[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40332-40338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16722]


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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 eight 
existing Federal Advisory Committees: 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, NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee, 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. Registered 
Federal lobbyists may not serve on NIST Federal Advisory Committees.

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: 

Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Harry Hertz, Director, 
Baldrige Performance Excellence 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 at: http://www.nist.gov/baldrige/community/overseers.cfm.
    For Further Information Contact: Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige 
Performance Excellence Program and Designated Federal Officer, NIST, 
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; 
telephone 301-975-2361; fax 301-975-4967; or via email at 
[email protected].

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 to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended, 5 U.S.C. App.

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 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, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
    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 preeminence in the field 
of organizational performance excellence. There will be a balanced 
representation from U.S. service and manufacturing industries as well 
as from education, health care, and nonprofit. The Board will include 
members familiar with the quality improvement operations and 
competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service companies, 
small businesses, health care providers, and educational institutions. 
Members will also be chosen who have broad experience in for-profit and 
nonprofit areas.
    2. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for 
three-year terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All 
terms will commence on March 1 and end on 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 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. Historically, 
the Board has met twice per year.
    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, 
educational institutions, health care providers, and nonprofits. The 
category (field of eminence) for which the

[[Page 40333]]

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 Performance Excellence 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 at: http://patapsco.nist.gov/BoardofExam/Examiners_Judge2.cfm.
    For Further Information Contact: Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige 
Performance Excellence 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 email at 
[email protected].

Committee Information

    The Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award 
(Panel) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 3711a(d)(1) and 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Panel will ensure the integrity of the Malcolm Baldrige 
National Quality Award (Award) selection process. Based on a review of 
results of examiners' scoring of written applications, Panel members 
will vote on which applicants merit site visits by examiners to verify 
the accuracy of quality improvements claimed by applicants.
    2. The Panel will ensure that individual judges will not 
participate in the review of applicants as to which they have any 
potential conflict of interest. The Panel will also review 
recommendations from site visits, and recommend Award recipients.
    3. The Panel will function solely as an advisory body, and will 
comply with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
    4. The Panel will report to the Director of NIST.

Membership

    1. The Panel is composed of approximately 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, manufacturing, nonprofit, 
education, and health care industries. The Panel will include members 
familiar with the quality improvement operations and competitiveness 
issues of manufacturing companies, service companies, small businesses, 
health care providers, and educational institutions. Members will also 
be chosen who have broad experience in for-profit and nonprofit areas.
    2. Panel members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for 
three-year terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All 
terms will commence on March 1 and end on February 28 of the 
appropriate year.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the 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 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. When approved by the Department of Commerce Chief Financial 
Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, Panel meetings are 
closed to the public.

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 quality improvement operations 
of manufacturing companies, service companies, small businesses, 
educational institutions, health care providers, 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, acknowledges the responsibilities of 
serving on the Panel, and will actively participate in good faith in 
the tasks of the Panel. Besides participation at meetings, it is 
desired that members be either developing or researching topics of 
potential interest, reading Baldrige applications, and so forth, in 
furtherance of their Panel duties.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Panel membership.

Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board (ISPAB)

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Annie Sokol, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930. Nominations 
may also be submitted via fax to 301-975-8670, Attn: ISPAB Nominations. 
Additional information regarding the ISPAB, 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: Annie Sokol, ISPAB Designated 
Federal Official, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, 
MD 20899-8930; telephone 301-975-2006; fax: 301-975-8670; or via email 
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). The 
Federal Information Security Management 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

[[Page 40334]]

changing the committee's name, and the charter was amended accordingly.

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 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, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 
App.

Membership

    The Director of NIST will appoint the members of the ISPAB, and 
members serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. Members 
will be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance with 
applicable Department of Commerce guidance. 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 
technology industries, 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; and
    3. Four members from the Federal Government who have information 
system management experience, including experience in information 
security and privacy, at least one whom 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 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while 
otherwise performing duties at the request of the ISPAB Chairperson, 
while away from their homes or a regular place of business.
    Meetings of the ISPAB are usually two to three days in duration and 
are usually held quarterly. ISPAB 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 ISPAB 
duties.

