Open data are made available in convenient, modifiable, and open formats that can be retrieved, downloaded, indexed, and searched. Formats should be machine-readable for automated processing. Open data should be made available to the widest range of users for the widest range of purposes, often by providing the data in multiple formats for consumption. To the extent permitted by law, these formats should be nonproprietary, publicly available and without restrictions placed upon their use.

Open data are described fully so that people have sufficient information to understand the data's strengths, weaknesses, analytical limitations and security requirements, as well as how the data are processed. Describing the data involves the use of robust, granular metadata (i.e., fields or elements that describe data), thorough documentation of data elements, data dictionaries and, if applicable, additional descriptions of the purpose of the collection, the population of interest, the characteristics of the sample and the method of data collection.

Open data are made available under an open license that places no restrictions on their use.

Open data are published in primary forms with the finest possible level of granularity that is practicable and permitted by law and other requirements. Derived or aggregate open data should also be published but must reference the primary data.

Open data are made available as quickly as necessary to preserve the value of the data. Frequency of release should account for key audiences and downstream needs.

An NSF point of contact is designated to assist with data use and respond to complaints.