[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 7463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01817]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Health Services 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, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, that a meeting of the 
Health Services Research and Development Service Scientific Merit 
Review Board will be held March 11, 2021, via WebEx. The meeting will 
be held between noon and 1:00 p.m. EST. The meeting will be partially 
closed to the public from 12:15-1:00 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 the high quality and mission relevance of VA's legislatively 
mandated Health Services Research and Development program.
    Board members advise the Director, Health Services 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 subjects of Health Services 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 12:00-12:15 p.m. EST may join via WebEx at: 
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=mb034716dbeb422f458d27b50411aabe7, Meeting Number 199 716 
2612; or by phone 1-404-397-1596 USA Toll Number, Access Code 199 716 
2612.
    Written comments from the public must be sent to Liza Catucci, 
Designated Federal Officer, Health Services Research and Development 
Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (14RDH), 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 
Ms. Catucci at least five days before the meeting. For further 
information, please call Ms. Catucci at 202-443-5797.

    Dated: January 22, 2021.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-01817 Filed 1-27-21; 8:45 am]
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