Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Technical Information Service Federal Advisory Committees, 38098-38108 [2024-09886]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 7, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38098-38108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09886]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology


Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National 
Institute of Standards and Technology and National Technical 
Information Service Federal Advisory Committees

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST or 
Institute) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) 
invites and requests nomination of individuals for appointment to 
eleven existing Federal Advisory Committees (Committees): Advisory 
Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction; Board of Overseers of the 
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award; Industrial Advisory Committee; 
Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board; Internet of Things 
Advisory Board; Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality 
Award; Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board; National 
Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee; National Construction 
Safety Team Advisory Committee; National Technical Information Service 
Advisory Board; and Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. NIST and 
NTIS will consider nominations received in response to this notice for 
appointment to the Committees, in addition to nominations already 
received. Registered Federal lobbyists may not serve on NIST or NTIS 
Federal Advisory Committees in an individual capacity.

DATES: Nominations for all Committees will be accepted on an ongoing 
basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise.

ADDRESSES: See below.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 38099]]

Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)

    Address: Please submit nominations to Tina Faecke via email at 
[email protected]. Nominations may also be mailed to Tina Faecke, 
Designated Federal Officer, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction 
Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-8615. Additional information regarding the ACEHR, including its 
charter and current members may be found on its electronic home page at 
https://nehrp.gov/committees/index.htm.
    Contact Information: John ``Jay'' Harris, Acting Director, National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 
8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8615, telephone 301-975-6538 or via email 
at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (Committee) 
was established in accordance with the National Earthquake Hazards 
Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-360 (42 
U.S.C. 7704(a)(5)) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 
1001 et seq.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Committee will act in the public interest to assess trends 
and developments in the science and engineering of earthquake hazards 
reduction; effectiveness of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction 
Program (Program) in carrying out the activities under section (a)(2) 
of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
7704(a)(2)); the need to revise the Program; and the management, 
coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program.
    2. The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
    3. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
    4. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST at least once 
every two years on its findings of the assessments and its 
recommendations for ways to improve the Program. In developing 
recommendations, the Committee shall consider the recommendations of 
the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Scientific Earthquake 
Studies Advisory Committee (SESAC).

Membership

    1. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than 11, nor more than 
17 members. Members shall reflect the wide diversity of technical 
disciplines, competencies, and communities involved in earthquake 
hazards reduction. Members shall be selected on the basis of 
established records of distinguished service in their professional 
community and their knowledge of issues affecting the National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
    2. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Committee. 
Members shall be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance 
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
    3. The term of office of each member of the Committee shall be 
three years, except that vacancy appointments shall be for the 
remainder of the unexpired term of the vacancy and that members shall 
have staggered terms such that the Committee will have approximately 
one-third new or reappointed members each year.
Miscellaneous
    1. Members of the Committee shall not be compensated for their 
services, but may, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem 
expenses in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending 
meetings of the Committee or subcommittees thereof, or while otherwise 
performing duties at the request of the Chairperson, while away from 
their homes or regular places of business.
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethics standards applicable 
to SGEs and are required to file an annual Executive Branch 
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
    3. The Committee members shall meet face-to-face at least once per 
year. Additional meetings may be called whenever requested by the NIST 
Director; such meetings may be in the form of telephone conference 
calls and/or videoconferences.
    4. Committee meetings are open to the public.

Nomination Information

    1. Members will be drawn from industry and other communities having 
an interest in the Program, such as, but not limited to, research and 
academic institutions, industry standards development organizations, 
state and local government, and financial communities, who are 
qualified to provide advice on earthquake hazards reduction and 
represent all related scientific, architectural, and engineering 
disciplines.
    2. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of 
service on the Committee shall be ineligible for appointment for a 
third term during the two-year period following the expiration of the 
second term.
    3. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service. The field of expertise that the candidate represents should be 
specified in the nomination letter. A summary of the candidate's 
qualifications should be included with the nomination, including (where 
applicable) current or former service on federal advisory boards and 
Federal employment.
    4. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad based and diverse Committee membership.

Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

    Address: Please submit nominations to Robert Fangmeyer, Director, 
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail 
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email to [email protected]. Additional 
information regarding the Committee, including its charter, current 
membership list, and executive summary, may be found at https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/community/overseers.cfm.
    Contact Information: Robyn Decker, Designated Federal Officer, 
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail 
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 301-975-2361 or via 
email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality 
Award (Board) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 
3711a(d)(2)(B), pursuant the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 
1001 et seq.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Board shall review the work of the private sector 
contractor(s), which assists the Director of NIST in administering the 
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (Award). The Board will make 
such suggestions for the improvement of the Award process as it deems 
necessary.
    2. The Board shall make an annual report on the results of Award 
activities to the Director of NIST, along with its recommendations for 
the improvement of the Award process.
    3. The Board will function solely as an advisory committee under 
the

[[Page 38100]]

Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
    4. The Board will report to the Director of NIST.
Membership
    1. The Board will consist of at least five and approximately 12 
members selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance with 
applicable Department of Commerce guidance, and for their preeminence 
in the field of organizational performance excellence. There will be a 
balanced representation from U.S. service, manufacturing, nonprofit, 
education, and health care industries. The Board will include members 
familiar with the quality, performance improvement operations, and 
competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service companies, 
nonprofits, health care providers, and educational institutions.
    2. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for 
three-year terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All 
terms will commence on March 1 and end on the last day of February of 
the appropriate years.
Miscellaneous
    1. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but may, 
upon request, be reimbursed travel expenses, including per diem, as 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.
    2. The Board will meet at least annually, but usually two times a 
year. Additional meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST 
Director.
    3. Board meetings are open to the public. Board members do not have 
access to classified or proprietary information in connection with 
their Board duties.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from the private and public sector as 
described above.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service and shall be familiar with the quality improvement operations 
and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service 
companies, educational institutions, health care providers, and 
nonprofit organizations. The relevant expertise of the candidate should 
be specified in the nomination letter. A summary of the candidate's 
qualifications should be included with the nomination, including (where 
applicable) current or former service on Federal advisory boards and 
Federal employment. Besides participation at meetings, it is desired 
that members be able to devote the equivalent of seven days between 
meetings to either developing or researching topics of potential 
interest, and so forth, in furtherance of their Board duties.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Board membership.

