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 tongacnominations@fgdc.govby 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 atwww.fgdc.gov/ngac.
Deadline Approaches for NGAC Nominations
June 20, 2012
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