SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)

Address: Please submit nominations to John Harris via email at John.Harris@nist.gov. Nominations may also be mailed to John Harris, Designated Federal Officer and Acting Director, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8615. Additional information regarding the ACEHR, including its charter and current members may be found on its home page at https://nehrp.gov/​committees/​index.htm.

Contact Information: John Harris, Acting Director, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8615, telephone 301-975-6538 or via email at john.harris@nist.gov.

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, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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 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). ( printed page 45252)

Membership

1. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than 11, nor more than 17 members. Members shall reflect the broad technical disciplines, competencies, and communities involved in earthquake hazards reduction. The Committee focuses on topic areas such as Emergency Management/Preparedness, Geotechnical Engineering, Lifeline Infrastructure, Risk Assessment/Statistics, Seismology, Social Sciences and Public Health as well as Structural Engineering.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The term of office of each member of the Committee generally 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. 5703 et seq., while attending meetings of the Committee or subcommittees thereof, while away from their homes or regular places of business.

2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 202. SGEs are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations, including (but not limited to) the obligation to annually file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) and complete ethics training. Additionally, SGEs must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635).

3. The Committee members shall meet 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 video conferences.

4. Generally, 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. 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.

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 email to Robert.Fangmeyer@nist.gov. Additional information regarding the Committee, including its charter, current membership list, and executive summary, may be found at https://www.nist.gov/​baldrige/​community/​overseers.cfm.

Contact Information: Robyn Decker, Designated Federal Officer, Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 301-975-2361 or via email at Robyn@nist.gov.

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 the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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, nonprofits, health care providers, and educational institutions.

2. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce generally 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.

3. Members who are not Federal employees will serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 202. SGEs are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations, including (but not limited to) the obligation to annually file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) and complete ethics training. Additionally, SGEs must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635).

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.

3. Generally, Board meetings are open to the public. ( printed page 45253)

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, educational institutions, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations. The relevant expertise of the candidate should be specified in the nomination letter. 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. 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.

Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board (ISPAB)

Address: Please submit nominations to Cheryl Gendron, Designated Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8900, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be submitted via email to Cheryl.Gendron@nist.gov. Additional information regarding the ISPAB, including its charter and current membership list, may be found on its electronic home page at https://csrc.nist.gov/​groups/​SMA/​ispab/​index.html.

Contact Information: Cheryl Gendron, Designated Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8900, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be submitted via email to Cheryl.Gendron@nist.gov.

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 its findings 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, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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.

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.
• The term of office of each member of the Board shall be four 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.
• Members of the Board who are full-time officers or employees of the United States Government shall serve as Regular Government Employees (RGEs). Members of the Board who are not full-time officers or employees of the United States Government are appointed for their individual expertise and experience and there shall serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) as that term is defined in18 U.S.C. 202. SGEs are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations, including (but not limited to) the obligation to annually file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) and complete ethics training. Additionally, SGEs must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635).

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. Generally, ISPAB meetings are open to the public, including the press.

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 ( printed page 45254) be kept on file to be reviewed as ISPAB vacancies occur.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board

Address: Please submit nominations to Nicole Ausherman, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800. Nominations may also be submitted via email at Nicole.Ausherman@nist.gov. Additional information regarding MEP Advisory Board, including its charter, may be found on its electronic home page at https://www.nist.gov/​mep/​advisory-board.cfm.

Contact Information: Nagesh Rao, Acting MEP Director, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800; telephone 301-975-3555, or via email at G.Rao@nist.gov.

Committee Information

The MEP Advisory Board (Board) is authorized under section 501 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Pub. L. 114-329), as amended, codified at 15 U.S.C. 278k(m), in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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 a 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. Board members shall serve in a Representative capacity, and not as Special Government Employees (SGEs). See 18 U.S.C. 202.

3. 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.

4. 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. 5703 et seq., while attending meetings of the Board or subcommittees thereof, 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).

3. Generally, 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.

3. Nominations that are received and meet the requirements will be kept on file to be reviewed as Board vacancies occur.

National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC)

Address: Please submit nominations to Cheryl Gendron, Designated Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8900, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be submitted via email to Cheryl.Gendron@nist.gov.

Contact Information: Cheryl Gendron, Designated Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8900, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be submitted via email to Cheryl.Gendron@nist.gov.

Committee Information

The Secretary of Commerce established the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (the NAIAC or the Committee) pursuant to Section 5104 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-283) (15 U.S.C. 9414), hereinafter referred to as the Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

The Committee shall provide advice to the President and the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office on matters related to the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative (Initiative). As set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9411(a), the purposes of the Initiative are to: (1) ensure continued United States leadership in artificial intelligence research and development; (2) lead the world in the development and use of trustworthy artificial intelligence systems in the public and private sectors; (3) prepare the present and future United States workforce for the integration of artificial intelligence systems across all sectors of the economy and society; and (4) coordinate ongoing artificial intelligence research, development, and demonstration activities among the civilian agencies, the Department of Defense, and the Intelligence Community to ensure that each informs the work of the others.

