Federal Advisory Committee Management

The Office of the Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs develops, oversees, and coordinates the Department’s Committee Management Program, including the review and finalization of all enabling committee charters and all Secretarial appointments of actions. This office supports the White House Liaison in the clearance/vetting process of Secretarial appointments.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) is a Federal law that governs the establishment and operation of advisory committees.  It is implemented Government-wide by the General Services Administration (GSA), which has issued regulations and guidance. A overview of the FACA.

The purpose of the FACA is to ensure that the public has knowledge of and an opportunity to participate in meetings between Federal agencies and groups that the agency either has established, or manages and controls for the purpose of obtaining group advice and recommendations regarding the agency’s operations or activities.

The FACA requires that such groups be chartered, that their meetings be announced in advance and open to the public, and that their work product be made available to the public.  To view a list of all Interior Federal Advisory Committees, follow this link: doi.gov/execsec/department-interior-federal-advisory-committees

Within the Department, the FACA is administered by the Office of the Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs.  Legal advice on FACA matters is provided by the Office of the Solicitor, Division of General Law.

If you have questions on establishing a Federal Advisory Committee or on the FACA, please contact the Office of the Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs at (202) 208-3181, or the Office of the Solicitor, Division of General Law at (202) 208-4722.