[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 173 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53928-53929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-22057]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Research
Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominees to
be considered for membership on the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf
War Veterans' Illnesses (Committee). The Committee is authorized by
Public Law 105-368, Sec. 104 (the statute), to provide advice to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) on the proposed research
studies, plans, and strategies related to understanding and treating
the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia
theatre of operations during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. In accordance with
the statute and the Committee's current charter, the majority of the
membership shall consist of non-Federal employees, appointed by the
Secretary from the general public, serving as Special Government
Employees. The Committee provides, not later than December 1 of each
year, an annual report summarizing its activities for the preceding
year. The Committee reports to the Secretary through the Under
Secretary for Health. The Secretary appoints Committee members for a
period of 2 to 3 years. A term of service for any member may not exceed
3 years. The Secretary may reappoint members for additional terms.
Self-nominations and nominations of non-Veterans will be accepted.
Any letters of nomination from organizations or other individuals
should accompany the package when it is submitted.
In accordance with OMB guidance, federally-registered lobbyists may
not serve on Federal advisory committees in their individual capacity.
Additional information regarding this issue can be found at:
www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/08/13/2014-19140/revised-
guidance-on-appointment-of-
[[Page 53929]]
lobbyists-to-federal-advisory-committees-boards-and-commissions.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
In accordance with the statute, the members of the Committee are
appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including but not
limited to:
(1) Gulf War Veterans;
(2) Representatives of such Veterans;
(3) Members of the medical and scientific communities representing
disciplines, such as, but not limited to, epidemiology, immunology,
environmental health, neurology, and toxicology.
The Committee meets at least once and up to three times annually.
In accordance with Federal Travel Regulation, VA will cover travel
expenses--to include per diem--for all members of the Committee, for
any travel associated with official Committee duties. A copy of the
Committee's most recent charter and a list of the current membership
can be found at www.va.gov/ADVISORY/ or www.va.gov/rac-gwvi/.
The Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of
its advisory committees is fairly balanced, in terms of points of view
represented. In the review process, consideration is given to nominees'
potential to address the Committee's demographic needs (regional
representation, race/ethnicity representation, professional expertise,
war era service, gender, former enlisted or officer status, branch of
service, etc.). Other considerations to promote a balanced membership
include longevity of military service, significant deployment
experience, ability to handle complex issues, experience running large
organizations, and ability to contribute to the health care and
benefits needs of Gulf War Veterans.
Nomination Package Requirements
Nomination packages must be typed (12 point font) and include: (1)
A cover letter from the nominee, and (2) a current resume that is no
more than four pages in length. The cover letter must summarize: The
nominees' interest in serving on the committee and contributions she/he
can make to the work of the committee; any relevant Veterans service
activities she/he is currently engaged in; the military branch
affiliation and timeframe of military service (if applicable). To
promote a balanced membership, please provide information about your
personal and professional qualifications and background that would give
you a diverse perspective on Gulf War Veterans' matters. Finally,
please include in the cover letter the nominee's complete contact
information (name, address, email address, and phone number); and a
statement confirming that she/he is not a Federally-registered
lobbyist. The resume should show professional work experience, and
Veterans service involvement, especially service that involves Gulf War
Veterans' issues.
Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received by
October 9, 2015, no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. All
nomination packages should be sent to:
Dr. Victor Kalasinsky, Veterans Health Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420.
Should you need additional information, you may contact Dr.
Kalasinsky at the address above or by phone at (202) 443-5600. (NOTE:
This is not a toll-free number.) You may also email the nomination
package to [email protected] or fax to (202) 495-6155.
Dated: September 1, 2015.
Rebecca Schiller,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-22057 Filed 9-4-15; 8:45 am]
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