The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC), or Sheep Center (Center), is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2008j. The Center shall: (1) Promote strategic development activities and collaborative efforts by private and State entities to maximize the impact of Federal assistance to strengthen and enhance production and marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States; (2) optimize the use of available human capital and resources within the sheep or goat industries; (3) provide assistance to meet the needs of the sheep or goat industry for infrastructure development, business development, production, resource development, and market and environmental research; (4) advance activities that empower and build the capacity of the United States sheep or goat industry to design unique responses to special needs of the sheep or goat industries on both a regional and national basis; and (5) adopt flexible and innovative approaches to solving the long-term needs of the United States sheep or goat industry.

The management of NSIIC is vested in a Board of Directors that is appointed by, and reports to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors is composed of seven voting members of whom four are active producers of sheep or goats in the United States, two have expertise in finance and management, and one has expertise in lamb, wool, goat or goat product marketing. Of the two open positions, both are for active producers of sheep or goats. The Board also includes two non-voting members, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development and the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. The Executive Director serves as the CEO.

The Secretary of Agriculture shall appoint the voting members from the submitted nominations. Member's term of office shall be three years. Voting members are limited to two terms. The two positions for which nominees are sought are currently held by one member who is completing a first term and is eligible for reappointment and one member who is serving a second term and is therefore not eligible to be re-nominated.

The Board shall meet not less than once each fiscal year, but is likely to meet at least quarterly. Board members will not receive compensation for serving on the Board of Directors, but shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses.

The statement of qualifications of the individual nominees is being obtained by using Form AD-755, “Advisory Committee Membership Background Information” which can be accessed at http://www.nsiic.org. The requirements of this form are incorporated under OMB number 0570-0048.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority:

The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1)(D) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (The Act), as amended. EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.

1. Purpose: The EMP provides funding for technical assistance to assist U.S. organizations, public and private, to improve market access through generic, rather than branded, activities that can develop and promote U.S. agricultural products and/or processes in low- to middle-income countries that offer promise of emerging market opportunities.

Activities funded are those that primarily benefit U.S. industry as a whole. All agricultural products, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. Proposals which include multiple commodities are also eligible. Only technical assistance activities are eligible for reimbursement.

2. Appropriate Activities: Following are types of project activities that may be funded:

The program funds technical assistance activities on a project-by-project basis. EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating costs of individual organizations, nor as a source by which to recover pre-award costs or prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects.

Ineligible activities include restaurant promotions; branded product promotions (including labeling and supplementing normal company sales activities intended to increase awareness and stimulate sales of branded products); advertising; administrative and operational expenses for trade shows; and the preparation and printing of brochures, flyers, posters, etc., except in connection with specific technical assistance activities such as training seminars. Other items excluded from funding are contained in the EMP Regulations.

3. Eligible Markets: The Act defines an emerging market as any country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines:

(a) Is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the country; and

(b) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market for United States agricultural commodities or products of United States agricultural commodities.

Because funds are limited and the range of potential emerging market countries is worldwide, proposals for technical assistance activities will be considered which target those countries or regional groups with per capita income less than $9,076 (the current ceiling on upper middle income economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development Indicators]) and populations of greater than 1 million.

Income limits and their calculation can change from year to year, with the result that a given country may qualify under the legislative and administrative criteria one year but not the next. Therefore, CCC has not established a fixed list of “emerging market” countries. For FY 2005, however, the following guidance is provided regarding country eligibility for the EMP:

Some markets can be more difficult to develop and sustain over a period of time; proposed activities in such markets should be considered in terms of whether they provide “viable and significant markets” for U.S. agricultural exports.

In the case of some oil-rich countries in the Middle East, e.g., Saudi Arabia, targeted activities may be considered on a case-by-case basis, for example, addressing technical barriers to exporting U.S. commodities.

A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets, but because of political sensitivities may require a separate determination before funding can be considered.

In general, all qualified proposals received before the application deadline will compete for EMP funding. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that identify and seek to address specific problems or constraints to agricultural exports in emerging markets through technical assistance activities that are intended to expand or maintain U.S. agricultural exports. Priority will also be given to those proposals that include the willingness of the applicant to commit its own funds, or those of the U.S. industry, to seek export opportunities in an emerging market. The percentage of private funding proposed for a project will, therefore, be a critical factor in determining which proposals are funded under the EMP. Proposals will also be judged on their ability to provide benefits to the organization receiving EMP funds and to the broader industry which that organization represents.

The limited funds and the range of emerging markets worldwide in which the funds may be used preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount set for EMP-funded projects, most are funded at a level of less than $250,000 and for a duration of one year or less. Multi-year proposals, and at higher cost, may be considered in the context of a strategic detailed plan of implementation. Funding in such cases is normally provided one year at a time, with commitments beyond the first year subject to interim evaluations.

Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide quarterly progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in the original project time lines and adjustments within project budgets beyond a certain amount must be approved by FAS.

1. Eligible Applicants. Any United States private or Government entity with a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S. agricultural commodities or products may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and profit-making entities and consulting businesses. Proposals from research and consulting organizations will be considered if they provide evidence of substantial participation in and financial support by the U.S. industry. For-profit entities are also eligible, but may not use program funds to conduct private business, promote private self-interests, supplement the costs of normal sales activities, or promote their own products or services beyond specific uses approved by CCC in a given project.

U.S. market development cooperators and state regional trade groups (SRTGs) may seek funding to address priority, market specific issues and to undertake activities not suitable for funding under other marketing programs, e.g., the Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) Program and the Market Access Program (MAP). Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the program.

2. Cost Sharing. No private sector proposal will be considered without the element of cost-share from the participant and/or U.S. partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of cost share, though the range in recent successful proposals has been between 35 and 75 percent. The degree of commitment to a proposed project represented by the amount and type of private funding are both used in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff assigned to the project. Proposals in which private industry is willing to commit cash, rather than in-kind contributions such as staff resources, will be given priority consideration.

Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from U.S. Government agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when they may be party to a joint proposal with a U.S. Government agency. Contributions from USDA or other U.S. Government agencies or programs may not be counted toward the stated cost share requirement. Similarly, contributions from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations may not be counted toward the cost share requirement, but may be counted in the total cost of the project.

3. Other. Proposals should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance. Applicants may submit more than one proposal.

1. Address to Request Application Package. For 2005, EMP applicants have the opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application process, an online system which provides a means for interested applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates funding requests for any or all of the market development programs administered by FAS.

Applicants are not required to use the UES, but are strongly encouraged to do so because it reduces paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants planning to use the on-line system must contact the Marketing Operations Staff at (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information including a user of id and password. The Internet-based application, including step-by-step instructions for its use, is located at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html . A Help file is available to assist applicants with the process. Applicants using the online system should also provide, promptly after the deadline for submitting the on-line application, a printed or e-mailed version of each proposal (using Word or compatible format) to one of the following address:

Applicants electing not to use the online system must submit a printed copy of their application to one of the above addresses:

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. It is highly recommended that any organization considering applying to the program first obtain a copy of the EMP Regulations. The regulations contain information on requirements that a proposal must include in order to be considered for funding under the program, along with other important information. EMP regulations and additional information may be obtained from the Marketing Operations Staff at the address above. The regulations are also available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html.

In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's policy directive regarding the use of a universal identifier for all Federal grants or cooperative agreements, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number prior to submitting applications. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711.

Applications should be no longer than ten (10) pages and include the following information:

(a) Date of proposal;

(b) Name of organization submitting proposal;

(c) Organization address, telephone and fax numbers;

(d) Tax ID number;

(e) DUNS number;

(f) Primary contact person;

(g) Full title of proposal;

(h) Target market(s);

(i) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the intended commodity or product;

(j) Description of problem(s), i.e. , constraint(s), to be addressed by the project, such as: Inadequate knowledge of the market, insufficient trade contacts, lack of awareness by foreign officials of U.S. products and business practices, impediments: infrastructure, financing, regulatory or other non-tariff barriers, etc.;

(k) Project objectives;

(l) Performance measures: benchmarks for quantifying progress in meeting the objectives;

(m) Rationale: Explanation of the underlying reasons for the project proposal and its approach, the anticipated benefits, and any additional pertinent analysis;

(n) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit a particular industry as a whole, not just the applicant(s);

(o) Explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance;

(p) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;

(q) Time line(s) for implementation of activity, including start and end dates (start date should be no earlier than 15 July 2005);

(r) Information on whether similar activities are or have previously been funded with USDA sources in target country/countries ( e.g., under MAP and/or FMD programs); and

(s) Detailed line item activity budget. Cost items should be allocated separately to each participating organization. Expense items constituting a proposed activity's overall budget ( e.g., salaries, travel expenses, consultant fees, administrative costs, etc.), with a line item costs for each, should be listed, clearly indicating:

(1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;

(2) Which by the participating U.S. organization(s); and

(3) Which by foreign third parties (if applicable). Cost items for individual consultant fees should show calculation of daily rate and number of days. Cost items for travel expenses should show number of trips, destinations, cost, and objective for each trip.

Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an attachment.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time on March 14, 2005, in the MOS office, either electronically, hand delivered, or by mail. Proposals received after this date and time will not be reviewed nor considered for program funding.

4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses such as indirect overhead charges, travel expenses and consulting fees. CCC will not reimburse expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures. Full details are available in the EMP regulations.

1. Criteria. Key criteria used in judging proposals include:

2. Review and Selection Process. All applications undergo a multi-phase review within FAS, by appropriate FAS field offices, and by the private sector Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets to determine qualifications, quality and appropriateness of projects, and reasonableness of project budgets prior to making recommendations to the deciding official.

3. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the EMP are anticipated on or about July 1, 2005.

1. Award Notices. FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of EMP funding and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested parties should review the EMP regulations which are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html. Printed copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202) 720-4327.

3. Reporting. Quarterly progress reports for all programs one year or longer in duration are required. Projects of less than one year generally require a mid-term progress report. Final performance reports are due 90 days after completion of each project. Content for both types of reports is contained in the Project Agreement. Final financial reports are also due 90 days after completion of each project, as attachments to the final reports.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: emo@fas.usda.gov.

Purpose: The Cooperator Program is designed to create, expand, and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator Program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decisionmaking initiatives of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA's Food and Agricultural Policy (FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, the FAS seeks to identify a clear, long-term agricultural trade strategy and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country goals. The FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project targets markets with the greatest potential. These factors are part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA and FAP.

Under the Cooperator Program, the FAS enters into agreements with nonprofit U.S. trade organizations which have the broadest possible producer representation of the commodity being promoted and gives priority to those organizations which are nationwide in membership and scope. Cooperators may receive assistance only for the promotion of generic activities that do not involve promotions targeted directly to consumers. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis.

1. Eligible Applicants. To participate in the Cooperator Program an applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization.

2. Cost Sharing. To participate in the Cooperator Program, an applicant must agree contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The Cooperator Program is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. The contribution must be stated in dollars and be at least 50 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for activities conducted under the project agreement.

The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed cost share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The Cooperator Program regulations, in sections 1484.50 and 1484.51, provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost-share contributions.

3. Other. Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance.

1. Address to Request Application Package. Organizations that are interested in applying for Cooperator Program funds are encouraged to submit their requests using the Unified Export Strategy (UES) format. The UES allows interested entities to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade that the face, identify activities, which would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals. Applicants are not required, however, to use the UES format. Organizations can submit applications in the EUS format by two methods. The first allows an applicant to submit information directly to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet website. The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet, as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette.

Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information. The Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda./gov/cooperators.html.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for the Cooperator Program, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by the Cooperator Program regulations in section 1484.20. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance programs, including the Marketing Access Program (MAP), Cochran Fellowships, the Emerging Markets Programs, the Quality Samples Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Programs, and several Export Credit Guarantee programs. Any organization that is not interested in applying for the Cooperator Program but would like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should contact the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005. All Cooperator Program applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, via hand delivery or U.S. mail, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR section 1484.20(a)(14). Applications or certifications received after this date will not be considered.

4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses. CCC will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval. Full details are available in the Cooperator Program regulations in sections 1484.54 and 1484.55.

5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations. All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005. Signed certification statements also must be received by that time at one of the addresses listed below.

