[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23595-23596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09934]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

[Docket No. ODAG 154]


National Commission on Forensic Science Notice of Charter Renewal 
and Solicitation of Applications for Additional Commission Membership

AGENCY: Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice of Charter Renewal and Solicitation of Applications for 
Additional Commission Membership for the National Commission on 
Forensic Science.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with title 41 of the U.S. Code of Federal 
Regulations, section 102-3.65(a), notice is hereby given that the 
Charter for the National Commission on Forensic Science was renewed for 
an additional two-year period on April 23, 2015. The Attorney General 
has determined that the National Commission on Forensic Science is 
necessary and in the public interest in connection with the performance 
of duties of the Department of Justice and these duties can best be 
performed through the advice and counsel of this group. This 
determination follows consultation with the Committee Management 
Secretariat, General Services Administration. This notice announces the 
solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership.

DATES: Applications must be received on or before May 28, 2015.

ADDRESSES: All applications should be submitted to: Andrew Bruck, 
Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20530, by email at [email protected], or by phone 
at (202) 305-3481.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Bruck, Counsel to the Deputy 
Attorney General, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20530, by 
email at [email protected], or by phone at (202) 305-3481.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Commission on Forensic Science 
was chartered on April 23, 2013 and is co-chaired by the Department of 
Justice and National Institute of Standards and Technology. The 
Commission provides recommendations and advice to the Department of 
Justice concerning national methods and strategies for: strengthening 
the validity and reliability of the forensic sciences (including 
medico-legal death investigation); enhancing quality assurance and 
quality control in forensic science laboratories and units; identifying 
and recommending scientific guidance and protocols for evidence 
seizure, testing, analysis, and reporting by forensic science 
laboratories and units; and identifying and assessing other needs of 
the forensic science communities to strengthen their disciplines and 
meet the increasing demands generated by the criminal and civil justice 
systems at all levels of government. Commission membership includes 
Federal, State, and Local forensic science service providers; research 
scientists and academicians; prosecutors, defense attorneys, and 
judges; law enforcement; and other relevant backgrounds. The Commission 
reports to the Attorney General, who through the Deputy Attorney 
General, shall direct the work of the Commission in fulfilling its 
mission. The renewed charter removes the prohibition on developing or 
recommending guidance regarding digital evidence. The renewed charter 
additionally states that the Attorney General will refer 
recommendations regarding measurement standards and priorities for 
standards development to the Director of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, as the Attorney General deems appropriate.
    The initial solicitation of applications for Commission membership 
was announced on February 22, 2013 (``Notice of Establishment of the 
National Commission on Forensic Science and Solicitation of 
Applications for Commission Membership, 78 FR 12355). This notice 
announces the solicitation of the application for additional Commission 
membership. The duties of the Commission include: (a) Recommending 
priorities for standards development; (b) reviewing and recommending 
endorsement of guidance identified or developed by subject-matter 
experts; (c) developing proposed guidance concerning the intersection 
of forensic science and the courtroom; (d) developing policy 
recommendations, including a uniform code of professional 
responsibility and minimum requirements for training, accreditation 
and/or certification; and (e) identifying and assessing the current and 
future needs of the forensic sciences to strengthen their disciplines 
and meet growing demand.
    Members will be appointed by the Attorney General in consultation 
with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
and the vice-chairs of the Commission. Additional members will be 
selected to fill vacancies to maintain a balance of perspective and 
diversity of experiences, including Federal, State, and Local forensic 
science service providers; research scientists and academicians; 
Federal, State, Local prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges; law 
enforcement; and other relevant stakeholders. Members will also be 
selected specifically to support the inclusion of digital evidence. DOJ 
encourages submissions from applicants with respect to diversity of 
backgrounds, professions, ethnicities, gender, and geography. The 
Commission shall consist of approximately 30 voting members. Members 
will serve without compensation. The Commission generally meets four 
times each year at approximately three-month intervals.
    Applications: Any qualified person may apply to be considered for 
appointment to this advisory committee. Each application should 
include: (1) A resume or curriculum vitae; (2) a statement of interest 
describing the applicant's relevant experience; and (3) a statement of 
support from the applicant's employer. Potential candidates may be 
asked to provide detailed information as necessary regarding financial 
interests, employment, and professional affiliations to evaluate 
possible sources of conflicts of interest. The application period will 
remain open through May 28, 2015. The applications must be sent in one 
complete package, by email, to Andrew Bruck (contact information above) 
with the subject line of the email entitled, ``NCFS Membership 2015.'' 
Other sources, in addition to the Federal Register notice, may be 
utilized in the solicitation of applications.


[[Page 23596]]


    Dated: April 22, 2015.
Andrew Bruck,
Designated Federal Official, National Commission on Forensic Science.
[FR Doc. 2015-09934 Filed 4-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-18-P