On December 26, 2017, DOE issued a final rule codifying at 10 CFR 430.32(bb) statutory backstop requirements applicable to rough service lamps and vibration service lamps. Prior to the rule, these backstop requirements were triggered as a result of rough and vibration service lamps exceeding a previously announced sales threshold and in the absence of any other energy conservation regulation issued by DOE for these lamps. In particular, the final rule applies a statutorily established 40-watt maximum energy use and packaging limitation to rough and vibration service lamps manufactured on or after January 25, 2018. 82 FR 60845.

On May 23, 2018, Aero-Tech submitted an application, pursuant to Subpart E of 10 CFR part 430, requesting a two-year small business exemption from the DOE rough service lamps energy conservation standards found in 10 CFR 430.32(bb). Aero-Tech requested an exemption from the standards on the basis of its status as a small business. According to Aero-Tech, failure to receive a small business exemption would likely result in a lessening of competition in the market for lighting companies.

Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(t), DOE may grant to a manufacturer a temporary exemption from an applicable energy conservation standard if DOE finds that the annual gross revenues of such manufacturer from all its operations (including the manufacture and sale of covered products) does not exceed $8,000,000 for the 12-month period preceding the date of the application. In making this finding, DOE must account for the annual gross revenues of any other person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such manufacturer. (42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(1)) The Secretary of Energy (Secretary) may not grant an exemption with respect to any type (or class) of covered product subject to an energy conservation standard unless the Secretary finds, after obtaining the written views of the Attorney General, that a failure to allow an exemption would likely result in a lessening of competition. (42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(2)) See also, subpart E of 10 CFR part 430. A notice of the decision of the Secretary must be published in the Federal Register along with the reason for denying or granting the application. 10 CFR 430.56(c)

On October 15, 2018, DOE issued a notice announcing the receipt of and publishing Aero-Tech's application for exemption. 83 FR 51931. In accordance with its regulations, DOE also transmitted Aero-Tech's application for exemption to the Attorney General by the Secretary along with: (a) A statement of the facts and of the reasons for the exemption, and (b) copies of all documents submitted. 10 CFR 430.54. DOE received one comment submitted by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) which provided data and supporting factual information relating to rough service lamp sales. NEMA did not take a position on the merits of Aero-Tech's application. 1

In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 430.56(c)), DOE gives notice of the issuance of its decision and order denying Aero-Tech's application for a small business exemption. The final decision document setting forth the relevant facts and the legal basis for denying Aero-Tech's application is available in the docket referenced above ( http://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2018-BT-PET-0016 ). In evaluating this matter, DOE's primary consideration was whether a failure to allow the exemption would result in a lessening of competition. After consultation with the Attorney General, DOE does not believe Aero-Tech has demonstrated that this would be the case. In its assessment letter responding to

DOE, the Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded that failure to grant Aero-Tech's application for a small business exemption for rough service lamps would likely not result in a lessening of competition. DOJ made this determination after reviewing Aero-Tech's application, as well as speaking with industry representatives and reviewing the supplementary information submitted to DOE by industry representatives. As part of its analysis, DOJ noted that it applies the standard set forth in 42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(2), and examines whether failure to grant a small business exemption would likely result in a lessening of competition, for example, by substantially limiting consumer choice or increasing industry concentration. DOE is publishing the Attorney General's determination letter at the end of this notice. In light of the Attorney General's written finding, DOE has no independent basis to come to a different conclusion than the DOJ with regard to Aero-Tech's request for a small business exemption, and, therefore, DOE cannot make a finding that a failure to allow an exemption to Aero-Tech would result in a lessening of competition.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), 1 Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317, as codified), among other things, authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish energy conservation standards for certain consumer products and industrial equipment. Title III, Part B  2 of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency for certain types of consumer products. These products include rough service lamps, the focus of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(4)(A))

On December 26, 2017, DOE issued a final rule codifying at 10 CFR 430.32(bb) statutory backstop requirements applicable to rough service lamps and vibration service lamps. Prior to the rule, these backstop requirements were triggered as a result of rough and vibration service lamps exceeding a previously announced sales threshold and in the absence of any other energy conservation regulation issued by DOE for these lamps. In particular, the final rule placed in the Code of Federal Regulations a statutorily established 40-watt maximum energy use and packaging limitation for rough and vibration service lamps manufactured on or after January 25, 2018. DOE subsequently published an Enforcement Policy Statement announcing a May 1, 2018 compliance date for the rule. 3 For rough service lamps, the statute requires the lamps to: (1) Have a shatter-proof coating or equivalent technology that complies with NSF/ANSI 51 and is designed to contain the glass if the glass envelope of the lamp is broken and to provide effective containment over the life of the lamp; (2) have a maximum 40-watt limitation; and (3) be sold at retail only in a package containing one lamp. (42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(4)(D)(ii))

Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(t), DOE may grant to a manufacturer a temporary exemption from an applicable energy conservation standard if DOE finds that the annual gross revenues of such manufacturer from all its operations (including the manufacture and sale of covered products) does not exceed $8,000,000 for the 12-month period preceding the date of the application. In making this finding, DOE must account for the annual gross revenues of any other person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such manufacturer (referred to herein as a “small business exemption”). (42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(1)) The Secretary of Energy (Secretary) may not grant a small business exemption with respect to any type (or class) of covered product subject to an energy conservation standard unless the Secretary finds, after obtaining the written views of the Attorney General, that a failure to allow an exemption would likely result in a lessening of competition. (42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(2)) See also, subpart E of 10 CFR part 430. A notice of the decision of the Secretary must be published in the Federal Register along with the reason for denying or granting the application. 10 CFR 430.56(c)

On May 23, 2018, Aero-Tech Light Bulb Co. (Aero-Tech) submitted an application for a small business exemption pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(t) and Subpart E of 10 CFR part 430, requesting an exemption from the DOE rough service lamps energy conservation standards found in 10 CFR 430.32(bb). Specifically, Aero-Tech requested an exemption from compliance with the standards until January 25, 2020. The application indicated that Aero-Tech is an importer and distributor of rough service light bulbs. In its application, Aero-Tech asked for an exemption from the standards on the basis of its status as a small business. According to Aero-Tech, failure to receive a small business exemption would likely result in a lessening of competition in the market for lighting companies. In its application, Aero-Tech stated that, failure to grant an exemption would mean that Aero-Tech would lose 70% of its business and have to close its doors.