Objectives and Duties

The Committee shall advise the President and the Initiative Office, established pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 9412, on matters related to the Initiative, including recommendations related to:

a. The current state of United States competitiveness and leadership in artificial intelligence, including the scope and scale of United States investments in artificial intelligence research and development in the international context;

b. The progress made in implementing the Initiative, including a review of the degree to which the Initiative has achieved the goals according to the metrics established by the Interagency Committee under Section 5103(d)(2) of the Act;

c. The state of the science around artificial intelligence, including progress toward artificial general intelligence;

d. Issues related to artificial intelligence and the United States workforce, including matters relating to the potential for using artificial intelligence for workforce training, the possible consequences of technological displacement, and supporting workforce training opportunities for occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency ( printed page 45255) for individuals with barriers to employment and historically underrepresented populations, including minorities, Indians (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304), low-income populations, and persons with disabilities;

e. How to leverage the resources of the Initiative to streamline and enhance operations in various areas of government operations, including health care, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and disaster recovery;

f. The need to update the Initiative;

g. The balance of activities and funding across the Initiative;

h. Whether the strategic plan developed or updated by the Interagency Committee established under Section 5103(d)(2) of the Act is helping to maintain United States leadership in artificial intelligence;

i. The management, coordination, and activities of the Initiative;

j. Whether ethical, legal, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues are adequately addressed by the Initiative;

k. Opportunities for international cooperation with strategic allies on artificial intelligence research activities, standards development, and the compatibility of international regulations;

l. Accountability and legal rights, including matters relating to oversight of artificial intelligence systems using regulatory and nonregulatory approaches, the responsibility for any violations of existing laws by an artificial intelligence system, and ways to balance advancing innovation while protecting individual rights; and

m. How artificial intelligence can enhance opportunities for diverse geographic regions of the United States, including urban, Tribal, and rural communities.

The Committee shall submit to the President, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, a report on the Committee's findings and recommendations under Section 5104(d) and Section 5104(e) of the Act not less frequently than once every three years. The report on the Committee's findings and recommendations will be administratively delivered to the President and Congress through the Secretary of Commerce.

In addition, pursuant to Section 5104(e) of the Act, the chairperson of the Committee established a subcommittee—the Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence and Law Enforcement (Subcommittee)—that provides advice to the President, through the Committee, on matters related to the development of AI relating to law enforcement, including advice on the following:

A. Bias, including whether the use of facial recognition by government authorities, including law enforcement agencies, is taking into account ethical considerations and addressing whether such use should be subject to additional oversight, controls, and limitations.

B. Security of data, including law enforcement's access to data and the security parameters for that data.

C. Adoptability, including methods to allow the United States Government and industry to take advantage of artificial intelligence systems for security or law enforcement purposes while at the same time ensuring the potential abuse of such technologies is sufficiently mitigated.

D. Legal standards, including those designed to ensure the use of artificial intelligence systems are consistent with the privacy rights, civil rights and civil liberties, and disability rights issues raised by the use of these technologies.

Membership

Members of the Committee and the Subcommittee shall be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. The Committee shall consist of not less than 9 or more than 35 members, who represent broad and interdisciplinary expertise and perspectives, including from academic institutions, companies across diverse sectors, nonprofit and civil society entities, including civil rights and disability rights organizations, and Federal laboratories, who represent geographic diversity, and who are qualified to provide advice and information on science and technology research, development, ethics, standards, education, technology transfer, commercial application, security, and economic competitiveness related to artificial intelligence.

In selecting the members of the Committee, the Secretary of Commerce shall seek and give consideration to recommendations from Congress, industry, nonprofit organizations, the scientific community (including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, scientific professional societies, and academic institutions), the defense and law enforcement communities, and other appropriate organizations.

Miscellaneous

Committee meetings and Subcommittee meetings generally will be conducted at least twice each year.

1. Generally, Committee meetings and Subcommittee meetings are open to the public.

2. Committee meetings and Subcommittee meetings may be held in-person or hybrid in selected locations across the country and/or completely virtual.

3. Members of the Committee and Subcommittee will not be compensated for their services, but may, upon request, be allowed travel expenses pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.

4. If appointed to the Committee or Subcommittee, members will serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 202. SGEs are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations, including (but not limited to) the obligation to annually file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) and complete ethics training. Additionally, SGEs must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635).

5. Committee members and Subcommittee members generally serve three-year terms, but the Secretary has the discretion to appoint members for one- or two-year terms to allow for staggered terms.

