[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 19, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 14828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5469]



[[Page 14828]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) Re-Establishment and 
Request for Applicants

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announces the 
re-establishment of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) and 
requests applicants for appointment to ASAC. The Secretary of Homeland 
Security has determined that the re-establishment of ASAC is necessary 
and in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties 
of TSA. This determination follows consultation with the Committee 
Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, who is 
responsible for monitoring and reporting executive branch compliance 
with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Qualified individuals 
interested in serving on this committee are invited to apply to TSA for 
appointment.

DATES: Submit comments on the re-establishment of this committee or 
applications for membership by April 18, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this action or applications for appointment to 
ASAC should be submitted via mail or e-mail to Cindy Mitchell, at the 
address listed below under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Mitchell, ASAC Designated 
Federal Official, Office of Transportation Sector Network Management, 
Transportation Sector Network Integration Division (TSA-28), 
Transportation Security Administration, 601 12th Street, Arlington, VA 
22202; telephone 571-227-1609, E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    TSA's Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) is a 
``discretionary'' advisory committee. A discretionary advisory 
committee is one that is established under the authority of an agency 
head or authorized, but not required, by statute. An advisory committee 
referenced in general (non-specific) authorizing language or 
Congressional committee report language is discretionary, and its 
establishment or termination is within the legal discretion of an 
agency head.
    ASAC is a standing committee composed of Federal and private sector 
organizations that was chartered in 1989 by the Federal Aviation 
Administration in the wake of the crash of Pan American World Airways 
Flight 103 in 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
    On November 19, 2001, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act 
(ATSA) was signed into law, which among other things established the 
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and transferred to it the 
responsibility for civil aviation security. Accordingly, sponsorship of 
ASAC was also transferred to TSA. Since taking on management of ASAC in 
August 2002, TSA has taken steps to focus the committee's efforts in 
directions that are relevant and useful to TSA's post-September 11 
mission.

The Aviation Security Advisory Committee Re-Establishment

    The Aviation Security Advisory Committee is being re-established in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
(FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.). ASAC's mission is to examine areas of civil 
aviation security as tasked by TSA with the aim of addressing current 
issues and/or developing recommendations for improvements to civil 
aviation security methods, equipment, and processes. The committee will 
provide advice and recommendations for improving aviation security 
measures to the Assistant Secretary for TSA.
    Name of Committee: Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
    Balanced Membership Plans: ASAC is composed of no more than 27 
members representing private sector organizations of key constituencies 
affected by aviation security requirements. These key constituencies 
shall include: Victims of Terrorist Acts Against Aviation; Law 
Enforcement and Security Experts; Aviation Consumer Advocates; Airport 
Tenants and General Aviation; Airport Operators; Airline Management; 
Airline Labor; Aircraft Manufacturers; and Air Cargo Representatives. 
Each membership category shall have at least one member, and there 
shall be a maximum of three members per membership category.
    Members are recommended for appointment by the TSA Assistant 
Secretary and appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary 
of the Department of Homeland Security. Terms of office shall normally 
be two (2) years, and members' terms of office shall be staggered 
within each membership category to assure adequate continuity of ASAC 
membership. Therefore, some members appointed under this announcement 
shall be appointed to a one-year (1) term of office.
    Duration: The committee's charter shall terminate two (2) years 
from the date it is filed with Congress and may be renewed at the end 
of this 2-year period in accordance with section 14 of FACA.
    Responsible TSA Officials: Cindy Mitchell, ASAC Designated Federal 
Official, Aviation Security Advisory Committee, Office of 
Transportation Sector Network Management, Transportation Sector Network 
Integration Division (TSA-28), Transportation Security Administration, 
601 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202; telephone: 571-227-1609, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Applicants for Appointment to ASAC

    Qualified individuals interested in serving on this committee are 
invited to apply to TSA for appointment. Please submit your resume to 
the Responsible DHS Official noted above by April 18, 2008. Applicants 
should have background and experience that supports at least one of the 
nine constituency groups in the aforementioned Balanced Membership 
Plans section.
    The ASAC will meet approximately twice each year, usually in 
Washington, D.C., but may meet more often if the need arises. Members 
serve at their own expense and receive no salary, reimbursement of 
travel expenses, or other compensation from the Federal Government. TSA 
retains authority to review the participation of any ASAC member and to 
recommend changes for cause at any time.
    In support of the policy of the Department of Homeland Security on 
gender and ethnic diversity, qualified women and minorities are 
encouraged to apply for membership.

    Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on March 12, 2008 .
John Sammon,
Assistant Administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management.
 [FR Doc. E8-5469 Filed 3-18-08; 8:45 am]
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