[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 8623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02992]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Health Services 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 Health Services 
Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board will he 
held March 12, 2020, by teleconference. The meeting will begin at 11:45 
a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. EST. The meeting will be partially closed to 
the public from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 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 the high quality and mission relevance of VA's legislatively 
mandated Health Services Research and Development program.
    Board members advise the Director, Health Services 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 subjects of Health Services 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 11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST may dial 1 
(800) 767-1750, participant code 66422. Written comments from the 
public must be sent to Liza Catucci, Designated Federal Officer, Health 
Services Research and Development Service, at Department of Veterans 
Affairs (10X2H), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, or email 
[email protected] prior to the meeting. Those who plan to attend the 
open portion of the meeting must contact Ms. Catucci at least five days 
before the meeting. For further information, please call Ms. Catucci at 
(202) 443-5797.

    Dated: February 11, 2020.
Jelessa M. Burney,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-02992 Filed 2-13-20; 8:45 am]
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