[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 198 (Monday, October 16, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71334-71335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22713]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Doc. No. 231010-0242]


Extension of Deadline for Applications to the Minority Business 
Enterprises Advisory Council for the Minority Business Development 
Agency

AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of extension of deadline.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development 
Agency (MBDA) is extending the deadline for nominations for the 
Minority Business Enterprises Advisory Council (MBEAC) pursuant to the 
authority of the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 and the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended. The Council will 
advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business 
Development on various topics impacting socially and economically 
disadvantaged businesses. MBDA is looking to appoint nine (9) members 
for the initial term of the Council. These individuals shall be from 
the private sector with a balanced and broad range of interests 
regarding the social and economic life of minority business concerns. 
The private sector members may include individuals from academia and 
think tanks, companies, chambers of commerce, financial entities, labor 
and trade associations, non-profit organizations, and stakeholders 
involved in socially and economically disadvantaged business concerns.

DATES: MBDA originally posted a solicitation for applications to the 
MBEAC on August 18, 2023, with an original deadline of September 18, 
2023. MBDA has determined that an extension of the original deadline is 
warranted. MBDA will consider applications received by November 15, 
2023, for potential selection to the inaugural MBEAC. Applications 
received after this date may be considered by MBDA as appropriate and 
when vacancies become available. If you have already submitted an 
application, MBDA will consider your application and there is no need 
to re-apply.

ADDRESSES: Individuals who are interested in being considered for the 
MBEAC must submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant 
experience to [email protected]. If electronic submission is not 
feasible, submissions may be mailed to: Minority Business Development 
Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of Commerce, Attn: Cara M. Morris, 1401 
Constitution Ave. NW, Room 5075, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cara M. Morris, Director, Business 
Center Excellence & Program Support, Minority Business Development 
Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, Email: [email protected], 202-482-
2332.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Please note that this notice is to extend 
the initial deadline for applications to the MBEAC. The original notice 
was published on August 18, 2023, and stated that the original deadline 
to receive applications was September 18, 2023. MBDA has determined 
that an extension to this deadline is warranted. Accordingly, MBDA will 
consider all applications received by [DATE 30 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION 
IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], for potential selection to the inaugural 
MBEAC. Applications received after this date may be considered by MBDA 
as appropriate and when vacancies become available. If you have already 
submitted an application, MBDA will consider your application and there 
is no need to re-apply.
    On November 15, 2021, the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 
(Pub. L. 117-58), made permanent the Minority Business Development 
Agency (MBDA) and expanded MBDA's roles and authorities. Among other 
things, the Act mandated the creation of the Minority Business 
Enterprises Advisory Council (MBEAC or ``the Council'').
    The objective of the MBEAC is to provide group advice to the Under 
Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development on matters 
pertaining to the growth and global competitiveness of the nation's 9.7 
million minority business enterprises (MBEs), such as identifying 
barriers to entrepreneurship and business growth; providing insight 
related to the economic conditions of socially or economically 
disadvantaged businesses; proposing opportunities for collaboration on 
and coordination of policies relating to entrepreneurship and business 
growth for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses; and 
advising on measures to better achieve MBDA's objectives. The MBEAC was 
established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended (FACA), 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10. See the MBEAC Charter, available 
at: https://gsa-geo.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#t0000000Gyj0/a/t0000003Gceu/9JxK.9.iqBesjToAwbbYyuYpJviXxxZC3ELQmn5Mts4. The MBDA is a 
dynamic organization that needs industry leaders' input with a wide 
range of experience and insight. Accordingly, the MBDA is soliciting 
applications from private sector representatives with a balanced and 
broad range of interests regarding the social and economic life of 
Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to serve as advisory committee 
members of the MBEAC. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by 
someone else.
    The Council will consist of nine members from the private sector as 
well as at least ten members from federal agencies that support or 
otherwise have duties related to business formation, including duties 
relating to labor development, monetary policy, national security, 
energy, agriculture, transportation, and housing. The Council will meet 
2-3 times per year and members shall serve for a term of 2 years. 
Members can be reappointed after the 2-year term expires.
    MBDA is soliciting two types of private sector members. 
``Representative members'' are appointed to offer insight and 
perspectives of clearly identified sectors and stakeholder groups. 
``Special Government Employee (SGE) members'' are appointed for their 
individual expertise and experience. Special Government Employees are 
subject to conflict-of-interest laws and regulations, including (but 
not limited to) the obligation to annually file a New Entrant 
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) and complete 
ethics training. Representative members are not subject to these 
requirements. Private sector members will be individually advised of 
the capacity in which they will serve through their appointment 
letters.
    Please also note that members of the Council shall not be 
compensated for service on the Council but may be allowed travel 
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.

