83 FR 1452 - Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 8 (January 11, 2018)

Page Range		1452-1453
FR Document		2018-00338

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is establishing a new four-year charter term and accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA). The TACA is a trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice and guidance to the United States Trade Representative on trade policy and development matters that have a significant impact on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 8 (Thursday, January 11, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 8 (Thursday, January 11, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1452-1453]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00338]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade 
Advisory Committee on Africa

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice and request for applications.

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SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is 
establishing a new four-year charter term and accepting applications 
from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the 
Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA). The TACA is a trade advisory 
committee that provides general policy advice and guidance to the 
United States Trade Representative on trade policy and development 
matters that have a significant impact on the countries of sub-Saharan 
Africa.

DATES: USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership 
on the TACA for the four-year charter term beginning in March 2018. To 
ensure consideration before the new charter term, you should submit you 
application by February 2, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant U.S. 
Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public 
Engagement, [email protected] or 202-395-2864, or Bennett Harman, 
Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, 
[email protected] or 202-395-9612.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 
2155(c)(1)), authorizes the President to establish individual general 
trade policy advisory committees for industry, labor, agriculture, 
services, investment, defense, small business, and other interests, as 
appropriate, to provide general policy advice. The President delegated 
that authority to the United States Trade Representative in Executive 
Order 11846, section 4(d), issued on March 27, 1975. In addition, 
section 14 of the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004, Public Law 108-274, 
118 Stat. 829-830 (codified at 19 U.S.C. 3701 note) specifically 
acknowledged the TACA, which USTR established under these authorities. 
Advisory committees established by the Trade Representative are subject 
to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. See 19 U.S.C. 
2155(f); 5 U.S.C. App. II.
    Pursuant to these authorities, the United States Trade 
Representative intends to establish a new four-year charter term for 
the TACA, which will begin on March 19, 2018 and end on March 18, 2022.
    The TACA is a discretionary trade advisory committee established to 
provide general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative 
on trade policy and development matters that have a significant impact 
on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. More specifically, the TACA 
provides general policy advice on issues that may affect the countries 
of sub-Saharan Africa including: (1) Negotiating objectives and 
bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the 
impact of the implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters 
concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and 
(4) other matters arising in connection with the development, 
implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United 
States. The TACA also facilitates the goals and objectives of the 
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and assists in maintaining 
ongoing discussions with sub-Saharan African trade and agriculture 
ministries and private sector organizations on issues of mutual 
concern, including regional and international trade concerns and World 
Trade Organization issues.
    The TACA meets as needed, at the call of the United States Trade 
Representative or his/her designee, or two-thirds of the TACA members, 
depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade 
negotiations and the needs of the United States Trade Representative.

II. Membership

    The TACA is composed of not more than 30 members who have expertise 
in general trade, investment and development issues and specific 
knowledge of United States-Africa trade and investment trends including 
trade under the AGOA; constraints to trade and investment (including 
infrastructure, energy and financing); trade facilitation measures; 
sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures and technical

[[Page 1453]]

barriers to trade; trade capacity building; investment treaty 
negotiations; United States-Africa investment and private sector 
partnerships; and implementation of World Trade Organization 
agreements. Members may represent industry, organized labor, 
investment, agriculture, services, non-profit development 
organizations, academia, and small business.
    The United States Trade Representative appoints all TACA members 
for a term of four-years or until the TACA charter expires, and they 
serve at his/her discretion. Individuals can be reappointed for any 
number of terms. The United States Trade Representative makes 
appointments without regard to political affiliation and with an 
interest in ensuring balance in terms of sectors, demographics, and 
other factors relevant to the USTR's needs. Insofar as practicable, 
TACA membership will reflect regional diversity and be broadly 
representative of key sectors and groups of the economy with an 
interest in trade and sub-Saharan Africa issues, including U.S. 
citizens who are diaspora African and U.S. citizens of African descent 
with requisite knowledge and experience.
    TACA members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of 
expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend 
meetings or otherwise participate in TACA activities.
    The United States Trade Representative appoints TACA members to 
represent their sponsoring U.S. entity's interests on sub-Saharan 
Africa trade, and thus USTR's foremost consideration for applicants is 
their ability to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act 
of 1974, as amended. Other criteria include the applicant's knowledge 
of and expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work 
of the TACA and USTR. USTR anticipates that almost all TACA members 
will serve in a representative capacity with a very limited number 
serving in an individual capacity as subject matter experts. These 
members, known as special government employees or SGEs, are subject to 
conflict of interest rules and will have to complete a financial 
disclosure report.

