SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) is a Federal advisory committee established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. The SAB advises NOAA leadership on matters related to science and technology, research priorities, and the integration of science into NOAA operations.

NOAA seeks to maintain a balanced membership that reflects the interdisciplinary nature of expertise, sectors, and perspectives relevant to NOAA's mission.

Recruitment

Phased Recruitment Approach

To ensure continuity of operations and timely filling of vacancies, NOAA will use a phased recruitment and appointment approach. This approach allows NOAA to:

• Maintain a ready pool of highly qualified candidates
• Fill vacancies as they occur, including mid-term departures
• Support leadership succession planning, including Vice Chair roles
• Ensure compliance with FACA balance and membership requirements

Candidates selected through this process may be appointed at different times through January 31, 2028, depending on Board needs.

Scope of Nominations

NOAA is interested in candidates with expertise in, but not limited to: expertise in areas relevant to its mission, including Federal, State, and local government; social and behavioral sciences; artificial intelligence and machine learning; cloud strategy including high performance computing; commercial data access and management, including open access and accessibility; uncrewed systems; Whale research and conservation; aircraft systems and modernization; and economic analysis, including cost-benefit evaluation of observing systems; and aircraft modernization. NOAA encourages nominations of qualified mid-career scientists and engineers.

Membership Criteria

Members are selected based on: Scientific and technical expertise; Leadership experience; Ability to contribute to SAB activities and working groups; Availability to participate actively in meetings and ( printed page 53606) intersessional work absent conflicts of interest.

Terms of Service

Appointments are typically for a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment, subject to applicable policies and Board needs. Terms may be shorter and staggered to maintain continuity.

Members will serve as volunteers and will be subject to applicable ethics requirements.

Selection Process

Nominations will be reviewed by NOAA and evaluated based on expertise, Board needs, and balance considerations. Final appointments are made by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere or designee. Individuals selected for appointment to a Federal Advisory Committee working group appointment will serve as a volunteer. WG volunteers will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for travel to in-person meetings for their assigned group.

Nominations

Interested persons may nominate themselves or others for membership on an SAB WG. An application is required for all candidates, including those nominated by third parties. The application package must include the following: (1) The nominee's full name, title, institutional affiliation, and contact information; (2) The nominee's area of industry perspective (academia, commercial service provider, or end-user); (3) A short description of qualifications relative to the advice solicited in this Notice; and (4) A current resume (maximum of four pages). All nomination information must be provided in a single, complete package, and must be sent to the SAB DFO at the electronic address provided above with the subject line “Application for SAB Working Group Membership 2026”.

Privacy Act

Privacy Act Statement: Authority. The collection of information concerning nominations to the NSGAB FAC is authorized under the FACA, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. and its implementing regulations, 41 CFR part 102-3, and in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act) 5 U.S.C. 552a. Purpose. The collection of names, contact information, resumes, professional information, and qualifications is required in order for the Under Secretary to appoint members to the NSGAB FAC.

Routine Uses

NOAA will use the nomination information for the purpose set forth above. The Privacy Act of 1974 authorizes disclosure of the information collected to NOAA staff for work-related purposes and for other purposes only as set forth in the Privacy Act and for routine uses published in the Privacy Act System of Records Notice COMMERCE/DEPT-11: Candidates for Membership, Members, and Former Members of Department of Commerce Advisory Committees, available at www.osec.doc.gov/​opog/​PrivacyAct/​SORNs/​dept-11.html and the System of Records Notice COMMERCE/DEPT-18: Employees Personnel Files Not Covered by Notices of Other Agencies, available at www.osec.doc.gov/​opog/​PrivacyAct/​SORNs/​DEPT-18.html.

Disclosure. Furnishing the nomination information is voluntary; however, if the information is not provided, the individual would not be considered for appointment as a member of the NOAA SAB FAC.

91 FR 53605