DOE O 515.1, Advisory Committee Management Program
This Order supplements the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10, as amended, and the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) final rule "Federal Advisory Committee Management" Title 41 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 102-3, which establishes the policies and minimum requirements for Federal agencies to manage and administer advisory committees. The Order provides detailed Department of Energy (DOE or Department) requirements, responsibilities, processes, and procedures for the establishment, operation, and management of advisory committees.
Cancels:
DOE M 515.1-1, Advisory Committee Management Program on Jan 16, 2025
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Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov Office of Management
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, DC
Approved: 01-16-2025
SUBJECT: ADVISORY COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
1. PURPOSE. This Order supplements the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5
U.S.C. Chapter 10, as amended, and the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) final
rule "Federal Advisory Committee Management" Title 41 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Part 102-3, which establishes the policies and minimum requirements for Federal
agencies to manage and administer advisory committees. The Order provides detailed
Department of Energy (DOE or Department) requirements, responsibilities, processes,
and procedures for the establishment, operation, and management of advisory
committees.
2. CANCELS/SUPERSEDES. DOE M 515.1-1, Advisory Committee Management Program
dated 10-22-2007.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability. Except for the exclusions listed below, this Order
applies to all Departmental elements.
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator will ensure
that NNSA employees comply with their respective responsibilities under this
Order. Nothing in this Order will be construed to interfere with the NNSA
Administrator’s authority under section 3212(d) of Public Law (P.L.) 106-65 to
establish Administration specific policies, unless disapproved by the Secretary.
Accordingly, in the event that an advisory committee is established for NNSA
regarding NNSA activities, words such as "concur" and "concurrence" will be
construed as "consult" or "consultation" or "coordinate" and "coordination" and
words such as "direct," "manage," or "ensure" will not be construed to confer
authority on non-NNSA personnel to direct or control activities of NNSA
personnel.
Notwithstanding any provision in this Order, the NNSA Administrator has the
authority to approve requests for exceptions to the DOE policy barring Federal
and DOE site/facility management contractor employees and individuals
already serving on advisory committees from advisory committee membership
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without the approval of the Office of Secretarial Boards & Councils. The
Administrator for the NNSA will consult with the Office of General Counsel
(GC) and the Committee Management Officer (CMO) in the Office of
Secretarial Boards and Councils prior to submitting a request for approval of
appointment of those persons as committee members to the Secretary. Should
those offices object to the Administrator’s request, the Secretary or Deputy
Secretary will rule on the Administrator’s request, taking into account GC’s
and CMO’s positions.
In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by Executive
Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. §§ 2406 and 2511, and to ensure
consistency throughout the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Program, the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors (Director) will
implement and oversee requirements and practices pertaining to this
Directive for activities under the Director's cognizance, as deemed
appropriate.
b. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 515-1. In determining whether a group
reviewing or advising on matters related to any one or more management and
operating contracts is subject to FACA, an officer or employee of a management
and operating contractor will be treated as an officer or employee of the
Department.
Section 2
c. DOE Contractors. This Order does not apply to contractors and the types of
committees listed in 5 U.S.C. § 1003(b) or 41 CFR 102-3.40. See also 5 U.S.C. §
1014, 41 CFR 102-3.180 and 102-3.185.
4. REQUIREMENTS.
a. In accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.105(b), the Secretary must establish an advisory
committee management program with administrative guidelines and management
controls
b. Advisory committees will be established only when mandated by law, or when the
Secretary determines it is essential to the conduct of agency business and in the
public interest.
c. Advisory committees will not be established or retained for possible future use by
the Department.
d. Departmental resources for committees must be carefully managed and controlled.
e. Unless there is a statutory or executive order requirement that such classes be
members, the following individuals are ineligible for advisory committee membership
in the absence of a waiver by the CMO:
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(1) Employees of site/facility management or integration contractors (but not
their subcontractors) that provide goods or services to any program under
the supervision or control of a Secretarial Officer.
(2) Federal Government employees (other than special Government
employees (SGEs)). (However, Federal employees may serve in an ex
officio capacity or be invited as guests whenever their participation is
necessary in advisory committee deliberations.)
f. With the exception of travel and subsistence expense reimbursement, members of
advisory committees will not be compensated unless compensation is approved by
the Secretary of Energy or directed by law.
g. Advisory committees must be terminated when they are no longer relevant to the
Department’s mission or no longer carrying out the functions for which they were
established.
h. DOE will publicize accurate and timely information concerning advisory
committee establishment, renewal, reestablishment, and meetings, and may
publicize other advisory committee activities.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Secretary of Energy. Is ultimately responsible for—
(1) compliance with FACA, 41 C.F.R. Part 102-3 and other applicable laws
and regulations
(2) Issue administrative guidelines and management controls providing the
details that advisory committee staff need to implement during the
creation, operation, and termination of their Federal advisory committees,
(3) Designate a CMO
(4) Designate a Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for each advisory
committee and its subcommittees
(5) Approve the advisory committee charters for establishments, renewals, re-
establishments, or mergers
(6) Provide a written determination stating the reasons for closing any
advisory committee meeting to the public, in whole or in part, in
accordance with the exemptions set forth in the Government in the
Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)
(7) Review, at least annually, the need to continue each existing advisory
committee, consistent with the public interest and the purpose or functions
of each advisory committee
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(8) Determine that rates of compensation for members (if they are paid for
their services) and staff of, and experts and consultants to advisory
committees are justified and that levels of agency support are adequate
(9) Develop procedures to assure that the advice or recommendations of
advisory committees will not be inappropriately influenced by the
appointing authority or by any special interest, but will instead be the
result of the advisory committee's independent judgment,
Section 3
(10) Assure that the interests and affiliations of committee members are
reviewed for conformance with applicable conflict of interest statutes,
regulations issued by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics including any
supplemental agency requirements, and other Federal ethics rules,
(11) Appoint or invite individuals to serve on committees, unless otherwise
provided for by a specific statute or Presidential directive,
(12) Provide the opportunity for reasonable participation, including
accessibility considerations, by the public in advisory committee activities,
subject to § 102-3.140 and the agency's guidelines.
b. Heads of Departmental Elements.
(1) Implement the requirements contained in FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-
3, and this Order for all advisory committees sponsored by their
organizations.
(2) Sign and transmit to the Secretary (or delegate) for approval, through the
CMO and GC, recommendations and justifications for—
(a) establishment or renewal packages for advisory committees and
advisory committee charters and
(b) nominations of individuals to serve as members on DOE advisory
committees sponsored by their organizations.
(3) Establish written internal procedures and controls, as necessary, for the
operation of all advisory committees sponsored by their organizations and
forward copies of such procedures to the CMO and GC for review and
concurrence before implementation.
(4) Recommend individuals to serve as DFOs for each advisory committee
sponsored by their organizations and send signed recommendations
through the CMO and GC, to the Secretary or delegate for approval.
(5) Review annually, in coordination with the responsible DFOs, the activities
and accomplishments of the advisory committees sponsored by their
organizations and submit recommendations and rationales for termination
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of such advisory committees through the CMO and GC to the Secretary
for approval.
(6) Ensure administrative and staff support services are provided for each
advisory committee sponsored by their organizations.
(7) In coordination with their office’s DFOs, are responsible for—
(a) compliance with conflict-of-interest statutes and provisions;
(b) addressing, with the GC, problems arising from advisory
committee member ethical restrictions;
(c) ensuring availability of funding for advisory committee members’
attendance at meetings, as needed; and
(d) assuring that members have a continuing interest in the work of the
committee.
(8) Sign and transmit to the Secretary for approval, through the CMO and GC,
written determinations to close all or part of an advisory committee
meeting to the public.
(9) Designate for each advisory committee a central location for the assembly
and maintenance of advisory committee documents and records for public
inspection and copying. Alternatively, develop a Web page for each
advisory committee for committee documents and records, including
committee charter, minutes from open meetings, recommendations and
notices of upcoming meetings.
c. Director of the Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils.
(1) Oversees the Department’s Advisory Committee Management Program
and keeps accounts that fully disclose costs incurred by DOE for each
advisory committee sponsored by DOE organizations.
(2) Acts as the Department’s CMO, including administering and directing
DOE’s advisory committee management program and fulfilling the CMO
responsibilities delineated in FACA §§ 1007(b), 1009(b), 1100(a), and 41
CFR 102-3.115.
Section 4
(3) Designates a Deputy CMO, who has authority to act for the CMO, to assist
in administering and managing the advisory committee management
program.
(4) Monitors the implementation of this Order and ensures compliance with
FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and all other requirements governing
advisory committee management.
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(5) Reviews and concurs on all advisory committee charter and membership
packages and appraises the need for or the continuation of advisory
committees.
(6) Signs all advisory committee charters and Federal Register documents
pertaining to committee matters and ensures publication in the Federal
Register.
(7) Ensures all advisory committee charters are filed with the standing
committees of Congress, the Library of Congress, and the GSA
Committee Management Secretariat (GSA CM Secretariat).
(8) In coordination with heads of Departmental elements and GC, ensures that
advisory committees are fairly balanced in membership in terms of points
of view represented and functions to be performed by committees.
(9) Approves requests for exceptions to DOE policy on advisory committee
membership in the following areas:
(a) Membership of DOE site/facility management or integration
contractors (but not their subcontractors) that provide goods or
services to any program under the supervision or control of a
Secretarial Officer.
(b) Membership of Federal Government employees on DOE advisory
committees.
(c) Membership of an individual on multiple DOE advisory
committees.
(10) Coordinates with GC, heads of the appropriate Departmental elements, and
the appropriate DFOs to ensure DOE ethics and conflict of interest
requirements are carried out for members of each DOE advisory
committee.
(11) Prepares and submits the annual comprehensive review on DOE advisory
committees, required by Congress, to the GSA CM Secretariat.
(12) Reviews and concurs on all requests for closing part of or all of an
advisory committee meeting to the public in accordance with the criteria
provided in 5 U.S.C. § 552b(c).
(13) Prepares DOE’s annual report on closed advisory committee meetings and
publishes a notice announcing the availability of this report in the Federal
Register.
(14) Coordinates with the GC in drafting regulations on advisory committees
for publication in the Code of Federal Regulations and any revisions
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thereto; concurs in such regulations and internal procedures on advisory
committees.
d. Office of Human Capital Management.
(1) When applicable, appoints advisory committee members as SGEs in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3109, 18U.S.C. 202(a), 41 CFR 102-3.130, and
DOE O 321.1, Employment of Experts and Consultants, dated 11-6-2006.
(2) When applicable, assists Departmental elements in obtaining required
security clearances in accordance with requirements in DOE O 470.1B,
Safeguards and Security Program, and DOE O 472.2A, Personnel
Security.
e. Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Reviews and concurs on
letters sending advisory committee charters to Congress.
f. Office of Public Affairs.
(1) Issues press releases on matters of interest to the public concerning
advisory committees.
(2) Coordinates advisory committee press releases on matters other than
routine meeting schedules with the CMO.
g. Office of General Counsel.
(1) Assistant General Counsel for General Law.
(a) Provides legal assistance and advice concerning applicability of
and compliance with FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this
Order.
Section 5
(b) Provides advice, as necessary, to the CMO and Departmental
elements concerning their responsibilities and the organization and
operation of advisory committees.
(c) Provides prospective legal advice on the appropriate status
designations for committee membership.
(d) Ensures that those members serving as SGEs are aware of the
ethics requirements applicable to them and representatives are
informed as to the group or entity each is appointed to represent.
(e) Reviews and concurs on advisory committee packages proposing
establishment or renewal of DOE advisory committees,
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(f) amendments to advisory committee charters, members for DOE
advisory committees, and conducting meetings in closed or
partially closed sessions.
(g) Coordinates with the CMO, heads of Departmental elements, and
DFOs the distribution of written guidance to all advisory
committee members, oral briefings, individual counseling, and/or
other methods, to ensure that Departmental ethics and conflict of
interest requirements are communicated to members of each DOE
advisory committee.
(h) Provides legal assistance and advice on advisory committee
management matters arising under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA).
(i) Coordinates with CMO in drafting regulations on advisory
committees for publication in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) and any revisions thereto; concurs in such regulations and
internal procedures on advisory committees.
h. Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation and Energy Efficiency.
Concurs on and transmits for publication all Federal Register notices of advisory
committee meetings.
i. Designated Federal Officers. DFO responsibilities are delineated in 41 CFR 102-
3.120. In addition, DFOs (or designees) must do the following.
(1) Be fully knowledgeable of all the activities and developments concerning
the advisory committees under his/her responsibility.
(2) If unable to attend or chair a meeting, designate, in writing, another DOE
officer or employee to act as the DFO.
(3) Prepare all Notices of Open and/or Closed Meetings for publication in the
Federal Register and forward them, to the CMO for signature.
(4) Ensure compliance with FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this Order
in the conduct of advisory committee meetings.
(5) Prepare written determinations for closing part of or all of advisory
committee meetings to the public in accordance with the criteria provided
in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c).
(6) Prepare and submit annual reports to the CMO summarizing advisory
committee activities and related matters when committees have held
closed meetings.
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(7) In consultation with GC, review committee membership designations for
appointment as SGEs or representatives; and ensure that SGEs are aware
of the ethics requirements applicable to them and that representatives are
aware of the group, entity, or viewpoint the Department has appointed
them to represent.
(8) Ensure that no SGE serves more than 60 days in the preceding 365-
consecutive day period.
(9) Prepare all advisory committee proposal packages, including the required
justifications and recommendations for—
(a) establishment of new committees, (the proposed DFO prepares the
establishment package);
(b) renewal of existing advisory committees; and
(c) appointment, reappointment, and/or rotation/retirement of
individuals to serve or who have served on DOE advisory
committees.
Section 6
(10) In coordination with the head of his/her Departmental element is
responsible for—
(a) ensuring SGEs complete appropriate financial disclosure reports;
(b) distributing written ethics and conflict of interest guidance,
scheduling oral briefings, and/or other consultations with GC to
ensure compliance with ethics and conflict of interest statutes and
provisions, including, among other things, such matters as
conflicting financial or other interests of members and member
recusal; notifying and consulting with GC on any problems arising
from the ethical and conflict of interest statutes and provisions
applicable to advisory committee members; ensuring a quorum of
advisory committee members’ attendance at meetings and that
members have a continuing interest in the work of the committees;
and
(c) monitoring advisory committee members’ attendance and
participation at meetings and determining recommendation of
replacement of members missing a substantial number of meetings
and/or not showing an interest in the work of the committee.
(11) Ensure that detailed minutes of meetings are prepared and meet the
requirements of 41 CFR 102-3.165.
(12) Forward copies of any final report submitted by an advisory committee to
the CMO for transmittal to the Library of Congress.
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(13) Review on an annual basis, in coordination with the heads of their
Departmental elements, the activities and accomplishments of each
advisory committee under their responsibility and prepare
recommendations and rationales for termination if it is determined that
such committees no longer serve their chartered purposes.
(14) Maintain for each advisory committee under their responsibility, in a
designated central location or website, all records, reports, and other
papers required by FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this Directive.
(15) Provide all administrative and staff support services for each advisory
committee under their responsibility and keep records concerning costs
incurred for providing these services.
(16) Prepare and submit information for-
(a) the GSA CM Secretariat's annual comprehensive review of Federal
advisory committees and their activities; the Department's annual
report summarizing advisory committee activities and related
matters, when committees have held closed meetings;
(b) the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) annual agency ethics
questionnaire; and
(c) other special reports that may be requested by the CMO, the GSA
CM Secretariat, or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
6. INVOKED STANDARDS. This Order does not invoke any DOE technical standards or
industry standards as required methods. Note: DOE O 251.1, current version, provides a
definition for "invoked technical standard."
7. DEFINITIONS.
a. Ad hoc advisory committee. A temporary committee created to serve less than 2
years.
b. Advisory committee. Any committee, board, commission, council, conference,
panel, task force, or other similar group, which is established by statute, or
established or utilized by the President or by an agency official, for the purpose of
obtaining the group's advice or recommendations for the President or on issues or
policies within the scope of agency responsibilities (codified at 5 U.S.C. 1001).
Advisory committees are subject to FACA unless specifically exempted by
FACA, or by other statutes, or not covered by this part. (41 CFR 102-3.25).
Section 7
c. Chairperson. The advisory committee or subcommittee member who serves in this
role on an advisory committee or subcommittee by statutory requirement, or by
appointment or invitation by Presidential authority or an agency's authority (41
CFR 102-3.25).
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DOE O 515.1 11
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d. Committee Management Officer (CMO). The individual designated by the
Secretary to implement the provisions of sec. 8(b) of FACA (codified at 5 U.S.C.
§ 1007(b)) and any delegated responsibilities of the Secretary under FACA.(41
CFR 102-3.25). The Director of the Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils
serves as DOE’s CMO.
e. Committee Member. An individual who serves by appointment or invitation by
the appointing authority on an advisory committee or subcommittee (41 CFR 102-
3.25).
f. Committee Staff Member. Any Federal employee, private individual, or other
party (whether under contract or not) who is not a committee member, and who
serves in a support capacity to an advisory committee or subcommittee.
