- Committee’s Official Designation
Advisory Committee for Geosciences, #1755 (the Committee)
- 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.
- Objective and Scope of Activities
To provide advice and recommendations to the National Science Foundation concerning support for research, education, human resources, infrastructure and logistics, and related activities in the atmospheric, earth, ocean and polar sciences.
- Description of Duties
The committee will review and advise on the impact of research support programs in the disciplines and fields encompassed by the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). The committee will advise GEO on program management, overall program balance, and other aspects of program performance. The committee will advise as to the impact of overall NSF-wide policies on the GEO community.
- Official to Whom the Committee Reports
The Committee reports to the Assistant Director for the Geosciences Directorate.
- Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support
The National Science Foundation will provide all operating and staff support costs for the Committee.
- Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years
The estimated annual operating cost of this Committee is about $53,068 which includes about $37,268 in staff support cost. Staff support is approximately 0.30 person-year.
- 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 Staff Associate for Information Management, GEO will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Alternate DFOs may be appointed.
- Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings
The full Committee meets approximately two times a year.
- Duration
It is expected that the Committee will continue indefinitely with renewals of the charter every two years as required under FACA.
- 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.
- Membership and Designation
The standing membership of the full committee consists of about 20 persons. Members are selected to achieve a balance of viewpoints and expertise in scientific areas and types of institutions encompassed by GEO activities. To the extent possible, effort is made to achieve a diverse membership that includes individuals from historically excluded groups and different geographic regions.
It is anticipated that members will comprise of Special Government Employees (SGEs) and Regular Government Employees (RGEs).
- 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.
- 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.
- Certification
This Committee is determined to be necessary and in the public interest.
Electronically signed by Dr. Alexandra R. Isern, Assistant Director, Directorate for Geosciences on May 15, 2023.
Date filed with Congress: June 28, 2023