DHS and Treasury Solicits Members for the Advisory Committee on the Commercial Operations of CBP, Etc
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a notice announcing that, along with the Department of the Treasury, it is soliciting applications for membership on the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of Customs and Border Protection and Related Functions (COAC), announcing the criteria and procedures for selecting members, and renewing COAC's charter for a ninth two-year term.
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According to DHS, the purpose of COAC is to provide advice to the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security on all matters involving the commercial operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and related functions within DHS or Treasury and to submit an annual report to Congress describing its operations and setting forth any recommendations. DHS states that COAC provides a critical and unique forum for representatives of diverse industry sectors to present their views and advice directly to senior Treasury, DHS, and CBP officials.
(DHS notes that COAC's charter has been revised to provide the discretion to advise not only on the commercial operations of CBP, but also on the related functions of DHS and Treasury (e.g., Coast Guard operations involving vessels in international commerce, the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) operations affecting international commerce and transportation security, and Treasury regulatory and policy functions related to customs revenue functions).
Issues to be Considered During Upcoming COAC Term
DHS states that it is expected that, during its ninth two-year term, COAC will consider issues relating to:
enhanced border and cargo supply chain security;
Customs modernization and automation;
informed compliance and compliance assessment;
account-based processing;
commercial enforcement and uniformity;
international efforts to harmonize customs practices and procedures;
strategic planning;
northern border and southern border issues; and
relationships with foreign Customs authorities.
Applications for COAC Membership are Due by September 15, 2004
According to DHS, although there is no prescribed format for COAC applications, applications for COAC membership must be received on or before September 15, 2004.
DHS also notes that members who are currently serving on COAC are eligible to reapply for membership provided that they are not in their second consecutive term and that they have met attendance requirements.
DHS contact - Monica Frazier (571) 227-3977
DHS notice (FR Pub 08/16/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-18715.pdf.