SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

.01 This Order establishes and encourages full Department of Commerce (the Department) participation on Federal Executive Boards (FEBs).

.02 This revision reflects a general update of the policy, responsibilities, and participatory requirements related to Department support of FEBs.

SECTION 2. GENERAL.

.01 Background. Located in 28 major U.S. cities, FEBs were established by Presidential Directive 465 of November 13, 1961, entitled, “ Memorandum on the Need for Greater Coordination of Regional and Field Activities of the Government,” to strengthen coordination of government activities outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. FEBs consist of representatives from every federal department and independent agency in each metropolitan area. FEBs serve under the direction of the Office of Personnel Management and are funded from an individual host federal agency. FEBs receive additional support for specific projects by their member agencies. Their activities include: exchange of information among federal field establishments, closer working relationships with state and local officials, and improvements in federal management and service to the public.

.02 Policy. The Department's policy is to support FEBs to the maximum extent feasible. Such support shall include representation on FEBs by designated senior officials of operating units.

SECTION 3. RESPONSIBILITIES.

.01 Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration. The Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration (CFO/ASA) shall carry out the Department's policy on FEBs and advise the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) of Department activities in support of FEBs.

.02 Senior Officials. Senior officials of operating units and offices located outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area shall participate and represent the Department on FEBs in the 28 metropolitan areas on behalf of the Secretary.

.03 Heads of Operating Units.

Heads of operating units shall:

a. Encourage senior officials in field offices located in or near FEB cities to participate, as appropriate, in FEB activities;

b. Inform the Office of Human Resources Management of their representatives on FEBs; and

c. Provide the Director for Human Resources Management with periodic updates, at least quarterly, in support of FEB activities.

SECTION 4. NOTIFICATION.

Notification of problems or constraints in complying with this Order should be directed by Heads of Operating Units to the Director for Human Resources Management, and jointly resolved.

SECTION 5. EFFECT ON OTHER ORDERS.

This Order supersedes Department Administrative Order 201-11, dated May 6, 1980.

Signed by: Director for Human Resources Management

Approved by: Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration

Office of Primary Interest: Office Of Human Resources Management