[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39687-39688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14153]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Advisory 
Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Readjustment 
Counseling Service (RCS), is seeking nominations of qualified 
candidates to be considered for appointment as a member of the Advisory 
Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans (``the Committee'') for the 
2020 membership cycle.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received by 
August 12, 2020, no later than 4:00 p.m., eastern standard time. 
Packages received after this time will not be considered for the 
current membership cycle.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages should be sent to the VA 
Readjustment Counseling Service, by email (recommended) or mail. Please 
see contact information below: VA Readjustment Counseling Service 
(10RCS), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, 
Washington, DC 20420, [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sherry Moravy and/or Richard Barbato, 
Readjustment Counseling Service (10RCS), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20420, Telephone 734-222-
4319.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to providing a 
Congressionally-mandated report to the Secretary each year, which 
includes:
    (1) An assessment of the needs of Veterans with respect to 
readjustment to civilian life;
    (2) A review of the programs and activities of the Department 
designed to meet such needs; and
    (3) Such recommendations (including recommendations for 
administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers 
appropriate.
    The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports 
and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate. Management 
and support services for the Committee are provided by the VA 
Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS).

    Authority: The Committee was established in accordance with 38 
U.S.C. 545 and operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. In accordance with 38 
U.S.C. 545, the Committee advises the Secretary on the provision by 
VA of benefits and services to assist Veterans in the readjustment 
to civilian life. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall 
take into special account the needs of Veterans who served in combat 
theaters of operation. In accordance with the Statute and the 
Committee's current charter, the majority of the membership ship 
consist on non-Federal employees appointed by the Secretary from the 
general public, serving as special government employees.
    The Secretary appoints Committee members and determines the length 
of terms in which the Committee members serve. A term of service for 
any member may not exceed 2 years. However, the Secretary can reappoint 
members for additional terms. Each year, there are several vacancies on 
the Committee, as members' terms expire.
    Membership Criteria: The Committee is currently composed of 12 
members. By statute, Committee 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 criteria above, VA seeks--
    (1) diversity in professional and personal qualifications;

[[Page 39688]]

    (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; and
    (5) experience working in large and complex organizations.
    The Committee meets at least two 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 Committee, for any travel associated with official 
Committee duties. A copy of the Committee's most resent charter and a 
list of the current membership can be found at https://www.va.gov/ADVISORY/Advisory_Committee_on_the_Readjusment_of_Veterans_Statutory.asp.
    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-boardsand-commissions.

Requirements for Nomination Submission

    Nomination packages (one nomination per nominator) must be typed 
(12-point font) and include: (1) A cover letter from the nominee, and 
(2) a current resume that is no more than four pages in length. The 
cover letter must summarize: The nominees' 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 affiliation and timeframe of military 
service (if applicable). To promote inclusion and demographic balance 
of membership, please include as much information related to the 
nominee's race, national origin, disability status, or any other 
factors that may give the individual a diverse perspective on Veteran 
readjustment Veterans. Finally, the cover letter must include 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 and/
or work experience, and Veterans service involvement--especially 
service that involves combat Veterans' and Active Duty service members' 
issues. Self-nominations are acceptable. Any letters of nomination from 
organizations or other individuals must accompany the package, when it 
is submitted. Letters of nomination submitted without a complete 
nomination package will not be considered. Do not submit a package, 
without the nominee's consent or awareness.
    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 Committee'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 
experience, ability to handle complex issues, experience running large 
organizations, and ability to contribute to the gender-specific health 
care and benefits needs of combat Veterans and Active Duty service 
members.
    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: June 26, 2020.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-14153 Filed 6-30-20; 8:45 am]
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