[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 145 (Thursday, July 28, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49717-49718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17873]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Solicitation of Nominations 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), Veterans Health
Administration (VHA), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to
be considered for appointment as a member of the Research Advisory
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (hereinafter referred to as
``the Committee''). The Committee was established pursuant to Public
Law 105-368, Section 104, 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 Secretary appoints Committee members for a period of 2 to 3
years. A term of service for any member may not exceed 3 years, but the
Secretary may reappoint a member for an additional term of service.
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 recently revised guidance regarding the ban on
lobbyists serving as members of advisory boards and commissions,
Federally-registered lobbyists are prohibited from serving on Federal
advisory committees in an 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-lobbyists-to-federal-advisory-committees-boards-and-commissions.
DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no
later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on August 15, 2016.
ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to Veterans Health
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
(10P9), Washington, DC 20420, emailed to [email protected], or
faxed to (202) 495-6155.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Victor Kalasinsky, Veterans Health
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
(10P), Washington, DC 20420, telephone (202) 443-5600. (This is not a
toll free number.) A copy of the Committee's charter and list of the
current membership can be obtained by contacting Dr. Kalasinsky or by
accessing the Web site: http://www.va.gov/rac-gwvi/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VHA is requesting nominations for upcoming
vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is currently composed of 16
members. 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.
To the extent possible, the Secretary seeks members who have
diverse professional and personal qualifications. We ask that
nominations include information of this type so that VA can ensure a
balanced Committee membership.
The Committee meets at least once and up to three times annually.
In accordance with Federal Travel Regulation, Committee members will
receive travel expenses and a per diem allowance for any travel made in
connection with duties as members of the Committee.
Nomination Package Requirements: Nominations must be typed (12
point font) and include: (1) A letter of nomination that clearly states
the name and affiliation of the nominee, the basis for the nomination
(i.e., specific attributes which qualify the nominee for service in
this capacity), and a statement from the nominee indicating that he/she
is a U.S. citizen and is willing to serve as a member of the Committee;
(2) the nominee's contact information, including name, mailing address,
telephone numbers, and email address; and (3) the nominee's resume or
curriculum vitae that is no more than four pages in length. The cover
letter must summarize: The nominee's 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 affiliations and timeframe of military
service (if applicable). To promote a balanced membership, please
provide information about the nominee's personal and professional
qualifications and background that would give her/him a diverse
perspective on Gulf War Veterans' matters. Finally, please include in
the cover letter a statement confirming that she/he is not a Federally-
registered lobbyist. The resume should show professional work
experience, and Veterans service involvement,
[[Page 49718]]
especially service that involves Gulf War Veterans' issues.
VA makes every effort to ensure that the membership of its advisory
committees is fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented
and the Committee's function. Appointments to this Committee shall be
made without discrimination based on a person's race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age,
disability, or genetic information. Nominations must state that the
nominee appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude
membership. An ethics review is conducted for each selected nominee.
Dated: July 25, 2016.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-17873 Filed 7-27-16; 8:45 am]
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