80 FR 74086 - Digital Economy Board of Advisors, Establishment and Call for Nominations

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 228 (November 27, 2015)

Page Range		74086-74087
FR Document		2015-30226

The Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information announces the establishment of the Digital Economy Board of Advisors on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce. The Board will advise and provide recommendations to the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, on a broad range of issues concerning the digital economy and Internet policy. This Notice also requests nominations of individuals for membership on the Board.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74086-74087]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30226]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Digital Economy Board of Advisors, Establishment and Call for 
Nominations

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of establishment and call for nominations to serve on 
the Digital Economy Board of Advisors.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information 
announces the establishment of the Digital Economy Board of Advisors on 
behalf of the Secretary of Commerce. The Board will advise and provide 
recommendations to the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, on a 
broad range of issues concerning the digital economy and Internet 
policy. This Notice also requests nominations of individuals for 
membership on the Board.

DATES: Nominations should be submitted electronically using the online 
nomination form on or before December 23, 2015, at midnight Eastern 
Standard Time.

ADDRESSES: Applicants should submit nominations electronically, with 
the information specified below, using the online nomination form 
located at www.ntia.doc.gov/digital-economy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Evelyn Remaley, Designated Federal 
Officer (DFO), at (202) 482-3821 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 
as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) and the National Telecommunications & 
Information Administration's authorizing statute, 47 U.S.C. 904(b), the 
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information (Assistant 
Secretary) announces the establishment of the Digital Economy Board of 
Advisors (the Board) on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce. The Board 
is established under the direction of the Secretary and with the 
concurrence of the General Services Administration.

I. Background

    Economic prosperity is increasingly tied to the digital economy, 
which is a key driver of jobs, business creation, and innovation. 
Indeed, virtually every modern company relies on the Internet to grow 
and thrive. As a result, the Department of Commerce (Department) has 
made technology and Internet policy a top priority, investing resources 
to address the challenges and opportunities businesses face in a global 
economy.
    On November 9, 2015, the Secretary of Commerce unveiled the 
Department's new Digital Economy Agenda, which will help businesses and 
consumers realize the potential of the digital economy to advance 
growth and opportunity. The Agenda focuses on four key objectives: 
promoting a free and open Internet worldwide; promoting trust online; 
ensuring access for workers, families, and companies; and promoting 
innovation. To support the Agenda, the Secretary has directed the 
creation of a Digital Economy Board of Advisors to enable the 
Department to have a mechanism for receiving regular advice from 
leaders in industry, academia, and civil society. The Secretary 
determined that the establishment of the Board is necessary and serves 
the public interest.

II. Description of Duties

    The Board's primary duty will be to provide independent advice and 
recommendations to the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, on a 
broad range of policy issues impacting the digital economy. The Board 
will serve as a centralized forum for gathering consensus input from a 
wide range of stakeholders and experts. The Board's mission is to 
provide advice in furtherance of increasing domestic prosperity, 
improving education, and facilitating participation in political and 
cultural life through the application and expansion of digital 
technologies.
    The Board's advice will focus on ensuring that the Internet 
continues to thrive as an engine of growth, innovation, and free 
expression. In carrying out its duties, the Board's activities may 
include, but are not limited to:
     Gathering information and providing an analysis of 
challenges related to the global free flow of information on the 
Internet, including policies that could restrict cross-border 
information flows;
     Providing advice on other policy matters that impact the 
digital economy, such as expanding broadband capacity, enhancing 
cybersecurity, protecting privacy, and examining the role of 
intermediaries;
     Promoting the development of new digital technologies, and
     Analyzing the impact of the Internet on job growth and the 
economy as a whole.
    The Department will use the advice provided by the Board to inform 
its decision-making process and advance Administration goals.

III. Board Structure and Composition

    The Board will be comprised of no fewer than five (5) and no more 
than 30 members, including the Chair(s). The Secretary will appoint 
members of the Board for two-year terms. Members will serve at the 
Secretary's pleasure and discretion and may be reappointed for 
additional terms. The Assistant Secretary, with input from the 
Secretary, will appoint one or more members to serve as Chair or Co-
Chairs. The Chair(s) will serve at the pleasure and discretion of the 
Assistant Secretary. The Board will meet approximately quarterly, or as 
determined by the DFO.
    The Board will consist of leaders in industry and civil society who 
are prominent experts in their fields and recognized for their 
professional achievements. The Secretary will appoint objective members 
and ensure balanced representation. Membership is voluntary and, thus, 
members will not receive compensation for their time or reimbursement 
for travel or per diem expenses.
    Members of the Board will be appointed as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs). See http://www.oge.gov/Topics/Selected-

