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Re: USDA Forestry Research Advisory Council (FRAC) call for nominations
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks nominations for the Forestry Research Advisory Council (FRAC). In accordance with provisions of Section 1441 (c) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (Pub. L. 97-98), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), (5 U.S.C. App. 2), the FRAC provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on accomplishing efficiently the purposes of the Act of October 10, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a, et seq.), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962. The FRAC also provides advice relative to the Forest Service research program, authorized by the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-307, 92 Stat.353, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1600). Therefore, the Secretary of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the membership of the FRAC.
DATES: Written nominations must be received by June 16, 2017. Nominations must contain a completed application packet that includes the nominee’s name, resume, and completed form AD-755 (Advisory Committee Membership
Background Information). A cover letter and letters of recommendation are welcome. The form AD-755 is attached and may be obtained from the following website:
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/site
The package must be sent electronically to mhpetrie@fs.fed.us or to the address below.
ADDRESS: Tracy C. Hancock, USDA Forest Service, Office of the Deputy Chief, Research and Development, 201 14th Street, SW, Mail Stop 1120, Washington, DC 20250-11 by express mail or overnight courier service. If sent via the U.S. Postal Service, they must be sent to the following address: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Office of the Deputy Chief, Research and Development, Mail Stop 1120, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-1120.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
· Tracy Hancock, FRAC Designated Federal Official, USDA Forest Service, Telephone: (202) 205-1724, Email: tchancock@fs.fed.us.
· Dr. Sharon Parker, FRAC Executive Secretary, USDA Forest Service, Telephone: (703) 340-7864, Email: sparker01@fs.fed.us.
· Martha Petrie, FRAC Staff Assistant, USDA Forest Service, Telephone: (202) 205-1643, Email: mhpetrie@fs.fed.us.
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2), the FRAC, a statutory committee, will continue to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on regional and
national research planning and coordination of forestry research within the Federal and State agencies, forestry schools, forest industries, and non-governmental organizations. The FRAC may fulfill its responsibility to consult on a periodic or regular basis
on apportionment of funds. For additional information on FRAC, please go to:
https://www.fs.fed.us/research
The FRAC will be comprised of not more than 20 members. The members appointed to the FRAC will be fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented, functions to be performed, and will represent a broad array of expertise, leadership and relevancy to a membership category. Geographic balance and a balanced distribution among the categories are also important. The FRAC shall include representation each in the following categories: 1) Federal and State Agencies; 2) Industry; 3) Academic; and 4) Voluntary Organization. The FRAC members will serve staggered terms up to 3 years, and will meet annually, or as often as necessary and at such times as designated by the DFO. No individual who is currently registered as a Federal lobbyist is eligible to serve as a member of the FRAC.
The appointment of members to the FRAC will be made by the Secretary of Agriculture. Vacancies on the FRAC will be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. Any individual or organization may nominate one or more qualified persons to serve on the FRAC. Individuals may also nominate themselves. Nominations for one individual who fits several of the categories or for more than one person who fits one category will be accepted. To be considered for membership, nominees must submit a:
1. Resume describing qualifications for membership to the FRAC;
2. Indication of the specific membership category of your interest; and
3. Complete form AD-755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information).
All nominations will be vetted by USDA. Nominations are open to all individuals without regard for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical handicap, marital status, or sexual orientation. Nominations are being solicited from universities, organizations, associations, societies, councils, federations, groups, and companies that represent a wide variety of forestry research interests throughout the country.
Members of the FRAC will serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses while performing duties on behalf of the FRAC, subject to approval by the DFO. A meeting notice will be published in the Federal Register 15 to 45 days before a scheduled meeting date. All meetings are generally open to the public and may include a “public forum” that may offer 5-10 minutes for participants to present comments to the advisory committee. The Chairperson of the given FRAC ultimately makes the decision whether to offer time on the agenda for the public to speak to the general body.
Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in all appointments to the advisory committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the FRAC have taken into account the needs of diverse groups served by the Department, membership will, to the extent practicable, include individuals with demonstrated ability to represent all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, and persons with disabilities.
Would you please help circulate this call for nominations to your colleagues and communities of practice.
Thank you, Tracy
FRAC Designated Federal Official
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