[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50278-50279]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16269]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Veterans' 
Advisory Committee on Education

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits 
Administration (VBA), is seeking nominations from qualified candidates 
to be considered for appointment to the Veterans' Advisory Committee on 
Education. (hereafter referred to as ``VACOE'' or ``the Committee'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on August 31, 2023.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be emailed directly to 
[email protected]. Please write ``Nomination for VACOE 
Membership'' as the subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joseph Maltby, VBA, Education 
Service, VA via email at [email protected] or (202) 227-0879. Copies 
of the Committee charter, most recent report to the Secretary, and 
minutes from recent meetings can be obtained at https://www.va.gov/ADVISORY/Veterans_Advisory_Committee_on_Education.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established to provide 
advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (``the Secretary'') on the 
administration of education and training programs for Veterans and 
Service members, Reservists and Guard Personnel, and for dependents of 
Veterans, including programs under chapters 30, 32, 33, 35, and 36 of 
title 38 U.S.C. and chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C.
    Authority: The Committee is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 3692 and 
operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended (5 U.S.C. ch. 10). Public Law 117-180 section 404 extended the 
Committee's statutory authority to December 31, 2026. The Committee 
advises the Secretary on existing VA education benefits program and 
services and recommends new and improved education benefit programs and 
services. In addition, the Committee will submit its recommendations 
and reports to the Secretary; may also submits its reports to Congress.
    Membership Criteria: VBA is requesting nominations for upcoming 
vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is 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 representatives of organizations furnishing education or 
training to GI Bill students, Veteran Service Organizations, and 
current or former GI Bill students, particularly Veterans. The 
Committee conducts the following:
     Attending two public meetings a year, running 
approximately six to eight hours over two to three days. If the 
Committee decides to form subcommittees, participating in subcommittee 
meetings, which are typically no more than two hours once a month.
     Reviewing additional information and documentation outside 
of meetings on an ad hoc basis.
     Contributing to the drafting and review of recommendations 
and, as applicable, subcommittee findings.
     Taking Federal Advisory Committee Act training and ethics 
training when appointed and once a year after that.

[[Page 50279]]

     Notifying the Designated Federal Officer of any potential 
conflicts of interest.
    In accordance with the Committee's charter, the Secretary shall 
determine the number, terms of service and pay and allowances of 
Committee members. The Committee is seeking one member to begin a term 
in in November or December 2023 and six members to begin terms in April 
2024.

Requirements for Nomination Submission

    Nominations should be typewritten. The nomination package should 
include: (1) a letter of nomination that clearly states the name and 
affiliation of the nominee, a summary of the nominee's experience and 
qualification relative to the membership criteria listed above, 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; 
and (3) the nominee's curriculum vitae or resume, not to exceed five 
pages. 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.
    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. If you are submitting a 
package on behalf of an individual, it must include all of the required 
components and complete contact information. Do not submit a package 
without the nominee's consent or awareness.
    To the extent possible, the Secretary seeks members who have 
diverse professional and person qualifications including but not 
limited to subject matter experts in the areas described above. The 
Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of its 
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, gender, racial 
and ethnic minority groups, and the disabled 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. We 
ask that nomination include any relevant experience and information so 
that VA can ensure diverse Committee membership.

    Dated: July 27, 2023.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-16269 Filed 7-31-23; 8:45 am]
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