[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 135 (Monday, July 15, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57521-57522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15422]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Health Systems Research 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. 10, that a meeting of the 
Health Systems Research (HSR) Merit Review Board (hereinafter, ``the 
Board'') will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, via WebEx from 12-
1:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be partially closed to the public, with 
an open portion from 12-12:15 p.m. EST. The closed portion, from 12:15-
1:30 p.m. EST, 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 the 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 HSR 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

[[Page 57522]]

subjects of the proposals submitted to HSR. 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 12-12:15 p.m. EST, 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) and entering the meeting number/access 
code (2829 182 9834).
    Written comments from members of the public must be mailed to 
Tiffin Ross-Shepard, Designated Federal Officer, HSR, Department of 
Veterans Affairs (14RDH), 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: July 9, 2024.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-15422 Filed 7-12-24; 8:45 am]
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