FACACLASSIC

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DOC - 100 - National Sea Grant Advisory Board - Statutory (Congress Created)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Committee Name	National Sea Grant Advisory Board	Agency Name	Department of Commerce
Fiscal Year	2025	Committee Number	100
Original Establishment Date	8/14/1967	Committee Status	Chartered
Actual Termination Date		Committee URL	https://seagrant.noaa.gov/About/Advisory-Board
Actual Merged Date		Presidential Appointments*	No
New Committee This FY	No	Max Number of Members*	17
Terminated This FY	No	Designated Fed Officer Position Title*	Designated Federal Officer
Merged This FY		Designated Federal Officer Prefix	Ms.
Current Charter Date	8/8/2024	Designated Federal Officer First Name*	Susan
Date Of Renewal Charter	8/8/2026	Designated Federal Officer Middle Name	A.
Projected Termination Date		Designated Federal Officer Last Name*	Holmes
Exempt From Renewal*	No	Designated Federal Officer Suffix	M.S.
Specific Termination Authority		Designated Federal Officer Phone*	(301) 734-1077
Establishment Authority*	Statutory (Congress Created)	Designated Federal Officer Fax*	(301)-713-1031
Specific Establishment Authority*	33 U.S.C. 1121 et.seq. P.L. 94-461	Designated Federal Officer Email*	susan.holmes@noaa.gov
Effective Date Of Authority*	10/15/1966
Exempt From EO 13875 Discretionary Cmte	Not Applicable
Committee Type*	Continuing
Presidential*	No
Committee Function*	Scientific Technical Program Advisory Board