On October 15, 2018, DOE published a notice announcing its receipt of the application for exemption and solicited comments from interested parties. 83 FR 51931. In accordance with its regulations, DOE also transmitted Aero-Tech's application for exemption to the Attorney General along with: (a) A statement of the facts and of the reasons for the exemption, and (b) copies of all documents submitted. 10 CFR 430.54. DOE received one comment submitted by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) which provided data and supporting factual information relating to rough service lamp sales. 4 In its comments, NEMA provided the names of nine NEMA manufacturers and two non-member companies that sell rough service lamps. While NEMA did not take a position on the merits of Aero-Tech's application, NEMA's comments indicated that the demand for rough service lamps is decreasing as customers are migrating to light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs for rough service applications at higher light output levels.

Per 42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(2), DOE obtained the written views of the Attorney General concerning Aero-Tech's application for exemption. Under this statutory provision, DOE may only grant a small business exemption if it has consulted with the Attorney General and finds that a lessening of competition would likely result. In its assessment letter responding to DOE, the Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded that failure to grant Aero-Tech's application for a small business exemption for rough service lamps would likely not result in a lessening of competition. DOJ made this determination after reviewing Aero-Tech's application, as well as speaking with industry representatives and reviewing the supplementary information submitted to DOE by industry representatives. As part of its analysis, DOJ noted that it applies the standard set forth in 42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(2), and examines whether failure to grant a small business exemption would likely result in a lessening of competition, for example, by substantially limiting consumer choice or increasing industry concentration.

DOE has no independent basis to come to a different conclusion than the DOJ with regard to Aero-Tech's request for a small business exemption. Thus, DOE does not find that Aero-Tech has demonstrated that a failure to allow the exemption would result in a lessening of competition, as required under 42 U.S.C. 6295(t)(2). It is Ordered that the application for a small business exemption submitted on May 23, 2018 by Aero-Tech Light Bulb Co. is denied.

In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2), AHRQ announces meetings of the above-listed scientific peer review groups, which are subcommittees of AHRQ's Health Services Research Initial Review Group Committees. Each subcommittee meeting will commence in open session before closing to the public for the duration of the meeting. The subcommittee meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in 5 U.S.C. App. 2 section 10(d), 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4), and 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6). The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Agenda items for these meetings are subject to change as priorities dictate.

This meeting notice is being published less than 15 days in advance of the meeting due to the partial Government shutdown of December 2018.

The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463.

Purpose: The Board of Scientific Counselors makes recommendations regarding policies, strategies, objectives, and priorities; and reviews progress toward injury and violence prevention. The Board also provides advice on the appropriate balance of intramural and extramural research, and guidance on the needs, structure, progress and performance of intramural programs. The Board also provides guidance on extramural scientific program matters, including the: (1) Review of extramural research concepts for funding opportunity announcements; (2) conduct of secondary peer review of extramural research grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts applications received in response to the funding opportunity announcements as they relate to the Center's programmatic balance and mission; (3) submission of secondary review recommendations to the Center Director relating to applications to be considered for funding support; (4) review of research portfolios, and (5) review of program proposals.

Matters to be Considered: The agenda will include discussions on Secondary Peer Review of extramural research grant and cooperative agreement applications received in response to one (1) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO): CE19-001, Injury Control Research Centers. Agenda items are subject to change as priorities dictate.

The Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments A. Obtaining Information

Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2019-0028 facility name, unit number(s), plant docket number, application date, and subject when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly-available information related to this action by any of the following methods:

• Federal Rulemaking website: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2019-0028.

• NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select “Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.” For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The ADAMS accession number for each document referenced (if it is available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that it is mentioned in this document.

• NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

Please include Docket ID NRC-2019-0028 facility name, unit number(s), plant docket number, application date, and subject in your comment submission.

The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at http://www.regulations.gov as well as enter the comment submissions into ADAMS. The NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information.

If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment into ADAMS.

Pursuant to Section 189a.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is publishing this regular biweekly notice. The Act requires the Commission to publish notice of any amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, and grants the Commission the authority to issue and make immediately effective any amendment to an operating license or combined license, as applicable, upon a determination by the Commission that such amendment involves no significant hazards consideration, notwithstanding the pendency before the Commission of a request for a hearing from any person.

The Commission has made a proposed determination that the following amendment requests involve no significant hazards consideration. Under the Commission's regulations in § 50.92 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), this means that operation of the facility in accordance with the proposed amendment would not (1) involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated; or (2) create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated; or (3) involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. The basis for this proposed determination for each amendment request is shown below.

The Commission is seeking public comments on this proposed determination. Any comments received within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice will be considered in making any final determination.

Normally, the Commission will not issue the amendment until the expiration of 60 days after the date of publication of this notice. The Commission may issue the license amendment before expiration of the 60-day period provided that its final determination is that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. In addition, the Commission may issue the amendment prior to the expiration of the 30-day comment period if circumstances change during the 30-day comment period such that failure to act in a timely way would result, for example in derating or shutdown of the facility. If the Commission takes action prior to the expiration of either the comment period or the notice period, it will publish in the Federal Register a notice of issuance. If the Commission makes a final no significant hazards consideration determination, any hearing will take place after issuance. The Commission expects that the need to take this action will occur very infrequently.