Committee staff serve in coordination with the DFO (41 CFR 102-3.25).
g. Conflict of Interest. Participation by a member in a particular matter that would
have a direct and predictable effect on the financial interest(s) of the member, the
member’s spouse and minor child(ren), an entity that employs the member, an
entity with which he/she seeks employment, or an entity in which he/she serves as
officer, director, trustee, general partner, or employee. Additionally, the
appearance that a member's participation in committee business will result in a
lack of impartiality in the performance of his/her duties because of personal,
family, or financial affiliations.
h. Consultant. An individual who serves as an advisor, giving views or opinions on
problems presented to him, but who neither performs, supervises operating
functions, or participates as a member of the advisory committee.
i. Designated Federal Officer (DFO). An individual designated by the Secretary, for
each advisory committee for which the agency head is responsible, to implement
the provisions of secs. 10(e) and (f) of the Act (codified at 5 U.S.C. 1009(e) and
(f)) and any advisory committee procedures of the agency under the control and
supervision of the CMO (41 CFR 102-3.25).
j. Discretionary (nonstatutory) Advisory Committee. Any advisory committee that
is established under the authority of the Secretary or authorized by statute. An
advisory committee referenced in general (non-specific) authorizing language or
Congressional committee report language is discretionary, and its establishment
or terminations is within the legal discretion of the Secretary. (41 CFR 102-3.25).
k. Ex officio Member. An individual who holds membership on an advisory
committee by virtue of his/her office in the private sector (serves only while an
incumbent of such a position) or other Government agency. Unless restricted by
the Committee's charter or authorizing authority, such members have the status of
other members.
l. GSA Committee Management Secretariat (GSA CM Secretariat). The
organization established pursuant to sec. 7(a) of FACA (codified at 5 U.S.C. §
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http://102-3.25/
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Section 8
1006(a)), which is responsible for all matters relating to advisory committees and
carries out the responsibilities of the Administrator under FACA and E.O. 12024
(3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 158). (41 CFR 102-3.25)
m. Meeting. Any gathering of advisory committee members (whether in person or
electronically, such as using telecommunications or through a virtual platform),
held with the approval of an agency, and with a DFO in attendance, for the
purpose of deliberating on the matters upon which the advisory committee
provides advice or recommendations.
n. Non-Discretionary Advisory Committee. Any advisory committee either required
by statute or by Presidential directive. A non-discretionary advisory committee
required by statute generally is identified specifically in a statute by name,
purpose, or function(s), and its establishment or termination is beyond the legal
discretion of an agency head.
o. Quorum. A majority (one more than one half) of a committee's currently
appointed membership.
p. Special Government employee (SGE). An officer or employee of the executive
branch of the United States Government who is retained, designated, appointed,
or employed to perform, with or without compensation, for not to exceed 130
days during any period of 365 consecutive days, temporary duties either on a full-
time, or intermittent basis. The definition includes experts and consultants. See
18U.S.C. § 202.
q. Statutory advisory committee. A nondiscretionary advisory committee specifically
directed by law to be established.
r. Subcommittee. A group that reports to an advisory committee, and not directly to
a Federal officer or agency, whether or not its members are drawn in whole or in
part from the parent advisory committee. (41 CFR 102-3.25, 102-3.35, and 102-
3.70(c)).
s. Utilized (or used) committee. a committee that is one over which the President or
a Federal officer or agency exercises actual management or control of its
operation, whether or not it was established by the Federal Government. (41 CFR
102-3.25).
8. REFERENCES.
a. 10 CFR 1010, Conduct of Employees.
b. 41 CFR 102-3, Federal Advisory Committee Management.
c. The Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C., Appendix 2 Pub. L. No. 92-463,
as amended by Pub. L. No. 94-409 and Pub L. No 97-375.
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d. Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b Pub. L. No. 94-409.
e. DOE Organization Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7234 Pub. L. No. 95-91, Section 624.
f. DOE M 552.1-1A, U.S. Department of Energy Travel Manual, dated 2-17-2006.
g. DOE O 243.1, or current version, Records Management Program.
h. DOE O 321.1, Employment of Experts and Consultants, dated 11-6-2006.
i. DOE O 470.4A, Safeguards and Security Program, dated 5-25-2007.
j. DOE O 472.2A, Personnel Security.
k. Executive Order 12838, "Termination and Limitation of Federal Advisory
Committees," dated 2-10-1993.
l. OMB Circular A-135, "Management of Federal Advisory Committees," dated 10-
5-1994.
m. Vice President’s Memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies,
"Management of Federal Advisory Committees," dated 6-28-1994.
n. Section 3113, Pub. L. No. 108-136, "National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2004."
o. SF 278, Public Financial Disclosure Report or OGE 450, Confidential Financial
Disclosure Report.
p. The National Nuclear Security Administration Act, Title XXXII, Pub. L. No. 106-
65, as amended.
Section 9
q. Privacy Act System of Record Notice DOE-09, Members of DOE Advisory
Committees, 89 FR 88254, or successor.
r. 5 U.S.C. 552a, Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
9. CONTACT. Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils, seab@hq.doe.gov.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
DAVID M. TURK
Deputy Secretary
mailto:seab@hq.doe.gov
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APPENDIX A PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
1. INTRODUCTION. The establishment of an advisory committee must be in accordance
with FACA §1008, 41 CFR 102-3.30, 102-3.50, 102-3.60, 102-3.65, 102-3.70 and 102-
3.75. In addition to these requirements, this chapter describes the DOE requirements,
procedures, and processes that must be followed to establish an advisory committee.
2. CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHMENT.
a. Executive Order 12838, "Termination and Limitation of Federal Advisory
Committees," dated 2-10-1993, established ceilings on the number of Agency
advisory committees. It further stated that an Agency cannot create or sponsor a
new advisory committee unless the committee is required by statute or the
Agency head finds that compelling considerations necessitate creation of such a
committee and receives approval from the GSA CM Secretariat. By
memorandum of 6-28-1994, the Vice President ordered that any proposals to
establish new committees must include plans to terminate or merge existing
committees if the Department is at its maximum ceiling of advisory committees.
b. In addition to paragraph 2a above, the following must also be considered before
establishment of an advisory committee.
(1) The decision criteria stated in 41 CFR 102-3.30(a).
(2) The feasibility of conducting DOE-sponsored symposia, public meetings,
or conferences in lieu of establishing the new advisory committee.
(3) Satisfaction of the need for public input through solicitation of advice and
information from the general or a constituent public, through a variety of
channels such as notices in the Federal Register or news releases to
appropriate professional journals and industry publications.
3. PROPOSING ESTABLISHMENT.
a. The head of a Departmental element, after careful consideration of the criteria set
forth in paragraph 2 above, may propose the establishment of an advisory
committee. Before submitting a formal request, however, he/she must consult
with the CMO and GC for—
(1) advice and assistance in making determinations regarding the various
factors involved in committee establishment;
(2) assistance on how to prepare the formal request; and
(3) guidance on the appropriate designation criteria for membership.
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b. All of the documentation and actions discussed in this chapter must be approved
and completed before an advisory committee is considered officially established.
c. No advisory committee may operate, meet, or take any action until the Secretary
has approved the committee and its charter and the charter has been filed.
4. ESTABLISHMENT BY SECRETARIAL DISCRETION (NONSTATUTORY OR
DISCRETIONARY). This paragraph covers committees established at the Secretary’s
discretion.
a. Proposal Packages for Establishment. Proposal packages for establishment of a
nonstatutory or discretionary advisory committee must include the following
documents.
Section 10
(1) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the
cognizant Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting
approval of the establishment of the committee. The memorandum must
include the following information.
(a) An explanatory statement, if the Department has reached its
advisory committee ceiling and it is necessary to terminate or
merge an existing committee in order to remain within the ceiling.
The termination or merger proposal must be concurred in by the
pertinent Departmental elements.
(b) A description of the purpose and scope of the proposed advisory
committee and why the committee is in the public interest.
(c) An explanation of why the proposed committee’s functions cannot
be performed by an existing DOE or other Federal advisory
committee; by DOE itself; or through the use of consultants, public
hearings, or other alternative means.
(d) A description of the plan for ensuring a fairly balanced committee
membership in terms of the viewpoints represented and the
functions to be performed. The plan should ensure that in the
selection of members, the agency will consider a cross-section
of those directly affected, interested, and qualified, as appropriate
to the nature and function of the committee. The plan should
include a description of the means and methods that will be used to
ensure broad outreach to potential members, as well as the
intended member selection criteria and approach.
(e) An estimate of the budget required for committee operations, and
sources for funds and an estimate of the Federal work effort, in
staff-years, required to support the committee.
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(f) The organization and official responsible for the committee.
(g) A statement of whether the members will be selected for their
expertise or in a representational capacity. Members serving as
experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be compensated if
approved by the Secretary or directed by law. Members serving as
representatives act on behalf of the group or entity specifically
identified in their appointment letter. Should compensation for
SGE members be proposed, the Action Memorandum will contain
a statement of the basis for the proposal. Regardless of whether the
members will be serving for their expertise or as representatives,
there must be a statement of whether they are to receive travel
expenses and per diem
(h) A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee
who will serve as the DFO.
(2) A proposed charter for the advisory committee containing the information
in accordance with FACA §1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102- 3.75.
(3) A proposed Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Establish" the advisory
committee containing the information required in 41 CFR 102-3.65 and an
additional statement providing the name and phone number of the
individual to contact for more information on the committee.
(4) Congressional notification letters
b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures
for the proposal package are as follows.
(1) The head of the Departmental element proposing establishment approves
and signs the proposal package after ensuring that all required information
and documentation is included and all required intraoffice concurrences
have been obtained.
(2) The proposal package is forwarded to the CMO for review and
concurrence and to the Secretary through the offices listed below for the
required concurrence and approval chain. All concurrences are retained as
part of the official file copy.
Section 11
(a) Assistant General Counsel for General Law.
(b) Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils.
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(c) Office of the Executive Secretariat for correspondence control
through the Office of the Secretary.
(d) Office of the Secretary.
(3) Following approval by the Secretary, the approved proposal package is
returned to the CMO. The CMO forwards the consultation, with the
proposed charter attached, to the GSA CM Secretariat. The GSA CM
Secretariat will review the proposal and notify the Secretary of its views
within 15 calendar days of receipt, if possible.
c. Notifying the Public.
(1) If the GSA CM Secretariat concurs with the establishment of the advisory
committee, the CMO forwards the "Notice of Intent to Establish" to the
Federal Register for publication in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.65.
(2) If the GSA CM Secretariat does not concur with the establishment of the
advisory committee, the CMO will inform the head of the requesting
Departmental element of the reasons why and return the proposal package.
(a) If there is agreement that the reasons are valid and changes are
made to correct identified problems, the package will be
resubmitted to the GSA CM Secretariat for concurrence.
(b) If it is agreed that the reasons are not valid, the Secretary of Energy
will have final decision authority for establishing the committee.
(c) If the Secretary decides to establish, the CMO will carry out the
actions in paragraph 4c(1) above and paragraph 4d below.
d. Charter Filing Requirements. At the end of the 15-day public notice period, the
CMO will sign and date the charter, and a copy of the charter will be filed in
accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70(a). Advisory committees are considered
established when their charter is filed as described above. Prior to that, no
advisory committee may meet or take any action. A copy of the filed charter will
be sent to the DFO who is responsible for the advisory committee.
e. Establishing and Chartering Subcommittees. The requirements for establishing
and chartering subcommittees are delineated in 41 CFR 102-3.35 and 102-3.70(c).
5. ESTABLISHMENT DIRECTED BY STATUTE (STATUTORY OR NON-
DISCRETIONARY).
a. Proposal Packages for Establishment. The proposal package requesting
establishment of a non-discretionary advisory committee must include the
following documents:
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(1) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy
Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting approval of the
establishment of the committee. The memorandum must include the
following information.
(a) A description of the purpose and scope of the proposed advisory
committee as outlined in the statute.
(b) A description of the plan for ensuring a fairly balanced committee
membership in terms of the viewpoints represented and the
functions to be performed, including the requirements outlined in
the statute. The plan should ensure that in the selection of
members, the agency will consider a cross-section of those directly
affected, interested, and qualified, as appropriate to the nature and
function of the committee. The plan should include a description of
the means and methods that will be used to ensure broad outreach
to potential members, as well as the intended member selection
criteria and approach.
Section 12
(c) An estimate of the budget required for committee operations and
the source of the funds and an estimate of the Federal work effort,
in person-years, required to support the committee.
(d) The organization and official to be responsible for the committee.
(e) A statement of whether the members will be selected for their
expertise or in a representational capacity. (NOTE: Members
serving as experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be
compensated if approved by the Secretary or directed by law.
Members serving as representatives act on behalf of the group or
entity specifically identified in their appointment letter. Should
compensation for SGE members be proposed, the Action
Memorandum will contain a statement of the basis for the
proposal. Regardless of whether the members will be serving for
their expertise or as representatives, there must be a statement of
whether they are to receive travel expenses and per diem.)
(f) A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee
who will serve as the DFO.
(g) A proposed committee charter containing the information in
accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102-
3.75.
(h) The Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Establish" and
consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat are not required for
statutory committees.
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b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures
for the proposal package are the same as those set forth in paragraph 4b of this
chapter. Consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat is not required.
c. Charter Filing Requirements. After the establishment package has been approved
by the Secretary and received by the CMO, the CMO will sign and date the
charter. A copy of the charter will be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-
3.70(b).A copy of the filed charter will be sent to the DFO who is responsible for
the advisory committee.
6. UTILIZED ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
a. General. A previously existing external entity used to provide advice to the
Department may be considered a "utilized committee" covered by FACA. A
utilized committee is subject to FACA only if the Department manages or controls
it.
(1) Before exercising management and control over an existing external
entity, the head of the Departmental element must coordinate with the
Assistant GC for General Law to determine whether FACA is applicable.
(2) These committees may not be treated as Department advisory committees
before completion of the establishment procedures delineated at 41 CFR
102-3.70. If available, a list of the names and affiliations of the members
will be attached to the establishment package.
b. Committee Charters. In accordance with FACA § 1008(c), the charter for a
utilized advisory committee contains the same information delineated in 41 CFR
102-3.75(a), with the following modifications.
(1) The membership and chairperson provisions must reflect the established
characteristics and size of the group.
(2) The provisions regarding appointment and tenure of members are
excluded.
(3) The charter must clearly reflect that the group will—
(a) be considered an advisory committee only during the period or for
the unique purpose that it is being used by DOE and
(b) comply with the provisions of FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102- 3,
and this Order when it is being used by DOE.
Section 13
c. Notification of Group. Following approval by the Secretary and consultation with
the GSA CM Secretariat, a letter to the group or its sponsoring organization, with
a copy of the charter, can be transmitted to the Secretary for signature.
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(1) If the group agrees to the charter without any substantive changes, public
notice in the Federal Register can take place and the charter will be signed
and dated by the CMO and filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70(a).
Should the group not agree to the charter the concerned program office
will meet with the group to determine a mutually agreeable charter.
(2) A copy of the charter is sent to the DFO who is responsible for the
advisory committee.
7. REESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES. Any advisory committee
whose charter expires must be reestablished if DOE desires or its continuance is
statutorily mandated. The procedures for reestablishment are the same as those for
establishment.
8. AMENDMENTS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTERS. An advisory committee
charter must be amended when the existing charter no longer accurately reflects the
objectives or functions of the advisory committee or any other information concerning
the makeup or status of the committee. Charter amendments must be prepared in
accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.80 as follows.
a. Nonstatutory or Discretionary Committees. Per 41 CFR 102-3.80 a discretionary
advisory committee charter must be amended when the provisions of the filed
charter are inaccurate, specific provisions have changed or become obsolete with
the passing of time, or advisory committees need to be merged. Other
amendments may include changing the name of the advisory committee,
authority, number of members, estimated number or frequency of meetings,
objectives and scope, duties, and estimated costs.
(1) Amendment Package. The amendment package must contain the following
documents.
(a) An Action Memorandum from the head of the Departmental
element sponsoring the advisory committee to the Secretary,
through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable,
requesting an amendment to the committee’s charter, describing the
necessary changes, and reasons for the amendment request.
(b) The amended charter.
(2) Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The amendment package follows
the same procedures set forth for an establishment package in paragraph 4b
of this chapter.
(a) Procedures Following Concurrence and Approval. After
concurrence by the GSA CM Secretariat, the charter is signedand
dated by the CMO and filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-
3.70(a). CMO must also comply with the public notification
requirement contained in 41 CFR 102-3.80(c). A copy of the filed
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charter is sent to the DFO who is responsible for the advisory
committee.
b. Statutory or Nondiscretionary Committees.
(1) Amendments may be made to the charters of statutory committees as long
as they are consistent with the relevant statute. A charter must be
amended when Congress by law, or the President by Presidential directive
changes the authorizing language that has been the basis for establishing
an advisory committee. Amendments may not be affected if they
contravene the Committee’s authorizing provisions.
(a) Amendment Package. Amendment package will contain the
information required by paragraph 8a(1)(a) and (b), above.
Section 14
(b) The amended charter must be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-
3.70.
9. ADVISORY COMMITTEE COSTS.
a. An estimate or report of the costs of an advisory committee must include costs
associated with the following, where applicable:
(1) Compensation of committee members, consultants to the committee, and
permanent and temporary or part-time General Schedule (GS), Wage
Board (WB), or other positions that are part of or supportive to the
committee, including all overtime related to committee functions.
NOTE: Compensation should reflect all (actual or
estimated) person- years, or parts thereof, of Federal
positions devoted to a particular committee’s activities. It
should also include the compensation of Federal employees
assigned to committees, on a reimbursable or
nonreimbursable basis, from Agencies or departments
other than that to which the committee reports.
(2) Benefits associated with compensation.
(3) Travel (including per diem) of committee members, consultants, all
permanent positions, and all temporary or part-time positions that are part
of or supportive to the committee.
(4) Transportation of equipment, display material, etc., communications, and
printing and reproduction.
(5) Rent for additional space acquired for committee use.
(6) Other services required by the committee, including data processing
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services, management studies and evaluations, contractual services, and
reimbursable services.
(7) Supplies, materials, and equipment acquired for committee use.
b. The following costs should be excluded from estimates or reports of the costs of
advisory committees:
(1) Indirect (overhead) costs and
(2) Costs of the committee management system (Agency Committee
Management Officers, etc.).
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II. RENEWAL AND TERMINATION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
1. INTRODUCTION. The renewal or termination of an advisory committee will be in
accordance with FACA § 1013, which provides that advisory committees will terminate
two years after the date of their establishment or extension, except statutory committees
which terminate as otherwise provided by Congress and the requirements of 41 CFR 102-
3.55 and 102-3.60. The renewal of an advisory committee is similar to the establishment
of an advisory committee and, therefore, will also be in accordance with FACA § 1008
and the requirements in 41 CFR 102-3.60, 102-3.65, 102-3.70 and 102-3.75. In addition
to these requirements, this chapter describes the DOE requirements, procedures, and
processes that will be followed to renew or terminate an advisory committee.
2. CRITERIA FOR RENEWAL. The following will be considered before renewing an
advisory committee.
a. As with the establishment of a discretionary advisory committee, one may be
renewed only when it is essential to the conduct of agency business and when the
information to be obtained is not already available through another advisory
committee or source within the Federal Government. (41 CFR 102-3.30(a)).
b. The feasibility of conducting DOE-sponsored symposia, public meetings, or
conferences.
c. Satisfaction of the need for public input through the solicitation of advice and
information from the general or a constituent public through a variety of channels
such as notices in the Federal Register or news releases to appropriate professional
journals and industry publications.
