The Department of the Interior announced a call for nominations for appointment to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC).

The NGAC provides recommendations and advice to the federal government on national geospatial policy issues and the management of national geospatial programs, and allows the Federal government to hear views and opinions that are representative of partners in the geospatial community. Under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Department of the Interior established NGAC on behalf of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), which includes 32 federal agencies with geospatial responsibilities.

"Geospatial information and technology are essential and growing components of our economy, and play a vital role in helping us manage our resources and achieve critical national goals,” said Anne Castle, assistant secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, who serves as chair of the FGDC. “The National Geospatial Advisory Committee provides a valuable service in supplying critical advice on important geospatial issues, and in working together with the FGDC to pursue the common goal of advancing the use and effectiveness of geospatial information."

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to generally achieve a balanced representation of the viewpoints of the various types of entities involved in national geospatial activities, including all levels of government, nonprofits, academia and the private sector. NGAC members are appointed for staggered terms, and approximately 10 positions on the committee will be appointed during this round of appointments.

Nominations for appointment to the NGAC should be submitted electronically to ngacnominations@fgdc.gov by July 19, 2012. Nominations may come from employers, associations, professional organizations or other geospatial organizations, and should include:

A nomination letter summarizing the nominee's qualifications and interest in NGAC membership, and describing the nominee's ability to represent a sector or stakeholder group.
A biographical sketch, resume or vita.
One letter of reference and the names and contact information of two additional references.
Contact information for the nominee (name, title, organization, mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number).

Individuals who are currently federally registered lobbyists are ineligible to serve on all FACA and non-FACA boards, committees or councils.

Final selection and appointment of NGAC members will be made by the Secretary of the Interior. Members of the Committee serve without compensation. However, members may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses incurred while attending Committee meetings in accordance with the Federal travel regulations as implemented by the Department of the Interior.

The NGAC operates under the requirements of FACA. The purpose of FACA, which was enacted by the Congress in 1972, is to ensure that advice rendered to the executive branch by the various advisory committees, task forces, boards and commissions formed over the years by Congress and the President, is both objective and accessible to the public. FACA formalized a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies.

Additional information is on the NGAC web page at www.fgdc.gov/ngac.