Within 60 days after the date of publication of this notice, any persons (petitioner) whose interest may be affected by this action may file a request for a hearing and petition for leave to intervene (petition) with respect to the action. Petitions shall be filed in accordance with the Commission's “Agency Rules of Practice and Procedure” in 10 CFR part 2. Interested persons should consult a current copy of 10 CFR 2.309. The NRC's regulations are accessible electronically from the NRC Library on the NRC's website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/. Alternatively, a copy of the regulations is available at the NRC's Public Document Room, located at One White Flint North, Room O1-F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland 20852. If a petition is filed, the Commission or a presiding officer will rule on the petition and, if appropriate, a notice of a hearing will be issued.

As required by 10 CFR 2.309(d), the petition should specifically explain the reasons why intervention should be permitted with particular reference to the following general requirements for standing: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner; (2) the nature of the petitioner's right under the Act to be made a party to the proceeding; (3) the nature and extent of the petitioner's property, financial, or other interest in the proceeding; and (4) the possible effect of any decision or order which may be entered in the proceeding on the petitioner's interest.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.309(f), the petition must also set forth the specific contentions which the petitioner seeks to have litigated in the proceeding. Each contention must consist of a specific statement of the issue of law or fact to be raised or controverted. In addition, the petitioner must provide a brief explanation of the bases for the contention and a concise statement of the alleged facts or expert opinion which support the contention and on which the petitioner intends to rely in proving the contention at the hearing. The petitioner must also provide references to the specific sources and documents on which the petitioner intends to rely to support its position on the issue. The petition must include sufficient information to show that a genuine dispute exists with the applicant or licensee on a material issue of law or fact. Contentions must be limited to matters within the scope of the proceeding. The contention must be one which, if proven, would entitle the petitioner to relief. A petitioner who fails to satisfy the requirements at 10 CFR 2.309(f) with respect to at least one contention will not be permitted to participate as a party.

Those permitted to intervene become parties to the proceeding, subject to any limitations in the order granting leave to intervene. Parties have the opportunity to participate fully in the conduct of the hearing with respect to resolution of that party's admitted contentions, including the opportunity to present evidence, consistent with the NRC's regulations, policies, and procedures.

Petitions must be filed no later than 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. Petitions and motions for leave to file new or amended contentions that are filed after the deadline will not be entertained absent a determination by the presiding officer that the filing demonstrates good cause by satisfying the three factors in 10 CFR 2.309(c)(1)(i) through (iii). The petition must be filed in accordance with the filing instructions in the “Electronic Submissions (E-Filing)” section of this document.

If a hearing is requested, and the Commission has not made a final determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration, the Commission will make a final determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration. The final determination will serve to establish when the hearing is held. If the final determination is that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration, the Commission may issue the amendment and make it immediately effective, notwithstanding the request for a hearing. Any hearing would take place after issuance of the amendment. If the final determination is that the amendment request involves a significant hazards consideration, then any hearing held would take place before the issuance of the amendment unless the Commission finds an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public, in which case it will issue an appropriate order or rule under 10 CFR part 2.

A State, local governmental body, Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof, may submit a petition to the Commission to participate as a party under 10 CFR 2.309(h)(1). The petition should state the nature and extent of the petitioner's interest in the proceeding. The petition should be submitted to the Commission no later than 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. The petition must be filed in accordance with the filing instructions in the “Electronic Submissions (E-Filing)” section of this document, and should meet the requirements for petitions set forth in this section, except that under 10 CFR 2.309(h)(2) a State, local governmental body, or Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof does not need to address the standing requirements in 10 CFR 2.309(d) if the facility is located within its boundaries. Alternatively, a State, local governmental body, Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof may participate as a non-party under 10 CFR 2.315(c).

If a hearing is granted, any person who is not a party to the proceeding and is not affiliated with or represented by a party may, at the discretion of the presiding officer, be permitted to make a limited appearance pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR 2.315(a). A person making a limited appearance may make an oral or written statement of his or her position on the issues but may not otherwise participate in the proceeding. A limited appearance may be made at any session of the hearing or at any prehearing conference, subject to the limits and conditions as may be imposed by the presiding officer. Details regarding the opportunity to make a limited appearance will be provided by the presiding officer if such sessions are scheduled.

All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a request for hearing and petition for leave to intervene (petition), any motion or other document filed in the proceeding prior to the submission of a request for hearing or petition to intervene, and documents filed by interested governmental entities that request to participate under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance with the NRC's E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007, as amended at 77 FR 46562; August 3, 2012). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases to mail copies on electronic storage media. Detailed guidance on making electronic submissions may be found in the Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC and on the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html. Participants may not submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an exemption in accordance with the procedures described below.

To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 10 days prior to the filing deadline, the participant should contact the Office of the Secretary by email at hearing.docket@nrc.gov, or by telephone at 301-415-1677, to (1) request a digital identification (ID) certificate, which allows the participant (or its counsel or representative) to digitally sign submissions and access the E-Filing system for any proceeding in which it is participating; and (2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a petition or other adjudicatory document (even in instances in which the participant, or its counsel or representative, already holds an NRC-issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the Secretary will establish an electronic docket for the hearing in this proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an electronic docket.

Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/getting-started.html. Once a participant has obtained a digital ID certificate and a docket has been created, the participant can then submit adjudicatory documents. Submissions must be in Portable Document Format (PDF). Additional guidance on PDF submissions is available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. A filing is considered complete at the time the document is submitted through the NRC's E-Filing system. To be timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Upon receipt of a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document and sends the submitter an email notice confirming receipt of the document. The E-Filing system also distributes an email notice that provides access to the document to the NRC's Office of the General Counsel and any others who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the document on those participants separately. Therefore, applicants and other participants (or their counsel or representative) must apply for and receive a digital ID certificate before adjudicatory documents are filed so that they can obtain access to the documents via the E-Filing system.

A person filing electronically using the NRC's adjudicatory E-Filing system may seek assistance by contacting the NRC's Electronic Filing Help Desk through the “Contact Us” link located on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email to MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. The NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk is available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays.