Section 15
3. PROPOSING RENEWAL.
a. The head of a Departmental element that sponsors an advisory committee, after
careful consideration of the criteria set forth in paragraph 2, above, may propose
the renewal of the advisory committee. Before submitting a formal request,
however, he/she must consult with the CMO for advice and recommendations.
b. All of the documentation and actions discussed in this chapter must be approved
and completed before an advisory committee is considered officially renewed.
(1) The proposal package will be submitted to the CMO at least 90 calendar
days before expiration of the committee’s charter. This time frame
includes the requirement of a minimum of 30 calendar days before
expiration of the advisory committee’s charter for submittal of renewals to
the GSA CM Secretariat for consultation.
(2) No advisory committee may operate, meet, or take any action after
expiration of the charter.
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(3) RENEWAL OF COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED BY SECRETARIAL
DISCRETION.
This paragraph covers renewal of committees established at the
Secretary’s discretion including those that the Secretary established as
a result of legislation that authorized, but did not require, the
Secretary to establish.
c. Proposal Packages for Renewal. The proposal package requesting renewal of an
advisory committee must include the following documents.
(1) An Action Memorandum, prepared by the pertinent program office,
addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under
Secretary, if applicable, requesting approval to renew the committee. The
memorandum must include the following information.
(a) A description of the continuing need for and purpose and scope of
the proposed advisory committee and why the committee is in the
public interest.
(b) An explanation of why the committee’s functions cannot be
performed by an existing DOE or other Federal advisory
committee or another DOE component or through the use of
consultants, public hearings, or similar means and an estimated
target date for completion of the committee’s functions.
(c) A summary of the committee’s accomplishments and activities for
the period covered by the expiring charter, including the number of
meetings held, titles and dates of any reports issued, and a
description of the committee’s advice and recommendations
rendered and DOE’s use of such advice.
(d) A description of the plan for maintaining (or attaining) a fairly
balanced committee membership in terms of viewpoints
represented and the functions to be performed. The plan should
ensure that in the selection of members, the agency will consider a
cross-section of those directly affected, interested, and qualified, as
appropriate to the nature and function of the committee. The plan
should include a description of the means and methods that will be
used to ensure broad outreach to potential members, as well as the
intended member selection criteria and approach.
(e) An estimate of the budget required for committee operations and
the source of funding and an estimate of the Federal work effort, in
staff-years, required to support the committee.
(f) The organization and official responsible for the committee.
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
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Section 16
(g) A statement of whether the members will be selected for their
expertise or in a representational capacity. Members serving as
experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be compensated if
approved by the Secretary or directed by law. Members serving as
representatives act on behalf of the group or entity specifically
identified in their appointment letter. Should compensation for
SGE members be proposed, the Action Memorandum will contain
a statement of the basis for the proposal. Regardless of whether the
members will be serving for their expertise or as representatives,
there must be a statement of whether they are to receive travel
expenses and per diem.
(h) A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee
who will serve as the DFO.
(2) A proposed charter for the advisory committee containing the information
in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102- 3.70.
(3) A proposed Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Renew" containing the
information required in 41 CFR 102-3.65 and an additional statement
providing the name and phone number of the individual to contact for
more information on the committee.
(4) Congressional notification letters
d. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures
for the proposal package are as follows.
(1) The head of the Departmental element proposing renewal approves and
signs the proposal package after ensuring that all required information and
documentation is included and all required intraoffice concurrences have
been obtained.
(2) The proposal package is forwarded to the CMO for review and
concurrence and forwarded to the Secretary through the following
required concurrence and approval chain. All concurrences are retained as
part of the official file.
(a) Assistant GC for General Law.
(b) Office of the Executive Secretariat for correspondence control
through the Office of the Secretary.
(c) Office of the Secretary.
(3) Following approval by the Secretary, the approved proposal package is
returned to the CMO in the Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils.
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(a) The CMO forwards the consultation with a copy of the
(b) proposed charter attached to the GSA CM Secretariat.
(c) The GSA CM Secretariat will review the proposal and notify the
Secretary of its views within 15 calendar days of receipt, if
possible.
e. Notifying the Public.
(1) If the GSA CM Secretariat concurs with the renewal of the advisory
committee, the CMO forwards the notice of intent to renew to the Federal
Register for publication in accordance with 1 CFR 102-3.65. The 15-day
requirement does not apply for committee renewals; therefore, publication
of the notice and the filing of the committee’s charter can be done
concurrently.
(2) If the GSA CM Secretariat does not concur with the renewal of the
advisory committee, the CMO will inform the requesting head of the
Departmental element of the reasons why and return the proposal package.
(a) If there is agreement that the reasons are valid and changes are
made to correct identified problems, the package will be
resubmitted to the GSA CM Secretariat for concurrence.
(b) If it is agreed that the reasons are not valid, the Secretary of Energy
has the final decision authority for renewing the committee.
(c) If the Secretary decides to renew, the CMO will carry out the
actions in paragraph 4c(1) above and paragraph 4d below.
Section 17
f. Charter Filing Requirements. After the CMO receives concurrence from the GSA
CM Secretariat, he/she will sign and date the charter, and a copy of the charter
will be filed in accordance with FACA § 1013(b) and 41 CFR 102-3.70. A copy
of the filed charter will be sent to the DFO who will be responsible for the
advisory committee.
g. Renewing and Chartering Subcommittees.
(1) Subcommittees do not need to be formally renewed or chartered if the
parent advisory committee’s charter authorizes establishment of
subcommittees and the subcommittees will not be functioning
independently of the parent committee. Subcommittees must—
(a) act under the policies that have been established by the parent
committee and comply with FACA, as amended, the requirements
of 41 CFR 102-3, and this Order, and
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(b) have their advice and recommendations reviewed and approved by
the parent committee prior to submission to DOE officials.
(2) Subcommittees that will function independently of the parent advisory
committee must be chartered and renewed as separate advisory
committees in accordance with the procedures outlined in this Order.
4. RENEWAL OF STATUTORY COMMITTEES. Each statutory advisory committee
whose termination, as provided for by law, is in excess of 2 years, must be renewed in
accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.55.
a. Proposal Packages for Renewal.
(1) The proposal package for requesting renewal of a statutory advisory
committee will include the following documents.
(a) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the
Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting
approval to renew the committee. The memorandum must include
the following information.
1 A description of the continuing purpose and scope of the
proposed advisory committee as outlined in the statute.
2 A description of the plan for maintaining (or attaining) a
fairly balanced committee membership in terms of
viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed,
including the requirements outlined in the statute. The plan
should ensure that in the selection of members, the agency
will consider a cross-section of those directly affected,
interested, and qualified, as appropriate to the nature and
function of the committee. The plan should include a
description of the means and methods that will be used to
ensure broad outreach to potential members, as well as the
intended member selection criteria and approach.
3 An estimate of the budget required for committee
operations and sources of funding and an estimate of the
Federal work effort, in staff-years, required to support the
committee.
4 The organization and official responsible for the committee.
A statement of whether the members will be selected for
their expertise or in a representational capacity. Members
serving as experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be
compensated if approved by the Secretary or directed by
law. Members serving as representatives act on behalf of
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the group or entity specifically identified in their
appointment letter. Should compensation for SGE members
be proposed, the Action Memorandum will contain a
statement of the basis for the proposal. Regardless of
whether the members will be serving for their expertise or
as representatives, there must be a statement of whether
they are to receive travel expenses and per diem.
Section 18
5 A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE
employee who will serve as the DFO.
6 A proposed charter for the committee containing the
information in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and
required by FR 102-3.75
(b) The Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Renew" and a
consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat are not required for
statutory committees.
b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures
for the renewal package are the same as those set forth for an establishment
package. Consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat is not required.
c. Charter Filing Requirements. After the renewal package has been approved by the
Secretary and received by the CMO, the CMO will sign and date the charter, and
a copy of the charter will be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102- 3.70(b),
including with 1) the agency head; 2) the standing committees of the Senate and
the House of Representatives having legislative jurisdiction of the agency; 3) the
Library of Congress; and 4) the GSA Secretariat . A copy of the filed charter will
also be sent to the DFO.
5. RENEWAL OF UTILIZED COMMITTEES.
a. General. The continuing use of a previously existing, external non-Government
group, as a DOE advisory committee must be approved by the Secretary.
(1) These committees may not be treated as Department advisory committees
until the renewal procedures set forth at paragraph 4 of this chapter are
completed.
(2) A list of the names and affiliations of the existing group members, if
available, must be attached to the renewal package.
b. Committee Charters. The renewal charter for a utilized advisory committee
contains the same information in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required
by 41 CFR 102-3.75, and the same exceptions outlined in this Order.
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c. Notification of Group. Following approval by the Secretary and after consultation
with the GSA CM Secretariat, a letter to the group or its sponsoring organization,
with a copy of the charter, can be transmitted to the Secretary for signature. If the
group agrees to the charter without any substantive changes, public notice in the
Federal Register can take place and the charter filed in
accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70(a).
6. AMENDMENTS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTERS. Procedures for
amending the charter of an advisory committee are delineated in 41 CFR 102-3.80 and this
Order.
7. TERMINATING ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
a. Criteria for Terminating. Termination of an advisory committee must be based on
one of the following situations.
(1) The criteria in FACA § 1013(a), 41 CFR 102-3.55.
(2) The determination that the advice of the committee is no longer essential
to DOE and the committee is no longer in the public interest.
(3) The committee has not been staffed for a period of 1 year.
(4) The committee has not met within a 2-year period.
b. Terminating Nonstatutory (or Discretionary) Committees or Utilized Committees.
(1) Proposal Package for Termination. Normally, the decision to terminate is
made by the sponsoring program office. The proposal package for
requesting termination of a nonstatutory or discretionary committee, or a
utilized committee will include the following documents.
(a) An Action Memorandum from the head of the sponsoring
Departmental element to the Secretary, through the Deputy
Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, proposing the
termination of the advisory committee. The memorandum must-
Section 19
1 describe the reasons why the committee should be
terminated, and
2 provide information as to the availability of any final
reports or recommendations prepared by the committee.
(b) Letters of appreciation to the committee members for signature by
the Secretary.
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(2) Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The termination package will be
sent to the CMO for review and concurrence and transmittal to the
Secretary for approval.
(3) Notice of Termination. After receiving approval from the Secretary, the
CMO will notify the GSA CM Secretariat of the termination date of the
advisory committee.
c. Terminating Statutory Committees.
(1) A committee directly established by a statute that also provides for its
duration or continuity, can be terminated early only by legislation. If the
head of the Departmental element sponsoring a statutory committee has
determined that the committee should be terminated, he/she must obtain
the Secretary’s approval following the procedures in paragraphs 8b(1) and
8b(2) of this chapter and then work with the GC to develop the necessary
legislation to abolish the provision that established the committee.
(2) A committee directly established by a statute that does not provide for its
continuity must be terminated 2 years after its establishment or renewal in
the absence of statutory language to the contrary.
(a) The head of the Departmental element sponsoring the committee
must notify the Secretary, through the CMO, that the committee is
being terminated.
1 The memorandum will contain the information in paragraph
8b(1)(a) and (2) of this chapter.
2 Letters of appreciation to the committee members for
services rendered must be prepared for the Secretary’s
signature and transmitted with the memorandum.
(b) After receiving the Secretary’s approval, the CMO must notify the
GSA CM Secretariat.
(c) The CMO, in coordination with the responsible Departmental
element head, will work with GC to develop legislation to abolish
the provision that directed establishment of the committee.
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01-17-2025 Page A-19
III. MEMBERSHIP OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
1. INTRODUCTION. Selection and appointment of individuals to serve on advisory
committees and decisions on compensation of committee members will be in accordance
with FACA §§1004(b)(2), 1004(b)(3), and 1006(d); 41 CFR 102- 3.30(c), 102-3.60(b)(3),
and 102-3.130; DOE Organization Act, § 624(a);18 U.S.C. § 219(a), and pertinent Office
of Government Ethics opinion.
Members appointed for their expertise are required to become SGEs, as defined at 18
U.S.C. § 202, subject to the criminal provisions at 18 U.S.C. §§ 203-208, 219.
Representative members of advisory committees represent a group, entity, or viewpoint
and are not considered Federal officials or Federal employees, including SGEs. In
addition to these requirements, this chapter describes the requirements, procedures, and
processes that must be followed when selecting and appointing members to and
compensating members of an advisory committee.
2. GOVERNING PRINCIPLES.
a. The Secretary, Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, or a designated head of a
Departmental element, unless otherwise provided by statute or regulation, must
select and approve the appointment of all advisory committee members, except
those of utilized committees.
Section 20
b. All heads of Departmental elements, in coordination with the CMO, must ensure
that the membership of DOE advisory committees represents a fair balance of
interests.
c. Individuals must be nominated, selected, and appointed based on their
qualifications to contribute to the accomplishment of the committee’s objectives,
including any statutory requirements.
d. Members must serve without compensation unless approval has been obtained
from the Secretary to compensate them.
e. Members should be appointed for 1- to 3-year terms based on the requirements set
forth in the committee’s charter except when other terms are provided by statute.
(1) Membership terms should be staggered so that at least one third of the
membership is retained for continuity, when practicable and consistent
with the purpose or function of the advisory committee. Appointment of
new members will provide for rotation to the extent feasible and
practicable, but reappointments may be made.
(2) A member appointed to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the
term for which his/her predecessor was appointed.
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f. Membership must be limited to the smallest number of individuals necessary to
accomplish the committee’s objectives. Members serve at the discretion of the
Secretary and may be removed without cause.
3. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP.
a. Balanced Membership.
(1) Advisory committees will be fairly balanced in terms of the points of view
represented and the functions to be performed by the advisory committee, in
accordance with FACA §§ 1004(b)(2) and (3) and 41 CFR 102.3-60(b)(3).
(2) Consideration will also be given to factors such as the geographic region
of the country; minority groups; women’s organizations; public and
private academic institutions, including Black colleges and universities;
physically challenged individuals and groups; and the public at large.
b. Ineligibility for Advisory Committee Membership. The following individuals are
ineligible for advisory committee membership except as noted.
(1) Employees of DOE site/facility management and operating or
management and integration contractors (not including subcontractors)
that provide goods or services to any program under the supervision or
control of a Secretarial Officer. (A memorandum of exception may be
submitted with the membership package providing a concise justification
that appointment of such individuals will not result in conflicts of interest.)
(2) Federal Government employees, except SGEs. (Federal employees may be
invited to serve in an ex officio capacity or as an attendee whenever their
participation is necessary in advisory committee deliberations.)
(3) Individuals serving on another federal advisory committee. (A
memorandum of exception may be submitted in the package for the
proposed committee providing a concise justification for appointment.)
c. Waivers. The CMO has the authority to approve a memorandum of exception for
those deemed ineligible for advisory committee membership. The request for an
exception must be in writing, present a justification to support the request, include
a statement that appointment of the individuals in question will not result in a
conflict of interest, and be included in the formal appointment package.
4. PRELIMINARY APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES.
a. Nominating Members. The heads of Departmental elements who propose the
establishment, reestablishment, or renewal of an advisory committee will
recommend its members unless the committee’s charter prescribes otherwise.
Section 21
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01-17-2025 Page A-21
b. Nominations by Outside Organizations. On occasion it may be desirable to have a
professional society, association, or other organization nominate one or more of
its members to serve on a DOE advisory committee.
(1) Approval of the Office of the Secretary is required before any official
contact with the organization.
(2) Unless the committee’s charter prescribes otherwise, arrangements will be
worked out with the outside organization to enable the Secretary to accept
or reject nominees without embarrassment to the Department, the
organization, or the individuals.
(3) Administrative clearance of nominees is required before they are invited to
serve.
c. Security Clearances.
(1) An appropriate level security clearance (access authorization) is required
for any individual who will serve on a DOE advisory committee that will
require the individual to have access to classified information or materials.
(2) The program official responsible for nominating members will be
responsible for requesting the appropriate level of access authorization in
accordance with the requirements set forth in DOE O 470.4 and DOE O
472.2A.
d. Compensation of Members.
(1) When extending invitations to individuals to serve as members of DOE
advisory committees, it must be explained that the Department does not pay
members for their services unless the provisions in paragraph 4d(2) apply.
(2) Pay must be provided to SGE members if required by the statute
mandating or authorizing the establishment of an advisory committee,
authorized by an Executive Order, or written into the committee’s charter
and approved by the Secretary.
(3) If the head of the Departmental element decides to request compensation
for SGE members of an advisory committee, the criteria in FACA
§1006(d) and 41 CFR 102-3.130 will be followed.
e. A memorandum, to be transmitted through the Deputy Secretary or Under
Secretary, will be prepared for the Secretary—
(1) requesting approval to compensate the committee members and presenting
the reasons and justifications to support the request and
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(2) recommending the appropriate rate of pay based on the requirements
criteria. The memorandum will be transmitted with the formal appointment
package [see paragraph 5a(6) below] to obtain the concurrences of the
CMO, GC the Office of the Secretary. After receipt of approval, the head
of the Departmental element works with the Director of Human Resources
Management to complete the required personnel actions.
5. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENT. The head of the sponsoring Departmental
element will submit to the CMO, for routing to the Secretary, a formal appointment
package at least 120 days before proposed date of appointment or expiration of current
membership term. The following procedures apply to all membership appointments
regardless of whether the advisory committee is newly established, reestablished, or
renewed. (Membership on utilized committees is discussed in paragraph 5d below.)
When the primary member is not able to attend a Board meeting, an alternate member
may participate in their stead but cannot hold leadership roles. Unless a proposed
alternate member is duly approved by the Secretary or other appointing authority, such
member must participate as a member of the public and may not vote. Primary members
and appointed alternate members may only count as one vote.
Section 22
a. Proposal Packages for Appointment of Members. Proposal packages for advisory
committee appointments will include the following information and documents.
(1) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy
Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting the appointment of
members to the advisory committee. The memorandum will include the
following information.
(a) A background narrative stating the advisory committee’s purpose as
described in the charter.
(b) How a fairly balanced membership on the committee was achieved
based on the required disciplines.
(c) The number of members on the advisory committee as stated in the
charter and their tenure.
(d) Identification of who will be the committee chair.
