[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40502-40507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-16064]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology


Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National 
Institute of Standards and Technology Federal Advisory Committees

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
invites and requests nomination of individuals for appointment to its 
eight existing Federal Advisory Committees: Technology Innovation 
Program Advisory Committee, Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige 
National Quality Award, Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National 
Quality Award, Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board, 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board, National 
Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee, Advisory Committee on 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction, and Visiting Committee on Advanced 
Technology. NIST will consider nominations received in response to this 
notice for appointment to the Committees, in addition to nominations 
already received.

DATES: Nominations for all committees will be accepted on an ongoing 
basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise.

ADDRESSES: See below.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Technology Innovation Program (TIP) Advisory Board

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Mr. Marc Stanley, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 
4700, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4700. Nominations may also be submitted 
via FAX to 301-869-1150. Additional information regarding the 
committee, including its charter may be found on its electronic home 
page at: http://www.nist.gov/tip.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Marc Stanley, National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4700, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4700; telephone 301-975-2162, fax 301-869-1150; 
or via e-mail at [email protected].
    Committee Information: The Board will consist of ten members 
appointed by the Director of NIST, at least seven of whom shall be from 
United States industry, chosen to reflect the wide diversity of 
technical disciplines and industrial sectors represented in TIP 
projects. No member will be an employee of the Federal Government.
    The Board will function solely as an advisory body, in compliance 
with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C 278n(k), as amended by the America COMPETES 
Act (Pub. L. 110-69), Federal Advisory Committee Act: 5 U.S.C. App. 
2.

Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige 
National Quality Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Nominations may also be submitted via FAX 
to 301-975-4967. Additional information regarding the Committee, 
including its charter, current membership list, and executive summary 
may be found on its electronic home page at: http://www.baldrige.nist.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige 
National Quality Program and Designated Federal Officer, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 
301-975-2361; FAX 301-948-4967; or via e-mail at [email protected].
    Committee Information: The Board was established in accordance with 
15 U.S.C. 3711a(d)(2)(B), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2).

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Board shall review the work of the private sector 
contractor(s), which assists the Director of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST) in administering the Award. The Board 
will make such suggestions for the improvement of the Award process as 
it deems necessary.
    2. The Board shall provide a written 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.
    4. The Board will report to the Director of NIST.

Membership

    1. The Board will consist of approximately eleven members selected 
on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance with applicable 
Department of Commerce guidance, and for their

[[Page 40503]]

preeminence in the field of organizational performance management. 
There will be a balanced representation from U.S. service, 
manufacturing, education, health care industries, and the nonprofit 
sector.
    2. The Board will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and 
will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. The term of office of 
each Board member shall be three years. All terms will commence on 
March 1 and end of February 28 of the appropriate year.

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 twice annually, except that additional 
meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST Director or by 
the Chairperson. Meetings are usually one day in duration.
    3. Board meetings are open to the public. Board members do not have 
access to classified or proprietary information in connection with 
their Board duties.

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 
of manufacturing companies, service companies, small businesses, 
education, health care, and nonprofits. The category (field of 
eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in 
the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular category should 
come from organizations or individuals within that category. 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 person agrees to the 
nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the Board, 
and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of the Board. 
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.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Board membership.

Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige 
National Quality Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Nominations may also be submitted via FAX 
to 301-975-4967. Additional information regarding the Committee, 
including its charter, current membership list, and executive summary 
may be found on its electronic home page at: http://www.baldrige.nist.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige 
National Quality Program and Designated Federal Official, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 
301-975-2361; FAX 301-975-4967; or via e-mail at [email protected].
    Committee Information: The Judges Panel was established in 
accordance with 15 U.S.C. 3711a(d)(1) and the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2).

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Judges Panel will ensure the integrity of the Malcolm 
Baldrige National Quality Award selection process by reviewing the 
results of examiners' scoring of written applications, and then voting 
on which applicants merit site visits by examiners to verify the 
accuracy of claims made by applicants.
    2. The Judges Panel will ensure that individuals on site visit 
teams for the Award finalists have no conflict of interest with respect 
to the finalists. The Panel will also review recommendations from site 
visits and recommend Award recipients.
    3. The Judges Panel will function solely as an advisory body, and 
will comply with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
    4. The Panel will report to the Director of NIST.

