Theme Strategic Plan Template

Background information for completing the Theme Strategic Plan

The Theme Strategic Plan template was approved in June 2015. The next version, revised in January 2017, provides guidance for assessing and updating the Theme Strategic Plans as needed. This version also includes further details on availability of the completed plans via the GeoPlatform.gov along with other minor editorial updates. The current version, revised in March 2017 adds a cover page to include the timeframe the report covers (i.e. 2017-2021) and the date of submission.

The NGDA Management Plan (NGDA MP) calls for the development of a template for creating a Theme strategic plan (Action 1D.4). The plan should include NGDA Theme related information from existing agency-based strategic plans. There is no need to recreate work already available within the agencies. The plans will be used by a variety of audiences including Dataset Managers, Theme Leads, Executive Theme Champions, the Coordination Group, and agency management. The key is that these plans encompass the entire Theme including multiple agencies. The objective is to manage the Theme more broadly.

The template below provides guidance on the information that should be included in the plan and is designed to be short and simple. In the future, additional elements can be added as they are needed. The intent is for all A-16 NGDA Theme plans to share a common set of elements so progress can be consistently measured across the Themes but remain flexible enough to accommodate individual Theme requirements. This will also be reflected in the activities outlined in the Theme Implementation Plans being developed.

The timeframe for each Theme Strategic Plan is five years and it should be assessed annually and updated as needed for significant changes. The Theme Strategic Plan template will be available within the Geoplatform.gov Theme Lead Community. Once approved, the current Theme Strategic Plans will be available in Adobe PDF format via the respective Geoplatform.gov NGDA Theme Community pages. Additionally, a Word format version will be stored in the GeoPlatform.gov NGDA Collaboration Community (NCC), login required, listed under the Reports and Dashboards page. As Theme Strategic Plans are updated, previous versions will also be available under the Reports and Dashboards page. The FGDC Office of the Secretariat will coordinate with the Theme Leads to ensure completion of the plans.

Note: This introductory information provides background details and can be removed when submitting the final Theme Strategic Plan Report.

Theme Strategic Plan Template Background (6/19/2015; Rev.3/3/2017) Page i

<Insert Submission Date>

Theme Strategic Plan for<Insert Name> Theme

<Insert Lead Agency Name>

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)

<Insert Timeframe: 20XX – 20XX>

Theme Strategic Plan for ‘Theme Name’

Theme Lead (Co-Leads):Theme Lead Agency(ies):Executive Theme Champion:Executive Champion Agency:

NGDA Datasets in ‘Theme Name’:(Master list: https://www.fgdc.gov/ngda-reports/NGDA_Datasets.html):

‘Theme Name’ NGDA Dataset Title NGDA Dataset Lead Agency

It is important to note that not all of NGDA Datasets are managed by “Theme Lead Agency.” Management of the ‘Theme Name’ Theme is an interagency effort.

Goals 1: (add as many goals as required)A goal is broader and more general than an objective or an action item. It is larger than the program and may result from the cumulative effect of many programs’ outcomes. The ultimate goal of the Theme strategic plans is to have a set of authoritative datasets that are utilized by all stakeholders to meet their needs.

Example goal: Facilitate the sharing of the Theme’s geospatial data, ensure the effective development of the Theme’s NGDA Datasets, and convene leadership of the Theme’s geospatial community.

Objectives 1.1 (add as many objectives as needed)Establish the standards of achievement in terms of a proportionate improvement in the existing condition. Objectives should be specific, measurable, audience- or issue-directed, realistic, and time-bound.

Anticipated Outcomes. What result(s) is (are) expect when the objective is completed.

Actions 1.1.1 (add as many actions as needed)These are activities with outputs designed to achieve objectives. These specific statements explain how an objective will be accomplished. They’re the areas that move the strategy to operations and are generally executed by teams or individuals.

External Factors, Challenges, and Opportunities

What important trends could influence the strategic plans implementation - technology, standards, committees, management, workforce, initiatives, policy/legal issues, etc.? What challenges exist? What opportunities exist to support the Theme’s goals?

Theme Strategic Plan Page 2