(a) Determining if sufficient interest warrants establishing a RAB. A RAB should be established when there is sufficient and sustained community interest, and any of the following criteria are met:

(1) The closure of an installation involves the transfer of property to the community,

(2) At least 50 local citizens petition the installation for creation of a RAB,

(3) Federal, state, tribal, or local government representatives request the formation of a RAB, or

(4) The installation determines the need for a RAB. To determine the need for establishing a RAB, an installation should:

(i) Review correspondence files,

(ii) Review media coverage,

(iii) Consult local community members,

(iv) Consult relevant government officials, and

(v) Evaluate responses to communication efforts, such as notices placed in local newspapers and, if applicable, announced on the installation's Web site.

(b) Responsibility for forming or operating a RAB. The installation shall have lead responsibility for forming and operating a RAB.

(c) Converting existing Technical Review Committees (TRCs) to RABs. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2705(d)(1), a RAB may fulfill the requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2705(c), which directs DoD to establish TRCs. DoD recommends that, where TRCs or similar advisory groups already exist, the TRC or similar advisory group be considered for conversion to a RAB, provided there is sufficient and sustained interest within the community.

[71 FR 27617, May 12, 2006; 71 FR 30719, May 30, 2006]