Solicitation for New Members: Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB), 55590-55591 [2021-21792]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55590-55591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21792]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Solicitation for New Members: Ocean Exploration Advisory Board 
(OEAB)

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

ACTION: Notice of solicitation for applications for new members of the 
NOAA Ocean Exploration Advisory Board.

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SUMMARY: NOAA is soliciting applications to fill up to four membership 
vacancies on the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB).

DATES: Application materials must be received no later than November 5, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: Submit application materials to Christa Rabenold via email: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David McKinnie, OEAB Designated 
Federal Officer: 206-526-6950; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA is soliciting applications to fill up 
to four vacancies on the OEAB with individuals demonstrating expertise 
in areas of scientific research relevant to ocean exploration including 
engineering, data science, deep ocean biology, geology, oceanography, 
marine archaeology, and ocean science education and communication. 
People of color, women, first-generation professionals, individuals 
with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other communities that have 
historically faced professional barriers are encouraged to apply--
especially those from indigenous communities and from the U.S. west 
coast, Alaska, and Hawaii. Representatives of other federal agencies 
involved in ocean exploration are encouraged to apply. The new OEAB 
members will serve initial three-year terms, renewable once.
    The purpose of the OEAB is to advise the NOAA Administrator on 
matters pertaining to ocean exploration. 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 NOAA Administrator, 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 NOAA Administrator in accordance 
with FACA requirements and the terms of the approved OEAB Charter and 
Balance Plan.
    The OEAB was established:
    (1) To advise the Administrator on priority areas for survey and 
discovery;
    (2) To assist the program in the development of a five-year 
strategic plan for the fields of ocean, marine, and

[[Page 55591]]

Great Lakes science, exploration, and discovery;
    (3) To annually review the quality and effectiveness of the 
proposal review process established under section 12003(a)(4); and
    (4) To provide other assistance and advice as requested by the 
Administrator.
    OEAB members are appointed as special government employees (SGEs) 
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 NOAA Administrator.
    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 according to the board's Balance Plan. The Balance Plan 
requires that a diversity of viewpoints are represented, include the 
interests of geographic regions of the country, and the diverse sectors 
of our society. New members will be selected for their expertise in 
fields relevant to ocean exploration and to comply with the OEAB 
Balance Plan.
    For more information about the OEAB, visit https://oeab.noaa.gov.
    Although the OEAB reports directly to the NOAA Administrator, OER, 
which is part of the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, 
provides staffing and other support for the OEAB. OER's mission is to 
explore the ocean for national benefit.
    OER:
     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.
     Promotes technological innovation to advance ocean 
exploration.
     Provides public access to data and information.
     Encourages the next generation of ocean explorers, 
scientists, and engineers.
     Expands the national ocean exploration program through 
partnerships.
    For more information about OER, please visit https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.
    Applications: An application is required to be considered for OEAB 
membership. To apply, please submit (1) your full name, title, 
institutional affiliation, and contact information (mailing address, 
email address, telephone and fax numbers) with a short description of 
your qualifications relative to the statutory purpose of the OEAB and 
the ocean exploration act established under 33 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.; (2) 
a resume or curriculum vitae (maximum length four pages); and (3) a 
cover letter stating your interest in serving on the OEAB and 
highlighting specific areas of expertise relevant to the purpose of the 
OEAB.

    Dated: September 29, 2021.
Eric Locklear,
Acting Chief Financial Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2021-21792 Filed 10-5-21; 8:45 am]
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