[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4366-4367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01065]


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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 March 1, 2024.

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 at [email protected]. A copy of the Committee charter and 
list of the current membership can be found at Research Advisory 
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses website (https://www.va.gov/RAC-GWVI/) or by contacting Dr. Block on (202) 280-3632.

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: VA is requesting 
nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Committee and is committed to 
diversity, equity and inclusion. The committee is comprised of 
Government employees and non-Federal employees. Non-Federal employees 
are appointed by the Secretary from the general public and will serve 
as Special Government employees.
    The expertise required of Committee membership includes, but is not 
limited to:
    a. 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans and/or representatives of such 
Veterans;
    b. Veterans of all eras;
    c. Community leaders, professionals and other concerned 
stakeholders;
    d. Members of the medical and scientific communities representing 
disciplines such as epidemiology, genetics, immunology, neurology, 
toxicology, dentistry, environmental health and justice, occupational 
and industrial hygiene; and
    e. Experts in advanced medical and scientific technologies 
including artificial intelligence.
    Membership Requirements: The Committee meets at least twice 
annually, and some members may have an opportunity to participate in 
additional subcommittee meetings. 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 1990-91 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 he/she can make to the work of the committee;

[[Page 4367]]

    b. any relevant Veterans service activities he/she 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 he/she is not a Federally-registered 
lobbyist.
    The Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of 
VA Federal advisory committees is diverse in terms of points of view 
represented and the committee's capabilities. Appointments to this 
Committee shall promote diversity, equity and inclusion and will 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.
    Authorization: The Committee is authorized by Pub. L. 105-368 104, 
and operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. ch. 10.

    Dated: January 16, 2024.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-01065 Filed 1-22-24; 8:45 am]
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