Committee Charter on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering

Office of Integrative Activities (OD/OIA)

Advisory Committee Charter

  1. Committee’s Official Designation: Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering, #1173.
     
  2. Authority: The Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee") is being renewed in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., § 1001 et seq. and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1885C (December 12, 1980).
     
  3. Objective and Scope of Activities: The Committee provides advice to the National Science Foundation concerning (1) implementation of the provisions of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (P.L. 96-516) and (2) other policies and activities of the Foundation to encourage full participation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities currently underrepresented in scientific, engineering, professional, and technical fields.
     
  4. Description of Duties: Every other year, the Committee prepares and transmits to the Director a report concerning its activities during the previous two years and its proposed activities. The Director transmits the report unaltered to the Congress, with her comments.
     
  5. Official to Whom the Committee Reports: The Committee reports to the Director, National Science Foundation.
  6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support: The National Science Foundation will be responsible for financial and administrative support.
     
  7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years: The estimated annual operating cost of the Committee is about $62,469.00 that includes about $47,069.00 in staff support costs. Staff support is approximately 0.29 person-year.
     
  8. Designated Federal Officer: A full-time or permanent part-time NSF employee will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). The DFO will approve or call the Committee and subcommittee meetings, prepare and approve meeting agendas, attend committee meetings, and adjourn any meeting when the DFO determines adjournment to be in the public interest. The NSF Senior Advisor and/or Executive Liaison to CEOSE/NSF will serve as DFO. Alternate DFOs may be appointed.
     
  9. Estimate Number and Frequency of Meetings: The committee will meet approximately three times a year.
     
  10. Duration: It is expected that the Committee will continue indefinitely with renewals of the charter every two years as required under FACA.
     
  11. Termination: The committee is subject to biennial review and will terminate 2 years from the date the charter is filed, unless the charter is renewed in accordance with Section 14 of FACA.
     
  12. Memberships and Designation: The Committee is composed of approximately 19 members appointed by the Director of the National Science Foundation (hereinafter referred to as "the Director"). Members are appointed for a term of three years and may be reappointed to serve one additional term of up to three years.

    Members are broadly representative of the science and engineering research and education community. Because of the specialized nature of the Committee, a significant number of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are appointed members. Professional stature and familiarity with the National Science Foundation and its programs are considered in selecting Committee members.

    It is anticipated that members will be comprised of Special Government Employees (SGEs) and Regular Government Employees (RGEs).
     
  13. Subcommittees: NSF may form subcommittees for any purpose consistent with this charter. Such subcommittees may not work independently and must report their recommendation and advice to the full committee for full deliberation and discussion.
     
  14. Recordkeeping: The records of the Committee and any subcommittee(s) shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 6.2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available for public inspection and copying, subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, and 5 U.S.C., § 1001 et seq., as appropriate.
     
  15. Certification: This Committee is determined to be necessary and in the public interest.
     
  16. Date Filed with Congress: June 28, 2024.
     

Karen Marrongelle
Chief Operating Officer

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