Participants who believe that they have a good cause for not submitting documents electronically must file an exemption request, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their initial paper filing stating why there is good cause for not filing electronically and requesting authorization to continue to submit documents in paper format. Such filings must be submitted by: (1) First class mail addressed to the Office of the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff; or (2) courier, express mail, or expedited delivery service to the Office of the Secretary, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff. Participants filing adjudicatory documents in this manner are responsible for serving the document on all other participants. Filing is considered complete by first-class mail as of the time of deposit in the mail, or by courier, express mail, or expedited delivery service upon depositing the document with the provider of the service. A presiding officer, having granted an exemption request from using E-Filing, may require a participant or party to use E-Filing if the presiding officer subsequently determines that the reason for granting the exemption from use of E-Filing no longer exists.

Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRC's electronic hearing docket which is available to the public at https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd, unless excluded pursuant to an order of the Commission or the presiding officer. If you do not have an NRC-issued digital ID certificate as described above, click cancel when the link requests certificates and you will be automatically directed to the NRC's electronic hearing dockets where you will be able to access any publicly available documents in a particular hearing docket. Participants are requested not to include personal privacy information, such as social security numbers, home addresses, or personal phone numbers in their filings, unless an NRC regulation or other law requires submission of such information. For example, in some instances, individuals provide home addresses in order to demonstrate proximity to a facility or site. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would constitute a Fair Use application, participants are requested not to include copyrighted materials in their submission.

For further details with respect to these license amendment applications, see the application for amendment which is available for public inspection in ADAMS and at the NRC's PDR. For additional direction on accessing information related to this document, see the “Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments” section of this document.

Date of amendment request: October 11, 2018, as supplemented by letter dated November 28, 2018. Publicly-available versions are in ADAMS under Accession Nos. ML18284A395 and ML18333A029, respectively.

Description of amendment request: The amendments would revise the technical specifications to support and allow application of Advanced Framatome Methodologies for determining core operating limits in support of loading Framatome fuel type ATRIUM 11.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Kathryn B. Nolan, Deputy General Counsel, 550 South Tryon St., M/C DEC45A, Charlotte, NC 28202.

NRC Branch Chief: Undine Shoop.

Date of amendment request: November 29, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18333A194.

Description of amendment request: The amendment would revise the RBS Technical Specifications (TS) to remove the table of contents (TOC) from the TS and place it under the licensee's control. The TOC would not be eliminated, but would no longer be in the TS, and therefore, maintenance and updates would be Entergy's responsibility.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Ms. Anna Vinson Jones, Senior Counsel—Entergy Services, Inc., 101 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite 200 East, Washington, DC 20001.

NRC Branch Chief: Robert J. Pascarelli.

Date of amendment request: November 29, 2018. A publicly available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18333A206.

Description of amendment request: The amendment would revise the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant Technical Specifications to remove the Ultimate Heat Sink (UHS) Bar Rack Heaters from the UHS operability requirements.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Donald P. Ferraro, Assistant General Counsel, Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 200 Exelon Way, Suite 305, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

NRC Branch Chief: James G. Danna.

Date of amendment request: November 1, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18305B401.

Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would revise the technical specifications (TS) for these facilities to eliminate secondary completion times. The proposed changes are based on Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) traveler TSTF-439, Revision 2, “Eliminate Second Completion Times Limiting Time from Discovery of Failure to Meet an LCO [Limiting Condition for Operation]” (ADAMS Accession No. ML051860296). The proposed amendments would also make other administrative changes.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the requested amendments involve no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Tamra Domeyer, Associate General Counsel, Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 4300 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555.

NRC Branch Chief: David J. Wrona.

Date of amendment request: November 28, 2018, as supplemented by letter dated November 29, 2018. Publicly-available versions are in ADAMS under Accession Nos. ML18333A022 and ML18337A038, respectively.

Description of amendment request: The amendments would allow the implementation of risk-informed categorization and treatment of structures, systems, and components.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Tamra Domeyer, Associate General Counsel, Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 4300 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555.

NRC Branch Chief: James G. Danna.

Date of amendment request: October 22, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18295A289.

Description of amendment request: The licensee proposes to change the technical specifications (TSs) for DBNPS to permit changes in plant operations when the plant is permanently defueled. Specifically, the licensee proposes to revise the TSs to support the implementation of the certified fuel handler and non-certified operator positions. In addition, certain organization, staffing, and training requirements in the TSs will be revised. The proposed amendment would also make other administrative changes.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Rick Giannantonio, General Counsel, FirstEnergy Corporation, Mail Stop A-GO-15, 76 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308.

NRC Branch Chief: David J. Wrona.

Date of amendment request: December 12, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18346A595.

Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would remove an expired one-time extension to Technical Specification Surveillance Frequency 4.3.3.6, which describes the Surveillance Requirements for the Accident Monitoring Instrumentation. Additionally, this proposed change will remove the Index from the Technical Specifications and place them under licensee control.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Kathryn M. Sutton, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004.

NRC Branch Chief: Michael T. Markley.

Date of amendment request: November 29, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18333A350.

Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would revise certain Technical Specifications (TSs) to remove the requirements for engineered safety feature (ESF) systems to be operable after sufficient radioactive decay of irradiated fuel has occurred following a plant shutdown; revise certain TSs actions that are not needed to mitigate accidents postulated during shutdown; revise the licensing basis to Fuel Handing Accident (FHA) analysis; partially adopt Standard Technical Specifications (STS) Change Traveler Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF)-51-A, “Revise Containment Requirements During Handling Irradiated Fuel and Core Alterations,” Revision 2; and, partially adopt STS Change Traveler TSTF-471-A, “Eliminate Use Of Term CORE ALTERATIONS in ACTIONS and Notes,” Revision 1.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Millicent Ronnlund, Vice President and General Counsel, Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., P.O. Box 1295, Birmingham, AL 35201-1295.

NRC Branch Chief: Michael T. Markley.

Date of amendment request: November 29, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18333A337.

Description of amendment request: The requested amendment proposes changes to information in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR) in the form of departures from plant-specific Tier 1 information, with corresponding changes to the associated Combined License (COL) Appendix C information. Specifically, the requested amendment proposes changes to plant-specific Tier 1 information to clarify that when the Design Commitment or Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria (ITAAC) provides that an item or activity must comply with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Section III, this means compliance with the ASME Section III Code, as incorporated by reference in 10 CFR 50.55a with specific conditions, or in accordance with alternatives authorized by the NRC pursuant to 10 CFR 50.55a. Pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR 52.63(b)(1), an exemption from elements of the design as certified in the 10 CFR part 52, Appendix D, design certification rule is also requested for the plant-specific DCD Tier 1 material departures.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Mr. M. Stanford Blanton, Balch & Bingham LLP, 1710 Sixth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203-2015.

NRC Branch Chief: Jennifer L. Dixon-Herrity.

Date of amendment request: December 4, 2018. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18339A002.

Description of amendment request: The amendments would revise Technical Specification (TS) 3.8.3, “Diesel Fuel Oil, Lube Oil, and Starting Air,” Surveillance Requirement 3.8.3.1, by relocating the current stored diesel fuel oil numerical requirements from the TS to the TS Bases so that it may be modified under licensee control. The proposed changes are based on Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-501, Revision 1, “Relocate Stored Fuel Oil and Lube Oil Volume Values to Licensee Control,” dated February 20, 2009.

Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

Attorney for licensee: Damon D. Obie, Associate General Counsel, Talen Energy Supply, LLC, 835 Hamilton St., Suite 150, Allentown, PA 18101.

NRC Branch Chief: James G. Danna.

During the period since publication of the last biweekly notice, the Commission has issued the following amendments. The Commission has determined for each of these amendments that the application complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations. The Commission has made appropriate findings as required by the Act and the Commission's rules and regulations in 10 CFR chapter I, which are set forth in the license amendment.

A notice of consideration of issuance of amendment to facility operating license or combined license, as applicable, proposed no significant hazards consideration determination, and opportunity for a hearing in connection with these actions, was published in the Federal Register as indicated.

Unless otherwise indicated, the Commission has determined that these amendments satisfy the criteria for categorical exclusion in accordance with 10 CFR 51.22. Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared for these amendments. If the Commission has prepared an environmental assessment under the special circumstances provision in 10 CFR 51.22(b) and has made a determination based on that assessment, it is so indicated.

For further details with respect to the action see (1) the applications for amendment, (2) the amendment, and (3) the Commission's related letter, Safety Evaluation and/or Environmental Assessment as indicated. All of these items can be accessed as described in the “Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments” section of this document.

Date of amendment request: March 14, 2018.

Brief description of amendment: The amendment modified the technical specification definition of “Shutdown Margin” (SDM) to require calculation of the SDM at a reactor moderator temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit or a higher temperature that represents the most reactive state throughout the operating cycle. This change is needed to address new boiling-water reactor fuel designs, which may be more reactive at shutdown temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Date of issuance: January 7, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented within 45 days.

Amendment No.: 213. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18306A451; documents related to this amendment are listed in the Safety Evaluation enclosed with the amendment.

Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-43: Amendment revised the Renewed Facility Operating License and Technical Specifications.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : August 14, 2018 (83 FR 40346).

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated January 7, 2019.

No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.

Date of amendment request: January 23, 2018.

Brief description of amendments: The amendments revised Technical Specification 3.6.4.1, “Secondary Containment,” Surveillance Requirement 3.6.4.1.2, to allow for the temporary opening of the inner and outer doors of secondary containment for the purpose of entry and exit. The changes are consistent with NRC-approved Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-551, Revision 3, “Revise Secondary Containment Surveillance Requirements.”

Date of issuance: January 7, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented within 120 days.

Amendment Nos.: 287 (Unit 1) and 315 (Unit 2). A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18264A260; documents related to these amendments are listed in the Safety Evaluation enclosed with the amendments.

Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-71 and DPR-62: The amendments revised the Renewed Facility Operating Licenses and Technical Specifications.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : June 19, 2018 (83 FR 28458).

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated January 7, 2019.

No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.

Date of amendment request: January 23, 2018.

Brief description of amendments: The amendments revised the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, Units 1 and 2, Technical Specifications to adopt Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-208, Revision 0, “Extension of Time to Reach Mode 2 in LCO [Limiting Condition for Operation] 3.0.3.”

Date of issuance: January 9, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented within 120 days.

Amendment Nos.: 288 and 316. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18291B322; documents related to these amendments are listed in the Safety Evaluation enclosed with the amendments.

Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-71 and DPR-62: The amendments revised the Renewed Facility Operating Licenses and Technical Specifications.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : June 19, 2018 (83 FR 28459).

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated January 9, 2019.

No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.

Date of amendment request: January 9, 2018, as supplemented by letter dated August 29, 2018.

Brief description of amendment: The amendment incorporated a revised alternative source term dose calculation resulting from the removal of a reduction factor credit for dual remote Control Room outside air intakes that had been previously misapplied. The loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) dose calculation, the subsequent calculation results as described in the CPS Updated Safety Analysis Report, and the affected CPS technical specifications are revised.

Date of issuance: January 3, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented within 60 days from the date of issuance.

Amendment No: 221. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18303A313; documents related to the amendment are listed in the related Safety Evaluation enclosed with the amendment.

Facility Operating License No. NPF-62: The amendment revised the Facility Operating License, Technical Specifications, and Licensing Basis.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : March 13, 2018 (83 FR 10918).

The supplemental letter dated August 29, 2018, provided additional information that clarified the application, did not expand the scope of the application as originally noticed, and did not change the NRC staff's original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as published in the Federal Register .

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated January 3, 2019.

No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.

Date of amendment request: January 24, 2018, as supplemented by letters dated June 11, 2018, and July 16, 2018.

Brief description of amendment: The amendments revised the LSCS Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.2, “Diesel Generator Cooling Water (DGCW) System”; TS 3.8.1, “AC [Alternating Current] Sources-Operating”; and the associated TS Bases to allow an extended period to install isolation valves to support replacing degraded core standby cooling system piping.