All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies and a signed certification statement) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005, at one of the following address:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria and Review Process. Following is a description of the FAS process for reviewing applications and the criteria for allocating available Cooperator Program funds.

Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness of the applications. These requirements appear at sections 1484.14 and 1484.20 of the Cooperator Program regulations. Applications that meet the requirements then will be further evaluated by the proper FAS Commodity Division. The Divisions will review each application against the criteria listed in sections 1484.21 and 1484.22 of the Cooperator Program regulations. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals and to recommend an appropriate funding level for each application based upon these criteria.

Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among the applicants. Applications will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):

• The applicant's 6-year average share (2001-2006) of all contributions (contributions may include cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of foreign market development activities) compare to

• The applicant's 6-year average share (2001-2006) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures.

• The 6-year average share (2000-2005) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to

• The applicant's 6-year average share (2000-2005) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (1999-2004) of MAP expenditures and a 6-year average share (1999-2004) of foreign overhead provided for co-location within a U.S. agricultural trade office.

• The 6-year average share (2000-2005) of the total value of world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to

• The applicant's 6-year average share (2000-2005) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (1999-2004) of MAP expenditures and a 6-year average share (1999-2004) of foreign overhead provided for co-location within a U.S. agricultural trade office.

• The projected total dollar value of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2011 compared to

• The applicant's requested funding level.

• The actual dollar value share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2004 compared to

• The applicant's past projected share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2004, as specified in the 2004 Cooperator Program application.

The Commodity Divisions recommended funding levels for each applicant are converted to percentages of the total Cooperator Program funds available then multiplied by the total weight factor to determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.

2. Anticipate Announcement Date: Announcements of funding decisions for the Cooperator Program are anticipated during June 2005.

1. Award Notices. The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of Cooperator Program funding and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested parties should review the Cooperator Program regulations which are available at the following URL address http//www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmd.html. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202) 720-4327.

3. Reporting. The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from Cooperators. Reporting requirements are detailed in the Cooperator Program regulations in sections 1484.53, 1484.70, and 1484.72.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932-South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9351, email: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov

Authority: The MAP is authorized under section 203 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. MAP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1485.

Purpose: The MAP is designed to create, expand and maintain foreign markets for United States' agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the MAP will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decision-making initiatives of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA's Food and Agricultural Policy (FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, the FAS seeks to identify a clear, long-term agricultural trade strategy and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country goals. The FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project targets markets with the greatest growth potential. These factors are part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA and FAP.

Under the MAP, the CCC enters into agreements with eligible participants to share the costs of certain overseas marketing and promotion activities. MAP participants may receive assistance for either generic or brand promotion activities. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis.

1. Eligible Applicants. To participate in the MAP, an applicant must be: a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization, a nonprofit state regional trade group ( i.e., an association of State Departments of Agriculture), a U.S. agricultural cooperative, or a State agency. A small-sized U.S. commercial entity (other than a cooperative or producer association) may participate through a MAP participant.

2. Cost Sharing. To participate in the MAP, an applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The MAP is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. In the case of generic promotion, the contribution must be stated in dollars and be at least 10 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for such generic promotion. In the case of brand promotion, the contribution must be stated in dollars and be at least 50 percent of the total cost of such brand promotion.

The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed cost share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The MAP regulations, in section 1485.13(c), provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost-share contributions.

3. Other. Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance.

1. Address to Request Application Package. Organizations that are interested in applying for MAP funds are encouraged to submit their requests using the UES format. The UES allows interested entities to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade, which they face, identify activities, which would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals. Applicants are not required, however, to use the UES format. Organizations can submit applications in the UES format by two methods. The first allows an application to submit information directly to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet, as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette.

Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 732-4327 to obtain site access information. The Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for the MAP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by the MAP regulations in section 1485.13. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance programs including the Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) Program, Cochran Fellowships, the Emerging Markets Program, the Quality Samples Program, the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program and several Export Credit Guarantee programs. Any organization that is not interested in applying for the MAP but would like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should contact the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005. All MAP applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, via hand delivery or U.S. mail, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR 1485.13(a)(2)9i)(G). Applications or certifications received after this date will not be considered.

4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses. CCC will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval. Full details are available in the MAP regulations in section 1485.16.

5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations. All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005. Signed certification statements also must be received by that time at one of the addresses listed below.

All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies and a signed certification statement) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria and Review Process. Following is a description of the FAS process for reviewing applications and the criteria for allocating available MAP funds.

Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness of the applications. These requirements appear at sections 1485.12 and 1485.13 of the MAP regulations. Applications that meet the requirements then will be further evaluated by the proper FAS Commodity Division. The Divisions will review each application against the criteria listed in section 1485.14 of the MAP regulations. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals and to recommend an appropriate funding level for each application based upon these criteria.

Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among the applicants. Applications will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):

• The applicant's 4-year average share (2002-2005) of all contributions (cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of overseas marketing and promotion activities) compared to

• The applicant's 4-year average share (2002-2005) of the funding level for all MAP participants.

• The 3-year average share (2002-2004) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to

• The applicant's 2-year average share (2003-2004) of the funding level for all MAP applicants plus, for those groups participating in the Cooperator program, the 2-year average share (2004-2005) of Cooperator marketing plan budgets, and the 2-year average share (2003-2004) of foreign overhead provided for co-location within a U.S. agricultural office;

• The total dollar value of projected exports promoted by the applicant for 2005 compared to

• The applicant's requested funding level;

• Actual exports for 2003 as reported in the 2005 MAP application compared to

• Past projections for exports for 2003 as specified in the 2003 MAP ap­pli­ca­tion.

The Commodity Divisions' recommended funding levels for each applicant are converted to percentages of the total MAP funds available then multiplied by the total weight factor as described above to determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.

2. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the MAP are anticipated during June 2005.

1. Award Notices. The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of MAP funding and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested parties should review the MAP regulations which are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/mapprog.html . Hard copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202) 720-4327.

3. Reporting. The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from MAP participants. Reporting requirements are detailed in the MAP regulations in section 1485.20(b) and (c).

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov .

Purpose: The QSP is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities by assisting U.S. entities in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the high quality of U.S. agricultural commodities.

QSP participants will be responsible for procuring (or arranging for the procurement of) commodity samples, exporting the samples, and providing the technical assistance necessary to facilitate successful use of the samples by importers. Participants that are funded under this announcement may seek reimbursement for the sample purchase price and the costs of transporting the samples domestically to the port of export and then to the foreign port, or point, of entry. Transportation costs from the foreign port, or point, of entry to the final destination will not be eligible for reimbursement. CCC will not reimburse the costs incidental to purchasing and transporting samples, for example, inspection or documentation fees. Although providing technical assistance is required for all projects, CCC will not reimburse the costs of providing technical assistance. A QSP participant will be reimbursed after CCC reviews its reimbursement claim and determines that the claim is complete.

General Scope of QSP Projects: QSP projects are the activities undertaken by a QSP participant to provide an appropriate sample of a U.S. agricultural commodity to a foreign importer, or a group of foreign importers, in a given market. The purpose of the project is to provide information to an appropriate target audience regarding the attributes, characteristics, and proper use of the U.S. commodity. A QSP project addresses a single market/commodity combination.

As a general matter, QSP projects should conform to the following guidelines:

• Projects should benefit the represented U.S. industry and not a specific company or brand;

• Projects should develop a new market for a U.S. product, promote a new U.S. product, or promote a new use for a U.S. product, rather than promote the substitution of one established U.S. product for another;

• Sample commodities provided under a QSP project must be in sufficient supply and available on a commercial basis;

• The QSP project must either subject the commodity sample to further processing or substantial transformation in the importing country, or the sample must be used in technical seminars designed to demonstrate to an appropriate target audience the proper preparation or use of the sample in the creation of an end product;

• Samples provided in a QSP project shall not be directly used as part of a retail promotion or supplied directly to consumers. However, the end product, that is, the product resulting from further processing, substantial transformation, or a technical seminar, may be provided to end-use consumers to demonstrate to importers consumer preference for that end product; and,

• Samples shall be in quantities less than a typical commercial sale and limited to the amount sufficient to achieve the project goal ( e.g., not more than a full commercial mill run in the destination country).

QSP projects shall target foreign importers and target audiences who:

• Have not previously purchased the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP;

• Are unfamiliar with the variety, quality attribute, or end-use characteristic of the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP;

• Have been unsuccessful in previous attempts to import, process, and market the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP ( e.g., because of improper specification, blending, or formulation; or sanitary or phytosanitary issues);

• Are interested in testing or demonstrating the benefits of the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP; or,

• Need technical assistance in processing or using the U.S. commodity that will be transported under the QSP.

Under this announcement, the number of projects per participant will not be limited. However, individual project will be limited to $75,000 of QSP reimbursement. Projects comprised of technical preparation seminars, that is, projects that do not include further processing or substantial transformation, will be limited to $15,000 of QSP reimbursement as these projects require smaller samples. Financial assistance will be made available on a reimbursement basis; that is, cash advances will not be made available to any QSP participant.

All proposals will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein and funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the project.

1. Eligible Applicants. Any United States private or government entity with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and profit-making entities.

2. Cost Sharing. Although a minimum level of cost share contribution is not required under the program, FAS does consider the applicant's willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties, when determining which proposals are approved for funding.

1. Address to Request Application Package. Organizations can submit applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions in the UES format (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette. However, the UES format is not required.

Applicants planning to use the UES Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information including a user ID and password. The UES Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for the QSP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information detailed in this notice. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

Applicants to the QSP are not required to submit proposals in any specific format; however, FAS recommends that proposals contain, at a minimum, the following:

(a) Organizational information, including:

• Organization's name, address, Chief Executive Officer (or designee), Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN), and DUNS number;

• Type of organization;

• Name, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the primary contact person;

• A description of the organization and its membership;

• A description of the organization's prior export promotion experience; and

• A description of the organization's experience in implementing an appropriate trade/technical assistance component;

(b) Market information, including:

• An assessment of the market;

• A long-term strategy in the market; and

• U.S. export value/volume and market share (historic and goals) for 2001-2006;

(c) Project information, including:

• A brief project title;

• Amount of funding requested;

• A brief description of the specific market development trade constraint or opportunity to be addressed by the project, performance measures for the years 2005-2007 which will be used to measure the effectiveness of the project, a benchmark performance measure for 2004, the viability of long term sales to this market, the goals of the project, and the expected benefits to the represented industry;

• A description of the activities planned to address the constraint or opportunity, including how the sample will be used in the end-use performance trial, the attributes of the sample to be demonstrated and its end-use benefit, and details of the trade/technical servicing component (including who will provide and who will fund this component);

• A same description ( i.e., commodity, quality, type, and grade), including a justification for selecting a sample with such characteristics (this justification should explain in detail why the project could not be effective with a smaller sample);

• An itemized list of all estimated costs associated with the project for which reimbursement will be sought; and

• The importer's role in the project regarding handling and processing the commodity sample; and

(d) Information indicating all funding sources and amounts to be contributed by each entity that will supplement implementation of the proposed project. This may include the organization that submitted the proposal, private industry entities, host government, foreign third parties, CCC, FAS, or other Federal agencies. Contributed resources may include cash or goods and services.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 14, 2005. Applications received after this date will be considered only if funds are still available.

4. Funding Restriction. Proposals which request more than $75,000 of CCC funding for individual projects will not be considered. Projects comprised of technical preparation seminars will be limited to $15,000 in QSP funding. CCC will not reimburse expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures.

5. Other Submission Requirements. All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard time, March 14, 2005, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Deliver (including FedEx, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria. FAS will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals:

• The ability of the organization to provide an experienced staff with the requisite technical and trade experience to execute the proposal;

• The extent to which the proposal is targeted to a market in which the United States is generally competitive;

• The potential for expanding commercial sales in the proposed market;

• The nature of the specific market constraint or opportunity involved and how well it is addressed by the proposal;

• The extent to which the importer's contribution in terms of handling and processing enhances the potential outcome of the project;

• The amount of reimbursement requested and the organization's Willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties; and

• How well the proposed technical assistance component assures that performance trials will effectively demonstrate the intended end-use-benefit.