RECOMMENDATION/JUSTIFICATIONS

Agency Recommendation*	Continue
Legislation to Terminate Required	Not Applicable
Legislation Status	Not Applicable
How does cmte accomplish its purpose?*	The National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) was established in 1976. The Advisory Board meets in-person twice annually and by conference call/virtual meeting as necessary to consider reports from the Advisory Board Subcommittees. The Board subcommittees do not work independently of the Advisory Board and report their recommendations and advice to the Advisory Board for further deliberation and discussion. The Advisory Board advises the National Sea Grant College Program on strategies to address the Nation’s highest priorities in terms of the understanding, assessment, development, management utilization and conservation of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources. The Advisory Board has responsibility to advise on the performance of the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, the status of individual Sea Grant programs, and the implementation of the Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (PIE) system.
How is membership balanced?*	The National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) was establish in 1976. The current membership is balanced to meet the legislative requirement that "not less than eight of the voting members of the Advisory Board shall be individuals who, by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in one or more of the disciplines and fields included in marine science. The other voting members shall be individuals who, by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in, or representative of, education, marine affairs and resource management, coastal management, extension services, State government, industry, economics, planning, or any other activity which is appropriate to, and important for, any effort to enhance the understanding, assessment, development, management, utilization, or conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources". Additionally, as part of the Advisory Board charter, there is a required balance plan which include information and plans for recruitment. Candidate identification processes are captured in the Membership Balance Plan, which include publishing a Federal Register Notice, email and newsletter solicitations, gap analysis based on expertise, and convening selection committee made up of NSGO and OAR leadership to determine best candidates and alternates that address the gaps.
How frequent & relevant are cmte mtgs?*	The National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) was establish in 1976. The Advisory Board meets at least twice annually on a biannual basis and at any other time: 1) at the call of the chairperson; 2) upon the request of a majority of the voting members; or 3) upon the request of the Director upon consultation with the DFO. All meetings and Sea Grant program site visits are relevant to the Advisory Board's legislatively mandated responsibilities to provide advice to the Secretary of Commerce, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Director of the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program on the performance, planning, and operation of the Nation Sea Grant College Program.
Why advice can't be obtained elsewhere?*	The dedicated members of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (advisory Board) provide valued advice on these issues to the NOAA and the Department that is critically needed to achieve the mandate and oversee the development of the National Sea Grant College Program. There is no other existing group sufficiently knowledgeable about Sea Grant's mission that could provide, over the long term, the balance and breadth of expert advice that is vitally important to a multifaceted, scientific-based program. By legislation, the Advisory Board is required to advise the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program concerning (A) strategies for utilizing the sea grant college program to address the Nation’s highest priorities regarding the understanding, assessment, development, management, utilization, and conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources (B) the designation of sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and (C) such other matters as the Secretary or Director refers to the Advisory Board for review and advice. The National Sea Grant College Program is a complex program involving more than 300 universities that participate through 34 university-based Sea Grant programs located in all coastal and Great Lakes states, including Guam, Puerto Rico and the Lake Champlain region. As can be seen, the Sea Grant legislation provides a strong role for an independent advisory body composed of experts in marine-related fields. The reason is the mandate given to Sea Grant, namely to develop the commitment and involvement of universities to achieve -- through research, education, and extension outreach -- greater understanding, assessment, development, utilization, and conservation of the nation's ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. The Board provides an independent perspective for the cost-shared, university- based Sea Grant, which is aimed at the development and wise use of the Nation’s marine resources through research, education, and technology. The Board provides advice and guidance not only on scientific, outreach, and education programs, but more importantly, on the priorities and strategic direction of the overall Sea Grant, and on the conversion of research and development activities into economic development and environmental conservation. There are no other advisory committees or Federal entities that serve this function. The work of this committee is ongoing, based on its previously described objectives and duties, and in accordance with the National Sea Grant Program Act.
Why close or partially close meetings?	N/A
Recommendation Remarks	Establishment of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) is required by statute, 33 U.S.C. § 1128. In each succeeding Reauthorization, the Advisory Board size, terms of office, and duties have been reaffirmed. Under the terms of the Reauthorization, the Department proposes to continue to draw on the expertise of this Advisory Board to advise the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program regarding the understanding, assessment, development, utilization, and conservation of the Nation’s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. The Board has been an integral component of the program providing essential service for the effective and efficient operation of the Sea Grant Program since 1976. The Board provides an independent perspective for the cost-shared, university- based Sea Grant, which is aimed at the development and wise use of the Nation’s marine resources through research, education, and technology. The Board provides advice and guidance not only on scientific, outreach, and education programs, but more importantly, on the priorities and strategic direction of the overall Sea Grant, and on the conversion of research and development activities into economic development and environmental conservation. There are no other advisory committees or Federal entities that serve this function. The work of this committee is ongoing, based on its previously described objectives and duties, and in accordance with the National Sea Grant Program Act.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Outcome Improvement To Health Or Safety*	No	Action Reorganize Priorities*	Yes
