FR 2021-02164

The document in question is a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published in the Federal Register. It announces a meeting scheduled for May 4, 2021, which will be conducted via teleconference. The purpose of the assembly is to review and evaluate grant applications related to an evidence-based intervention aimed at increasing sun safety among outdoor workers. This meeting will be closed to the public to protect confidential trade secrets, commercial property, and personal information associated with the grant applications, according to certain legal provisions.

General Summary

This notice serves as a formal announcement under the Federal Advisory Committee Act that a specific meeting will occur. The meeting involves the review of grant applications by the Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel. The discussions at this meeting will be private, with the primary purpose being the protection of sensitive information such as trade secrets and personal details.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from the document, mostly concerning transparency and clarity:

• Confidentiality and Transparency: The meeting is closed due to concerns over the potential disclosure of confidential information, but the notice does not specify how confidentiality will be maintained. This lack of detail might lead to questions about the methods and measures in place to ensure privacy and non-disclosure.

• Legal Citations: The document refers to specific legal provisions, namely sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., which may not be immediately understandable to the general public without legal expertise. This could hinder accessibility and understanding of the document's contents.

• Authority and Oversight: The notice indicates that the Director of the Strategic Business Initiatives Unit at the CDC has been delegated the authority to manage and sign Federal Register notices regarding committee meetings. However, the scope of this authority and any associated checks or balances are not elaborated, potentially raising concerns about oversight.

• Conflicts of Interest: There is no mention of how potential conflicts of interest will be addressed in the evaluation of grant applications. This omission could prompt questions about the fairness and impartiality of the review process.

Public Impact

Broadly, this document's impact on the public involves awareness of governmental activities related to public health and safety. It highlights the CDC's ongoing efforts to fund initiatives that could benefit outdoor workers, a significant segment of the workforce, by protecting their health through improved sun safety measures.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders, such as applicants hoping for grants or those working within the CDC, the notice clarifies procedural steps and timelines. The closed nature of the meeting ensures that sensitive organizational or personal information remains protected, benefiting those whose data is under review. However, for advocates of transparency and members of the public interested in the decision-making process, the closed meeting may present negative implications by limiting public access to government proceedings. Overall, the document serves as a critical communication piece but also highlights areas where transparency could be improved.