82 FR 32929 - Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the National Research Advisory Council

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 136 (July 18, 2017)

Page Range		32929-32930
FR Document		2017-15062

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for membership on the National Research Advisory Council (Council). 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.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 136 (Tuesday, July 18, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 18, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32929-32930]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15062]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the National 
Research Advisory Council

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations 
of qualified candidates to be considered for membership on the National 
Research Advisory Council (Council). 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.

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Council must be received no 
later than 5:00 p.m. EST on August 15, 2017. Packages received after 
this time will not be considered for the current membership cycle.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be mailed to Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., 
(10P9), Washington, DC 20420, emailed (recommended) to 
[email protected], or faxed to (202) 495-6196.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Cooper, Designated Federal 
Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., (10P), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone 
(202) 461-6044. (This is not a toll free number.) A copy of the 
Council's charter and list of the current membership can be obtained by 
contacting Mrs. Cooper or by accessing the Web site: https://www.va.gov/ADVISORY/NRAC.asp

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council advises the Secretary and the 
USH on all matters related to the research and development program, and 
conducts analyses and develops reports or other materials as necessary. 
In order to avoid duplication of effort, the Council is encouraged to 
review deliberations of other committees or entities, and may 
incorporate or otherwise use the results of deliberations of such 
entities. As a part of its function, the Council may accept for 
consideration suggestions for research and development from Congress, 
VA and non-VA scientists, Veterans and their representatives, and the 
general public.
    The Council meets at least four times annually, which may include a 
site visit to a VA field location. In accordance with Federal Travel 
Regulation, members will receive travel expense reimbursement and per 
diem for any

[[Page 32930]]

travel made in connection with their duties as members of the Council.

    Authority: The Committee was established by the directive of the 
Secretary, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2.

    Membership Criteria and Qualifications: VHA is requesting 
nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Committee. In accordance with 
the Council's current charter, 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 competence to deal effectively with research 
and development issues in the VA.
    Appropriate categories of primary expertise that may be represented 
include:
    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 Council will have at least one Veteran as a member 
to ensure an important perspective on the health problems of Veterans.
    The Secretary will appoint members for overlapping 2-year terms of 
service and may reappoint members for one additional term. The 
Secretary will appoint the Chair for a term of not more than 3 years 
and may reappoint the Chair for one additional term. Several members 
may be regular government employees, but the majority of the Council's 
membership will be special government employees.
    Requirements for Nomination Submission:
    Nominations should be typed in 12 point font (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);
    (2) 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;
    (3) A statement from the nominee that that he/she appears to have 
no conflict of interest that would preclude membership;
    (4) The nominee's contact information, including name, mailing 
address, telephone numbers, and email address;
    (5) A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV); and
    (6) A cover letter.
    The cover letter must summarize the nominee's interest in serving 
on the Council and contributions she/he can make to the work of the 
Council, his/her current engagement in relevant Veterans service 
activities, and his/her the military branch affiliation and timeframe 
of military service (if applicable). Finally, please include in the 
cover letter the nominee's complete contact information (name, address, 
email address, and phone number); and a statement confirming that she/
he is not a Federally-registered lobbyist. The resume/CV should show 
professional work experience, publications, academic affiliations, and 
Veterans service involvement, and highlight any service related to 
issues considered by the National Research Advisory Council. Note that 
VA will conduct an ethics review for each selected nominee.
    Self-nominations will be accepted. Any letters of nomination from 
organizations or other individuals should accompany the package when it 
is submitted. Non-Veterans are also eligible for nomination.
    Additional information regarding this issue can be found at 
www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/08/13/2014-19140/revised-guidance-onappointment-of-lobbyists-to-federal-advisory-Councils-boards-and-commissions.
    The Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of 
VA Federal advisory Committees is fairly balanced in terms of points of 
view represented and the committee's capabilities. Every effort is made 
to ensure that a broad representation of geographic areas, gender, 
racial and ethnic minority groups, and the disabled 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. Other considerations to promote a balanced 
membership may include: Longevity of military service, significant 
deployment and research experience, ability to handle complex issues, 
experience running complex organizations, special qualifications, and 
competence to effectively advise on VA research and development issues.

    Dated: July 13, 2017.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-15062 Filed 7-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 136 / Tuesday, July 18, 2017 / Notices 32929