[[Page 71335]]

    Council Size and Terms:
    The MBEAC will be comprised of at least 19 members (9 private 
sector members and at least 10 federal members). The newly appointed 
members will serve a two-year term and may be reappointed. If a member 
vacates the MBEAC before the end of the two-year term, a replacement 
member may be appointed to fill the unexpired term.
    The membership of the Council should include expertise and 
viewpoints that reflect the breadth of the Council's responsibilities. 
MBDA is mindful that committees work best when there is a mix of 
viewpoints brought about through diverse experiences in different areas 
of the committee's responsibility by members of diverse races, genders, 
business and industry sectors, and cultural backgrounds. This notice 
will be widely distributed to encourage a diverse applicant pool.
    Qualifications and Selection Criteria
    Expertise and Experience: Members should possess significant 
expertise and experience in areas relevant to the growth and 
development of MBEs and the business ecosystem, such as business 
development, entrepreneurship, finance, policy advocacy, or related 
fields. Members should have insights into barriers to entrepreneurship 
and business growth and ways to overcome those barriers. Relevant 
fields include but are not limited to, access to traditional and 
alternative capital, public and private sector procurement, and global 
markets. Members should also have the ability to provide insight into 
relevant data, research, and policy alternatives. The selection process 
will prioritize relevant individuals who have demonstrated a strong 
track record of success in their respective fields.
    Commitment to Minority Business Development: Members should have a 
demonstrated commitment to advancing the social and economic life of 
MBEs. This can be evidenced through past involvement in initiatives, 
projects, or policy advocacy aimed at supporting and empowering MBEs.
    Sector Representation: Private Sector members will be selected from 
diverse backgrounds, including academia and think tanks, companies of 
varying sizes, chambers of commerce, financial entities, labor and 
trade associations, non-profit organizations, and stakeholders involved 
in MBE growth and development.
    Geographic Representation: MBDA will consider geographic diversity 
in selecting members to ensure regional representation and capture 
expertise regarding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by 
MBEs in different parts of the country.
    Collaborative and Teamwork Skills: Members should demonstrate the 
ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. This includes 
effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to build 
consensus among diverse stakeholders.
    Ability to Serve: Members must be able and willing to dedicate the 
necessary time and effort to fulfill their responsibilities 
effectively. They should have the availability to attend meetings, 
actively participate in Council activities, and contribute 
constructively to discussions and decision-making processes.
    Independence and Impartiality: Applicants for Special Government 
Employee (SGE) membership positions must be impartial and independent, 
capable of providing objective advice and guidance must not have 
conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to act in the 
best interest of MBEs.

Privacy Act Statement

    The collection, maintenance, and disclosure of this information is 
governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). The Department of 
Commerce is authorized to collect this information pursuant to 
authorities that include, but are not limited to, Title V, sections 
100501 through 100503 of the Minority Business Development Act of 2021, 
Public Law 117-58 (Nov. 15, 2021), and in accordance with the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act, as amended (FACA), 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10. The 
principal purpose for which the Department will use the information is 
to assist in choosing private sector members of the MBEAC. Information 
received will be maintained in a Privacy Act system of records, 
COMMERCE/DEPT-11, entitled ``Candidates for Membership, Members, and 
Former Members of Department of Commerce Advisory Committees.'' A 
notice describing that system, including a complete set of routine 
disclosures, has been published both in the Federal Register and on the 
Department's website at: https://osec.doc.gov/opog/PrivacyAct/SORNs/dept-11.html. Although providing this information is voluntary, an 
individual cannot be considered for membership without an application 
submission.

Donald R. Cravins, Jr.,
Under Secretary for Minority Business Development, Minority Business 
Development Agency.
[FR Doc. 2023-22713 Filed 10-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P