III. Request for Nominations

    USTR is soliciting nominations for membership on the TACA. To apply 
for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility 
criteria:
    1. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
    2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S. 
governmental entity.
    3. If serving in an individual capacity as an SGE, the applicant 
cannot be a federally registered lobbyist.
    4. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of 
Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
    5. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security 
clearance.
    6. For representative members, who will comprise the overwhelming 
majority of the TACA, the applicant must represent a U.S. organization 
whose members (or funders) have a demonstrated interest in issues 
relevant to U.S. African trade and investment or have personal 
experience or expertise in United States-sub-Saharan African trade.
    For eligibility purposes, a ``U.S. organization'' is an 
organization established under the laws of the United States, that is 
controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or 
organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), determined based on 
its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and 
funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more 
than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing 
body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to 
be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. 
entities. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the organization's 
annual revenue must be attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources.
    7. For members who will serve in an individual capacity, the 
applicant must possess subject matter expertise regarding sub-Saharan 
Africa trade issues.
    In order to be considered for TACA membership, interested persons 
should submit the following to Stewart Young at [email protected]:
     Name, title, affiliation, and contact information of the 
individual requesting consideration.
     If applicable, a sponsor letter on the organization's 
letterhead containing a brief description of the manner in which 
international trade affects the organization and why USTR should 
consider the applicant for membership.
     The applicant's personal resume or comprehensive 
biography.
     An affirmative statement that the applicant and the 
organization he or she represents meet all eligibility requirements.
    USTR will consider applicants who meet the eligibility criteria 
based on the following factors: Ability to represent the sponsoring 
U.S. entity's or U.S. organization's and its subsector's interests on 
sub-Saharan Africa trade matters; knowledge of and experience in trade 
matters relevant to the work of the TACA and USTR; and ensuring that 
the TACA is balanced in terms of points of view, demographics, 
geography, and entity or organization size.

Stewart Young,
Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental 
Affairs and Public Engagement, Office of the United States Trade 
Representative.
[FR Doc. 2018-00338 Filed 1-10-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3290-F8-P

1452 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 8 / Thursday, January 11, 2018 / Notices

