[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 178 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 51967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20077]



[[Page 51967]]

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


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

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of nominations for appointment to the Research Advisory 
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations 
of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to the 
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (RACGWVI) 
(hereinafter in this section referred to as ``the Committee'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 15, 2021.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be emailed to [email protected]. 
Please write Nomination for RACGWVI Membership in the subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Karen Block, Designated Federal 
Officer, Gulf War Research Program, VA Office of Research and 
Development, 202-443-5791 or at [email protected]. A copy of the 
Committee charter and list of the current membership can also be 
obtained by contacting Dr. Block.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War 
Veterans' Illnesses was established to provide advice and make 
recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on proposed 
research studies, plans and strategies related to understanding and 
treating the health consequences of military service in the Southwest 
Asia theater of operations during the 1990-91 Gulf War (Operations 
Desert Shield and Desert Storm).
    Membership Criteria and Qualifications: VHA is requesting 
nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is 
comprised of approximately 12 members. Several members may be regular 
Government employees, but the majority of the Committee's membership 
shall consist of non-Federal employees, appointed by the Secretary from 
the general public, serving as Special Government employees.
    The expertise required of Committee membership includes, but is not 
limited to:
    a. Gulf War Veterans;
    b. Representatives of such Veterans; and
    c. Members of the medical and scientific communities representing 
appropriate disciplines such as, but not limited to, epidemiology, 
immunology, environmental health, neurology and toxicology.
    Membership Requirements: The Committee meets at least once and up 
to three times annually. Individuals selected for appointment to the 
Committee shall be invited to serve a two to three-year term. The 
Secretary may reappoint Committee members for an additional term of 
service. Committee members will receive per diem and reimbursement for 
eligible travel expenses incurred. 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.
    To the extent possible, the Secretary seeks members who have 
diverse professional and personal qualifications including but not 
limited to subject matter experts in the areas described above. We ask 
that nominations include any relevant experience information so that VA 
can ensure diverse Committee membership.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission: 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;
    (3) The nominee's resume or curriculum vitae that is no more than 
three pages in length. The resume should show professional work 
experience, and Veterans service involvement, especially service that 
involves Gulf War Veterans' issues; and
    (4) A one-page cover letter. The cover letter must summarize:
    a. The nominee's interest in serving on the committee and 
contributions she/he can make to the work of the committee;
    b. any relevant Veterans service activities she/he is currently 
engaged in;
    c. the military branch affiliations and timeframe of military 
service (if applicable);
    d. information about the nominee's personal and professional 
qualifications and background that would give her/him a diverse 
perspective on Gulf War Veterans' matters; and
    e. a statement confirming that she/he is not a Federally registered 
lobbyist.
    The Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of 
VA Federal advisory committees are diverse in terms of points of view 
represented and the committee's capabilities. Appointments to this 
Committee shall be made without discrimination because of a person's 
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 
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.
    The Committee is authorized by Public Law 105-368 Sec.  104, and 
operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2.

    Dated: September 13, 2021.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-20077 Filed 9-16-21; 8:45 am]
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