[[Page 74087]]

Employee-Categories/Special-Government-Employees. As SGEs, members must 
comply with certain federal conflict of interest statutes and ethics 
regulations, including some financial disclosure requirements. To 
permit evaluation of possible sources of conflicts of interest, 
selected candidates will be asked to provide detailed information 
concerning financial interests, consultancies, research grants, and/or 
contracts that might be affected by recommendations of the Board.
    Appointments will be made without regard to political affiliation. 
Each nominee will need to certify that he or she is not currently a 
registered federal lobbyist pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 
1995 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). See Revised Guidance on 
Appointment of Lobbyists to Federal Advisory Committees, Boards, and 
Commissions, Office of Management and Budget, 79 FR 47482 (Aug. 13, 
2014). Each nominee will also be required to certify that he or she is 
not currently an agent of a foreign principal required to register 
pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended 
(codified at 22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.).
    If a term expires or a vacancy occurs during the life of the Board, 
the Assistant Secretary may recommend any of the following:
     Reappointment of an incumbent;
     Solicitation for new applications published in the Federal 
Register in accordance with regular procedures; or
     Selection of a replacement from a list of candidates whose 
applications were received within the previous year.

IV. Nominations

    Individuals may nominate themselves or other individuals. 
Professional associations and other organizations may nominate one or 
more qualified persons for membership on the Board. Nominations shall 
state that the nominee has been consulted and is willing to serve as a 
Special Government Employee. All nominations must provide the following 
information:
     A letter of nomination stating the full name, affiliation, 
and contact information for the nominee, the basis for the nomination, 
and the nominee's field(s) of expertise;
     a biographical sketch of the nominee and/or a copy of his 
or her curriculum vitae; and
     if applicable, the name, return address, email address, 
and daytime phone number at which the nominator can be contacted.
    Nominations should be submitted electronically using the online 
nomination form located at www.ntia.doc.gov/digital-economy.
    The Assistant Secretary will review the nominations and make 
recommendations to the Secretary for appointments. Among other factors, 
the Secretary and Assistant Secretary will consider nominees' 
experience and knowledge of digital economy issues in addition to:
     Educational background (e.g., advance degree in 
engineering, economics, law, business, or public policy);
     Professional experience and accomplishments (e.g., nature 
of work, job function, projects, or publications); and
     Current employment and membership in associations (e.g., 
technology developers, manufacturers, academia, civil society, service 
providers with customers in domestic and international markets).
    All appointments will be made without discrimination on the basis 
of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or cultural, 
religious, or socioeconomic status.

    Dated: November 23, 2015.
Lawrence E. Strickling,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. 2015-30226 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P

