[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 12 (Thursday, January 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 2728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00788]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory 
Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery 
Administration (NCA), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to 
be considered for appointment as a member of the Advisory Committee on 
Cemeteries and Memorials (herein-after in this section referred to as 
``the Committee''). The Committee was established to advise the 
Secretary of VA with respect to the administration of VA national 
cemeteries, soldiers' lots and plots, which are the responsibility of 
the Secretary, the erection of appropriate memorials and the adequacy 
of Federal burial benefits.

DATES: Nominations of qualified candidates are being sought to fill 
upcoming vacancies on the Committee. Nominations for membership on the 
Committee must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on January 31, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to National Cemetery 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, 
(40A1), Washington, DC 20420, or faxed to (202) 273-6709.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine Hamilton, National 
Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Ave. NW, (40A1), Washington, DC 20420, telephone (202) 461-5681. A copy 
of Committee charter and list of the current membership can be obtained 
by contacting Ms. Hamilton or by accessing the website managed by NCA 
at: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/about/advisory_committee.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and 
Memorials (ACCM) was established to advise the Secretary of VA with 
respect to the administration of VA national cemeteries, soldiers' lots 
and plots, which are the responsibility of the Secretary, the erection 
of appropriate memorials and the adequacy of Federal burial benefits. 
The Committee responsibilities include:
    (1) Advising the Secretary on VA's administration of burial 
benefits and the selection of cemetery sites, the erection of 
appropriate memorials, and the adequacy of Federal burial benefits;
    (2) Providing to the Secretary and Congress periodic reports 
outlining recommendations, concerns, and observations on VA's delivery 
of these benefits and services to Veterans;
    (3) Meeting with VA officials, Veteran Service Organizations, and 
other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing 
burial benefits and outreach on these benefits to Veterans and their 
dependents;
    (4) Undertaking assignments to conduct research and assess existing 
burial and memorial programs; to examine potential revisions or 
expansion of burial and memorial programs and services; and to provide 
advice and recommendations to the Secretary based on this research.
    Membership Criteria and Qualification: NCA is requesting 
nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is 
composed of up to twelve members and several ex-officio members.
    The members of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary of 
Veteran Affairs from the general public, including but not limited to:
    (1) Veterans or other individuals who are recognized authorities in 
fields pertinent to the needs of Veterans;
    (2) Veterans who have experience in a military theater of 
operations;
    (3) Recently separated service members;
    (4) Officials from Government, non-Government organizations (NGOs) 
and industry partners in the provision of memorial benefits and 
services, and outreach information to VA beneficiaries.
    The Secretary shall determine 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 such member for additional terms 
of service.
    To the extent possible, the Secretary seeks members who have 
diverse professional and personal qualifications, including but not 
limited to prior military experience and military deployments, 
experience working with Veterans, and experience in large and complex 
organizations, and subject matter expertise in the areas described 
above. We ask that nominations include information of this type so that 
VA can ensure diverse Committee membership.
    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; and
    (4) A summary of the nominee's experience and qualifications 
relative to the membership considerations described 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 
VA federal advisory committees is diverse in terms of points of view 
represented and the committee's capabilities. Appointments to this 
Committee shall be made without discrimination because of a person's 
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, 
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: January 12, 2018.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-00788 Filed 1-17-18; 8:45 am]
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