Membership

    1. The Judges Panel is composed of at least nine, and not more than 
twelve, members selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance 
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance. There will be a 
balanced representation from U.S. service and manufacturing industries, 
education, health care, and nonprofits and will include members 
familiar with performance improvement in their area of business.
    2. The Judges Panel will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce 
and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. The term of office 
of each Panel member shall be three years. All terms will commence on 
March 1 and end on February 28 of the appropriate year.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the Judges Panel 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 Judges Panel will meet three times per year. Additional 
meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST Director or by 
the Chairperson. Meetings are usually one to four days in duration. In 
addition, each Judge must attend an annual three-day Examiner training 
course.
    3. Committee meetings are closed to the public pursuant to Section 
10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, as 
amended by Section 5(c) of the Government in the Sunshine Act, Public 
Law 94-409, and in accordance with Section 552b(c)(4) of Title 5, 
United States Code. Since the members of the Judges Panel examine 
records and discuss Award applicant data, the meetings are likely to 
disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained 
from a person that may be privileged or confidential.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from all U.S. service and manufacturing 
industries, education, health care, and nonprofits as described above.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service and shall be familiar with the performance improvement 
operations of manufacturing companies, service companies, small 
businesses, education, health care, and nonprofit organizations. The 
category (field of eminence) for which the candidate is qualified 
should be specified in the nomination letter. Nominations for a 
particular category should come from organizations or individuals 
within that category. 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 
person agrees to the nomination, acknowledge the responsibilities of 
serving on the Judges Panel, and will actively participate in good 
faith in the tasks of the Judges Panel. Besides participation at 
meetings, it is desired

[[Page 40504]]

that members be either developing or researching topics of potential 
interest, reading Baldrige applications, and so forth, in furtherance 
of their Committee duties.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Judges Panel 
membership.

Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board (ISPAB)

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Pauline Bowen, NIST, 100 Bureau 
Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930. Nominations may 
also be submitted via fax to 301-975-4007, Attn: ISPAB Nominations. 
Additional information regarding the Board, including its charter and 
current membership list, may be found on its electronic home page at: 
http://csrc.nist.gov/ispab/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pauline Bowen, ISPAB Designated 
Federal Official, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, 
MD 20899-8930; telephone 301-975-2938; fax 301-975-8670; or via e-mail 
at [email protected].
    Committee Information: The ISPAB was originally chartered as the 
Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board (CSSPAB) by the 
Department of Commerce pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 1987 
(Pub. L. 100-235). As a result of the E-Government Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 
107-347), Title III, the Federal Information Security Management Act of 
2002, Section 21 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-4) the Board's charter was amended. This amendment 
included the name change of the Board.

Objectives and Duties

    The objectives and duties of the ISPAB are:
    1. To identify emerging managerial, technical, administrative, and 
physical safeguard issues relative to information security and privacy.
    2. To advise the NIST, the Secretary of Commerce and the Director 
of the Office of Management and Budget on information security and 
privacy issues pertaining to Federal Government information systems, 
including thorough review of proposed standards and guidelines 
developed by NIST.
    3. To annually report its findings to the Secretary of Commerce, 
the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of 
the National Security Agency, and the appropriate committees of the 
Congress.
    4. To function solely as an advisory body, in accordance with the 
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Membership

    The ISPAB is comprised of twelve members, in addition to the 
Chairperson. The membership of the Board includes:
    1. Four members from outside the Federal Government eminent in the 
information technology industry, at least one of whom is representative 
of small or medium sized companies in such industries.
    2. Four members from outside the Federal Government who are eminent 
in the field of information technology, or related disciplines, but who 
are not employed by or representative of a producer of information 
technology equipment; and
    3. Four members from the Federal Government who have information 
system management experience, including experience in information 
security and privacy; at least one of these members shall be from the 
National Security Agency.

Miscellaneous

    Members of the ISPAB who are not full-time employees of the Federal 
government are not paid for their service, but will, upon request, be 
allowed travel expenses in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 
of title 5, United States Code, while otherwise performing duties at 
the request of the Board Chairperson, while away from their homes or a 
regular place of business.
    Meetings of the Board are usually two to three days in duration and 
are usually held quarterly. The meetings primarily take place in the 
Washington, DC, metropolitan area but may be held at such locations and 
at such time and place as determined by the majority of the Board.
    Board meetings are open to the public and members of the press 
usually attend. Members do not have access to classified or proprietary 
information in connection with their Board duties.

