[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 95196-95197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31232]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

[Docket No. ODAG 167]


National Commission on Forensic Science Solicitation of 
Applications for Additional Statistician Commission Membership

AGENCY: Department of Justice.

ACTION: Solicitation of applications for additional Commission 
membership with subject matter expertise in statistics for the National 
Commission on Forensic Science.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 
this notice announces the solicitation of applications for additional 
Commission membership on the National Commission on Forensic Science 
specifically to fill a current statistician Commissioner vacancy.

DATES: Applications must be received on or before January 11, 2017.

ADDRESSES: All applications should be submitted to: Jonathan McGrath, 
Designated Federal Officer, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531, 
by email at [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan McGrath, Designated Federal 
Officer, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531, by email 
[email protected], or by phone at (202) 514-6277.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), this notice announces the solicitation 
of applications for additional Commission membership on the National 
Commission on Forensic Science to fill a current Commissioner vacancy 
with expertise in statistics.
    The National Commission on Forensic Science was chartered on April 
23, 2013 and the charter was renewed on April 23, 2015. The Commission 
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

[[Page 95197]]

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 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. 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. The next Commission meetings will 
be held on January 9-10, 2017 and April 10-11, 2017 in Washington, DC. 
Additional information regarding the Commission can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/ncfs.

    Note: The Commission is developing a draft Views document on 
Statistical Statements in Forensic Testimony, and it is anticipated 
that the additional Commissioner member will contribute to the 
Commission's discussions on this topic, as well as all other 
Commission activities. On December 12, 2016, the Department of 
Justice published in the Federal Register a Notice announcing the 
January 9-10, 2017, Federal Advisory Committee Meeting of the 
National Commission on Forensic Science (81 FR 89509). That Notice 
also announced that comments on draft work products can be submitted 
through www.regulations.gov starting on December 23, 2016. Any 
comments should be posted to www.regulations.gov no later than 
January 25, 2017.

    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 January 11, 2017. The applications must be sent in 
one complete package, by email, to Jonathan McGrath (contact 
information above) with the subject line of the email entitled, ``NCFS 
Membership 2017.'' Other sources, in addition to the Federal Register 
notice, may be utilized in the solicitation of applications.

    Dated: December 20, 2016.
Victor Weedn,
Senior Forensic Advisor to the Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department 
of Justice.
[FR Doc. 2016-31232 Filed 12-23-16; 8:45 am]
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