FR 2021-02160

The document at hand is a notification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a forthcoming closed meeting scheduled for April 29, 2021. The meeting will involve the Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel and aim to review and evaluate grant applications. The session will be held via teleconference from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT and is closed to the public to protect trade secrets, confidential commercial property, and personal privacy. Dr. Jaya Raman is noted as the contact for further information.

Summary of the Document

This Federal Register notice serves as an announcement for a closed meeting that the CDC is organizing to review grant applications. The focus of the meeting is to evaluate alternative delivery models for arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based physical activity, and self-management interventions. The indication as a closed meeting suggests a need to shield sensitive business information and personal privacy details that such discussions might unveil.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the need for confidentiality in certain federal committee meetings is understandable, this document raises several issues of concern:

• Transparency and Accountability: The document does not provide specific details about the grants in question, limiting transparency. The stated reasons for closure—confidential trade secrets or personal information—are mentioned without substantial elaboration, potentially prompting concerns about accountability.

• Clarity on Secure Access: While the meeting will be conducted via teleconference, the notice lacks clear information about the chosen platform or secure methods of participation for relevant stakeholders. This might present challenges or concerns regarding accessibility and the safeguarding of sensitive discussions.

• Communication of Results: There is no mention of how or when the outcomes of the meeting will be communicated to the public, which can lead to a perceived lack of transparency post-meeting.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the most significant impact of such a notice is the understanding that confidential processes are in place within the CDC to ensure that grant evaluations are handled with care. However, the absence of detailed public insight into which applications are being considered could lead to questions about the decision-making process and the use of public funds.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved in or impacted by the grant applications under review, the closed nature of the meeting and limited public details could result in both positive and negative effects:

• Positive Impact: Stakeholders, such as grant applicants, might find assurance in the confidentiality maintained for their proprietary information and personal details, potentially protecting competitive positions and personal reputations.

• Negative Impact: Conversely, the lack of transparency might create apprehension or distrust in the evaluation process, particularly for organizations or individuals who are keen to understand how decisions are made or who might feel disadvantaged by not having access to procedure specifics.

In conclusion, while the document meets legal requirements for notification and maintains necessary confidentiality, it leaves room for improving transparency and communications concerning federal agency activities that significantly influence public welfare and competition.