National Biodefense Science Board Charter

ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S OFFICIAL DESIGNATION

National Biodefense Science Board (the Board)   

AUTHORITY

The National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) is required under section 319M of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-7g) as added by section 402 of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) of 2006 and amended by section 404 of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (PAHPRA). The NBSB is governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2).

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

The NBSB provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, pursuant to Secretarial delegation, on scientific, technical, and other matters of special interest to HHS regarding current and future chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The NBSB shall advise the Secretary of HHS or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response on current and future trends, challenges, and opportunities presented by advances in biological and life sciences, biotechnology, and genetic engineering with respect to threats posed by naturally occurring infectious diseases and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents. At the request of the Secretary or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, the NBSB may review and consider information and findings from working groups established under its authority and provide recommendations and findings to strengthen, expand, intensify, and coordinate biodefense research and development activities. Any recommendation, finding, or report provided to the Secretary of HHS or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response shall also be provided to the appropriate committees of Congress.

AGENCY OR FEDERAL OFFICER RECEIVING THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S ADVICE/RECOMMENDATIONS

The NBSB shall provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of HHS or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

SUPPORT

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response provides management and administrative support for the activities of the NBSB.

ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS AND STAFF YEARS

The estimated annual cost for operating the Advisory Committee including federal staff support and reimbursable travel expenses for NBSB members is $203,078. Estimated staff support required is 1.60 full-time employee years.

1. Federal personnel and other Federal internal costs: $184,696

2. Proposed payments to members and number of members: $0 and 13 members

3. Reimbursable Costs: $18,382

ESTIMATED NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS

The NBSB shall meet in public not less than twice per year, including at least once per year in person, and may convene more often as needed when requested by the Secretary of HHS or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response. Notice of all public meetings will be given to the public. All meetings shall be conducted, and records of proceedings kept, as required by applicable laws and regulations.

DURATION

The duration of the NBSB is continuing, subject to the termination section below.

TERMINATION

Unless renewed in accordance with section 14 of FACA prior to its expiration, the NBSB’s charter will terminate two years from the date the charter is filed.

MEMBERSHIP AND DESIGNATION

Members shall be appointed by the Secretary of HHS from among the Nation’s preeminent scientific, public health and medical experts in areas consistent with the purpose and functions of the advisory committee. The NBSB shall consist of 13 non-federal voting members, including the Chairperson, as follows:

1. Four individuals representing the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and device industries;

2. Four individuals representing academia; and

3. Five other members as determined appropriate by the Secretary, of whom –

   1. One such member shall be a practicing healthcare professional;

   2. One such member shall be an individual from an organization representing health care consumers;

   3. One such member shall be an individual with pediatric subject matter expertise; and

   4. One such member shall be a State, tribal, territorial, or local public health official.
       

The NBSB may also include such federal officials as the Secretary may determine are necessary to support the functions of the NBSB, who shall serve as non-voting members.

A voting member of the NBSB is appointed for a term of three years. A voting member may not serve more than three terms, and only two terms may be consecutive. Voting members shall not be full-time or permanent part-time federal employees but shall be appointed by the Secretary of HHS as Special Government Employees (5 U.S.C. § 3109). A member may serve after the expiration of his/her term until a successor has been appointed. Vacancies will be filled as members rotate out or resign.

A quorum for the NBSB shall consist of a majority of the appointed voting members. Of the voting members, any who are disqualified from participating in an action on a particular issue shall not count toward the quorum.

SUBCOMMITTEES

When necessary, the Secretary of HHS or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response may authorize the establishment of subcommittees or working groups to support the activities of the NBSB. Such groups shall be used on a limited basis to address specific topics requiring additional expertise. Subcommittees and working groups report to the NBSB and shall not provide advice or recommendations directly to the Secretary of HHS or the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Any findings or recommendations developed by such groups must be deliberated and approved by the NBSB during a public meeting before being transmitted to the Department. Membership may include NBSB members and other subject matter experts as appropriate, but each subcommittee must include at least one voting member of the NBSB. The Department Committee Management Officer will be notified upon establishment of any subcommittee and will be provided information regarding its purpose, membership, and anticipated duration.

FILING DATE:  August 14, 2026
 

APPROVED