Data management plans existed long before the NSF started requiring them. DMPs have inherent value despite their being relatively unknown to researchers until now. Proper, thorough data management plans are potentially a major time saver and a huge asset for the project. In this webinar, we will cover how to go beyond funder requirements and develop more thorough data DMPs The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative requires an extensive data management plan for projects it funds; we will hear about their efforts and how they are planning to use the DMPTool going forward.