Highest priority for funding under this announcement will be given to meritorious proposals that target countries that meet either of the following criteria:

• Per capita income less than $9,075 (the ceiling on upper middle income economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development Indicators 2005]); and population greater than 1 million. Proposals may address suitable regional groupings, for example, the islands of the Caribbean Basin; or

• U.S. market share of imports of the commodity identified in the proposal of 10 percent of less.

2. Review and Selection Process. Proposals will be evaluated by the applicable FAS commodity division. The divisions will review each proposal against the factors described above. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals, recommend an appropriate funding level for each proposal based upon these factors, and submit the proposals and funding recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs.

3. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the QSP are anticipated during June 2005.

1. Award Notices. The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of QSP funding and any cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. The agreements will incorporate the details of each project as approved by FAS. Each agreement will identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will reimburse certain costs of each project. Agreements will also outline the responsibilities of the participant, including, but not limited to, procurement (or arranging for procurement) of the commodity sample at a fair market price, arranging for transportation of the commodity sample within the time limit specified in the agreement, (organizations should endeavor to ship commodities within 6 months of effective date of agreement), compliance with cargo preference requirements (shipment on United States flag vessels, as required), compliance with the Fly American Act requirements (shipment on United States air carriers, as required), timely and effective implementation of technical assistance, and submission of a written evaluation report within 90 days of expiration of the agreement.

QSP agreements are subject to review and verification by the FAS Compliance Review Staff. Upon request, a QSP participant shall provide to CCC the original documents which support the participant's reimbursement claims. CCC may deny a claim for reimbursement if the claim is not supported by adequate documentation.

3. Reporting. A written evaluation report must be submitted within 90 days of the expiration of each participant's QSP agreement. Evaluation reports should address all performance measures that were presented in the proposal.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, Phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority:

The TASC Program is authorized by section 3205 of Pub. L. 107-171.

TASC regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1487.

Purpose: The TASC Program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the purpose of the TASC Program, are defined to include all cultivated plants, or the products thereof, produced in the U.S., except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco.

As a general matter, TASC Program projects should be designed to accomplish the following goals:

• Projects should address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops;

• Projects should demonstrably benefit the represented industry and not a specific company or brand; and,

• Projects must address barriers to U.S. specialty crops that are currently available on a commercial basis and for which barrier removal would predominantly benefit U.S. exports.

Examples of expenses that the CCC may agree to reimburse under the TASC Program include, but are not limited to: initial pre-clearance programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest and disease research, database development, reasonable logistical and administrative support, and travel and per diem expenses.

In general, all qualified proposals received before the specified application deadlines will complete for funding. The limited funds and the range of barriers affecting the exports of U.S. specialty crops worldwide preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. In prior years, the amount of funding per proposal has ranged from $13,000 to $250,000, the maximum allowed.

Applicants may submit multiple proposals, and applicants with previously approved TASC proposals may apply for additional funding. However, no TASC participant may have more than three approved projects underway at any given time.

The FAS will consider providing either grant funds as direct assistance to U.S. organizations or providing technical assistance on behalf of U.S. organizations, provided that the organization submits timely and qualified proposals. The FAS will review all proposals against the evaluation criteria contained in the program regulations.

Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the project. The FAS or another Federal agency may have involvement in the implementation of approved projects.

1. Eligible Applicants: Any United States organization, private or government, may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of federal, state, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private companies.

Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the program.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Although a minimum level of cost share contribution is not required, it is very strongly encouraged in this highly competitive program. If provided, such support may be in the form of cash, goods, or in-kind services which are dedicate to the project by the organization that submitted the proposal, private industry entities, host governments, or foreign third parties.

1. Address to Request Application Package: Organizations can submit applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions in the UES format (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette.

Applicants planning to use the UES Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information including a user ID and password. The UES Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html. Applicants are not required to use the UES, but are strongly encouraged to do so because it reduces paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission: All TASC proposals must contain complete information about the proposed projects as described in § 1487.5(b) of the TASC Program regulations. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the use of a universal identifier for all Federal grants and cooperative agreements, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

3. Submission Dates and Times: TASC funding is limited, and in order to assure sufficient resources are available to meet unanticipated needs during the fiscal year, TASC proposals will, generally, only be evaluated on a semi-annual basis. That is:

• Proposals received prior to, but not later than 5 p.m. (local time Washington, DC) February 1, 2005, will be considered for funding with other proposals received by that date;

• Proposals received prior to but not later than 5 p.m. (local time Washington, DC) July 1, 2005, will be considered for funding with other proposals received by that date;

• Proposals not approved for funding during the applicable review period will be reconsidered for funding after the applicable review period only if the applicant specifically requests such reconsideration in writing, and only if funding remains available.

• Proposals received after 5 p.m. (local time, Washington, DC) July 1, 2005, will be considered for funding only if funding remains available.

Nothwithstanding the foregoing, a proposal maybe submitted for expedited consideration under the TASC Quick Response process, if, in addition to meeting all requirements of the TASC program, a proposal clearly identifies time-sensitive activity. In these cases, a proposal may be submitted at any time for an immediate evaluation.

All proposals will be date stamped upon receipt.

4. Funding Restrictions: Proposals which request more than $250,000 of CCC funding in a given year will not be considered. Proposals to fund projects that exceed three years in duration will not be considered. No TASC participant may have more than three approved projects underway at any given time. Although funded projects may take place in the United States, all eligible projects must specifically address sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical barriers to the export of U.S. specialty crops.

Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program. For example, program funds shall not be used to reimburse the cost of market research, advertising, or other promotional expenses. CCC will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or any expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal.

5. Other Submission Requirements: All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. (local time in Washington, DC) on February 1, 2005, or July 1, 2005, in order to be considered during the applicable review period.

All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies) and any other applications must be received by 5 p.m. (local time in Washington, DC) on February 1, 2005, or July 1, 2005, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4942-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria: The FAS follows the evaluation criteria set forth in § 1487.6 of the TASC regulations.

2. Review and Selection Process: The FAS will review proposals for eligibility and will evaluate each proposal against the factors described above. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals, recommend an appropriate funding level for each proposal based upon these factors, and submit the proposals and funding recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs. The FAS may, when appropriate to the subject matter of the proposal, request the assistance of other U.S. government experts in evaluating the merits of a proposal.

1. Award Notices: The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including levels of funding, timelines for implementation, and written evaluation requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The agreements will incorporate the details of each project as approved by FAS. Each agreement will identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will reimburse certain costs of each project. Agreements will also outline the responsibilities of the participant. Interested parties should review the TASC Program regulations found at 7 CFR part 1487 in addition to this announcement.

3. Reporting: TASC participants are subject to the reporting and recordkeeping requirements described in 7 CFR part 3019. In addition, participants are required to submit a written report(s), on no less than an annual basis, and a final report, each of which evaluates their TASC project using the performance measures presented in the approved proposal.

For additional information or assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932-S, Stop 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

The business meeting on January 5, at the Clearwater National Forest, Supervisor's Office, 12730 Hwy 12, Orofino, ID, begins at 10 a.m. (PST). Agenda topics will include discussion of potential projects. A public forum will begin at 2:30 PM (PST).

Agenda topics for these meetings include hearing and deciding on proposals for projects to fund under Title II of Pub. L. 106-393, hearing public comments, and other business. If the meeting location changes, notice will be posted in local newspapers, including the Dillon Tribune and The Montana Standard.

The meeting is open to the public. Public comment opportunity will be provided and individuals will have the opportunity to address the Committee at that time.

Over the next four years, the National Forests in California will designate a system of roads, trails and specifically defined areas for OHV use to provide quality recreation experiences and maximize the protection of resources.

A series of meetings will be needed to complete the OHV Route Designation process on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The public is encouraged to participate.

In 2004, as part of the outreach efforts on courthouse accessibility, the Access Board established a Federal advisory committee to advise the Access Board on issues related to the accessibility of courthouses, particularly courtrooms, including best practices, design solutions, promotion of accessible features, educational opportunities, and the gathering of information on existing barriers, practices, recommendations, and guidelines. On October 12, 2004, the Access Board published a notice appointing 31 members to the Courthouse Access Advisory Committee. 69 FR 60608 (October 12, 2004). Members of the Committee include designers and architects, disability groups, members of the judiciary, court administrators, representatives of the codes community and standard-setting entities, government agencies, and others with an interest in the issues to be explored. The Committee held its initial meeting on November 4 and 5, 2004. Members discussed the current requirements for accessibility, committee goals and objectives and the establishment of subcommittees. Minutes of the November meeting may be found on the Access Board Web site at http://www.access-board.gov/caac/minutes-nov04.htm. At the February meeting of the Committee, members will tour several courthouses in the Phoenix, AZ area. The members will then continue to address issues both as a full Committee and in subcommittees.

Committee meetings are open to the public and interested persons can attend the meetings and communicate their views. Members of the public will have an opportunity to address the Committee on issues of interest to them and the Committee during public comment periods scheduled on each day of the meeting. Members of groups or individuals who are not members of the Committee are invited to participate on the subcommittees. The Access Board believes that participation of this kind can be very valuable for the advisory committee process.

The meeting will be held at a site accessible to individuals with disabilities. Real-time captioning will be provided. Individuals who require sign language interpreters should contact Elizabeth Stewart by January 27, 2005. Notices of future meetings will be published in the Federal Register .

This notice is relevant to the following six salmon ESUs:

Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ); threatened Upper Willamette River (UWR), and Lower Columbia River (LCR).

Steelhead ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ); threatened Upper Willamette River (UWR), and Lower Columbia River (LCR).

Coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ); proposed as threatened Oregon Coast (OC).

Chum salmon ( Oncorhynchus keta ); threatened Columbia River (CR).

Washington County, Department of Land Use and Transportation, Operations and Maintenance Division, submitted the RMP for routine road maintenance activities that might affect certain salmonid ESUs listed or proposed as threatened within the boundaries of Washington County. The RMP was designed so that routine road maintenance activities would be protective of salmonids and their habitat.

As specified in the July 10, 2000, ESA 4(d) rule for salmon and steelhead (65 FR 42422) under limit 10(i), take prohibitions to threatened species of salmonids do not apply to routine road maintenance activities of a state, county, city or port that complies with a program that is substantially similar to that contained in the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Routine Road Maintenance Water Quality and Habitat Guide Best Management Practices (Guide, July 1999), and that is determined to meet or exceed the protections provided in the ODOT Guide. NOAA Fisheries may approve a routine road maintenance program of any state, city, county or port that contains management practices that are equivalent to or better than those in the ODOT Guide. Prior to final approval of a routine road maintenance program, NOAA Fisheries must publish notification in the Federal Register announcing the program's availability for public review and comment.

The Washington County RMP submittal includes a cover letter addressed to D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator of NOAA Fisheries, and a statement of commitment from Washington County to implement the RMP. In Part 1, the RMP provides the responsible entity and legal authority for the program and provides a description of the program, including a description of Washington County's Riparian Management Areas and their gravel road maintenance and dust abatement program. In Part 2, the RMP provides a description of the geographic area to which the program applies, including an analysis of the environmental baseline of the watersheds of the lower Columbia River and the lower Willamette River, and Oregon coast tributaries that are within the City of Portland. Part 2 also includes maps (most found in Attachment 3) and tables that describe various habitat parameters such as culverts that block fish passage, riparian condition, and water quality condition. In Part 3 , the RMP describes the listed species distribution and status, referring to distribution maps for steelhead and chinook found in Attachment 4. A list of relevant reports is provided in Part 4. In Part 5, the RMP summarizes the training, monitoring, and reporting elements of the RMP. In Part 6, the RMP makes an affirmative conclusion that the program is substantially similar to or better than ODOT's program, referring to a table in Attachment 1 that compares the two programs.

The RMP defines what activities are routine road maintenance. These consist of maintenance activities that are conducted on currently serviceable structures, facilities, and equipment, involve no expansion of or change in use, and do not result in significant negative hydrological impact. Washington County's best management practices (Attachment 2) includes some activities that differ from ODOT's. These include best management practices for surface work, ditch shaping and cleaning, and sweeping/flushing. The RMP provides information in Attachment 1 to support the assertion that Washington County's practices for these activities are as effective or more effective than ODOT's practices at protecting fish and their habitat. Approval or disapproval of the RMP will depend on NOAA Fisheries' findings after public review and comment.

