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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 213 (Monday, November 4, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 87727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25550]

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical 
Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review 
Board, AMENDED, 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 
Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical 
Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review Board 
will be held January 7, 2025, via WebEx. The meeting will be held 
between 3 and 5 p.m. EDT. The meeting will be closed to the public from 
3:30-5 p.m. EDT for scientific review and the discussion, examination, 
and reference to the research applications. 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 Public Law 92-463 
subsection 10(d), and as 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 the high quality and mission relevance of VA's legislatively 
mandated Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Science Research and 
Development programs.
    Board members advise the Directors of the Biomedical Laboratory and 
Clinical Sciences Research Services and the Chief Research and 
Development Officer on the scientific and technical merit, mission 
relevance, and protection of human subjects of Biomedical Laboratory 
and Clinical Sciences 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. 
The time limited agenda does not enable public comments or 
presentations. To attend the open portion of the meeting (3-3:30 p.m. 
EDT), the public may join by dialing the phone number 1-404-397-1596 
and entering the meeting number (access code): 2823 274 3705. These 
stakeholders must notify the DFO of their intention to speak to the 
committee.
    Written public comments must be sent to Michael R. Burgio, Ph.D., 
Designated Federal Officer, Advisory Committee Management Office, 811 
Vermont Avenue NW, Room 4342A, Washington, DC 20006, or to 
[email protected], at least five days before the meeting. 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 (per Pub. L. 
92-463 subsection 10(d), as amended by Public Law 94-409, closing the 
committee meeting is in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6) and (9)(B).

    Dated: October 29, 2024.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-25550 Filed 11-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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