Federal Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity
The Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity was created in 2023 by the Secretary of the Interior. The Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey on the programs of the Office of Science Quality and Integrity.
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has established an Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity (Advisory Committee). The Advisory Committee advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the USGS on matters related to the responsibilities of the USGS Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI) including monitoring and enhancing the integrity, quality, and health of all USGS science through executive oversight and development of strong practices, policy, and supporting programs. The FACA formalizes a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies, and helps to ensure that advice provided by advisory committees is both objective and accessible to the public.
Advisory Commitee Charter
The Advisory Committee will advise the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the USGS on matters related to the responsibilities of the USGS OSQI. Functional areas in OSQI include Scientific Integrity; Science Quality (including Fundamental Science Practices); Youth and Education in Science (YES); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Laboratories; Postdoctoral Research; Office of Tribal Relations; and Research and Equipment Development Grade Evaluations of USGS scientists.
The FACA prescribes that a Federal Advisory Committee must have an official charter that explains the official designation, authority, scope and objectives, membership, ethics responsibility, official to whom the committee reports, duties of the committee, committee support, number and frequency of meetings, travel expenses for representatives, estimated annual operating expenses, and rules for continuation and termination of the committee. The Advisory Committee Charter is renewed every two years.
Membership
The Advisory Committee consists of no more than 15 members appointed by the Secretary who reflect the diversity of the Nation, and may include the following interests:
- Local and State governments;
- Non-governmental organizations;
- Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian organizations, including representatives from Tribal governments and Tribal colleges;
- Academia; and
- Other stakeholders and sectors, including private industry, that make use of USGS science including, but not limited to, areas including laboratory sciences, natural resource managers, natural hazards protections, and wildlife organizations.
The call for nominations for current members was opened February 2024 and was extended twice, in April 2024 and May 2024, and closed in June 2024.
Meetings
The Advisory Committee meets one to two times annually, and at such other times as designated by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Meeting announcements and materials will be made available online.
An option for virtual attendance will be available for Advisory Committee meetings. All public attendees (non-members) must register five business days in advance of the meeting date via email request to GS-FACSQSI@usgs.gov.