[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24136-24137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09412]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory 
Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Public and 
Intergovernmental Affairs (OPIA), Office of Tribal Government Relations 
(OTGR), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered 
for appointment as a member of the Advisory Committee on Tribal and 
Indian Affairs (``the Committee'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on June 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages (Application, should be mailed to 
the Office of Tribal Government Relations, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 
915H (075), Washington, DC 20420 or email us at 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Stephanie Birdwell and David 
``Clay'' Ward, Office of Tribal Government Relations, 810 Vermont Ave. 
NW, Ste. 915H (075), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone (202) 461-7400. A 
copy of the Committee charter can be obtained by contacting Mr. David 
``Clay'' Ward or by accessing the website managed by OTGR at https://www.va.gov/TRIBALGOVERNMENT/index.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Committee responsibilities include, but not limited to:
    (1) Identify for the Department evolving issues of relevance to 
Indian tribes, tribal organizations and Native American Veterans 
relating to programs and services of the Department;
    (2) Propose clarifications, recommendations and solutions to 
address issues raised at tribal, regional and national levels, 
especially regarding any tribal consultation reports;
    (3) Provide a forum for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban 
Indian organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations and the Department 
to discuss issues and proposals for changes to Department regulations, 
policies and procedures;
    (4) Identify priorities and provide advice on appropriate 
strategies for tribal consultation and urban Indian organizations 
conferring on issues at the tribal, regional, or national levels;
    (5) Ensure that pertinent issues are brought to the attention of 
Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations and 
Native Hawaiian organizations in a timely manner, so that feedback can 
be obtained;
    (6) Encourage the Secretary to work with other Federal agencies and 
Congress so that Native American Veterans are not denied the full 
benefit of their status as both Native Americans and Veterans;
    (7) Highlight contributions of Native American Veterans in the 
Armed Forces;
    (8) Make recommendations on the consultation policy of the 
Department on tribal matters;
    (9) Support a process to develop an urban Indian organization 
confer policy to ensure the Secretary confers, to the maximum extent 
practicable, with urban Indian organizations; and
    (10) With the Secretary's written approval, conduct other duties as 
recommended by the Committee.

    Authority:  The Committee was established in accordance with 
section 7002 of Public Law 116-315 (H.R. 7105--Johnny Isakson and 
David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act 
of 2020). In accordance with Public Law 116-315, the Committee 
provides advice and guidance to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on 
all matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native 
Hawaiian organizations and Native American Veterans. The Committee 
serves in an advisory capacity and advises the Secretary on ways the 
Department can improve the programs and services of the Department 
to better serve Native American Veterans. Committee members make 
recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities.
    Membership Criteria: OTGR is requesting nominations for upcoming 
vacancies on the Committee. The Committee will be composed of 15 
members. As required by statute, the members of the Committee are 
appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including:
    (1) At least one member of each of the 12 service areas of the 
Indian Health Service is represented in the membership of the Committee 
nominated by Indian tribes or tribal organization.
    (2) At least one member of the Committee represents the Native 
Hawaiian Veteran community nominated by a Native Hawaiian Organization.
    (3) At least one member of the Committee represents urban Indian 
organizations nominated by a national urban Indian organization.
    (4) Not fewer than half of the members are Veterans, unless the 
Secretary determines that an insufficient number of qualified Veterans 
were nominated.
    (5) No member of the Committee may be an employee of the Federal 
Government.
    In accordance with Public Law 116-315, the Secretary determines the 
number and terms of service for members of the Committee, which are 
appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such 
member may not exceed a term of two years.

[[Page 24137]]

Additionally, a member may be reappointed for one additional term at 
the Secretary's discretion.
    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 your Branch of Service and Rank);
    (3) Current work with Veterans;
    (4) Committee subject matter expertise; and
    (5) Experience working in large and complex organizations.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission: Nominations should be 
typewritten (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 or resume, not to 
exceed five pages 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. All members will receive travel 
expenses and a per diem allowance in accordance with the Federal Travel 
Regulations for any travel made in connection with their duties as 
members of the Committee.
    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: April 29, 2021.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-09412 Filed 5-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P