[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 85934-85935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28594]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB)

AGENCY: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OER) National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Department of Commerce 
(DOC).

ACTION: Notice of Membership Solicitation for the OEAB.

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SUMMARY: OAR publishes this notice to solicit applications to fill a 
single membership vacancy on the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board 
(OEAB) with an individual demonstrating expertise in data science and 
management and one other area of expertise relevant to ocean 
exploration, such as seafloor mapping. The new OEAB member will serve 
an initial three-year term, renewable once.
    The purpose of the OEAB is to advise the Under Secretary of 
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters pertaining to ocean 
exploration including: The identification of priority areas that 
warrant exploration; the development and enhancement of technologies 
for exploring the oceans; managing the data and information; and 
disseminating the results. The OEAB also provides advice on the 
relevance of the program with regard to the NOAA Strategic Plan, the 
National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan, and other appropriate 
guidance documents.

APPLICATIONS: An application is required to be considered for OEAB 
membership. To apply, please submit (1) full name, title, institutional 
affiliation, and contact information (mailing address, email, 
telephones, fax); (2) a short description of his/her qualifications 
relative to data science and management, and at least one other area of 
expertise related to ocean exploration; (3) a resume or curriculum 
vitae (maximum length 4 pages); and (4) A cover letter stating their 
interest in serving on the OEAB and highlighting specific areas of 
expertise relevant to the purpose of the OEAB.

DATES: Application materials should be sent to the mailing or email 
address specified below and must be received no later than 15 days 
after publication of this Federal Register Notice.

ADDRESSES: Submit resume and application materials to Yvette Jefferson 
via mail or email. Mail: NOAA, 1315 East West Highway, SSMC3 Rm 10315, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910; Email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David McKinnie, OEAB Designated 
Federal Officer, NOAA/OER, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115; 
206-526-6950; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OEAB functions as an advisory body in 
accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 
5 U.S.C. App., with the exception of section 14. It reports to the 
Under Secretary, as directed by 33 U.S.C. 3405.
    The OEAB consists of approximately ten members including a Chair 
and Co-chair(s), designated by the Under Secretary in accordance with 
FACA requirements and the terms of the approved OEAB Charter.
    The OEAB:
    a. advises the Under Secretary on all aspects of ocean exploration 
including areas, features, and phenomena that warrant exploration; and 
other areas of program operation, including development and enhancement 
of technologies for exploring the ocean, managing ocean exploration 
data and information, and disseminating the results to the public, 
scientists, and educators;
    b. assists the program in the development of a 5-year strategic 
plan for the fields of ocean, marine, and Great Lakes science, 
exploration, and discovery, as well as makes recommendations to NOAA on 
the evolution of the plan based on results and achievements;
    c. annually reviews the quality and effectiveness of the proposal 
review process established under [correct]; and
    d. provides other assistance and advice as requested by the Under 
Secretary.
    OEAB members are appointed as special government employees (SGEs)

[[Page 85935]]

and will be subject to the ethical standards applicable to SGEs. 
Members are reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred in 
performing such duties but will not be reimbursed for their time. All 
OEAB members serve at the discretion of the Under Secretary.
    The OEAB meets three to four times each year, exclusive of 
subcommittee, task force, and working group meetings.
    As a Federal Advisory Committee, the OEAB's membership is required 
to be balanced in terms of viewpoints represented and the functions to 
be performed as well as including the interests of geographic regions 
of the country and the diverse sectors of our society.
    For more information about the OEAB, please visit oeab.noaa.gov.

OER BACKGROUND: NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research is part 
of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. OER's mission is 
to explore the ocean for national benefit.
    OER:
    e. Explores the ocean to make discoveries of scientific, economic, 
and cultural value, with priority given to the U.S. Exclusive Economic 
Zone and Extended Continental Shelf;
    f. Promotes technological innovation to advance ocean exploration;
    g. Provides public access to data and information;
    h. Encourages the next generation of ocean explorers, scientists, 
and engineers; and,
    i. Expands the national ocean exploration program through 
partnerships.
    For more information about the Office of Ocean Exploration and 
Research please visit oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.

    Dated: November 21, 2016.
Jason Donaldson,
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, Office of 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-28594 Filed 11-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-KA-P