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Title VII — Outreach Matters

S. 2413 · 113th Congress · Jun 2, 2014 · Lineage

VII Outreach Matters

Sec. 701 Program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between the Department of Veterans Affairs and certain eligible entities

(a)
Program required—
(1)
In general— The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using eligible entities specified in paragraph (2)—
(A)
to increase awareness of veterans regarding benefits and services for veterans; and
(B)
to improve coordination of outreach activities regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans.
(2)
Eligible entities specified— The eligible entities specified in this paragraph are the following:
(A)
State and local government agencies.
(B)
Nonprofit organizations.
(C)
The Appalachian Regional Commission, established under section 14301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
(D)
The Delta Regional Authority, established under section 382B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–1(a)).
(E)
The Denali Commission, established under section 303 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277).
(F)
The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority, established under section 383B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb–1(a)).
(G)
The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission established under section 15301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
(H)
Entities described in subparagraph (I) that serve Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or native Hawaiians (as such terms are defined in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code), regardless of whether such entities are tribal organizations (as defined in such section).
(I)
Commissions and development boards that are—
(i)
not chartered by the Federal Government;
(ii)
selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program; and
(iii)
located in areas that present extraordinary challenges to veterans, as determined by the Secretary, including the following:
(I)
Areas in severe economic distress.
(II)
Areas with underdeveloped infrastructure.
(III)
Areas with unusual geographic characteristics, such as separation from the mainland.
(b)
Duration— The Secretary shall carry out the program for a two-year period.
(c)
Grants—
(1)
In general— The Secretary shall carry out the program through the competitive award of grants to eligible entities—
(A)
to increase the awareness of veterans regarding benefits and services for veterans; and
(B)
to improve coordination of outreach activities regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans.
(2)
Application—
(A)
In general— An eligible entity seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(B)
Elements— Each application submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i)
A description of the consultations, if any, with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the development of any proposal under the application.
(ii)
A description of the project for which the applicant is seeking a grant under the program, including a plan to coordinate under the program, to the greatest extent possible, the outreach activities of Federal, State, and local government agencies that provide health care, benefits, and services for veterans and nonprofit organizations that provide such care, benefits, and services to enhance the awareness and availability of such care, benefits, and services.
(iii)
An agreement to report to the Secretary standardized data and other performance measures necessary for the Secretary to evaluate the program and to facilitate evaluation of projects for which grants are awarded under the program.
(iv)
Such other information as the Secretary may require.
(3)
Considerations—
(A)
In general— In awarding grants under the program to carry out projects, the Secretary shall consider—
(i)
where the projects will be carried out and which populations are targeted; and
(ii)
the likelihood that each potential grantee will successfully carry out the grant proposal.
(B)
Considerations regarding location and target population— In taking the matters specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) into consideration, the Secretary shall consider in particular the advisability of awarding grants for projects—
(i)
carried out in areas with populations that have a high proportion of veteran representation;
(ii)
carried out in a variety of geographic areas, including urban, rural, and highly rural areas; and
(iii)
that target a variety of veteran populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and older populations.
(4)
Use of funds— The Secretary shall establish appropriate uses of grant amounts received under the program.
(5)
Oversight of use of funds— The Secretary shall establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of the use of grant amounts received under the program, including the evidence grantees must submit to demonstrate use of grant amounts and procedures for the recovery of grant amounts that were improperly used.
(6)
Limitation— In a fiscal year, not more than 20 percent of all grant amounts awarded in that fiscal year may be awarded to a single State entity.
(d)
State matching requirement— The Secretary may not make a grant to a State under subsection (c) unless that State agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by the State in carrying out the program or projects for which the grant was awarded, the State will make available (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to 50 percent of Federal funds provided under the grant.
(e)
Authorization of appropriations— There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section the following:
(1)
$2,500,000 for fiscal year 2015.
(2)
$2,500,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(f)
Annual report—
(1)
In general— Not later than 120 days after the completion of the first calendar year beginning after the date of the commencement of the program, and not less frequently than once every year thereafter for the duration of the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the program and the projects supported by grants awarded under the program.
(2)
Elements— The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program.
(B)
An assessment of the benefit to veterans of the program.
(C)
The performance measures used by the Secretary for purposes of the program and data showing the performance of grantees under the program under such measures.
(D)
The recommendations of the Secretary as to the feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding or modifying the program.
(g)
Effective date— This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Sec. 702 Cooperative agreements between Secretary of Veterans Affairs and States on outreach activities

(a)
In general— Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after section 6306 the following new section:

“6306A. Cooperative agreements with States

“(a) In general—The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and arrangements with various State agencies and State departments to carry out this chapter and to otherwise carry out, coordinate, improve, or enhance outreach activities of the Department and the States.

“(b) Report—The Secretary shall include in each report submitted under section 6308 of this title a description of the agreements and arrangements entered into by the Secretary under subsection (a).”