Under section 4 of the ESA, the Secretary of Commerce is required to adopt such regulations as he deems necessary and advisable for the conservation of species listed as threatened. The ESA salmon and steelhead 4(d) rule (65 FR 424222, July 10, 2000) identifies specific categories of activities that contribute to the conservation of listed salmonids and sets out the criteria for such activities. The rule further provides that the prohibitions of paragraph (a) of the rule do not apply to activities associated with routine road maintenance provided that a state or local program has been approved by NOAA Fisheries to be in accordance with the salmon and steelhead 4(d) rule (65 FR 424222, July 10, 2000).

GRNMS is one of the largest nearshore live-bottom reefs off the southeastern United States, encompassing approximately 17 square nautical miles. The area earned sanctuary designation in 1981. The sanctuary consists of a series of sandstone outcroppings and ledges up to 10 feet in height, in a predominantly sandy, flat-bottomed sea floor. The live bottom and ledge habitat support an abundant reef fish and invertebrate community. Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, also use GRNMS year-round for foraging and resting, and the reef is within the known winter calving ground for the highly endangered Northern right whale.

The GRNMS Advisory Council was established in August 1999 to provide advice and recommendations on management and protection of the sanctuary. The Council, through its members, also serves as liaison to the community regarding sanctuary issues, and represents community interests, concerns, and management needs to the sanctuary and NOAA.

The MPAFAC, composed of external, knowledgeable representatives of stakeholder groups, has been established by the Department of Commerce to provide advice to the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior on implementation of Section 4 of Executive Order 13158 on MPAs. The meeting will be open to public participation, with a one and a half hour time period set aside from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2004, and one hour set aside from 8:10 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2004 for the Committee to receive verbal comments or questions from the public. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Designated Federal Official by Friday, February 11, 2004.

Matters to be Considered: On Tuesday, February 15, the Committee will hear from a speaker on Pacific State and territorial perspectives on the national system of marine protected areas, representatives of two regional fishery management councils, and representatives of tribal organizations. On Wednesday, February 16, the Committee will review and discuss the Committee's recommendations and will hear from speakers on marine protected areas science. On Thursday, February 17, the Committee will continue its consideration of recommendations, and discuss next steps to finalize them.

In the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council notice published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2004, at 69 FR 77730, the hotel address has been corrected as set out in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. No other information has been changed.

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Debbie Donnangelo at the Mid-Atlantic Council Office (see ADDRESSES ) at least five days prior to the meeting date.

Following introductions, the Council will receive reports from the Council Chairman and Executive Director, the NMFS Regional Administrator, Northeast Fisheries Science Center and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council liaisons, NOAA General Counsel and representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, NMFS Enforcement and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The Council will review the Skate Plan Development Team's annual report on the status of the Northeast skate complex, in the context of recent management actions. The Scallop Committee report will occur before the lunch break and will include consideration of a modification to the “broken trip” limit rules in the Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The Council will take final action on Framework Adjustment 17 to the FMP, which includes alternatives that would require some or all vessels with general category scallop permits to carry and operate vessel monitoring system equipment.

During the Wednesday morning session, the Council will receive a report from its Research Steering Committee concerning 2005 research priorities and recommendations on NOAA Fisheries experimental fishery permit process and related issues. A Groundfish Committee report will follow, to include a schedule for preparation of the next framework adjustment to the Northeast Multispecies FMP, as well as a list of issues to be addressed; consideration of initial action on a measure to remedy the disapproval of the participation of non-sector vessels in the Closed Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program; discussion of fishing vessel safety issues relative to the Multispecies FMP; and possible action on planning for the 2005 groundfish assessment updates and independent peer review. The status of the monkfish resource will be addressed at a Stock Assessment Public Review Workshop late in the afternoon on Wednesday.

The morning session will begin with a summary of the January 5 Council Executive Committee meeting. Subjects to be covered will include recommendations for a course of action on the recent groundfish/lobster gear conflict, a draft Council conservation and management strategy (including a policy for Special Access Programs), joint fishery management plans and a briefing on the New England Fleet Visioning Project. The Habitat Committee chairman will provide an update on the EFH Omnibus Amendment #2. Council staff will give a presentation on a pilot project to develop ecosystem approaches to fisheries management. Any other outstanding business will be addressed at the end of the day, following the Bycatch Committee Report. That committee will forward recommendations concerning potential actions to reduce the bycatch of the 2003 year class of haddock in various fisheries.

Although other non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subjects of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided that the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency.

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Paul J. Howard (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

At its 123rd meeting, the Council took final action and recommended that the requirements summarized under Agenda Topics (below) be implemented by a regulatory amendment under the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific containing additional measures to conserve sea turtles.

1. Operators and owners of longline vessels operating under general permits (vessels registered to general longline permits and those that in the future will be registered to American Samoa limited access longline permits) must annually attend a NMFS Protected Species Workshop - with consideration of mechanisms for remote attendance.

2. Longline vessels operating under general permits must carry and use dip nets, line clippers, and bolt cutters and follow resuscitation and release guidelines for accidentally caught turtles - with an exemption for small longliners (those with a freeboard of 3 feet (0.91 meters) or less) from the requirement to carry and use long-handled line clippers.

Permit No. 1072-1771-00 has been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ), and the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216).

Permit No. 1072-1771 authorizes continued research designed to evaluate hearing sensitivity, memory, and learning capabilities of up to seven captive pinnipeds (three California sea lions, Zalophus californianus ; two Pacific harbor seals, Phoca vitulina ; and two Northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris ).

The permit amendment (No. 540-1502-01) has been granted under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ), the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq. ).

The amendment extends the expiration date of the permit from November 30, 2004 to November 30, 2005. No additional takes have been authorized. Mr. Calambokidis is authorized to (1) conduct aerial surveys to determine the abundance and distribution of marine mammals off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington; (2) conduct vessel surveys and photographic identification activities to determine the abundance, movements, and population structure of large whales in the North Pacific; (3) collect skin biopsies to determine sex, relatedness, and evaluate stock structure of large whales, especially blue and humpback whales; and (4) conduct tagging activities to examine the diving behavior, feeding, and movements of large whales.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ), a final determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

Issuance of the permit amendment (No. 540-1502-01) as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permit amendment: (1) was applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA.

The following listed species (evolutionarily significant unit) is covered in this notice:

Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ): threatened upper Willamette River (UWR).

Scientific research permits are issued in accordance with section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ) and regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR 222-226). NMFS issues permits based on findings that such permits: (1) are applied for in good faith; (2) if granted and exercised, would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species that are the subject of the permit; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policy of section 2 of the ESA. The authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set forth in the permits.

Anyone requesting a hearing on the application listed in this notice should set out the specific reasons why a hearing on that application would be appropriate (see ADDRESSES ). The holding of such a hearing is at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA.

Water Works Consulting (WWC) is requesting a 2-year research permit to annually capture, handle, and release juvenile UWR chinook salmon. The research would take place in an artificial side-channel to the Willamette River, Oregon. The purposes of the research are to determine how such side-channels function compared to natural, river-created ones and whether the side-channel provides habitat for native fishes. The WWC intends to determine juvenile fish presence and abundance in the spring and late summer of 2005 and 2006. The research would benefit listed chinook by determining how effectively such side-channels help restore salmon habitat. The WWC proposes to capture the fish using seines and boat electrofishing equipment. Captured fish would be identified, counted, checked for tags and marks, and released. The WWC does not intend to kill any of the fish being captured, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the activities.

This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS will evaluate the application, associated documents, and comments submitted to determine whether the application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA and Federal regulations. The final permit decisions will not be made until after the end of the 30-day comment period. NMFS will publish notice of its final action in the Federal Register .

The meeting is open to the public; however, because of space limitations, allocation of seating will be made on a first-come, first served basis. Persons desiring to attend the meeting should call Ms. Patricia Cizmadia at (703) 805-5134.

Anyone wishing to object to the grant of this license can file written objections along with supporting evidence, if any, within 15 days from the date of this publication. Written objections are to be filed with the Command Judge Advocate ( see ADDRESSES ).

Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following: (1) Type of review requested, e.g. , new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement; (2) title; (3) summary of the collection; (4) description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information; (5) respondents and frequency of collection; and (6) reporting and/or recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment.

The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology.

Type of Review: Reinstatement.

Title: Survey on the Use of Funds Under Title II, Part A.

Frequency: Annually.

Affected Public: State, local, or tribal government, SEAs or LEAs (primary).

Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: Responses: 800. Burden Hours: 4,000.

Abstract: This study is being conducted to inform the Department's performance indicators for the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Title II, Part A program.

Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from http://edicsweb.ed.gov, by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2663. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to the Internet address OCIO_RIMG@ed.gov or faxed to (202) 245-6621. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request.

Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be directed to Kathy Axt at her e-mail address Kathy.Axt@ed.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.

Any eligible applicant may apply for funding under this program by the deadline in this notice. Eligible applicants that submitted their applications for the AP Test Fee FY 2005 competition to the Department prior to the competition's original deadline date of December 13, 2004 are not required to re-submit their applications or re-apply in order to be considered for FY 2005 awards under this program. We encourage eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid any problems with filing electronic applications on the last day. The deadline for submission of applications will not be extended any further.

Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

Invitation To Comment

We invite you to submit comments regarding the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in developing the notice of final priority, requirements, and definitions, we urge you to identify clearly the specific proposed priority, requirement or definition that each comment addresses.

We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program.

During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in room 4W214, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays.

On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

We will announce the final priority, requirements, and definitions in a notice in the Federal Register. We will determine the final priority, requirements, and definitions after considering responses to this notice and other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, and definitions, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

This program supports the development of, and dissemination of information about, model school-based arts education programs.

We propose the following priority for this program:

This priority supports projects that enhance, expand, document, evaluate, and disseminate innovative cohesive models that are based on research and have demonstrated their effectiveness in (1) integrating standards-based arts education into the core elementary or middle school curriculum, (2) strengthening standards-based arts instruction in the elementary or middle school grades, and (3) improving the academic performance, including their skills in creating, performing, and responding to the arts, of students in elementary or middle school.

In order to meet this priority an applicant must demonstrate that the model project for which it seeks funding (1) serves only elementary schools or middle schools, or both and (2) is linked to State and national standards intended to enable all students to meet challenging expectations, and to improving student and school performance.

Rationale: The Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination program seeks to address the lack of high-quality, research-based arts education programs by encouraging partnerships of arts and education specialists to enhance, expand, and document effective models for improving arts education and student achievement, including performance on State or local standardized tests. The program seeks to provide more communities with solid information regarding innovative models for effectively strengthening arts instruction, improving students' skills in creating, performing, and responding to works of art, and increasing student achievement in other academic subjects. By proposing that projects serve students in elementary or middle schools only, we intend for this program to provide a vehicle for including arts instruction in the core curriculum of elementary and middle schools in a seamless manner. Unlike high schools, elementary and most middle schools do not have separate art classes in their curriculum.

We propose the following application requirement for this program:

To be eligible for Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination funds, applicants must propose to address the needs of low-income children by carrying out projects that serve at least one elementary or middle school in which 35 percent or more of the children enrolled are from low-income families (based on data used in meeting the poverty criteria set out in Title I, Section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA)).

Rationale: Studies have found that improving the quality of arts education has a particularly positive impact on students from low-income backgrounds. Unfortunately, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are almost twice as likely to attend arts-poor schools. We propose this application requirement in an attempt to address the needs of low-income children.

We propose the following eligibility requirement for this program:

To be eligible to receive funding under the Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination program, an applicant must be:

(1) One or more LEAs, including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law and regulations, that may work in partnership with one or more of the following:

• A State or local non-profit or governmental arts organization,

• A State educational agency (SEA) or regional educational service agency,

• An institution of higher education, or

• A public or private agency, institution, or organization, such as a community- or faith-based organization; or

(2) One or more State or local non-profit or governmental arts organizations that must work in partnership with one or more LEAs and may partner with one or more of the following:

• An SEA or regional educational service agency,

• An institution of higher education, or

• A public or private agency, institution, or organization, such as a community- or faith-based organization.

