[Federal Register: March 19, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 54)]
[Notices]
[Page 14828]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19mr08-75]
[[Page 14828]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) Re-Establishment and
Request for Applicants
AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announces the
re-establishment of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) and
requests applicants for appointment to ASAC. The Secretary of Homeland
Security has determined that the re-establishment of ASAC is necessary
and in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties
of TSA. This determination follows consultation with the Committee
Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, who is
responsible for monitoring and reporting executive branch compliance
with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Qualified individuals
interested in serving on this committee are invited to apply to TSA for
appointment.
DATES: Submit comments on the re-establishment of this committee or
applications for membership by April 18, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Comments on this action or applications for appointment to
ASAC should be submitted via mail or e-mail to Cindy Mitchell, at the
address listed below under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Mitchell, ASAC Designated
Federal Official, Office of Transportation Sector Network Management,
Transportation Sector Network Integration Division (TSA-28),
Transportation Security Administration, 601 12th Street, Arlington, VA
22202; telephone 571-227-1609, E-mail: cindy.mitchell@dhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
TSA's Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) is a
``discretionary'' advisory committee. A discretionary advisory
committee is one that is established under the authority of an agency
head or authorized, but not required, by statute. An advisory committee
referenced in general (non-specific) authorizing language or
Congressional committee report language is discretionary, and its
establishment or termination is within the legal discretion of an
agency head.
ASAC is a standing committee composed of Federal and private sector
organizations that was chartered in 1989 by the Federal Aviation
Administration in the wake of the crash of Pan American World Airways
Flight 103 in 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
On November 19, 2001, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act
(ATSA) was signed into law, which among other things established the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and transferred to it the
responsibility for civil aviation security. Accordingly, sponsorship of
ASAC was also transferred to TSA. Since taking on management of ASAC in
August 2002, TSA has taken steps to focus the committee's efforts in
directions that are relevant and useful to TSA's post-September 11
mission.
The Aviation Security Advisory Committee Re-Establishment
The Aviation Security Advisory Committee is being re-established in
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.). ASAC's mission is to examine areas of civil
aviation security as tasked by TSA with the aim of addressing current
issues and/or developing recommendations for improvements to civil
aviation security methods, equipment, and processes. The committee will
provide advice and recommendations for improving aviation security
measures to the Assistant Secretary for TSA.
Name of Committee: Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
Balanced Membership Plans: ASAC is composed of no more than 27
members representing private sector organizations of key constituencies
affected by aviation security requirements. These key constituencies
shall include: Victims of Terrorist Acts Against Aviation; Law
Enforcement and Security Experts; Aviation Consumer Advocates; Airport
Tenants and General Aviation; Airport Operators; Airline Management;
Airline Labor; Aircraft Manufacturers; and Air Cargo Representatives.
Each membership category shall have at least one member, and there
shall be a maximum of three members per membership category.
Members are recommended for appointment by the TSA Assistant
Secretary and appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary
of the Department of Homeland Security. Terms of office shall normally
be two (2) years, and members' terms of office shall be staggered
within each membership category to assure adequate continuity of ASAC
membership. Therefore, some members appointed under this announcement
shall be appointed to a one-year (1) term of office.
Duration: The committee's charter shall terminate two (2) years
from the date it is filed with Congress and may be renewed at the end
of this 2-year period in accordance with section 14 of FACA.
Responsible TSA Officials: Cindy Mitchell, ASAC Designated Federal
Official, Aviation Security Advisory Committee, Office of
Transportation Sector Network Management, Transportation Sector Network
Integration Division (TSA-28), Transportation Security Administration,
601 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202; telephone: 571-227-1609, E-mail:
cindy.mitchell@dhs.gov.
Applicants for Appointment to ASAC
Qualified individuals interested in serving on this committee are
invited to apply to TSA for appointment. Please submit your resume to
the Responsible DHS Official noted above by April 18, 2008. Applicants
should have background and experience that supports at least one of the
nine constituency groups in the aforementioned Balanced Membership
Plans section.
The ASAC will meet approximately twice each year, usually in
Washington, D.C., but may meet more often if the need arises. Members
serve at their own expense and receive no salary, reimbursement of
travel expenses, or other compensation from the Federal Government. TSA
retains authority to review the participation of any ASAC member and to
recommend changes for cause at any time.
In support of the policy of the Department of Homeland Security on
gender and ethnic diversity, qualified women and minorities are
encouraged to apply for membership.
Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on March 12, 2008 .
John Sammon,
Assistant Administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management.
[FR Doc. E8-5469 Filed 3-18-08; 8:45 am]
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