FR 2021-00577

The document at hand is a formal notice regarding a closed meeting by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This meeting, scheduled for February 2, 2021, is designed to evaluate contract proposals for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiatives in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The meeting will not be open to the public as it involves the discussion of sensitive trade secrets and personal information.

General Summary

The primary purpose of the document is to announce a meeting where specific contract proposals will be reviewed and discussed. These proposals are part of a program aimed at fostering innovation in fields related to allergy, immunology, and infectious diseases. The meeting will occur virtually, and participation is limited to prevent the disclosure of confidential information. Dr. Lynn Rust is listed as the contact person for further details.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable issue is the document's lack of specific justification for the meeting's closure. It relies on general claims of confidentiality and privacy, leaving the reasons for excluding the public somewhat vague. Transparency could be improved by offering more details on why the meeting's content warrants such secrecy.

Additionally, the document's language, filled with technical jargon and legal references, might not be easily understandable for all readers. Terms like "SBIR Contract Proposals" and references to laws might be unfamiliar to a lay audience. This could be less of an obstacle if definitions or brief explanations were provided.

Another area for improvement is the format of the contact information. Presenting the phone number and email address on separate lines could enhance readability and user-friendliness.

Potential Public Impact

For the general public, the notice may have minimal immediate impact since it is not open for public participation. Nonetheless, it sheds light on the behind-the-scenes processes that contribute to advancements in science and technology, specifically in health-related research fields. Such initiatives can have long-term benefits, leading to new medical treatments and technologies that improve public health and wellbeing.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders in scientific research, particularly in the fields of health and medicine, this meeting is significant. Companies seeking SBIR grants can see this as an opportunity to secure government funding to bring innovative solutions to market. The closed nature of the meeting might be reassuring to these stakeholders, ensuring their proprietary information remains secure.

However, other stakeholders, such as transparency advocates or the general public interested in government proceedings, might view this meeting's confidentiality as a negative aspect. They might call for a more open approach or updates about the outcomes to ensure accountability and transparency in government activities.

Overall, the document highlights the ongoing efforts by national health institutions to support small business innovation and demonstrates the delicate balance between protecting sensitive information and maintaining public transparency.