For Burma, the existing ongoing of Democracy, Human Rights, and issued on March 27, 1975. In addition,
restrictions referenced in 22 CFR 126.1, Labor, U.S. Department of State, (Phone: section 14 of the AGOA Acceleration
pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act; (202) 647 3865 or Email: MedinaBW@ Act of 2004, Public Law 108–274, 118
For China, the existing ongoing state.gov). Stat. 829–830 (codified at 19 U.S.C.
restriction on exports to China of crime 3701 note) specifically acknowledged
Daniel L. Nadel,
control and detection instruments and the TACA, which USTR established
equipment, under the Foreign Relations Director, Office of International Religious under these authorities. Advisory
Freedom, Department of State.
Authorization Act of 1990 and 1991 committees established by the Trade
[FR Doc. 2018–00333 Filed 1–10–18; 8:45 am] Representative are subject to the
(Pub. L. 101–246), pursuant to section
402(c)(5) of the Act; BILLING CODE 4710–18–P provisions of the Federal Advisory
For Eritrea, the existing ongoing Committee Act. See 19 U.S.C. 2155(f); 5
restrictions referenced in 22 CFR 126.1, U.S.C. App. II.
pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act; OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES Pursuant to these authorities, the
For Iran, the existing ongoing travel TRADE REPRESENTATIVE United States Trade Representative
restrictions in section 221(c) of the Iran intends to establish a new four-year
Threat Reduction and Syria Human Notice of Continuation and Request for charter term for the TACA, which will
Rights Act of 2012 (TRA) for individuals Nominations for the Trade Advisory begin on March 19, 2018 and end on
identified under section 221(a)(1)(C) of Committee on Africa March 18, 2022.
the TRA in connection with the The TACA is a discretionary trade
AGENCY: Office of the United States
commission of serious human rights advisory committee established to
Trade Representative.
abuses, pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of provide general policy advice to the
ACTION: Notice and request for
the Act; United States Trade Representative on
applications. trade policy and development matters
For the Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea, the existing ongoing SUMMARY: The Office of the United that have a significant impact on the
restrictions to which the Democratic States Trade Representative (USTR) is countries of sub-Saharan Africa. More
People’s Republic of Korea is subject, establishing a new four-year charter specifically, the TACA provides general
pursuant to sections 402 and 409 of the term and accepting applications from policy advice on issues that may affect
Trade Act of 1974 (the Jackson-Vanik qualified individuals interested in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa
Amendment), pursuant to section serving as a member of the Trade including: (1) Negotiating objectives and
402(c)(5) of the Act; Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA). bargaining positions before entering into
For Saudi Arabia, a waiver as required The TACA is a trade advisory trade agreements; (2) the impact of the
in the ‘‘important national interest of committee that provides general policy implementation of trade agreements; (3)
the United States,’’ pursuant to section advice and guidance to the United matters concerning the operation of any
407 of the Act; States Trade Representative on trade trade agreement once entered into; and
For Sudan, the restriction in the policy and development matters that (4) other matters arising in connection
annual Department of State, Foreign have a significant impact on the with the development, implementation,
Operations, and Related Programs countries of sub-Saharan Africa. and administration of the trade policy of
Appropriations Act on making certain the United States. The TACA also
DATES: USTR will accept nominations
appropriated funds available for facilitates the goals and objectives of the
on a rolling basis for membership on the African Growth and Opportunity Act
assistance to the Government of Sudan, TACA for the four-year charter term
currently set forth in section 7042(j) of (AGOA) and assists in maintaining
beginning in March 2018. To ensure ongoing discussions with sub-Saharan
the Department of State, Foreign consideration before the new charter
Operations, and Related Programs African trade and agriculture ministries
term, you should submit you and private sector organizations on
Appropriations Act, 2015 (Div. K, Pub. application by February 2, 2018.
L. 114–113), and any provision of law issues of mutual concern, including
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: regional and international trade
that is the same or substantially the Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant U.S.
same as this provision, pursuant to concerns and World Trade Organization
Trade Representative for issues.
section 402(c)(5) of the Act; Intergovernmental Affairs and Public The TACA meets as needed, at the
For Tajikistan, a waiver as required in Engagement, SYoung@ustr.eop.gov or call of the United States Trade
the ‘‘important national interest of the 202–395–2864, or Bennett Harman, Representative or his/her designee, or
United States,’’ pursuant to section 407 Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade two-thirds of the TACA members,
of the Act; Representative for Africa, BHarman@
For Turkmenistan, a waiver as depending on various factors such as
ustr.eop.gov or 202–395–9612. the level of activity of trade negotiations
required in the ‘‘important national
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and the needs of the United States Trade
interest of the United States,’’ pursuant
to section 407 of the Act; Representative.
1. Background
For Uzbekistan, a waiver as required Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of II. Membership
in the ‘‘important national interest of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155(c)(1)), The TACA is composed of not more
the United States,’’ pursuant to section authorizes the President to establish than 30 members who have expertise in
407 of the Act. individual general trade policy advisory general trade, investment and
In addition, the Secretary of State has committees for industry, labor, development issues and specific
srobinson on DSK9F5VC42PROD with NOTICES

designated the following country as a agriculture, services, investment, knowledge of United States-Africa trade
‘‘special watch list’’ country for severe defense, small business, and other and investment trends including trade
violations of religious freedom: interests, as appropriate, to provide under the AGOA; constraints to trade
Pakistan. general policy advice. The President and investment (including
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: delegated that authority to the United infrastructure, energy and financing);
Benjamin W. Medina, Office of States Trade Representative in trade facilitation measures; sanitary and
International Religious Freedom, Bureau Executive Order 11846, section 4(d), phyto-sanitary measures and technical

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 8 / Thursday, January 11, 2018 / Notices 1453

barriers to trade; trade capacity 2. The applicant cannot be a full-time the sponsoring U.S. entity’s or U.S.
building; investment treaty negotiations; employee of a U.S. governmental entity. organization’s and its subsector’s
United States-Africa investment and 3. If serving in an individual capacity interests on sub-Saharan Africa trade
private sector partnerships; and as an SGE, the applicant cannot be a matters; knowledge of and experience in
implementation of World Trade federally registered lobbyist. trade matters relevant to the work of the
Organization agreements. Members may 4. The applicant cannot be registered TACA and USTR; and ensuring that the
represent industry, organized labor, with the U.S. Department of Justice TACA is balanced in terms of points of
investment, agriculture, services, non- under the Foreign Agents Registration view, demographics, geography, and
profit development organizations, Act. entity or organization size.
academia, and small business. 5. The applicant must be able to
obtain and maintain a security Stewart Young,
The United States Trade
clearance. Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative
Representative appoints all TACA for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public
members for a term of four-years or until 6. For representative members, who
will comprise the overwhelming Engagement, Office of the United States Trade
the TACA charter expires, and they Representative.
serve at his/her discretion. Individuals majority of the TACA, the applicant
must represent a U.S. organization [FR Doc. 2018–00338 Filed 1–10–18; 8:45 am]
can be reappointed for any number of
terms. The United States Trade whose members (or funders) have a BILLING CODE 3290–F8–P

