FGDC Seeks Nominations for National Geospatial Advisory Committee
The Department of the Interior and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) are seeking nominations to serve on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). The NGAC is a Federal Advisory Committee authorized through the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA), which operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The NGAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior through the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) related to management of Federal geospatial programs, development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and the implementation of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA). The NGAC reviews and comments on geospatial policy and management issues and provides a forum for views of non-Federal stakeholders in the geospatial community.
Nominations for appointment to the NGAC should be submitted electronically to ngacnominations@fgdc.gov by November 16, 2026. Nominations may come from employers, associations, professional organizations, or other geospatial organizations. Nominations should include a resume providing an adequate description of the nominee’s qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make an informed decision regarding meeting the membership requirements of the Committee and permit DOI to contact a potential member. Nominees are strongly encouraged to include supporting letters from employers, associations, professional organizations, and/or other organizations that indicate the support by a meaningful constituency for the nominee.
NGAC Nomination Webinar
The FGDC will hold an informational webinar on the NGAC nominations process on October 8, 2026 from 2:00 - 3:00 ET via Microsoft Teams. The purpose of the webinar will be to provide details about the NGAC, the nomination process, and to answer any questions.
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
Dial in by phone: +1 202-640-1187, 745255539# United States, Washington
NGAC Background
The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to achieve a balanced representation of the viewpoints of the various stakeholders involved in national geospatial activities. NGAC members are appointed for staggered terms. Nominations received in the first 60 days of this posting will be considered to fill immediate vacancies. This Notice will remain open after 60 days and nominations can continue to be submitted for consideration to future NGAC appointments. Nominations will be reviewed by the FGDC, and additional information may be requested from nominees. Final selection and appointment of Committee members will be made by the Secretary of the Interior. Individuals who are Federally registered lobbyists are ineligible to serve on all FACA and non-FACA boards, committees, or councils in an individual capacity. The term "individual capacity" refers to individuals who are appointed to exercise their own individual best judgment on behalf of the government, such as when they are designated Special Government Employees, rather than being appointed to represent a particular interest.
The NGAC meets approximately 3-4 times per year. NGAC members will serve without compensation, but travel and per diem costs will be provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. NGAC meetings are open to the public. Notice of committee meetings are published in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the date of the meeting. The public will have an opportunity to provide input at these meetings.
The NGAC Charter includes additional information about the NGAC’s roles and responsibilities.
Resources
- FGDC Announcement (pdf)
- Federal Register Notice (pdf)
Contact
For additional information or questions, please contact Megan Compton (mrcompton [at] usgs.gov, 703-581-3332)