Rationale: The statute encourages collaborative activities with Federal agencies or institutions involved in arts education, arts educators, and organizations representing the arts, including State and local arts agencies involved in arts education. Prior competitions under this program have been open to applications from a variety of public and private education and arts organizations. We have received feedback from stakeholders that collaborative programs are being effectively managed by such entities. In addition, various types of organizations are in positions to effectively manage and evaluate model arts integration programs that serve needy school children.

Several important terms associated with this program are not defined in the authorizing statute. We, therefore, propose, for the purpose of this program, to define the following terms:

Arts includes music, dance, theater, media, and visual arts, including folk arts.

Integrating means (i) encouraging the use of high-quality arts instruction in other academic/content areas and (ii) strengthening the place of the arts as a core academic subject in the school curriculum.

Based on research , when used with respect to an activity or a program, means that, to the extent possible, the activity or program is based on the most rigorous theory, research, and evaluation available and is effective in improving student achievement and performance and other program objectives.

This notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action.

The potential costs associated with the notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and efficiently.

In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions justify the costs.

We also have determined that this regulatory action does not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the exercise of their governmental functions.

The potential costs associated with the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice are minimal while the benefits are significant. Grantees may incur some costs associated with completing the application process in terms of staff and partner time, copying, and mailing or delivery.

The benefit of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice is that grants supported under this program will be able to provide information on effective models. This information will be helpful to schools and communities looking for guidance on how to improve the educational performance of at-risk children and youth by providing arts education services and programs—especially programs incorporating arts education standards.

This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the Executive Order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism. The Executive Order relies on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.

This document provides early notification of our specific plans and action for this program.

You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

We invite you to submit comments regarding the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in developing the notice of final priority, requirements, and definitions, we urge you to identify clearly the specific proposed priority, requirement, or definition that each comment addresses.

We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program.

During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in room 4W242, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays.

On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

We will announce the final priority, requirements, and definitions in a notice in the Federal Register . We will determine the final priority, requirements, and definitions after considering responses to this notice and other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, and definitions, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in which we choose to use the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions, we invite applications through a notice in the Federal Register . When inviting applications, we designate the priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows:

Absolute Priority: Under an absolute priority we consider only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).

Competitive Preference Priority: Under a competitive preference priority we give competitive preference to an application by either (1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the competitive priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).

Invitational Priority: Under an invitational priority we are particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

Through this program, the Department intends to fund model professional development programs for music, dance, drama, and visual arts educators of K-12 students in high-poverty schools. The purpose of this program is to strengthen standards-based arts education programs and to help ensure that all students meet challenging State academic content standards and challenging State student academic achievement standards in the arts.

We propose the following priority for this program:

This priority supports professional development programs for K-12 arts educators that use innovative instructional methods and current knowledge from education research and focus on—

(1) The development, enhancement, or expansion of standards-based arts education programs; or

(2) The integration of standards-based arts instruction with other core academic area content.

In order to meet this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the project for which it seeks funding is linked to State and national standards intended to enable all students to meet challenging expectations, and to improving student and school performance.

Rationale: It is the intent of this program to provide professional development programs for arts educators that can be linked to student achievement, including performance on State or local standardized tests. While arts content and achievement standards have been voluntarily adopted in many States throughout the country, teachers often need professional development on how to implement education standards both for arts programs and for programs designed to integrate arts with other subject areas. The proposed priority would support projects that would provide professional development services that are linked to learning standards.

We propose the following application requirement for this program:

To be eligible for Professional Development for Arts Educators Program funds, applicants must propose to carry out professional development programs for art educators of K-12 low-income children and youth by implementing projects in schools in which 50 percent or more of the children enrolled are from low-income families (based on the poverty criteria set out in Title I, Section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA)).

Rationale: Studies have found that improving the quality of arts education has a particularly positive impact on students from low-income backgrounds. We believe this poverty requirement is necessary in order to focus services on the most needy children.

We propose the following eligibility requirement for this program:

To be eligible to receive funding under the Professional Development for Arts Educators program, an applicant must be—

A local educational agency (LEA), which may be a charter school that is considered an LEA, that is acting on behalf of an individual school or schools that meets the poverty criterion with respect to children from low-income families that is specified in the application requirement elsewhere in this notice, and that must work in partnership with one or more of the following—

(1) A State or local non-profit or governmental arts organization;

(2) A State educational agency (SEA) or regional educational service agency;

(3) An institution of higher education; or

(4) A public or private agency, institution, or organization, including a museum, an arts education association, a library, a theater, or a community-or faith-based organization.

Rationale: The most effective professional development programs are systemic and have the full support of school leadership. Therefore, it is essential that eligibility be limited to LEAs. Professional development in the area of arts education is often enhanced when it taps the expertise of professional arts organizations or other entities. Accordingly, an LEA would be required to partner with one of these organizations.

The terms “arts educator” and “integrate”, which are important concepts associated with this program, are not defined in the authorizing statute. We, therefore, propose, for the purpose of this program, to define these terms as follows:

Arts educator means a teacher who works in music, drama, dance, or the visual arts.

Integrate means, in the context of projects funded under this program, to strengthen (i) the use of high-quality arts instruction within other academic content areas, and (ii) the place of the arts as a core academic subject in the school curriculum.

This notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action.

The potential costs associated with the notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and efficiently.

In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions justify the costs.

We also have determined that this regulatory action does not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the exercise of their governmental functions.

The potential costs associated with the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice are minimal, while the benefits are significant. Grantees may incur some costs associated with completing the application process in terms of staff and partner time, copying, and mailing or delivery.

The benefit of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice is that grantees will develop professional development programs for arts educators, especially those programs that incorporate arts education standards and are designed to improve the educational performance of at-risk children and youth.

This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and strengthened federalism. The Executive order relies on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.

This document provides early notification of our specific plans and action for this program.

You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington DC area at (202) 512-1530.

On December 3, 2004, the President signed into law Pub. L. 108-446, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, amending the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Copies of the new law may be obtained at the following Web site: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/plaws/index.html.

Enactment of the new law provides an opportunity to consider improvements in the regulations implementing the IDEA (including both formula and discretionary grant programs) that would strengthen the Federal effort to ensure every child with a disability has available a free appropriate public education that—

(1) Is of high quality, and

(2) Is designed to achieve the high standards reflected in the No Child Left Behind Act and regulations.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will be holding a series of informal meetings during the first few months of calendar year 2005 to seek input and suggestions for developing regulations, as needed, based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

This notice provides specific information about the first of these meetings, scheduled for Newark, DE (see Date and Time of Public Meeting earlier in this Notice). Other informal meetings will be conducted in the following locations:

• Atlanta, GA;

• Boston, MA;

• Columbus, OH;

• San Diego, CA;

• Laramie, WY; and

• Washington, DC.

In subsequent Federal Register notices, we will notify you of the specific dates and locations of each of these meetings, as well as other relevant information.

Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend the meeting ( i.e. , interpreting services, assistive listening devices, and material in alternative format) should notify the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The meeting location is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of particular interest to those persons who are or may be required to conduct testing of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be interested in this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the technical contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .

1. Docket . EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket ID number OPPT-2004-0132. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, including the petitioner's request, supporting information submitted by the petitioners, and EPA's response to the petition. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the EPA Docket Center, Rm. B102-Reading Room, EPA West, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The EPA Docket Center Reading Room telephone number is(202) 566-1744 and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket, which is located in the EPA Docket Center, is (202) 566-0280.

2. Electronic access . You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the Federal Register listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/ . The documents referenced in Unit I.B.1 are also accessible through the EPA Internet at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/dnt/index.htm . To access the OPPTS Harmonized Test Guideline referenced in this document, go directly to the guideline at http://www.epa.gov/opptsfrs/home/guidelin.htm/ .

In addition, an electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select “search,” then key in the appropriate docket ID number.

Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. EPA's policy is that copyrighted material will not be placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will be available only in printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in EPA's electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the document is available for viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. EPA intends to work towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available docket materials through EPA's electronic public docket.

This action announces the availability of EPA's response to the petition. The public may access both the petition and EPA's response as described in Unit I.B. of this document.

This meeting of the Board will be open to the public (limited space available. In order to increase the accessibility to Board meetings, persons requiring assistance should make arrangements in advance. The matters to be considered at the meeting are:

• December 2, 2004 (Regular Meeting)

• Review of Insurance Premium Rates

OMB Control Number: 3060-0996.

Title: AM Auction Section 307(b) Submissions.

Form Number: Not applicable.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.

Number of Respondents: 450.

Estimated Time Per Response: 0.5-3 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 1,100 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $132,500.

Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s).

Needs and Uses: Section 307(b) of the Communications Act, as amended, requires that the Commission effect a fair, efficient and equitable distribution of radio stations throughout the United States. In the context of competitive bidding application processing, Section 307(b) is relevant when a mutually exclusive AM application group consists of applications to serve different communities, or when a non-mutually exclusive AM application proposes a community of license change. Such applications must submit supplemental information addressing Section 307(b) criteria. The data submitted will be used to determine the community having the greater need for an AM radio service.

This public notice solicits comment about the progress made by the states in implementing E911 solutions for multi-line telephone systems (MLTSs). When an emergency ( i.e. , 911) call is placed from a station served by an MLTS, the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) receiving the call will not always be able to identify the office, dormitory room or other detailed location of the caller. This problem is well known and has been a subject of several Commission proceedings. In its Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Final rule; 69 FR 6578, February 11, 2004, and Proposed rule; 69 FR 6595, February 11, 2004, the Commission was concerned that “the lack of effective implementation of MLTS E911 could be an unacceptable gap in the emergency call system” but declined to adopt federal rules to address this issue, because the record demonstrated that state and local governments are in a better position to devise such rules for their jurisdictions. Expecting the “states to act expeditiously in this area,” the Commission committed to releasing a public notice in a year to examine states' progress and announced its intention to re-visit the E911-MLTS/caller location issue depending on the results of its evaluation of state action.

Public sources indicate that approximately twelve states have adopted legislation addressing E911 requirements for MLTSs. These same sources indicate that some state regulatory commissions have promulgated regulations addressing these requirements. We seek public comment about state-adopted statutes and regulations, as well as about proposals for action in this area that may be currently under consideration and the anticipated time frames for conclusion of such proposals. We specifically ask commenters to identify and discuss state actions that may be based on model legislation such as that proposed by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO).

More specifically, we ask commenters to identify and discuss relevant state activity by: (1) Specific identification (citation) to a particular statute or regulation, or proposed statute or regulation, in each case; (2) identification of any corresponding state Web page where these activities are presented or discussed; (3) identification of the date any final legislative or regulatory action became effective or is expected to become effective; (4) discussion of any requirements placed on carriers, MLTS equipment manufacturers, MLTS operators, or any other persons; and (5) discussion of how the statute and/or regulation is enforced.

With regard to (4), commenters should note whether any entities are specifically exempted from adopted requirements imposed by the legislation or regulations and explain the criteria for exemption. To the extent legislation or regulation was proposed but not ultimately adopted, we invite parties to explain why such action was not taken, such as cost concerns, technical complexity, and the perceived lack of demand or need for the proposed requirements.

The Commission's Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking states: “we believe that the Model Legislation submitted by NENA and APCO offers the states a valuable blueprint for their own laws,” and “we strongly support the approach taken by the model legislation.” With this view of the model legislation, we request information regarding how it has affected efforts by the states to produce their own statutes. In particular, please describe how this model legislation has been used in determining states' approaches, how extensively this model legislation has been and is being used, and its perceived shortcomings.

In addition to use of this particular model legislation, we invite comment as to whether there are any other models that states have found useful in developing legislation, e.g. , laws passed in any other state. We ask commenters to identify such examples and analyze their possible utility for widespread use.

Although our primary focus is evaluating state action addressing E911/MLTS issues, we also seek comment on the extent to which carriers and others offer E911 solutions for MLTSs. It appears that at least one carrier is providing E911 service for MLTSs under tariff in at least one state, and that carrier works with individual MLTS operators elsewhere within its footprint to implement customer-specific solutions if such are economically and technically feasible. We seek comment regarding the availability of E911/MLTS services offered under tariff or otherwise both in states that have passed E911/MLTS legislation or adopted E911/MLTS regulations and in states that have not. In particular, where these services are offered absent state legislative or regulatory action, we seek comment regarding the reasons the services were developed.

