[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 6 (Monday, January 10, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1298-1302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-435]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

7 CFR Part 371

[Docket No. 97-025-1]


Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document revises the statement of organization, 
functions, and delegations of authority of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS) to reflect changes in the internal APHIS 
organization. APHIS units are already functioning as described in this 
rule. The new internal APHIS organization stimulates interdependence 
and cooperation throughout the agency, enhances the ability of the 
Administrator to manage the agency, and provides improved support to 
the field organization through better planning, clearer direction, 
timely action, and better use of resources.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 23, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ira Johnson, Jr., Position 
Classification Specialist, Human Resources Division, MRPBS, APHIS, Room 
1724, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250; 
(202) 720-9407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The statement of organization, functions, and delegations of 
authority of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is 
being revised to reflect changes made in the internal APHIS 
organization. These changes create a headquarters organization based on 
function, rather than program discipline.
    The statement of organization, functions, and delegations of 
authority was approved by APHIS and the United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) management after a comprehensive review of all APHIS 
activities.
    The major changes in the statement of organization, functions, and 
delegations of authority are as follows:

1. Redefine the Roles of the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Unit

    PPQ has added responsibilities which include: Assisting in the 
development, adoption, and enforcement of sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures regulating the field release, interstate movement, and 
importation of genetically modified organisms that may contain plant 
pests; serving as a member of the North American Plant Protection 
Organization; and enforcing animal disease exclusion policies, 
procedures, and regulations at international ports of entry relative to 
all animal products and associated materials.

2. Redefine the Roles of the Veterinary Services (VS) Unit

    VS has added the responsibility of planning, directing, and 
coordinating the activities for the Center for Veterinary Biologics and 
the administration of a veterinary biologics program.

3. Redesignate the Management and Budget (M&B) Unit as Marketing and 
Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS) and Redefine Its Roles

    This redesignation better reflects the actual functions of this 
unit. MRPBS has added the responsibility of directing and coordinating 
program activities related to investigations and enforcement of APHIS 
laws and regulations.

4. Redesignate the Animal Damage Control (ADC) Unit as the Wildlife 
Services (WS) Unit

    This redesignation better reflects the actual functions of this 
unit.

5. Redesignate the Regulatory Enforcement and Animal Care (REAC) Unit 
as the Animal Care (AC) Unit and Redefine Its Roles

    This redesignation better reflects the actual functions of this 
unit. AC is no longer responsible for directing the formal 
investigation of reported violations of laws and regulations applicable 
to APHIS activities. AC still has the responsibility of directing 
activities to ensure compliance with and enforcement of animal welfare 
and horse protection laws and the regulations promulgated under those 
laws.

6. Redefine the Roles of the Policy and Program Development (PPD) Unit

    PPD has added responsibilities that include ensuring agency 
compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, handling 
environmental documentation activities for the agency, and handling 
pesticide and animal drug registration responsibilities.

7. Reassign the Responsibilities of the Former Recruitment and 
Development (R&D) Unit

    R&D's responsibilities have been reassigned to MRPBS, PPQ, and VS.

8. Reassign the Responsibilities of the Former Science and Technology 
(S&T) Unit

    S&T's responsibilities have been reassigned to PPQ, VS, and WS.

[[Page 1299]]

9. Reassign the Responsibilities of the Former Biotechnology, 
Biologics, and Environmental Protection (BBEP) Unit

    BBEP's responsibilities have been reassigned to PPD, PPQ, and VS.

10. Continuing Responsibilities of the Legislative and Public Affairs 
(LPA) Unit

    LPA's responsibilities within the Agency remain the same.

11. Continuing Responsibilities of the International Services (IS) Unit

    IS' responsibilities within the Agency remain the same.
    We have also made a number of editorial changes.
    This rule relates to internal agency management. Therefore, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, notice of proposed rulemaking and opportunity 
for comment are not required, and this rule may be made effective less 
than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Also, since 
this rule relates to internal agency management, it is exempt from the 
provisions of Executive Order 12866. Further, this action is not a rule 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and 
thus is exempt from the provisions of that Act.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 371

    Authority delegations (Government agencies), Organization and 
functions (Government agencies).

    1. Part 371 is revised to read as follows:

PART 371--ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS, AND DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY

Sec.
371.1  General Statement.
371.2  The Office of the Administrator.
371.3  Plant Protection and Quarantine.
371.4  Veterinary Services.
371.5  Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services.
371.6  Wildlife Services.
371.7  Animal Care.
371.8  International Services.
371.9  Policy and Program Development.
371.10  Legislative and Public Affairs.
371.11  Delegations of authority.
371.12  Concurrent authority and responsibility to the 
Administrator.
371.13  Reservation of authority.
371.14  Availability of information and records.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301.


Sec. 371.1  General statement.

    (a) The creation of APHIS. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) was created by the Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 
1972 (37 FR 6327, March 28, 1972).
    (b) Central offices. APHIS is headquartered in Washington, DC, and 
Riverdale, MD. The APHIS Management Team at these locations consists of 
the following:

Administrator
Associate Administrator
Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
Deputy Administrator, Veterinary Services (VS)
Deputy Administrator, Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business 
Services (MRPBS)
Deputy Administrator, Wildlife Services (WS)
Deputy Administrator, Animal Care (AC)
Deputy Administrator, International Services (IS)
Director, Policy and Program Development (PPD)
Director, Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA)

    (c) Field organization. AC, MRPBS, PPQ, VS, and WS all have field 
offices located throughout the United States. IS has field offices 
located throughout the world. A list of APHIS' field offices with 
addresses and telephone numbers is in the blue pages of local telephone 
books.


Sec. 371.2  The Office of the Administrator.

    (a) The Administrator. (1) The Administrator of APHIS formulates, 
directs, and supervises the execution of APHIS policies, programs, and 
activities.
    (2) The Administrator is authorized to take any action authorized 
by law and deemed necessary to carry out APHIS functions. Delegations 
of authority by the Administrator and provisions for redelegations of 
authority are stated in Sec. 371.11.
    (b) The Associate Administrator. The Associate Administrator of 
APHIS shares responsibility with the Administrator for general 
direction and supervision of APHIS programs and activities. The 
Associate Administrator may act for the Administrator.


Sec. 371.3  Plant protection and quarantine.

    (a) General statement. Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 
protects and safeguards the Nation's plant resources through programs 
and activities to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests 
and diseases.
    (b) Deputy Administrator of PPQ. The Deputy Administrator of PPQ is 
responsible for:
    (1) Participating with the Administrator of APHIS and other 
officials in the planning and formulation of policies, programs, 
procedures, and activities of APHIS.
    (2) Providing direction and coordination for PPQ programs and 
activities. The authorities for PPQ programs include:
    (i) Section 102, Organic Act of September 21, 1944, as amended, and 
the Act of April 6, 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 147a, 148, and 148a-
148e), relating to control and eradication of plant pests and diseases;
    (ii) The Mexican Border Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 149);
    (iii) The Golden Nematode Act (7 U.S.C. 150 through 150g);
    (iv) The Federal Plant Pest Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 150aa through 
150jj);
    (v) The Plant Quarantine Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 151 through 
164a, and 167);
    (vi) The Terminal Inspection Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 166);
    (vii) The Honeybee Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 281 through 286);
    (viii) The Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
2801 through 2814);
    (ix) The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544);
    (x) Executive Order 11987;
    (xi) The responsibilities of the United States under the 
International Plant Protection Convention;
    (xii) Lacey Act Amendments of 1981, as amended (16 U.S.C. 3371 
through 3378);
    (xiii) Title III (and Title IV to the extent that it relates to 
activities under Title III) of the Federal Seed Act, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 1581 through 1610);
    (xiv) Authority to prescribe and collect fees under The Act of 
August 31, 1951, as amended (31 U.S.C. 9701), and sections 2508 and 
2509 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, as 
amended (21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a).
    (3) Developing of regulations (including quarantines) regarding 
noxious weeds and plant pests and diseases.
    (4) Cooperating with and providing technical assistance to State 
and local governments, farmer's associations, and individuals with 
regard to plant pest control. Cooperating with and providing technical 
assistance to foreign governments with regard to plant pests and 
diseases.
    (5) Assisting in the development of sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures.
    (6) Regulating the field release into the environment, interstate 
movement, and importation of genetically modified organisms.
    (7) Serving as a member of the North American Plant Protection 
Organization (NAPPO). NAPPO is composed of plant protection officials 
and industry cooperators from Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
    (8) Administering plant and animal pest and disease exclusion 
policies, procedures, and regulations at

[[Page 1300]]

international ports of entry (land, sea, and air) relative to all 
plants and plant and animal products and associated materials 
(excluding live animals).
    (9) Providing laboratory support, diagnostic services, methods 
development, and research activities in support of PPQ programs.


Sec. 371.4  Veterinary Services.

    (a) General statement. Veterinary Services (VS) protects and 
safeguards the Nation's livestock and poultry through programs and 
activities to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and disease 
of livestock and poultry. VS also provides leadership and coordinates 
activities pertaining to veterinary biologics.
    (b) Deputy Administrator of VS. The Deputy Administrator of VS is 
responsible for:
    (1) Participating with the Administrator of APHIS and other 
officials in the planning and formulation of policies, programs, 
procedures, and activities of APHIS.
    (2) Providing direction and coordination for the activities of the 
Center for Veterinary Biologics.
    (3) Providing direction and coordination for VS programs and 
activities.
    The authorities for VS programs include:
    (i) Section 306 of the Tariff Act of June 17, 1930, as amended (19 
U.S.C. 1306);
    (ii) Act of August 30, 1890, as amended (21 U.S.C. 102 through 
105);
    (iii) Act of May 29, 1884, as amended, Act of February 2, 1903, as 
amended, and Act of March 3, 1905, as amended, and supplemental 
legislation (21 U.S.C. 111 through 114a, 114a through 114a-1, and 115 
through 130);
    (iv) Act of February 28, 1947, as amended (21 U.S.C. 114b through 
114c, and 114d-1);
    (v) Act of June 16, 1948 (21 U.S.C. 114e through 114f);
    (vi) Act of September 6, 1961 (21 U.S.C. 114g through 114h);
    (vii) Act of July 2, 1962 (21 U.S.C. 134 through 134h);
    (viii) Act of May 6, 1970 (21 U.S.C. 135 through 135b);
    (ix) Sections 12 through 14 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, as 
amended, and the portion of Section 18 of the Act that pertains to the 
issuance of certificates of condition of live animals intended and 
offered for export (21 U.S.C. 612 through 614, and 618);
    (x) Improvement of poultry, poultry products, and hatcheries (7 
U.S.C. 429);
    (xi) 28 Hour Law, as amended (49 U.S.C. 80502);
    (xii) Act of August 26, 1983, as amended (46 U.S.C. 3901 through 
3902);
    (xiii) Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States;
    (xiv) Virus-Serum-Toxin Act (21 U.S.C. 151 through 159);
    (xv) Sections 203 and 205 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946, as amended, with respect to voluntary inspection and 
certification of animal products; inspection, testing, treatment, and 
certification of animals; and a program to investigate and develop 
solutions to the problems resulting from the use of sulfonamides in 
swine (7 U.S.C. 1622 and 1624);
    (xvi) Section 101(d) of the Organic Act of September 21, 1944 (7 
U.S.C. 430);
    (xvii) The Swine Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 3801 through 
3813);
    (xviii) Conducting diagnostic and related activities necessary to 
prevent, detect, control, or eradicate foot-and-mouth disease and other 
animal diseases (21 U.S.C. 113a);
    (xix) Authority to prescribe and collect fees under the Act of 
August 31, 1951, as amended (31 U.S.C. 9701), and sections 2508 and 
2509 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, as 
amended (21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a); and
    (xx) Transportation of horses to slaughter under sections 901-905 
of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
1901 note).
    (4) Directing and coordinating animal health information systems 
and maintaining a Federal-State program operation capable of responding 
to exotic livestock and poultry disease outbreaks.
    (5) Cooperating with and providing technical assistance to State 
and local governments, farmer's associations and similar organizations, 
and individuals with regard to VS programs and activities. Cooperating 
with and providing technical assistance to foreign governments with 
regard to pests and diseases of livestock and poultry.
    (6) Providing laboratory support, diagnostic services, methods 
development, and research activities in support of VS programs.


Sec. 371.5  Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services.

    (a) General statement. Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business 
Services (MRPBS) plans and provides for the agency's human, financial, 
and physical resources.
    (b) Deputy Administrator of MRPBS. The Deputy Administrator of 
MRPBS is responsible for:
    (1) Assisting the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory 
Programs, and the Administrators of APHIS, the Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), and the Grain Inspection and Packers and Stockyards 
Administration (GIPSA), and other APHIS, AMS, and GIPSA officials in 
the planning and formulation of MRP policies, programs, and activities. 
Providing human resource, certain financial, and management services 
for AMS, APHIS, and GIPSA.
    (2) Planning, formulating and coordinating policies, and directing 
management support functions for APHIS and designated functions for 
other MRP agencies, including finance, personnel, and management 
services.
    (3) Conducting administrative reviews and inspections in APHIS to 
assess the implementation of policies and procedures and to assess the 
accomplishments of program objectives.
    (4) Evaluating and issuing administrative directives.
    (5) Serving as APHIS' liaison official with the General Accounting 
Office and the Office of the Inspector General.
    (6) Preparing cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, 
agreements between APHIS and other agencies, and agreements that 
require the signature of more than one Deputy Administrator or 
Director.
    (7) Directing and coordinating investigations related to APHIS 
program laws and regulations and coordinating enforcement of program 
laws and regulations with the Office of the General Counsel.
    (8) Supporting and enforcing APHIS program activities, which 
include:
    (i) Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Secs. 371.3(b)(2)(i) 
through (xiv);
    (ii) Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Secs. 371.4(b)(3)(i) 
through (xx);
    (iii) The Animal Welfare Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 through 
2159); and
    (iv) The Virus-Serum Toxin Act, as amended (21 U.S.C. 159).
    (9) Formulating and recommending employee development and training 
policies.
    (10) Developing, delivering, and administering organizational 
development, training, recruitment, and employee development programs 
for MRP agencies.
    (11) Providing computer support and related services for APHIS.


Sec. 371.6  Wildlife Services.

    (a) General statement. Wildlife Services (WS) manages problems 
caused by wildlife.
    (b) Deputy Administrator of WS. The Deputy Administrator of WS is 
responsible for:
    (1) Participating with the Administrator of APHIS and other

[[Page 1301]]

officials in the planning and formulation of policies, programs, 
procedures, and activities of APHIS.
    (2) Providing direction and coordination for programs authorized by 
the Act of March 2, 1931 (7 U.S.C. 426 and 426b, as amended).
    (3) Assisting Federal, State, local, and foreign agencies and 
individuals with regard to wildlife damage and control.
    (4) Conducting research to develop wildlife damage management 
methods.


Sec. 371.7  Animal Care.

    (a) General statement. Animal Care (AC) establishes acceptable 
standards of humane care and treatment for regulated animals and 
monitors and achieves compliance through inspections, enforcement, 
education, and cooperative efforts under the Animal Welfare and Horse 
Protection Acts.
    (b) Deputy Administrator of AC. The Deputy Administrator of AC is 
responsible for:
    (1) Participating with the Administrator of APHIS and other 
officials in the planning and formulation of policies, programs, and 
activities of APHIS.
    (2) Directing activities to ensure compliance with and enforcement 
of animal welfare and horse protection laws and regulations. These laws 
are:
    (i) The Animal Welfare Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 through 
2159); and
    (ii) The Horse Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1821 through 1831).
    (3) Providing recommendations for policy and program changes and 
promulgating requirements, procedures, and guidelines for the conduct 
of field activities relating to AC programs.


Sec. 371.8  International Services.

    (a) General statement. International Services (IS) protects U.S. 
agriculture and enhances agricultural trade with foreign countries.
    (b) Deputy Administrator of IS. The Deputy Administrator of IS is 
responsible for:
    (1) Participating with the Administrator of APHIS and other 
officials in the planning and formulation of international policies, 
programs, and activities of APHIS.
    (2) Maintaining and administering the foreign service personnel 
system for employees of APHIS in accordance with section 202(a)(2) of 
the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3922), E.O. 12363, dated May 
21, 1982, and the provisions of Sec. 2.51(a)(1) of this title.
    (3) Developing and maintaining systems for monitoring and reporting 
the presence and movement of plant and animal diseases and pests in 
foreign countries.
    (4) Developing and maintaining cooperative relationships and 
programs with other Federal agencies, foreign governments, industry, 
and international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture 
Organization of the United Nations, with regard to APHIS activities in 
foreign countries.
    (5) Developing and maintaining systems for observing the effects of 
plant and animal diseases in foreign countries and evaluating their 
effect on the agriculture industry.
    (6) Developing and directing programs to enhance the trade in U.S. 
plants, animals, and their products in compliance with established 
international sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
    (7) Providing recommendations for policy and program changes, and 
promulgating requirements, procedures, and guidelines for the conduct 
of field activities relating to IS programs.


Sec. 371.9  Policy and Program Development.

    (a) General statement. Policy and Program Development (PPD) 
provides analytical support for agency decisions and plans.
    (b) Director of PPD. The Director of PPD is responsible for:
    (1) Participating with the Administrator of APHIS and other 
officials in the planning and formulation of APHIS policies, programs, 
and activities.
    (2) Providing planning and evaluations; regulations development; 
and policy, risk, and economic analysis for APHIS programs.
    (3) Analyzing the environmental effects of APHIS programs to ensure 
their compliance with environmental laws and regulations and providing 
support for pesticide registration and drug approval.
    (4) Coordinating registration of chemicals and other substances 
used in APHIS control and eradication programs.


Sec. 371.10  Legislative and Public Affairs.

    (a) General statement. Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) is the 
communications arm of APHIS.
    (b) Director of LPA. The Director of LPA is responsible for:
    (1) Advising and assisting the Administrator and other officials on 
matters relating to agency legislative and media affairs.
    (2) Preparing legislative proposals for APHIS programs and 
responsibilities. Assisting in compiling support material for agency 
witnesses for congressional hearings. Preparing legislative reports.
    (3) Establishing and maintaining liaison with Members of Congress, 
various congressional committees and subcommittees, and their staffs on 
matters pertaining to APHIS.
    (4) Planning and conducting an information program to promote 
interest in and increase the public knowledge of APHIS programs and 
activities.
    (5) Drafting and administering policy guidelines on press contacts, 
photography, audiovisual activities, graphic design, radio-TV, and 
policy/editorial/graphics clearances for publications. Planning and 
conducting a program to explain APHIS policies in written form to 
Members of Congress, State and industry leaders, officials of foreign 
governments, and private citizens.
    (6) Preparing replies to written inquiries and establishing and 
maintaining a system for the control of written inquiries referred by 
the Office of the Secretary or sent directly to the agency.
    (7) Assisting in the preparation of position papers regarding APHIS 
programs.
    (8) Assisting in the preparation of directives, procedural manuals, 
articles for publication, and agency correspondence. Coordinating APHIS 
activities within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act and the 
Privacy Act.


Sec. 371.11  Delegations of authority.

