[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8622-8623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02990]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit 
Review Board, Notice of Meeting

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, that a meeting of the Rehabilitation 
Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board will he 
held Wednesday, March 4, 2020, by teleconference. The meeting will 
begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be 
partially closed to the public from 1:10 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST for the 
discussion, examination, and reference to the research applications and 
scientific review. Discussions will involve reference to staff and 
consultant critiques of research proposals. Discussions will deal with 
scientific merit of each proposal and qualifications of personnel 
conducting the studies, the disclosure of which would constitute a 
clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Additionally, 
premature disclosure of research information could significantly 
obstruct implementation of proposed agency action regarding the 
research proposals. As provided by subsection 10(d) of Public Law 92-
463, as amended by Public Law 94-409, closing the committee meeting is 
in accordance with Title 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6) and (9)(B).
    The objective of the Board is to provide for the fair and equitable 
selection of the most meritorious research projects for support by VA 
research funds and to offer advice for research program officials on 
program priorities and policies. The ultimate objective of the Board is 
to ensure that the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development program 
promotes functional independence and improves the quality of life for 
impaired and disabled Veterans.
    Board members advise the Director, Rehabilitation Research and 
Development Service and the Chief Research and Development Officer on 
the scientific and technical merit, the mission relevance, and the 
protection of human and animal subjects of Rehabilitation Research and 
Development proposals. The Board does not consider grants, contracts, 
or other forms of extramural research.
    Members of the public who wish to attend the open portion of the 
teleconference session from 1:00 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. EST may dial 1 (800) 
767-1750, participant code 95056.
    Written comments from the public must be sent to Tiffany Asqueri,

[[Page 8623]]

Designated Federal Officer, Rehabilitation Research and Development 
Service, at Department of Veterans Affairs (10X2R), 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420, or email [email protected] prior to the 
meeting. Those who plan to attend the open portion of the meeting must 
contact Ms. Asqueri at least five days before the meeting. For further 
information, please call Mrs. Asqueri at (202) 443-5757.

    Dated: February 11, 2020.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-02990 Filed 2-13-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P