[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 182 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65226-65227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20475]


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

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for the 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'') to represent the following Indian 
Health Service (IHS) Areas: California; Nashville.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on October 20, 2023.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages (Application, should be mailed to 
the Office of Tribal Government Relations, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 
915H

[[Page 65227]]

(075), Washington, DC 20420 or emailed to: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Vicaire ([email protected]), 
Office of Tribal Government Relations, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Ste. 915H 
(075), Washington, DC 20420. A copy of the Committee charter can be 
obtained by contacting Peter Vicaire at 612-558-7744 or 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 are 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, making recommendations to the Secretary on ways the 
Department can improve the programs and services of the Department to 
better serve Native American Veterans.
    Membership Criteria: OTGR is requesting nominations for the current 
vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is 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 IHS service areas 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. 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 by an Indian tribe or tribal 
organization 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 number(s), 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.
    The individual 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 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 and 
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: September 18, 2023.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-20475 Filed 9-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P