Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology Federal Advisory Committees
| Citation | 85 FR 21394 |
| Record Number | 2020-08095 |
| Published date | 17 April 2020 |
| Section | Notices |
| Court | National Institute Of Standards And Technology |
Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 75 (Friday, April 17, 2020)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 75 (Friday, April 17, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21394-21399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08095]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National
Institute of Standards and Technology Federal Advisory Committees
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST or
Institute) invites and requests nomination of individuals for
appointment to seven existing Federal Advisory Committees (Committees):
Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award;
Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award;
Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board; Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Advisory Board; National Construction Safety Team
Advisory Committee; Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction;
and Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. NIST will consider
nominations received in response to this notice for appointment to the
Committees, in addition to nominations already received. Registered
Federal lobbyists may not serve on NIST Federal Advisory Committees in
an individual capacity.
DATES: Nominations for all Committees will be accepted on an ongoing
basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise.
ADDRESSES: See below.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
Address: Please submit nominations to Robert Fangmeyer, Director,
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Nominations may also be
submitted via fax to 301-975-4967. Additional information regarding the
Committee, including its charter, current membership list, and
executive summary, may be found at http://www.nist.gov/baldrige/community/overseers.cfm.
Contact Information: Robyn Verner, Designated Federal Officer,
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 301-975-2361; fax
301-975-4967; or via email at [email protected].
Committee Information
The Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Award (Board) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C.
3711a(d)(2)(B), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Board shall review the work of the private sector
contractor(s), which assists the Director of NIST in administering the
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (Award). The Board will make
such suggestions for the improvement of the Award process as it deems
necessary.
2. The Board shall make an annual report on the results of Award
activities to the Director of NIST, along with its recommendations for
the improvement of the Award process.
3. The Board will function solely as an advisory committee under
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
4. The Board will report to the Director of NIST.
Membership
1. The Board will consist of at least five and approximately 12
members selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance with
applicable Department of Commerce guidance, and for their preeminence
in the field of organizational performance excellence. There will be a
balanced representation from U.S. service, manufacturing, nonprofit,
education, and health care industries. The Board will include members
familiar with the quality, performance improvement operations, and
competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service companies,
small businesses, nonprofits, health care providers, and educational
institutions.
2. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for
three-year terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All
terms will commence on March 1 and end on the last day of February of
the appropriate years.
Miscellaneous
1. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but may,
upon request, be reimbursed travel expenses, including per diem, as
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.
2. The Board will meet at least annually, but usually two times a
year. Additional meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST
Director or by the Chairperson. Meetings are usually one day in
duration.
3. Board meetings are open to the public. Board members do not have
access to classified or proprietary information in connection with
their Board duties.
Nomination Information
1. Nominations are sought from the private and public sector as
described above.
2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished
service and shall be familiar with the quality improvement operations
and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service
companies, small businesses, educational institutions, health care
providers, and nonprofit organizations. The category (field of
eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in
the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular category should
come from organizations or individuals within that category. A summary
of the candidate's qualifications should be included with the
nomination, including (where applicable) current or former service on
Federal advisory boards and Federal employment. In addition, each
nomination letter should state that the person agrees to the
nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the Board,
and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of the Board.
Besides participation at meetings, it is desired that members be able
to devote the equivalent of seven days between meetings to either
developing or researching topics of potential interest, and so forth,
in furtherance of their Board duties.
3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Board membership.
Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
Address: Please submit nominations to Robert Fangmeyer, Director,
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive Mail
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Nominations may also be
submitted via fax to 301-975-4967. Additional information regarding the
Committee, including its charter, current membership list, and
executive summary, may be found at https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/how-
baldrige-
[[Page 21395]]
works/baldrige-community/judges-panel.
Contact Information: Robyn Verner, Designated Federal Officer,
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 301-975-2361; fax
301-975-4967; or via email at [email protected].
Committee Information
The Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
(Panel) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 3711a(d)(1) and
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Panel will ensure the integrity of the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award (Award) selection process. Based on a review of
results of examiners' scoring of written applications, Panel members
will vote on which applicants' merit site visits by examiners to verify
the accuracy of quality improvements claimed by applicants. The Panel
will also review results and findings from site visits, and recommend
Award recipients.
2. The Panel will ensure that individual judges will not
participate in the review of applicants as to which they have any real
or perceived conflict of interest.
3. The Panel will function solely as an advisory body, and will
comply with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
4. The Panel will report to the Director of NIST.
Membership
1. The Panel will consist of no less than 9, and not more than 12,
members selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance with
applicable Department of Commerce guidance. There will be a balanced
representation from U.S. service, manufacturing, small business,
nonprofit, education, and health care industries. The Panel will
include members familiar with the quality improvement operations and
competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service companies,
small businesses, nonprofits, health care providers, and educational
institutions.
