BIS Creates Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee

In May, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the creation of the Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee (ETRAC). ETRAC, a technical advisory committee will assist BIS in reviewing and making recommendations concerning currently controlled technologies and emerging technologies that may have national security interest.

The ETRAC will provide recommendations to BIS on how to help keep the Commerce Control List current with respect to emerging technologies and research and development activities that have dual-use applications. The committee will assess new and existing regulatory controls that are of greatest consequence to U.S. national security and study the implications of the release of dual-use technology to foreign nationals under current deemed exports licensing requirements.

The ETRAC will be responsible for:

(1) identifying emerging technology and research development activities related to dual-use commodities;

(2) prioritizing new and existing controls that affect national security; and

(3) addressing the potential impact of dual-use export controls requirements on research activities.


BIS was seeking 25 individuals from the private sector to join and requested interested applicants to submit a copy of their resume to BIS by June 24, 2008. Qualified leaders in industry, academia and research were encouraged to apply. Members are expected to have in-depth knowledge of U.S. research and emerging technology that could affect U.S. national security and be able to qualify for Secret clearance. Additional information can be found in the Federal Register Notice.