A statement of whether the members will be selected for their
expertise or in a representational capacity. Should compensation
for SGE members be proposed, the Action Memorandum will
contain a statement of the basis for the proposal. Regardless of
whether the members will be serving for their expertise or as
representatives, there must be a statement of whether they are to
receive travel expenses and per diem. (NOTE: If the package
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01-17-2025 Page A-23
covers various types of appointments, then each type of
appointment should be identified and a list of affected individuals
and the action requested should be included.)
(e) A statement, if necessary, that a memorandum requesting approval
for exceptions to paragraphs 3b(1) through 3b(2) is included in the
package for approval by the CMO.
(2) Copy of the current charter for the committee.
(3) Copy of the current membership balance plan for the committee.
(4) Proposed membership list.
(5) Biography of each proposed member clearly showing the member’s
employer.
(6) A matrix/table presenting the members’ attributes (e.g., geographic
location; residential, industrial, or commercial consumer) to demonstrate
that balance criteria have been met.
(7) A memorandum, if necessary, addressed to the Secretary requesting
approval to compensate SGE members for their services and presenting a
clear justification of why and at what level of pay they should be
compensated.
(8) A memorandum, if necessary, addressed to the CMO requesting
exceptions due to employment or multiple advisory board memberships
and presenting supporting justifications as to why the exceptions are
needed.
(9) Letters of invitation to each member for signature by the Secretary. The
letters will be tailored to correspond to the type of appointment for each
member and in the case of representational members, specify the group,
entity, or viewpoint that the member represents. Each member will be
provided the following information either in the Secretary’s letter or by
equivalent means such as a separate information package. The
appointment as chairperson of the committee will be stated in the letter
going to that particular member. A copy of the committee’s charter will be
included with the letters, and all of the letters will contain the following
information.
(a) A description of the committee and its scope and objectives.
(b) A description of the member’s role and responsibilities.
(c) The name of the chairperson of the committee, if known.
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(d) The name and contact information of the DFO.
(e) The frequency of meetings.
Section 23
(10) A statement concerning service without compensation, or service with
compensation, if approved by the Secretary, and information on payment
of travel expenses and per diem, if applicable.
(11) A statement regarding the basis upon which a private sector person is
appointed. If as a representative, the statement should include
identification of the specific entity the member is expected to represent. If
as an expert, the statement should inform the person that he serves as an
SGE.
(12) Appointment packages for renewals or reestablishments of advisory
committee memberships will contain not only letters of invitation, but also
letters of appreciation for signature by the Secretary to members whose
terms have expired or who have decided to retire from service on the
committee.
b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The appointment package follows the
same procedures set forth for an establishment package in this Order, except—
(1) Appointment packages that contain individuals who are, or who are going
to be appointed as, SGEs will be submitted provided to the Director of
Human Capital Management for approval or, for Office of Science
committees, the Office of Science official designated to perform that
function, or for NNSA committees, the NNSA official designated to
perform that function,
(2) The Office of the Executive Secretariat or the originating office mails the
signed letters to the proposed members and sends a copy of the approved
package to the CMO for his/her records.
c. Acceptance of Appointment.
(1) Acceptance of the invitation by the proposed member constitutes the
person’s appointment to the committee. The effective date of the
member’s term is the date of the invitation letter unless another date is
specified. SGEs must be sworn in.
(2) SGEs regardless of whether they are going to be compensated for their
service on the committee will be appointed to official positions and paid in
accordance with FACA § 1006(d); the policies and procedures in 41 CFR
102-3.130; and DOE O 321.1. The head of the responsible Departmental
element must work with the Office of Human Resources Management or
the Office of Science official performing that function for the Office of
Science official performing that function for the Office of Science
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
01-17-2025 Page A-25
committees, to ensure the necessary documents and personnel actions are
completed.
(3) Members must not participate in any committee business dealing with
classified information until receipt of their security clearances.
d. Membership on Utilized Committees. No formal membership package is required
for utilized committees because the membership is determined by the head of the
non-Government organization or Federal agency responsible for the committee.
6. ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
a. Advisory committee members, in coordination with the DFO and the head of the
responsible Departmental element, will comply with the following.
(1) Prior to becoming advisory committee members, Federal employees,
including SGEs, will disclose in writing (by annually filing either an
Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278e), Confidential Financial
Disclosure Report (OGE 450), or an alternate Executive Branch
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report with the Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for General Law) any financial or other interest that may
be affected by the work of the committee or create the appearance of a
conflict of interest.
Section 24
(2) Prior to participation, address with the Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for General Law the Federal ethics rules and conflict of interest
statutes and any possible ethical problems that may arise from serving on a
DOE advisory committee, if necessary.
b. Advisory committee members must not participate in particular matters before the
committee, such as grants or contracts, that might have a direct and predictable
impact on the companies, organizations, or agencies with which they are
associated or in which they have a financial interest.
c. Program personnel should plan and distribute meeting agendas prior to the
meeting date to avoid consideration of particular matters involving entities with
which members are associated or should take care that members are informed of
potential impacts of specific matters on such entities so that they can disqualify
themselves from participation in these matters.
d. Advisory committee members including representative members should be aware
of, and take care to abide by, the following general conflicts of interest
regulations.
(1) Members will refrain from any use of their membership that is, or gives the
appearance of being, motivated by the desire for private gain.
(2) Members will not use, either directly or indirectly, any inside information
Appendix A – Federal Employees Only DOE O 515.1
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obtained as a result of advisory committee service for private gain.
(3) Members will not use their positions in any way to coerce, or give the
appearance of coercing, another person to provide a financial benefit to the
member or any person with whom he or she has family, business, or
financial ties.
(4) Members who are appointed SGEs must follow the prohibitions on
accepting gifts contained in 5 CFR 2635.201 et seq. if they are offered as a
result of committee membership.
e. Representative members are not Federal employees and, therefore, are not subject
to the criminal conflicts of interest statutes or the standards of conduct
regulations. In the absence of applicable statutes or regulations governing their
conduct, representative members should comport themselves with integrity so as
to not misuse their positions on the committee for their own personal benefit or
the benefit of others with whom they interact outside their service on the
committee.
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
01-17-2025 Page A-27
IV. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
1. INTRODUCTION. The preparation for and conduct of advisory committee meetings
must be in accordance with FACA §§ 1009 and 1010; 41 CFR 102-3.30(d) and (e), 102-
3.120, 102-3.140, 102-3.145, 102-3.150, and 102-3.155.
See also amendment to FACA § 1009(c) in P.L. 94-409 (December 13,
1976), substituting Sunshine Act provisions for previous Freedom of
Information Act provisions for conducting closed meetings. In addition to
these requirements, this chapter describes the DOE requirements,
procedures, and processes that must be followed in the preparation for and
conduct of advisory committee meetings.
2. SUPPLEMENTAL DOE REQUIREMENTS.
a. Departmental advisory committees will not take any official action at any meeting
in the absence of a quorum of duly appointed members. Unless otherwise set forth
in the charter of the committee, a quorum must consist of a majority of the
committee’s appointed membership (i.e., one more than one half). This does not
include subcommittee or administrative meetings. If a quorum is not present, the
meeting may proceed, but the committee may take no official action.
Section 25
b. Departmental advisory committees will not hold any meeting in the absence of the
DFO. If the DFO cannot attend a committee meeting, the DFO must designate, in
writing, a DOE employee who must attend the meeting the DFO will not attend
and assume the DFO’s responsibilities. This does not include subcommittee or
administrative meetings, though it is preferable if the DFO or designee can attend.
c. Departmental advisory committees must not make recommendations or give
advice with respect to matters not considered by the committee in meetings where
a quorum is present or not within the scope of its functions as set forth in the
committee’s charter.
3. OPEN MEETINGS.
a. Public Participation. The criteria for public participation in 41 CFR 102-3.140
must be considered when scheduling, preparing for, and conducting advisory
committee meetings.
(1) Any public participation must be subject to reasonable rules or procedures
that may be established by the DFO.
(2) Public attendance at open meetings (including teleconferences, video
conferences, the Internet or other electronic medium) must not be
constrained in an unreasonable manner. Attendance must be on a first-
come, first-served basis up to the reasonable and safe capacity of the
meeting room or other medium. Public participation must be allowed as
follows:
Appendix A – Federal Employees Only DOE O 515.1
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(a) Written Statements. The submission of written statements must be
in accordance with FACA § 1009(a)(3), 41 CFR 102-
3.140(a)(1)(c), and must not be administratively hampered by
arbitrary conditions of length, format, number of copies,
typography, etc. Persons who desire to submit statements should be
advised to address them to the DFO of the advisory committee.
Public comments should be published and be publicly accessible.
(b) Oral Statements. Oral statements must be in accordance with
FACA § 1009(a)(3), 41 CFR 102-3.140(ad)(1)(4), and this
paragraph.
1 A minimum of 15 minutes must be allotted at each open
meeting for the presentation of oral statements if comments
are not taken throughout the meeting.
2 A statement must be included in the Federal Register notice
announcing how comments from the public will be taken
during the meeting.
3 DOE may establish procedures requiring interested persons
to obtain advance approval for participation.
(c) Questions. Questioning of committee members or participants by
the public is not permitted except with the approval of the DFO
and chairperson.
(d) Rosters and Related Information. For the benefit of attendees from
the general public (and media), rosters that list the names and
affiliations of the committee members and copies of any other
documents that may be distributed at the meeting.
b. News Media Coverage of Meetings. DOE will allow the news media direct access to
qualified news sources within DOE and will allow as free a flow of information as
possible within orderly administrative limits.
(1) Media representatives attending and reporting on open (and the open
portion of partially closed) committee meetings are at liberty to use tape
recorders, cameras, and electronic equipment for broadcast purposes. The
use of such equipment, however, must not interfere with the orderly
conduct of the meeting. (To preclude disruptions, DFOs should encourage
news media personnel to position equipment before meetings start and
remove it after adjournment or during intermission periods.)
Section 26
(2) Contacts with the media concerning coverage of meetings will be
coordinated with the Office of Public Affairs.
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c. Public Notification.
(1) "Notice of Open Meeting" for each advisory committee meeting must be
published in the Federal Register in accordance with 41 CFR 102-150(a).
Whenever possible, 30 days notice will be given.
(2) If approved by the GC or GC designee, less than 15 calendar days’ notice
may be given, in exceptional circumstances, such as a national emergency
or natural disaster, in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.150(b).
(3) Meetings may also be announced by press releases, direct mailing,
publication in trade and professional journals, or by notice to special
interest and community groups affected by the committee’s deliberations.
This procedure, however, will not be a substitute for Federal Register
publication.
d. Preparation of Notices.
(1) No later than 30 calendar days before the scheduled meeting date, the
DFO will prepare a "Notice of Open Meeting" containing the information
required in 41 CFR 102-3.150(a); if the meeting is partially or fully closed,
the DFO will prepare a "Notice of Partially Closed or Closed Meeting"
that is in compliance with 41 CFR 102-3.155.
(2) The notice must be forwarded to the CMO for review who will then
submit it to the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation,
Regulation, and Energy Efficiency for review and concurrence. The CMO
will then sign the notice and send it for processing to the Federal Register.
(3) If the meeting is cancelled or the date, time, or location of a meeting
changes from that previously announced in the Federal Register, an
appropriate notice will be published promptly. The amended notice should
reference the volume, page number, and date of the previous Federal
Register notice.
4. CLOSED MEETINGS.
a. Criteria for Closed Meetings. The decision to close (limit public access to) an
advisory committee meeting to the public must be based on the criteria in FACA
§ 1009(d); 41 CFR 102-3.30(d), 102-3.150, and 102-3.155; and 5 U.S.C. §
552b(c), Government in the Sunshine Act. The exemptions listed in the
Government in the Sunshine Act are available for use by Federal agencies;
however, they are not mandatory. As such, they should be waived whenever
practicable to satisfy the basic intent of the law, which is openness in
Government.
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b. Procedures for Requesting Closed Meetings. Requests for closed meetings must
be prepared in accordance with the procedures in FACA § 1009(d) and 41 CFR
102-3.155(a)- (c). Conducting a meeting or portion of a meeting that is closed to
the public requires early planning, formal documentation, and specific
concurrences and approvals.
(1) Requests for Meeting in Closed Session.
(a) Requests to close meetings to the public must be prepared and
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
(b) No later than 45 calendar days before the scheduled meeting an
Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the
Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, must be prepared by the
DFO of the advisory committee for signature by the head of the
Departmental element sponsoring the committee. The
memorandum should present a concise explanation of the facts and
reasons why the meeting should be closed and include the
following attachments:
Section 27
1 a formal notice of determination, for signature by the
Secretary, which provides a statement of the reasons for the
closing or partial closing of the meeting and identification
of the pertinent exemptions;
2 the agenda or tentative agenda for the meeting showing
when the meeting must be partially closed or closed and
either the first or the last agenda item; and
3 a copy of the "Notice of Closed Meeting", or Notice of
Open Meeting/Partially Closed Meeting," prepared in
accordance with paragraph 3c ("Public Notification")
above.
(c) If a committee has a legitimate need for frequent closed meetings,
the committee may submit a request for one "Notice of
Determination" to cover a series of meetings. As a general rule, the
series of meetings must cover the same topics, be closed on the
same statutory bases, and not extend for the duration of the charter.
(2) Concurrence and Approval Procedures.
(a) Request packages must be submitted to the CMO for review and
concurrence and then transmitted to GC for review and
concurrence before submission to the Secretary for approval.
(b) When meeting in closed session or partial session has been
approved by the Secretary and the Notice of Determination signed,
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the original request package must be returned to the CMO for
signature and processing of the Federal Register notice.
c. Conduct of Closed Meetings.
(1) When a meeting is closed, members will not discuss or disclose the
matters discussed except with other members and committee staff
personnel.
(2) If only part of a meeting is closed, the agenda items will be arranged to
facilitate public attendance at the open portion.
(3) When a meeting is partially closed, the agenda will be structured to
minimize the amount of time needed for the closed session.
(4) When a meeting (or portion of a meeting) is closed, only members of the
committee, its staff, and specified Federal employees will be permitted to
attend.
5. MINUTES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
a. Detailed minutes of each advisory committee meeting must be kept in accordance
with 41 CFR 102-3.165. In addition, the following items must be included in the
minutes.
(1) Name of the committee.
(2) Names of any members who recused themselves from the meeting or
specific agenda matter and the reasons and a statement that they did not
participate in the meeting or specific matter in which they recused
themselves.
(3) Description of the extent to which the meeting was open to the public and
the public participation.
b. Verbatim transcripts may be taken and must contain the same information shown
in paragraph 5a above; however, verbatim transcripts are not a substitute for the
minutes.
c. The chairperson of the committee will certify the contents of the minutes and, if
applicable, the transcript. The certification should indicate that the contents are
accurate and complete.
d. The DFO will post minutes to the Advisory Committee website within 14 calendar
days of certification.
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6. MEETING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DFOs AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSONS.
a. DFOs.
(1) General Responsibilities. In addition to complying with all the requirements
in 41 CFR 102-3.120, the DFO will:
(a) Work closely with the program and/or the CMO to ensure
appropriate deadlines are met and that committees meet the
objectives for which they were established.
Section 28
(b) Maintain the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, working papers,
drafts, studies, agendas, and other documents that are made
available to or are prepared by the advisory committee.
(c) Initiate all personnel actions for new members, if required.
(d) Initiate letters of invitation, welcome, and appreciation and
certificates of appreciation, when appropriate.
(e) Serve as the main resource person available to the program and the
organization regarding the renewal, reestablishment, or
rechartering of the committees for which they are responsible, and
initiate all requests for committee continuance.
(f) In consultation with GC, determine whether any members have
conflicts of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest with
any matter pending before the committee for a specific meeting.
Members who have a conflict of interest or an appearance of a
conflict of interest with a specific matter that will be discussed at a
meeting are required to recuse themselves and recusals must be
announced at the beginning of meetings.
(2) Before Meetings.
(a) Prepare agendas in consultation with the chairperson. Ensure
agenda topics and work plan content align with the committee
charter. Agendas should include a description of each discussion
topic.
(b) Distribute agendas and meeting materials to members in advance of
meetings, when possible.
(c) Make logistical arrangements for meetings, including, when
necessary, arranging for overnight accommodation for members.
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
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(d) Ensure meeting notices are published in the Federal Register before
meetings.
(3) During Meetings.
(a) Be present at meetings.
(b) Ensure committees conduct business in accordance with all
applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
(c) Ensure accurate records are kept of committee deliberations. If a
closed portion of a meeting is recorded, the DFO ensures that only
an official transcriber for the organization performs the recording.
(d) Record motions and votes on each item of business; take notes on
discussions and proceedings as necessary to prepare the minutes.
(e) Authorize the adjournment of any committee meeting in the event
of unwarranted departure from the agenda of the meeting or if
adjournment is determined to be in the public interest.
(4) After Meetings.
(a) Prepare minutes and make copies available promptly to members
and the general public.
(b) Ensure that minutes are certified by the chairperson within 90
calendar days of the meeting to which they relate and are posted on
the advisory committee website, if one exists, within 14 calendar
days of certification. See 41 CFR 102-3.165(c).
(c) Arrange for the preparation of pay, if required, and travel vouchers
so that members may be reimbursed.
b. Chairpersons.
(1) Preside at all committee meetings.
(a) Ensure agendas are followed as closely as possible.
(b) Appoint other committee members to preside if it is necessary for
the Chairperson to leave due to a conflict of interest or other
circumstances.
(2) Ensure all rules of order and conduct are maintained during each session.
(a) Ensure committee members disqualified from participation in
committee discussion do not participate in the discussion or vote.
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(b) Ensure minutes and transcripts of meetings clearly indicate when
members did not participate and were not present during
discussions.
Section 29
(3) Call on individuals for opinions and comments and terminate any off-topic
discussion.
(4) Call for votes, as required.
(5) Control public participation during the open portion of meetings.
(6) Certify the accuracy of the minutes and/or transcripts of each committee
meeting before their distribution
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
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V. TRAVEL COSTS
1. INTRODUCTION. Travel costs for advisory committees may be allowed in accordance
with FACA §1006(d)(1)(B), 41 CFR 102-3.130(f), and Section 624 of the DOE
Organization Act. In addition to these requirements, this chapter describes the DOE
requirements, procedures, and processes that must be followed when requesting and
approving travel costs for travel related to advisory committees.
