[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 17, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15254-15255]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05369]


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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'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on July 15, 2020.

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: Mr. Ronald Sagudan and Mr. Dwayne 
Campbell, 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, application and list of the 
current membership can be obtained by contacting Mr. Sagudan or Mr. 
Campbell or by accessing the website managed by CMV at https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/acmv/index.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Advising the Secretary and Congress on VA's administration of 
benefits and provisions of healthcare, benefits, and services to 
minority Veterans.
    (2) Providing a biennial 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 minorityVeterans.
    (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).

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

    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;

[[Page 15255]]

    (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 Veterans with 
disabilities 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. 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: March 11, 2020.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-05369 Filed 3-16-20; 8:45 am]
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