PUBLIC LAW 103-227—MAR. 31, 1994 108 STAT. 195 instrumentality of the United States with the consent of such agency or instrumentaUty. (2) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.— Upon the request of the National Board, the head of any Federal agency of the United States may detail to the National Board, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of such Federal agency to assist the National Board in carrying out this title. Such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (h) CONFLICT OF INTEREST.— An individual who has served as a member of the National Board may not have any financial interest in an assessment and certification system developed or endorsed under this title for a period of 3 years after the termination of service of such individual from the National Board. (i) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT SERV- ICES. —The Chairperson of the National Board may procure temporary and intermittent services of experts and consultants under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. (j) TERMINATION. —The National Board shall terminate on September 30, 1999. SEC. 504. FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD. 20 USC 5934. (a) IDENTIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL CLUSTERS.— (1) IN GENERAL.— Subject to paragraph (2), the National Board shall identify broad clusters of major occupations that involve 1 or more than 1 industry in the United States and that share characteristics that are appropriate for the development of common skill standards. (2) PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFICATION.—Prior to identifying Federal broad clusters of major occupations under paragraph (1), the ^,thlf^f«r National Board shall engage in extensive public consultation, including solicitation of public comment on proposed clusters through publication in the Federal Register. (b) ESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTARY PARTNERSHIPS TO DEVELOP STANDARDS.— (1) IN GENERAL.— For each of the occupational clusters identified pursuant to subsection (a), the National Board shall encourage and facilitate the establishment of voluntary partnerships to develop a skill standards system in accordance with subsection (d). (2) REPRESENTATIVES.—Such voluntary partnerships shall include the full and balanced participation of— (A)(i) representatives of business (including representatives of large employers and representatives of small employers) who have expertise in the area of workforce skill requirements, and who are recommended by national business organizations or trade associations representing employers in the occupation or industry for which a standard is being developed; and (ii) representatives of trade associations that have received grants from the Department of Labor or the Department of Education to establish skill standards prior to the date of enactment of this title; (B) employee representatives who have expertise in the area of workforce skill requirements and who shall be— publication.
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