Nomination Information

    Nominations are being accepted in all three categories described 
above.
    Nominees should have specific experience related to information 
security or electronic 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.
    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 Board duties.
    Selection of ISPAB members will not be limited to individuals who 
are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the requirements 
will be kept on file to be reviewed as Board vacancies occur.
    Nominees must be U.S. citizens.
    The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the 
workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse ISPAB membership.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Ms. Karen Lellock, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 
4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800. Nominations may also be submitted 
via fax to 301-963-6556. Additional information regarding the Board, 
including its charter may be found on its electronic home page at: 
http://www.mep.nist.gov/about-mep/mep-advisory-board.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Karen Lellock, National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800; telephone 301-975-4269, fax 301-963-6556; 
or via e-mail at [email protected].
    Committee Information: The Board will advise the Director of the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on MEP programs, 
plans, and policies, assess the soundness of MEP plans and strategies, 
and assess current performance against MEP program plans.
    The Board will consist of ten individuals appointed by the Director 
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and 
broadly representing stakeholders.
    The Board will function solely as an advisory body, in compliance 
with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278k(e) and the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act: 5 U.S.C. App. 2.

[[Page 40505]]

National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Stephen Cauffman, National 
Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee, National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8611, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8611. Nominations may also be submitted via fax 
to 301-869-6275.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Cauffman, National 
Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee, National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8611, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8611, telephone 301-975-6051, fax 301-869-6275; 
or via e-mail at [email protected].
    Committee Information: The Committee was established in accordance 
with the National Construction Safety Team Act, Public Law 107-231 and 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2).

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Committee shall advise the Director of the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on carrying out the 
National Construction Safety Team Act (Act), review and provide advice 
on the procedures developed under section 2(c)(1) of the Act, and 
review and provide advice on 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. The Committee shall provide a written annual report, through the 
Director of the NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) and 
the Director of NIST, to the Secretary of Commerce for submission to 
the Congress, to be due at a date to be agreed upon by the Committee 
and the Director of NIST. Such report will provide an evaluation of 
National Construction Safety Team activities, along with 
recommendations to improve the operation and effectiveness of National 
Construction Safety Teams, and an assessment of the implementation of 
the recommendations of the National Construction Safety Teams and of 
the Committee. In addition, the Committee may provide reports at 
strategic stages of an investigation, at its discretion or at the 
request of the Director of NIST, through the Director of the BFRL and 
the Director of NIST, to the Secretary of Commerce.

Membership

    1. The Committee will be composed of not fewer than five nor more 
than ten members that reflect a wide balance of the diversity 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 the 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.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the Committee will not be paid for their services, 
but will, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem expenses in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending meetings of the 
Committee or of its subcommittees, or while otherwise performing duties 
at the request of the chairperson, while away from their homes or a 
regular place of business.
    2. The Committee will meet at least once per year at the call of 
the Chair. Additional meetings may be called whenever one-third or more 
of the members so request it in writing or whenever the Chair or the 
Director of NIST requests a meeting.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from all fields involved in issues 
affecting National Construction Safety Teams.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service. The field of expertise that the candidate represents he/she is 
qualified for 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. In 
addition, each nomination letter should state that the candidate agrees 
to the nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the 
Committee, and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of 
the Committee.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Committee membership.

Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Tina Faecke, Administrative 
Officer, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 
8630, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8630. Nominations may also be submitted 
via fax to 301-975-5433 or e-mail at [email protected]. Additional 
information regarding the Committee, including its charter and 
executive summary may be found on its electronic home page at: http://www.nehrp.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jack Hayes, Director, National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, National Institute of Standards 
and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8610, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-8610, telephone 301-975-5640, fax 301-975-4032; or via e-mail at 
[email protected].
    Committee Information: The Committee was established on June 27, 
2006, in accordance with the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction 
Program Reauthorization Act, Pub. L. 108-360 and the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2).

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Committee will assess trends and developments in the science 
and engineering of earthquake hazards reduction, effectiveness of the 
Program in carrying out the activities under section 103(a)(2) of the 
Act, the need to revise the Program, the management, coordination, 
implementation, and activities of the Program.
    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. Not later than one year after the first meeting of the 
Committee, and at least once every two years thereafter, the Committee 
shall report to the Director of NIST, 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 Scientific 
Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee.

