04-5460. Defense Science Board

AGENCY:

Department of Defense.

ACTION:

Notice of Advisory committee meeting.

SUMMARY:

The Defense Science Board Task Force on High Performance Microchip supply will meet in closed session on April 13-14, 2004; May 20-21, 2004; June 23-24, 2004; and July 29-30, 2004, at Strategic Analysis Inc., 3601 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. The Task Force will assess the implications of the movement of manufacturing capability and design of high performance microchips and will address the Department of Defense's (DoD) ability to obtain radiation hardened microchips, the ability to produce limited quantities of special purpose microchips in a timely and secure manner, and the ability to produce microchips in a timely manner to meet emerging needs.

The mission of the Defense Science Board is to advise the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics on scientific and technical matters as they affect the perceived needs of the Department of Defense. Specifically, the Task Force will look at root causes associated with the migration of the manufacturing capability of high performance semiconductors; policies or technology investments that DoD, either alone or in conjunction with other U.S. government agencies, can pursue which will influence the migration of manufacturing to foreign shores; alternatives to the creation of trusted foundries based on U.S. territory; whether testing is a viable alternative and if so, the level of assurance testing will provide to guarantee that only intended functions are built into the microchip; alternative manufacturing techniques which may allow overseas fabrication of the microchips and subsequent interconnect development in the U.S.; and future technologies which the U.S. may invest in to replace the current microchip technology.

In accordance with section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Pub. L. 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C. app. II), it has been determined that these Defense Science Board Task Force meetings concern matters listed in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1) and that, accordingly, the meetings will be closed to the public.

Dated: March 4, 2004.

L.M. Bynum,

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.