The National Institute of Standards and Technology has begun to solicit public comments on proposed restructuring of an NIST-led organization that promotes the development and adoption of forensic science standards.NIST said Wednesday it released a request for information notice that describes four possible new structures for the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science.
The comment period is open through Oct. 30.
The Justice Department and NIST established OSAC in 2014, with a plan to evolve the organization’s structure overtime and transition it from NIST to another host entity within five to 10 years.
“Now that OSAC has been operating for three-plus years, it’s time to assess the performance of the organization and look for opportunities for improvement,” said Richard Cavanagh, director of NIST’s Special Programs Office.
“Although the structure of OSAC may change, the goals remain the same, and NIST remains committed to OSAC’s stability and scientific integrity,” Cavanagh added.
NIST welcomes ideas that are not covered by the four concepts described in the RFI.
The agency noted it may also keep aspects of the current OSAC structure, modify the structure or consider “substantially different” arrangements.
