[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 120 (Friday, June 21, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52218-52219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-13528]


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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 (RR&D) Scientific Merit 
Review Board (hereinafter, ``the Board'') will be held on Wednesday, 
August 21, 2024, via Webex from 1-1:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be 
partially closed to the public, with an open portion from 1-1:10. The 
closed portion, from 1:10-1:30 p.m., will be used for discussion, 
examination of and reference to the research applications and 
scientific review. Discussions will involve reference to staff and 
consultant critiques of research proposals. Discussions will also cover 
the scientific merit of each proposal and the 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), and 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 RR&D program promotes functional independence and 
improves the quality of life for impaired and disabled Veterans.
    Board members will advise the Deputy Chief Research and Development 
Officer for Investigators, Scientific Review and Management (ISRM) and 
the Chief Research and Development Officer on the scientific and 
technical merit, mission relevance and protection of human and animal 
subjects of the proposals submitted to RR&D. 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 
via WebEx, from 1-1:10 p.m., in listen-only mode, as the time-limited 
open agenda does not allow for public comment presentations. To attend 
the open portion of the meeting, the public may dial the Webex phone 
number (1-833-558-0712), then enter the meeting access code (2827 156 
5012).

[[Page 52219]]

    Written comments from members of the public should be mailed to 
Kristy Benton-Grover, Designated Federal Officer, RR&D, Department of 
Veterans Affairs (14RDR), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, 
or to [email protected] at least five days before the 
meeting. The 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. As provided by 
Public Law 92-463 subsection 10(d), and amended by Public Law 94-409, 
closing the committee meeting is in accordance with title 5 U.S.C. 
552b(c)(6) and (9)(B).

    Dated: June 14, 2024.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-13528 Filed 6-20-24; 8:45 am]
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