I’m wondering to what degree federal government entities have formally committed to using open standards. The closest I can find is language from the OMB Circular A-130, which, as far as I can see, doesn’t explicitly mention proprietary vs open standards.

There are several passages, however, which could be taken to add up to as much:

The free flow of information between the government and the public is essential to a democratic society. It is also essential that the government minimize the Federal paperwork burden on the public, minimize the cost of its information activities, and maximize the usefulness of government information.

Because the public disclosure of government information is essential to the operation of a democracy, the management of Federal information resources should protect the public’s right of access to government information.

Systematic attention to the management of government records is an essential component of sound public resources management which ensures public accountability. Together with records preservation, it protects the government’s historical record and guards the legal and financial rights of the government and the public.

The open and efficient exchange of scientific and technical government information, subject to applicable national security controls and the proprietary rights of others, fosters excellence in scientific research and effective use of Federal research and development funds.

Federal Government information resources management policies and activities can affect, and be affected by, the information policies and activities of other nations.

The availability of government information in diverse media, including electronic formats, permits agencies and the public greater flexibility in using the information.

The Chief Information Officers Council and the Information Technology Resources Board will help in the development and operation of interagency and interoperable shared information resources to support the performance of government missions.

(d) In determining whether and how to disseminate information to the public, agencies will: (i) Disseminate information in a manner that achieves the best balance between the goals of maximizing the usefulness of the information and minimizing the cost to the government and the public;

(ii) Disseminate information dissemination products on equitable and timely terms;

(iii) Take advantage of all dissemination channels, Federal and nonfederal, including State and local governments, libraries and private sector entities, in discharging agency information dissemination responsibilities;
(iv) Help the public locate government information maintained by or for the agency.

How must agencies avoid improperly restrictive practices?

Agencies will:

(a) Avoid establishing, or permitting others to establish on their behalf, exclusive, restricted, or other distribution arrangements that interfere with the availability of information dissemination products on a timely and equitable basis;

There’s a lot there, but they never seem to fully address the problems that come along with the use of proprietary data formats. I’m wondering how helpful it would be to have this addressed more formally, and perhaps in a way that applies to both Congress and the executive (since this is an OMB circular).

Also, notably, this circular directs each agency to appoint a CIO, and outlines accountability mechanisms for them, and also mentions the Council of CIOs.