[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 18, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32929-32930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15062]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the National 
Research Advisory Council

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations 
of qualified candidates to be considered for membership on the National 
Research Advisory Council (Council). The Council provides advice to the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) and the Under Secretary for 
Health (USH), and makes recommendations on the nature and scope of 
research and development sponsored and/or conducted by the Veterans 
Health Administration (VHA) to include: (1) The policies and projects 
of the Office of Research and Development (ORD); (2) the focus of 
research on the high priority health care needs of Veterans; (3) the 
balance of basic, applied, and outcomes research; (4) the scientific 
merit review process; (5) the appropriate mechanisms by which ORD can 
leverage its resources to enhance the research financial base; (6) the 
rapid response to changing health care needs, while maintaining the 
stability of the research infrastructure; and (7) the protection of 
human subjects of research.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Council must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on August 15, 2017. Packages received after 
this time will not be considered for the current membership cycle.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., 
(10P9), Washington, DC 20420, emailed (recommended) to 
[email protected], or faxed to (202) 495-6196.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Cooper, Designated Federal 
Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., (10P), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone 
(202) 461-6044. (This is not a toll free number.) A copy of the 
Council's charter and list of the current membership can be obtained by 
contacting Mrs. Cooper or by accessing the Web site: https://www.va.gov/ADVISORY/NRAC.asp

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council advises the Secretary and the 
USH on all matters related to the research and development program, and 
conducts analyses and develops reports or other materials as necessary. 
In order to avoid duplication of effort, the Council is encouraged to 
review deliberations of other committees or entities, and may 
incorporate or otherwise use the results of deliberations of such 
entities. As a part of its function, the Council may accept for 
consideration suggestions for research and development from Congress, 
VA and non-VA scientists, Veterans and their representatives, and the 
general public.
    The Council meets at least four times annually, which may include a 
site visit to a VA field location. In accordance with Federal Travel 
Regulation, members will receive travel expense reimbursement and per 
diem for any

[[Page 32930]]

travel made in connection with their duties as members of the Council.

    Authority: The Committee was established by the directive of the 
Secretary, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2.

    Membership Criteria and Qualifications: VHA is requesting 
nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Committee. In accordance with 
the Council's current charter, the Council will be comprised of not 
more than 12 members. Members will be selected from knowledgeable VA 
and non-VA experts, and Veterans' community representatives with 
special qualifications and competence to deal effectively with research 
and development issues in the VA.
    Appropriate categories of primary expertise that may be represented 
include:
    a. Basic biomedical research;
    b. rehabilitation research and development;
    c. health services research and development;
    d. clinical research;
    e. geriatric care;
    f. primary care;
    g. special Veterans population health issues;
    h. occupational and environmental health research;
    i. mental health and behavioral research; and
    j. surgery.
    In addition, the Council will have at least one Veteran as a member 
to ensure an important perspective on the health problems of Veterans.
    The Secretary will appoint members for overlapping 2-year terms of 
service and may reappoint members for one additional term. The 
Secretary will appoint the Chair for a term of not more than 3 years 
and may reappoint the Chair for one additional term. Several members 
may be regular government employees, but the majority of the Council's 
membership will be special government employees.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission:
    Nominations should be typed in 12 point font (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);
    (2) 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;
    (3) A statement from the nominee that that he/she appears to have 
no conflict of interest that would preclude membership;
    (4) The nominee's contact information, including name, mailing 
address, telephone numbers, and email address;
    (5) A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV); and
    (6) A cover letter.
    The cover letter must summarize the nominee's interest in serving 
on the Council and contributions she/he can make to the work of the 
Council, his/her current engagement in relevant Veterans service 
activities, and his/her the military branch affiliation and timeframe 
of military service (if applicable). 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/CV should show 
professional work experience, publications, academic affiliations, and 
Veterans service involvement, and highlight any service related to 
issues considered by the National Research Advisory Council. Note that 
VA will conduct an ethics review for each selected nominee.
    Self-nominations will be accepted. Any letters of nomination from 
organizations or other individuals should accompany the package when it 
is submitted. Non-Veterans are also eligible for nomination.
    Additional information regarding this issue can be found at 
www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/08/13/2014-19140/revised-guidance-onappointment-of-lobbyists-to-federal-advisory-Councils-boards-and-commissions.
    The Department 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 capabilities. Every effort is made 
to ensure that a broad representation of geographic areas, gender, 
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), national origin, age, disability, or 
genetic information. Other considerations to promote a balanced 
membership may include: Longevity of military service, significant 
deployment and research experience, ability to handle complex issues, 
experience running complex organizations, special qualifications, and 
competence to effectively advise on VA research and development issues.

    Dated: July 13, 2017.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-15062 Filed 7-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P