BOSC Charter

2008 Charter (PDF, 3pp., 14KB, about PDF)

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY CHARTER

EPA BOARD OF SCIENTIFIC COUNSELORS

1. Committee's Official Designation (Title):

EPA Board of Scientific Counselors

2. Authority:

The EPA Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) charter is renewed in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. 2. BOSC is in the public interest and supports EPA in performing its duties and responsibilities.

3. Objectives and Scope of Activities:

The BOSC will provide advice and recommendations on all aspects (technical and management) of the Office of Research and Development's (ORD) research program. As appropriate, the BOSC will consult and coordinate its work with the Science Advisory Board.

The major objectives are to provide advice and recommendations on:

a. ORD's research programs and research-management practices, and to recommend actions to improve research program quality, relevance, structure, performance, scientific leadership, coordination / communication, and outcomes;

b. ORD's program development, progress, and research program balance, which may include evaluation of multi-year plans and implementation of the ORD Strategic Plan;

c. Use of peer review within ORD to sustain and enhance the quality of science in EPA;

d. Scientific and management issues specific to ORD Offices, National Laboratories, and Centers; and

e. ORD's human resources planning, such as scientist career development and rotational assignment programs, and the appropriate scope and design of training programs for environmental research professionals.

4. Description of Committees Duties:

The duties of the BOSC are solely advisory in nature.

5. Official(s) to Whom the Committee Reports:

BOSC will submit advice and recommendations and report to the EPA Administrator, through the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development.

6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support:

EPA will be responsible for financial and administrative support. Within EPA, this support will be provided by the Office of Research and Development.

7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Work Years:

The estimated annual operating cost of the BOSC is $1,130,500 which includes 4.3 person-years of support.

8. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:

The committee expects to meet approximately three (3) to four (4) times a year. Meetings may occur approximately once every three (3) to six (6) months, or as needed and approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). EPA may pay travel and per diem expenses when determined necessary and appropriate. A full-time or permanent part-time employee of EPA will be appointed as the (DFO). The DFO or a designee will be present at all meetings and each meeting will be conducted in accordance with an agenda approved in advance by the DFO.

The DFO is authorized to adjourn any meeting when he or she determines it is in the public interest to do so. As required by FACA, BOSC will hold open meetings unless the EPA Administrator determines that a meeting or a portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with subsection c of Section 552b of Title 5, United States Code. Interested persons may attend meetings, appear before the committee as time permits, and file comments with the BOSC.

9. Duration and Termination:

BOSC will be examined annually and will exist until the EPA determines the committee is no longer needed. This charter will be in effect for two years from the date it is filed with Congress. After the initial two-year period, the charter may be renewed as authorized in accordance with Section 14 of FACA.

10. Member Composition:

The BOSC will be composed of approximately fifteen (15) members. Members will serve as Special Government Employees. In selecting members EPA will consider candidates from the environmental scientific/technical fields, human health care professionals, academia, industry, public and private research institutes or organizations, and other relevant interest areas.

11. Subgroups:

EPA, or the BOSC with EPA approval, may form BOSC subcommittees or workgroups for any purpose consistent with this charter. Such subcommittees or workgroups may not work independently of the chartered committee and must report their recommendations and advice to the BOSC for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered committee nor can they report directly to the Agency.

April 16, 2008
Agency Approval Date

April 22, 2008
GSA Consultation Date

May 16, 2008
Date Filed with Congress

BOSC Charter

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