[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 39909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-13010]


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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. Ch. 10, that a meeting of the 
Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review 
Board (hereinafter the Board) will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 
2023, via Webex. The meeting will be held between 1-1:30 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 also 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 Board 
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 may attend the open portion of the meeting in 
listen-only mode as the time limited open agenda does not enable public 
comment presentations. To attend the open portion of the meeting (1-
1:10 p.m. EST), the public may join by dialing the phone number 1-833-
558-0712 and entering the meeting number (access code): 2760 821 8338.
    Written public comments must be sent to Kristy Benton-Grover, 
Designated Federal Officer, Rehabilitation Research and Development 
Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (14RDR), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420, or to [email protected] at least five 
days before the meeting via the email listed above. The written public 
comments will be shared with the Board members. The public may not 
attend the closed portion of the meeting as disclosure of research 
information could significantly obstruct implementation of proposed 
agency action regarding the research proposals (Pub. L. 92-463 
subsection 10(d), as amended by Public Law 94-409, closing the Board 
meeting is in accordance with Title 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) (6) and (9)(B).

    Dated: June 13, 2023.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-13010 Filed 6-16-23; 8:45 am]
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