[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 115 (Monday, June 16, 1997)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 32476-32477] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-15755] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service 7 CFR Part 1753 Acceptance Test Policy AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Direct final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is publishing a minor amendment to its test acceptance procedures to correct 7 CFR part 1753.39, paragraph (c), to reflect new acceptance tests guidelines covered under RUS Bulletin 1753E-201, Acceptance Tests for Digital, Stored Program Controlled Central Office Equipment. DATES: This rule will become effective on August 15, 1997 unless we receive written adverse comments or notice of intent to submit adverse comments on or before July 16, 1997. Written comments must be received by RUS, or bear a postmark or equivalent, not later than July 16, 1997. If we receive such comment or notice, we will publish a timely notice in the Federal Register stating that the rule will not become effective until we have addressed the comments received and published a final rule. A second public comment period will not be held. Parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time. ADDRESSES: Submit any adverse comments or notice of intent to submit adverse comments to Orren E. Cameron III, Director, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service, STOP 1598, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1598. RUS requires, in hard copy, a signed original and three copies of all comments (7 CFR part 1700.30(e)). All comments received will be available for public inspection at Room 2835 (address as above) during regular business hours (7 CFR part 1.27(b)). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John J. Schell, Chief, Central Office Equipment Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture, STOP 1598, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1598, telephone number (202) 720-0671. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 This rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and, therefore has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification The Administrator of RUS has determined that this rule is not a rule as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to, this action. National Environmental Policy Act Certification The Administrator of RUS has determined that this rule will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental impact statement or assessment. Executive Order 12372 This rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require a consultation with State and local officials. A Notice of Final Rule titled Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 12372 (50 FR 47034) exempts RUS telephone loans and loan guarantees from coverage under this Order. Executive Order 12988 This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this rule meets the applicable standards provided in Sec. 3. of the Executive Order. [[Page 32477]] Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance The program described by this rule is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.851, Rural Telephone Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325. Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements The reporting and recordkeeping burdens contained in this rule were approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 35, as amended) under control number 0572-0032. Background This action is a minor amendment to add the current bulletin number for acceptance testing guidelines and remove information that is no longer valid. Need for Correction As published, the final regulation contains errors which may prove to be misleading and are in need of clarification. As this amendment does not impose additional burden or requirements on the public, this is being published as direct final rulemaking. However, RUS would be pleased to receive comments from interested parties. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1753 Communications equipment, Loan programs--communications, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Telephone. Accordingly, 7 CFR part 1753 is amended as follows: PART 1753--TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1. The authority citation for part 1753 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.; Pub. L. 103-354,108 Stat. 3178 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.). 2. Section 1753.39(c) is revised to read as follows: Sec. 1753.39 Closeout documents. * * * * * (c) Acceptance tests. The borrower will perform acceptance tests as part of the partial closeout and final closeout of RUS Contract Form 525. Tests that will demonstrate compliance with the requirements of 7 CFR 1755.522 are contained in RUS Bulletin 1753E-201. Other tests demonstrating compliance will be acceptable. RUS Bulletin 1753E-201 is available from RUS, Program Support and Regulatory Analysis, STOP 1522, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-1522. * * * * * Dated: June 9, 1997. Jill Long Thompson, Under Secretary, Rural Development. [FR Doc. 97-15755 Filed 6-13-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-15-P