FR 2021-00573

The document entitled "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings," published in the Federal Register, announces upcoming meetings scheduled by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. These meetings, set for February 1, 2021, have the primary purpose of reviewing and evaluating contract proposals related to the production and discovery of adjuvants for vaccines and autoimmune and allergic diseases.

Summary of the Document

The notice outlines that the meetings will be closed to the public. This decision is to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets, commercial property, such as patentable materials, and personal information pertinent to the contract proposals. The meetings will occur virtually, moderated by Maggie A. Morris Fears, Ph.D. The announcement emphasizes the importance of these sessions for the review and funding cycle, even stating that the notice's publication timeline is less than the usual 15-day prior notice due to timing constraints.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the document that might concern the public:

• Lack of Transparency: The closed nature of these meetings inherently limits public transparency regarding governmental operations and decision-making. While there are valid reasons for maintaining confidentiality, the absence of public insight could lead to skepticism and a lack of accountability.

• Short Notice: The meetings are announced with less than 15 days of prior notice, which may not be sufficient for interested parties to prepare adequately. It also reflects potential issues in planning and communication within the agency's broader operational strategies.

• Use of Technical Terms: Terms such as "SBIRs," which refer to Small Business Innovation Research projects, are used without definition, potentially causing confusion for those unfamiliar with such bureaucratic language.

• Unclear Transition to Virtual Format: Although the physical address is provided, it is mentioned that the meetings are virtual, which may lead to misunderstanding for those accustomed to in-person attendance logistics.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact:

For the general public, the document reflects governmental efforts to advance critical health research, especially in fields like vaccine development and treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases. However, without access to these discussions, the public's ability to fully understand and engage with these developments might be curtailed. The lack of an open meeting may also diminish opportunities for public scrutiny and input.

Stakeholder Impact:

For stakeholders such as researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and health policy advocates, the meetings represent significant opportunities to secure funding and support for innovative products. However, the short notice could disadvantage those who may have been interested in engaging or following up on these efforts.

Research institutions and companies with vested interests in adjuvants and vaccine developments may see both positive and negative impacts. While the opportunities for funding are crucial, the secrecy necessary to protect intellectual property and competitive advantage could lead to concerns about fairness and transparency if not accompanied by clear guidelines.

Ultimately, while the objectives and protections outlined in the document seek to advance scientific discovery and maintain privacy, the need for improved clarity and planning may enhance the broader engagement and trust of the public stakeholders involved.