The changes modified TS 3.7.2 to include a 7-day Completion Time (CT) when one or more required DGCW subsystem(s) are inoperable. The changes to TS 3.8.1 included a 7-day CT when a Division 2 diesel generator (DG) and the required opposite unit Division 2 DG are inoperable. The changes will only be used during four refueling outages, two for Unit 1 prior to July 1, 2024, and two for Unit 2 prior to July 1, 2023. The current planned schedule for the refueling outages, subject to change, is 2019 and 2021 for Unit 2, and 2020 and 2022 for Unit 1.

Date of issuance: January 2, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented within 30 days of issuance.

Amendment No.: Unit 1-233; Unit 2-219. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18311A265; documents related to these amendments are listed in the Safety Evaluation enclosed with the amendments.

Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-11 and NPF-18: The amendments revised the Renewed Facility Operating Licenses and Technical Specifications.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : March 13, 2018 (83 FR 10919). The supplemental letters dated June 11, 2018, and July 16, 2018, provided additional information that clarified the application, did not expand the scope of the application as originally noticed, and did not change the staff's original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as published in the Federal Register .

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated January 2, 2019.

No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.

Date of amendment request: February 9, 2018, as supplemented by letter dated August 17, 2018.

Brief description of amendment: The amendment revised the Boraflex credit from the two remaining Boraflex storage racks located in the spent fuel pool. The change eliminates reliance on Boraflex for spent fuel pool reactivity control.

Date of issuance: January 11, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented during the spent fuel pool cleanup plan scheduled to begin after the 2019 refuel outage.

Amendment No.: 234. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18344A452; documents related to this amendment are listed in the Safety Evaluation enclosed with the amendment.

Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-63: The amendment revised the Renewed Facility Operating License and Technical Specifications.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : July 3, 2018 (83 FR 31184) and July 10, 2018 (83 FR 31981) (comment date correction from September 3, 2018, to September 4, 2018). The supplemental letter dated August 17, 2018, provided additional information that clarified the application, did not expand the scope of the application as originally noticed, and did not change the NRC staff's original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as published in the Federal Register .

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated January 11, 2019.

No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.

Date of amendment request: February 9, 2017.

Brief description of amendment: The amendment revised Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-28 to reflect the direct transfer of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (Vermont Yankee) license and the general license for the Vermont Yankee Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) from Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. to NorthStar Nuclear Decommissioning Company, LLC; the indirect transfer of control of Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC's (ENVY) ownership interests in Vermont Yankee and the Vermont Yankee ISFSI to NorthStar Decommissioning Holdings, LLC, and its parents NorthStar Group Services, Inc., LVI Parent Corp., and NorthStar Group Holdings, LLC; and the name change for ENVY from ENVY to NorthStar Vermont Yankee, LLC.

Date of issuance: January 11, 2019.

Effective date: As of the date of issuance, and shall be implemented within 30 days of issuance.

Amendment No.: 271. A publicly-available version is in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18347B358; documents related to this amendment are listed in the Safety Evaluation enclosed with the letter dated October 11, 2018 (ADAMS Package Accession No. ML18242A638).

Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-28: The amendment revised the Renewed Facility Operating License.

Date of initial notice in Federal Register : May 24, 2017 (82 FR 23845).

The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is contained in the Safety Evaluation dated October 11, 2018.

Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's disaster declaration, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations.

The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster:

The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 15851 5 and for economic injury is 15852 0.

The States which received an EIDL Declaration # are California, Arizona.

Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's disaster declaration, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations.

The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster:

The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 15853 6 and for economic injury is 15854 0.

The States which received an EIDL Declaration # are Louisiana, Mississippi.

This notice is divided into eight sections. Section I provides a summary of and background information on the SAHAT Grant Program as well as the statutory authority, desired outcomes, funding priorities, definitions, and delegation of authority. Section II provides award information, including funding availability, and the anticipated start date of the SAHAT Grant Program. Section III provides detailed information on eligibility and the threshold criteria for submitting an application. Section IV provides detailed application and submission information, including how to request an application, application content, and submission dates and times. Section V describes the review process, scoring criteria, and selection process. Section VI provides award administration information such as award notices and reporting requirements. Section VII provides agency contacts. Section VIII provides additional information related to the SAHAT Grant Program. This notice includes citations from 38 Code of Federal Regulations Part 36, which applicants and stakeholders are expected to read to increase their knowledge and understanding of the SAHAT Grant Program.

Pursuant to the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 (Pub. L.) 111-275, § 203, 124 Stat. 2864), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), through the Loan Guaranty Service (LGY) of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), is authorized to provide grants of financial assistance to develop new assistive technology. The objective of the SAHAT Grant Program is to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for adapted housing.

LGY currently administers the SAHAT Grant Program. Through this program, LGY provides funds to eligible veterans and servicemembers with certain service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home, to allow them to live more independently. Please see 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 2101(a)(2)(B) and (C) and 38 U.S.C. 2101(b)(2) for a list of qualifying service-connected disabilities. Currently, most SAHAT adaptations involve structural modifications such as ramps, wider hallways and doorways, and roll-in showers and other accessible bathroom features, etc. For more information about the SAHAT Grant Program, please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.

VA acknowledges there are many emerging technologies and improvements in building materials that could improve home adaptions or otherwise enhance a veteran's or servicemember's ability to live independently. Therefore, in 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 36.4412(b)(2), VA has defined “new assistive technology” as an advancement that the Secretary determines could aid or enhance the ability of an eligible individual, as defined in 38 CFR 36.4401, to live in an adapted home. SAHAT funding will support the creation of assistive technologies that veterans and servicemembers can use in order to facilitate optimal independence in their homes.

Public Law 111-275, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 (the Act), was enacted on October 13, 2010. Section 203 of the Act added 38 U.S.C. 2108 to establish the SAHAT Grant Program. The Act authorized VA to provide grants of up to $200,000 per fiscal year, through September 30, 2016, to a “person or entity” for the development of specially adapted housing assistive technologies. The Act limited the aggregate amount of such grants VA may award in any fiscal year to $1 million. On September 29, 2018, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018 was enacted. Public Law 115-251, § 122, 132 Stat. 3166, 3169. Section 122 of Public Law 115-251 extended the authority for VA to provide grants in the manner listed above through September 30, 2020. See 38 U.S.C. 2108 and 38 CFR 36.4412.

Grantees will be expected to leverage grant funds to develop new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing. In 38 CFR 36.4412(f)(2), VA set out the scoring criteria and the maximum points allowed for each criterion. As explained in the preambles to both the proposed and final rules, while the scoring framework is set out in the regulation text, each notice will address the scoring priorities for that particular grant cycle. 79 FR 53146, 53148, Sept. 8, 2014; 80 FR 55763, 55764, Sept. 17, 2014. For FY 2019, the Secretary has established innovation and unmet needs, as described in scoring criteria 1 and 2 contained in Section V(A) of this notice, as top priorities. Additional information regarding how these priorities will be scored is contained in Section V(A) of this notice.

Definitions of terms used in the SAHAT Grant Program are found at 38 CFR 36.4412(b).

Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), certain VA employees appointed to or lawfully fulfilling specific positions within VBA are delegated authority, within the limitations and conditions prescribed by law, to exercise the powers and functions of the Secretary with respect to the SAHAT Grant Program authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108.

The aggregate amount of assistance VA may award in any fiscal year is limited to $1 million. This funding will be provided as an assistance agreement in the form of grants. The number of assistance agreements VA will fund as a result of this notice will be based on the quality of the technology grant applications received and the availability of funding. However, the maximum amount of assistance a technology grant applicant may receive in any fiscal year is limited to $200,000.

Funding for these projects is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds and the evaluation of technology grant applications based on the criteria in this announcement. In appropriate circumstances, VA reserves the right to partially fund technology grant applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects that relate to adapted housing. Award of funding through this competition is not a guarantee of future funding. The SAHAT Grant Program is administered annually and does not guarantee subsequent awards. Renewal grants to provide new assistive technology will not be considered under this announcement.

The anticipated start date of grants funded under this announcement is April 1, 2019. The funding period will not exceed 15 months from the start date, to be followed by a 90-day period for closeout. Grant projects must be closed out by September 30, 2020.

As authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108, the Secretary may provide a grant to a “person or entity” for the development of specially adapted housing assistive technologies.

There is no cost sharing, matching, or cost participation for the SAHAT Grant Program. However, leveraged resources will be considered as an evaluation criterion during the application review process (see scoring criterion 6 in Section V of this announcement). Leveraged resources are not included in the approved budget (outlined in the Standard Form 424A—BUDGET INFORMATION—Non-Construction Programs) for the project and need not be an eligible and allowable cost under the grant. Any form of proposed leveraging that is evaluated under Section V scoring criteria must be included in the application, and the application must describe how the technology grant applicant will obtain the leveraged resources and what role VA funding will play in the overall project.

All technology grant applicants and applications must meet the threshold criteria set forth below. Failure to meet any of the following threshold criteria in the application will result in the automatic disqualification for funding consideration. Ineligible participants will be notified within 30 days of the finding of disqualification for award consideration based on the following threshold criteria:

1. Projects funded under this notice must involve new assistive technologies that the Secretary determines could aid or enhance the ability of a veteran or servicemember to live in an adapted home.

2. Projects funded under this notice must not be used for the completion of work which was to have been completed under a prior grant.

3. Applications in which the technology grant applicant is requesting assistance funds in excess of $200,000 will not be reviewed.

4. Applications that do not comply with the application and submission information requirements provided in Section IV of this notice will be rejected.

5. Applications submitted via mail, email, or facsimile will not be reviewed.

6. Applications must be received through www.Grants.gov, as specified in Section IV of this announcement, on or before the application deadline, March 3, 2019. Applications received through www.Grants.gov after the application deadline will be considered late and will not be reviewed.

7. Technology grant applicants that have an outstanding obligation that is in arrears to the Federal Government or have an overdue or unsatisfactory response to an audit will be deemed ineligible.

8. Technology grant applicants in default by failing to meet the requirements for any previous Federal assistance will be deemed ineligible.

9. Applications submitted by entities deemed ineligible will not be reviewed.

10. Applications with project dates that extend past June 30, 2020 (this period does not include the 90-day closeout period), will not be reviewed.

All technology grant recipients, including individuals and entities formed as for-profit entities, will be subject to the rules on Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, as found at 2 CFR part 200. See 2 CFR 200.101(a). Where the Secretary determines that 2 CFR part 200 is not applicable or where the Secretary determines that additional requirements are necessary due to the uniqueness of a situation, the Secretary will apply the same standard applicable to exceptions under 2 CFR 200.102.

Technology grant applicants may download the application package from www.Grants.gov. Questions regarding the application process should be referred to the program official: Jason Latona (Program Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, Jason.Latona@va.gov, (202) 632-8862. (This is not a toll-free number.)

The SAHAT Grant Program application package provided at www.Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SAHAT-19-04) contains electronic versions of the application forms that are required. Additional attachments to satisfy the required application information may be provided; however, letters of support included with the application will not be reviewed. All technology grant applications must consist of the following:

1. Standard Forms (SF) 424, 424A and 424B: The SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B require general information about the applicant and proposed project. The project budget should be described in SF-424A. Please do not include leveraged resources in SF-424A.

2. VA Form 26-0967: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion.

3. VA Form 26-0967a: Scoring Criteria for SAHAT Grants.

4. Applications: In addition to the forms listed above, each technology grant application must include the following information:

a. A project description, including the goals and objectives of the project, what the project is expected to achieve, and how the project will benefit veterans and servicemembers.

b. An estimated schedule including the length of time (not to extend past June 30, 2020) needed to accomplish tasks and objectives for the project.

c. A description of what the project proposes to demonstrate and how this new technology will aid or enhance the ability of veterans and servicemembers to live in an adapted home. The following link has additional information regarding adapted homes: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.

d. Each technology grant applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application addresses each of the scoring criteria listed in Section V(A) of this notice.