2. Panel members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for
three-year terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All
terms will commence on March 1 and end on the last day of February of
the appropriate year.
Miscellaneous
1. Members of the Panel shall serve without compensation, but may,
upon request, be reimbursed travel expenses, including per diem, as
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.
2. The Panel will meet three times per year. Additional meetings
may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST Director or by the
Chairperson. Meetings are usually one to four days in duration. In
addition, each Judge must attend an annual three-day Examiner training
course.
3. When approved by the Department of Commerce Chief Financial
Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, Panel meetings are
closed or partially closed to the public.
Nomination Information
1. Nominations are sought from all U.S. service and manufacturing
industries, small businesses, education, health care, and nonprofits as
described above.
2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished
service and shall be familiar with the quality improvement operations
and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service
companies, small businesses, health care providers, educational
institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The category (field of
eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in
the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular category should
come from organizations or individuals within that category. A summary
of the candidate's qualifications should be included with the
nomination, including (where applicable) current or former service on
federal advisory boards and federal employment. In addition, each
nomination letter should state that the person agrees to the
nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the Panel,
and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of the Panel.
Besides participation at meetings, it is desired that members be either
developing or researching topics of potential interest, reading
Baldrige applications, and so forth, in furtherance of their Panel
duties.
3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Panel membership.
Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board (ISPAB)
Address: Please submit nominations to Jeffrey Brewer, NIST, 100
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930. Nominations
may also be submitted via fax to 301-975-8670, Attn: ISPAB Nominations.
Additional information regarding the ISPAB, including its charter and
current membership list, may be found on its electronic home page at
http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SMA/ispab/index.html.
Contact Information: Jeffrey Brewer, ISPAB Designated Federal
Officer (DFO), NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD
20899-8930; telephone 301-975-2489; fax: 301-975-8670; or via email at
[email protected].
Committee Information
The ISPAB (Committee or Board) was originally chartered as the
Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board by the Department
of Commerce pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-
235). The E-Government Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-347, Title III),
amended Section 21 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-4), including changing the Committee's
name, and the charter was amended accordingly.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Board will identify emerging managerial, technical,
administrative, and physical safeguard issues relative to information
security and privacy.
2. The Board will advise NIST, the Secretary of Homeland Security,
and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on
information security and privacy issues pertaining to Federal
Government information systems, including through review of proposed
standards and guidelines developed by NIST.
3. The Board shall report to the Director of NIST.
4. The Board reports annually to the Secretary of Commerce, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of OMB, the Director of
the National Security Agency, and the appropriate committees of the
Congress.
5. The Board will function solely as an advisory body, in
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act,
as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
Membership
1. The Director of NIST will appoint the Chairperson and the
members of the ISPAB, and members serve at the discretion of the NIST
Director. Members will be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in
accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
[[Page 21396]]
2. The ISPAB will consist of a total of 12 members and a
Chairperson, for a total of 13.
The Board will include four members from outside the
Federal Government who are eminent in the information technology
industry, at least one of whom is representative of small or medium
sized companies in such industries.
The Board will include four members from outside the
Federal Government who are eminent in the fields of information
technology, or related disciplines, but who are not employed by or
representative of a producer of information technology.
The Board will include four members from the Federal
Government who have information system management experience, including
experience in information security and privacy, at least one of whom
shall be from the National Security Agency.
Miscellaneous
1. Members of the Board, other than full-time employees of the
Federal government, will not be compensated for their services, but
will, upon request, be allowed travel expenses pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
5701 et seq., while otherwise performing duties at the request of the
Board Chairperson, while away from their homes or a regular place of
business.
2. Meetings of the ISPAB are usually two to three days in duration
and are usually held quarterly. ISPAB meetings are open to the public,
including the press. Members do not have access to classified or
proprietary information in connection with their ISPAB duties.
Nomination Information
1. Nominations are being accepted in all three categories described
above.
2. Nominees should have specific experience related to information
security or privacy issues, particularly as they pertain to Federal
information technology. Letters of nomination should include the
category of membership for which the candidate is applying and a
summary of the candidate's qualifications for that specific category.
Also include (where applicable) current or former service on Federal
advisory boards and any Federal employment. Each nomination letter
should state that the person agrees to the nomination, acknowledges the
responsibilities of serving on the ISPAB, and that they will actively
participate in good faith in the tasks of the ISPAB.