Industrial Advisory Committee

    Address: Please submit nominations to Benjamin Davis, Designated 
Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 
Bureau Drive, MS 8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email to [email protected]. Additional information 
regarding the Committee, including its charter, current membership 
list, and executive summary, may be found at https://www.nist.gov/chips/industrial-advisory-committee.
    Contact Information: Benjamin Davis, Designated Federal Officer, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 
8615, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be submitted via 
email to [email protected].

Committee Information

    The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), in consultation with the 
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of 
Homeland Security, established the Industrial Advisory Committee (the 
Committee) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. 1001 et seq., and the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Act), Public Law 116-
283, section 9906(b). The Committee shall assess and provide guidance 
to the Secretary, through the National Institute for Standards and 
Technology (NIST), on matters relating to microelectronics research, 
development, manufacturing, and policy.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Committee shall act in the public interest to provide advice 
to the Secretary of Commerce through the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST) on matters relating to microelectronics 
research, development, manufacturing, and policy.
    2. The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in 
accordance with the provisions of FACA. The Committee shall assess and 
provide guidance to the Secretary of Commerce, through NIST, on--
    a. science and technology needs of the nation's domestic 
microelectronics industry;
    b. the extent to which the strategy developed under section 
9906(a)(3) of the Act is helping maintain United States leadership in 
microelectronics manufacturing;
    c. assessment of the research and development programs and 
activities authorized under section 9906 of the Act; and
    d. opportunities for new public-private partnerships to advance 
microelectronics research, development, and domestic manufacturing.
    The Committee shall not participate in selecting recipients of 
Federal financial assistance.
Membership
    Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of 
Commerce. The Committee shall be composed of not fewer than 12 members 
who are qualified to provide advice to the United States Government on 
matters relating to microelectronics research, development, 
manufacturing, and policy. The membership shall be fairly balanced 
among representatives of the semiconductor industry, representatives of 
Federal laboratories and academia, and other members. Members of the 
Committee shall serve as representative members or as regular 
government employee (RGE) members.
Miscellaneous
    1. The Committee members serve three-year terms and may serve two 
consecutive terms at the discretion of the Secretary, except that 
vacancy appointments shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term 
of the vacancy and that members shall have staggered terms such that 
the Committee will have approximately one-third new or reappointed 
members each year. Members who are not able to fulfill the duties and 
responsibilities of the Committee will have their membership 
terminated. A member who has served two consecutive full terms is 
ineligible to serve a third term for a period of one year following the 
expiration of the second term. Vacancies are filled as soon as highly 
qualified candidates in needed areas are identified and available to 
serve.
    2. The Secretary of Commerce shall appoint the Committee Chair and 
Vice-Chair from among the Committee membership. The tenures of the 
Chair and Vice-Chair shall be two years and can be modified at the 
discretion of the Secretary. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of 
the Chair in his or her absence. In case a vacancy occurs in the 
position of the Chair or Vice-Chair, the Secretary shall select a 
member to fill such a vacancy; the Vice-Chair will

[[Page 38101]]

succeed the Chair in the interim until the Secretary's appointment of a 
member to fill the Chair's vacancy.
    3. Committee members will be reimbursed for travel and per diem as 
it pertains to official business of the Committee in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 5701 et seq. Committee members will serve without compensation, 
except that Federal Government employees who are members of the 
Committee shall remain covered by their compensation system pursuant to 
41 CFR 102-3.130(h).
    4. Members shall not reference or otherwise utilize their 
membership on the Committee in connection with public statements made 
in their personal capacities without a disclaimer that the views 
expressed are their own and do not represent the views of the 
Committee, NIST, or the Department of Commerce.
    5. NIST, when necessary and consistent with the Committee's mission 
and Departmental policies and procedures, may establish subcommittees, 
task forces, and working groups, drawn in whole or in part from the 
Committee, pursuant to the provisions of FACA, the FACA implementing 
regulations, and applicable Departmental guidance. The Department of 
Commerce requires that each subcommittee include at least one member of 
the Committee. Subcommittees must report back to the Committee and must 
not provide advice or work products directly to NIST or the Secretary, 
and any recommendations based on their work will be deliberated and 
adopted by the Committee prior to dissemination.

Nomination Information

    NIST uses a nomination process to identify candidates for the 
Committee. Nominations are requested through annual announcements in 
the Federal Register and through solicitations to NIST, the Department 
of Commerce, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the 
Department of Homeland Security, the National Academies, professional 
societies, business associations, labor associations, and other 
appropriate organizations and individuals in order to ensure a diverse 
pool of applicants. Candidates may be nominated by their peers or may 
self-nominate. NIST requests that the nomination includes a resume or 
biographical sketch that specifically identifies the qualifications of 
the individual being nominated. Qualifications considered may include, 
among others: scientific and technical knowledge in selected areas and 
professional experience. The Director of NIST recommends one or more 
candidates for further review to fill vacancies on the Committee on the 
basis of the qualifications, the sectors the candidates may represent 
and the existing representation on the Committee, and the other balance 
factors. This further review is to ensure compliance with Federal 
governance requirements, including compliance with the Committee's 
charter and membership balance plan. The Secretary of Commerce makes 
the final decision for appointment to the Committee.

Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board (ISPAB)

    Address: Please submit nominations to Jeffrey Brewer, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930. Nominations 
may also be submitted via email at [email protected], Attn: ISPAB 
Nominations. Additional information regarding the ISPAB, including its 
charter and current membership list, may be found on its electronic 
home page at https://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SMA/ispab/.
    Contact Information: Jeffrey Brewer, ISPAB Designated Federal 
Officer (DFO), NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-8930; telephone 301-975-2489; or via email at 
[email protected].

Committee Information

    The ISPAB (Committee or Board) was originally chartered as the 
Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board by the Department 
of Commerce pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-
235). The E-Government Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-347, title III), 
amended section 21 of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-4), including changing the Committee's 
name, and the charter was amended accordingly.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Board will identify emerging managerial, technical, 
administrative, and physical safeguard issues relative to information 
security and privacy.
    2. The Board will advise NIST, the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on 
information security and privacy issues pertaining to Federal 
Government information systems, including through review of proposed 
standards and guidelines developed by NIST.
    3. The Board shall report to the Director of NIST.
    4. The Board reports annually to the Secretary of Commerce, the 
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of OMB, the Director of 
the National Security Agency, and the appropriate committees of the 
Congress.
    5. The Board will function solely as an advisory body, in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
Membership
    1. The Director of NIST will appoint the Chairperson and the 
members of the ISPAB, and members serve at the discretion of the NIST 
Director. Members will be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in 
accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
    2. The ISPAB will consist of a total of 12 members and a 
Chairperson, for a total of 13.
     The Board will include four members from outside the 
Federal Government who are eminent in the information technology 
industry, at least one of whom is representative of small or medium 
sized companies in such industries.
     The Board will include four members from outside the 
Federal Government who are eminent in the fields of information 
technology, or related disciplines, but who are not employed by or 
representative of a producer of information technology.
     The Board will include four members from the Federal 
Government who have information system management experience, including 
experience in information security and privacy, at least one of whom 
shall be from the National Security Agency.
Miscellaneous
    1. Members of the Board, other than full-time employees of the 
Federal government, will not be compensated for their services, but 
will, upon request, be allowed travel expenses pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
5701 et seq., while otherwise performing duties at the request of the 
Board Chairperson, while away from their homes or a regular place of 
business.
    2. Meetings of the ISPAB are usually two to three days in duration 
and are usually held quarterly. ISPAB meetings are open to the public, 
including the press. Members do not have access to classified or 
proprietary information in connection with their ISPAB duties.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are being accepted in all three categories described 
above.
    2. Nominees should have specific experience related to information 
security or privacy issues, particularly as they pertain to Federal 
information

[[Page 38102]]

technology. Letters of nomination should include the category of 
membership for which the candidate is applying and a summary of the 
candidate's qualifications for that specific category. Also include 
(where applicable) current or former service on Federal advisory boards 
and any Federal employment. Each nomination letter should state that 
the person agrees to the nomination, acknowledges the responsibilities 
of serving on the ISPAB, and that they will actively participate in 
good faith in the tasks of the ISPAB.
    3. Besides participation at meetings, it is desired that members be 
able to devote a minimum of two days between meetings to developing 
draft issue papers, researching topics of potential interest, and so 
forth in furtherance of their ISPAB duties.
    4. Selection of ISPAB members will not be limited to individuals 
who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the 
requirements will be kept on file to be reviewed as ISPAB vacancies 
occur.
    5. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse ISPAB membership.

Internet of Things Advisory Board

    Address: Please submit nominations to Barbara Cuthill, Designated 
Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 
Bureau Drive, MS 2000, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email to [email protected].
    Contact Information: Alison Kahn, Electronics Engineer, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 2000, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Her email is [email protected]. Additional 
information regarding the Committee, including its charter, current 
membership list, and executive summary, may be found at https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nist-cybersecurity-iot-program/internet-things-advisory-board.

