Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy

AGENCY:

Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION:

Committee Management; Request for Applicants for Appointment to the Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy.

SUMMARY:

The National Fire Academy (Academy) is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy (Board) to apply for appointment as identified in this notice. Pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, the Board shall review annually the programs of the Academy and shall make recommendations to the Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through the United State Fire Administrator, regarding the operation of the Academy and any improvements that the Board deems appropriate. The Board is composed of eight (8) members, all of whom are experts and leaders in the fields of fire safety, fire prevention, fire control, research and development in fire protection, treatment and rehabilitation of fire victims, or local government services management, which includes emergency medical services. The Academy seeks to appoint individuals to three (3) positions on the Board that will be open due to term expiration. If other positions are vacated during the application process, candidates may be selected from the pool of applicants to fill the vacated positions.

DATES:

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST January 14, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The preferred method of submission is via email. However, applications may also be submitted by fax or mail. Please only submit by ONE of the following methods:

• Email: Ruth.MacPhail@fema.dhs.gov.
• Fax: 301-447-1834.
• Mail: National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration, Attention: Ruth MacPhail, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-8998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kirby Kiefer, Alternate Designated Federal Officer, National Fire Academy, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-8998; telephone 301-447-1117; and email Kirby.Kiefer@fema.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Board is an advisory committee established in accordance with the provision of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. Appendix. The purpose of the Board is to review annually the programs of the Academy and advise the FEMA Administrator on the operation of the Academy and any improvements therein that the Board deems appropriate. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board examines Academy programs to determine whether these programs further the basic missions that are approved by the FEMA Administrator, examines the physical plant of the Academy to determine the adequacy of the Academy's facilities, and examines the funding levels for NFA programs. The Board submits a written annual report through the United States Fire Administrator to the FEMA Administrator. The report provides detailed comments and recommendations regarding the operation of the Academy.

Individuals who are interested in serving on the Board are invited to apply for consideration for appointment. There is no application form; however, a current resume will be required. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The appointment shall be for a term of up to three years. Individuals selected for appointment shall serve as Special Government Employees (SGEs), defined in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code. Candidates selected for appointment will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450).

The Board shall meet as often as needed to fulfill its mission, but not less than twice each fiscal year to address its objectives and duties. The Board will meet in person at least once each fiscal year with additional meetings held via teleconference. Board members may be reimbursed for travel and per diem incurred in the performance of their duties as members of the Board. All travel for Board business must be approved in advance by the Designated Federal Officer. To the extent practical, Board members shall serve on any subcommittee that is established.

FEMA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. FEMA strives to achieve a diverse candidate pool for all its recruitment actions.

Current DHS and FEMA employees, FEMA Disaster Assistance Employees, FEMA Reservists, and DHS and FEMA contractors and potential contractors will not be considered for membership. Federally registered lobbyists will not be considered for SGE appointments.