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FAQ Overview

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David Aguiar edited this page Aug 31, 2026 · 3 revisions

this page is draft and should be filled in soon

FAQ Overview

This section provides frequently asked questions related to DCAT-US 3 implementation, Data.gov harvesting, Inventory.data.gov access, interagency meetings, and issue routing.

Use this page as a starting point to find the FAQ category that best matches your question.

FAQ Categories

FAQ Page Use This Page For
DCAT-US 3 Technical Implementation FAQ Questions about implementing the DCAT-US 3 metadata standard, interpreting fields, validation issues, and technical guidance
Harvest Source Request FAQ Questions about requesting a new DCAT-US 3 harvest source or changing an existing harvest source
Inventory.data.gov Access FAQ Questions about requesting or maintaining access to Inventory.data.gov
Meeting FAQ Questions about DCAT interagency office hours and information sharing sessions
Tracking and Issue Routing FAQ Questions about where to submit or track different types of issues, requests, defects, enhancements, or standard change requests

Start Here

I am implementing DCAT-US 3. Where should I start?

Start with the DCAT-US 3 Implementation Guide:

https://resources.data.gov/resources/dcat-us-3-implementation/

You may also want to review:

I need to create a DCAT-US 3 compliant file. What should I do?

Agencies may create or update a DCAT-US 3 compliant file using their selected metadata management process or tool.

If your agency needs access to Inventory.data.gov to create a DCAT-US 3 compliant file, use the Inventory.data.gov Access Request Form:

https://touchpoints.app.cloud.gov/touchpoints/9145dd7e

Once an Inventory.data.gov account is established, the same form must be re-submitted once per quarter to maintain access.

See:

Inventory.data.gov Access FAQ

I need to request a new DCAT-US 3 harvest source or change an existing one. What should I do?

Use the Harvest Source Change Request Form:

https://touchpoints.app.cloud.gov/touchpoints/ffb7e9d0

Before submitting the form, agencies should:

  1. Review the DCAT-US 3 Implementation Guide.
  2. Review current harvest sources at https://harvest.data.gov.
  3. Validate the proposed or updated source at https://harvest.data.gov/validate/.
  4. Confirm the correct source URL.
  5. Identify the agency point of contact for follow-up.

See:

Harvest Source Request FAQ

I want to view my agency’s current harvest sources. Where do I go?

Agencies can view current harvest sources at:

https://harvest.data.gov

See:

Harvest Source Review and Validation

I want to validate a proposed or updated harvest source. Where do I go?

Agencies can validate a proposed or updated harvest source at:

https://harvest.data.gov/validate/

See:

Harvest Source Review and Validation

I have a question about a DCAT-US 3 field or implementation decision. Where should I ask?

Start by reviewing:

If the question is not answered there, agencies may bring the question to DCAT Interagency Q&A Office Hours.

Meeting schedule updates are posted at:

https://resources.data.gov/resources/dcat-us-3-updates/

If the question identifies a possible issue or requested change to the DCAT-US metadata standard itself, use the DCAT-US GitHub Issues page:

https://github.com/GSA/dcat-us/issues

I want to request a change to the DCAT-US metadata standard. Where should I submit that?

Use the DCAT-US GitHub Issues page:

https://github.com/GSA/dcat-us/issues

Use this issue tracker for:

  • Requesting a change to the DCAT-US metadata standard
  • Proposing updates to fields, definitions, usage notes, or requirements
  • Raising questions about the structure or interpretation of the standard
  • Identifying inconsistencies, ambiguities, or gaps in the standard
  • Suggesting improvements to DCAT-US documentation or guidance

See:

Tracking and Issue Routing FAQ

Common Resources

DCAT-US 3 Updates

https://resources.data.gov/resources/dcat-us-3-updates/

Use this page for meeting schedule updates and related DCAT-US 3 engagement information.

DCAT-US 3 Implementation Guide

https://resources.data.gov/resources/dcat-us-3-implementation/

Primary reference for agencies implementing the DCAT-US 3 metadata standard.

DCAT-US 3 to M-25-05 Crosswalk

https://resources.data.gov/resources/dcat-us-3-crosswalk/

Reference for understanding how DCAT-US 3 metadata elements relate to M-25-05-related considerations.

DCAT-US 3 Technical Implementation FAQs

https://github.com/GSA/dcat-us/wiki/DCAT-US-3-Technical-Implementation-FAQ

Frequently asked questions related to technical implementation of the DCAT-US 3 metadata standard are posted here as they are developed.

DCAT-US GitHub Issues

https://github.com/GSA/dcat-us/issues

Use this issue tracker to request or discuss changes to the DCAT-US metadata standard itself.

Current Harvest Sources

https://harvest.data.gov

Use this site to view current agency harvest sources.

Harvest Source Validation Tool

https://harvest.data.gov/validate/

Use this tool to test whether a proposed or updated harvest source is expected to pass validation.

Harvest Source Change Request Form

https://touchpoints.app.cloud.gov/touchpoints/ffb7e9d0

Use this form to request a new DCAT-US 3 harvest source or a change to an existing harvest source.

Inventory.data.gov Access Request Form

https://touchpoints.app.cloud.gov/touchpoints/9145dd7e

Use this form to request or renew access to Inventory.data.gov. Once an account is established, this same form must be re-submitted once per quarter to maintain access.

Quick Routing Guide

Question or Need Start Here
I need to implement DCAT-US 3 DCAT-US 3 Implementation Resources
I need a step-by-step agency workflow Agency Workflow for DCAT-US 3 Harvest Source Requests
I need Inventory.data.gov access Inventory.data.gov Access FAQ
I need to view current harvest sources https://harvest.data.gov
I need to validate a harvest source https://harvest.data.gov/validate/
I need to request a new or updated harvest source https://touchpoints.app

DCAT-US 3 Implementation Support

Meetings

Implementation Resources

Data.gov Team Process

FAQs

Reference

DCAT Interagency Maintenance Team

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