The General Services Administration said on April 26 that it plans to create a new Open Government Federal Advisory Committee that will help the agency ride herd over the U.S. Open Government National Action Plan released by the Biden administration in late 2022.
The National Action Plan – the fifth edition of the policy that first emerged in 2011 – carries the broad aim of making government more accountable and increasing public access to government data.
In addition to improving data access, the plan – developed by the Federal government and U.S. civil society – also aims to engage the public in the regulatory process, make government records more accessible to all, and improve delivery of government services and benefits.
The plan’s five themes are: improve access to government data, research, and information; increase civic space to engage the public; transform government service delivery; counter corruption and ensure government integrity and accountability to the public; and ensure equal justice under the law.
GSA said it’s looking for people to serve on the panel, which will be made up of government and industry representatives from Federal agencies, state and local government, associations, and academia.
The agency is inviting interested parties to a May 10 virtual public Q&A session (email ogfac@gsa.gov) to learn more about the advisory committee member selection process and timeline.
“Strengthening the partnership between GSA and civil society bolsters our democracy by enhancing our collective understanding and efforts in shaping a more open government,” commented GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.
“This new Federal Advisory Committee is a testament to GSA’s commitment to work within and across the U.S. government, while holding ourselves to the open government principles of transparency, accountability, and engagement alongside civil society stakeholders,” she said.
Krystal Brumfield, GSA’s associate administrator for government-wide policy, said, “GSA looks forward to welcoming a diverse group of voices from civil society to this important new federal advisory committee.”
“The OG FAC will allow GSA to tackle emerging open government issues, challenges, and opportunities through expert advice from these stakeholders,” she said. “We look forward to receiving innovative suggestions on the development of the sixth Open Government National Action Plan as well as other efforts to strengthen open government policy and public engagement.”
