EPA Needs a Comprehensive Vision and Strategy for Citizen Science that Aligns with Its Strategic Objectives on Public Participation

Date Issued

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Submitting OIG

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Environmental Protection Agency

Report Number

18-P-0240

Report Description

Seek link below for the full report, report summary, multimedia or any agency follow-up.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Additional Details

Open Recommendations

This report has 2 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
18-P-0240_2	No	$0	$0
Through appropriate EPA offices, direct completion of an assessment to identify the data management requirements for using citizen science data and an action plan for addressing those requirements, includingthose on sharing and using data, data format/standards, and data testing/validation.
18-P-0240_4	No	$0	$0
Build capacity for managing the use of citizen science, and expand awareness of citizen science resources, by:a. Finalizing the checklist on administrative and legal factors for Agency staff to consider when developing citizen science projects, as well as identifying and developing any procedures needed to ensure compliance with steps in the checklist.b. Conducting training and/or marketing on the EPA’s citizen science intranet site for program and regional staff in developing projects.c. Finalizing and distributing materials highlighting project successes and how the EPA has used results of its investment in citizen science.