Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee Charter

Committee's Official Designation

Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC).

Authority

This charter establishes the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC) under the authority of 6 U.S.C. section 451. This committee is established in accordance with and shall operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), (5 U.S.C. App.).

Objectives and Scope of Activities

The mission of the HSSTAC is to be a source of independent scientific and technical planning advice for the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. The scope of the HSSTAC's activities is as follows:

• The Committee’s activities focus on the responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to organize the Nation’s scientific and technological resources to prevent or mitigate the effects of catastrophic terrorism against the United States, and of catastrophic natural events, including both sponsorship and coordination of research, development, test, and evaluation efforts for this purpose.

• The Committee makes recommendations with respect to the activities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, including identifying research areas of potential importance to the security of the Nation. The Committee is concerned with matters relating to science, technology, research, engineering, new product development (including demonstration and deployment), business processes, emergency response, cargo security technology, and other matters of special interest to the Department of Homeland Security.

• The Committee advises on whether the policies, actions, management processes, and organizational constructs of the Science and Technology Directorate are focused on mission objectives; advises on whether the research, development, test, evaluation, and systems engineering activities are properly resourced (in terms of both financial, and human resources) to accomplish the objectives; identifies outreach activities (particularly in accessing and developing, where necessary, the industrial base of the Nation); and reviews the technical quality and relevance of the Directorate’s programs.

• Upon request, the Committee provides scientifically- and technically-based advice to the Homeland Security Advisory Council. Conversely, the Committee draws, when needed, on the expertise of outside advisory groups for independent advice on specific technical and policy matters.

Description of Duties

The HSSTAC makes recommendations with respect to the activities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. The duties of the HSSTAC are solely advisory in nature.

Officials to Whom the Committee Reports

The HSSTAC reports to the Under Secretary for Science and Technology.

Agency Responsible for Providing Necessary Support

The Under Secretary for Science and Technology provides a Designated Federal Officer and the necessary support staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the HSSTAC.

Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years

The estimated annual operating costs are not to exceed $900,000, including personnel costs for 1 permanent staff member.

Designated Federal Officer

A full-time or permanent part-time employee of the Science and Technology Directorate shall be appointed by the Under Secretary of Science and Technology as the HSSTAC Designated Federal Officer. The DFO or an alternate DFO shall approve or call HSSTAC meetings and any HSSTAC subcommittee meetings, approve meeting agendas, attend all committee and subcommittee meetings, adjourn any meeting when the DFO determines adjournment to be in the public interest, and chair meetings when directed to do so by the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. The Director of Operations Analysis shall serve as the DFO.

Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings

The HSSTAC meets at least quarterly at the call of the Chair or whenever one-third of the members so request in writing. Subcommittees and ad hoc task forces meet as required to accomplish their particular tasks. Committee meetings shall be open to the public unless a determination is made by the appropriate DHS official, in accordance with DHS policy and directives, that the meeting should be closed in accordance with subsection (c) of section 552b of title 5, United States Code.

Duration and Termination

The charter shall be in effect for 2 years from the date it is filed with Congress unless sooner terminated. The charter may be renewed at the end of this 2-year period in accordance with section 14 of FACA.

Member Composition

The HSSTAC consists of 20 members who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. The HSSTAC members are: (1) eminent in fields such as emergency response, research, engineering, new product development, business, and management consulting; (2) selected solely on the basis of established records of distinguished service; (3) not employees of the Federal Government; and (4) selected to provide representation of a cross-section of the research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities supported by the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. These distinguished scientists, engineers, medical researchers, first responders, industrial and academic leaders, former government officials, and other citizens provide expertise and experience relevant to the full breadth of the Department’s science and technology enterprise. Specific expertise includes: countermeasures to chemical, biological, radiological and high explosive threats; critical infrastructure protection; borders and transportation security; intelligence; vulnerability analysis; systems engineering; and first response. Members shall serve as Special Government Employees as defined in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code.

Members shall serve terms of office of up to three years, and the terms of office of approximately one-third of the members shall expire each year. A person who has completed two consecutive full terms of service on the HSSTAC is ineligible for re-appointment during the one-year period following the expiration of the second term.

A member appointed to fill an unexpired term shall serve the remainder of that term. In the event the HSSTAC terminates, all appointments to the committee shall terminate.

Officers

The Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall appoint one of the members of the HSSTAC as the Chair and one of the members as the Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair will act as Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Chair. The term of office of the Chair and Vice Chair will be one year, and members may serve more than one term.

Subcommittees

The Under Secretary for Science and Technology may establish, as needed, subcommittees consistent with this charter. Each subcommittee so established would include one or more members of the HSSTAC. The HSSTAC Chair designates a Chair for each of the subcommittees from among the HSSTAC members. Such subcommittees may not work independently of the HSSTAC and must report their recommendations and advice to the HSSTAC for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the HSSTAC and may not report directly to the Federal government or any other entity.

Important Dates

Agency Approval Date
January 19, 2009

GSA Consultation Date
January 22, 2009

Date Filed with Congress
January 22, 2009

Filing Date
November 24, 2003.