Representative makes appointments demonstrated interest in issues relevant
without regard to political affiliation to U.S. African trade and investment or
and with an interest in ensuring balance have personal experience or expertise in DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
in terms of sectors, demographics, and United States-sub-Saharan African
other factors relevant to the USTR’s trade. Federal Aviation Administration
needs. Insofar as practicable, TACA For eligibility purposes, a ‘‘U.S.
organization’’ is an organization Fifty Fifth RTCA SC–224 Standards for
membership will reflect regional Airport Security Access Control
diversity and be broadly representative established under the laws of the United
States, that is controlled by U.S. Systems Plenary
of key sectors and groups of the
economy with an interest in trade and citizens, by another U.S. organization AGENCY: Federal Aviation
sub-Saharan Africa issues, including (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or Administration (FAA), U.S. Department
U.S. citizens who are diaspora African entities), determined based on its board of Transportation (DOT).
and U.S. citizens of African descent of directors (or comparable governing
body), membership, and funding ACTION: Fifty Fifth RTCA SC–224
with requisite knowledge and Standards for Airport Security Access
experience. sources, as applicable. To qualify as a
U.S. organization, more than 50 percent Control Systems Plenary.
TACA members serve without either
of the board of directors (or comparable SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice
compensation or reimbursement of
governing body) and more than 50 to advise the public of a meeting of Fifty
expenses. Members are responsible for
percent of the membership of the Fifth RTCA SC–224 Standards for
all expenses they incur to attend
organization to be represented must be Airport Security Access Control
meetings or otherwise participate in
U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. Systems Plenary.
TACA activities.
entities. Additionally, at least 50
The United States Trade DATES: The meeting will be held
percent of the organization’s annual
Representative appoints TACA members February 22, 2018 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
revenue must be attributable to
to represent their sponsoring U.S. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at:
nongovernmental U.S. sources.
entity’s interests on sub-Saharan Africa 7. For members who will serve in an RTCA Headquarters, 1150 18th Street
trade, and thus USTR’s foremost individual capacity, the applicant must NW, Suite 910, Washington, DC 20036.
consideration for applicants is their possess subject matter expertise FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
ability to carry out the goals of section regarding sub-Saharan Africa trade Karan Hofmann at khofmann@rtca.org
135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as issues. or 202–330–0680, or The RTCA
amended. Other criteria include the In order to be considered for TACA Secretariat, 1150 18th Street NW, Suite
applicant’s knowledge of and expertise membership, interested persons should 910, Washington, DC 20036, or by
in international trade issues as relevant submit the following to Stewart Young telephone at (202) 833–9339, fax at (202)
to the work of the TACA and USTR. at SYoung@ustr.eop.gov: 833–9434, or website at http://
USTR anticipates that almost all TACA • Name, title, affiliation, and contact www.rtca.org.
members will serve in a representative information of the individual requesting
capacity with a very limited number consideration. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
serving in an individual capacity as • If applicable, a sponsor letter on the to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal
subject matter experts. These members, organization’s letterhead containing a Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
known as special government brief description of the manner in which 463, 5 U.S.C., App.), notice is hereby
employees or SGEs, are subject to international trade affects the given for a meeting of the Fifty Fifth
conflict of interest rules and will have organization and why USTR should RTCA SC–224 Standards for Airport
to complete a financial disclosure consider the applicant for membership. Security Access Control Systems
report. • The applicant’s personal resume or Plenary. The agenda will include the
comprehensive biography. following:
srobinson on DSK9F5VC42PROD with NOTICES

III. Request for Nominations
• An affirmative statement that the 1. Welcome/Introductions/
USTR is soliciting nominations for applicant and the organization he or she Administrative Remarks
membership on the TACA. To apply for represents meet all eligibility 2. Review/Approve Previous Meeting
membership, an applicant must meet requirements. Summary
the following eligibility criteria: USTR will consider applicants who 3. Report on TSA Participation
1. The applicant must be a U.S. meet the eligibility criteria based on the 4. Report on Document Distribution
citizen. following factors: Ability to represent Mechanisms

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Document Created: 2018-01-11 04:54:12
Document Modified: 2018-01-11 04:54:12

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 and request for applications.
Dates		USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the TACA for the four-year charter term beginning in March 2018. To ensure consideration before the new charter term, you should submit you application by February 2, 2018.
Contact		Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, [email protected] or 202-395-2864, or Bennett Harman, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, [email protected] or 202-395-9612.
FR Citation		83 FR 1452