FR 2024-28510

The document is a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a closed meeting of the Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel. The focus of this meeting, scheduled for April 15-16, 2025, is the evaluation of grant applications aimed at research to prevent polysubstance-impaired driving. Set to take place via web conference, the meeting is closed to the public to safeguard confidential trade secrets and personal information.

General Summary

The notice lays out the essential details of a forthcoming meeting but remains restricted to the public. It highlights that the purpose of this closed meeting is to assess grant applications pertinent to investigating methods to prevent impaired driving caused by multiple substances. Emphasis is placed on protecting sensitive information, including proprietary trade secrets and personal data linked to individuals involved with the grant applications. The meeting will take place over two days, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, using a web conferencing format.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from this notice:

• Lack of Abstract: The absence of a concise abstract or summary might leave readers unclear about the purpose and importance of this closed meeting.
• Omitting Grant Details: There is no mention of the number of grant applications under review, missing an opportunity to illuminate the scale and potential impact of the research.
• Selection and Review Criteria: The document does not elucidate on how grant applications will be selected or reviewed, which may lead to concerns about transparency and fairness.
• Explanation of Terms and Abbreviations: The use of technical terms and abbreviations without explanation, such as B.C.P.S. and C.D.C.E.S., might confuse individuals unfamiliar with these designations.
• Justification for Web Conference Format: The rationale for choosing web conferencing as the meeting format is not provided, leaving questions regarding the decision to forego in-person gatherings or other formats.

Impact on the Public

For the public at large, this notice illustrates the government's investment in tackling polysubstance-impaired driving—a matter of public health and safety. By focusing on research, the CDC endeavors to devise effective prevention strategies, ultimately aiming to reduce the risk posed by impaired drivers on roads.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Researchers and Applicants: The grant applicants, primarily researchers and associated professionals, stand to gain from potential funding that could advance their work in the field. However, knowing that their proprietary and personal information is protected during the review process provides a sense of security.
• Public Safety Officials: These stakeholders might benefit from future research findings, which could equip them with new tools or insights to combat impaired driving more efficiently.
• Medical and Health Communities: They may see indirect benefits, as improving public safety and reducing impaired driving can positively affect community health outcomes.

In summary, while this notice effectively communicates the occurrence of a closed meeting, a lack of detailed information and clarifications could lead to opacity, reducing public understanding and trust in the process. There is a need for more transparency in how proposals are considered and the specific reasons for the meeting's closure to bolster public confidence and support.