How Transferable from GMBIS?
Is it typically easy to transfer from a database into
someone’s own database using different software?
No.  But it is usually “do-able.”
Are there steps we should be taking to make sure
it’s possible?  Yes.  Follow standards when they
exist or what looks good  (DIF, OBIS, FGDC,
DODS->NVODS->OpenDap, digir, ….)
FGDC is very complex; for meta-data only