Nomination Information

    Nominations are being accepted in all three categories described 
above.
    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.
    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.
    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 ISPAB 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.nist.gov/mep/advisory-board.cfm.
    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 email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The MEP Advisory Board (Board) is authorized under Section 3003(d) 
of the America COMPETES Act (Pub. L. 110-69) in accordance with the 
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 
App.

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Board will provide advice on MEP programs, 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. The Board shall transmit an annual report through the NIST 
Director to the Secretary of Commerce for transmittal to Congress 
within 30 days after the submission to Congress of the President's 
annual budget request each year. The report will address the status of 
the MEP and comment on the relevant sections of the programmatic 
planning document and updates thereto transmitted to Congress by the 
Director under 15 U.S.C. 278i(c) and (d).

Membership

    1. The Board shall consist of 10 members, broadly representative of 
stakeholders, appointed by the NIST Director. At least 2 members shall 
be employed by or on an advisory board for the MEP Centers, and at 
least 5 other members shall be from U.S. small businesses in the 
manufacturing sector. No member shall be an employee of the Federal 
Government.
    2. The Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology (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. Members serve at the 
discretion of the NIST Director.
    3. Committee members from the manufacturing industry and those 
representing specific stakeholder groups shall serve in a 
representative capacity. Committee members from the academic community 
shall serve as experts, will be considered Special Government Employees 
(SGEs), and will be subject to all ethical standards and rules 
applicable to SGEs.
    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

[[Page 40335]]

the vacancy. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of 
service on the Board shall be ineligible for a third term 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. 5701 et seq., while attending meetings of the 
Board or subcommittees thereof, or while otherwise performing duties at 
the request of the Chair, while away from their homes or regular places 
of business.
    2. The Board will meet at least two times a year. Additional 
meetings may be called by the NIST Director.
    3. Committee meetings are open to the public.

Nomination Information

    Nominations are being accepted in all categories described above.
    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. 
Each nomination letter should state that the person agrees to the 
nomination and acknowledges the responsibilities of serving on the MEP 
Advisory Board.
    Selection of MEP Advisory Board 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.
    The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the 
workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse MEP Advisory Board 
membership.

National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Eric Letvin, 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 301-975-4032. Additional information regarding the committee, 
including its charter may be found on its electronic home page at: 
http://www.nist.gov/el/disasterstudies/ncst.
    For Further Information Contact: Eric Letvin, National Construction 
Safety Team Advisory Committee, National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8611, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
8611, telephone 301-975-5412, fax 301-975-4032; or via email at 
[email protected].

Committee Information

    The National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee 
(Committee) was established in accordance with the National 
Construction Safety Team Act, Pub. L. 107-231 and the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.

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, 
as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
    3. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
    4. On January 1 of each year, the Committee shall transmit, through 
the Director of the NIST Engineering Laboratory (EL) and the Director 
of NIST to the Secretary of Commerce, for submission to the Committee 
on Science 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 activities, along with recommendations to improve the operation 
and effectiveness of National Construction Safety Teams, and (2) an 
assessment of the implementation of the recommendations of the National 
Construction Safety Teams and of the advisory committee.

Membership

    1. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than five nor more than 
ten members. Members shall reflect a balance of the wide 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 compensated for their 
services but will be reimbursed, upon request, for 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 Chair, while away from their 
homes or a regular place of business.
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs), will be subject to the ethics standards applicable to 
SGEs, and are required to file an annual Executive Branch Confidential 
Financial Disclosure Report.
    3. The Committee shall 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 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. In addition, each 
nomination letter should state that the nominee 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, Management and 
Program Analyst, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, 
National

[[Page 40336]]

Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 
8604, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8604. Nominations may also be submitted 
via fax to 301-975-4032 or email 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: Jack Hayes, Director, National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, National Institute of Standards 
and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8604, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-8604, telephone 301-975-5640, fax 301-975-4032; or via email at 
[email protected].

Committee Information

    The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (Committee) 
was established on June 27, 2006 in accordance with the National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act, Public Law 
108-360 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 
App.

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 in carrying out the activities under section (a)(2) of the 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 
7704(b)(a)(2)), the need to revise the Program, 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.
    4. Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the 
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 
2004, 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 (USGS) Scientific Earthquake 
Studies Advisory Committee (SESAC).

