FR 2021-03940

The document from the Federal Register announces a forthcoming meeting of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), scheduled for March 19, 2021. The meeting is to take place virtually and will focus on reviewing and evaluating contract proposals. Notably, this meeting is closed to the public due to the sensitive nature of the information that will be discussed.

Summary

According to the notice, which adheres to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the meeting will be kept confidential, citing sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) of Title 5 U.S.C. These sections suggest the meeting may reveal confidential trade secrets, commercial property, or personal information, justifying its closed status. Dr. Kelly L. Hudspeth is the designated contact person for further details about this meeting.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are a number of points within this notice that merit further consideration:

1. Use of Specific Exemptions: The document references very specific legal exemptions to justify the meeting's closed status, yet it does not elaborate on these in a meaningful way. For individuals familiar with federal procedures, these might seem self-explanatory, but a broader audience would benefit from a clearer explanation of why these sections apply to this meeting.

2. Purpose of the Meeting: The notice states that the meeting’s purpose is "to review and evaluate contract proposals," but lacks further detail. Additional information regarding the nature of these proposals and how they impact public health research would enhance transparency.

3. Virtual Meeting Context: The decision to hold the meeting virtually is noted without explanation. Given the time period of early 2021, it is reasonable to infer that this could be a response to COVID-19 restrictions. Explicitly stating this reasoning would align with public health communication principles and provide assurance that safety and compliance with health guidelines remain priorities.

4. Public Access to Information: With the meeting behind closed doors, it’s essential to address how the public can remain informed about its outcomes. The document does not mention whether a summary or report will be available post-meeting, which might concern stakeholders interested in NIAID's activities and decisions.

Potential Impact

The document will likely have varied impacts on the general public and specific stakeholders:

• Broad Public Impact: The general public may be indirectly affected by the discussions and evaluations that take place in this meeting, especially if the contracts discussed pertain to future public health initiatives. Greater transparency about the meeting's outcomes would help the public appreciate how government agencies are working towards advances in allergy and infectious disease research.

• Stakeholder Impact: Stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare organizations, and businesses in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, might be more directly impacted. The meeting results could influence funding allocations, development of new research projects, or partnership opportunities. While participants will be directly privy to this information, those on the periphery might find the lack of public insight into the meeting problematic.

Overall, the meeting represents a significant touchpoint in the ongoing work of the NIAID and highlights the delicate balance between operational confidentiality and public accountability in federal health activities. Providing more clarity and avenues for public engagement could enhance trust and collaboration between the institute and broader society.