[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 120 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31470-31473]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15510]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

25 CFR Part 142

RIN 1076 AD66


Operation of U.S.M.S.``North Star'' Between Seattle, Washington, 
and Stations of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Other Government 
Agencies, Alaska

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is proposing to revise its 
regulations in Alaska Resupply Operation as mandated by Executive Order 
12866 to streamline the regulatory process and enhance the planning and 
coordination of existing regulations.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 19, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Mail comments to Warren Heisler, Assistant Area Director, 
Juneau Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the 
Interior, 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska 99802; OR, hand deliver 
them to the above address. Comments will be available for inspection at 
this address from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday 
beginning approximately two weeks after publication of this document in 
the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Warren Heisler, Assistant Area 
Director, Juneau Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs at telephone 
(907) 586-7177.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The U.S.M.S. North Star has been decommissioned. However, the need 
for a resupply operation in Alaska continues. The Juneau Area Office

[[Page 31471]]

administers the Alaska Resupply Operation through the Seattle Support 
Center. All accounts receivable and payable are handled by the Seattle 
Support Center that also publishes a tariff of rates and conditions.

Evaluation and Certification

    The authority to issue rules and regulations is vested in the 
Secretary of the Interior by 5 U.S.C. 301 and sections 463 and 465 of 
the Revised Statutes, 25 U.S.C. 2 and 9.
    Publication of the proposed rule by the Department of the Interior 
(Department) provides the public an opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking process. Interested persons may submit written comments 
regarding the proposed rule to the location identified in the addresses 
section of this document.

Executive Order 12778

    The Department has certified to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) that this proposed rule meets the applicable standards provided 
in sections 2(a) and 2(b)(2) of Executive Order 12778.

Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)

Executive Order 12630

    The Department has determined that this proposed rule does not have 
``significant'' takings implications. The proposed rule does not 
pertain to ``taking'' of private property interests, nor does it impact 
private property.

Executive Order 12612

    The Department has determined that this proposed rule does not have 
significant federalism effects because it pertains solely to Federal-
tribal relations and will not interfere with the roles, rights and 
responsibilities of states.

NEPA Statement

    The Department has determined that this proposed rule does not 
constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality 
of the human environment and that no detailed statement is required 
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995

    This proposed rule imposes no unfunded mandates on any governmental 
or private entity and is in compliance with the provisions of the 
Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    There are no information collection requirements contained in this 
proposed rule which require the approval of the Office of Management 
and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

Drafting Information

    The primary author of this document is Alan E. Mather, Traffic 
Manager, Seattle Support Center, Juneau Area Office, Bureau of Indian 
Affairs.

List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 142

    Indians--shipping; Indians--maritime carriers.

    For the reasons given in the preamble part 142, Chapter I of Title 
25 of the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed to be revised as set 
forth below:

PART 142--ALASKA RESUPPLY OPERATION

Sec.
142.1 Definitions.
142.2 What is the purpose of the Alaska Resupply Operation?
142.3 Who is responsible for the Alaska Resupply Operation?
142.4 For whom is the Alaska Resupply Operation operated?
142.5 Who determines the rates and conditions of service of the 
Alaska Resupply Operation?
142.6 How are the rates and conditions for the Alaska Resupply 
Operation established?
142.7 How are transportation and scheduling determined?
142.8 Is economy of operation a requirement for the Alaska Resupply 
Operation?
142.9 How are orders accepted?
142.10 How is freight to be prepared?
142.11 How is payment made?
142.12 What is the liability of the United States for loss or 
damage?
142.13 Information collection.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; R.S. 463; 25 U.S.C. 2; R.S. 465; 25 
U.S.C. 9; 42 Stat. 208; 25 U.S.C. 13; 38 Stat. 586.


Sec. 142.1  Definitions.