(b)
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 6306 the following new item:

Sec. 703 Advisory committee on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)
Establishment— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish an advisory committee on outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b)
Membership— The advisory committee shall be composed of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the following:
(1)
To the maximum extent practicable, individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations.
(2)
Representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media.
(3)
To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image.
(4)
To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service.
(5)
To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have experience in press and public relations.
(c)
Duties— The advisory committee shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs—
(1)
to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is strategically and effectively—
(A)
engaging the public and Department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding all benefits and services furnished by the Department;
(B)
explaining new or changing policies of the Department;
(C)
improving the image and reputation of the Department; and
(D)
coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local government agencies;
(2)
to assist the Secretary in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the Department as the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs consider appropriate; and
(3)
to ensure coordination and collaboration on efforts within the Department for the development, implementation, and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include the following:
(A)
Compensation and pension benefits.
(B)
Insurance benefits.
(C)
Burial and memorial benefits.
(D)
Education benefits.
(E)
Vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits.
(F)
Readjustment counseling benefits.
(G)
Loan guarantee benefits.
(H)
Such other benefits as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d)
Location of meetings— Each meeting of the advisory committee shall take place at a location that is property of the Department and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use teleconference technology.
(e)
Consultation— The Secretary shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory committee not less frequently than quarterly on matters relating to the duties of the advisory committee under subsection (c).
(f)
Reports—
(1)
In general— Not less frequently than once every 90 days for the first year and semiannually thereafter, the advisory committee shall submit to Congress and to the Secretary a report on outreach activities of the Department.
(2)
Recommendations— Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the advisory committee considers appropriate to improve the press and public relations of the Department relating to outreach.
(g)
Termination— The advisory committee shall terminate on October 1, 2015, and the requirements and authorities under this section shall terminate on such date.
(h)
Outreach defined— In this section, the term outreach has the meaning given the term in section 6301 of title 38, United States Code.

Sec. 704 Advisory boards on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs relating to health care

(a)
Establishment—
(1)
In general— For each entity described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through the director of that entity, establish not later than 180 days after the effective date specified in subsection (h) an advisory board at that entity on matters relating to outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs at that entity.
(2)
Entity described— An entity described in this paragraph is—
(A)
a healthcare system of the Department; or
(B)
a Veterans Integrated System Network, if such Veterans Integrated System Network does not contain a healthcare system.
(b)
Membership—
(1)
In general— Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall be, to the maximum extent practicable, composed of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the following:
(A)
Individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations.
(B)
Representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media.
(C)
Individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image.
(D)
Individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service.
(E)
Employees of the Department who are involved in press and public relations strategy for an entity described in subsection (a)(2).
(F)
To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have experience in press and public relations.
(2)
Voluntary participation— The participation of an individual selected under paragraph (1) shall be at the election of the individual.
(c)
Duties— Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) at an entity described in subsection (a)(2) shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs—
(1)
to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is strategically and effectively—
(A)
engaging the public and Department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding benefits and services furnished by the Department;
(B)
explaining new or changing policies of the Department;
(C)
improving the image and reputation of the Department;
(D)
coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local government agencies; and
(E)
coordinating and collaborating on efforts within the Department for the development, implementation, and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include—
(i)
compensation and pension benefits;
(ii)
insurance benefits;
(iii)
burial and memorial benefits;
(iv)
education benefits;
(v)
vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits;
(vi)
readjustment counseling benefits;
(vii)
loan guarantee benefits; and
(viii)
such other benefits as the Secretary considers appropriate; and
(2)
to assist the director of that entity in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the Department as that advisory board considers appropriate.
(d)
Meeting location—
(1)
In general— If teleconference technology is not used, meetings of each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall be held at a location that is property of the Department.
(2)
Teleconference technology— Each advisory board shall use, to the maximum extent practicable, teleconference technology.
(e)
Consultation— Each director of an entity described in subsection (a)(2) shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory board established at such entity not less frequently than once every two months on matters relating to the duties of the advisory board under subsection (c).
(f)
Annual reports— Not less frequently than each year, each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall submit to the Secretary a report with such information as may be beneficial to the Secretary in preparing the reports required by section 6308 of title 38, United States Code.
(g)
Termination— Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) and the authorities and requirements of this section shall terminate three years after the effective date specified in subsection (h).
(h)
Effective date— This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Sec. 705 Modification of requirement for periodic reports to Congress on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)
In general— Section 6308 is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking “even-numbered”; and
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking “biennial”;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by inserting “for legislative and administrative action” after “Recommendations”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(3) Recommendations that such administrative actions as may be taken—

“(A) to maximize resources for outreach activities of the Department; and

“(B) to focus outreach efforts on activities that are proven to be more effective.”

(b)
Clerical amendments—
(1)
Section heading— The heading for section 6308 is amended by striking “Biennial” and inserting “Annual”.
(2)
Table of sections— The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 is amended by striking the item relating to section 6308 and inserting the following new item:

Sec. 706 Budget transparency for outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)
In general— Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after section 6308 the following new section:

“6309. Budget transparency

“(a) Budget requirements—In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department budget for a fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary shall include a separate statement of the amount requested for such fiscal year for activities of the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs as follows:

“(1) For outreach activities of the Department in aggregate.

“(2) For outreach activities of each element of the Department specified in subsection (b)(1).

“(b) Procedures for effective coordination and collaboration

“(1) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014, the Secretary shall establish and maintain procedures for the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs to ensure the effective coordination and collaboration of outreach activities of the Department between and among the following:

“(A) Office of the Secretary.

“(B) Veterans Health Administration.

“(C) Veterans Benefits Administration.

“(D) National Cemetery Administration.

“(2) The Secretary shall—

“(A) beginning after the date on which the Secretary establishes procedures under paragraph (1), not less frequently than once every two years conduct a review of the procedures established and maintained under paragraph (1) to ensure that such procedures meet the requirements of such paragraph;

“(B) make such modifications to such procedures as the Secretary considers appropriate based upon reviews conducted under subparagraph (A) in order to better meet such requirements; and

“(C) not later than 45 days after completing a review under subparagraph (A), submit to Congress a report on the findings of such review.”

(b)
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 6308 the following new item: