The Information Quality Act (IQA) is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that is transforming the way NOAA operates and handles data. This law, signed into effect in 2001, sets rigorous standards for the quality of information created or disseminated by US federal agencies. In this article, we’ll examine the IQA in depth and explore its implications for NOAA.
What is the IQA?
The IQA was created to ensure that federal agencies produce publicly accessible, accurate, and reliable information. It sets up a set of guidelines and procedures to ensure that all information disseminated by these agencies is scientific and technical in nature, accurate, timely, useful, and consistent. The act covers any information or product created or used by the agency and applies to both new and previously existing information.
The act applies to all US federal agencies, and NOAA is no exception. The agency must comply with the IQA’s procedural requirements and ensure that all information it releases meets the act’s quality standards.
Implications for NOAA
The IQA has far-reaching implications for NOAA, particularly concerning the agency’s dissemination of information. NOAA’s mission is to observe, understand, and predict changes in the Earth’s environment. It collects and shares vast amounts of information in support of this mission, much of which is publicly available.
The agency must ensure that this information is accurate and reliable, conforming to the standards of the IQA. This process entails scientific and technical reviews, data verification, and detailed record-keeping to maintain a transparent and accountable process.
Compliance with the IQA poses a significant challenge to NOAA, which has a vast array of data sets that must be verified and made accessible to the public. However, the benefits of the IQA are apparent in ensuring that the public receives reliable information from the agency.
Examples of IQA compliance
NOAA’s compliance with the IQA is evident in some of the initiatives it has implemented. For example, in 2002, the agency established a Central Library, which is responsible for managing and disseminating information in compliance with IQA standards. Additionally, in 2007, NOAA developed an Information Quality Handbook, which lays out IQA compliance procedures and provides training and guidance for its staff.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IQA is an essential piece of legislation that sets rigorous standards for the quality of information produced by federal agencies. Compliance with the IQA is of utmost importance to NOAA, which disseminates vast amounts of scientific data and information. The agency’s adherence to the IQA’s standards ensures that the public receives accurate and reliable information, enabling a better-informed public and better decision-making.
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