3. Besides participation at meetings, it is desired that members be
able to devote a minimum of two days between meetings to developing
draft issue papers, researching topics of potential interest, and so
forth in furtherance of their ISPAB duties.
4. Selection of ISPAB members will not be limited to individuals
who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the
requirements will be kept on file to be reviewed as ISPAB vacancies
occur.
5. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse ISPAB membership.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board
Address: Please submit nominations to Ms. Cheryl Gendron, NIST, 100
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800. Nominations
may also be submitted via fax to 301-963-6556, or via email at
[email protected]. Additional information regarding MEP,
including its charter may be found on its electronic home page at
http://www.nist.gov/mep/advisory-board.cfm.
Contact Information: Ms. Cheryl Gendron, Designated Federal
Officer, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD
20899-4800; telephone 301-975-4919, fax 301-963-6556; or via email at
[email protected].
Committee Information
The MEP Advisory Board (Board) is authorized under section 501 of
the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Pub. L. 114-329);
codified at 15 U.S.C. 278k(m), as amended, in accordance with the
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C.
App.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Board will provide advice on MEP activities, plans, and
policies.
2. The Board will assess the soundness of MEP plans and strategies.
3. The Board will assess current performance against MEP program
plans.
4. The Board will function solely in an advisory capacity, and in
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act,
as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
5. The Board shall transmit through the Director of NIST an annual
report to the Secretary of Commerce for transmittal to Congress not
later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the President's
annual budget request each year. The report shall address the status of
the MEP program.
Membership
1. The Board shall consist of not fewer than 10 members, appointed
by the Director of NIST and broadly representative of stakeholders. At
least 2 members shall be employed by or on an advisory board for an MEP
Center, at least 5 members shall be from U.S. small businesses in the
manufacturing sector, and at least 1 member shall represent a community
college. No member shall be an employee of the Federal Government.
2. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Board.
Members shall be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance. Board members serve at
the discretion of the Director of NIST.
3. The term of office of each member of the Board shall be three
years, except that vacancy appointments shall be for the remainder of
the unexpired term of the vacancy. Any person who has completed two
consecutive full terms of service on the Board shall thereafter be
ineligible for appointment during the one-year period following the
expiration of the second term.
Miscellaneous
1. Members of the Board will not be compensated for their services
but will, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem expenses as
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending meetings of the
Board or subcommittees thereof, or while otherwise performing duties at
the request of the Chair, while away from their homes or regular places
of business.
2. The Board will meet at least biannually. Additional meetings may
be called by the Director of NIST or the Designated Federal Officer
(DFO) or his or her designee.
3. Committee meetings are open to the public.
Nomination Information
1. Nominations are being accepted in all categories described
above.
2. Nominees should have specific experience related to
manufacturing and industrial extension services. Letters of nomination
should include the category of membership for which the candidate is
applying and a summary of the candidate's qualifications for that
specific category. Each nomination letter should state that the person
agrees to the nomination and acknowledges the responsibilities of
serving on the MEP Advisory Board.
3. Selection of MEP Advisory Board members will not be limited to
individuals who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet
[[Page 21397]]
the requirements will be kept on file to be reviewed as Board vacancies
occur.
4. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse MEP Advisory Board
membership.
National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee
Address: Please submit nominations to Benjamin Davis, Designated
Federal Officer, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg,
MD 20899-8604. Additional information regarding the NCST, including its
charter may be found on its electronic home page at https://www.nist.gov/el/disaster-resilience/disaster-and-failure-studies/national-construction-safety-team-ncst/advisory.
Contact Information: Maria Dillard, Acting Director, Disaster and
Failure Studies Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8604, telephone 301-975-4953; or via email at
[email protected].
Committee Information
The NCST Advisory Committee (Committee) was established in
accordance with the National Construction Safety Team Act, Public Law
107-231 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C.
App.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Committee shall advise the Director of NIST on carrying out
the National Construction Safety Team Act (Act), review the procedures
developed under section 2(c)(1) of the Act, and review the reports
issued under section 8 of the Act.
2. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body, in
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
3. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
4. On January 1 of each year, the Committee shall transmit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report that includes: (1) An evaluation
of National Construction Safety Team (Team) activities, along with
recommendations to improve the operation and effectiveness of Teams,
and (2) an assessment of the implementation of the recommendations of
Teams and of the Committee.
Membership
1. The Committee shall consist of no less than 4 and no more than
12 members. Members shall reflect the wide diversity of technical
disciplines and competencies involved in the National Construction
Safety Teams investigations. Members shall be selected on the basis of
established records of distinguished service in their professional
community and their knowledge of issues affecting the National
Construction Safety Teams.
2. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Committee,
and they will be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
Miscellaneous
1. Members of the Committee shall not be compensated for their
services but may, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem expenses
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5703.
2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government
Employees (SGEs), will be subject to the ethics standards applicable to
SGEs, and are required to file an annual Executive Branch Confidential
Financial Disclosure Report.
3. The Committee shall meet at least once per year. Additional
meetings may be called whenever requested by the NIST Director or the
Designated Federal Officer (DFO); such meetings may be in the form of
telephone conference calls and/or videoconferences.
Nomination Information
1. Nominations are sought from industry and other communities
having an interest in the National Construction Safety Teams
investigations.
2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished
service. The field of expertise that the candidate represents should be
specified in the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular field
should come from organizations or individuals within that field. A
summary of the candidate's qualifications should be included with the
nomination, including (where applicable) current or former service on
federal advisory boards and federal employment. In addition, each
nomination letter should state that the nominee agrees to the
nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the
Committee, and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of
the Committee.
3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Committee membership.
Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)
Address: Please submit nominations to Tina Faecke, Management and
Program Analyst, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NIST,
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8604, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8604.
Nominations may also be submitted via fax to 301-975-4032 or email at
[email protected]. Additional information regarding the ACEHR,
including its charter and executive summary may be found on its
electronic home page at http://www.nehrp.gov.
Contact Information: Steven McCabe, Director, National Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8604,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8604, telephone 301-975-8549, fax 301-975-4032;
or via email at [email protected].
Committee Information
The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (Committee)
was established in accordance with the National Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-360 (42
U.S.C. 7704(a)(5)) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended,
5 U.S.C. App.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Committee will act in the public interest to assess trends
and developments in the science and engineering of earthquake hazards
reduction; effectiveness of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program (Program) in carrying out the activities under section (a)(2)
of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended, (42 U.S.C.
7704(a)(2)); the need to revise the Program; and the management,
coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program.
2. The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
3. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
4. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST at least once
every two years on its findings of the assessments and its
recommendations for ways to improve the Program. In developing
recommendations, the Committee shall consider the recommendations of
the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Scientific Earthquake
Studies Advisory Committee (SESAC).
Membership
1. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than 11, nor more than
17
[[Page 21398]]
members. Members shall reflect the wide diversity of technical
disciplines, competencies, and communities involved in earthquake
hazards reduction. Members shall be selected on the basis of
established records of distinguished service in their professional
community and their knowledge of issues affecting the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
2. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Committee.
Members shall be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
3. The term of office of each member of the Committee shall be
three years, except that vacancy appointments shall be for the
remainder of the unexpired term of the vacancy and that members shall
have staggered terms such that the Committee will have approximately
one-third new or reappointed members each year.
Miscellaneous
1. Members of the Committee shall not be compensated for their
services, but may, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem
expenses in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending
meetings of the Committee or subcommittees thereof, or while otherwise
performing duties at the request of the Chairperson, while away from
their homes or regular places of business.
2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government
Employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethics standards applicable
to SGEs and are required to file an annual Executive Branch
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
3. The Committee members shall meet face-to-face at least once per
year. Additional meetings may be called whenever requested by the NIST
Director; such meetings may be in the form of telephone conference
calls and/or videoconferences.
4. Committee meetings are open to the public.
Nomination Information
1. Members will be drawn from industry and other communities having
an interest in the Program, such as, but not limited to, research and
academic institutions, industry standards development organizations,
state and local government, and financial communities, who are
qualified to provide advice on earthquake hazards reduction and
represent all related scientific, architectural, and engineering
disciplines.
2. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of
service on the Committee shall be ineligible for appointment for a
third term during the two-year period following the expiration of the
second term.
3. Nominees should have established records of distinguished
service. The field of expertise that the candidate represents should be
specified in the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular field
should come from organizations or individuals within that field. A
summary of the candidate's qualifications should be included with the
nomination, including (where applicable) current or former service on
federal advisory boards and federal employment. In addition, each
nomination letter should state that the nominee agrees to the
nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the
Committee, and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of
the Committee.
4. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad based and diverse Committee membership.
Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT)
Address: Please submit nominations to Stephanie Shaw, Designated
Federal Officer, VCAT, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060. Nominations may also be submitted via fax
to 301-216-0529 or via email at [email protected]. Additional
information regarding the VCAT, including its charter, current
membership list, and past reports may be found on its electronic
homepage at http://www.nist.gov/director/vcat/.
Contact Information: Stephanie Shaw, Designated Federal Officer,
VCAT, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
1060, telephone 301-975-2667, fax 301-216-0529; or via email at
[email protected].