Membership

    1. The Committee will consist of not fewer than 11 nor more than 15 
members, who reflect a wide diversity of technical disciplines, 
competencies, and communities involved in earthquake hazards reduction. 
Members

[[Page 40506]]

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.
    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 shall be 
three years, except that vacancy appointments shall be for the 
remainder of the unexpired term of the vacancy and that the initial 
members shall have staggered terms such that the committee will have 
approximately \1/3\ new or reappointed members each year.
    4. No committee member may be an ``employee'' as defined in 
subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section 7342(a)(1) of Title 5 of the 
United States Code.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the Committee will not be compensated for their 
services, but will, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem 
expenses in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending 
meetings of the Committee or of its subcommittees, or while otherwise 
performing duties at the request of the chairperson, while away from 
their homes or a regular place of business.
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees and are required to file an annual Executive Branch 
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
    3. The Committee shall meet at least once per year. Additional 
meetings may be called whenever the Director of NIST requests a 
meeting.
    4. Committee meetings are open to the public.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from industry and other communities 
having an interest in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction 
Program, such as, but not limited to, research and academic 
institutions, industry standards development organizations, state and 
local government bodies, and financial communities, who are qualified 
to provide advice on earthquake hazards reduction and represent all 
related scientific, architectural, and engineering disciplines.
    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. In addition, each 
nomination letter should state that the person agrees to the 
nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the 
Committee, and will actively participate in good faith in the tasks of 
the Committee.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Committee membership.

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT)

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Gail Ehrlich, Visiting 
Committee on Advanced Technology, National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
1060. Nominations may also be submitted via fax to 301-216-0529. 
Additional information regarding the Committee, including its charter, 
current membership list, and executive summary may be found on the NIST 
Web site at: http://www.nist.gov/director/vcat/vcat.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gail Ehrlich, Visiting Committee on 
Advanced Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060, 
telephone 301-975-2149, fax 301-216-0529; or via e-mail at 
[email protected].
    Committee Information: The VCAT was established in accordance with 
15 U.S.C. 278 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2).

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.
    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. The Committee shall provide a written annual report, through the 
Director of NIST, to the Secretary of Commerce for submission to the 
Congress no 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 the Institute, or with which the Committee in its 
official role as the private sector policy advisor of the Institute is 
concerned. Each such report shall identify areas of program emphasis 
for the Institute of potential importance to the long-term 
competitiveness of the United States industry, which could be used to 
assist the United States enterprises and United States industrial joint 
research and development ventures. Such report also shall comment on 
the programmatic planning document and updates thereto submitted to 
Congress under subsections (c) and (d) of section 23 of the NIST Act 
(15 U.S.C. 278i). The Committee shall submit to the Secretary and 
Congress such additional reports on specific policy matters as it deems 
appropriate.

Membership

    1. The Committee is composed of fifteen members that provide 
representation of a cross-section of traditional and emerging United 
States industries. Members shall be selected solely on the basis of 
established records of distinguished service and shall be eminent in 
such fields as business, research, new product development, 
engineering, labor, education, management consulting, environment, and 
international relations. No employee of the Federal Government shall 
serve as a member of the Committee.
    2. The Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology 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.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the VCAT are not paid for their service, 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, or while otherwise performing duties at the request of 
the chairperson, while away from their homes or a regular place of 
business.
    2. Meetings of the VCAT take place at the NIST headquarters in 
Gaithersburg, Maryland, and once each year at the NIST site in Boulder, 
Colorado. Meetings are one or two days in duration and are held at 
least twice each year.

[[Page 40507]]

    3. 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 as business, research, new 
product development, engineering, labor, education, management 
consulting, environment and international relations. The category 
(field of eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be 
specified in the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular 
category should come from organizations or individuals within that 
category. 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. Besides participation in one- or two-day meetings held at least 
twice each year, it is desired that members be able to devote the 
equivalent of two days between meetings to either developing or 
researching topics of potential interest, and so forth in furtherance 
of the Committee duties.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse VCAT membership.

    Dated: July 8, 2008.
James M. Turner,
Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. E8-16064 Filed 7-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P