2023-13675. 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: Bemidji; California; Great Plains; Nashville; Navajo; Tucson.

DATES:

Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on August 1, 2023.

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 emailed to: [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Stephanie Birdwell and/or Mr. Peter Vicaire, 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 [e-mail] (612–558–7744) 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 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, makes 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 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 & 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: June 22, 2023.

Jelessa M. Burney,

Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.