FR 2021-00545

The document from the Federal Register announces a series of upcoming closed meetings by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the Health and Human Services Department. These meetings are scheduled for January 21 and 22, 2021, and are focused on reviewing and evaluating contract proposals in health research. The notice specifies that the meetings will be closed to the public to protect confidential information, including trade secrets and personal data related to the proposals.

General Summary

The meetings, organized by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, aim to review contract proposals under specific health research topics. These topics are part of a collaborative initiative involving the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to solicit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects. The discussions during these meetings will involve sensitive information which necessitates the closing of these sessions to the public.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues with the publication:

• Timing of Notice Publication: The notice was published less than 15 days before the meetings, which might not give interested parties sufficient time to prepare or respond. This rush could be partly due to the constraints of the funding and review cycle, but it still poses accessibility issues for stakeholders who may wish to engage with or follow up on these proceedings.

• Technical Jargon: The document makes extensive use of technical terminology such as "SBIR" and "contract proposals" without offering explanations. While this language is standard within the field, it may be challenging for the general public to understand, thereby limiting broader comprehension and engagement.

• Format and Contact Details: The meetings are conducted via telephone conference calls, which signifies a shift from in-person meetings, likely due to pandemic conditions. While contact information for the Scientific Review Officer is provided, the reliance on remote communication methods could create ambiguity or restrict clarity for those not accustomed to this format.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, these closed meetings underline the ongoing efforts to advance health research which, despite being behind closed doors, have broad implications for public health. The advancements and research proposals reviewed in these meetings could lead to key developments in treating and managing infectious diseases.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Researchers and Academics: These meetings are critical for parties directly involved in health research and associated fields. They provide an opportunity for specialized projects that might influence future medical and scientific developments.

• Small Businesses: Organizations participating in SBIR programs could be directly affected by decisions and discussions from these meetings. Successful proposals could grant these enterprises significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the health sector.

• Public Health Officials and Policymakers: Determinations made during these sessions could inform future disease prevention strategies and funding allocations, directly influencing public health policies and measures.

In conclusion, while the document details important upcoming meetings likely to influence health research and innovation, it highlights significant issues around notice timing and accessibility, particularly concerning how information is communicated to the public.