Committee Information

    The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) established the Internet of 
Things Advisory Board (IoTAB) in accordance with the requirements of 
9204(b)(5) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Pub. L. 116-283), and in 
accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et 
seq. The IoTAB shall provide advice to the Internet of Things Federal 
Working Group (IoTFWG) on matters related to the Internet of Things as 
specified below. The IoTAB shall submit to the IoTFWG a report that 
includes any findings or recommendations related to the specific scope 
below.
Objectives and Duties
    The Board shall advise the Internet of Things Federal Working Group 
convened by the Secretary pursuant to section 9204(b)(1) of the Act on 
matters related to the Federal Working Group's activities, as specified 
below.
    The Board shall advise the Federal Working Group with respect to--
    a. the identification of any Federal regulations, statutes, grant 
practices, programs, budgetary or jurisdictional challenges, and other 
sector-specific policies that are inhibiting, or could inhibit, the 
development of the Internet of Things;
    b. situations in which the use of the Internet of Things is likely 
to deliver significant and scalable economic and societal benefits to 
the United States, including benefits from or to--
    i. smart traffic and transit technologies;
    ii. augmented logistics and supply chains;
    iii. sustainable infrastructure;
    iv. precision agriculture;
    v. environmental monitoring;
    vi. public safety; and
    vii. health care;
    c. whether adequate spectrum is available to support the growing 
Internet of Things and what legal or regulatory barriers may exist to 
providing any spectrum needed in the future;
    d. policies, programs, or multi-stakeholder activities that--
    i. promote or are related to the privacy of individuals who use or 
are affected by the Internet of Things;
    ii. may enhance the security of the Internet of Things, including 
the security of critical infrastructure;
    iii. may protect users of the Internet of Things; and
    iv. may encourage coordination among Federal agencies with 
jurisdiction over the Internet of Things;
    e. the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of 
Internet of Things technology by small businesses; and
    f. any international proceeding, international negotiation, or 
other international matter affecting the Internet of Things to which 
the United States is or should be a party.
    The Board shall submit to the Internet of Things Federal Working 
Group a report that includes any of its findings or recommendations. 
The report will be administratively delivered to the Internet of Things 
Federal Working Group through the Director of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST).
    The Board shall set its own agenda in carrying out its duties. The 
Federal Working Group may suggest topics or items for the Board to 
study, and the Board shall take those suggestions into consideration in 
carrying out its duties.
    The Board will function solely as an advisory body, in accordance 
with the provisions of FACA.
Membership
    Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Secretary. The Board 
shall consist of 16 members representing a wide range of stakeholders 
outside of the Federal Government with expertise relating to the 
Internet of Things, including: (i) information and communications 
technology manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and vendors; 
(ii) subject matter experts representing industrial sectors other than 
the technology sector that can benefit from the Internet of Things, 
including the transportation, energy, agriculture, and health care 
sectors; (iii) small, medium, and large businesses; (iv) think tanks 
and academia; (v) nonprofit organizations and consumer groups; (vi) 
security experts; (vii) rural stakeholders; and (viii) other 
stakeholders with relevant expertise, as determined by the Secretary.
    The Board members shall serve terms of two years (unless the Board 
terminates earlier). Vacancies are filled as soon as highly qualified 
candidates in a needed area of stakeholder interest are identified and 
available to serve. Members of the Board shall serve as representative 
members. Full-time or permanent part-time Federal officers or employees 
will not be appointed to the Board. Members must be citizens of the 
United States of America.
    Members of the Board shall not be compensated for their services. 
Members of the Board, while attending meetings of the Board away from 
their homes or regular place of business, may be allowed travel 
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by 
section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for individuals 
intermittently serving in the Government without pay.
    Members shall not reference or otherwise utilize their membership 
on the Board in connection with public statements made in their 
personal capacities without a disclaimer that the views expressed are 
their own and do not represent the views of the Board, the Federal 
Working Group, NIST, or the Department of Commerce.

[[Page 38103]]

    The Secretary will appoint the Board's Chair from among the 
approved members in accordance with policies and procedures and, in 
doing so, shall determine the term of service for the Board's Chair.
Miscellaneous
    Meetings will be conducted at least twice each year.

Nomination Information

    NIST uses a nomination process to identify candidates for the 
Board. Nominations are requested through an announcement in the Federal 
Register and through solicitations through the Federal Working Group, 
NIST, the Department of Commerce, other Federal agencies, and 
organizations representing relevant businesses, consumers, communities, 
and economic sectors in order to ensure a robust and diverse pool of 
applicants. Candidates may be nominated by their peers or may self-
nominate. NIST requests that the nomination includes a resume for the 
individual that specifically identifies the stakeholder interest of the 
individual being nominated. Qualifications considered may include, 
among others: education, professional experience, and scientific and 
technical expertise in selected areas. The Director of the Information 
Technology Laboratory (ITL) recommends candidates for further review to 
fill vacancies on the Board in the areas of needed stakeholder interest 
and on the basis of the qualifications, the sectors the candidates may 
represent and the existing representation on the Board, and other 
balance factors. The Director of ITL recommends nominees to the 
Director of NIST, who reviews the recommendation for submission to the 
Secretary of Commerce. Candidates for the Board are then reviewed by 
and appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.
    The Board members shall serve terms of two years (unless the Board 
terminates earlier). Vacancies are filled as soon as highly qualified 
candidates in a needed area of stakeholder interest are identified and 
available to serve.
    The Department of Commerce seeks a broad-based and diverse IoTAB 
membership.

Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

    Address: Please submit nominations to Robert Fangmeyer, Director, 
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive Mail 
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email [email protected]. Additional information 
regarding the Committee, including its charter, current membership 
list, and executive summary, may be found at https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/how-baldrige-works/baldrige-community/judges-panel.
    Contact Information: Robyn Decker, Designated Federal Officer, 
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail 
Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; telephone 301-975-2361 or via 
email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award 
(Panel) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 3711a(d)(1) and 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Panel will ensure the integrity of the Malcolm Baldrige 
National Quality Award (Award) selection process. Based on a review of 
results of examiners' scoring of written applications, Panel members 
will vote on which applicants' merit site visits by examiners to verify 
the accuracy of quality improvements claimed by applicants. The Panel 
will also review results and findings from site visits, and recommend 
Award recipients.
    2. The Panel will ensure that individual judges will not 
participate in the review of applicants as to which they have any real 
or perceived conflict of interest.
    3. The Panel will function solely as an advisory body, and will 
comply with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
    4. The Panel will report to the Director of NIST.
Membership
    1. The Panel will consist of no less than 9, and not more than 12, 
members selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance with 
applicable Department of Commerce guidance. There will be a balanced 
representation from U.S. service, manufacturing, nonprofit, education, 
and health care industries. The Panel will include members familiar 
with the quality improvement operations and competitiveness issues of 
manufacturing companies, service companies, nonprofits, health care 
providers, and educational institutions.
    2. Panel members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for 
three-year terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All 
terms will commence on March 1 and end on the last day of February of 
the appropriate year.
    3. Members who are not Federal employees will serve as Special 
Government Employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethical 
standards applicable to SGEs.
Miscellaneous
    1. Members of the Panel shall serve without compensation, but may, 
upon request, be reimbursed travel expenses, including per diem, as 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.
    2. The Panel will meet three times per year. Additional meetings 
may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST Director or by the 
Chairperson. Meetings are usually one to four days in duration. In 
addition, each Judge must attend an annual three-day Examiner training 
course.
    3. When approved by the Department of Commerce Chief Financial 
Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, Panel meetings are 
closed or partially closed to the public.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from all U.S. service and manufacturing 
industries, education, health care, and nonprofits as described above.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service and shall be familiar with the quality improvement operations 
and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service 
companies, health care providers, educational institutions, and 
nonprofit organizations. The category (field of eminence) for which the 
candidate is qualified should be specified in the nomination letter. A 
summary of the candidate's qualifications should be included with the 
nomination, including (where applicable) current or former service on 
Federal advisory boards and Federal employment. Besides participation 
at meetings, it is desired that members be either developing or 
researching topics of potential interest, reading Baldrige 
applications, and so forth, in furtherance of their Panel duties.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Panel membership.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board

