[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]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Research 
Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P