components such as engine to provide Reports in FTA’s electronic grants development sponsored and/or
a ‘‘like new’’ vehicle), the vehicle management system. conducted by the Veterans Health
remanufacturer is considered a transit Administration (VHA) to include: (1)
H. Technical Assistance and Other
vehicle manufacturer and must also The policies and projects of the Office
Program Information
comply with the DBE regulations. of Research and Development (ORD); (2)
FTA will then issue a transit vehicle This program is not subject to the focus of research on the high
manufacturer (TVM) concurrence/ Executive Order 12372, priority health care needs of Veterans;
certification letter. Grant recipients ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal (3) the balance of basic, applied, and
must verify each entity’s compliance Programs.’’ FTA will consider outcomes research; (4) the scientific
with these requirements before applications for funding only from merit review process; (5) the appropriate
accepting its bid. A list of compliant, eligible recipients for eligible projects mechanisms by which ORD can leverage
certified TVMs is posted on FTA’s Web listed in Section C. Complete its resources to enhance the research
page at https://www.fta.dot.gov/ applications must be submitted through financial base; (6) the rapid response to
regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights- GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m. EDT on changing health care needs, while
ada/eligible-tvms-list. Please note, that August 25, 2017. For issues with maintaining the stability of the research
this list is nonexclusive and recipients GRANTS.GOV please contact infrastructure; and (7) the protection of
must contact FTA before accepting bids GRANTS.GOV by phone at 1–800–518– human subjects of research.
from entities not listed on this web- 4726 or by email at support@grants.gov.
Contact information for FTA’s regional DATES: Nominations for membership on
posting. Recipients may also establish
offices can be found on FTA’s Web site the Council must be received no later
project specific DBE goals for vehicle
at https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/ than 5:00 p.m. EST on August 15, 2017.
procurements. The FTA will provide
regional-offices/regional-offices. Packages received after this time will
additional guidance as grants are
not be considered for the current
awarded. For more information on DBE I. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts membership cycle.
requirements, please contact Janelle
Hinton, Office of Civil Rights, 202–366– For further information concerning ADDRESSES: All nominations should be
9259, email: janelle.hinton@dot.gov. this notice please contact the Bus mailed to Veterans Health
Infrastructure Program manager, Mark Administration, Department of Veterans
e. Planning Bathrick, via email at mark.bathrick@ Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
FTA encourages proposers to notify dot.gov, or by phone at 202–366–9955. (10P9), Washington, DC 20420, emailed
the appropriate State Departments of A TDD is available for individuals who (recommended) to Melissa.Cooper@
Transportation and MPOs in areas likely are deaf or hard of hearing at 1–800– va.gov, or faxed to (202) 495–6196.
to be served by the project funds made 877–8339. In addition, FTA will post
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
available under this program. Selected answers to questions and requests for
Melissa Cooper, Designated Federal
projects must be incorporated into the clarifications on FTA’s Web site at
Officer, Veterans Health Administration,
long-range plans and transportation http://transit.dot.gov/busprogram. To
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
improvement programs of states and ensure applicants receive accurate
Vermont Avenue NW., (10P),
metropolitan areas before they are information about eligibility or the
program, the applicant is encouraged to Washington, DC 20420, Telephone (202)
eligible for FTA funding. 461–6044. (This is not a toll free
contact FTA directly, rather than
f. Standard Assurances through intermediaries or third parties, number.) A copy of the Council’s
with questions. FTA staff may also charter and list of the current
The applicant assures that it will membership can be obtained by
comply with all applicable federal conduct briefings on the discretionary
grants selection and award process upon contacting Mrs. Cooper or by accessing
statutes, regulations, executive orders, the Web site: https://www.va.gov/
directives, FTA circulars, and other request.
ADVISORY/NRAC.asp
federal administrative requirements in Matthew J. Welbes,
carrying out any project supported by SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Executive Director. Council advises the Secretary and the
the FTA grant. The applicant
[FR Doc. 2017–15043 Filed 7–17–17; 8:45 am] USH on all matters related to the
acknowledges that it is under a
continuing obligation to comply with BILLING CODE P research and development program, and
the terms and conditions of the grant conducts analyses and develops reports
agreement issued for its project with or other materials as necessary. In order
FTA. The applicant understands that DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS to avoid duplication of effort, the
Federal laws, regulations, policies, and AFFAIRS Council is encouraged to review
administrative practices might be deliberations of other committees or
Solicitation of Nominations for entities, and may incorporate or
modified from time to time and may
Appointment to the National Research otherwise use the results of
affect the implementation of the project.
Advisory Council deliberations of such entities. As a part
The applicant agrees that the most
recent Federal requirements will apply of its function, the Council may accept
ACTION: Notice.
to the project, unless FTA issues a for consideration suggestions for
written determination otherwise. The SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans research and development from
applicant must submit the Certifications Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of Congress, VA and non-VA scientists,
qualified candidates to be considered Veterans and their representatives, and
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

and Assurances before receiving a grant
if it does not have current certifications for membership on the National the general public.
on file. Research Advisory Council (Council). The Council meets at least four times
The Council provides advice to the annually, which may include a site visit
g. Reporting Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to a VA field location. In accordance
Post-award reporting requirements and the Under Secretary for Health with Federal Travel Regulation,
include the electronic submission of (USH), and makes recommendations on members will receive travel expense
Federal Financial Reports and Milestone the nature and scope of research and reimbursement and per diem for any

