NSTAC Teleconference 9-8-11

The President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) published a notice in today’s Federal Register (76 FR 52672) that they would be holding a public teleconference on September 8^th. Topics to be addressed include:

• An update on the the NSTAC's Cloud Computing Subcommittee's recent work; and

• A tasking from the Executive Office of the President regarding the National Public Safety Broadband Network.

According to the notice the Committee is soliciting “public comment on the issues to be considered by the committee”. This appears to be a pro forma solicitation as there is no information available on the NSTAC’s web site on the Cloud Computing Subcommittee much less it’s work. I understand why there is no information about the new tasking; it hasn’t been received yet; but some indication of the Subcommittee’s scope of examination about ‘Cloud Computing’ would be helpful.

Of course, if the aim is to avoid public scrutiny or participation, then obfuscation of this sort really is appropriate.

There will be an opportunity for public oral comments during the teleconference; registration of intent to make an oral presentation is required. Written comments to be considered by the Committee may be submitted via email to NSTAC@hq.dhs.gov; the docket number (DHS-2011-0064) needs to be included on the subject line.