74086 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Notices

Code. The charter has been filed in ADDRESSES: Applicants should submit gathering consensus input from a wide
accordance with the requirements of the nominations electronically, with the range of stakeholders and experts. The
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as information specified below, using the Board’s mission is to provide advice in
amended (5 U.S.C. App.). online nomination form located at furtherance of increasing domestic
The meeting will focus on a review of www.ntia.doc.gov/digital-economy. prosperity, improving education, and
NTIS data mission and strategic FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: facilitating participation in political and
direction. A final agenda and summary Evelyn Remaley, Designated Federal cultural life through the application and
of the proceedings will be posted at Officer (DFO), at (202) 482–3821 or expansion of digital technologies.
NTIS Web site as soon as they are DEBA@ntia.doc.gov. The Board’s advice will focus on
available (http://www.ntis.gov/about/ ensuring that the Internet continues to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
advisorybd.aspx). thrive as an engine of growth,
The NTIS Facility is a secure one. the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
innovation, and free expression. In
Accordingly persons wishing to attend amended (5 U.S.C. App.) and the
carrying out its duties, the Board’s
should call the NTIS Visitors Center, National Telecommunications &
activities may include, but are not
(703) 605–6040, to arrange for Information Administration’s
limited to:
admission no later than Thursday, authorizing statute, 47 U.S.C. 904(b), the • Gathering information and
December 3, 2015. If there are sufficient Assistant Secretary for Communications providing an analysis of challenges
expressions of interest, up to one-half and Information (Assistant Secretary) related to the global free flow of
hour will be reserved for public announces the establishment of the information on the Internet, including
comments during the session. Questions Digital Economy Board of Advisors (the policies that could restrict cross-border
from the public will not be considered Board) on behalf of the Secretary of information flows;
by the Board but any person who wishes Commerce. The Board is established • Providing advice on other policy
to submit a written question for the under the direction of the Secretary and matters that impact the digital economy,
Board’s consideration should mail or with the concurrence of the General such as expanding broadband capacity,
email it to the NTIS Visitor Center, Services Administration. enhancing cybersecurity, protecting
bookstore@ntis.gov, Subject: NTIS I. Background privacy, and examining the role of
Advisory Board, not later than intermediaries;
Thursday, December 3, 2015. Economic prosperity is increasingly • Promoting the development of new
tied to the digital economy, which is a digital technologies, and
Dated: November 23, 2015. key driver of jobs, business creation,
Bruce Borzino, • Analyzing the impact of the Internet
and innovation. Indeed, virtually every on job growth and the economy as a
Director. modern company relies on the Internet whole.
[FR Doc. 2015–30198 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am] to grow and thrive. As a result, the The Department will use the advice
BILLING CODE 3510–04–P Department of Commerce (Department) provided by the Board to inform its
has made technology and Internet decision-making process and advance
policy a top priority, investing resources Administration goals.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE to address the challenges and
opportunities businesses face in a global III. Board Structure and Composition
National Telecommunications and
economy. The Board will be comprised of no
Information Administration
On November 9, 2015, the Secretary fewer than five (5) and no more than 30
Digital Economy Board of Advisors, of Commerce unveiled the Department’s members, including the Chair(s). The
Establishment and Call for new Digital Economy Agenda, which Secretary will appoint members of the
Nominations will help businesses and consumers Board for two-year terms. Members will
realize the potential of the digital serve at the Secretary’s pleasure and
AGENCY: National Telecommunications economy to advance growth and discretion and may be reappointed for
and Information Administration, U.S. opportunity. The Agenda focuses on additional terms. The Assistant
Department of Commerce. four key objectives: promoting a free Secretary, with input from the
ACTION: Notice of establishment and call and open Internet worldwide; Secretary, will appoint one or more
for nominations to serve on the Digital promoting trust online; ensuring access members to serve as Chair or Co-Chairs.
Economy Board of Advisors. for workers, families, and companies; The Chair(s) will serve at the pleasure
and promoting innovation. To support and discretion of the Assistant
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for the Agenda, the Secretary has directed Secretary. The Board will meet
Communications and Information the creation of a Digital Economy Board approximately quarterly, or as
announces the establishment of the of Advisors to enable the Department to determined by the DFO.
Digital Economy Board of Advisors on have a mechanism for receiving regular The Board will consist of leaders in
behalf of the Secretary of Commerce. advice from leaders in industry, industry and civil society who are
The Board will advise and provide academia, and civil society. The prominent experts in their fields and
recommendations to the Secretary, Secretary determined that the recognized for their professional
through the Assistant Secretary, on a establishment of the Board is necessary achievements. The Secretary will
broad range of issues concerning the and serves the public interest. appoint objective members and ensure
digital economy and Internet policy. balanced representation. Membership is
This Notice also requests nominations II. Description of Duties
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

voluntary and, thus, members will not
of individuals for membership on the The Board’s primary duty will be to receive compensation for their time or
Board. provide independent advice and reimbursement for travel or per diem
DATES: Nominations should be recommendations to the Secretary, expenses.
submitted electronically using the through the Assistant Secretary, on a Members of the Board will be
online nomination form on or before broad range of policy issues impacting appointed as Special Government
December 23, 2015, at midnight Eastern the digital economy. The Board will Employees (SGEs). See http://
Standard Time. serve as a centralized forum for www.oge.gov/Topics/Selected-