    Area Director means the Area Director, Juneau Area Office, Bureau 
of Indian Affairs.
    Bureau means Bureau of Indian Affairs
    Department means Department of the Interior.
    Manager means Manager of the Seattle Support Center.
    Must is used in place of shall and indicates a mandatory or 
imperative act or requirement.
    Indian means any individual who is a member of an Indian tribe.
    Indian tribe means an Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, 
pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior 
acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe pursuant to Pub. L. 103-454, 
108 Stat. 4791.
    Alaska Native means a member of an Alaska Native village or a 
Native shareholder in a corporation as defined in or established 
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. 1601 et 
seq.


Sec. 142.2  What is the purpose of the Alaska Resupply Operation?

    The Alaska Resupply Operation provides consolidated purchasing, 
freight handling and distribution, and necessary transportation 
services from Seattle, Washington to and from other points in Alaska or 
en route in support of the Bureau's mission and responsibilities.


Sec. 142.3  Who is responsible for the Alaska Resupply Operation?

    The Seattle Support Center, under the direction of the Juneau Area 
Office, is responsible for the operation of the Alaska Resupply 
Operation, including the management of all facilities and equipment, 
personnel, and procurement of goods and services.
    (a) The Seattle Support Center is responsible for publishing the 
rates and conditions that must be published in a tariff.
    (b) All accounts receivable and accounts payable are handled by the 
Seattle Support Center.
    (c) The Manager must make itineraries for each voyage in 
conjunction with contracted carriers. Preference is to be given to the 
work of the Bureau.
    (d) The Area Director is authorized to direct the Seattle Support 
Center to perform special services that may arise and to act in any 
emergency.


Sec. 142.4  For whom is the Alaska Resupply Operation operated?

    The Manager is authorized to purchase and resell food, fuel, 
clothing, supplies and materials, and to order, receive, stage, 
package, store and transport these goods and materials for:
    (a) Alaska Natives, Indian or Native owned businesses, profit or 
nonprofit Alaska Native corporations, Native cooperatives or 
organizations, or such other groups or individuals as may be sponsored 
by any Native or Indian organization.
    (b) Other Federal agencies and the State of Alaska and its 
subsidiaries, as long as the ultimate beneficiaries are the Alaska 
Natives or their communities.

[[Page 31472]]

    (c) Non-Indians and Non-Natives and commercial establishments that 
economically or materially benefit Alaska Natives or Indians.
    (d) The Manager must make reasonable efforts to restrict 
competition with private enterprise.


Sec. 142.5  Who determines the rates and conditions of service of the 
Alaska Resupply Operation?

    The general authority of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs to 
establish rates and conditions for users of the Alaska Resupply 
Operation is delegated to the Area Director.
    (a) The Manager must develop a tariff that establishes rates and 
conditions for charging users.
    (1) The tariff must be approved by the Area Director.
    (2) The tariff must be published on or before March 1 of each year.
    (3) The tariff must not be altered, amended, or published more 
frequently than once each year, except in an extreme emergency.
    (4) The tariff must be published, circulated and posted throughout 
Alaska, particularly in the communities commonly and historically 
served by the resupply operation.
    (b) The tariff must include standard freight categories and rate 
structures that are recognized within the industry, as well as any 
appropriate specialized warehouse, handling and storage charges.
    (c) The tariff must specify rates for return cargo and cargo hauled 
between ports.
    (1) The rates and conditions for the Bureau, other Federal 
agencies, the State of Alaska and its subsidiaries must be the same as 
that for Native entities.
    (2) Different rates and conditions may be established for Non-
Indian and Non-Native commercial establishments, if those 
establishments do not meet the standard in Sec. 142.4(c) and no other 
service is available to that location.


Sec. 142.6  How are the rates and conditions for the Alaska Resupply 
Operation established?

    The Manager must develop tariff rates using the best modeling 
techniques available to ensure the most economical service to the 
Alaska Natives, Indian or Native owned businesses, profit or nonprofit 
Alaska Native corporations, Native cooperatives or organizations, or 
such other groups or individuals as may be sponsored by any Native or 
Indian organization, without enhancing the Federal treasury.
    (a) The Area Director's approval of the tariff constitutes a final 
action for the Department for the purpose of establishing billing 
rates.
    (b) The Bureau must issue a supplemental bill to cover excess cost 
in the event that the actual cost of a specific freight substantially 
exceeds the tariff price.
    (c) If the income from the tariff substantially exceeds actual 
costs, a prorated payment will be issued to the shipper.