Outcome Trust In Government	No	Action Reallocate Resources	No
Outcome Major Policy Changes	No	Action Issued New Regulations	No
Outcome Advance In Scientific Research	Yes	Action Proposed Legislation	No
Outcome Effective Grant Making	Yes	Action Approved Grants Or Other Payments	No
Outcome Improved Service Delivery	Yes	Action Other	No
Outcome Increased Customer Satisfaction	Yes	Action Comment	Actions based on the recommendations of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board frequently help in the organization of National Sea Grant College Program Priorities.
Outcome Implement Laws/Reg Requirements	Yes	Grants Review*	No
Outcome Other	No	Number Of Grants Reviewed	12
Outcome Comment	NA	Number Of Grants Recommended	0
Cost Savings*	Unable to Determine	Dollar Value Of Grants Recommended	$5,522,233.00
Cost Savings Comment	While cost savings may not have been formally analyzed associated with this committee, anecdotal evidence suggests it is very high. This is based on documented changes made by the 34 Sea Grant programs that have resulted from the Advisory Board's reviews of performance and recommendations for improvements.	Grants Review Comment	Grant reviewer responsibility was to provide written reviews on grant proposal(s) for three different competitions. One of the FY 2025 competitions focused on supporting the development of new U.S. coastal, marine, and Great Lakes aquaculture businesses, as well as enhancing the output, efficiency, and profitability of existing aquaculture businesses. The second FY 2025 competition sought proposals that create regional Aquaculture Collaboratives to enhance the engagement and support of aquaculture activities at minority serving institutions. The third FY 2025 competition sought proposals to fund a new regional program to enhance local oversight and direction of research and extension within the American lobster fishery.
Number Of Recommendations*	2,104	Access Contact Designated Fed. Officer*	Yes
Number Of Recommendations Comment	In FY25, the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) received 4 additional recommendations. The recommendations were provided in the "2024 State of Sea Grant Report to Congress". More information is available on the Board website: https://seagrant.noaa.gov/national-sea-grant-advisory-board/	Access Agency Website	Yes
% of Recs Fully Implemented*	80.00%	Access Committee Website	Yes
% of Recs Fully Implemented Comment	Recommendations from the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) are advisory in nature. In fiscal year 2025, recommendations from previous years were incorporated into guidance and/or policy and implemented. All activities address Sea Grant legislation and/or DOC regulation requirements. (1) Program Reviews: The NOAA National Sea Grant Office utilized recommendations provided previously by the Advisory Board, first by incorporating the recommendations into guidance and then implemented the guidance in FY25. Resulting in 34 Sea Grant program site reviews being conducted in FY25. The Advisory Board played a crucial role in providing feedback that has shaped guidance, how programs are reviewed including program feedback and informing decisions, and ensuring transparency in government operations. (2) Congressional Report: In addressing the Advisory Board required reporting to congress, the "2024 State of Sea Grant Report to Congress" was released December 2024. The report includes the NOAA National Sea Grant Offices response to the four recommendations from the "2020 State of Sea Grant Report to Congress". The "2024 State of Sea Grant Report to Congress" also provides four additional recommendations to the NOAA National Sea Grant Office, who will look into implementing them over the coming years. (3) Grant Reviewers: Board members participated in grant reviews, reviewing 12 grant proposals, of those 6 were recommended for funding at an estimated amount of $5,522,233. More information is available on the Board website: https://seagrant.noaa.gov/national-sea-grant-advisory-board/	Access GSA FACA Website	Yes
% of Recs Partially Implemented*	20.00%	Access Publications	Yes
% of Recs Partially Implemented Comment	Recommendations from the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) are advisory in nature and the majority of recommendations are implemented; however, the National Sea Grant College Program and individual Sea Grant Programs are not required to implement Advisory Board recommendations if they do not agree with them and/or do not have the current resources to do so. The recommendations from the Advisory Board reports are being implemented through guidance and policy. This is an ongoing process.	Access Other	No
Agency Feedback*	Yes	Access Comment	National Sea Grant Advisory Board website: https://seagrant.noaa.gov/national-sea-grant-advisory-board/
Agency Feedback Comment*	The public and the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) is briefed during public meetings by staff of the Director of the NOAA National Sea Grant Office, NOAA Assistant Administrator for NOAA Research and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (where possible) as to the status of the implementation of recommendations. In addition, the Advisory Board receives feedback through meetings of the Advisory Board's Executive Committee. The Advisory Board is included in a variety of listservs and announcements regarding information about the program and information relevant to the Advisory Board that is sent by the Director. The Director and Designated Federal Officer meet monthly with the Board Executive Committee via conference call.	Narrative Description*	The National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Advisory Board) is an essential part of NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program. The Advisory Board contributes to NOAA’s Mission of Science, Service, and Stewardship in three areas: 1. To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans and coasts; 2. To share that knowledge and information with others; and 3. To conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. https://seagrant.noaa.gov/about-sea-grant/

COSTS

1. Payments to Non-Federal Members*		1. Est Paymnts to Non-Fed Membrs Nxt FY*
2. Payments to Federal Members*		2. Est. Payments to Fed Members Next FY*
3. Payments to Federal Staff*		3. Estimated Payments to Federal Staff*
4. Payments to Consultants*		4. Est. Payments to Consultants Next FY*
5. Travel Reimb. For Non-Federal Membrs*		5. Est Travel Reimb Non-Fed Membr nxtFY*
6. Travel Reimb. For Federal Members*		6. Est Travel Reimb For Fed Members*
7. Travel Reimb. For Federal Staff*		7. Est. Travel Reimb to Fed Staf Nxt FY*
8. Travel Reimb. For Consultants*		8. Est Travel Reimb to Consltnts Nxt FY*
10. Other Costs		10. Est. Other Costs Next FY*
11. Total Costs	$0.00	11. Est. Total Next FY*	$0.00
Date Cost Last Modified	3/14/2025 11:37 AM	Est. Fed Staff Support Next FY*
Federal Staff Support (FTE)*		Est Cost Remarks
Cost Remarks

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