81 FR 22639 - National Commission on Forensic Science Solicitation of Applications for Additional Commission Membership To Support Digital Evidence

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 74 (April 18, 2016)

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, this notice announces the solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership to fill a current vacancy to support digital evidence.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 74 (Monday, April 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22639-22640]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08926]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

[Docket No. ODAG 160]


National Commission on Forensic Science Solicitation of 
Applications for Additional Commission Membership To Support Digital 
Evidence

AGENCY: Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications for additional 
commission membership for the National Commission on Forensic Science 
specifically to fill a current vacancy to support digital evidence.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 
this notice announces the solicitation of applications for additional 
Commission membership to fill a current vacancy to support digital 
evidence.

DATES: Applications must be received on or before May 18, 2016.

ADDRESSES: All applications should be submitted to: Jonathan McGrath, 
Designated Federal Official, 810 Seventh St. NW., Washington, DC 20531, 
or by email at [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan McGrath, Designated Federal 
Official, 810 Seventh St. NW., Washington, DC 20531, by email at 
[email protected], or by phone at (202) 514-6277.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), this notice announces the solicitation 
of applications for additional Commission membership on the National 
Commission on Forensic Science to fill current vacancies. The National 
Commission on Forensic Science was chartered on April 23, 2013 and the 
charter was renewed on April 23, 2015. There is currently a 
Commissioner vacancy to support digital evidence. This notice announces 
the solicitation of applications for Commission membership to fill the 
digital evidence vacancy.
    The Commission is co-chaired by the Department of Justice and 
National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Commission provides 
recommendations and advice to the Department of Justice concerning 
national methods and strategies for: Strengthening the validity and 
reliability of the forensic sciences (including medico-legal death 
investigation); enhancing quality assurance and quality control in 
forensic science laboratories and units; identifying and recommending 
scientific guidance and protocols for

[[Page 22640]]

evidence seizure, testing, analysis, and reporting by forensic science 
laboratories and units; and identifying and assessing other needs of 
the forensic science communities to strengthen their disciplines and 
meet the increasing demands generated by the criminal and civil justice 
systems at all levels of government. Commission membership includes 
Federal, State, and Local forensic science service providers; research 
scientists and academicians; prosecutors, defense attorneys, and 
judges; law enforcement; and other relevant backgrounds. The Commission 
reports to the Attorney General, who through the Deputy Attorney 
General, shall direct the work of the Commission in fulfilling its 
mission.
    The duties of the Commission include: (a) Recommending priorities 
for standards development; (b) reviewing and recommending endorsement 
of guidance identified or developed by subject-matter experts; (c) 
developing proposed guidance concerning the intersection of forensic 
science and the courtroom; (d) developing policy recommendations, 
including a uniform code of professional responsibility and minimum 
requirements for training, accreditation and/or certification; and (e) 
identifying and assessing the current and future needs of the forensic 
sciences to strengthen their disciplines and meet growing demand.
    Members will be appointed by the Attorney General in consultation 
with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
and the vice-chairs of the Commission. Commission members are selected 
to fill vacancies to maintain a balance of perspective and diversity of 
experiences, including Federal, State, and Local forensic science 
service providers; research scientists and academicians; Federal, 
State, Local prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges; law 
enforcement; and other relevant stakeholders. DOJ encourages 
submissions from applicants with respect to diversity of backgrounds, 
professions, ethnicities, gender, and geography. The Commission shall 
consist of approximately 30 voting members. Members will serve without 
compensation. The Commission generally meets four times each year at 
approximately three-month intervals. Additional information regarding 
the Commission can be found here: http://www.justice.gov/ncfs.
    Applications: Any qualified person may apply to be considered for 
appointment to this advisory committee. Each application should 
include: (1) A resume or curriculum vitae; (2) a statement of interest 
describing the applicant's relevant experience; and (3) a statement of 
support from the applicant's employer. Potential candidates may be 
asked to provide detailed information as necessary regarding financial 
interests, employment, and professional affiliations to evaluate 
possible sources of conflicts of interest. The application period will 
remain open through May 18, 2016. The applications must be sent in one 
complete package, by email, to Andrew Bruck (contact information above) 
with the subject line of the email entitled, ``NCFS Membership 2016.'' 
Other sources, in addition to the Federal Register notice, may be 
utilized in the solicitation of applications.

    Dated: April 12, 2016.
Andrew Bruck,
Senior Counsel, Office of the Deputy Attorney General.
[FR Doc. 2016-08926 Filed 4-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-18-P