Sec. 142.7  How are transportation and scheduling determined?

    (a) The Manager must arrange the most economical and efficient 
transportation available, taking into consideration lifestyle, timing 
and other needs of the user. Where practical, shipping must be by 
consolidated shipment that takes advantage of economies of scale and 
consider geographic disparity and distribution of sites.
    (b) Itineraries and scheduling for all deliveries must be in 
keeping with the needs of the users to the maximum extent possible. 
Planned itineraries with dates set as to the earliest and latest 
anticipated delivery dates must be provided to users prior to final 
commitment by them to utilize the transportation services. Each 
shipping season the final departure and arrival schedules must be 
distributed prior to the commencement of deliveries.


Sec. 142.8  Is economy of operation a requirement for the Alaska 
Resupply Operation?

    Yes. The Manager must ensure that purchasing, warehousing and 
transportation services utilize the most economical delivery. This may 
be accomplished by memoranda of agreement, formal contracts, or 
cooperative arrangements. Whenever possible joint arrangements for 
economy will be entered into with other Federal agencies, the State of 
Alaska, Alaska Native cooperatives or other entities providing services 
to rural Alaska communities.


Sec. 142.9  How are orders accepted?

    (a) The Manager must make a formal determination to accept an 
order, for goods or services, and document the approval by issuing a 
permit or similar instrument.
    (b) The Seattle Support Center must prepare proper manifests of the 
freight accepted at the facility or other designated location. The 
manifest must follow industry standards to ensure a proper legal 
contract of carriage is executed, upon which payment can be exacted 
upon the successful delivery of the goods and services.


Sec. 142.10  How is freight to be prepared?

    All freight must be prepared in accordance with industry standards, 
unless otherwise specified, for overseas shipment, including any 
pickup, delivery, staging, sorting, consolidating, packaging, crating, 
boxing, containerizing, and marking that may be deemed necessary by the 
Manager.


Sec. 142.11  How is payment made?

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in this Part, all regulations 
implementing the Financial Integrity Act, Anti-Deficiency Act, Prompt 
Payments Act, Debt Collection Act of 1982, 4 CFR Ch. II Federal Claims 
Collection Standards, and other like acts apply to the Alaska Resupply 
Operation.
    (b) Payment for all goods purchased and freight or other services 
rendered by the Seattle Support Center are due and payable upon final 
receipt of the goods or services. If payment is not received within the 
time specified on the billing document, interest and penalty fees at 
the current treasury rate will be charged, and handling and 
administrative fees may be applied.
    (c) Where fuel and other goods are purchased on behalf of 
commercial enterprises, payment for those goods must be made within 30 
days of delivery to the Seattle Support Center Warehouse. Payment for 
freight must be made within 30 days from receipt of the goods by the 
shipper.


Sec. 142.12  What is the liability of the United States for loss or 
damage?

    (a) The liability of the United States for any loss or damage to, 
or non-delivery of freight is limited by 46 U.S.C. 746 and the Carriage 
of Goods by Sea Act (46 U.S.C. 1300 et seq.). The terms of such 
limitation of liability must be contained in any document of title 
relating to the carriage of goods by sea. This liability may be further 
restricted in specialized instances as specified in the tariff.
    (b) In addition to the standards of conduct and ethics applicable 
to all government employees, the employees of the Seattle Support 
Center shall not conduct any business with, engage in trade with, or 
accept any gifts or items of value from any shipper or permittee.
    (c) The Seattle Support Center will continue to function only as 
long as the need for assistance to Native village economies exits. To 
that end, a review of the need for the serve must be conducted every 
five years.


Sec. 142.13  Information collection.

    In accordance with Office of Management and Budget regulations in 5 
CFR 1320.4, approval of information

[[Page 31473]]

collections contained in this regulation is not required.

    Dated: May 31, 1996.
Ada E. Deer,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 96-15510 Filed 6-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-02-P