Membership

    1. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than 11, nor more than 
17 members. Members shall reflect the wide diversity of technical 
disciplines, competencies, and communities involved in earthquake 
hazards reduction. 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.
    2. 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.
    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 members shall 
have staggered terms such that the Committee will have approximately 
one-third 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 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., while attending 
meetings of the Committee or of its subcommittees thereof, or while 
otherwise performing duties at the request of the Chair, while away 
from their homes or regular places of business.
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs), will be subject to the ethics standards applicable to 
SGEs, and are required to file an annual Executive Branch Confidential 
Financial Disclosure Report.
    3. The Committee shall meet face-to-face at least once per year. 
Additional meetings may be called whenever requested by the NIST 
Director or the Chair; such meetings may be in the form of telephone 
conference calls and/or videoconferences.
    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 nominee 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.

NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Dr. George W. Arnold, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail 
Stop 8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8200. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email to [email protected]. Information about the 
committee may be found at: http://www.nist.gov/smartgrid/committee.cfm.
    For Further Information Contact: Dr. George W. Arnold, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 
8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8200; telephone 301-975-2232, fax 301-975-
4091; or via email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The Smart Grid Advisory Committee (Committee) was established in 
accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 
U.S.C. App.

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Committee shall advise the Director of the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on carrying out duties 
authorized by section 1305 of the Energy Independence and Security Act 
of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-140).
    2. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body in accordance 
with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

[[Page 40337]]

    3. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
    4. The Committee shall provide input to NIST on the Smart Grid 
Standards, Priorities, and Gaps. The Committee shall provide input on 
the overall direction, status and health of the Smart Grid 
implementation by the Smart Grid industry, including identification of 
issues and needs. The Committee shall provide input to NIST on Smart 
Grid Interoperability Panel activities and on the direction of research 
and standards activities.
    5. Upon request of the Director of NIST, the Committee will prepare 
reports on issues affecting Smart Grid activities.

Membership

    1. The Committee shall consist of no less than 10 and no more than 
15 members. Members shall reflect the wide diversity of technical 
disciplines and competencies involved in the Smart Grid deployment and 
operations and will come from a cross section of organizations. Members 
shall be selected on the basis of established records of distinguished 
service in their professional community and their knowledge of issues 
affecting Smart Grid deployment and operations.
    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.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the Committee shall 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 subcommittees thereof, or while otherwise 
performing duties at the request of the Chair, while away from their 
homes or regular places of business.
    2. The Committee shall meet approximately two times per year at the 
call of the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Additional meetings may 
be called by the DFO whenever one-third or more of the members so 
request in writing or whenever the Director of NIST requests a meeting.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from all fields involved in issues 
affecting the Smart Grid.
    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. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal 
opportunity in the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse 
Committee membership.

    Authority: Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 
App.

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT or Committee)

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Gail Ehrlich, Executive 
Director, 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 or via email at [email protected]. Additional 
information regarding the Committee, including its charter, current 
membership list, and executive summary may be found on its electronic 
homepage at: http://www.nist.gov/director/vcat/vcat.htm.
    For Further Information Contact: Gail Ehrlich, Executive Director, 
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 email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The VCAT was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 278 and the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.

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 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.
    4. 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 advisor of NIST is concerned. Each 
such report shall identify areas of program emphasis for NIST of 
potential importance to the long-term competitiveness of the United 
States industry. Each such report shall identify areas of program 
emphasis for NIST of potential importance to the long-term 
competitiveness of United States industry. Such report also shall 
comment on the programmatic planning document and updates thereto 
submitted to Congress by the Director 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 shall consist of fifteen members. Members shall be 
selected solely on the basis of established records of distinguished 
service; shall provide representation of a cross-section of traditional 
and emerging United States industries; 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 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.
    3. The term of the 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.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the VCAT 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, or while otherwise performing duties at the request 
of the

[[Page 40338]]

chairperson, while away from their homes or a regular place of 
business.
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethics standards applicable 
to SGEs. As SGEs, the members are required to file an annual Executive 
Branch Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
    3. Meetings of the VCAT usually take place at the NIST headquarters 
in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and may be held periodically at the NIST 
site in Boulder, Colorado. Meetings are usually two days in duration 
and are held at least twice each year.
    4. 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 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 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 2, 2012.
Willie E. May,
Associate Director for Laboratory Programs.
[FR Doc. 2012-16722 Filed 7-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P