    (a) Associate Administrator. The Associate Administrator is 
delegated the authority to perform the duties and to exercise the 
functions and powers that are now, or that may become, vested in the 
Administrator, including the power of redelegation except where 
prohibited, and including authority reserved to the Administrator in 
Sec. 371.14 of this part. The Associate Administrator is also 
authorized to act for the Administrator in the absence of the 
Administrator.
    (b) Deputy Administrators and Directors. The Deputy Administrators 
of Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Veterinary Services (VS), 
Wildlife Services (WS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business 
Services (MRPBS), Animal Care (AC), and International Services (IS); 
the Directors of Policy and Program Development (PPD) and Legislative 
and Public Affairs (LPA); and the officers they designate to act for 
them, with prior specific approval of the Administrator, are delegated 
the authority, severally, to perform duties and to exercise the 
functions and powers that are now, or that may become vested in the 
Administrator (including the power of redelegation, except where 
prohibited) except authority that is reserved to the Administrator. 
Each Deputy

[[Page 1302]]

Administrator or Director shall be responsible for the programs and 
activities in APHIS assigned to that Deputy Administrator or Director.


Sec. 371.12  Concurrent authority and responsibility to the 
Administrator.

    (a) Delegations that preclude the Administrator or each Deputy 
Administrator or Director from exercising powers or functions. No 
delegation or authorization in this part shall preclude the 
Administrator or each Deputy Administrator or Director from exercising 
any of the powers or functions or from performing any of the duties 
conferred upon each, respectively. Any delegation or authorization is 
subject, at all times, to withdrawal or amendment by the Administrator, 
and in their respective fields, by each Deputy Administrator or 
Director. The officers to whom authority is delegated in this part 
shall:
    (1) Maintain close working relationships with the officers to whom 
they report.
    (2) Keep them advised with respect to major problems and 
developments.
    (3) Discuss with them proposed actions involving major policy 
questions or other important considerations or questions, including 
matters involving relationships with other Federal agencies, other 
agencies of the Department, other divisions, staffs, or offices of the 
agency, or other governmental, private organizations, or groups.
    (b) Prior authorizations and delegations. All prior delegations and 
redelegations of authority relating to any function, program, or 
activity covered by the statement of Organization, Functions, and 
Delegations of Authority, shall remain in effect except as they are 
inconsistent with this part or are amended or revoked. Nothing in this 
part shall affect the validity of any action taken previously under 
prior delegations or redelegations of authority or assignments of 
functions.


Sec. 371.13  Reservation of authority.

    The following are reserved to the Administrator, or to the 
individual designated to act for the Administrator:
    (a) The initiation, change, or discontinuance of major program 
activities.
    (b) The issuance of regulations pursuant to law.
    (c) The transfer of functions between Deputy Administrators and 
Directors.
    (d) The transfer of funds between Deputy Administrators and 
Directors.
    (e) The transfer of funds between work projects within each Deputy 
Administrator's or Director's area, except those not exceeding 10 
percent of base funds or $50,000 in either work project, whichever is 
less.
    (f) The approval of any change in the formal organization, 
including a section, its equivalent, or higher level.
    (g) The making of recommendations to the Department concerning 
establishment, consolidation, change in location, or abolishment of any 
regional, State, area, and other field headquarters, and any region or 
other program area that involves two or more States, or that crosses 
State lines.
    (h) Authority to establish, consolidate, change a location, abolish 
any field office, or change program area boundaries not included in 
paragraph (g) of this section.
    (i) Approval of all appointments, promotions, and reassignments at 
the GS-14 level and above.
    (j) Authorization for foreign travel and for attendance at foreign 
and international meetings, including those held in the United States.
    (k) Approval of all appointments, promotions, and reassignments of 
employees to foreign countries.
    (l) Approval of program budgets.
    (m) Authority to determine the circumstances under which commuted 
traveltime allowances may be paid to employees performing inspections 
and necessary auxiliary services after normal working hours or on 
holidays, when these services come within the scope of the Act of 
August 28, 1950 (7 U.S.C. 2260).


Sec. 371.14  Availability of information and records.

    Any person desiring information or to comment on the programs and 
functions of the agency should address correspondence to the 
appropriate Deputy Administrator or Director, APHIS, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. The availability of information and 
records of the agency is governed by the rules and regulations in part 
370 of this chapter.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 23rd day of December 1999.
Craig A. Reed,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 00-435 Filed 1-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P