Today, the National Institute of Standards and Technology published a notice in the Federal Register (87 FR 2138-2139) announcing the “Establishment and call for nominations to serve on the Internet of Things Advisory Board.” The Advisory Board is established under the requirements of §9204(b)(5) of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (PL 116-283).
Section 9204
This section of the 2021 NDAA established the ‘Federal Working Group’ to “recommendations and a report to Congress relating to the aspects of the Internet of Things” {§9204(b)(1)}. The Working Group was to include representatives from the {§9204(b)(3)}:
National Telecommunications and Information Administration,
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Department of Transportation,
Department of Homeland Security,
Office of Management and Budget,
National Science Foundation,
Federal Communications Commission,
Federal Trade Commission,
Office of Science and Technology Policy,
Department of Energy, and
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
The Working Group was tasked with {§9204(b)(2)}:
Identifying any Federal regulations, statutes, grant practices, budgetary or jurisdictional challenges, and other sector-specific policies that are inhibiting, or could inhibit, the development or deployment of the Internet of Things,
Considering policies or programs that encourage and improve coordination among Federal agencies that have responsibilities that are relevant to the objectives of this section,
Considering any findings or recommendations made by the steering committee [emphasis added] and, where appropriate, act to implement those recommendations; and
Ensuring to the maximum extent possible the coordination of the current and future activities of the Federal Government relating to security with respect to the Internet of Things.
The Steering Committee
Section 9204(b)(5) establishes within the Department of Commerce the Steering Committee referred to above to advise the Working Group. The Secretary was to appoint “to the steering committee members representing a wide range of stakeholders outside of the Federal Government with expertise relating to the Internet of Things” {§9204(b)(5)(C)}. Those members would include representatives from:
Information and communications technology manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and vendors,
Subject matter experts representing industrial sectors other than the technology sector that can benefit from the Internet of Things, including the transportation, energy, agriculture, and health care sectors,
Small, medium, and large businesses,
Think tanks and academia,
Nonprofit organizations and consumer groups,
Security experts, and
Rural stakeholders.
The Steering Committee is tasked with providing a report to the Working Group within one year of its formation. That report will cover any findings or recommendations made by the Steering Committee and will reflect “the independent judgment of the steering committee" {§9204(b)(5)(E)}. Under the requirements of this section the Steering Group would “terminate on the date on which the working group submits the report” {§9204(b)(5)(G)}.
The IoTAB
The IoTAB outlined in today’s Notice is the Steering Committee described above. It will consist of 16 members appointed by the Secretary with the Chair be selected from that number by the Secretary. According to the Notice, Board Members will serve a two-year term unless the Board terminates earlier. Board Members will not be paid, though travel and per diem may be provided.
The Board will meet at least twice a year in a virtual format. Those meetings will be open to the public.
Nominations
NIST is soliciting nominations for the initial 16 positions on the Board and will be accepting 2nd party nominations and self-nominations. Nominations, including resume, may be sent to Alicia Chambers, the Committee Liaison Officer by email (alicia.chambers@nist.gov). Nominations should be submitted by February 25th, 2022.