81 FR 64951 - National Commission on Forensic Science Solicitation of Applications for Additional Commission Membership To Support Medicolegal Death Investigation

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 183 (September 21, 2016)

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, this notice announces the solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership specifically to fill a current forensic pathologist Commissioner vacancy to support medicolegal death investigation.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64951-64952]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22715]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

[Docket No. ODAG 165]


National Commission on Forensic Science Solicitation of 
Applications for Additional Commission Membership To Support 
Medicolegal Death Investigation

AGENCY: Department of Justice.

ACTION: Solicitation of Applications for Additional Commission 
Membership for the National Commission on Forensic Science specifically 
to fill a current forensic pathologist Commissioner vacancy to support 
medicolegal death investigation.

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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 specifically to fill a current forensic 
pathologist Commissioner vacancy to support medicolegal death 
investigation.

DATES: Applications must be received on or before October 21, 2016.

ADDRESSES: All applications should be submitted to: Jonathan McGrath, 
Designated Federal Official, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531, 
by email at [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan McGrath, Designated Federal 
Official, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531, by email 
[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 a current vacancy. 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 forensic 
pathologist Commissioner vacancy to support medicolegal death 
investigation. This notice announces the solicitation of applications 
for Commission membership to fill this 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 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. Additional members will be 
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 at: 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 October 21, 2016. The applications must be sent in 
one complete package, by email, to Jonathan McGrath (contact 
information above) with the subject line of the email entitled, ``NCFS

[[Page 64952]]

Membership 2016.'' Other sources, in addition to the Federal Register 
notice, may be utilized in the solicitation of applications.

    Dated: September 15, 2016.
Victor Weedn,
Senior Forensic Advisor to the Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department 
of Justice.
[FR Doc. 2016-22715 Filed 9-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-18-P