[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 235 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76270-76276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30886]


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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 Robert Fangmeyer, 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: Robert Fangmeyer, Director, Baldrige 
Performance Excellence Program and Designated Federal Officer, NIST, 
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; 
telephone 301-975-4781; 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 twelve 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, manufacturing, nonprofit, education, 
and health care industries. 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

[[Page 76271]]

discretion of the Secretary. All terms will commence on March 1 and end 
on February 28 of the appropriate years.

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 
and competitiveness issues 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 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 Robert Fangmeyer, 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: Robert Fangmeyer, Director, Baldrige 
Performance Excellence Program and Designated Federal Officer, NIST, 
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; 
telephone 301-975-4781; 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. The Panel 
will also review recommendations from site visits, and recommend Award 
recipients.
    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.
    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 will consist 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 or partially 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 
and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service 
companies, small businesses, health care providers, educational 
institutions, 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

[[Page 76272]]

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/groups/SMA/ispab/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Annie Sokol, ISPAB Designated Federal 
Officer (DFO), 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 (Committee or Board) was originally chartered as the 
Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board by the Department 
of Commerce pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-
235). The E-Government 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 changing the Committee's 
name, and the charter was amended accordingly.

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Board will identify emerging managerial, technical, 
administrative, and physical safeguard issues relative to information 
security and privacy.
    2. The Board will advise the NIST and the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) on information security and privacy issues 
pertaining to Federal Government information systems, including 
thorough review of proposed standards and guidelines developed by NIST.
    3. The Board shall report to the Director of NIST.
    4. The Board reports annually to the Secretary of Commerce, the 
Director of OMB, the Director of the National Security Agency, and the 
appropriate committees of the Congress.
    5. The Board will 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

    1. The Director of NIST will appoint the chairperson and the 
members of the ISPAB, and members serve at the discretion of the NIST 
Director. Members will be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in 
accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
    2. The ISPAB will consist of a total of twelve members and a 
Chairperson.
     The Board will include four members from outside the 
Federal Government who are eminent in the information technology 
industry, at least one of whom is representative of small or medium 
sized companies in such industries.
     The Board will include four members from outside the 
Federal Government who are eminent in the fields of information 
technology, or related disciplines, but who are not employed by or 
representative of a producer of information technology.
     The Board will include four members from the Federal 
Government who have information system management experience, including 
experience in information security and privacy, at least one of whom 
shall be from the National Security Agency.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the Board, other than full-time employees of the 
Federal government, will not be compensated for their services, but 
will, upon request, be allowed travel expenses pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
5701 et seq., while otherwise performing duties at the request of the 
Board Chairperson, while away from their homes or a regular place of 
business.
    2. Meetings of the ISPAB are usually two to three days in duration 
and are usually held quarterly. ISPAB meetings are open to the public, 
including the press. Members do not have access to classified or 
proprietary information in connection with their ISPAB duties.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are being accepted in all three categories described 
above.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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. Kari Reidy, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800. Nominations 
may also be submitted via fax to 301-963-6556. Additional information 
regarding MEP, 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. Kari Reidy, NIST, 100 Bureau 
Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800; telephone 301-975-
4919, 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); codified at 15 U.S.C. 
278k(e), as amended, 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, 
as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
    5. The Board shall transmit through the Director of NIST an annual 
report to the Secretary of the Department 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 shall address 
the status of the MEP

[[Page 76273]]

program 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 Director of NIST. 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 United States small businesses 
in the manufacturing sector. No member shall be an employee of the 
Federal Government.
    2. The Director of 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. Board members serve at 
the discretion of the Director of NIST.
    3. 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 the vacancy. Any person who has completed two 
consecutive full terms of service on the Board shall thereafter be 
ineligible for appointment 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 three times a year. Additional 
meetings may be called by the Director of NIST or the Designated 
Federal Officer (DFO) or his or her designee.
    3. Committee meetings are open to the public.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are being accepted in all categories described 
above.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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 (NCST) Advisory Committee

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Benjamin Davis, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8604. Additional 
information regarding the NCST, including its charter may be found on 
its electronic home page at http://www.nist.gov/el/disasterstudies/ncst.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Davis, NIST, 100 Bureau 
Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8604, telephone 301-975-
6071; or via email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The NCST 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 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. On January 1 of each year, the Committee shall transmit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, 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 (Team) activities, along with 
recommendations to improve the operation and effectiveness of Teams, 
and (2) an assessment of the implementation of the recommendations of 
Teams and of the Committee.

Membership

    1. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than five nor more than 
ten members. Members shall reflect 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 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. 5703.
    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.

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.

[[Page 76274]]

Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Tina Faecke, Management and 
Program Analyst, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NIST, 
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 ACEHR, 
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, NIST, 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 in accordance with the National Earthquake Hazards 
Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2004, Pub. L. 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 (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(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. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST at least once 
every two years 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.

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 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) and 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 members 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. Members will be drawn 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, and 
financial communities, who are qualified to provide advice on 
earthquake hazards reduction and represent all related scientific, 
architectural, and engineering disciplines.
    2. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of 
service on the Committee shall be ineligible for appointment for a 
third term during the two year period following the expiration of the 
second term.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

    Please submit nominations to Mr. Cuong Nguyen, Smart Grid and 
Cyber-Physical Systems Program Office, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail 
Stop 8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8200. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email to [email protected]. Information about the 
NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee may be found at http://www.nist.gov/smartgrid/committee.cfm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Cuong Nguyen, Smart Grid and 
Cyber-Physical Systems Program Office, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail 
Stop 8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8200; telephone 301-975-2254, fax 
301-948-5668; or via email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee (Committee) was established 
in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 
U.S.C. App and with the concurrence of the General Services 
Administration.

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Committee shall advise the Director of the National 
Institute of

[[Page 76275]]

Standards and Technology (NIST) in carrying out duties authorized by 
section 1305 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Pub. 
L. 110-140).
    2. The Committee duties are solely advisory in nature 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. The Committee shall provide input to NIST on the Smart Grid 
Standards, Priorities, and Gaps, on the overall direction, status and 
health of the Smart Grid implementation by the Smart Grid industry 
including identification of issues and needs, 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 9 and no more than 
15 members. 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. 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.
    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 
service, 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 it 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.

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT)

    Addresses: Please submit nominations to Karen Lellock, Executive 
Director, VCAT, NIST, 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 VCAT, including its charter, current membership list, and 
past reports may be found on its electronic homepage at http://www.nist.gov/director/vcat/.
    For Further Information Contact: Karen Lellock, Executive Director, 
VCAT, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
1060, telephone 301-975-4269, fax 301-216-0529; or via email at 
[email protected].

Committee Information

    The VCAT (Committee) 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, 
as amended, 5 U.S.C. App.
    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 adviser of NIST is concerned. Each 
such report shall identify areas of research and research techniques of 
NIST of potential importance to the long-term competitiveness of United 
States industry, in which NIST possesses special competence, which 
could be used to assist 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 by the Director under subsections (c) and (d) of 
section 278i of the NIST Act. The Committee shall submit to the 
Secretary and the Congress such additional reports on specific policy 
matters as it deems appropriate.

Membership

    1. The Committee shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the 
Director of NIST, at least ten of whom shall be from United States 
industry. 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 fields such 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 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.

Miscellaneous

    1. Members of the Committee will not be compensated for their 
services, but

[[Page 76276]]

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. 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. 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.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse VCAT membership.

Richard Cavanagh,
Acting Associate Director for Laboratory Programs.
[FR Doc. 2015-30886 Filed 12-7-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-13-P