    Address: Please submit nominations to Beverly R. Bobb, NIST, 100 
Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800. Nominations 
may also be submitted via email at [email protected]. Additional 
information regarding MEP, including its charter,

[[Page 38104]]

may be found on its electronic home page at https://www.nist.gov/mep/advisory-board.cfm.
    Contact Information: Beverly R. Bobb, Designated Federal Officer, 
NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800; 
telephone 301-975-5917, or via email at [email protected].

Committee Information

    The MEP Advisory Board (Board) is authorized under section 501 of 
the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Pub. L. 114-329); 
codified at 15 U.S.C. 278k(m), as amended, in accordance with the 
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Board will provide advice on MEP activities, plans, and 
policies.
    2. The Board will assess the soundness of MEP plans and strategies.
    3. The Board will assess current performance against MEP program 
plans.
    4. The Board will function solely in an advisory capacity, and in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
    5. The Board shall transmit through the Director of NIST an annual 
report to the Secretary of Commerce for transmittal to Congress not 
later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the President's 
annual budget request each year. The report shall address the status of 
the MEP program.
Membership
    1. The Board shall consist of not fewer than 10 members, appointed 
by the Director of NIST and broadly representative of stakeholders. At 
least 2 members shall be employed by or on an advisory board for a MEP 
Center, at least 5 members shall be from U.S. small businesses in the 
manufacturing sector, and at least 1 member shall represent a community 
college. No member shall be an employee of the Federal Government.
    2. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Board. 
Members shall be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance 
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance. Board members serve at 
the discretion of the Director of NIST.
    3. The term of office of each member of the Board shall be three 
years, except that vacancy appointments shall be for the remainder of 
the unexpired term of the vacancy. Any person who has completed two 
consecutive full terms of service on the Board shall thereafter be 
ineligible for appointment during the one-year period following the 
expiration of the second term.
Miscellaneous
    1. Members of the Board will not be compensated for their services 
but will, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem expenses as 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending meetings of the 
Board or subcommittees thereof, or while otherwise performing duties at 
the request of the Chair, while away from their homes or regular places 
of business.
    2. The Board will meet at least biannually. Additional meetings may 
be called by the Director of NIST or the Designated Federal Officer 
(DFO).
    3. Committee meetings are open to the public.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are being accepted in all categories described 
above.
    2. Nominees should have specific experience related to 
manufacturing and industrial extension services. Letters of nomination 
should include the category of membership for which the candidate is 
applying and a summary of the candidate's qualifications for that 
specific category.
    3. Nominations that are received and meet the requirements will be 
kept on file to be reviewed as Board vacancies occur.
    4. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse MEP Advisory Board 
membership.

National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC)

    Address: Please submit nominations to Cheryl Gendron, Designated 
Federal Officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 
Bureau Drive, MS 1000, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Nominations may also be 
submitted via email to [email protected].
    Contact Information: Elham Tabassi, NIST Chief AI Advisor, 
Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8940, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, 301-975-
5292. Her email is [email protected].

Committee Information

    The Secretary of Commerce established the National Artificial 
Intelligence Advisory Committee (the NAIAC or the Committee) pursuant 
to section 5104 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act 
of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-283), hereinafter referred to as the Act, and the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
    The Committee shall provide advice to the President and the 
National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office on matters related 
to the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative (Initiative). The 
purposes of the Initiative are: (1) ensuring continued United States 
leadership in artificial intelligence research and development; (2) 
leading the world in the development and use of trustworthy artificial 
intelligence systems in the public and private sectors; (3) preparing 
the present and future United States workforce for the integration of 
artificial intelligence systems across all sectors of the economy and 
society; and (4) coordinating ongoing artificial intelligence research, 
development, and demonstration activities among the civilian agencies, 
the Department of Defense, and the Intelligence Community to ensure 
that each informs the work of the others.
Objectives and Duties
    The Committee shall advise the President and the Initiative Office 
on matters related to the Initiative, including recommendations related 
to:
    a. The current state of United States competitiveness and 
leadership in artificial intelligence, including the scope and scale of 
United States investments in artificial intelligence research and 
development in the international context;
    b. The progress made in implementing the Initiative, including a 
review of the degree to which the Initiative has achieved the goals 
according to the metrics established by the Interagency Committee under 
section 5103(d)(2) of the Act;
    c. The state of the science around artificial intelligence, 
including progress toward artificial general intelligence;
    d. Issues related to artificial intelligence and the United States 
workforce, including matters relating to the potential for using 
artificial intelligence for workforce training, the possible 
consequences of technological displacement, and supporting workforce 
training opportunities for occupations that lead to economic self-
sufficiency for individuals with barriers to employment and 
historically underrepresented populations, including minorities, 
Indians (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304), low-income populations, and 
persons with disabilities;
    e. How to leverage the resources of the Initiative to streamline 
and enhance operations in various areas of government operations, 
including health care, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and disaster 
recovery;

