[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 129 (Friday, July 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 36319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14616]


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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, 5 U.S.C. app.2, that a meeting of the 
Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review 
Board will be held Wednesday, August 25, 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 
Webex session from 1:00-1:10 p.m. EST may join by dialing the Webex USA 
Toll-free Number 1-833-558-0712 and entering the meeting number (access 
code): 199 342 9297.
    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: July 3, 2021.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-14616 Filed 7-8-21; 8:45 am]
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