2. DEPARTMENTAL CRITERIA.
a. The Department may allow reimbursement of travel expenses for advisory
committees in accordance with DOE M 552.1-1A, U.S. Department of Energy
Travel Manual, dated 2-17-06 and 41 CFR Part 300, which is the principal source
of policy for Federal employee travel.
b. If reimbursement of travel expenses incurred on committee business has been
authorized at the establishment or renewal of a committee and fiscal or other
considerations make it appear necessary to terminate such reimbursement prior to
a subsequent renewal of the committee, contact the CMO for guidance. If
termination of travel reimbursement is authorized, members must be so advised
prior to their traveling on committee business.
3. TRAVEL EXPENSE RULES AND LIMITS.
a. Coverage. Advisory committee members may be reimbursed for travel expenses
only when they are on committee business while away from their residences or
regular places of business.
b. Tickets. Generally, the Department will provide advisory committee members
with a Government fare common carrier ticket.
(1) If DOE is unable to provide a member with a common carrier ticket, the
member may use personal means to purchase transportation. (When
transportation costs exceed $100, a senior DOE official is required to
review the circumstances of the purchase before reimbursement, which
may not exceed the Government-authorized fare.)
(2) Unused tickets should be returned promptly to the DOE program office.
c. Major Travel to and from Meetings. The most usual travel mode is by common
carrier (air or train, with air being the most common mode). Members may also
use their privately owned vehicles to travel to meetings. The applicable rules are
as follows.
(1) Air Travel. Airfare is limited to the regular, round-trip, coach-class fare or,
when available, Government contract airlines between the member’s
residence or regular place of business and the meeting site.
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(a) DOE will arrange an electronic ticket (e-ticket), which will be
retrieved at the airport ticket counter, and mail the itinerary for
each committee member traveling by air.
(b) When travel is between cities (city-pairs) served under the
Government contract airline program, DOE will issue an e- ticket
for transportation on the contract airline.
1 Use of a noncontract airline must be justified when service
from a contract airline is available.
2 Committee members must make their own airline
reservations when using a noncontract airline for travel to
cities serviced by contract airlines.
Section 30
3 Committee members who wish to make changes in their
travel itineraries (different from direct, round-trip travel
between their residences and the meeting site) should
consult with the Departmental element that sponsors the
committee about procedures.
4 Committee members may upgrade their accommodations
(e.g., to first class) by contacting the carrier directly and
paying any fare increases.
5 Members may also reroute their travel provided they pay
any resultant additional costs directly.
(c) International travel by air must adhere to the provisions of the Fly
America Act. (Members should check with the Departmental
element to find out whether this regulation applies.)
(2) Train Travel. Committee members may also travel to and from meetings
by train.
(a) Travel by train will be authorized only when it is advantageous to
the Government.
(b) If it is not advantageous to the Government, reimbursement for
travel by train will be limited to the actual fare or the regular,
round-trip, coach-class air fare between the two traveling points,
whichever is less.
(3) Privately Owned Vehicle. A member may also travel to and from meetings
by his/her privately owned vehicle.
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
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(a) DOE will reimburse the member at the current Government
mileage allowance rate and for actual bridge, turnpike, ferry, and
parking fees.
(b) Total travel expenses by privately owned vehicle generally must
not exceed the usual cost by common carrier.
(4) Rental Cars. DOE will not reimburse a member for rental car charges
unless use of a rental car can be justified and the member has received
specific, advance approval for using a rental car.
d. Incidental Transportation. DOE will reimburse committee members for the
following incidental expenses associated with transit to and from airports and to
and from hotels and meeting sites:
(1) charges for buses, airport limousines, and subways;
(2) charges for taxis (when they are the most appropriate means of
transportation);
(3) use of privately owned vehicles, including tolls and parking fees, in
accordance with paragraph 4c(3) above; and
(4) charges for rental cars when authorized in advance and properly justified.
e. Lodging, Meals, and Incidental Subsistence Expenses.
(1) DOE will reimburse committee members for lodging, meal, and incidental
expenses associated with travel for meetings using a per diem allowance
(i.e., a daily payment instead of reimbursement for actual expenses).
(a) The per diem allowances paid for official travel within the
continental United States are computed under the lodgings- plus
basis per diem system and services.
(b) The maximum per diem rates include a maximum amount for
lodging expenses. Committee members will be reimbursed for
actual lodging costs, supported by receipts, up to this amount.
(c) A fixed allowance for meals and incidental subsistence expenses is
also included in the maximum per diem rate. The meals and
incidental subsistence expense rate is payable without itemization
of expenses or receipts. (Meals and incidental subsistence
expenses are prorated for partial days of official travel.)
(2) A committee member may be authorized to travel on an actual lodging
expense basis rather than a per diem basis for lodging.
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Section 31
(a) In these cases, DOE will reimburse for actual lodging not to
exceed the maximum daily amounts allowed for these expenses.
For travel within the continental United States, the maximum must
not exceed 300 percent of the applicable maximum lodging per
diem rate prescribed for the area.
(b) It is necessary to submit receipts for lodging and individual
expenditure over $75.00 when meals and incidental subsistence
expenses are reimbursed on an actual basis, however, individuals
should retain such receipts to prove such expenditures in the event
that their travel expenses are audited.
(3) When travel is outside the continental United States, other rates specified
within the travel regulations for the specific locality apply.
(4) With respect to lodging, a member is responsible for—
(a) making, confirming, changing, or guaranteeing his/her own hotel
reservations and
(b) paying his/her own hotel bills. (DOE will reimburse actual costs
not to exceed the maximum daily rate specified for lodging.)
(5) DOE can make hotel reservations for committee members with a
Government travel or personal credit card from the member (because DOE
cannot be liable for hotel expenses).
(a) Frequently DOE locates appropriate lodging for members and
arranges for blocks of rooms to be reserved until a certain date to
permit members to make their reservations (but members must
personally contact the hotel to make or guarantee their
reservations.)
(b) Members must still submit a legible copy of the hotel bill with their
travel reimbursement vouchers (paragraph 3f) to be reimbursed for
this expense within the maximum amount allowed for lodging [see
paragraphs 3c(1) through 3c(4) above].
(6) Receipts are required for all cash expenditures over $75.00 and for certain
types of expenses, such as excess baggage, passenger transportation
services, and rental cars, regardless of amount.
f. Travel Expense Reimbursement Vouchers. Information for completion of travel
expense reimbursement vouchers is in DOE M 552.1-1A and 41 CFR 301-52.
Committee members who have questions about the travel rules or
how to claim reimbursement can consult with the Departmental
element sponsoring their committees before traveling or before
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
01-17-2025 Page A-39
submitting the reimbursement vouchers. (Incomplete or incorrectly
completed vouchers are a major cause of delay in reimbursing
members.)
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VI. RECORDS AND REPORTS
1. INTRODUCTION. All records, reports, reviews, and other documents prepared by and
related to advisory committees must be kept, maintained, and distributed in accordance
with FACA §§ 1005, 1006(b), 1007(b), 1009(b)-(c), 1010(b), 1011(a), and 1012; and 41
CFR 102-3.115, 102-3.165, 102-3.170, and 102-3.175. In addition to these requirements,
this chapter describes the DOE requirements, procedures, and processes for keeping,
maintaining, and distributing the records, reports, reviews, and other documents relating
to advisory committees.
2. RECORDS.
a. Departmental Committee Record System. The CMO must maintain a
Departmental Committee Record System in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.115.
In addition the following records for each DOE advisory committee must be
included.
(1) The original establishment proposal and any original renewal proposals.
(2) Copies of letters that were used to file the charter and/or amendments or
revisions with the Congressional standing committees.
Section 32
(3) Copies of Notices of Establishment published in the Federal Register for
committees established by Secretarial authority.
(4) The original written approval for the establishment of any subcommittee.
(5) Copies of the committee’s membership proposal packages.
(6) Original Notices of Determination, copies of the Notices of
Closed/Partially Closed Meetings published in the Federal Register, and
related documents.
(7) Copies of all Notices of Open Meetings, as published in the Federal
Register.
(8) Copies of detailed minutes and transcripts of all meetings.
(9) Copies of all reports issued by the committee.
b. Designated Federal Officer File. The DFO must maintain the following records
and reports pertaining to the DFO’s committee.
(1) Copies of all records required in paragraph 2a above.
(2) Copies of all records, reports, transcripts, minutes, appendixes, working
papers, drafts, studies, agendas, or other documents that were made
available to or prepared for or by the committee.
DOE O 515.1 Appendix A – Federal Employees Only
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(3) Data or documents to prepare the major items of the annual
comprehensive review on the advisory committee and the closed meeting
report.
(4) Copies of all written recusal executed by members.
3. REPORTS.
a. Committee Issued Reports. Whatever their form or substance, copies of each
advisory committee report and related background papers will be forwarded to the
CMO for transmittal to the Library of Congress in accordance with FACA § 1012
and 41 CFR 102-3.175(d). The DFO must submit these copies to the CMO within
10 days of the date the original is delivered to the appropriate DOE official. This
requirement does not pertain to minutes of meetings or to any of the other reports
that are discussed below.
b. Annual Comprehensive Review of Federal Advisory Committees.
(1) An annual comprehensive review of Federal advisory committees must be
conducted in accordance with FACA § 1006(b) and the requirements of 41
CFR 102-3.115(b)102-3.175(b) and using the Government-wide shared
Internet-based system that the GSA CM Secretariat established.
(2) The GSA CM Secretariat will electronically issue instructions to Agencies
regarding reporting requirements, procedures, and submission dates.
(a) The CMO will serve as the central point for coordination of the
annual comprehensive review and will be responsible for
informing DFOs of the GSA CM Secretariat’s requirements and
electronically submitting the Department’s consolidated report to
the GSA CM Secretariat.
(b) DFOs will be responsible for accurately and completely filling out
the individual electronic committee reports by the due date
established by the CMO for submission.
(3) The annual comprehensive review will entail an in-depth examination of
all advisory committees, and any advisory committees determined to be no
longer needed will be terminated. Advisory committees established by
statute will also be reviewed, and if appropriate, their termination will be
recommended. The annual comprehensive review must contain the
information required by FACA § 1006(b) and the following.
(a) A description of how the membership is balanced in terms of points
of view represented and functions performed.
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(b) An explanation of why the advice or information cannot be
obtained from other sources.
(c) An explanation of any duplication of effort with other committees,
within the Department or with other Federal agencies.
Section 33
(d) A description of how the committee’s reports, recommendations,
and advice have been used in Departmental policy formulation,
program planning, decision making, achieving economies, etc.
(4) The annual comprehensive review will contain a justification for each
advisory committee the Secretary decides should be continued. The
justification will describe what the committee does, why there is a
compelling need for its continuance, and how it has a fairly balanced
membership.
c. Reports of Closed Meetings.
(1) Each advisory committee that held a closed or partially closed meeting
must prepare and issue an annual closed meeting report in accordance with
FACA § 1009(d) and 41 CFR 102-3.175(c). The report sets forth a
summary of activities during the closed sessions and such related matters
as would be informative to the public consistent with the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA). (Questions involving interpretation of policy
under FOIA will be directed to GC.)
(2) Heads of Departmental elements who sponsor advisory committees with
closed or partially closed meetings will submit the annual report with a
transmittal memo addressed to the CMO by February 28 of the following
calendar year. Each report will be prepared using the following format.
(a) [6450-01-P]
(b) HEADER—U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
(c) (Name of sponsoring Departmental element)
(d) 20XX Report of Closed Meetings of the (official title of advisory
committee) under Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act
(e) REPORTING PERIOD—Dates (Calendar Year)
(f) REPORTING ORGANIZATION—Name of sponsoring
Departmental element
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01-17-2025 Page A-43
(g) RESPONSIBILITY—Account for each closed or partially closed
meeting held by their advisory committees during the previous
calendar year. If no closed meetings were held, a negative report
will be submitted.
(h) SUBSTANCE—The report will consist of a separate narrative
summary for each advisory committee that held one or more closed
or partially closed meeting. Each summary must account for all
meetings held and will include the following data for each
meeting.
1 Date and place of meeting.
2 Portion of the meeting (by time and agenda item) that was
closed to the public, and the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)
which supported the determination to close the meeting.
3 Titles or topics of all reports, records, or other information
(written or oral) presented to the committee during the
closed portion of the meeting or provided in advance to its
members in preparation for the meeting.
4 Description of the discussion of each agenda item during the
closed session.
5 Description of any actions taken at the closed session (e.g., a
report or recommendation on Agency item X was issued). If
possible, indicate the ultimate disposition of the report or
recommendation as of the end of the calendar year.
(i) SIGNATURE—Each report must be signed by the committee’s
chairperson and the DFO.
(j) CAUTIONS—If the passage of time or some particular event has
effectively negated the exemption that supported conducting
meetings in closed session, the minutes of the meetings will be
submitted in lieu of the report.
(3) The CMO will file the report with the Library of Congress and publish a
notice of availability of the report in the Federal Register by March 30 of
each year.
Section 34
4. PUBLIC ACCESS. All of the records and reports listed in this chapter and all other
documents that were made available to or prepared for or by each advisory committee
must be made available in accordance with FACA § 1009(b), 41 CFR 102-3.170, subject
to the exemptions contained in 5 U.S.C. 552b, for public inspection. Agendas, minutes,
reports, and responses should be posted on the committee’s Web page.
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5. DISPOSITION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE DOCUMENTS. Federal records must be
scheduled under a NARA approved records disposition schedule and maintained in fully
electronic format. Email DOERM@hq.doe.gov for more information.
1. PURPOSE. This Order supplements the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10, as amended, and the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) final rule "Federal Advisory Committee Management" Title 41 Code of Federal Regulations (C...
2. CANCELS/SUPERSEDES. DOE M 515.1-1, Advisory Committee Management Program dated 10-22-2007.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability. Except for the exclusions listed below, this Order applies to all Departmental elements.
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator will ensure that NNSA employees comply with their respective responsibilities under this Order. Nothing in this Order will be construed to interfere with the NNSA Administrator’s author...
Accordingly, in the event that an advisory committee is established for NNSA regarding NNSA activities, words such as "concur" and "concurrence" will be construed as "consult" or "consultation" or "coordinate" and "coordination" and words such as "dir...
b. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 515-1. In determining whether a group reviewing or advising on matters related to any one or more management and operating contracts is subject to FACA, an officer or employee of a management and operating contrac...
c. DOE Contractors. This Order does not apply to contractors and the types of committees listed in 5 U.S.C. § 1003(b) or 41 CFR 102-3.40. See also 5 U.S.C. § 1014, 41 CFR 102-3.180 and 102-3.185.
4. REQUIREMENTS.
a. In accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.105(b), the Secretary must establish an advisory committee management program with administrative guidelines and management controls
b. Advisory committees will be established only when mandated by law, or when the Secretary determines it is essential to the conduct of agency business and in the public interest.
c. Advisory committees will not be established or retained for possible future use by the Department.
d. Departmental resources for committees must be carefully managed and controlled.
e. Unless there is a statutory or executive order requirement that such classes be members, the following individuals are ineligible for advisory committee membership in the absence of a waiver by the CMO:
(1) Employees of site/facility management or integration contractors (but not their subcontractors) that provide goods or services to any program under the supervision or control of a Secretarial Officer.
(2) Federal Government employees (other than special Government employees (SGEs)). (However, Federal employees may serve in an ex officio capacity or be invited as guests whenever their participation is necessary in advisory committee deliberations.)
Section 35
f. With the exception of travel and subsistence expense reimbursement, members of advisory committees will not be compensated unless compensation is approved by the Secretary of Energy or directed by law.
g. Advisory committees must be terminated when they are no longer relevant to the Department’s mission or no longer carrying out the functions for which they were established.
h. DOE will publicize accurate and timely information concerning advisory committee establishment, renewal, reestablishment, and meetings, and may publicize other advisory committee activities.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Secretary of Energy. Is ultimately responsible for—
(1) compliance with FACA, 41 C.F.R. Part 102-3 and other applicable laws and regulations
(2) Issue administrative guidelines and management controls providing the details that advisory committee staff need to implement during the creation, operation, and termination of their Federal advisory committees,
(3) Designate a CMO
(4) Designate a Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for each advisory committee and its subcommittees
(5) Approve the advisory committee charters for establishments, renewals, re-establishments, or mergers
(6) Provide a written determination stating the reasons for closing any advisory committee meeting to the public, in whole or in part, in accordance with the exemptions set forth in the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)
(7) Review, at least annually, the need to continue each existing advisory committee, consistent with the public interest and the purpose or functions of each advisory committee
(8) Determine that rates of compensation for members (if they are paid for their services) and staff of, and experts and consultants to advisory committees are justified and that levels of agency support are adequate
(9) Develop procedures to assure that the advice or recommendations of advisory committees will not be inappropriately influenced by the appointing authority or by any special interest, but will instead be the result of the advisory committee's indepe...
(10) Assure that the interests and affiliations of committee members are reviewed for conformance with applicable conflict of interest statutes, regulations issued by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics including any supplemental agency requirements,...
(11) Appoint or invite individuals to serve on committees, unless otherwise provided for by a specific statute or Presidential directive,
(12) Provide the opportunity for reasonable participation, including accessibility considerations, by the public in advisory committee activities, subject to § 102-3.140 and the agency's guidelines.
b. Heads of Departmental Elements.
(1) Implement the requirements contained in FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this Order for all advisory committees sponsored by their organizations.
(2) Sign and transmit to the Secretary (or delegate) for approval, through the CMO and GC, recommendations and justifications for—
(a) establishment or renewal packages for advisory committees and advisory committee charters and
(b) nominations of individuals to serve as members on DOE advisory committees sponsored by their organizations.
Section 36
(3) Establish written internal procedures and controls, as necessary, for the operation of all advisory committees sponsored by their organizations and forward copies of such procedures to the CMO and GC for review and concurrence before implementation.
(4) Recommend individuals to serve as DFOs for each advisory committee sponsored by their organizations and send signed recommendations through the CMO and GC, to the Secretary or delegate for approval.
(5) Review annually, in coordination with the responsible DFOs, the activities and accomplishments of the advisory committees sponsored by their organizations and submit recommendations and rationales for termination of such advisory committees throug...
(6) Ensure administrative and staff support services are provided for each advisory committee sponsored by their organizations.
(7) In coordination with their office’s DFOs, are responsible for—
(a) compliance with conflict-of-interest statutes and provisions;
(b) addressing, with the GC, problems arising from advisory committee member ethical restrictions;
(c) ensuring availability of funding for advisory committee members’ attendance at meetings, as needed; and
(d) assuring that members have a continuing interest in the work of the committee.