[[Page 38105]]

    f. The need to update the Initiative;
    g. The balance of activities and funding across the Initiative;
    h. Whether the strategic plan developed or updated by the 
Interagency Committee established under section 5103(d)(2) of the Act 
is helping to maintain United States leadership in artificial 
intelligence;
    i. The management, coordination, and activities of the Initiative;
    j. Whether ethical, legal, safety, security, and other appropriate 
societal issues are adequately addressed by the Initiative;
    k. Opportunities for international cooperation with strategic 
allies on artificial intelligence research activities, standards 
development, and the compatibility of international regulations;
    l. Accountability and legal rights, including matters relating to 
oversight of artificial intelligence systems using regulatory and 
nonregulatory approaches, the responsibility for any violations of 
existing laws by an artificial intelligence system, and ways to balance 
advancing innovation while protecting individual rights; and
    m. How artificial intelligence can enhance opportunities for 
diverse geographic regions of the United States, including urban, 
Tribal, and rural communities.
    In addition, pursuant to section 5104(e) of the Act, the 
Committee's Chairperson shall establish a subcommittee that shall 
provide advice to the President, through the Committee, on matters 
related to the development of AI relating to law enforcement, including 
advice on the following:
    A. Bias, including whether the use of facial recognition by 
government authorities, including law enforcement agencies, is taking 
into account ethical considerations and addressing whether such use 
should be subject to additional oversight, controls, and limitations.
    B. Security of data, including law enforcement's access to data and 
the security parameters for that data.
    C. Adoptability, including methods to allow the United States 
Government and industry to take advantage of artificial intelligence 
systems for security or law enforcement purposes while at the same time 
ensuring the potential abuse of such technologies is sufficiently 
mitigated.
    D. Legal standards, including those designed to ensure the use of 
artificial intelligence systems are consistent with the privacy rights, 
civil rights and civil liberties, and disability rights issues raised 
by the use of these technologies.
Membership
    Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of 
Commerce. The Committee shall consist of not less than 9 members, who 
represent broad and interdisciplinary expertise and perspectives, 
including from academic institutions, companies across diverse sectors, 
nonprofit and civil society entities, including civil rights and 
disability rights organizations, and Federal laboratories, who 
represent geographic diversity, and who are qualified to provide advice 
and information on science and technology research, development, 
ethics, standards, education, technology transfer, commercial 
application, security, and economic competitiveness related to 
artificial intelligence.
    In selecting the members of the Committee, the Secretary of 
Commerce shall seek and give consideration to recommendations from 
Congress, industry, nonprofit organizations, the scientific community 
(including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
Medicine, scientific professional societies, and academic 
institutions), the defense and law enforcement communities, and other 
appropriate organizations.
Miscellaneous
    Meetings will be conducted at least twice each year.
    1. Generally, Committee meetings are open to the public.
    2. Meetings may be held in-person in selected locations across the 
country and/or virtually.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from all fields, sectors, and 
perspectives described above.
    2. Nominees should represent broad and interdisciplinary expertise 
and perspectives, including from academic institutions, companies 
across diverse sectors, nonprofit and civil society entities, including 
civil rights and disability rights organizations, and Federal 
laboratories, who represent geographic diversity, and who are qualified 
to provide advice and information on science and technology research, 
development, ethics, standards, education, technology transfer, 
commercial application, security, and economic competitiveness related 
to artificial intelligence. A resume or C.V. should be sent that 
includes a summary of the candidate's qualifications with a nomination 
letter, including (where applicable) current or former service on 
Federal advisory boards and Federal employment. The field of eminence 
for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in the 
nomination letter. In addition, each nomination letter should state 
whether the candidate seeks to serve on the Committee, the 
Subcommittee, or both; and that the candidate acknowledges the 
responsibilities of serving and will actively participate in good faith 
in the tasks of the Committee or Subcommittee, as appropriate. Third-
party nomination letters should state that the candidate agrees to the 
nomination.
    3. The Department of Commerce seeks a broad-based and diverse 
Committee and subcommittee membership.

National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee

    Address: Please submit nominations to Tina Faecke, Designated 
Federal Officer, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, Gaithersburg, 
MD 20899-8615 or via email at [email protected]. Additional 
information regarding the NCST Advisory Committee, including its 
charter, may be found on its electronic home page at https://www.nist.gov/el/disaster-resilience/disaster-and-failure-studies/national-construction-safety-team-ncst/advisory.
    Contact Information: Tanya Brown-Giammanco, Director, Disaster and 
Failure Studies Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8615, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8615, telephone 301-975-2822; or via email at 
[email protected].