Specifically, commenters should (1) identify the carrier and the state or states in which that carrier offers or plans to offer E911 service for MLTSs; (2) provide links to the carrier's published tariffs, and identify the effective dates of those tariffs, where applicable; (3) identify the salient technical features of each service offered under tariff, including but not limited to which MLTS technologies are supported ( e.g. , Centrex, analog PBX, ISDN PBX, non-ISDN digital PBX, IP-PBX, or key system), which E911 MLTS-to-network technical interface standards or other specifications are supported ( e.g. , CAMA or Primary Rate Access (PRA) ISDN), and any special requirements regarding trunking arrangements or the use of Direct Inward Dial (DID) numbers; (4) identify salient operational characteristics of the service; (5) identify the Automatic Location Identification (ALI) database interface options and costs for MLTS operators, the procedural impacts on MLTS operators, and the ALI database interface standards or specifications supported; (6) indicate whether PSAPs generally have been able to receive and utilize the ALI and call-back information provided and, if not, why not; (7) estimate the degree to which the offerings satisfy or cover the MLTS market; and (8) identify real or perceived technical, economic, operational and other impediments to full E911 coverage for MLTSs.

Where specific technical features are required by state legislation or regulation, we ask that commenters identify those features. For those states where E911/MLTS service is provided under customer-specific arrangements, such as individual case basis (ICB) arrangements, we ask that commenters present and discuss all relevant information to allow us to characterize the available technical features. In each case, commenters should be sufficiently complete and specific in their descriptions of requirements and references to standards to enable us to develop a comprehensive picture of commonalities and differences in E911/MLTS implementation across the states.

Pursuant to §§ 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, interested parties may file comments on or before February 28, 2005. Reply comments are due on or before March 29, 2005. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121, May 1, 1998. When filing comments, please reference CC Docket No. 94-102. Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ and following the instructions provided on the Web site. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the following words in the body of the message, “get form <your email address.” A sample form and directions will be sent in reply.

Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail (although we continue to experience delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). The Commission's contractor, Natek, Inc., will receive hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary at 236 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002. The filing hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the building. Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. U.S. Postal Service first-class mail, Express Mail, and Priority Mail should be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. One copy of each filing must be sent to Best Copy and Printing, Inc., Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone 1-800-378-3160, or online at http://www.bcpiweb.com.

Parties who choose to file by paper must also send three paper copies of their filing to the attention of Michael Goldstein, Industry Analysis and Technology Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Room 5-A422, Washington, DC 20554.

Pursuant to § 1.1206 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.1206, this proceeding will continue to be conducted as a permit-but-disclose proceeding in which ex parte communications are permitted subject to disclosure.

Section 8403 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, Public Law 108-458 (December 17, 2004), directs the Office of Government Ethics to provide a report to Congress, within 90 days, evaluating the financial disclosure process for employees of the executive branch, and recommending improvements to it. In order to comply with this mandate, OGE has undertaken a study of this subject. OGE's report will focus on whether to recommend amending the body of information that is statutorily required to be included on the Standard Form (SF) 278 Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report, as well as whether to recommend changes to the public financial disclosure system itself. Specifically, OGE will analyze whether to recommend changing: the number of asset, income, transaction and liability valuation categories; the various reporting time periods; the dollar thresholds for reporting particular assets, income, transactions and liabilities; the requirements to report most transactions, to identify the type of income earned, and to report the actual dollar amounts of particular types of income; and the level of description and detail required, particularly on Schedules C (liabilities and agreements or arrangements) and D (outside positions and compensation over $5,000) of the SF 278 report form.

As part of its consideration of these important matters, OGE believes it would be both appropriate and helpful to give the public and agencies an opportunity to express their views. Interested persons may submit comments to OGE, to be received by February 11, 2005, regarding any specific part of the financial disclosure process study or just to give general views on the study in order to assist OGE.

Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. ``Collection of information'' is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document.

With respect to the following collection of information, FDA invites comments on these topics: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.

Section 401 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) (21 U.S.C. 341), directs FDA to issue regulations establishing definitions and standards of identity for food “[w]henever * * * such action will promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers * * *”. Under section 403(g) of the act (21 U.S.C. 343(g)), a food that is subject to a definition and standard of identity prescribed by regulation is misbranded if it does not conform to such definition and standard of identity. Section 130.17 (21 CFR 130.17) provides for the issuance by FDA of temporary marketing permits that enable the food industry to test consumer acceptance and measure the technological and commercial feasibility in interstate commerce of experimental packs of food that deviate from applicable definitions and standards of identity. Section 130.17(c) enables the agency to monitor the manufacture, labeling, and distribution of experimental packs of food that deviate from applicable definitions and standards of identity. The information so obtained can be used in support of a petition to establish or amend the applicable definition or standard of identity to provide for the variations. Section 130.17(i) specifies the information that a firm must submit to FDA to obtain an extension of a temporary marketing permit.

FDA estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows:

The estimated number of temporary marketing permit applications and hours per response is an average based on the agency's experience with applications received October 1, 2001, through September 30, 2004, and information from firms that have submitted recent requests for temporary marketing permits.

Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document.

With respect to the following collection of information, FDA invites comments on these topics: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.

Under section 403A(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) (21 U.S.C. 343-1(b)), States may petition FDA for exemption from Federal preemption of State food labeling and standard of identity requirements. Section 100.1(d) (21 CFR 100.1(d)) sets forth the information a State is required to submit in such a petition. The information required under § 100.1(d) enables FDA to determine whether the State food labeling or standard of identity requirement satisfies the criteria of section 403A(b) of the act for granting exemption from Federal preemption.

FDA estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows:

The reporting burden for § 100.1(d) is insignificant because petitions for exemption from preemption are seldom submitted by States. In the last 3 years, FDA has not received any new petitions; therefore, the agency estimates that one or fewer petitions will be submitted annually. Because § 100.1(d) implements a statutory information collection requirement, only the additional burden attributable to the regulation has been included in the estimate. Although FDA believes that the burden will be insignificant, it believes these information collection provisions should be extended to provide for the potential future need of a State or local government to petition for an exemption from preemption under the provisions of section 403(A) of the act.

In compliance with 44 U.S.C. 3507, FDA has submitted the following proposed collection of information to OMB for review and clearance.

Medical Device Registration and Listing—21 CFR Parts 807.22, 807.31, and 807.40 (OMB Control Number 0910-0387)—Extension

Section 510 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) (21 U.S.C. 360) requires domestic establishments engaged in the manufacture, preparation, propagation, compounding, assembly, or processing of medical devices intended for human use and commercial distribution register their establishments and list the devices they manufacture with FDA. This is accomplished by completing FDA Form 2891 “Registration of Device Establishment” and FDA Form 2892 “Medical Device Listing.” The term “device” is defined in section 201(h) of the act (21 U.S.C. 321) and includes all in vitro diagnostic products and in vitro diagnostic biological products not subject to licensing under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262). The FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA) added a requirement for foreign establishments to appoint a U.S. agent and submit the information to FDA on Form 2891 as part of its initial and updated registration information. In addition, each year, active, registered establishments must notify FDA of changes to the current registration and device listing for the establishment. Annual changes to current registration information are preprinted on FDA Form 2891a and sent to registered establishments. The form must be sent back to FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, even if no changes have occurred. Changes to listing information are submitted on Form 2892.

Under § 807.31 (21 CFR 807.31), each owner or operator is required to maintain an historical file containing the labeling and advertisements in use on the date of initial listing, and in use after October 10, 1978, but before the date of initial listing. The owner or operator must maintain in the historical file any labeling or advertisements in which a material change has been made anytime after initial listing, but may discard labeling and advertisements from the file 3 years after the date of the last shipment of a discontinued device by an owner or operator. Along with the recordkeeping requirements previously mentioned in this document, the owner or operator must be prepared to submit to FDA all labeling and advertising (§ 807.31(e)).

Section 807.40 (21 CFR 807.40) describes the role of the U.S. agent. The U.S. agent must reside or have a physical place of business in the United States, and each foreign establishment must submit U.S. agent information as part of its initial and updated registration process.

The information collected through these provisions is used by FDA to identify firms subject to FDA's regulations and is used to identify geographic distribution in order to effectively allocate FDA's field resources for these inspections and to identify the class of the device that determines the inspection frequency. When complications occur with a particular device or component, manufacturers of similar or related devices can be easily identified.

The likely respondents to this information collection will be domestic and foreign device establishments and U.S. agents who must register and submit a device list to FDA (e.g., establishments engaged in the manufacture, preparation, propagation, compounding, assembly, or processing of medical devices intended for human use and commercial distribution).

In the Federal Register of October 29, 2004 (69 FR 63156), FDA published a 60-day notice requesting public comment on the information collection provisions. No comments were received.

FDA estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows:

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (section 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 348(b)(5))), notice is given that a food additive petition (FAP 2253) has been filed by Alltech, Inc., 3031 Catnip Hill Pike, Nicholasville, KY 40356. The petition proposes to amend the food additive regulations in part 573 Food Additives permitted in Feed and Drinking Water of Animals (21 CFR part 573) to provide for the safe use of polyurethane polymer coating in ruminant feed.

The potential environmental impact of this action is being reviewed. To encourage public participation consistent with regulations issued under the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1501.4(b)), the agency is placing the environmental assessment submitted with the petition that is the subject of this notice on public display at the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES ) for public review and comment.

Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES ) written or electronic comments regarding this document. Submit a single copy of electronic comments or two paper copies of any mailed comments, except that individuals may submit one paper copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDA will also place on public display any amendments to, or comments on, the petitioner's environmental assessment without further announcement in the Federal Register . If, based on its review, the agency finds that an environmental impact statement is not required and this petition results in a regulation, the notice of availability of the agency's finding of no significant impact and the evidence supporting that finding will be published with the regulation in the Federal Register in accordance with 21 CFR 25.51(b).

FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Labeling OTC Human Drug Products—Questions and Answers.” This is one of several draft guidances the agency is developing to help manufacturers, packers, and distributors implement the regulation establishing standardized content and format requirements for the labeling of all OTC drug products. Once finalized, these draft guidances will supersede all other statements, feedback, and correspondence provided by the agency on these matters since the issuance of the final rule.

In the Federal Register of March 17, 1999 (64 FR 13254), FDA published a final rule establishing standardized content and format requirements for the labeling of OTC drug products (21 CFR 201.66). This regulation is intended to standardize labeling for all OTC drug products so consumers can easily read and understand OTC drug product labeling and use these products safely and effectively.

The regulation for this standardized labeling requires manufacturers to present OTC drug labeling information in a prescribed order and format. The standardized format will require revision of all labeling in use before the compliance date of the final rule. The final rule covers all OTC drug and drug-cosmetic products, whether marketed under a new drug marketing application, abbreviated new drug application, or OTC drug monograph (or product not yet the subject of a final OTC drug monograph).

Following issuance of the final rule, the agency received a number of inquires from manufacturers seeking guidance on how to present the labeling information for their OTC drug products using the standardized content and format requirements. This draft guidance discusses those inquiries and provides labeling examples to show various format and content features of the labeling requirements and suggest how OTC drug monograph labeling finalized before the new regulation was issued can be converted to the new format. This draft guidance also discusses how to list inactive ingredients that may or may not be contained in the OTC drug product.

This level I draft guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices (21 CFR 10.115). The draft guidance includes labeling examples that are consistent with the new OTC drug products standardized labeling content and format. The draft guidance represents the agency's current thinking on how OTC drug monograph labeling can be converted to the new OTC “Drug Facts” format labeling. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. An alternative approach may be used if such an approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES ) written or electronic comments on the draft guidance. Submit a single copy of electronic comments or two copies of any mailed comments except that individuals may submit one paper copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. The draft guidance and received comments are available for public examination in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at either http://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/index.htm or http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/default.htm .

The Advisory Board was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, 5 U.S.C, Appendix 2, Section 10(a)(b). The following provides information about the committee objective and duties, membership, miscellaneous, nomination information, and membership nomination form.