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32930 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 136 / Tuesday, July 18, 2017 / Notices

travel made in connection with their (3) A statement from the nominee that running complex organizations, special
duties as members of the Council. that he/she appears to have no conflict qualifications, and competence to
Authority: The Committee was established of interest that would preclude effectively advise on VA research and
by the directive of the Secretary, in membership; development issues.
accordance with the provisions of the Federal (4) The nominee’s contact Dated: July 13, 2017.
Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 information, including name, mailing
LaTonya L. Small,
U.S.C. App. 2. address, telephone numbers, and email
address; Federal Advisory Committee Management
Membership Criteria and Officer.
(5) A current resume or curriculum
Qualifications: VHA is requesting [FR Doc. 2017–15062 Filed 7–17–17; 8:45 am]
vitae (CV); and
nominations for upcoming vacancies on (6) A cover letter. BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
the Committee. In accordance with the The cover letter must summarize the
Council’s current charter, the Council nominee’s interest in serving on the
will be comprised of not more than 12 Council and contributions she/he can DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
members. Members will be selected make to the work of the Council, his/her AFFAIRS
from knowledgeable VA and non-VA current engagement in relevant Veterans
experts, and Veterans’ community service activities, and his/her the Disciplinary Appeals Board Panel
representatives with special military branch affiliation and Department of Veterans Affairs.
AGENCY:
qualifications and competence to deal timeframe of military service (if
effectively with research and Notice with request for
ACTION:
applicable). Finally, please include in comments.
development issues in the VA. the cover letter the nominee’s complete
Appropriate categories of primary contact information (name, address, SUMMARY: This notice announces that
expertise that may be represented email address, and phone number); and the roster of employees on the
include: a statement confirming that she/he is Disciplinary Appeals Board Panel is
a. Basic biomedical research; not a Federally-registered lobbyist. The
b. rehabilitation research and available for review and comment.
resume/CV should show professional Employees, employee organizations,
development; work experience, publications,
c. health services research and and other interested parties shall be
academic affiliations, and Veterans provided, without charge, a list of the
development;
service involvement, and highlight any names of employees on the Panel upon
d. clinical research;
e. geriatric care; service related to issues considered by request and may submit comments
f. primary care; the National Research Advisory concerning the suitability for service on
g. special Veterans population health Council. Note that VA will conduct an the Panel of any employee whose name
issues; ethics review for each selected nominee. is on the list.
h. occupational and environmental Self-nominations will be accepted. DATES: Names that appear on the Panel
health research; Any letters of nomination from may be selected to serve on a Board or
i. mental health and behavioral organizations or other individuals as a grievance examiner after August 17,
research; and should accompany the package when it 2017.
j. surgery. is submitted. Non-Veterans are also
ADDRESSES: Requests for the list of
In addition, the Council will have at eligible for nomination.
Additional information regarding this names of employees on the Panel and
least one Veteran as a member to ensure written comments may be directed to:
an important perspective on the health issue can be found at
www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/ Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
problems of Veterans. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
The Secretary will appoint members 08/13/2014–19140/revised-guidance-
onappointment-of-lobbyists-to-federal- Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC
for overlapping 2-year terms of service
advisory-Councils-boards-and- 20420. Requests and comments may
and may reappoint members for one
commissions. also be faxed to (202) 495–5200.
additional term. The Secretary will
The Department makes every effort to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
appoint the Chair for a term of not more
than 3 years and may reappoint the ensure that the membership of VA Larry Ables, Employee Relations &
Chair for one additional term. Several Federal advisory Committees is fairly Performance Management Service,
members may be regular government balanced in terms of points of view Office of Human Resources
employees, but the majority of the represented and the committee’s Management, Department of Veterans
Council’s membership will be special capabilities. Every effort is made to Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
government employees. ensure that a broad representation of Mailstop 051, Washington, DC 20420.
Requirements for Nomination geographic areas, gender, racial and Mr. Ables may be reached at (202) 461–
Submission: ethnic minority groups, and the 6172.
Nominations should be typed in 12 disabled are given consideration for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
point font (one nomination per membership. Appointment to this 203 of the Department of Veterans
nominator). Nomination package should Committee shall be made without Affairs Health Care Personnel Act of
include: discrimination because of a person’s 1991 (Pub. L. 102–40), dated May 7,
(1) A letter of nomination that clearly race, color, religion, sex (including 1991, revised the disciplinary grievance
states the name and affiliation of the gender identity, transgender status, and appeal procedures for employees
sexual orientation, and pregnancy), appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(1). It
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

nominee, the basis for the nomination
(i.e., specific attributes which qualify national origin, age, disability, or also required the periodic designation of
the nominee for service in this genetic information. Other employees of the Department who are
capacity); considerations to promote a balanced qualified to serve on Disciplinary
(2) A statement from the nominee membership may include: Longevity of Appeals Boards. These employees
indicating that he/she is a U.S. citizen military service, significant deployment constitute the Disciplinary Appeals
and is willing to serve as a member of and research experience, ability to Board Panel from which Board members
the Committee; handle complex issues, experience in a case are appointed. Public Law

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Document Created: 2018-10-24 11:25:41
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 11:25:41

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Dates		Nominations for membership on the Council must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on August 15, 2017. Packages received after this time will not be considered for the current membership cycle.
Contact		Melissa Cooper, Designated Federal Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., (10P), Washington, DC 20420, Telephone (202) 461-6044. (This is not a toll free number.) A copy of the Council's charter and list of the current membership can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Cooper or by accessing the Web site: https:// www.va.gov/ADVISORY/NRAC.asp
FR Citation		82 FR 32929