Committee Information

    The NCST Advisory Committee (Committee) was established in 
accordance with the National Construction Safety Team Act, Public Law 
107-231, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Committee shall advise the Director of NIST on carrying out 
the National Construction Safety Team Act (Act), review the procedures 
developed under section 2(c)(1) of the Act, and review the reports 
issued under section 8 of the Act.
    2. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body, in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
    3. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
    4. On January 1 of each year, the Committee shall transmit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and to the Committee

[[Page 38106]]

on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that 
includes: (1) an evaluation of National Construction Safety Team (Team) 
activities, along with recommendations to improve the operation and 
effectiveness of Teams, and (2) an assessment of the implementation of 
the recommendations of Teams and of the Committee.
Membership
    1. The Committee shall consist of no less than 4 and no more than 
12 members. Members shall reflect the wide diversity of technical 
disciplines and competencies involved in the National Construction 
Safety Teams investigations. Members shall be selected on the basis of 
established records of distinguished service in their professional 
community and their knowledge of issues affecting the National 
Construction Safety Teams.
    2. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Committee, 
and they will be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance 
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance.
Miscellaneous
    1. Members of the Committee shall not be compensated for their 
services but may, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem expenses 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5703.
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs), will be subject to the ethics standards applicable to 
SGEs, and are required to file an annual Executive Branch Confidential 
Financial Disclosure Report.
    3. The Committee shall meet at least once per year. Additional 
meetings may be called whenever requested by the NIST Director or the 
Designated Federal Officer (DFO); such meetings may be in the form of 
telephone conference calls and/or videoconferences.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from industry and other communities 
having an interest in the National Construction Safety Teams 
investigations.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service. The field of expertise that the candidate represents should be 
specified in the nomination letter. Nominations for a particular field 
should come from organizations or individuals within that field. A 
summary of the candidate's qualifications should be included with the 
nomination, including (where applicable) current or former service on 
Federal advisory boards and Federal employment.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse Committee membership.

National Technical Information Service Advisory Board (NTIS)

    Address: Please submit nominations to the Designated Federal 
Officer, NTIS, via email at [email protected]. Additional information 
regarding the NTIS, including its charter, current membership list, and 
past reports may be found on its electronic homepage at https://www.ntis.gov/about/advisorybd/index.xhtml.
    Contact Information: Steven Holland, Designated Federal Officer, 
NTIS, via email at [email protected] and phone at (703) 605-6076.

Committee Information

    The National Technical Information Service Advisory Board (NTIS 
Advisory Board or Advisory Board) was established in accordance with 
section 3704b(c) of title 15 of the United States Code, and the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.

Objectives and Duties

    1. The Advisory Board shall review and make recommendations to 
improve NTIS programs, operations, and general policies in support of 
NTIS' mission to advance Federal data priorities, promote economic 
growth, and enable operational excellence by providing innovative data 
services to Federal agencies through joint venture partnerships with 
the private sector.
    2. The Advisory Board shall act in the public interest to:
    a. Provide advice on the optima data services business and 
operating model to best implement NTIS' joint venture authority.
    b. Provide advice on the means, including infrastructure and 
process improvements, to make Federal data easier to find, access, 
analyze, and combine.
    c. Assess progress in evolving NTIS programs toward a focus on 
Federal data priorities.
    d. Assess the use of merit-based criteria and processes to plan, 
conduct, and oversee programs and projects, including the selection of 
joint venture partners.
    e. Assess policies in connection with fees and charges for NTIS 
services in order for the agency to operate on a substantially self-
sustaining basis, as required by law.
    f. Assess organizational capabilities required to carry out NTIS's 
mission, including capabilities in data science and for operational 
management of its project portfolio.
    3. The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
    4. The Committee shall report to the Secretary of Commerce and to 
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology through 
the Director of NTIS.

Membership

    a. The NTIS Advisory Board shall be composed of a Chairperson 
appointed by the Secretary and four other members appointed by the 
Secretary. In the event of a vacancy in the Chairperson position, the 
NTIS Director may designate a member to serve as acting Chairperson 
until a Chairperson is appointed by the Secretary.
    b. Members shall be selected solely on the basis of established 
records of distinguished service and objectivity; shall have recognized 
expertise in data collection, compilation, analysis, use, and 
dissemination, as well as data science, information technology, 
cybersecurity, and privacy. Members will be selected from the business, 
academic, non- profit, and state and local government communities. 
Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure members represent the entire 
spectrum of Federal data interests including demographic, economic, 
trade, health, scientific, patent, environmental, geospatial, 
cybersecurity, and transactional data. No Federal Government employee 
shall serve as a member of the Board.
    c. The term of office of each member of the Board shall be three 
years, except that vacancy appointments shall be for the remainder of 
the unexpired term of the vacancy. All appointments shall automatically 
terminate if the charter is terminated or not renewed. All members 
serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
    d. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of 
service on the Board shall be ineligible for appointment for a third 
term during the one-year period following the expiration of the second 
term.
    e. Members shall serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs) and 
will be subject to all ethical standards and rules applicable to SGEs.
    2. Members shall not reference or otherwise utilize their 
membership on the Board in connection with public statements made in 
their personal capacities without a disclaimer that the views expressed 
are their own and do not represent the views of the Advisory Board, the 
National Technical

[[Page 38107]]

Information Service, or the Department of Commerce.
    3. Subcommittees: NTIS may establish such subcommittees of its 
members as may be necessary, pursuant to the provisions of FACA, the 
FACA implementing regulations, and applicable Department of Commerce 
guidance. Subcommittees will report to the NTIS Advisory Board and may 
not provide advice or work products directly to the Department of 
Commerce or NTIS.
Miscellaneous
    1. The Board shall meet at the call of the Secretary or the 
Secretary's designee, but not less often than once every six months.
    2. Generally, Committee meetings are open to the public.

Nomination Information

    1. Nominations are sought from all fields described above.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service and shall be eminent in fields. The category (field of 
eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be specified in 
the nomination letter. A summary of the candidate's qualifications 
should be included with the nomination, including (where applicable) 
current or former service on Federal advisory boards and Federal 
employment.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse NTIS membership.

