Forensics OSAC Email Invitation

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Nominations for Participation in a Forensics Organization of Scientific Area Committees

OMB Control No. 0693-XXXX Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

Draft Email Invitation asking for participation

The development of a quality infrastructure for forensic science was a key objective of the reforms anticipated in the 2009 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report entitled, “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States – A Path Forward.” In response to the report, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the US Department of Justice signed a bilateral agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in March 2013 which specified the establishment of a framework for “Guidance Groups” now termed the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC).

NIST created the OSAC framework to promulgate NIST’s responsibility to administer and coordinate support for the discipline-specific Scientific Area Committees (SACs). NIST envisions uniform administration of development, promulgation and adoption of standards through the OSAC as well as supporting communication flow between the SACs and the forensic science community. The plan design intends to bring structure, scientific rigor and increased communication among forensic science practitioners, research scientists, academicians, statisticians, metrologists, attorneys, managers and quality assurance specialists.

NIST is asking for interested participants to self-nominate to serve on various committees and subcommittees of OSAC. A brief description of OSAC and the operational functions of the different organizational components can be found at www.nist.gov/forensics. Available at that site is a self-nomination application where interested volunteers can apply for membership on the various components of OSAC.

NIST would like to solicit the help of [name of professional organization] to notify your membership of this opportunity to apply for membership in the new Organization of Scientific Area Committees. Your support of this endeavor is greatly appreciated.