[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 71 (Friday, April 12, 2013)] [Notices] [Pages 21908-21909] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2013-08680] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of the Census Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals, both experts and organizational representatives, to the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below, describes Committee objectives and duties, membership, and information about the nomination process. DATES: Please submit nominations by May 13, 2013. ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Jeri Green, Chief, Office of External Engagement, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H182, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233. Nominations also may be submitted by fax at 301-763-8609, or by email to [email protected] and [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeri Green, Chief, Office of External Engagement, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H182, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, telephone (301) 763-2070 or Tom Loo at 301-763- 5326. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Title 5, United States Code, Appendix 2). Information about the Committee objectives and duties, membership, and the nomination process is provided below. Objectives and Duties The Advisory Committee provides insight, perspectives, expertise and advice to the Director of the Census Bureau on the full spectrum of Census surveys and programs. The Committee assists the Census Bureau in developing appropriate research/methodological, operational, and communication strategies to reduce program/survey costs, improve coverage and operational efficiency, improve the quality of data collected, protect the public's and [[Page 21909]] business units' privacy and enhance public participation and awareness of Census programs and surveys, and make data products more useful and accessible. The Committee advises on topics such as: hidden households, language barriers, students and youth, aging populations, American Indian and Alaska Native tribal considerations, new immigrant populations, populations affected by natural disasters, highly mobile and migrant populations, complex households, poverty populations, race/ ethnic minorities, rural populations and population segments with limited access to technology. The Committee also advises on data privacy and confidentiality concerns, the dynamic nature of new businesses, minority ownership of businesses, as well as other concerns impacting Census survey design and implementation. The Advisory Committee discusses census policies, research and methodology, tests, operations, communications/messaging and other activities and advises regarding best practices to improve censuses, surveys, operations and programs. The Committee's expertise and experiences help identify cost efficient ways to increase participation among hard to count segments of the population as well as ensuring that the Census Bureau's statistical programs are inclusive and continue to provide the Nation with accurate, relevant, and timely statistics. The Committee uses formal advisory committee meetings, webinars, web conferences, working groups, and other methods to accomplish its goals, consistent with the requirements of the FACA. The Committee is encouraged to use Census Regional Office knowledge to help identify regional, local, tribal and grass roots issues, and capture regional and local perspectives about Census Bureau surveys and programs. The Committee should use technology and video/web conferencing to reduce meeting and travel costs, and to more fully engage local and regional working groups and hard to count populations. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body under the FACA. Membership The Committee will consist of up to 32 members who serve at the discretion of the Director. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation among its members, considering such factors as geography, age, gender, race, ethnicity, technical expertise, community involvement, knowledge of hard to count populations, and familiarity with Census Bureau programs and/or activities. The Committee will include a minimum three members with expertise on or with experience representing each of the following populations: African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Hispanic; and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders. The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including state, local and tribal governments, academia, research, national and community-based organizations, and the private sector. Membership shall include individuals, Special Government Employees (SGE), who are selected for their personal expertise with the topics highlighted above and/or representatives of organizations (Representatives) reflecting diverse populations, national, state, local and tribal interests, organizations serving hard to count populations, and community-based organizations. SGEs will be subject to the ethical standards applicable to SGEs. Members will be individually advised of the capacity in which they will serve through their appointment letters. Membership is open to persons who are not seated on other Census Bureau stakeholder entities (i.e., State Data Centers, Census Information Centers, Federal State Cooperative on Populations Estimates program, other Census Advisory Committees, etc.). No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Advisory Committee. Generally, members will serve for a three-year term. All members will be reevaluated at the conclusion of each term with the prospect of renewal, pending advisory committee needs. Active attendance and participation in meetings and activities (e.g., conference calls and assignments) will be considered when determining term renewal or membership continuance. Generally, members may be appointed for a second three-year term at the discretion of the Director. Members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidelines. Miscellaneous Members of the Advisory Committee serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for committee-related travel and lodging expenses. The Advisory Committee meets at least twice a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Census Director or Designated Federal Official. All Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the FACA. Nomination Process Nominations should satisfy the requirements described in the Membership section above. Individuals, groups, and/or organizations may submit nominations on behalf of candidates. A summary of the candidate's qualifications (resum[eacute] or curriculum vitae) must be included along with the nomination letter. Nominees must be able to actively participate in the tasks of the Advisory Committee, including, but not limited to regular meeting attendance, committee meeting discussant responsibilities, review of materials, as well as participation in conference calls, webinars, working groups, and/or special committee activities. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Advisory Committee membership. Dated: April 8, 2013. Thomas L. Mesenbourg, Jr., Senior Advisor Performing the Duties of the Director, Bureau of the Census [FR Doc. 2013-08680 Filed 4-11-13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P