[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 119 (Monday, June 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35741-35742]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15219]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Genomic 
Medicine Program Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

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 Genomic Medicine 
Program Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as ``the 
Committee''). The Committee was established by the Secretary of the VA 
pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended, 5 U.S.C. Appendix 2, to advise the Secretary with respect to 
the development of a world-class genomic medicine program within the 
Department, including policies to collect and utilize both genetic and 
other medical information to promote optimal medical care and research 
that contribute to the knowledge of diseases prevalent in Veterans. The 
Committee will be guided by the goal of using genetic information to 
optimize clinical care of Veterans, and enhance the study and 
development of diagnostic tests and treatments for diseases of 
particular relevance to Veterans. Nominations of qualified candidates 
in the area of genomic medicine from healthcare, academia, and/or other 
government agencies are being sought to fill vacancies on the 
Committee.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 15, 2015.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW. 
(10P9B), Attention: Sumitra Muralidhar; Washington, DC 20420, or 
emailed to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Sumitra Muralidhar, Designated 
Federal Officer, Genomic Medicine Program Advisory Committee, or by 
email at [email protected]. A copy of the Committee charter and 
list of the current membership can be obtained by contacting Dr. 
Muralidhar.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Genomic Medicine Program Advisory 
Committee was established by the Secretary of VA.
    VHA is requesting nominations for two vacancies on the Committee. 
The Committee will be composed of approximately 12 members. The members 
of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary and include, but are 
not limited to:
     Members of the medical and scientific communities 
representing disciplines such as, but not limited to, medical genetics, 
genomic technologies, bioinformatics, computation, statistical 
genetics, and genomic policy.
    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.
    Individuals appointed to the Committee by the Secretary shall be 
invited to serve a two- or three-year term. The Secretary may reappoint 
a member for an additional term of service. Committee members will 
receive travel expenses and a per diem allowance for any travel made in 
connection with duties as members of the Committee and within federal 
travel guidelines.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission: Nominations should be typed 
(one nomination per nominator). Nomination package should 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 the willingness to serve as a 
member of the Committee; (2) the nominee's contact information, 
including name, mailing address, telephone numbers, and email address; 
(3) the nominee's curriculum vitae (if applicable); (4) a summary of 
the nominee's experience and qualifications relative to the membership 
considerations described above; and (5) a statement confirming that he/
she is not a federally-registered lobbyist.
    VA makes every effort to ensure that the membership of VA Federal 
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,

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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: June 17, 2015.
Rebecca Schiller,
Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-15219 Filed 6-19-15; 8:45 am]
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