[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 5 (Monday, January 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00162]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical 
Science Research and Development Services 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 
Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical 
Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review Board 
will be held January 30, 2024, via Webex. The meeting will be held 
between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. EDT. The meeting will be closed to the public 
from 3:30-5 p.m. EDT 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 Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Science Research and 
Development programs.
    Board members advise the Directors of the Biomedical Laboratory and 
Clinical Sciences Research Services and the Chief Research and 
Development Officer on the scientific and technical merit, the mission 
relevance, and the protection of human subjects of Biomedical 
Laboratory and Clinical Sciences 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. 
The time limited agenda does not enable public comments or 
presentations. To attend the open portion of the meeting (3-3:30 p.m. 
EDT), the public may join by dialing the phone number 1-404-397-1596 
and entering the meeting number (access code): 2763 451 0764.
    Written public comments must be sent to Michael R. Burgio, Ph.D., 
Designated Federal Officer, Office of Research and Development, 
Department of Veterans Affairs (14RD), 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 Pub. L. 94-409, closing the committee 
meeting is in accordance with title 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6) and (9)(B).

    Dated: January 3, 2024.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-00162 Filed 1-5-24; 8:45 am]
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