The Profile is designed to document biological data sets, both geospatial and non-geospatial in nature and includes all the elements in the FGDC CSDGM, as well as additional elements to describe biological data sets. Because the Profile includes all elements in the "base" FGDC CSDGM, the software tools and protocols used to collect, index, or exchange FGDC metadata are compatible with the metadata produced according to the Profile.

The Service's Geographic Information System (GIS) Steering Committee has endorsed the use of the FGDC CSDGM; however, because of the complexity of the complete standard, the Committee created a subset of metadata elements that are mandatory for the Service's geospatial data. The adopted Service standard for Geospatial Metadata can be viewed at this site. This subset of metadata elements, which includes all the mandatory elements in the FGDC CSDGM and a few elements considered to be important by the GIS Steering Committee, will also be used to document biological data sets. However, in order to achieve compliance with the Profile, all elements identified as mandatory and mandatory-if-applicable in the Profile will also be required.

Part 270, FW 6, Data Management and Standards, dated September 30, 2002.

The FGDC CSDGM web site includes links to the FGDC-endorsed Biological Data Profile and other profiles or extensions of the CSDGM that are under development.

The Biological Data Profile is an important component of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII). The NBII Metadata Clearinghouse contains standardized metadata-based descriptions of biological data sets and information products that follow the Biological Data Profile. The NBII Metadata Clearinghouse is also a participating node on the FGDC's National Spatial Data Clearinghouse. 

This standard can be used to specify metadata content for the full range of biological resources data and information. This includes biological data that are explicitly geospatial in nature, as well as data which are not explicitly geospatial (such as data resulting from field or laboratory-based research). This also includes "information" categories, such as research reports, field notes, or specimen collections.

The guidance for minimal metadata documentation of biological data collected and processed by Service staff and contractors includes general notes on the metadata sections of the Profile, illustrates the subset of metadata elements that are mandatory for biological data, both geospatial and non-spatial, and provides an example metadata record that contains the basic elements needed to comply with Service guidelines.