[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4365-4366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01204]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory 
Committee on Minority Veterans

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Center for Minority 
Veterans (CMV), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be 
considered for appointment as a member of the Advisory Committee on 
Minority Veterans (``the Committee'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no 
later than 5 p.m. EST on June 15, 2024.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages should be emailed to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dwayne Campbell and Mr. Ronald 
Sagudan, Center for Minority Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
810 Vermont Ave., NW (00M), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone (202) 461-
6191. A copy of the Committee charter and list of the current 
membership can be obtained by contacting Mr. Campbell or Mr. Sagudan or 
by accessing the website managed by CMV at https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/acmv/index.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Committee responsibilities include, but not limited to: (1) Advising 
the Secretary and Congress on VA's administration of benefits and 
provisions of healthcare, benefits, and services to minority Veterans.
    (2) Providing a biennial report to Congress outlining 
recommendations, concerns and observations on VA's delivery of services 
to minority Veterans.
    (3) Meeting with VA officials, Veteran Service Organizations, and 
other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing 
benefits and outreach to minority Veterans.
    (4) Making periodic site visits and holding town hall meetings with 
Veterans to address their concerns.
    Management and support services for the Committee are provided by 
the CMV.
    Authority: The Committee was established in accordance with 38 
U.S.C. 544. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 544, the Committee advises the 
Secretary on the administration of VA benefits and services to minority 
Veterans; assesses the needs of minority Veterans with respect to such 
benefits; and evaluates whether VA compensation, medical and 
rehabilitation services, outreach and other programs are meeting those 
needs. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding 
such activities. Nominations of qualified candidates are being sought 
to fill upcoming vacancies on the Committee.

Membership Criteria

    CMV is requesting nominations for upcoming vacancies on the 
Committee. The Committee is currently 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:
    (1) Representatives of Veterans who are minority group members;
    (2) Individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent 
to the needs of Veterans who are minority group members;
    (3) Veterans who are minority group members and who have experience 
in a military theater of operations;
    (4) Veterans who are minority group members and who do not have 
such experience; and
    (5) Women Veterans who are minority group members recently 
separated from active military service.
    Section 544 defines ``minority group member'' as an individual who 
is Asian American, Black, Hispanic, Native American (including American 
Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian), or Pacific-Islander 
American.
    In accordance with section 544, the Secretary determines the 
number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the 
Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of 
any member shall not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint 
any member for additional terms of service.
    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);

[[Page 4366]]

    (3) Current work with Veterans;
    (4) Committee subject matter expertise;
    (5) Emphasis on experience using VA Service and Benefits.

Requirements for Nomination Submission

    Nominations should be type written (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, 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. Committee members will receive a 
stipend for attending Committee meetings, including per diem and 
reimbursement for travel expenses incurred.
    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: January 17, 2024.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-01204 Filed 1-22-24; 8:45 am]
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