(8) Sign and transmit to the Secretary for approval, through the CMO and GC, written determinations to close all or part of an advisory committee meeting to the public.
(9) Designate for each advisory committee a central location for the assembly and maintenance of advisory committee documents and records for public inspection and copying. Alternatively, develop a Web page for each advisory committee for committee do...
c. Director of the Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils.
(1) Oversees the Department’s Advisory Committee Management Program and keeps accounts that fully disclose costs incurred by DOE for each advisory committee sponsored by DOE organizations.
(2) Acts as the Department’s CMO, including administering and directing DOE’s advisory committee management program and fulfilling the CMO responsibilities delineated in FACA §§ 1007(b), 1009(b), 1100(a), and 41 CFR 102-3.115.
(3) Designates a Deputy CMO, who has authority to act for the CMO, to assist in administering and managing the advisory committee management program.
(4) Monitors the implementation of this Order and ensures compliance with FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and all other requirements governing advisory committee management.
(5) Reviews and concurs on all advisory committee charter and membership packages and appraises the need for or the continuation of advisory committees.
(6) Signs all advisory committee charters and Federal Register documents pertaining to committee matters and ensures publication in the Federal Register.
(7) Ensures all advisory committee charters are filed with the standing committees of Congress, the Library of Congress, and the GSA Committee Management Secretariat (GSA CM Secretariat).
(8) In coordination with heads of Departmental elements and GC, ensures that advisory committees are fairly balanced in membership in terms of points of view represented and functions to be performed by committees.
(9) Approves requests for exceptions to DOE policy on advisory committee membership in the following areas:
(a) Membership of DOE site/facility management or integration contractors (but not their subcontractors) that provide goods or services to any program under the supervision or control of a Secretarial Officer.
(b) Membership of Federal Government employees on DOE advisory committees.
(c) Membership of an individual on multiple DOE advisory committees.
Section 37
(10) Coordinates with GC, heads of the appropriate Departmental elements, and the appropriate DFOs to ensure DOE ethics and conflict of interest requirements are carried out for members of each DOE advisory committee.
(11) Prepares and submits the annual comprehensive review on DOE advisory committees, required by Congress, to the GSA CM Secretariat.
(12) Reviews and concurs on all requests for closing part of or all of an advisory committee meeting to the public in accordance with the criteria provided in 5 U.S.C. § 552b(c).
(13) Prepares DOE’s annual report on closed advisory committee meetings and publishes a notice announcing the availability of this report in the Federal Register.
(14) Coordinates with the GC in drafting regulations on advisory committees for publication in the Code of Federal Regulations and any revisions thereto; concurs in such regulations and internal procedures on advisory committees.
d. Office of Human Capital Management.
(1) When applicable, appoints advisory committee members as SGEs in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3109, 18U.S.C. 202(a), 41 CFR 102-3.130, and DOE O 321.1, Employment of Experts and Consultants, dated 11-6-2006.
(2) When applicable, assists Departmental elements in obtaining required security clearances in accordance with requirements in DOE O 470.1B, Safeguards and Security Program, and DOE O 472.2A, Personnel Security.
e. Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Reviews and concurs on letters sending advisory committee charters to Congress.
f. Office of Public Affairs.
(1) Issues press releases on matters of interest to the public concerning advisory committees.
(2) Coordinates advisory committee press releases on matters other than routine meeting schedules with the CMO.
g. Office of General Counsel.
(1) Assistant General Counsel for General Law.
(a) Provides legal assistance and advice concerning applicability of and compliance with FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this Order.
(b) Provides advice, as necessary, to the CMO and Departmental elements concerning their responsibilities and the organization and operation of advisory committees.
(c) Provides prospective legal advice on the appropriate status designations for committee membership.
(d) Ensures that those members serving as SGEs are aware of the ethics requirements applicable to them and representatives are informed as to the group or entity each is appointed to represent.
(e) Reviews and concurs on advisory committee packages proposing establishment or renewal of DOE advisory committees,
(f) amendments to advisory committee charters, members for DOE advisory committees, and conducting meetings in closed or partially closed sessions.
(g) Coordinates with the CMO, heads of Departmental elements, and DFOs the distribution of written guidance to all advisory committee members, oral briefings, individual counseling, and/or other methods, to ensure that Departmental ethics and conflict...
(h) Provides legal assistance and advice on advisory committee management matters arising under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
(i) Coordinates with CMO in drafting regulations on advisory committees for publication in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and any revisions thereto; concurs in such regulations and internal procedures on advisory committees.
Section 38
h. Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation and Energy Efficiency. Concurs on and transmits for publication all Federal Register notices of advisory committee meetings.
i. Designated Federal Officers. DFO responsibilities are delineated in 41 CFR 102-3.120. In addition, DFOs (or designees) must do the following.
(1) Be fully knowledgeable of all the activities and developments concerning the advisory committees under his/her responsibility.
(2) If unable to attend or chair a meeting, designate, in writing, another DOE officer or employee to act as the DFO.
(3) Prepare all Notices of Open and/or Closed Meetings for publication in the Federal Register and forward them, to the CMO for signature.
(4) Ensure compliance with FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this Order in the conduct of advisory committee meetings.
(5) Prepare written determinations for closing part of or all of advisory committee meetings to the public in accordance with the criteria provided in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c).
(6) Prepare and submit annual reports to the CMO summarizing advisory committee activities and related matters when committees have held closed meetings.
(7) In consultation with GC, review committee membership designations for appointment as SGEs or representatives; and ensure that SGEs are aware of the ethics requirements applicable to them and that representatives are aware of the group, entity, or ...
(8) Ensure that no SGE serves more than 60 days in the preceding 365- consecutive day period.
(9) Prepare all advisory committee proposal packages, including the required justifications and recommendations for—
(a) establishment of new committees, (the proposed DFO prepares the establishment package);
(b) renewal of existing advisory committees; and
(c) appointment, reappointment, and/or rotation/retirement of individuals to serve or who have served on DOE advisory committees.
(10) In coordination with the head of his/her Departmental element is responsible for—
(a) ensuring SGEs complete appropriate financial disclosure reports;
(b) distributing written ethics and conflict of interest guidance, scheduling oral briefings, and/or other consultations with GC to ensure compliance with ethics and conflict of interest statutes and provisions, including, among other things, such mat...
(c) monitoring advisory committee members’ attendance and participation at meetings and determining recommendation of replacement of members missing a substantial number of meetings and/or not showing an interest in the work of the committee.
(11) Ensure that detailed minutes of meetings are prepared and meet the requirements of 41 CFR 102-3.165.
(12) Forward copies of any final report submitted by an advisory committee to the CMO for transmittal to the Library of Congress.
(13) Review on an annual basis, in coordination with the heads of their Departmental elements, the activities and accomplishments of each advisory committee under their responsibility and prepare recommendations and rationales for termination if it is...
(14) Maintain for each advisory committee under their responsibility, in a designated central location or website, all records, reports, and other papers required by FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102-3, and this Directive.
(15) Provide all administrative and staff support services for each advisory committee under their responsibility and keep records concerning costs incurred for providing these services.
(16) Prepare and submit information for-
(a) the GSA CM Secretariat's annual comprehensive review of Federal advisory committees and their activities; the Department's annual report summarizing advisory committee activities and related matters, when committees have held closed meetings;
(b) the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) annual agency ethics questionnaire; and
(c) other special reports that may be requested by the CMO, the GSA CM Secretariat, or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
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6. INVOKED STANDARDS. This Order does not invoke any DOE technical standards or industry standards as required methods. Note: DOE O 251.1, current version, provides a definition for "invoked technical standard."
7. DEFINITIONS.
a. Ad hoc advisory committee. A temporary committee created to serve less than 2 years.
b. Advisory committee. Any committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group, which is established by statute, or established or utilized by the President or by an agency official, for the purpose of obtainin...
c. Chairperson. The advisory committee or subcommittee member who serves in this role on an advisory committee or subcommittee by statutory requirement, or by appointment or invitation by Presidential authority or an agency's authority (41 CFR 102-3.25).
d. Committee Management Officer (CMO). The individual designated by the Secretary to implement the provisions of sec. 8(b) of FACA (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 1007(b)) and any delegated responsibilities of the Secretary under FACA.(41 CFR 102-3.25). The D...
e. Committee Member. An individual who serves by appointment or invitation by the appointing authority on an advisory committee or subcommittee (41 CFR 102- 3.25).
f. Committee Staff Member. Any Federal employee, private individual, or other party (whether under contract or not) who is not a committee member, and who serves in a support capacity to an advisory committee or subcommittee. Committee staff serve in ...
g. Conflict of Interest. Participation by a member in a particular matter that would have a direct and predictable effect on the financial interest(s) of the member, the member’s spouse and minor child(ren), an entity that employs the member, an entit...
h. Consultant. An individual who serves as an advisor, giving views or opinions on problems presented to him, but who neither performs, supervises operating functions, or participates as a member of the advisory committee.
i. Designated Federal Officer (DFO). An individual designated by the Secretary, for each advisory committee for which the agency head is responsible, to implement the provisions of secs. 10(e) and (f) of the Act (codified at 5 U.S.C. 1009(e) and (f)) ...
j. Discretionary (nonstatutory) Advisory Committee. Any advisory committee that is established under the authority of the Secretary or authorized by statute. An advisory committee referenced in general (non-specific) authorizing language or Congressi...
k. Ex officio Member. An individual who holds membership on an advisory committee by virtue of his/her office in the private sector (serves only while an incumbent of such a position) or other Government agency. Unless restricted by the Committee's ch...
l. GSA Committee Management Secretariat (GSA CM Secretariat). The organization established pursuant to sec. 7(a) of FACA (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 1006(a)), which is responsible for all matters relating to advisory committees and carries out the respons...
m. Meeting. Any gathering of advisory committee members (whether in person or electronically, such as using telecommunications or through a virtual platform), held with the approval of an agency, and with a DFO in attendance, for the purpose of delibe...
n. Non-Discretionary Advisory Committee. Any advisory committee either required by statute or by Presidential directive. A non-discretionary advisory committee required by statute generally is identified specifically in a statute by name, purpose, or...
o. Quorum. A majority (one more than one half) of a committee's currently appointed membership.
p. Special Government employee (SGE). An officer or employee of the executive branch of the United States Government who is retained, designated, appointed, or employed to perform, with or without compensation, for not to exceed 130 days during any pe...
q. Statutory advisory committee. A nondiscretionary advisory committee specifically directed by law to be established.
r. Subcommittee. A group that reports to an advisory committee, and not directly to a Federal officer or agency, whether or not its members are drawn in whole or in part from the parent advisory committee. (41 CFR 102-3.25, 102-3.35, and 102-3.70(c)).
s. Utilized (or used) committee. a committee that is one over which the President or a Federal officer or agency exercises actual management or control of its operation, whether or not it was established by the Federal Government. (41 CFR 102-3.25).
Section 40
8. REFERENCES.
a. 10 CFR 1010, Conduct of Employees.
b. 41 CFR 102-3, Federal Advisory Committee Management.
c. The Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C., Appendix 2 Pub. L. No. 92-463, as amended by Pub. L. No. 94-409 and Pub L. No 97-375.
d. Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b Pub. L. No. 94-409.
e. DOE Organization Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7234 Pub. L. No. 95-91, Section 624.
f. DOE M 552.1-1A, U.S. Department of Energy Travel Manual, dated 2-17-2006.
g. DOE O 243.1, or current version, Records Management Program.
h. DOE O 321.1, Employment of Experts and Consultants, dated 11-6-2006.
i. DOE O 470.4A, Safeguards and Security Program, dated 5-25-2007.
j. DOE O 472.2A, Personnel Security.
k. Executive Order 12838, "Termination and Limitation of Federal Advisory Committees," dated 2-10-1993.
l. OMB Circular A-135, "Management of Federal Advisory Committees," dated 10- 5-1994.
m. Vice President’s Memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies, "Management of Federal Advisory Committees," dated 6-28-1994.
n. Section 3113, Pub. L. No. 108-136, "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004."
o. SF 278, Public Financial Disclosure Report or OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
p. The National Nuclear Security Administration Act, Title XXXII, Pub. L. No. 106- 65, as amended.
q. Privacy Act System of Record Notice DOE-09, Members of DOE Advisory Committees, 89 FR 88254, or successor.
r. 5 U.S.C. 552a, Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
9. CONTACT. Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils, seab@hq.doe.gov.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
APPENDIX A PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES
1. INTRODUCTION. The establishment of an advisory committee must be in accordance with FACA §1008, 41 CFR 102-3.30, 102-3.50, 102-3.60, 102-3.65, 102-3.70 and 102-3.75. In addition to these requirements, this chapter describes the DOE requirements, pr...
2. CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHMENT.
a. Executive Order 12838, "Termination and Limitation of Federal Advisory Committees," dated 2-10-1993, established ceilings on the number of Agency advisory committees. It further stated that an Agency cannot create or sponsor a new advisory committe...
b. In addition to paragraph 2a above, the following must also be considered before establishment of an advisory committee.
(1) The decision criteria stated in 41 CFR 102-3.30(a).
(2) The feasibility of conducting DOE-sponsored symposia, public meetings, or conferences in lieu of establishing the new advisory committee.
(3) Satisfaction of the need for public input through solicitation of advice and information from the general or a constituent public, through a variety of channels such as notices in the Federal Register or news releases to appropriate professional j...
3. PROPOSING ESTABLISHMENT.
a. The head of a Departmental element, after careful consideration of the criteria set forth in paragraph 2 above, may propose the establishment of an advisory committee. Before submitting a formal request, however, he/she must consult with the CMO an...
(1) advice and assistance in making determinations regarding the various factors involved in committee establishment;
(2) assistance on how to prepare the formal request; and
(3) guidance on the appropriate designation criteria for membership.
b. All of the documentation and actions discussed in this chapter must be approved and completed before an advisory committee is considered officially established.
c. No advisory committee may operate, meet, or take any action until the Secretary has approved the committee and its charter and the charter has been filed.
Section 41
4. ESTABLISHMENT BY SECRETARIAL DISCRETION (NONSTATUTORY OR DISCRETIONARY). This paragraph covers committees established at the Secretary’s discretion.
a. Proposal Packages for Establishment. Proposal packages for establishment of a nonstatutory or discretionary advisory committee must include the following documents.
(1) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the cognizant Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting approval of the establishment of the committee. The memorandum must include the following information.
(a) An explanatory statement, if the Department has reached its advisory committee ceiling and it is necessary to terminate or merge an existing committee in order to remain within the ceiling. The termination or merger proposal must be concurred in b...
(b) A description of the purpose and scope of the proposed advisory committee and why the committee is in the public interest.
(c) An explanation of why the proposed committee’s functions cannot be performed by an existing DOE or other Federal advisory committee; by DOE itself; or through the use of consultants, public hearings, or other alternative means.
(d) A description of the plan for ensuring a fairly balanced committee membership in terms of the viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed. The plan should ensure that in the selection of members, the agency will consider a cross-secti...
(e) An estimate of the budget required for committee operations, and sources for funds and an estimate of the Federal work effort, in staff-years, required to support the committee.
(f) The organization and official responsible for the committee.
(g) A statement of whether the members will be selected for their expertise or in a representational capacity. Members serving as experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be compensated if approved by the Secretary or directed by law. Members serving...
(h) A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee who will serve as the DFO.
(2) A proposed charter for the advisory committee containing the information in accordance with FACA §1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102- 3.75.
(3) A proposed Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Establish" the advisory committee containing the information required in 41 CFR 102-3.65 and an additional statement providing the name and phone number of the individual to contact for more informa...
(4) Congressional notification letters
b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures for the proposal package are as follows.
(1) The head of the Departmental element proposing establishment approves and signs the proposal package after ensuring that all required information and documentation is included and all required intraoffice concurrences have been obtained.
(2) The proposal package is forwarded to the CMO for review and concurrence and to the Secretary through the offices listed below for the required concurrence and approval chain. All concurrences are retained as part of the official file copy.
(a) Assistant General Counsel for General Law.
(b) Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils.
(c) Office of the Executive Secretariat for correspondence control through the Office of the Secretary.
(d) Office of the Secretary.
(3) Following approval by the Secretary, the approved proposal package is returned to the CMO. The CMO forwards the consultation, with the proposed charter attached, to the GSA CM Secretariat. The GSA CM Secretariat will review the proposal and notify...
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c. Notifying the Public.
(1) If the GSA CM Secretariat concurs with the establishment of the advisory committee, the CMO forwards the "Notice of Intent to Establish" to the Federal Register for publication in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.65.
(2) If the GSA CM Secretariat does not concur with the establishment of the advisory committee, the CMO will inform the head of the requesting Departmental element of the reasons why and return the proposal package.
(a) If there is agreement that the reasons are valid and changes are made to correct identified problems, the package will be resubmitted to the GSA CM Secretariat for concurrence.
(b) If it is agreed that the reasons are not valid, the Secretary of Energy will have final decision authority for establishing the committee.
(c) If the Secretary decides to establish, the CMO will carry out the actions in paragraph 4c(1) above and paragraph 4d below.
d. Charter Filing Requirements. At the end of the 15-day public notice period, the CMO will sign and date the charter, and a copy of the charter will be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70(a). Advisory committees are considered established when t...
e. Establishing and Chartering Subcommittees. The requirements for establishing and chartering subcommittees are delineated in 41 CFR 102-3.35 and 102-3.70(c).
5. ESTABLISHMENT DIRECTED BY STATUTE (STATUTORY OR NON-DISCRETIONARY).
a. Proposal Packages for Establishment. The proposal package requesting establishment of a non-discretionary advisory committee must include the following documents:
(1) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting approval of the establishment of the committee. The memorandum must include the following information.
(a) A description of the purpose and scope of the proposed advisory committee as outlined in the statute.
(b) A description of the plan for ensuring a fairly balanced committee membership in terms of the viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed, including the requirements outlined in the statute. The plan should ensure that in the selectio...
(c) An estimate of the budget required for committee operations and the source of the funds and an estimate of the Federal work effort, in person-years, required to support the committee.
(d) The organization and official to be responsible for the committee.
(e) A statement of whether the members will be selected for their expertise or in a representational capacity. (NOTE: Members serving as experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be compensated if approved by the Secretary or directed by law. Members ...
