BIO Advisory Committee Charter

  1. Committee’s Official Designation: Advisory Committee for Biological Sciences, #1110 (the Committee) 
  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. Objective and Scope of Activities: To provide advice and recommendations to the National Science Foundation concerning support for research, education, and human resources in the biological sciences. 
  4. Description of Duties: 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. 
  5. Official to Whom the Committee Reports: The Committee reports to the Assistant Director for the Biological Sciences Directorate. 
  6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support: The National Science Foundation will be responsible for financial and administrative support. 
  7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years: The estimated annual operating cost of this committee is about $278,080 which includes about $259,542 in staff support cost. Staff support is approximately 1.75 person-year. 
  8. Designated Federal Officer: A full-time or permanent part-time NSF employee will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). The DFO will approve or call the Committee and subcommittee meetings, prepare and approve meeting agendas, attend committee and subcommittee meetings, and adjourn any meeting when the DFO determines adjournment to be in the public interest. The Assistant Director, BIO will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Alternate DFOs may be appointed. 
  9. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings: The Committee will meet approximately two times a year. 
  10. Duration: It is expected that the Committee will continue indefinitely with renewals of the charter every two years as required under FACA. 
  11. Termination: The Committee is subject to biennial review and will terminate 2 years from the date the charter is filed, unless the charter is renewed in accordance with Section 14 of FACA. 
  12. Memberships and Designation: The standing membership of the full committee consists of about 15 persons. In addition, ad hoc members are selected to convene as Committees of Visitors for oversight reviews of BIO programs in accord with NSF policy. Members are selected to achieve a balance of viewpoints and expertise in scientific areas and types of institutions encompassed by BIO activities. To the extent practicable, effort is made to achieve a balanced membership that includes individuals from underrepresented groups and different geographic regions U.S. It is anticipated that members will be comprised of Special Government Employees (SGEs) and Regular Government Employees (RGEs). 
  13. Subcommittees: NSF may form subcommittees for any purpose consistent with this charter. Such subcommittees may not work independently and must report their recommendations and advice to the full committee for full deliberation and discussion. 
  14. Recordkeeping: The records of the Committee and any subcommittee(s) shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 6.2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available for public inspection and copying, subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, and 5 U.S.C. § 10, as appropriate. 
  15. Certification: The Committee is determined to be necessary and in the public interest.

Electronically signed by Dr. Simon Malcomber, Acting Assistant Director, Directorate for Biological Sciences  

Date filed with Congress: June 28, 2023

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