[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 105 (Thursday, June 3, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29884-29885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11669]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory
Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs, Amended
ACTION: Notice.
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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'').
DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on June 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: All nomination packages (Application, should be mailed to
the Office of Tribal Government Relations, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite
915H (075), Washington, DC 20420 or email us at
[email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Stephanie Birdwell and David
``Clay'' Ward, Office of Tribal Government Relations, 810 Vermont Ave.
NW, Ste 915H (075), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone (202) 461-7400. A
copy of the Committee charter can be obtained by contacting Mr. David
``Clay'' Ward or by 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 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 and advises the Secretary on ways the Department can improve
the programs and services of the Department to better serve Native
American Veterans. Committee members make recommendations to the
Secretary regarding such activities.
Membership Criteria: OTGR is requesting nominations for upcoming
vacancies on the Committee. The Committee will be 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 service areas of the
Indian Health Service 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;
[[Page 29885]]
(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 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, not to
exceed five pages 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. 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 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: May 28, 2021.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-11669 Filed 6-2-21; 8:45 am]
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