(f) A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee who will serve as the DFO.
(g) A proposed committee charter containing the information in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102-3.75.
(h) The Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Establish" and consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat are not required for statutory committees.
b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures for the proposal package are the same as those set forth in paragraph 4b of this chapter. Consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat is not required.
c. Charter Filing Requirements. After the establishment package has been approved by the Secretary and received by the CMO, the CMO will sign and date the charter. A copy of the charter will be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70(b).A copy of the...
Section 43
6. UTILIZED ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
a. General. A previously existing external entity used to provide advice to the Department may be considered a "utilized committee" covered by FACA. A utilized committee is subject to FACA only if the Department manages or controls it.
(1) Before exercising management and control over an existing external entity, the head of the Departmental element must coordinate with the Assistant GC for General Law to determine whether FACA is applicable.
(2) These committees may not be treated as Department advisory committees before completion of the establishment procedures delineated at 41 CFR 102-3.70. If available, a list of the names and affiliations of the members will be attached to the establ...
b. Committee Charters. In accordance with FACA § 1008(c), the charter for a utilized advisory committee contains the same information delineated in 41 CFR 102-3.75(a), with the following modifications.
(1) The membership and chairperson provisions must reflect the established characteristics and size of the group.
(2) The provisions regarding appointment and tenure of members are excluded.
(3) The charter must clearly reflect that the group will—
(a) be considered an advisory committee only during the period or for the unique purpose that it is being used by DOE and
(b) comply with the provisions of FACA, as amended, 41 CFR 102- 3, and this Order when it is being used by DOE.
c. Notification of Group. Following approval by the Secretary and consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat, a letter to the group or its sponsoring organization, with a copy of the charter, can be transmitted to the Secretary for signature.
(1) If the group agrees to the charter without any substantive changes, public notice in the Federal Register can take place and the charter will be signed and dated by the CMO and filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70(a). Should the group not agre...
(2) A copy of the charter is sent to the DFO who is responsible for the advisory committee.
7. REESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES. Any advisory committee whose charter expires must be reestablished if DOE desires or its continuance is statutorily mandated. The procedures for reestablishment are the same as those for establishment.
8. AMENDMENTS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTERS. An advisory committee charter must be amended when the existing charter no longer accurately reflects the objectives or functions of the advisory committee or any other information concerning the makeup or...
a. Nonstatutory or Discretionary Committees. Per 41 CFR 102-3.80 a discretionary advisory committee charter must be amended when the provisions of the filed charter are inaccurate, specific provisions have changed or become obsolete with the passing o...
(1) Amendment Package. The amendment package must contain the following documents.
(a) An Action Memorandum from the head of the Departmental element sponsoring the advisory committee to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting an amendment to the committee’s charter, describing the n...
(b) The amended charter.
(2) Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The amendment package follows the same procedures set forth for an establishment package in paragraph 4b of this chapter.
(a) Procedures Following Concurrence and Approval. After concurrence by the GSA CM Secretariat, the charter is signedand dated by the CMO and filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102- 3.70(a). CMO must also comply with the public notification requirement c...
Section 44
b. Statutory or Nondiscretionary Committees.
(1) Amendments may be made to the charters of statutory committees as long as they are consistent with the relevant statute. A charter must be amended when Congress by law, or the President by Presidential directive changes the authorizing language th...
(a) Amendment Package. Amendment package will contain the information required by paragraph 8a(1)(a) and (b), above.
(b) The amended charter must be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.70.
9. ADVISORY COMMITTEE COSTS.
a. An estimate or report of the costs of an advisory committee must include costs associated with the following, where applicable:
(1) Compensation of committee members, consultants to the committee, and permanent and temporary or part-time General Schedule (GS), Wage Board (WB), or other positions that are part of or supportive to the committee, including all overtime related to...
(2) Benefits associated with compensation.
(3) Travel (including per diem) of committee members, consultants, all permanent positions, and all temporary or part-time positions that are part of or supportive to the committee.
(4) Transportation of equipment, display material, etc., communications, and printing and reproduction.
(5) Rent for additional space acquired for committee use.
(6) Other services required by the committee, including data processing services, management studies and evaluations, contractual services, and reimbursable services.
(7) Supplies, materials, and equipment acquired for committee use.
b. The following costs should be excluded from estimates or reports of the costs of advisory committees:
(1) Indirect (overhead) costs and
(2) Costs of the committee management system (Agency Committee Management Officers, etc.).
II. RENEWAL AND TERMINATION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
1. INTRODUCTION. The renewal or termination of an advisory committee will be in accordance with FACA § 1013, which provides that advisory committees will terminate two years after the date of their establishment or extension, except statutory committe...
2. CRITERIA FOR RENEWAL. The following will be considered before renewing an advisory committee.
a. As with the establishment of a discretionary advisory committee, one may be renewed only when it is essential to the conduct of agency business and when the information to be obtained is not already available through another advisory committee or s...
b. The feasibility of conducting DOE-sponsored symposia, public meetings, or conferences.
c. Satisfaction of the need for public input through the solicitation of advice and information from the general or a constituent public through a variety of channels such as notices in the Federal Register or news releases to appropriate professional...
3. PROPOSING RENEWAL.
a. The head of a Departmental element that sponsors an advisory committee, after careful consideration of the criteria set forth in paragraph 2, above, may propose the renewal of the advisory committee. Before submitting a formal request, however, he/...
b. All of the documentation and actions discussed in this chapter must be approved and completed before an advisory committee is considered officially renewed.
(1) The proposal package will be submitted to the CMO at least 90 calendar days before expiration of the committee’s charter. This time frame includes the requirement of a minimum of 30 calendar days before expiration of the advisory committee’s chart...
(2) No advisory committee may operate, meet, or take any action after expiration of the charter.
(3) RENEWAL OF COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED BY SECRETARIAL DISCRETION.
Section 45
c. Proposal Packages for Renewal. The proposal package requesting renewal of an advisory committee must include the following documents.
(1) An Action Memorandum, prepared by the pertinent program office, addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting approval to renew the committee. The memorandum must include the following infor...
(a) A description of the continuing need for and purpose and scope of the proposed advisory committee and why the committee is in the public interest.
(b) An explanation of why the committee’s functions cannot be performed by an existing DOE or other Federal advisory committee or another DOE component or through the use of consultants, public hearings, or similar means and an estimated target date f...
(c) A summary of the committee’s accomplishments and activities for the period covered by the expiring charter, including the number of meetings held, titles and dates of any reports issued, and a description of the committee’s advice and recommendati...
(d) A description of the plan for maintaining (or attaining) a fairly balanced committee membership in terms of viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed. The plan should ensure that in the selection of members, the agency will consider...
(e) An estimate of the budget required for committee operations and the source of funding and an estimate of the Federal work effort, in staff-years, required to support the committee.
(f) The organization and official responsible for the committee.
(g) A statement of whether the members will be selected for their expertise or in a representational capacity. Members serving as experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be compensated if approved by the Secretary or directed by law. Members serving...
(h) A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee who will serve as the DFO.
(2) A proposed charter for the advisory committee containing the information in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102- 3.70.
(3) A proposed Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Renew" containing the information required in 41 CFR 102-3.65 and an additional statement providing the name and phone number of the individual to contact for more information on the committee.
(4) Congressional notification letters
d. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures for the proposal package are as follows.
(1) The head of the Departmental element proposing renewal approves and signs the proposal package after ensuring that all required information and documentation is included and all required intraoffice concurrences have been obtained.
(2) The proposal package is forwarded to the CMO for review and concurrence and forwarded to the Secretary through the following required concurrence and approval chain. All concurrences are retained as part of the official file.
(a) Assistant GC for General Law.
(b) Office of the Executive Secretariat for correspondence control through the Office of the Secretary.
(c) Office of the Secretary.
(3) Following approval by the Secretary, the approved proposal package is returned to the CMO in the Office of Secretarial Boards and Councils.
(a) The CMO forwards the consultation with a copy of the
(b) proposed charter attached to the GSA CM Secretariat.
(c) The GSA CM Secretariat will review the proposal and notify the Secretary of its views within 15 calendar days of receipt, if possible.
Section 46
e. Notifying the Public.
(1) If the GSA CM Secretariat concurs with the renewal of the advisory committee, the CMO forwards the notice of intent to renew to the Federal Register for publication in accordance with 1 CFR 102-3.65. The 15-day requirement does not apply for commi...
(2) If the GSA CM Secretariat does not concur with the renewal of the advisory committee, the CMO will inform the requesting head of the Departmental element of the reasons why and return the proposal package.
(a) If there is agreement that the reasons are valid and changes are made to correct identified problems, the package will be resubmitted to the GSA CM Secretariat for concurrence.
(b) If it is agreed that the reasons are not valid, the Secretary of Energy has the final decision authority for renewing the committee.
(c) If the Secretary decides to renew, the CMO will carry out the actions in paragraph 4c(1) above and paragraph 4d below.
f. Charter Filing Requirements. After the CMO receives concurrence from the GSA CM Secretariat, he/she will sign and date the charter, and a copy of the charter will be filed in accordance with FACA § 1013(b) and 41 CFR 102-3.70. A copy of the filed c...
g. Renewing and Chartering Subcommittees.
(1) Subcommittees do not need to be formally renewed or chartered if the parent advisory committee’s charter authorizes establishment of subcommittees and the subcommittees will not be functioning independently of the parent committee. Subcommittees m...
(a) act under the policies that have been established by the parent committee and comply with FACA, as amended, the requirements of 41 CFR 102-3, and this Order, and
(b) have their advice and recommendations reviewed and approved by the parent committee prior to submission to DOE officials.
(2) Subcommittees that will function independently of the parent advisory committee must be chartered and renewed as separate advisory committees in accordance with the procedures outlined in this Order.
4. RENEWAL OF STATUTORY COMMITTEES. Each statutory advisory committee whose termination, as provided for by law, is in excess of 2 years, must be renewed in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.55.
a. Proposal Packages for Renewal.
(1) The proposal package for requesting renewal of a statutory advisory committee will include the following documents.
(a) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting approval to renew the committee. The memorandum must include the following information.
1 A description of the continuing purpose and scope of the proposed advisory committee as outlined in the statute.
2 A description of the plan for maintaining (or attaining) a fairly balanced committee membership in terms of viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed, including the requirements outlined in the statute. The plan should ensure that in ...
3 An estimate of the budget required for committee operations and sources of funding and an estimate of the Federal work effort, in staff-years, required to support the committee.
4 The organization and official responsible for the committee.
A statement of whether the members will be selected for their expertise or in a representational capacity. Members serving as experts must be appointed as SGEs and may be compensated if approved by the Secretary or directed by law. Members serving as ...
5 A recommendation by name or position title, of the DOE employee who will serve as the DFO.
6 A proposed charter for the committee containing the information in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required by FR 102-3.75
Section 47
(b) The Federal Register "Notice of Intent to Renew" and a consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat are not required for statutory committees.
b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The concurrence and approval procedures for the renewal package are the same as those set forth for an establishment package. Consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat is not required.
c. Charter Filing Requirements. After the renewal package has been approved by the Secretary and received by the CMO, the CMO will sign and date the charter, and a copy of the charter will be filed in accordance with 41 CFR 102- 3.70(b), including wit...
5. RENEWAL OF UTILIZED COMMITTEES.
a. General. The continuing use of a previously existing, external non-Government group, as a DOE advisory committee must be approved by the Secretary.
(1) These committees may not be treated as Department advisory committees until the renewal procedures set forth at paragraph 4 of this chapter are completed.
(2) A list of the names and affiliations of the existing group members, if available, must be attached to the renewal package.
b. Committee Charters. The renewal charter for a utilized advisory committee contains the same information in accordance with FACA § 1008(c) and required by 41 CFR 102-3.75, and the same exceptions outlined in this Order.
c. Notification of Group. Following approval by the Secretary and after consultation with the GSA CM Secretariat, a letter to the group or its sponsoring organization, with a copy of the charter, can be transmitted to the Secretary for signature. If t...
6. AMENDMENTS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTERS. Procedures for amending the charter of an advisory committee are delineated in 41 CFR 102-3.80 and this Order.
7. TERMINATING ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
a. Criteria for Terminating. Termination of an advisory committee must be based on one of the following situations.
(1) The criteria in FACA § 1013(a), 41 CFR 102-3.55.
(2) The determination that the advice of the committee is no longer essential to DOE and the committee is no longer in the public interest.
(3) The committee has not been staffed for a period of 1 year.
(4) The committee has not met within a 2-year period.
b. Terminating Nonstatutory (or Discretionary) Committees or Utilized Committees.
(1) Proposal Package for Termination. Normally, the decision to terminate is made by the sponsoring program office. The proposal package for requesting termination of a nonstatutory or discretionary committee, or a utilized committee will include the ...
(a) An Action Memorandum from the head of the sponsoring Departmental element to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, proposing the termination of the advisory committee. The memorandum must-
1 describe the reasons why the committee should be terminated, and
2 provide information as to the availability of any final reports or recommendations prepared by the committee.
(b) Letters of appreciation to the committee members for signature by the Secretary.
(2) Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The termination package will be sent to the CMO for review and concurrence and transmittal to the Secretary for approval.
(3) Notice of Termination. After receiving approval from the Secretary, the CMO will notify the GSA CM Secretariat of the termination date of the advisory committee.
Section 48
c. Terminating Statutory Committees.
(1) A committee directly established by a statute that also provides for its duration or continuity, can be terminated early only by legislation. If the head of the Departmental element sponsoring a statutory committee has determined that the committe...
(2) A committee directly established by a statute that does not provide for its continuity must be terminated 2 years after its establishment or renewal in the absence of statutory language to the contrary.
(a) The head of the Departmental element sponsoring the committee must notify the Secretary, through the CMO, that the committee is being terminated.
1 The memorandum will contain the information in paragraph 8b(1)(a) and (2) of this chapter.
2 Letters of appreciation to the committee members for services rendered must be prepared for the Secretary’s signature and transmitted with the memorandum.
(b) After receiving the Secretary’s approval, the CMO must notify the GSA CM Secretariat.
(c) The CMO, in coordination with the responsible Departmental element head, will work with GC to develop legislation to abolish the provision that directed establishment of the committee.
III. MEMBERSHIP OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
1. INTRODUCTION. Selection and appointment of individuals to serve on advisory committees and decisions on compensation of committee members will be in accordance with FACA §§1004(b)(2), 1004(b)(3), and 1006(d); 41 CFR 102- 3.30(c), 102-3.60(b)(3), an...
2. GOVERNING PRINCIPLES.
a. The Secretary, Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, or a designated head of a Departmental element, unless otherwise provided by statute or regulation, must select and approve the appointment of all advisory committee members, except those of utili...
b. All heads of Departmental elements, in coordination with the CMO, must ensure that the membership of DOE advisory committees represents a fair balance of interests.
c. Individuals must be nominated, selected, and appointed based on their qualifications to contribute to the accomplishment of the committee’s objectives, including any statutory requirements.
d. Members must serve without compensation unless approval has been obtained from the Secretary to compensate them.
e. Members should be appointed for 1- to 3-year terms based on the requirements set forth in the committee’s charter except when other terms are provided by statute.
(1) Membership terms should be staggered so that at least one third of the membership is retained for continuity, when practicable and consistent with the purpose or function of the advisory committee. Appointment of new members will provide for rotat...
(2) A member appointed to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the term for which his/her predecessor was appointed.
f. Membership must be limited to the smallest number of individuals necessary to accomplish the committee’s objectives. Members serve at the discretion of the Secretary and may be removed without cause.
3. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP.
a. Balanced Membership.
(1) Advisory committees will be fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed by the advisory committee, in accordance with FACA §§ 1004(b)(2) and (3) and 41 CFR 102.3-60(b)(3).
(2) Consideration will also be given to factors such as the geographic region of the country; minority groups; women’s organizations; public and private academic institutions, including Black colleges and universities; physically challenged individual...
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b. Ineligibility for Advisory Committee Membership. The following individuals are ineligible for advisory committee membership except as noted.
(1) Employees of DOE site/facility management and operating or management and integration contractors (not including subcontractors) that provide goods or services to any program under the supervision or control of a Secretarial Officer. (A memorandum...
(2) Federal Government employees, except SGEs. (Federal employees may be invited to serve in an ex officio capacity or as an attendee whenever their participation is necessary in advisory committee deliberations.)
(3) Individuals serving on another federal advisory committee. (A memorandum of exception may be submitted in the package for the proposed committee providing a concise justification for appointment.)
c. Waivers. The CMO has the authority to approve a memorandum of exception for those deemed ineligible for advisory committee membership. The request for an exception must be in writing, present a justification to support the request, include a statem...
4. PRELIMINARY APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES.
a. Nominating Members. The heads of Departmental elements who propose the establishment, reestablishment, or renewal of an advisory committee will recommend its members unless the committee’s charter prescribes otherwise.
b. Nominations by Outside Organizations. On occasion it may be desirable to have a professional society, association, or other organization nominate one or more of its members to serve on a DOE advisory committee.
(1) Approval of the Office of the Secretary is required before any official contact with the organization.
(2) Unless the committee’s charter prescribes otherwise, arrangements will be worked out with the outside organization to enable the Secretary to accept or reject nominees without embarrassment to the Department, the organization, or the individuals.
(3) Administrative clearance of nominees is required before they are invited to serve.
c. Security Clearances.
(1) An appropriate level security clearance (access authorization) is required for any individual who will serve on a DOE advisory committee that will require the individual to have access to classified information or materials.
(2) The program official responsible for nominating members will be responsible for requesting the appropriate level of access authorization in accordance with the requirements set forth in DOE O 470.4 and DOE O 472.2A.
d. Compensation of Members.
(1) When extending invitations to individuals to serve as members of DOE advisory committees, it must be explained that the Department does not pay members for their services unless the provisions in paragraph 4d(2) apply.
(2) Pay must be provided to SGE members if required by the statute mandating or authorizing the establishment of an advisory committee, authorized by an Executive Order, or written into the committee’s charter and approved by the Secretary.
(3) If the head of the Departmental element decides to request compensation for SGE members of an advisory committee, the criteria in FACA §1006(d) and 41 CFR 102-3.130 will be followed.
e. A memorandum, to be transmitted through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, will be prepared for the Secretary—
(1) requesting approval to compensate the committee members and presenting the reasons and justifications to support the request and
(2) recommending the appropriate rate of pay based on the requirements criteria. The memorandum will be transmitted with the formal appointment package [see paragraph 5a(6) below] to obtain the concurrences of the CMO, GC the Office of the Secretary. ...
