National Infrastructure Assurance Council

This executive order establishes the National Infrastructure Assurance Council (NIAC), a 30-member advisory body of private sector and state/local government experts to coordinate public-private efforts protecting critical infrastructure. The council advises on risk assessments, information sharing centers, and reports to the President through the National Security Advisor for a two-year term.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 38535

Impact dates

Jul 14, 2001
Council termination unless extended by President

Key directives

Establish NIAC with maximum 30 members from private sector and state/local government
President designates Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection and Counter-Terrorism serves as Executive Director
Senior Director for Critical Infrastructure Protection at NSC serves as agency liaison
Members serve 2-year terms, maximum 3 consecutive terms
NIAC to enhance public-private partnership for critical infrastructure protection
NIAC to propose ways to encourage private industry periodic risk assessments
NIAC to monitor PSISAC development and recommend cooperation improvements
Department of Commerce to perform FACA functions except congressional reporting
All executive departments and agencies shall cooperate with and assist NIAC
Department of Commerce through Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office to provide administrative support and funds subject to appropriations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

NIAC established
Department of Commerce designated for FACA administrative functions

Near term (90d)

Presidential appointment of up to 30 members
designation of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

Long term

Periodic meetings and reporting to President
monitoring PSISAC development
2-year council term with possible extension

Risks & tensions

No mandatory reporting deadlines to President specified—'as appropriate' and 'periodically' leave timing to discretion
Dependent on appropriations for funding creates uncertainty
FACA compliance delegated to Commerce but congressional reporting excluded, raising oversight questions
Voluntary member service without compensation may limit participation or expertise availability
Coordination requirement between National Security Advisor and Economic Policy advisor could create bureaucratic friction