[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 147 (Wednesday, July 31, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37394-37395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16209]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nomination 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 appointment as a member of 
the National Research Advisory Council for the 2020 membership cycle.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Council must be received no 
later than 4:00 p.m. EST on September 15, 2019.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages should be sent to the Veterans 
Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW (10X2), Washington, DC 20420, faxed to (202) 495-6156, or 
emailed (recommended) to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Avery Rock and/or Rashelle 
Robinson, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW (10X2), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone 
(202) 461-9760. A copy of the Council's charter and list of the current 
memberships can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Rock or Ms. Robinson or 
by accessing the website: https://www.va.gov/ADVISORY/NRAC.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Council's responsibility includes, but are not limited to:
    (1) Providing advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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).
    (2) Providing rapid response to changing health care needs, while 
maintaining the stability of the research infrastructure.
    Authority: The Council is authorized by 5 U.S.C., App. 2, to 
provide 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.
    Membership Criteria: The Council is currently composed of 12 
members. By statute, the Council consists of members appointed by the 
Secretary from the general public, including individuals who have 
demonstrated civic or professional achievement; and have experience 
with the provision of Veterans benefits and services by VA.
    The membership will include: (1) Individuals from a wide variety of 
geographic areas and ethnic backgrounds; (2) individuals from Veterans 
service organizations; (3) individuals with combat experience; and (4) 
women. In addition to the above criteria, VA seeks knowledgeable VA- 
and non-VA experts, with special qualifications and competence to deal 
effectively with research and development issues. Appropriate 
categories of primary expertise that may be represented include: (1) 
Basic biomedical research; (2) rehabilitation research and development; 
(3) health services research and development; (4) clinical research; 
(5) geriatric care; (6) primary care; (7) special Veterans population 
health issues; (8) occupational and environmental health research; (9) 
mental health and behavioral research; and (10) surgery.
    Self-nominations are acceptable. Any letters of nomination from 
organizations or other individuals should accompany the package when it 
is submitted. Non-

[[Page 37395]]

Veterans are also eligible for nomination.
    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.
    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, VA will cover travel expenses--to include per diem--for all 
members of the Council, for any travel associated with official Council 
duties.
    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 Councils in an individual capacity. 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 
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 Council'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 and 
research experience, ability to handle complex issues, experience 
running large organizations, special qualifications and competence to 
deal effectively with research and development issues in the VA and 
ability to contribute to the Office of Research and Development's 
mission to advance the healthcare of Veterans and ensure that research 
professionalism and protection of Veterans' rights are top priorities.
    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.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission: Nomination packages must be 
typed (12-point font) and include: (1) A cover letter from the nominee, 
and (2) a current curriculum vitae. The cover letter must summarize: 
The nominees' interest in serving on the Council and contributions she/
he can make to the work of the Council; any relevant Veterans service 
activities she/he is currently engaged in; the military branch 
affiliation and timeframe of military service (if applicable). To 
promote inclusion and demographic balance of membership, please include 
as much information related to your race, national origin, disability 
status, or any other factors that may give you a diverse perspective on 
National Research Advisory Council 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, publications, academic affiliations 
and Veterans service involvement; especially service that involves 
National Research Advisory Council's issues.

    Dated: July 25, 2019.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2019-16209 Filed 7-30-19; 8:45 am]
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