[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 2046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00294]


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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 be 
held Wednesday, March 3, 2021, via WebEx. The meeting will be held 
between 1:00-1:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be partially closed to the 
public from 1:10-1:30 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 Public 
Law 92-463 subsection 10(d), as amended by Public Law 94-409, closing 
the committee meeting is in accordance with 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 
meeting from 1:00-1:10 p.m. EST may join via WebEx at: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m040113b8b785ef365a05d20daf46c147, Meeting Number 199 306 
7346; or by phone 1-404-397-1596 USA Toll Number, Access Code 199 306 
7346.
    Written comments from the public must be sent to Tiffany Asqueri, 
Designated Federal Officer, Rehabilitation Research and Development 
Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (14RDR), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420, or to [email protected] prior to the 
meeting. Those who plan to attend the open portion of the meeting must 
contact Mrs. Asqueri at least 5 days before the meeting. For further 
information, please call Mrs. Asqueri at 202-443-5757.

    Dated: January 6, 2021.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-00294 Filed 1-8-21; 8:45 am]
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