[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 82 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25494-25495]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09921]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory 
Committee on Minority Veterans

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Center for Minority 
Veterans (CMV), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be 
considered for appointment as a member of the Advisory Committee on 
Minority Veterans (``the Committee''). In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 
544, the Committee advises the Secretary on the administration of VA 
benefits and services to minority Veterans; assesses the needs of 
minority Veterans with respect to such benefits; and evaluates whether 
VA compensation, medical and rehabilitation services, outreach, and 
other programs are meeting those needs. The Committee makes 
recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities. Nominations 
of qualified candidates are being sought to fill upcoming vacancies on 
the Committee.

    Authority: The Committee was established in accordance with 38 
U.S.C. 544 (Pub. L. 103-446, Sec 510).

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on May 13, 2016.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to the Center for Minority 
Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW. (00M), 
Washington, DC 20420, or faxed to (202) 273-7092.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Juanita J. Mullen, Center for 
Minority Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW. 
(00M), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone (202) 461-6191. A copy of the 
Committee charter and list of the current membership can be obtained by 
contacting Ms. Mullen or by accessing the Web site managed by CMV at 
www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/Advisory_Committee.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established pursuant to 38 
U.S.C. 544. The Committee responsibilities include:
    (1) Advising the Secretary and Congress on VA's administration of 
benefits and provisions of healthcare, benefits, and services to 
minority Veterans.
    (2) Providing an annual report to Congress outlining 
recommendations, concerns and observations on VA's delivery of services 
to minority Veterans.
    (3) Meeting with VA Officials, Veteran Service Organizations, and 
other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing 
benefits and outreach to minority Veterans.
    (4) Making periodic site visits and holding town hall meetings with 
Veterans to address their concerns.
    Management and support services for the Committee are provided by 
the Center for Minority Veterans (CMV).

Membership Criteria

    CMV is requesting nominations for upcoming vacancies on the 
Committee. The Committee is currently composed of 12 members, in 
addition to ex-officio members. As required by statute, the members of 
the Committee are appointed by the Secretary from the general public, 
including:
    (1) Representatives of Veterans who are minority group members;
    (2) Individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent 
to the needs of Veterans who are minority group members;
    (3) Veterans who are minority group members and who have experience 
in a military theater of operations;
    (4) Veterans who are minority group members and who do not have 
such experience and;
    (5) Women Veterans who are minority group members recently 
separated from active military service.
    Section 544 defines ``minority group member'' as an individual who 
is Asian American, Black, Hispanic, Native American (including American 
Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian); or Pacific-Islander 
American.
    In accordance with Sec.  544, the Secretary determines the number, 
terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee 
appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such 
member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any 
member for additional terms of service.

Professional Qualifications

    In addition to the criteria above, VA seeks--
    (1) Diversity in professional and personal qualifications;
    (2) Experience in military service and military deployments (please 
identify Branch of Service and Rank);
    (3) Current work with Veterans;
    (4) Committee subject matter expertise;
    (5) Experience working in large and complex organizations;

Requirements for Nomination Submission

    Nominations should be type written (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 
a 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, and (4) 
a summary of the nominee's experience and qualification relative to the 
professional qualifications criteria listed above.
    Individuals selected for appointment to the Committee shall be 
invited to serve a two-year term. Committee members will receive a 
stipend for attending Committee meetings, including per diem and 
reimbursement for travel expenses incurred.
    The Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of 
its Federal advisory committees is fairly balanced in terms of points 
of view represented and the committee's function. Every effort is made 
to ensure that a broad representation of geographic areas, males & 
females, racial and ethnic minority groups, and the disabled are given 
consideration for membership. Appointment to this Committee shall be 
made without discrimination because of a person's race, color, 
religion, sex (including gender identity, transgender status, sexual 
orientation, and pregnancy),

[[Page 25495]]

national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Nominations 
must state that the nominee is willing to serve as a member of the 
Committee and appears to have no conflict of interest that would 
preclude membership. An ethics review is conducted for each selected 
nominee.

    Dated: April 22, 2016.
Jelessa Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-09921 Filed 4-27-16; 8:45 am]
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