Committee Information
The VCAT (Committee) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C.
278 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
Objectives and Duties
1. The Committee shall review and make recommendations regarding
general policy for NIST, its organization, its budget, and its
programs, within the framework of applicable national policies as set
forth by the President and the Congress. 15 U.S.C. 278(a).
2. The Committee shall provide an annual report, through the
Director of NIST, to the Secretary of Commerce for submission to the
Congress not later than 30 days after the submittal to Congress of the
President's annual budget request in each year. Such report shall deal
essentially, though not necessarily exclusively, with policy issues or
matters which affect NIST, or with which the Committee in its official
role as the private sector policy adviser of NIST is concerned. Each
such report shall identify areas of research and research techniques of
the Institute of potential importance to the long-term competitiveness
of United States industry, in which the Institute possesses special
competence, which could be used to assist United States enterprises and
Untied States industrial joint research and development ventures. 15
U.S.C. 278(h)(1). The Committee shall submit, through the Director of
NIST, to the Secretary and the Congress such additional reports on
specific policy matters as it deems appropriate. 15 U.S.C. 278(h)(2).
3. The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act,
as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
4. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
Membership
1. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Committee.
Members shall be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance. 15 U.S.C. 278(a).
Members shall be selected solely on the basis of established records of
distinguished service; shall provide representation of a cross-section
of traditional and emerging United States industries; and shall be
eminent in fields such as business, research, new product development,
engineering, labor, education, management consulting, environment, and
international relations. No employee of the Federal Government shall
serve as a member of the Committee. 15 U.S.C. 278(b).
2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government
Employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethics standards applicable
to SGEs.
3. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than nine members
appointed by the Director of NIST, a majority of whom shall be from
United States industry. 15 U.S.C. 278(a). The term of office of each
member of the Committee shall be three years, except that vacancy
appointments shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of the
vacancy. 15 U.S.C. 278(c)(1). Members shall serve at the discretion of
the Director of NIST.
[[Page 21399]]
4. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of
service on the Committee shall be ineligible for appointment for a
third term during the one-year period following the expiration o the
second term. 15 U.S.C. 278(c)(1).
5. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(f), the Committee chairperson and vice
chairperson shall be elected by the members of the Committee at each
annual meeting occurring in an even-numbered year. The vice chairperson
shall perform the duties of the chairperson in his or her absence. In
case a vacancy occurs in the position of the chairperson or vice
chairperson, the Committee shall elect a member to fill such vacancy.
6. Members of the Committee will not be compensated for their
services, but will, upon request, be allowed travel expenses in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending meetings of the
Committee or of its subcommittees, or while otherwise performing duties
at the request of the chairperson, while away from their homes or a
regular place of business.
7. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(g), the Committee may, with the
concurrence o a majority of its members, permit the appointment of a
staff consisting of not more than four professional staff members and
such clerical staff members as may be necessary. Such staff members
shall be appointed by the Director after consultation with the
chairperson of the Committee and assigned at the direction of the
Committee.
8. Subcommittees: Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(e), the Committee shall
have an executive committee, and may delegate to it such powers and
functions of the Committee as it deems appropriate. The Committee and/
or the Director of NIST may establish such other subcommittees, task
forces, and working groups consisting of members from the parent
Committee as may be necessary, subject to the provisions of FACA, the
FACA implementing regulations, and applicable Department of Commerce
guidance. Subcommittees must report back to the Committee and any
recommendations based on their work will be deliberated and agreed upon
by the Committee prior to dissemination to NIST.
Miscellaneous
1. Meetings of the VCAT usually take place at the NIST headquarters
in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Committee will meet at least twice each
year at the call of the chairperson or whenever one-third of the
members so request in writing. The Committee shall not act in the
absence of a quorum, which shall consist of a majority of the members
of the Committee not having a conflict of interest in the matter being
considered by the Committee. 15 U.S.C. 278(d).
2. Generally, Committee meetings are open to the public.
Nomination Information
1. Nominations are sought from all fields described above.
2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished
service and shall be eminent in fields such as business, research, new
product development, engineering, labor, education, management
consulting, environment and international relations. The category
(field of eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be
specified in the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular
category should come from organizations or individuals within that
category. A summary of the candidate's qualifications should be
included with the nomination, including (where applicable) current or
former service on Federal advisory boards and Federal employment. In
addition, each nomination letter should state that the candidate agrees
to the nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the
VCAT, and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of the
VCAT.
3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse VCAT membership.
Kevin Kimball,
NIST Chief of Staff.
[FR Doc. 2020-08095 Filed 4-16-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
