2021-21792. Solicitation for New Members: Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB)

AGENCY:

Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION:

Notice of solicitation for applications for new members of the NOAA Ocean Exploration Advisory Board.

SUMMARY:

NOAA is soliciting applications to fill up to four membership vacancies on the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB).

DATES:

Application materials must be received no later than November 5, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Submit application materials to Christa Rabenold via email: [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

David McKinnie, OEAB Designated Federal Officer: 206-526-6950; [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

NOAA is soliciting applications to fill up to four vacancies on the OEAB with individuals demonstrating expertise in areas of scientific research relevant to ocean exploration including engineering, data science, deep ocean biology, geology, oceanography, marine archaeology, and ocean science education and communication. People of color, women, first-generation professionals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other communities that have historically faced professional barriers are encouraged to apply—especially those from indigenous communities and from the U.S. west coast, Alaska, and Hawaii. Representatives of other federal agencies involved in ocean exploration are encouraged to apply. The new OEAB members will serve initial three-year terms, renewable once.

The purpose of the OEAB is to advise the NOAA Administrator on matters pertaining to ocean exploration. The OEAB functions as an advisory body in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App., with the exception of section 14. It reports to the NOAA Administrator, as directed by 33 U.S.C. 3405.

The OEAB consists of approximately ten members, including a chair and co-chair(s), designated by the NOAA Administrator in accordance with FACA requirements and the terms of the approved OEAB Charter and Balance Plan.

The OEAB was established:

(1) To advise the Administrator on priority areas for survey and discovery;

(2) To assist the program in the development of a five-year strategic plan for the fields of ocean, marine, and Great Lakes science, exploration, and discovery;

(3) To annually review the quality and effectiveness of the proposal review process established under section 12003(a)(4); and

(4) To provide other assistance and advice as requested by the Administrator.

OEAB members are appointed as special government employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethical standards applicable to SGEs. Members are reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred in performing such duties but will not be reimbursed for their time. All OEAB members serve at the discretion of the NOAA Administrator.

The OEAB meets three to four times each year, exclusive of subcommittee, task force, and working group meetings.

As a Federal Advisory Committee, the OEAB's membership is required to be balanced according to the board's Balance Plan. The Balance Plan requires that a diversity of viewpoints are represented, include the interests of geographic regions of the country, and the diverse sectors of our society. New members will be selected for their expertise in fields relevant to ocean exploration and to comply with the OEAB Balance Plan.

For more information about the OEAB, visit https://oeab.noaa.gov.

Although the OEAB reports directly to the NOAA Administrator, OER, which is part of the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, provides staffing and other support for the OEAB. OER's mission is to explore the ocean for national benefit.

OER:

• Explores the ocean to make discoveries of scientific, economic, and cultural value, with priority given to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and Extended Continental Shelf.
• Promotes technological innovation to advance ocean exploration.
• Provides public access to data and information.
• Encourages the next generation of ocean explorers, scientists, and engineers.
• Expands the national ocean exploration program through partnerships.

For more information about OER, please visit https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.

Applications: An application is required to be considered for OEAB membership. To apply, please submit (1) your full name, title, institutional affiliation, and contact information (mailing address, email address, telephone and fax numbers) with a short description of your qualifications relative to the statutory purpose of the OEAB and the ocean exploration act established under 33 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.; (2) a resume or curriculum vitae (maximum length four pages); and (3) a cover letter stating your interest in serving on the OEAB and highlighting specific areas of expertise relevant to the purpose of the OEAB.

Dated: September 29, 2021.

Eric Locklear,

Acting Chief Financial Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.