The purpose of the Federal Networking Council (FNC) is to provide a
forum for networking collaborations among Federal agencies to meet their
research, education, and operational mission goals.
The FNC bridges the gap between the advanced networking technologies being developed by research FNC agencies and the ultimate acquisition of mature versions of these technologies from the commercial sector. This helps build national information infrastructure, addresses Federal technology transition goals, and allows the operational experiences of the FNC to influence future Federal research agendas.
Some Federal networks lie outside FNC scope because of their specialized applications or for security reasons. Examples include NASA's space mission control network and USAID's foreign service network. Each FNC agency determines which of its networks is involved in FNC activities.
MEMBERSHIP
FNC membership will consist of one representative (and, optionally, alternates) from each Federal agency whose programs utilize interconnected Internet networks. An Executive Committee will consist of representatives from FNC agencies that contribute funds to support collaborative FNC activities, and who have responsibility for research, development, operation, and utilization of their networks.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The FNC reports to the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Information and Communications (CIC) and works in collaboration with the National Coordination Office (NCO) for High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) and the HPCCIT Committee. The Chair of the FNC will be appointed by the Chair of the CIC in consultation with the CIC and FNC Executive Committees. The FNC may establish working groups to focus on specific areas, such as Engineering and Operations, Security, Education, and
Policy.
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER COORDINATING BODIES
To ensure alignment with national scientific, engineering, and technical goals, the FNC will support the goals of the CIC and work in parallel with its High Performance Computing, Communications, and Information Technology Subcommittee (HPCCIT).
The FNC Advisory Committee (FNCAC) is chartered by the National Science Foundation to work in collaboration with the FNC by providing external perspectives and balanced points of view; the FNCAC consists of senior representatives from technical, industrial, academic and user communities.
MEETINGS
The FNC will meet approximately six times each year. Working groups of
the FNC will meet as needed. The FNC Advisory Committee meets twice per year.