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Notices 74087

Employee-Categories/Special- nomination form located at FR 57792), the Committee for Purchase
Government-Employees. As SGEs, www.ntia.doc.gov/digital-economy. From People Who Are Blind or Severely
members must comply with certain The Assistant Secretary will review Disabled published notices of proposed
federal conflict of interest statutes and the nominations and make additions to the Procurement List.
ethics regulations, including some recommendations to the Secretary for After consideration of the material
financial disclosure requirements. To appointments. Among other factors, the presented to it concerning capability of
permit evaluation of possible sources of Secretary and Assistant Secretary will qualified nonprofit agencies to provide
conflicts of interest, selected candidates consider nominees’ experience and the services and impact of the additions
will be asked to provide detailed knowledge of digital economy issues in on the current or most recent
information concerning financial addition to: contractors, the Committee has
interests, consultancies, research grants, • Educational background (e.g., determined that the services listed
and/or contracts that might be affected advance degree in engineering, below are suitable for procurement by
by recommendations of the Board. economics, law, business, or public the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C.
Appointments will be made without policy); 8501–8506 and 41 CFR 51–2.4.
regard to political affiliation. Each • Professional experience and
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
nominee will need to certify that he or accomplishments (e.g., nature of work,
she is not currently a registered federal job function, projects, or publications); I certify that the following action will
lobbyist pursuant to the Lobbying and not have a significant impact on a
Disclosure Act of 1995 (codified at 2 • Current employment and substantial number of small entities.
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). See Revised membership in associations (e.g., The major factors considered for this
Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists technology developers, manufacturers, certification were:
to Federal Advisory Committees, academia, civil society, service 1. The action will not result in any
Boards, and Commissions, Office of providers with customers in domestic additional reporting, recordkeeping or
Management and Budget, 79 FR 47482 and international markets). other compliance requirements for small
(Aug. 13, 2014). Each nominee will also All appointments will be made entities other than the small
be required to certify that he or she is without discrimination on the basis of organizations that will provide the
not currently an agent of a foreign age, ethnicity, gender, sexual services to the Government.
orientation, disability, or cultural, 2. The action will result in
principal required to register pursuant
religious, or socioeconomic status. authorizing small entities to provide the
to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of
services to the Government.
1938, as amended (codified at 22 U.S.C. Dated: November 23, 2015. 3. There are no known regulatory
611 et seq.). Lawrence E. Strickling, alternatives which would accomplish
If a term expires or a vacancy occurs Assistant Secretary for Communications and the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-
during the life of the Board, the Information. O’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501–8506) in
Assistant Secretary may recommend any [FR Doc. 2015–30226 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am] connection with the services proposed
of the following: BILLING CODE 3510–60–P for addition to the Procurement List.
• Reappointment of an incumbent;
• Solicitation for new applications End of Certification
published in the Federal Register in COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM Accordingly, the following services
accordance with regular procedures; or PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR are added to the Procurement List:
• Selection of a replacement from a SEVERELY DISABLED
list of candidates whose applications Services
were received within the previous year. Procurement List, Additions Service Type: Contractor Operated Parts Store
(COPARS) Service
IV. Nominations AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From Service Is Mandatory For: US Marine Corps
Individuals may nominate themselves People Who Are Blind or Severely Garrison Mobile Equipment Branch,
Disabled. Marine Corps Logistics Base, Building
or other individuals. Professional
5400, Albany, GA
associations and other organizations ACTION: Additions to the Procurement
Mandatory Source(s) of Supply: Training,
may nominate one or more qualified List. Rehabilitation, & Development Institute,
persons for membership on the Board. Inc., San Antonio, TX
Nominations shall state that the SUMMARY: This action adds services to Contracting Activity: Dept of the Navy,
nominee has been consulted and is the Procurement List that will be Commanding General, Camp Lejeune, NC
willing to serve as a Special provided by nonprofit agencies
employing persons who are blind or The Commission was copied on a
Government Employee. All nominations letter to the contracting officer from an
must provide the following information: have other severe disabilities.
incumbent contractor’s law firm. While
• A letter of nomination stating the DATES: Effective Date: 12/27/2015.
not received in response to the initial
full name, affiliation, and contact ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase Federal Register notice, the
information for the nominee, the basis From People Who Are Blind or Severely Commission will, nevertheless, address
for the nomination, and the nominee’s Disabled, 1401 S. Clark Street, Suite the comments noted in the letter.
field(s) of expertise; 715, Arlington, Virginia 22202–4149. On behalf of the incumbent
• a biographical sketch of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contractor, the law firm noted that the
nominee and/or a copy of his or her
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

Barry S. Lineback, Telephone: (703) contractor has held the contract for
curriculum vitae; and 603–7740, Fax: (703) 603–0655, or email three years and has retained
• if applicable, the name, return CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov. experienced employees who have
address, email address, and daytime SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: established a positive working
phone number at which the nominator relationship in providing the required
can be contacted. Additions services. The firm submitted that the
Nominations should be submitted On 8/4/2015 (80 FR 46250); 8/21/2015 contractor was the most capable and
electronically using the online (80 FR 50825–50826) and 9/25/2015 (80 efficient provider of the required

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Document Created: 2015-12-14 14:05:36
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 14:05:36

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of establishment and call for nominations to serve on the Digital Economy Board of Advisors.
Dates		Nominations should be submitted electronically using the online nomination form on or before December 23, 2015, at midnight Eastern Standard Time.
Contact		Evelyn Remaley, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), at (202) 482-3821 or [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 74086

80 FR 74086 - Digital Economy Board of Advisors, Establishment and Call for Nominations

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 228 (November 27, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration