[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 151 (Friday, August 6, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42861-42862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20127]


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FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

12 CFR Part 361

RIN 3064-AB95


Minority and Women Outreach Program--Contracting; and Individuals 
With Disabilities Outreach Program

AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

ACTION: Withdrawal of proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: On April 14, 1997, the FDIC published a proposed rule to 
provide that the FDIC certify the eligibility of businesses and law 
firms for the minority and women contracting program (62 FR 18059). The 
formal certification procedure would have replaced the current self-
certification of minority- and women-owned businesses and law firms. As 
published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, the FDIC is 
proposing to amend its outreach and procurement regulation to provide 
solely an outreach program that is consistent with the Constitution and 
applicable federal statutes, case law and regulations. As explained in 
that proposal, the FDIC will no longer grant a price evaluation 
adjustment in the procurement program based solely on race and gender 
criteria; thus, a formal certification procedure is no longer 
necessary. The proposed rule would have also established an outreach 
program for individuals with disabilities. In1997, the FDIC issued a 
policy including persons with disabilities in its outreach program. 
This policy prohibits discrimination against individuals with 
disabilities who participate, or are interested in participating, in 
FDIC-sponsored programs and activities, including its outreach program. 
Thus, although the FDIC as a matter of policy has expanded the outreach 
program to include individuals with disabilities, the regulation should 
conform to the statutory requirement and thus cover

[[Page 42862]]

only minorities and women. An FDIC statement of policy \1\ provides 
that if a significant period of time elapses following the publication 
of a proposed rule or policy without final action, the Board will 
consider withdrawing the proposal. Pursuant to this policy, the FDIC is 
formally withdrawing the proposal.

    \1\ Development and Review of FDIC Regulations and Policies, 63 
FR 25157 (May 7, 1998).
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judith M. Wood, Chief, Diversity 
Branch, Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, (202) 416-2456; or 
Gladys C. Gallagher, Counsel, Legal Division, (202) 898-3833, FDIC, 550 
17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20429.

    By order of the Board of Directors.

    Dated at Washington, D.C., this 27th day of July 1999.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Robert E. Feldman,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-20127 Filed 8-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6714-01-P