BIO Advisory Committee Membership Balance Plan

  1. Name
    Advisory Committee for Biological Sciences (the Committee), #1110
     
  2. Authority
    This committee is established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. 10 and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §1861 et. seq.
     
  3. Mission/Function
    The Committee will provide advice and recommendations to the National Science Foundation concerning support for research, education, and human resources in the biological sciences. The Committee will:
    • Review and advise on the impact of research support programs in the disciplines and fields encompassed by the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO).
    • Advise the BIO on program management, overall program balance, and other aspects of program performance.
    • Advise as to the impact of overall NSF-wide polices on the BIO scientific community.

  4. Points of View
    The Committee consists of members who are appointed by the Assistant Director, BIO. The Committee will consist of approximately 15 members. There will be a regular rotation of members. Primary considerations are:

    • Members should have recognized pertinent knowledge, expertise or demonstrated ability.
    • Within reasonable limits, members’ field of specialty should be complementary within the group.

    Federal employee members will be designated as Regular Government Employees (RGEs). Individuals outside the Federal Government will be designated Special Government Employees (SGEs). The members will provide the Committee with their own best independent judgment based on their individual expertise.

  5. Other Balance Factors
    To the extent practicable, other factors considered are:
    • Qualified individuals reflecting small, medium, and large organizations, as well as public and private organizations
    • Qualified individuals reflecting underrepresented groups, such as ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities
    • Qualified individuals reflecting a range of ages
    • Qualified individuals reflecting different geographical areas
       
  6. Candidate Identification Process
    On behalf of the Assistant Director, BIO staff will solicit suggestions for potential members from a wide range of sources, including but not limited to: senior NSF management, knowledgeable NSF program staff, other Federal agencies, and recommendations from the public.

    Suggestions will be reviewed and potential candidates will be identified taking into consideration professional and personal qualifications, experience, fields of expertise, and other balance factors. A short list of the best qualified candidates will be developed and discussed. The Assistant Director, BIO will identify the top candidates and they will be contacted for interest and availability.

    When a vacancy occurs and it is determined that a replacement is necessary, the list of suggestions will be used as a source for potential replacements.
     
  7. Subcommittee Balance
    The process used to determine advisory committee member balance for the Committee will be used for subcommittees that may be created.
     
  8. Other
    There are currently no other known factors affecting the balance of the Committee.
     
  9. Date Reviewed
    This Membership Balance Plan reviewed on May 10, 2023.
     

Electronically signed by Dr. Simon Malcomber, Acting Assistant Director, Directorate for Biological Sciences on May 11, 2023

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