E6-16612. Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board

AGENCY:

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice of renewal.

In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, and the General Services Administration (GSA) rule on Federal Advisory Committee Management, 41 CFR part 101-6, and after consultation with GSA, the Secretary of Commerce has determined that the renewal of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board is in the public interest in connection with the performance of the duties imposed on the Department by law.

The Committee was first established in October 1996 to advise MEP regarding their programs, plans, and policies. In renewing the Board, the Secretary has established it for an additional two years. During the next two years, the Board plans to address the implementation of the Next Generation MEP, including the development of new service offerings in the areas of innovation and technology adoption, and strategic partnerships focused on the development of a highly-skilled, entrepreneurial workforce.

The Board will consist of five to eleven individuals appointed by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to assure a balanced membership that will represent the views and needs of customers, providers, and others involved in industrial extension throughout the United States.

The Board will function solely as an advisory body and in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Copies of the Committee's revised charter will be filed with the appropriate committees of the Congress and with the Library of Congress.

Inquiries or comments may be directed to Karen Lellock, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-4800; telephone: [phone].

Dated: October 2, 2006.

James E. Hill,

Acting Deputy Director.