2023-13010. 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 [e-mail] 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.