(a) Members of the Advisory Board provide guidance, advice and recommendations with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in BIA funded schools in accordance with the requirements of IDEA;

(b) Provides advice and recommendations for the coordination of services within the BIA and with other local, State and Federal agencies;

(c) Provides advice and recommendations on a broad range of policy issues dealing with the provision of educational services to American Indian children with disabilities;

(d) Serves as an advocate for American Indian students with special education needs by providing advice and recommendations regarding best practices, effective program coordination strategies, and recommendations for improved educational programming;

(e) Provides advice and recommendations for the preparation of information required to be submitted to the Secretary of Education under section 611(i)(2)(D) of IDEA;

(f) Provides advice and recommends policies concerning effective inter/intra-agency collaboration, including modifications to regulations, and the elimination of barriers to inter/intra-agency programs and activities; and

(g) Reports to the BIA/OIEP Lead Supervisory Education Specialist for special education.

(a) The Board will be composed of 15 members. The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs may provide the Secretary of the Interior recommendations for the Chairperson, however, the Secretary of the Interior will appoint the chairperson and other board members. Members will serve for a term of 2 years from the date of their appointment. The Secretary may remove members from the Board at any time at his/her discretion.

(b) As required by the IDEA under section 611(i)(5), the Board will be composed of individuals involved in or concerned with the education and provision of services to Indian children with disabilities. The Board composition will reflect a broad range of viewpoints and will include at least one member representing each of the following interests: Indian persons with disabilities, teachers of children with disabilities, Indian parents or guardians of children with disabilities, service providers, State Education Officials, Local Education Officials, State Interagency Coordinating Councils (for states having Indian reservations), tribal representatives or tribal organization representatives, and BIA employees concerned with the education of children with disabilities.

(a) Members of the Board will not receive compensation, but will be reimbursed for travel, subsistence and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties consistent with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57.

(b) A member may not participate in matters that will directly affect, or appear to affect, the financial interests of the member or the member's spouse or minor children, unless authorized by the Designated Federal Official (DFO). Compensation from employment does not constitute a financial interest of the member so long as the matter before the committee will not have a special or distinct effect on the member or the member's employer, other than as part of a class. The provisions of this paragraph do not affect any other statutory or regulatory ethical obligations to which a member may be subject.

(c) The Committee meets at least twice a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Assistant Secretary or DFO.

(d) All Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the FACA regulations.

(a) Nominations are requested from individuals, organizations, and federally recognized tribes, as well as from State Directors of Special Education (within the 23 states in which BIA funded schools are located) concerned with the education of Indian children with disabilities as described above.

(b) Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the issues and/or needs of American Indian children with disabilities. Such knowledge and expertise are needed to provide advice and recommendations to the BIA/OIEP regarding the needs of American Indian children with disabilities.

(c) A summary of the candidates' qualifications (resume or curriculum vitae) must be included with the nomination application. Nominees must have the ability to participate in Advisory Committee meetings, Committee assignments, participate in teleconference calls, and to work in groups.

(d) The Department of the Interior is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Committee membership, but is bound by the Indian Preference Act of 1990, 25 U.S.C. 472.

The membership nomination form is attached to this notice. The nomination form may also be downloaded from the OIEP's Web site at http://www.ENAN.BIA.EDU .

A. Nominations are requested from individuals, organizations, and federally recognized tribes, as well as from State Directors of Special Education (within the 23 states in which BIA funded schools are located) concerned with the education of Indian children with disabilities.

B. Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the issues and/or needs of American Indian children with disabilities. Such knowledge and expertise are needed to provide advice and recommendations to the BIA/OIEP regarding the needs of American Indian children with disabilities.

C. A summary of the candidates' qualifications (resume or curriculum vitae) must be included with the nomination application. Nominees must have the ability to participate in Advisory Committee meetings, Committee assignments, participate in teleconference calls, and to work in groups.

D. The Department of the Interior is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Committee membership, however, is bound by the Indian Preference Act of 1990 (25 U.S.C. 472).

A. The Committee provides guidance, advice and recommendations with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in BIA funded schools in accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

B. The Committee provides advice and recommendations for the coordination of services within the BIA and with other local, State and Federal agencies.

C. The Committee provides advice and recommendations on a broad range of policy issues dealing with the provision of educational services to American Indian children with disabilities.

D. The Committee serves as an advocate for American Indian students with special education needs by providing advice and recommendations regarding best practices, effective program coordination strategies, and recommendations for improved educational programming.

E. The Committee provides advice and recommendations for the preparation of information required to be submitted to the Secretary of Education.

F. The Committee provides advice and recommends policies concerning effective inter/intra-agency collaboration, including modifications to regulations, and the elimination of barriers to inter/intra-agency programs and activities.

G. The Committee reports to the Lead Supervisory Education Specialist.

A. The Board will be composed of 15 members. The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs may provide the Secretary of the Interior recommendations for the Chairperson. The Secretary of the Interior as required by IDEA will appoint all board members. Board members will serve for a term of 2 years from the date of their appointment. The Secretary may remove members from the Board at any time at his/her discretion.

B. As required by IDEA under section 611(i)(5), 111 Stat. 59, the Board will be composed of individuals involved in or concerned with the education and provision of services to Indian children with disabilities. The Board composition will reflect a broad range of viewpoints and will include at least one member representing each of the following interests: Indian persons with disabilities, teachers of children with disabilities, Indian parents or guardians of children with disabilities, service providers, State Education Officials, Local Education Officials, State Interagency Coordinating Councils (for states having Indian reservations), tribal representatives or tribal organization representatives, and BIA employees concerned with the education of children with disabilities.

C. Members of the Board will not receive compensation, but will be reimbursed for travel, subsistence and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties consistent with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57.

D. A member may not participate in matters that will directly affect, or appear to affect, the financial interests of the member or the member's spouse or minor children, unless authorized by the Designated Federal Official (DFO). Compensation from employment does not constitute a financial interest of the member so long as the matter before the committee will not have a special or distinct effect on the member or the member's employer, other than as part of a class. The provisions of this paragraph do not affect any other statutory or regulatory ethical obligations to which a member may be subject.

E. The Committee meets at least twice a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Assistant Secretary or DFO.

The IRR final rules amending 25 CFR Part 170, effective November 13, 2004, are the result of negotiated rulemaking between tribal and Federal representatives under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The IRR final rules include the negotiated rulemaking committee's recommendation that the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation establish an IRR Program Coordinating Committee to provide input and recommendations to BIA and FHWA in developing IRR Program policies and to coordinate with and obtain input from tribes, BIA, and FHWA. As recommended, the Committee will consist of 12 tribal regional representatives (one from each BIA region) and two non-voting Federal representatives (from BIA and FHWA). In addition to the 12 tribal regional representatives, the Committee will include one alternate from each BIA region who will attend Committee meetings in the absence of the tribal regional representative. Each tribal regional representative must be a tribal governmental official or employee with authority to act for the tribal government.

The Secretary must select regional tribal representatives and alternates from nominees officially proposed by the region's tribes. The Secretary will appoint the initial tribal regional representatives and alternates from each BIA region to either a 1-, 2- or 3-year appointment in order to establish a yearly, one-third change in tribal regional representatives. All appointments thereafter will be for 3-year terms. To the extent possible, the Secretary must make the selection so that there is representation from a broad cross-section of large, medium, and small tribes. The Secretary of the Interior will provide guidance for the replacement of representatives.

The responsibilities of the Committee are to provide input and recommendations to BIA and FHWA during the development or revision of:

• BIA/FHWA IRR Program Stewardship Plan;

• IRR Program policy and procedures;

• IRR Program eligible activities' determinations;

• IRR Program transit policy;

• IRR Program regulations;

• IRR Program management systems policy and procedures;

• IRR Program fund distribution formula (under 25 CFR 170.157); and

• National tribal transportation needs.

The Committee also reviews and provides recommendations on IRR Program national concerns, including implementation of 25 CFR 170, as amended.

The Committee will provide input and recommendations to BIA and FHWA for:

• New IRR inventory data format and form;

• Simplified cost to construct (CTC) methodology (including formula calculations, formula program and design, and bid tab methodology);

• Cost elements;

• Over-design issues;

• Inflation impacts on $1 million cap for the Indian Reservation Roads High Priority Project (IRRHPP) and Emergency Projects (including the IRRHPP Ranking System and emergency/disaster expenditures report); and

• The impact of including funded but non-constructed projects in the CTC calculation.

The Committee will hold two meetings per fiscal year. The Committee may call additional meeting(s) with the consent of one-third of Committee members or BIA or FHWA may call additional meeting(s). A quorum consists of eight voting Committee members. The Committee will operate by consensus or majority vote, as the Committee determines in its protocols. The Committee must elect from among the Committee membership a Chair, Vice-Chair, and other officers. These officers will be responsible for preparing for and conducting Committee meetings and summarizing meeting results. The Committee may prescribe other duties for the officers. Any Committee member can submit an agenda item to the Committee Chair.

The Committee must keep the Secretary and tribes informed through an annual accomplishment report provided within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. The Committee's budget, funded through the IRR Program management and oversight funds, will not exceed $150,000 annually.

Tribes may nominate up to three individuals from their respective region for the committee. Nominations for alternate positions should clearly state such. Nominees must be tribal governmental officials or employees with authority to act for the tribal government. Nominations must be on official tribal government letterhead signed by a tribal governmental official. Nominations must include written authority for the nominee to act for the tribal government, if the nominee is appointed, and include a resume showing the nominee's relevant education and training, current job description, and professional experience level in the IRR program, transportation, or transit areas. Incomplete nominations will not be considered.

To be considered, nominations must be received by the close of business February 28, 2005, at the location indicated in the ADDRESSES section.

The White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act of 1985, Public Law 99-264 (100 Stat. 61), as amended by Public Law 100-153 (101 Stat. 886), Public Law 100-212 (101 Stat. 1433), and Public Law 101-301 (104 Stat. 210), provides for alternative methods of resolving disputes relative to the title to certain allotments for which trust patents were issued to White Earth Chippewa Indians. Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of the Act define circumstances by which the title to an allotment may have been taken or transferred through a questionable means during the trust period. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to:

(1) Identify the allotments or interests which were taken or transferred under identified circumstances;

(2) Determine the individuals entitled to compensation under the Act; and

(3) Ascertain the amount of compensation to which each such individual is entitled.

In addition, section 5(c) of the Act provides that the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians shall be compensated for allotments which were granted to individuals who had died prior to the selection dates of their respective allotments. Under section 8(a) of the Act, the compensation for the taking or transfer of an allotment or interest is to be based on the fair market value of the allotment or interest therein as of the date of such taking or transfer, less any consideration actually received at the time. The compensation to be paid under the Act shall include interest compounded annually at 5 percent from the date of the questionable taking or transfer, until March 24, 1986, and at the general rate of interest earned by Department of the Interior funds thereafter. The Secretary is authorized to issue written notices of compensation determination to the allottees or heirs entitled to it. Such notice will describe the basis for the Secretary's determination, the process whereby such compensation was determined, the method of payment, and the applicable time limits for judicial review of the determination. Any individual who has already elected to file suit in the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota to seek the recovery of title to an allotment or interest therein, or damages, is barred under section 6(c) from receiving any compensation under the Act.

The Secretary was authorized, under section 7(a) of the Act, to publish a first list of allotments or interest that fall within the provisions of sections 4(a), 4(b), or 5(c) of the Act. The first list of allotments and interests affected by the Act was published in the Federal Register on September 19, 1986 (51 FR 33348). The Secretary was also authorized, under section 7(c) of the Act, to publish a second list of allotments and interests affected by the Act, including additions to those appearing on the first list. The amendment contained in Public Law 100-212 authorized the Secretary to include and publish, as part of the second list, corrections to the first list. The list published in the Federal Register on March 10, 1989 (54 FR 10216), constitutes the second list of allotments and interests which was determined by the Department of the Interior to fall within the provisions of sections 4(a), 4(b), or 5(c) of the Act.