Nomination Information

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently seeking candidates to serve on the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC). In addition, pursuant to Section 5104(e) of the Act, NIST is also seeking candidates to serve on the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee's Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence and Law Enforcement (Subcommittee). The Subcommittee provides, through the Committee, advice on matters relating to the development of AI relating to law enforcement, including bias, data security, adoptability, and legal standards.

1. Nominations are sought from all fields, sectors, and perspectives described above.

2. Nominees should represent broad and interdisciplinary expertise and perspectives, including from academic institutions, companies across diverse sectors, nonprofit and civil society entities, including civil rights and ( printed page 45256) disability rights organizations, and Federal laboratories, who represent geographic diversity, and who are qualified to provide advice and information on science and technology research, development, ethics, standards, education, technology transfer, commercial application, security, and economic competitiveness related to artificial intelligence. A resume or C.V. should be sent that includes a summary of the candidate's qualifications with a nomination letter, including (where applicable) current or former service on Federal advisory boards and Federal employment. The field of eminence for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in the nomination letter. In addition, each nomination letter should state whether the candidate seeks to serve on the Committee, the Subcommittee, or both; and that the candidate acknowledges the responsibilities of serving and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of the Committee or Subcommittee, as appropriate. Third-party nomination letters should state that the candidate agrees to the nomination.

National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee

Address: Please submit nominations to Judy Bowie, Designated Federal Officer, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8615 or via email at Judy.Bowie@nist.gov. Additional information regarding the NCST Advisory Committee, 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: Tanya Brown-Giammanco, Director, Disaster and Failure Studies Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8615, telephone 301-975-2822; or via email at Tanya.Brown-Giammanco@nist.gov.

Committee Information

The NCST Advisory Committee (Committee) was established in accordance with the National Construction Safety Team Act, Public Law 107-231 (15 U.S.C. 7310), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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 breadth 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.

3. The term of office of each member of the Committee generally 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.

2. Non-Federal members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 202. SGEs are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations, including (but not limited to) the obligation to annually file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) and complete ethics training. Additionally, SGEs must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635). Members who are full-time or permanent part-time Federal officers or employees shall serve as Regular Government Employees (RGEs).

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.

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 email at Stephanie.Shaw@nist.gov. Additional information regarding the VCAT, including its charter, current membership list, and past reports may be found on its electronic homepage at https://www.nist.gov/​director/​vcat/​.

Contact Information: Stephanie Shaw, Designated Federal Officer, VCAT, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060, via email at Stephanie.Shaw@nist.gov.

Committee Information

The VCAT (Committee) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 278 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

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). ( printed page 45257)

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 is deemed 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.

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, and shall provide representation of a cross-section of traditional and emerging U.S. industries and shall be eminent in fields such as those specified in 15 U.S.C. 278(b). No employee of the Federal Government shall serve as a member of the Committee. 15 U.S.C. 278(b). NIST will focus on areas in critical and emerging technologies, economic competitiveness, and international standards.

2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 202. SGEs are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations, including (but not limited to) the obligation to annually file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) and complete ethics training. Additionally, SGEs must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635).

3. The Committee is composed of not fewer than nine members appointed by the NIST Director and selected to provide representation of a cross-section of the traditional and emerging United States industries. 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.

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 of the second term. Id.

5. 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.

6. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(g), the Committee may, with the concurrence of 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.

Miscellaneous

1. Meetings of the VCAT usually take place at NIST Gaithersburg or Boulder site. The Committee will meet at least twice each year at the call of the chairperson or whenever one-third of the members request so 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 those specified in 15 U.S.C. 278(b). NIST will focus on areas in critical and emerging technologies, economic competitiveness, and international standards. The category (field of eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in the nomination letter. 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.

Privacy Act Statement

Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3), this Privacy Act Statement serves to inform you of why the U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is requesting the information described above.

Authority

The collection, maintenance, and disclosure of this information is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is authorized to collect this information pursuant to the establishing authorities listed above for the respective committees, and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (FACA), 5 U.S.C. chapter 10.

Purpose

The principal purpose for which NIST will use the information is to assist in choosing members of the various committees.

Routine Uses

The information solicited on this notice may be made available as a “routine use” pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(7) and (b)(3). The information may be made available to other federal agencies to assist the Department in connection with NIST's management of the purposes stated above; or for other authorized routine uses.

A complete list of the routine uses can be found in the system of records notice associated with this notice, COMMERCE/DEPT-11, entitled “Candidates for Membership, Members, and Former Members of Department of Commerce Advisory Committees.” This system of records notice can be found on the Department's website at https://www.commerce.gov/​opog/​privacy/​SORN.

Consequences of Failure To Provide Information

Providing this information is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information may result in ( printed page 45258) an inability for NIST to process, review, and/or act on such applications.

91 FR 45251