ENG Advisory Committee Charter

  1. Committee’s Official Designation: Advisory Committee for Engineering, #1170 (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 concerning support for research, education and related activities in all the directions for and impact of Foundation engineering disciplines. 
  4. Description of Duties: The Committee will review and advise on the impact of research support program in the disciplines and fields encompassed by the Directorate for Engineering (ENG). Continue building partnerships with the industrial community through membership, joint activities, and the receiving of advice from industry members. The Committee may advise ENG on program management, overall program balance, and other aspects of program performance. The Committee may advise on the impact of overall NSF-wide polices on the ENG community. 
  5. Official to Whom the Committee Reports: The Committee reports to the Assistant Director for the Engineering Directorate. 
  6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support: The National Science Foundation will provide all operating and staff support costs for the Committee. 
  7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years: The estimated annual operating cost of this committee is about $65,835 which includes about $55,370 in staff support cost. Staff support is approximately 0.28 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, ENG will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Alternate DFOs may be appointed. 
  9. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings: There are approximately two meetings 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. Membership and Designation: The standing membership of the full committee consists of approximately 15 people. Members are selected to achieve a balance of viewpoints and expertise in scientific areas and types of institutions encompassed by ENG activities. To the extent practicable, effort is made to achieve a diverse membership that includes individuals from underrepresented groups and different geographic regions. It is anticipated that members will comprise 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: This Committee is determined to be necessary and in the public interest.

Electronically signed by Dr. Susan S. Margulies, Assistant Director, Directorate for Engineering 

Date filed with Congress: June 28, 2023