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Launch of Open Government Directive: What This Means for Agencies

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opengovtOn Tuesday morning, at 11:00 a.m. eastern time, Vivek Kundra, federal CIO, and Aneesh Chopra, federal CTO, held a live web cast to announce the arrival of the new Open Government Directive.  The purpose of this directive is to create a government that is open and transparent and move from the traditionally “closed” government.

What does this mean for government agencies? Well, first and foremost agencies must make at least 3 high-value data sets open to the public. A high-value data set is one that is accurate, timely, and comprehensive. It is also one that will benefit the public, such as more access to healthcare information, or information about average delay time of flights. According to Federal Computer Week, Kundra wants to have agencies that can “fundamentally change the way government operates, or moves the government to an environment where making this data available publicly is going to improve the operations of government.”

Another impact on agencies in the new directive is that it will hold agencies accountable. In 60 days, according to Kundra and Chopra, a dashboard will be launched. This will be in place to hold the agencies accountable and make sure they are complying with the directive, such as creating an open government website or meeting the various checkpoints stated in the directive.

Finally, after 120 days, each agency will be responsible for creating an open government plan. While this plan can reflect the main objectives the individual agency wants to tackle and they are able to choose their own high priority areas, it is expected that each agency will consult the American public in their efforts. To view the directive visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/12/08/promoting-transparency-government

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