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT)

    Address: Please submit nominations to Stephanie Shaw, Designated 
Federal Officer, VCAT, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060. Nominations may also be submitted via 
email at [email protected]. Additional information regarding the 
VCAT, including its charter, current membership list, and past reports 
may be found on its electronic homepage at https://www.nist.gov/director/vcat/.
    Contact Information: Stephanie Shaw, Designated Federal Officer, 
VCAT, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1060, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
1060, via email at [email protected] or telephone: 301-975-2667.

Committee Information

    The VCAT (Committee) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 
278 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.
Objectives and Duties
    1. The Committee shall review and make recommendations regarding 
general policy for NIST, its organization, its budget, and its 
programs, within the framework of applicable national policies as set 
forth by the President and the Congress. 15 U.S.C. 278(a).
    2. The Committee shall provide an annual report, through the 
Director of NIST, to the Secretary of Commerce for submission to the 
Congress not later than 30 days after the submittal to Congress of the 
President's annual budget request in each year. Such report shall deal 
essentially, though not necessarily exclusively, with policy issues or 
matters which affect NIST, or with which the Committee in its official 
role as the private sector policy adviser of NIST is concerned. Each 
such report shall identify areas of research and research techniques of 
the Institute of potential importance to the long-term competitiveness 
of United States industry, in which the Institute possesses special 
competence, which could be used to assist United States enterprises and 
Untied States industrial joint research and development ventures. 15 
U.S.C. 278(h)(1). The Committee shall submit, through the Director of 
NIST, to the Secretary and the Congress such additional reports on 
specific policy matters as it deems appropriate. 15 U.S.C. 278(h)(2).
    3. The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 
as amended, 5 U.S.C. app.
    4. The Committee shall report to the Director of NIST.
Membership
    1. The Director of NIST shall appoint the members of the Committee. 
Members shall be selected on a clear, standardized basis, in accordance 
with applicable Department of Commerce guidance. 15 U.S.C. 278(a). 
Members shall be selected solely on the basis of established records of 
distinguished service; shall provide representation of a cross-section 
of traditional and emerging United States industries; and shall be 
eminent in fields such as business, research, new product development, 
engineering, labor, education, management consulting, environment, and 
international relations. No employee of the Federal Government shall 
serve as a member of the Committee. 15 U.S.C. 278(b).
    2. Members of the Committee shall serve as Special Government 
Employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethics standards applicable 
to SGEs.
    3. The Committee shall consist of not fewer than nine members 
appointed by the Director of NIST, a majority of whom shall be from 
United States industry. 15 U.S.C. 278(a). The term of office of each 
member of the Committee shall be three years, except that vacancy 
appointments shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of the 
vacancy. 15 U.S.C. 278(c)(1). Members shall serve at the discretion of 
the Director of NIST.
    4. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of 
service on the Committee shall be ineligible for appointment for a 
third term during the one-year period following the expiration of the 
second term. 15 U.S.C. 278(c)(1).
    5. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(f), the Committee chairperson and vice 
chairperson shall be elected by the members of the Committee at each 
annual meeting occurring in an even-numbered year. The vice chairperson 
shall perform the duties of the chairperson in his or her absence. In 
case a vacancy occurs in the position of the chairperson or vice 
chairperson, the Committee shall elect a member to fill such vacancy.
    6. Members of the Committee will not be compensated for their 
services, but will, upon request, be allowed travel expenses in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq., while attending meetings of the 
Committee or of its subcommittees, or while otherwise performing duties 
at the request of the chairperson, while away from their homes or a 
regular place of business.
    7. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(g), the Committee may, with the 
concurrence of a majority of its members, permit the appointment of a 
staff consisting of not more than four professional staff members and 
such clerical staff members as may be necessary. Such staff members 
shall be appointed by the Director after consultation with the 
chairperson of the Committee and assigned at the direction of the 
Committee.
    8. Subcommittees: Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 278(e), the Committee shall 
have an executive committee, and may delegate to it such powers and 
functions of the Committee as it deems appropriate. The Committee and/
or the Director of NIST may establish such other subcommittees, task 
forces, and working groups consisting of members from the parent 
Committee as may be necessary, subject to the provisions of FACA, the 
FACA implementing regulations, and applicable Department of Commerce 
guidance. Subcommittees must report back to the Committee and any 
recommendations based on their work will be deliberated and agreed

[[Page 38108]]

upon by the Committee prior to dissemination to NIST.
Miscellaneous
    1. Meetings of the VCAT usually take place at the NIST headquarters 
in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Committee will meet at least twice each 
year at the call of the chairperson or whenever one-third of the 
members so request in writing. The Committee shall not act in the 
absence of a quorum, which shall consist of a majority of the members 
of the Committee not having a conflict of interest in the matter being 
considered by the Committee. 15 U.S.C. 278(d).
    2. Generally, Committee meetings are open to the public.
Nomination Information
    1. Nominations are sought from all fields described above.
    2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished 
service and shall be eminent in fields such as business, research, new 
product development, engineering, labor, education, management 
consulting, environment and international relations. The category 
(field of eminence) for which the candidate is qualified should be 
specified in the nomination letter. A summary of the candidate's 
qualifications should be included with the nomination, including (where 
applicable) current or former service on Federal advisory boards and 
Federal employment. In addition, each nomination letter should state 
that the candidate agrees to the nomination, acknowledges the 
responsibilities of serving on the VCAT, and will actively participate 
in good faith in the tasks of the VCAT.
    3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in 
the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse VCAT membership.

Alicia Chambers,
NIST Executive Secretariat.
[FR Doc. 2024-09886 Filed 5-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P