Each technology grant applicant, unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from these requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by VA under 2 CFR 25.110(d), is required to:

1. Be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application;

2. Provide a valid DUNS number in the application; and

3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which the technology grant applicant has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by VA.

VA will not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements, and if the applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time VA is ready to make an award, VA will determine the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and will use this determination as a basis for making the award to another applicant.

Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted via www.Grants.gov to be transmitted to VA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 3, 2019. Submissions received after this application deadline will be considered late and will not be reviewed or considered. Submissions via email, mail, or fax will not be accepted.

Applications submitted via www.Grants.gov must be submitted by an individual registered with www.Grants.gov and authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information and to complete the registration process, visit www.Grants.gov . Technology grant applicants are responsible for ensuring that the registration process does not hinder timely submission of the application.

It is the responsibility of grant applicants to ensure a complete application is submitted via www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to periodically review the “Version History Tab” of the funding opportunity announcement in www.Grants.gov to identify if any modifications have been made to the funding announcement and/or opportunity package. Upon initial download of the funding opportunity package, applicants will be asked to provide an email address that will allow www.Grants.gov to send the applicant an email message in the event this funding opportunity package is changed and/or republished on www.Grants.gov prior to the posted closing date.

It is recommended that confidential business information (CBI) not be included in the application. However, if CBI is included in an application, applicants should clearly indicate which portion(s) of their application they are claiming as CBI. See 2 CFR 200.333-200.337 (addressing access to a non-Federal entity's records pertinent to a Federal award).

This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.

The SAHAT Grant Program does not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

Each eligible proposal (based on the Section III threshold eligibility review) will be evaluated according to the criteria established by the Secretary and provided below in Section A.

The Secretary will score technology grant applications based on the scoring criteria listed below. As indicated in Section I of this notice, the Secretary is placing the greatest emphasis on criteria 1 and 2. The establishment of priorities does not establish new scoring criteria, but is designed to assist technology grant applicants in understanding how scores will be weighted. A technology grant application must receive a minimum aggregate score of 70. Instructions for completion of the scoring criteria are listed on VA Form 26-0967a. This form is included in the application package materials on www.Grants.gov. The scoring criteria and maximum points are as follows:

1. A description of how the new assistive technology is innovative (up to 50 points);

2. An explanation of how the new assistive technology will meet a specific, unmet need among eligible individuals (up to 50 points);

3. An explanation of how the new assistive technology is specifically designed to promote the ability of eligible individuals to live more independently (up to 30 points);

4. A description of the new assistive technology's concept, size, and scope (up to 30 points);

5. An implementation plan with major milestones for bringing the new assistive technology into production and to the market. Such milestones must be meaningful and achievable within a specific timeframe (up to 30 points); and

6. An explanation of what uniquely positions the technology grant applicant in the marketplace. This can include a focus on characteristics such as the economic reliability of the technology grant applicant, the technology grant applicant's status as a minority or veteran-owned business, or other characteristics that the technology grant applicant wants to include to show how it will help protect the interests of, or further the mission of, VA and the program (up to 20 points).

Eligible applications will be evaluated by a five-person review panel comprised of VA employees. The review panel will score applications using the scoring criteria provided in Section V(A), with the greatest emphasis being placed on scoring criteria 1 and 2. The review panel will then rank those applications that receive a minimum aggregate score of 70 in order from highest to lowest. The delegated official will select the highest ranked application(s) based on, and subject to, the availability of funds.

Although subject to change, the SAHAT Grant Program Office expects to announce grant recipients by April 1, 2019. Prior to executing any funding agreement, VA will contact successful applicants, make known the amount of proposed funding, and verify the applicant's desire to receive the funding. Any communication between the SAHAT Grant Program Office and successful applicants prior to the issuance of an award notice is not authorization to begin project activities. Once VA verifies that the grant applicant is still seeking funding, VA will issue a signed and dated award notice. The award notice will be sent by U.S. Mail to the organization listed on the SF-424. All applicants will be notified by letter, sent by U.S. Mail to the address listed on the SF-424.

This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.

VA places great emphasis on the responsibility and accountability of grantees. Grantees must agree to cooperate with any Federal evaluation of the program and provide the following:

1. Quarterly Progress Reports: These reports will be submitted electronically and outline how grant funds were used, describe program progress, and describe any barriers and measurable outcomes. Grantees will utilize the Research Performance Progress Report for quarterly reporting purposes.

2. Quarterly Financial Reports: These reports will be submitted electronically using the SF-425—Federal Financial Report.

3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final report will be submitted electronically and will detail the assistive technology developed. The Closeout Report must be submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program Office not later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, September 30, 2020.

For additional general information about this announcement contact the program official: Jason Latona (Program Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, Jason.Latona@va.gov, (202) 632-8862 (This is not a toll-free number.)

Mailed correspondence, which should not include application material, should be sent to: Loan Guaranty Service, VA Central Office, Attn: Jason Latona (262), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420.

All correspondence with VA concerning this announcement should reference the funding opportunity title and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Once the announcement deadline has passed, VA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the application review process has been completed.

Section 2108 authorizes VA to provide grants for the development of new assistive technologies through September 30, 2020. Additional information related to the SAHAT Grant Program administered by LGY is available at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.

The SAHAT Grant is not a veterans' benefit. As such, the decisions of the Secretary are final and not subject to the same appeal rights as decisions related to veterans' benefits. The Secretary does not have a duty to assist technology grant applicants in obtaining a grant.

Grantees will receive payments electronically through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System (PMS). All grant recipients should adhere to PMS user policies.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert L. Wilkie, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on January 18, 2019, for publication.