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5. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENT. The head of the sponsoring Departmental element will submit to the CMO, for routing to the Secretary, a formal appointment package at least 120 days before proposed date of appointment or expiration of current membership...
a. Proposal Packages for Appointment of Members. Proposal packages for advisory committee appointments will include the following information and documents.
(1) An Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, if applicable, requesting the appointment of members to the advisory committee. The memorandum will include the following information.
(a) A background narrative stating the advisory committee’s purpose as described in the charter.
(b) How a fairly balanced membership on the committee was achieved based on the required disciplines.
(c) The number of members on the advisory committee as stated in the charter and their tenure.
(d) Identification of who will be the committee chair.
A statement of whether the members will be selected for their expertise or in a representational capacity. Should compensation for SGE members be proposed, the Action Memorandum will contain a statement of the basis for the proposal. Regardless of whe...
covers various types of appointments, then each type of appointment should be identified and a list of affected individuals and the action requested should be included.)
(e) A statement, if necessary, that a memorandum requesting approval for exceptions to paragraphs 3b(1) through 3b(2) is included in the package for approval by the CMO.
(2) Copy of the current charter for the committee.
(3) Copy of the current membership balance plan for the committee.
(4) Proposed membership list.
(5) Biography of each proposed member clearly showing the member’s employer.
(6) A matrix/table presenting the members’ attributes (e.g., geographic location; residential, industrial, or commercial consumer) to demonstrate that balance criteria have been met.
(7) A memorandum, if necessary, addressed to the Secretary requesting approval to compensate SGE members for their services and presenting a clear justification of why and at what level of pay they should be compensated.
(8) A memorandum, if necessary, addressed to the CMO requesting exceptions due to employment or multiple advisory board memberships and presenting supporting justifications as to why the exceptions are needed.
(9) Letters of invitation to each member for signature by the Secretary. The letters will be tailored to correspond to the type of appointment for each member and in the case of representational members, specify the group, entity, or viewpoint that th...
(a) A description of the committee and its scope and objectives.
(b) A description of the member’s role and responsibilities.
(c) The name of the chairperson of the committee, if known.
(d) The name and contact information of the DFO.
(e) The frequency of meetings.
(10) A statement concerning service without compensation, or service with compensation, if approved by the Secretary, and information on payment of travel expenses and per diem, if applicable.
(11) A statement regarding the basis upon which a private sector person is appointed. If as a representative, the statement should include identification of the specific entity the member is expected to represent. If as an expert, the statement should...
(12) Appointment packages for renewals or reestablishments of advisory committee memberships will contain not only letters of invitation, but also letters of appreciation for signature by the Secretary to members whose terms have expired or who have d...
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b. Concurrence and Approval Procedures. The appointment package follows the same procedures set forth for an establishment package in this Order, except—
(1) Appointment packages that contain individuals who are, or who are going to be appointed as, SGEs will be submitted provided to the Director of Human Capital Management for approval or, for Office of Science committees, the Office of Science offici...
(2) The Office of the Executive Secretariat or the originating office mails the signed letters to the proposed members and sends a copy of the approved package to the CMO for his/her records.
c. Acceptance of Appointment.
(1) Acceptance of the invitation by the proposed member constitutes the person’s appointment to the committee. The effective date of the member’s term is the date of the invitation letter unless another date is specified. SGEs must be sworn in.
(2) SGEs regardless of whether they are going to be compensated for their service on the committee will be appointed to official positions and paid in accordance with FACA § 1006(d); the policies and procedures in 41 CFR 102-3.130; and DOE O 321.1. Th...
(3) Members must not participate in any committee business dealing with classified information until receipt of their security clearances.
d. Membership on Utilized Committees. No formal membership package is required for utilized committees because the membership is determined by the head of the non-Government organization or Federal agency responsible for the committee.
6. ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
a. Advisory committee members, in coordination with the DFO and the head of the responsible Departmental element, will comply with the following.
(1) Prior to becoming advisory committee members, Federal employees, including SGEs, will disclose in writing (by annually filing either an Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278e), Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450), or an altern...
(2) Prior to participation, address with the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for General Law the Federal ethics rules and conflict of interest statutes and any possible ethical problems that may arise from serving on a DOE advisory committee, ...
b. Advisory committee members must not participate in particular matters before the committee, such as grants or contracts, that might have a direct and predictable impact on the companies, organizations, or agencies with which they are associated or ...
c. Program personnel should plan and distribute meeting agendas prior to the meeting date to avoid consideration of particular matters involving entities with which members are associated or should take care that members are informed of potential impa...
d. Advisory committee members including representative members should be aware of, and take care to abide by, the following general conflicts of interest regulations.
(1) Members will refrain from any use of their membership that is, or gives the appearance of being, motivated by the desire for private gain.
(2) Members will not use, either directly or indirectly, any inside information obtained as a result of advisory committee service for private gain.
(3) Members will not use their positions in any way to coerce, or give the appearance of coercing, another person to provide a financial benefit to the member or any person with whom he or she has family, business, or financial ties.
(4) Members who are appointed SGEs must follow the prohibitions on accepting gifts contained in 5 CFR 2635.201 et seq. if they are offered as a result of committee membership.
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e. Representative members are not Federal employees and, therefore, are not subject to the criminal conflicts of interest statutes or the standards of conduct regulations. In the absence of applicable statutes or regulations governing their conduct, r...
IV. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
1. INTRODUCTION. The preparation for and conduct of advisory committee meetings must be in accordance with FACA §§ 1009 and 1010; 41 CFR 102-3.30(d) and (e), 102- 3.120, 102-3.140, 102-3.145, 102-3.150, and 102-3.155.
2. SUPPLEMENTAL DOE REQUIREMENTS.
a. Departmental advisory committees will not take any official action at any meeting in the absence of a quorum of duly appointed members. Unless otherwise set forth in the charter of the committee, a quorum must consist of a majority of the committee...
b. Departmental advisory committees will not hold any meeting in the absence of the DFO. If the DFO cannot attend a committee meeting, the DFO must designate, in writing, a DOE employee who must attend the meeting the DFO will not attend and assume th...
c. Departmental advisory committees must not make recommendations or give advice with respect to matters not considered by the committee in meetings where a quorum is present or not within the scope of its functions as set forth in the committee’s cha...
3. OPEN MEETINGS.
a. Public Participation. The criteria for public participation in 41 CFR 102-3.140 must be considered when scheduling, preparing for, and conducting advisory committee meetings.
(1) Any public participation must be subject to reasonable rules or procedures that may be established by the DFO.
(2) Public attendance at open meetings (including teleconferences, video conferences, the Internet or other electronic medium) must not be constrained in an unreasonable manner. Attendance must be on a first-come, first-served basis up to the reasonab...
(a) Written Statements. The submission of written statements must be in accordance with FACA § 1009(a)(3), 41 CFR 102- 3.140(a)(1)(c), and must not be administratively hampered by arbitrary conditions of length, format, number of copies, typography, e...
(b) Oral Statements. Oral statements must be in accordance with FACA § 1009(a)(3), 41 CFR 102-3.140(ad)(1)(4), and this paragraph.
1 A minimum of 15 minutes must be allotted at each open meeting for the presentation of oral statements if comments are not taken throughout the meeting.
2 A statement must be included in the Federal Register notice announcing how comments from the public will be taken during the meeting.
3 DOE may establish procedures requiring interested persons to obtain advance approval for participation.
(c) Questions. Questioning of committee members or participants by the public is not permitted except with the approval of the DFO and chairperson.
(d) Rosters and Related Information. For the benefit of attendees from the general public (and media), rosters that list the names and affiliations of the committee members and copies of any other documents that may be distributed at the meeting.
b. News Media Coverage of Meetings. DOE will allow the news media direct access to qualified news sources within DOE and will allow as free a flow of information as possible within orderly administrative limits.
(1) Media representatives attending and reporting on open (and the open portion of partially closed) committee meetings are at liberty to use tape recorders, cameras, and electronic equipment for broadcast purposes. The use of such equipment, however,...
(2) Contacts with the media concerning coverage of meetings will be coordinated with the Office of Public Affairs.
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c. Public Notification.
(1) "Notice of Open Meeting" for each advisory committee meeting must be published in the Federal Register in accordance with 41 CFR 102-150(a). Whenever possible, 30 days notice will be given.
(2) If approved by the GC or GC designee, less than 15 calendar days’ notice may be given, in exceptional circumstances, such as a national emergency or natural disaster, in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.150(b).
(3) Meetings may also be announced by press releases, direct mailing, publication in trade and professional journals, or by notice to special interest and community groups affected by the committee’s deliberations. This procedure, however, will not be...
d. Preparation of Notices.
(1) No later than 30 calendar days before the scheduled meeting date, the DFO will prepare a "Notice of Open Meeting" containing the information required in 41 CFR 102-3.150(a); if the meeting is partially or fully closed, the DFO will prepare a "Noti...
(2) The notice must be forwarded to the CMO for review who will then submit it to the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation, and Energy Efficiency for review and concurrence. The CMO will then sign the notice and send it...
(3) If the meeting is cancelled or the date, time, or location of a meeting changes from that previously announced in the Federal Register, an appropriate notice will be published promptly. The amended notice should reference the volume, page number, ...
4. CLOSED MEETINGS.
a. Criteria for Closed Meetings. The decision to close (limit public access to) an advisory committee meeting to the public must be based on the criteria in FACA § 1009(d); 41 CFR 102-3.30(d), 102-3.150, and 102-3.155; and 5 U.S.C. § 552b(c), Governme...
b. Procedures for Requesting Closed Meetings. Requests for closed meetings must be prepared in accordance with the procedures in FACA § 1009(d) and 41 CFR 102-3.155(a)- (c). Conducting a meeting or portion of a meeting that is closed to the public req...
(1) Requests for Meeting in Closed Session.
(a) Requests to close meetings to the public must be prepared and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
(b) No later than 45 calendar days before the scheduled meeting an Action Memorandum addressed to the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, must be prepared by the DFO of the advisory committee for signature by the head of the De...
1 a formal notice of determination, for signature by the Secretary, which provides a statement of the reasons for the closing or partial closing of the meeting and identification of the pertinent exemptions;
2 the agenda or tentative agenda for the meeting showing when the meeting must be partially closed or closed and either the first or the last agenda item; and
3 a copy of the "Notice of Closed Meeting", or Notice of Open Meeting/Partially Closed Meeting," prepared in accordance with paragraph 3c ("Public Notification") above.
(c) If a committee has a legitimate need for frequent closed meetings, the committee may submit a request for one "Notice of Determination" to cover a series of meetings. As a general rule, the series of meetings must cover the same topics, be closed ...
(2) Concurrence and Approval Procedures.
(a) Request packages must be submitted to the CMO for review and concurrence and then transmitted to GC for review and concurrence before submission to the Secretary for approval.
(b) When meeting in closed session or partial session has been approved by the Secretary and the Notice of Determination signed, the original request package must be returned to the CMO for signature and processing of the Federal Register notice.
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c. Conduct of Closed Meetings.
(1) When a meeting is closed, members will not discuss or disclose the matters discussed except with other members and committee staff personnel.
(2) If only part of a meeting is closed, the agenda items will be arranged to facilitate public attendance at the open portion.
(3) When a meeting is partially closed, the agenda will be structured to minimize the amount of time needed for the closed session.
(4) When a meeting (or portion of a meeting) is closed, only members of the committee, its staff, and specified Federal employees will be permitted to attend.
5. MINUTES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
a. Detailed minutes of each advisory committee meeting must be kept in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.165. In addition, the following items must be included in the minutes.
(1) Name of the committee.
(2) Names of any members who recused themselves from the meeting or specific agenda matter and the reasons and a statement that they did not participate in the meeting or specific matter in which they recused themselves.
(3) Description of the extent to which the meeting was open to the public and the public participation.
b. Verbatim transcripts may be taken and must contain the same information shown in paragraph 5a above; however, verbatim transcripts are not a substitute for the minutes.
c. The chairperson of the committee will certify the contents of the minutes and, if applicable, the transcript. The certification should indicate that the contents are accurate and complete.
d. The DFO will post minutes to the Advisory Committee website within 14 calendar days of certification.
6. MEETING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DFOs AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS.
a. DFOs.
(1) General Responsibilities. In addition to complying with all the requirements in 41 CFR 102-3.120, the DFO will:
(a) Work closely with the program and/or the CMO to ensure appropriate deadlines are met and that committees meet the objectives for which they were established.
(b) Maintain the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, working papers, drafts, studies, agendas, and other documents that are made available to or are prepared by the advisory committee.
(c) Initiate all personnel actions for new members, if required.
(d) Initiate letters of invitation, welcome, and appreciation and certificates of appreciation, when appropriate.
(e) Serve as the main resource person available to the program and the organization regarding the renewal, reestablishment, or rechartering of the committees for which they are responsible, and initiate all requests for committee continuance.
(f) In consultation with GC, determine whether any members have conflicts of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest with any matter pending before the committee for a specific meeting. Members who have a conflict of interest or an appeara...
(2) Before Meetings.
(a) Prepare agendas in consultation with the chairperson. Ensure agenda topics and work plan content align with the committee charter. Agendas should include a description of each discussion topic.
(b) Distribute agendas and meeting materials to members in advance of meetings, when possible.
(c) Make logistical arrangements for meetings, including, when necessary, arranging for overnight accommodation for members.
(d) Ensure meeting notices are published in the Federal Register before meetings.
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(3) During Meetings.
(a) Be present at meetings.
(b) Ensure committees conduct business in accordance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
(c) Ensure accurate records are kept of committee deliberations. If a closed portion of a meeting is recorded, the DFO ensures that only an official transcriber for the organization performs the recording.
(d) Record motions and votes on each item of business; take notes on discussions and proceedings as necessary to prepare the minutes.
(e) Authorize the adjournment of any committee meeting in the event of unwarranted departure from the agenda of the meeting or if adjournment is determined to be in the public interest.
(4) After Meetings.
(a) Prepare minutes and make copies available promptly to members and the general public.
(b) Ensure that minutes are certified by the chairperson within 90 calendar days of the meeting to which they relate and are posted on the advisory committee website, if one exists, within 14 calendar days of certification. See 41 CFR 102-3.165(c).
(c) Arrange for the preparation of pay, if required, and travel vouchers so that members may be reimbursed.
b. Chairpersons.
(1) Preside at all committee meetings.
(a) Ensure agendas are followed as closely as possible.
(b) Appoint other committee members to preside if it is necessary for the Chairperson to leave due to a conflict of interest or other circumstances.
(2) Ensure all rules of order and conduct are maintained during each session.
(a) Ensure committee members disqualified from participation in committee discussion do not participate in the discussion or vote.
(b) Ensure minutes and transcripts of meetings clearly indicate when members did not participate and were not present during discussions.
(3) Call on individuals for opinions and comments and terminate any off-topic discussion.
(4) Call for votes, as required.
(5) Control public participation during the open portion of meetings.
(6) Certify the accuracy of the minutes and/or transcripts of each committee meeting before their distribution
V. TRAVEL COSTS
1. INTRODUCTION. Travel costs for advisory committees may be allowed in accordance with FACA §1006(d)(1)(B), 41 CFR 102-3.130(f), and Section 624 of the DOE Organization Act. In addition to these requirements, this chapter describes the DOE requiremen...
2. DEPARTMENTAL CRITERIA.
a. The Department may allow reimbursement of travel expenses for advisory committees in accordance with DOE M 552.1-1A, U.S. Department of Energy Travel Manual, dated 2-17-06 and 41 CFR Part 300, which is the principal source of policy for Federal emp...
b. If reimbursement of travel expenses incurred on committee business has been authorized at the establishment or renewal of a committee and fiscal or other considerations make it appear necessary to terminate such reimbursement prior to a subsequent ...
3. TRAVEL EXPENSE RULES AND LIMITS.
a. Coverage. Advisory committee members may be reimbursed for travel expenses only when they are on committee business while away from their residences or regular places of business.
b. Tickets. Generally, the Department will provide advisory committee members with a Government fare common carrier ticket.
(1) If DOE is unable to provide a member with a common carrier ticket, the member may use personal means to purchase transportation. (When transportation costs exceed $100, a senior DOE official is required to review the circumstances of the purchase ...
(2) Unused tickets should be returned promptly to the DOE program office.
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c. Major Travel to and from Meetings. The most usual travel mode is by common carrier (air or train, with air being the most common mode). Members may also use their privately owned vehicles to travel to meetings. The applicable rules are as follows.
(1) Air Travel. Airfare is limited to the regular, round-trip, coach-class fare or, when available, Government contract airlines between the member’s residence or regular place of business and the meeting site.
(a) DOE will arrange an electronic ticket (e-ticket), which will be retrieved at the airport ticket counter, and mail the itinerary for each committee member traveling by air.
(b) When travel is between cities (city-pairs) served under the Government contract airline program, DOE will issue an e- ticket for transportation on the contract airline.
1 Use of a noncontract airline must be justified when service from a contract airline is available.
2 Committee members must make their own airline reservations when using a noncontract airline for travel to cities serviced by contract airlines.
3 Committee members who wish to make changes in their travel itineraries (different from direct, round-trip travel between their residences and the meeting site) should consult with the Departmental element that sponsors the committee about procedures.
4 Committee members may upgrade their accommodations (e.g., to first class) by contacting the carrier directly and paying any fare increases.
5 Members may also reroute their travel provided they pay any resultant additional costs directly.
(c) International travel by air must adhere to the provisions of the Fly America Act. (Members should check with the Departmental element to find out whether this regulation applies.)
(2) Train Travel. Committee members may also travel to and from meetings by train.
(a) Travel by train will be authorized only when it is advantageous to the Government.
(b) If it is not advantageous to the Government, reimbursement for travel by train will be limited to the actual fare or the regular, round-trip, coach-class air fare between the two traveling points, whichever is less.
(3) Privately Owned Vehicle. A member may also travel to and from meetings by his/her privately owned vehicle.
(a) DOE will reimburse the member at the current Government mileage allowance rate and for actual bridge, turnpike, ferry, and parking fees.
(b) Total travel expenses by privately owned vehicle generally must not exceed