[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 21 (Wednesday, January 31, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4560-4561]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01811]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


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

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 Research Advisory 
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (hereinafter referred to as 
``the Committee''). The Committee was established to provide advice to 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) on the proposed research 
studies, plans,

[[Page 4561]]

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 Secretary appoints Committee members for a period of two to 
three years. A term of service for any member may not exceed three 
years, but the Secretary may reappoint a member for an additional term 
of service. 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 recently revised guidance regarding the ban on 
lobbyists serving as members of advisory boards and commissions, 
Federally-registered lobbyists are prohibited from serving on Federal 
advisory committees in an 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-lobbyists-to-federal-advisory-committees-boards-and-commissions.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on March 1, 2018.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW 
(10P9), Washington, DC 20420, emailed to [email protected], or 
faxed to (202) 495-6155.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Victor Kalasinsky, Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW 
(10P), Washington, DC 20420, telephone (202) 443-5600. (This is not a 
toll free number.) A copy of the Committee's charter and list of the 
current membership can be obtained by contacting Dr. Kalasinsky or by 
accessing the website: http://www.va.gov/rac-gwvi/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VHA is requesting nominations for upcoming 
vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is currently composed of 16 
members. 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.
    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.
    The Committee meets at least once and up to three times annually. 
In accordance with Federal Travel Regulation, Committee members will 
receive travel expenses and a per diem allowance for any travel made in 
connection with duties as members of the Committee.
    Nomination Package Requirements: Nominations must be typed (12 
point font) and 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 that he/she 
is a U.S. citizen and is willing to serve as a member of the Committee; 
(2) the nominee's contact information, including name, mailing address, 
telephone numbers, and email address; and (3) the nominee's resume or 
curriculum vitae that is no more than four pages in length. The cover 
letter must summarize: The nominee's 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 affiliations and timeframe of military 
service (if applicable). To promote a balanced membership, please 
provide information about the nominee's personal and professional 
qualifications and background that would give her/him a diverse 
perspective on Gulf War Veterans' matters. Finally, please include in 
the cover letter 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.
    VA makes every effort to ensure that the membership of its 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, 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: January 25, 2018.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-01811 Filed 1-30-18; 8:45 am]
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