2020-02990. 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, that a meeting of the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board will he held Wednesday, March 4, 2020, by teleconference. The meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be partially closed to the public from 1:10 p.m. to 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 subsection 10(d) of Public Law 92-463, as 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).

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 teleconference session from 1:00 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. EST may dial 1 [phone], participant code 95056.

Written comments from the public must be sent to Tiffany Asqueri, Designated Federal Officer, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, at Department of Veterans Affairs (10X2R), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, or email [e-mail] prior to the meeting. Those who plan to attend the open portion of the meeting must contact Ms. Asqueri at least five days before the meeting. For further information, please call Mrs. Asqueri at [phone].

Dated: February 11, 2020.

Jelessa M. Burney,

Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.