Overview
Title
Call for Nominations to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of the Interior is looking for helpers to give advice about maps and how the government uses them. They want people to join a special group called the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, and they will cover travel costs for those who join.
Summary AI
The Department of the Interior is looking for people to join the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), which advises on federal geospatial programs and policies. This committee, approved by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, offers recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior. They are accepting nominations until February 22, 2021. Members serve voluntarily but will receive support for travel expenses and meet about three to four times a year.
Abstract
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is seeking nominations to serve on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). The NGAC is a Federal Advisory Committee authorized through the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA), which operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior through the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) related to management of Federal geospatial programs, development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and the implementation of the GDA. The Committee reviews and comments on geospatial policy and management issues and provides a forum for views of non-Federal stakeholders in the geospatial community.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register titled "Call for Nominations to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee" concerns the Department of the Interior's search for volunteers to participate in an advisory committee. The committee, known as the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), provides advice and recommendations to improve federal geospatial programs and policies. Those interested in joining this committee can send their nominations by February 22, 2021. The NGAC operates under the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 and holds meetings about three to four times a year.
Summary
This notice emphasizes the need for diverse voices in guiding the development of geospatial data infrastructure. The NGAC includes up to 30 members, who serve staggered terms to ensure balanced representation of various viewpoints. Participation involves attending meetings and advising on policy but offers no monetary compensation beyond travel expenses. Thus, members must be motivated by a dedication to the field rather than financial gain.
Issues and Concerns
While the call for nominations is generally straightforward, it raises several potential concerns:
Selection Criteria Ambiguity: The document states that the committee seeks balanced viewpoints but lacks detailed criteria for selecting members. This could lead to uncertainties or perceptions of bias in the selection process.
Nomination Guidance: It outlines the need for resumes and support letters but does not specify what qualifications or experiences are valued. This might result in confusion about what makes an appropriate nominee and inconsistent evaluations.
Compensation Clarity: Members are not compensated for their time, although travel costs are covered. However, there's no estimate or cap mentioned for these expenses, possibly opening the door to unchecked spending.
Impact Assessment: The document does not provide examples of the committee's past influence or decisions, making it hard to judge the committee's effectiveness or potential contributions.
Accessibility of Language: The formal language used for submitting nominations could be simplified. This would help ensure the process is accessible to a wider range of applicants, not just those familiar with bureaucratic documentations.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
At a broad level, the work of the NGAC holds the potential to influence public access to geospatial data and its application in areas such as environmental planning, emergency response, and urban development. More robust and inclusive federal geospatial programs could lead to improved services and enhanced decision-making processes.
Specific stakeholders, such as geospatial professionals, academic institutions, and related organizations, could benefit from participation through networking, influence on national policy, and the opportunity to represent specific community interests. However, the lack of defined selection criteria might disadvantage less-established entities or individuals looking to contribute, potentially impacting the diversity of perspectives represented in the committee.
Overall, this call for nominations is a step towards reinforcing the federal geospatial infrastructure. Still, it would be improved by more detailed guidance and criteria for applicants, transparency in the committee's past effectiveness, and simplified language to broaden accessibility.
Issues
• The document does not specify the criteria for selecting committee members beyond 'balanced representation,' which could lead to ambiguity and unclear selection processes.
• The document mentions nominations should include a resume and supporting letters, but it does not provide detailed guidelines on what specific qualifications or experiences are required, which might result in inconsistent evaluations of nominees.
• The compensation details mention that committee members will serve without compensation but will get travel and per diem costs covered, without estimating or capping these expenses, which could lead to unmonitored spending.
• While the document describes the committee's operations and nomination process, it lacks examples or case studies of past committee impacts or decisions, making it difficult to evaluate the committee's effectiveness or potential influence.
• Language regarding submitting nominations and the overall responsibilities of nominees is quite formal and technical and may benefit from simplification to ensure accessibility for a broader audience.