2016-31232. National Commission on Forensic Science Solicitation of Applications for Additional Statistician Commission Membership

AGENCY:

Department of Justice.

ACTION:

Solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership with subject matter expertise in statistics for the National Commission on Forensic Science.

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, this notice announces the solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership on the National Commission on Forensic Science specifically to fill a current statistician Commissioner vacancy.

DATES:

Applications must be received on or before January 11, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

All applications should be submitted to: Jonathan McGrath, Designated Federal Officer, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531, by email at [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jonathan McGrath, Designated Federal Officer, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531, by email [e-mail], or by phone at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), this notice announces the solicitation of applications for additional Commission membership on the National Commission on Forensic Science to fill a current Commissioner vacancy with expertise in statistics.

The National Commission on Forensic Science was chartered on April 23, 2013 and the charter was renewed on April 23, 2015. The Commission is co-chaired by the Department of Justice and National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Commission provides recommendations and advice to the Department of Justice concerning national methods and strategies for: Strengthening the validity and reliability of the forensic sciences (including medico-legal death investigation); enhancing quality assurance and quality control in forensic science laboratories and units; identifying and recommending scientific guidance and protocols for evidence seizure, testing, analysis, and reporting by forensic science laboratories and units; and identifying and assessing other needs of the forensic science communities to strengthen their disciplines and meet the increasing demands generated by the criminal and civil justice systems at all levels of government. Commission membership includes Federal, State, and Local forensic science service providers; research scientists and academicians; prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges; law enforcement; and other relevant backgrounds. The Commission reports to the Attorney General, who through the Deputy Attorney General, shall direct the work of the Commission in fulfilling its mission.

The duties of the Commission include: (a) Recommending priorities for standards development; (b) reviewing and recommending endorsement of guidance identified or developed by subject-matter experts; (c) developing proposed guidance concerning the intersection of forensic science and the courtroom; (d) developing policy recommendations, including a uniform code of professional responsibility and minimum requirements for training, accreditation and/or certification; and (e) identifying and assessing the current and future needs of the forensic sciences to strengthen their disciplines and meet growing demand.

Members will be appointed by the Attorney General in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the vice-chairs of the Commission. Additional members will be selected to fill vacancies to maintain a balance of perspective and diversity of experiences, including Federal, State, and Local forensic science service providers; research scientists and academicians; Federal, State, Local prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges; law enforcement; and other relevant stakeholders. DOJ encourages submissions from applicants with respect to diversity of backgrounds, professions, ethnicities, gender, and geography. The Commission shall consist of approximately 30 voting members. Members will serve without compensation. The Commission generally meets four times each year at approximately three-month intervals. The next Commission meetings will be held on January 9-10, 2017 and April 10-11, 2017 in Washington, DC. Additional information regarding the Commission can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/​ncfs.

Note:

The Commission is developing a draft Views document on Statistical Statements in Forensic Testimony, and it is anticipated that the additional Commissioner member will contribute to the Commission's discussions on this topic, as well as all other Commission activities. On December 12, 2016, the Department of Justice published in the Federal Register a Notice announcing the January 9-10, 2017, Federal Advisory Committee Meeting of the National Commission on Forensic Science (81 FR 89509). That Notice also announced that comments on draft work products can be submitted through www.regulations.gov starting on December 23, 2016. Any comments should be posted to www.regulations.gov no later than January 25, 2017.

Applications: Any qualified person may apply to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Each application should include: (1) A resume or curriculum vitae; (2) a statement of interest describing the applicant's relevant experience; and (3) a statement of support from the applicant's employer. Potential candidates may be asked to provide detailed information as necessary regarding financial interests, employment, and professional affiliations to evaluate possible sources of conflicts of interest. The application period will remain open through January 11, 2017. The applications must be sent in one complete package, by email, to Jonathan McGrath (contact information above) with the subject line of the email entitled, “NCFS Membership 2017.” Other sources, in addition to the Federal Register notice, may be utilized in the solicitation of applications.

Dated: December 20, 2016.

Victor Weedn,

Senior Forensic Advisor to the Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice.