Sensing Space Policy, signed in 2003, which states that the United States Government shall utilize U.S. and foreign commercial remote sensing space capabilities to meet imagery and geospatial needs. CRSDC administration is provided by the USGS Mid-Continent Geographic Science Center in Rolla, Missouri. The USGS has negotiated advantageous CRSDC terms on behalf of purchasing organizations, including highly competitive pricing and the most flexible and least restrictive licensing arrangements offered to date by the commercial satellite remote sensing industry. The USGS is committed to negotiating data license agreements that allow the distribution of data within the public domain wherever practical. These data will be made available through The National Map, where purchased data with appropriate licensing will be directly accessible and downloadable. Space-derived deliverables will include data listed in the contractor's standard commercial catalog that meet or exceed the requirements specified in the contract, and a license to use that data. Contractors will process inquiries about data availability, process requests for data acquisitions, process orders for data products, and maintain up-to-date product documentation. Data providers were selected based on technical capability and past performance. Contracts were awarded to firms that offered competitive pricing and flexible licensing packages. Benefits of CRSDC The Commercial data contracts negotiated by the USGS provide mechanisms to procure both new acquisitions and archived data, which are increasingly being collected on speculation by satellite remote sensing companies or for specific clients, and subsequently offered for resale. Contractors also are developing and refreshing robust archives of high-quality, multi-resolution remotely sensed data, especially for populated areas and other areas of interest, such as the coastal zones. Summary of CRSDC Advantages Contract Costs Contract costs are negotiated with appropriate contractors. The USGS maintains resident expertise to ensure purchasing organizations receive fair market value for the products they acquire. A 5-percent administrative charge is assessed on all contracts. Points of Contact:
James M. (Mike) Duncan, Mid-Continent Geographic Science Center (MCMC), Rolla, MO, 573-308-3799 crsdc@usgs.gov |
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://geodatacontracts.er.usgs.gov/crsdc/crsdc_info_sheet.html
Questions or Assistance: Contact USGS
Last modified: Thursday, 22-Oct-2009 12:42:41 EDT
