[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 10, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3025-3026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00210]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

[Docket No. ODAG 167]


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

AGENCY: Department of Justice.

ACTION: Extension of the deadline for the 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, a 
notice that announced the solicitation of applications for additional 
Commission membership on the National Commission on Forensic Science 
specifically to fill a current statistician Commissioner vacancy was 
published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2016 and that 
applications must be received on or before January 11, 2017 (81 FR 
95196). This notice announces the extension of the deadline for the 
solicitation of applications for this Commissioner vacancy until 
January 26, 2017.

DATES: Applications must be received on or before January 26, 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.), a notice that announced the 
solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership on 
the National Commission on Forensic Science specifically to fill a 
current Commissioner vacancy with expertise in statistics was published 
in the Federal Register on December 27, 2016 and that applications must 
be received on or before January 11, 2017 (81 FR 95196). This notice 
announces the extension of the deadline for the solicitation of 
applications for this Commissioner vacancy until January 26, 2017.
    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 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

[[Page 3026]]

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 26, 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: January 4, 2017.
Jonathan McGrath,
Designated Federal Officer, National Commission on Forensic Science.
[FR Doc. 2017-00210 Filed 1-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-18-P