The Secretary is also authorized, at any time, under section 7(e)(1) of the Act, as amended, to add allotments or interests to the second list if the Secretary determined that the additional allotments or interests fall within the provisions of sections 4(a), 4(b), or 5(c). The first list of such additions was published in the Federal Register on March 27, 1991 (56 FR 12818), and a second list of such additions was subsequently published on April 11, 1994 (59 FR 17174). The Secretary has determined that certain additional allotments or interests fall within the provisions of sections 4(a), 4(b), or 5(c). The list included in this notice contains these additions.

The list describes additional allotments and interests, whether the takings or transfers apply to the allottees or the heirs of inherited interests. The lists characterized in the September 19, 1986, and March 10, 1989, publications as those of Partial Interests are no longer being published. All allotments and interests determined by the Secretary to be affected by sections 4(a), 4(b), or 5(c) of the Act are contained in what had been characterized as the Master List in previous publications and in this addition. Some of the allotments contained on the list include herein may represent partial interests only. The failure to include a Partial Interest List does not mean that there are no partial interests.

The inclusion of an allotment or interest on this list may be judicially reviewed under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 701, et seq. Any such action must be filed in Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota and shall be barred unless it is filed within 90 calendar days of this publication.

This notice is published in the exercise of authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8.

Each questionable taking or transfer has been assigned a 10, 11 or 12 character Issue Number. In every instance, the first six characters, F53408, are identical and denote the Midwest Regional Office, Minnesota Agency and White Earth Indian Reservation. The last four, five and six characters identify the specific taking or transfer. The list contains information regarding allotments and inherited interests, in addition to those listed in previous publications, affected by the Act, including the following subheadings:

Issue Number: The 10, 11 or 12 character number, explained above, which identifies the Regional Office, Agency, Reservation and specific taking or transfer affected by the Act. Where there are multiple tracts of land, there has occasionally been the need to add one or more letters to the Issue Number in order to distinguish among such tracts. Also, where a tract of land has been the subject of multiple takings or transfers by interest holders, letters have been added to the Issue Number to distinguish between such takings and transfers.

Allot #: The number assigned, at the time of the allotment section, to the allotment comprising the tract of land which was involved in the taking or transfer. Many White Earth allottees, after receiving an original allotment, were granted an additional allotment, with different numbers assigned to each. To distinguish between the two allotments, the numbers are preceded by the letter O (Original Allotment) or A (Additional Allotment).

CO: The county in which the tract involved in the taking or transfer is located. These are identified as Becker (B), Clearwater (C) or Mahnomen (M) County.

Legal Sub, SEC, TWP, and RNG: The legal description of the tract which is involved with the taking or transfer by legal Subdivision, Section (SEC), Township (TWP), and Range (RNG) numbers. Where a metes and bounds description is required for the legal subdivision, it is described as MB (Metes and Bounds). Further information concerning such tracts can be obtained from the WELSA Project office in Bemidji, Minnesota.

English Name: All known English names of the allottee, including given name, middle initial, middle name, maiden name, and other English names which have been identified for the allottee.

Ojibway Name: The name of the allottee in Ojibway, the native language of the White Earth Band of the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians. The names are shown with phonetic spellings.

Tracts which fall within the provisions of section 5(c) of the Act, where the claimant is the White Earth Band, appear on the list with the White Earth Band listed under the sub-heading of English Name.

If you wish further information about allotments or interests which are contained in this list, call or write the WELSA Project office in care of the Bureau of Indian affairs. The address and telephone number are indicated in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. Be sure to include the complete Issue Number in any correspondence with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area was established on October 24, 2000 when the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and Black Ridge Wilderness Act of 2000 (the Act) was signed by the President. The Act required that the Advisory Council be established to provide advice in the preparation and implementation of the CCNCA Resource Management Plan. The name was congressionally change at the end of 2004 from Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area to McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

The MCNCA Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at the Mesa County Administration Building; 544 Rood Avenue, Grand Junction, CO, beginning at 3 p.m. The agenda topics for this meeting are:

(1) The re-election of council officials;

(2) MCNCA Resource Management Plan implementation and monitoring strategy;

(3) Budgetary requirements for upcoming fiscal years;

(4) Public comment period;

(5) Agenda for next meeting;

Beginning February of 2005, the MCNCA Advisory Council meetings will be held bi-monthly on the first Wednesday of every other month through June at the same time and location. The dates for these meetings are February 2, 2005; April 6, 2005; and June 1, 2005. Additional meetings for 2005 will be determined at the February meeting.

Topics of discussion for future meetings will include completion of an implementation/business plan, refinement of a monitoring strategy, partnerships, interpretation, adaptive management, socioeconomics, and other issues as appropriate.

All meetings will be open to the public and will include a time set aside for public comment. Interested persons may make oral statements at the meetings or submit written statements at any meeting. Per-person time limits for oral statements may be set to allow all interested persons an opportunity to speak.

Summary minutes of all Council meetings will be maintained at the Bureau of Land Management Office in Grand Junction, Colorado. They are available for public inspection and reproduction during regular business hours within thirty (30) days following the meeting. In addition, minutes and other information concerning the MCNCA Advisory Council, can be obtained from the MCNCA Web site at: http://www.co.blm.gov/gjra/mcnca/mcncahome.htm, which will be updated following each Advisory Council meeting.

The Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) was authorized and established with release of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Pinedale Anticline Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Project on July 27, 2000. The PAWG advises the BLM on the development and implementation of monitoring plans and adaptive management decisions as development of the Pinedale Anticline Natural Gas Field (PAPA) proceeds for the life of the field.

After the ROD was issued, Interior determined that a Federal Advisory Committees Act (FACA) charter was required for this group. The charter was signed by Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, on August 15, 2002, and renewed on August 13, 2004. An announcement of committee initiation and call for nominations was published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2003, (68 FR 8522). PAWG members were appointed by Secretary Norton on May 4, 2004.

At their second business meeting, the PAWG established seven resource-or activity-specific Task Groups, including one for Reclamation. Public participation on the Task Groups was solicited through the media, letters, and word-of-mouth.

The agenda for this meeting will include information gathering and discussion related to developing a reclamation monitoring plan to assess the impacts of development in the Pinedale Anticline gas field, and identifying who will do and who will pay for the monitoring. Task Group recommendations are due to the PAWG in February, 2005. At a minimum, public comments will be heard just prior to adjournment of the meeting.

The lease has been granted a rental and royalty reduction at rate of $2.00 per acre, or fraction thereof, per year and 12 1/2 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and $166 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in Section 31 (d) and (e) of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease WYW145713 effective August 1, 2003, under the original terms and conditions of the lease, rates cited above. BLM has not issued a valid lease affecting the lands.

The lease has been granted a rental and royalty reduction at rate of $2.00 per acre, or fraction thereof, per year and 12 1/2 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and $166 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in section 31 (d) and (e) of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease WYW145692 effective August 1, 2003, under the original terms and conditions of the lease, rates cited above. BLM has not issued a valid lease affecting the lands.

The lease has been granted a rental and royalty reduction at rate of $2.00 per acre, or fraction thereof, per year and 12 1/2 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and $166 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in section 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease WYW145696 effective August 1, 2003, under the original terms and conditions of the lease, rates cited above. BLM has not issued a valid lease affecting the lands.

The lessees have agreed to the amended lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $5.00 per acre or fraction thereof, per year and 16 2/3 percent, respectively. The lessees have paid the required $500 administrative fee and $166 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessees have met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in section 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease WYW96788 effective July 1, 2003, under the original terms and conditions of the lease and the increased rental and royalty rates cited above. BLM has not issued a valid lease affecting the lands.

Description of Race Course Closed Area: Beginning at the eastern boundary of the Colorado River Indian Tribe (CRIT) Reservation, it runs east along Shea Road, then east along the Parker-Swansea Road to the Central Arizona Project Canal (CAP), then north on the west side of the CAP Canal, crossing the canal on the county-maintained road, running northeast into Mineral Wash Canyon, then southeast on the county-maintained road, through the four-corners intersection to Midway, then east on Transmission Pass Road, through State Trust lands located in Butler Valley, turning north into Cunningham Wash to North Tank; continuing back south to the Transmission Pass Road and east (reentering public land) within two miles of Alamo Dam Road. Turns south and west onto the wooden power line road, onto the State Trust lands in Butler Valley, turning southwest into Cunningham Wash to the Graham Well, intersecting Butler Valley Road, then north and west onto public lands proceeding west to the “Bouse Y” intersection, located two miles north of Bouse, Arizona. The route then proceeds north, paralleling the Bouse-Midway Road to the Midway Pit. From Midway, it goes west on the north boundary road of the East Cactus Plain Wilderness Area to Parker-Swansea Road. The route then goes west in Osborne Wash, south of the Parker-Swansea Road to the CAP Canal, along the north boundary of the Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area, staying in Osborne Wash, it proceeds west in Osborne Wash to the CRIT Reservation boundary.

Times of the Temporary Land Closure: The Blue Water Resort and Casino Parker 425 Desert Race closure is in effect from 2 p.m. (m.s.t.) on Friday, February 4, 2005, through 11:59 p.m. (m.s.t.) on Saturday, February 5, 2004.

The following acts are prohibited during the temporary land closure:

1. Being present on, or driving on, the designated racecourse. This does not apply to race participants, race officials and emergency vehicles.

2. Vehicle parking or stopping in areas affected by the closure, except where such is specifically allowed (designated spectator areas).

3. Camping in any area, except in the designated spectator areas.

4. Discharge of firearms.

5. Possession or use of any fireworks.

6. Cutting or collecting firewood of any kind, including dead and down wood or other vegetative material.

7. Operating any vehicle (except registered race vehicles), including off-highway vehicles, not registered and equipped for street and highway operation.

8. Operating any vehicle in the area of the closure at a speed of more than 35 mph. This does not apply to registered race vehicles during the race, while on the designated racecourse.

9. Failure to obey any official sign posted by the Bureau of Land Management, LaPaz County, or the race promoter.

10. Parking any vehicle in a manner that obstructs or impedes normal traffic movement.

11. Failure to obey any person authorized to direct traffic, including law enforcement officers and designated race officials.

12. Failure to observe Spectator Area quiet hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

13. Failure to keep campsite or race viewing site free of trash and litter.

14. Allowing any pet or other animal to be unrestrained by a leash of not more than 6 feet in length.

The above restrictions do not apply to emergency vehicles and vehicles owned by the United States, the State of Arizona, or La Paz County. Authority for closure of public lands is found in 43 CFR part 8340, subpart 8341; 43 CFR part 8360, subpart 8364.1; and 43 CFR part 2930. Persons who violate this closure order are subject to arrest, and upon conviction may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than 12 months.

On January 4, 2005, the Commission determined that the domestic interested party group response to its notice of institution ( 69 FR 58955, October 1, 2004) of the subject five-year review was adequate and that the respondent interested party group response was inadequate. The Commission did not find any other circumstances that would warrant conducting a full review. 1 Accordingly, the Commission determined that it would conduct an expedited review pursuant to section 751(c)(3) of the Act.

A staff report containing information concerning the subject matter of the review will be placed in the nonpublic record on January 31, 2005, and made available to persons on the Administrative Protective Order service list for this review. A public version will be issued thereafter, pursuant to section 207.62(d)(4) of the Commission's rules.

As provided in section 207.62(d) of the Commission's rules, interested parties that are parties to the review and that have provided individually adequate responses to the notice of institution, 2 and any party other than an interested party to the review may file written comments with the Secretary on what determination the Commission should reach in the review. Comments are due on or before February 3, 2005 and may not contain new factual information. Any person that is neither a party to the five-year review nor an interested party may submit a brief written statement (which shall not contain any new factual information) pertinent to the review by February 3, 2005. However, should the Department of Commerce extend the time limit for its completion of the final results of its review, the deadline for comments (which may not contain new factual information) on Commerce's final results is three business days after the issuance of Commerce's results. If comments contain business proprietary information (BPI), they must conform with the requirements of sections 201.6, 207.3, and 207.7 of the Commission's rules. The Commission's rules do not authorize filing of submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means, except to the extent permitted by section 201.8 of the Commission's rules, as amended, 67 FR 68036 (November 8, 2002).

In accordance with sections 201.16(c) and 207.3 of the rules, each document filed by a party to the review must be served on all other parties to the review (as identified by either the public or BPI service list), and a certificate of service must be timely filed. The Secretary will not accept a document for filing without a certificate of service.