We are giving notice that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs intends to renew the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rehabilitation Research, Development and Translation Scientific Merit Review Board (formerly Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board) for a 2-year period. The Secretary has determined that the Committee is necessary and in the public interest.

Justification—The review of rehabilitation research proposals requires highly specialized subject matter expertise and experience. Ensuring broad and appropriate expertise on the RRDT is obtained by recruiting experts both from within and outside of the Federal Government.

Why Committee is Essential—Rehabilitation Research, Development and Translation Scientific Merit Review Board provides advice on the fair and equitable selection of the most meritorious research projects for support by VA research funds; advice for research program officials on program priorities and policies; and ensures that the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development program promoted functional independence and improved the quality of life for impaired and disabled Veterans. Peer review of research proposals by external subject matter experts (SMEs) is a critical element of the VA’s Research program. Organizing VA’s Scientific Merit Review Boards under Federal Advisory Committee Act committees gives us the legal authority to recruit external SMEs. VA research is a statutory mandate under 38 U.S. Code § 7303, Public Law 117-328. VA Research priorities are further mandated by the Hannon Act (traumatic brain injury), the PACT Act (military toxic exposures and Gulf War Illness), the CARA act (Pain and opioid treatment), the Cleland Dole Act (Precision Oncology), and the MISSION and Elizabeth Dole Acts (community care). There is no other mechanism for VA to get this expert advice.

In conclusion, this Notice of Intent states that this renewing Board is in the public interest, essential to the conduct of agency business and that the information provided is not available through any other advisory committee or source within the Federal Government.

The point of contact is Jeffrey Moragne, Committee Management Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Advisory Committee Management Office (00AC), 811 Vermont Avenue, 4th floor, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone (202) 714-1578; or email at Jeffrey.Moragne@va.gov.

Please see the Federal Register notice for additional information.