[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70697-70698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22522]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the National 
Research Advisory Council

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation for nominations.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Office of Research and 
Development (ORD) is committed to having a diverse and inclusive 
membership on its National Research Advisory Council (NRAC or the 
Council). The NRAC is seeking nominations for its 2024 membership cycle 
of qualified candidates who promote racial and ethnic diversity, as 
well as sex, geographic, religious, disability/mobility, and prior 
military service diversity in membership.

DATES: Nominations for membership on NRAC must be received by November 
15, 2023 no later than 4 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Submission of an 
application does not guarantee selection.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages should be emailed to Rashelle 
Robinson: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5e0c3f2d363b32323b700c313c37302d31301e283f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="653704160d000909004b370a070c0b160a0b2513044b020a13">[email protected]</span></a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allison Williams ND Ph.D. RN at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#02436e6e6b716d6c2c756b6e6e6b636f71314274632c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c786ababaeb4a8a9e9b0aeababaea6aab4f487b1a6e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a> or

[[Page 70698]]

727.204.1903 A copy of NRAC charter and list of the current membership 
can also be obtained by contacting Dr. Williams.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council provides advice to the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) and the Under Secretary for Health 
(USH) and makes recommendations on the nature and scope of research and 
development sponsored and/or conducted by the Veterans Health 
Administration (VHA) to include:
    (1) the policies and projects of the Office of Research and 
Development (ORD);
    (2) the focus of research on the high priority health care needs of 
Veterans;
    (3) the balance of basic, applied, and outcomes research;
    (4) the scientific merit review process;
    (5) the appropriate mechanisms by which ORD can leverage its 
resources to enhance the research financial base;
    (6) the rapid response to changing health care needs, while 
maintaining the stability of the research infrastructure; and
    (7) the protection of human subjects of research.
    Authority: NRAC was established by the directive of the Secretary 
of VA, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. Ch. 10.
    Membership Criteria and Qualification: The Council will be 
comprised of not more than 12 members. Members will be selected from 
knowledgeable VA- and non-VA experts, and Veterans' community 
representatives with special qualifications and competencies to deal 
effectively with research and development issues in the VA. Interested 
individuals must be a U.S. citizen and hold an M.D., Ph.D., or 
equivalent doctoral degree. NRAC is looking for individuals with 
primary expertise that includes:
    a. basic biomedical research;
    b. rehabilitation research and development;
    c. health services research and development;
    d. clinical research;
    e. geriatric care;
    f. primary care;
    g. special Veterans population health issues;
    h. occupational and environmental health research;
    i. mental health and behavioral research; and
    j. surgery.
    In addition, the NRAC will have at least one Veteran as a member to 
ensure an important perspective on the health problems of Veterans.
    Membership Requirements: NRAC meets three times a year either 
virtually, hybrid or in-person. Lobbyists serving as members of 
advisory boards and commissions or federally-registered lobbyists are 
prohibited from serving on Federal advisory committees in an individual 
capacity. In accordance with Federal Travel Regulation, VA will cover 
travel expenses--to include per diem--for all members of the Council, 
for any travel associated with official Council duties. Non-VA Council 
members also may be authorized to receive a stipend for their services.
    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 Council membership.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission: Nominations should be 12-
point font typed (one nomination per nominator). Self-nominations are 
acceptable. Nomination package should include:
    (1) A cover letter that clearly states the name and affiliation of 
the nominee, the basis for the nomination (i.e., specific attributes 
that qualify the nominee for service in this capacity), and a statement 
from the nominee indicating the willingness to serve as a member of the 
Council;
    (2) The nominee's contact information, including name, mailing 
address, telephone numbers, and email address;
    (3) The nominee's curriculum vitae that shows all relevant 
professional, publications, Veterans service involvement and/or work 
experience;
    (4) A summary of the nominee's experience and qualifications 
relative to the membership consideration described above; and
    (5) A statement confirming that the nominee is not a federally-
registered lobbyist.
    Packages will be reviewed by ORD Leadership staff and individuals 
selected for appointment to the Council will be notified via email.
    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 
Council shall 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 
Council and appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude 
membership. An ethics review is conducted for each selected nominee.

    Dated: October 5, 2023.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-22522 Filed 10-11-23; 8:45 am]
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