The agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America, specifically those that advance key priorities:

• Containing the COVID-19 pandemic,

• Ensuring racial equity,

• Rebuilding our rural economy, and

• Addressing the climate crisis.

Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural Business Development Grants.

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.351.

Dates: The deadline for completed applications must be received in the USDA Rural Development state office no later than June 30, 2021 for paper applications and 11:59 p.m. (local time) for electronic submissions on June 30, 2021, to be eligible for FY 2021 grant funding. A list of the USDA Rural Development state offices can be found at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.

Persistent poverty counties: Section 736 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the Appropriations Act), designates funding for projects in Persistent Poverty counties. Persistent Poverty counties is defined as “any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year average, or any territory or possession of the United States”. Another provision of the Appropriations Act expands the eligible population in Persistent Poverty counties to include any county seat of such a persistent poverty county that has a population that does not exceed the authorized population limit by more than 10 percent. This provision expands the current 50,000 population limit to 55,000 for county seats located in Persistent Poverty counties. Therefore, beneficiaries of technical assistance services located in Persistent Poverty county seats with populations up to 55,000 (per the 2010 Census) are eligible.

1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of this program is to improve the economic conditions of Rural Areas.

2. Statutory Authority. This program is authorized under section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)). Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. The program is administered on behalf of Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) at the state level by the USDA Rural Development state offices. Assistance provided to Rural Areas under the program has historically included the provision of on-site Technical Assistance to tribal, local and regional governments, public transit agencies, and related nonprofit and for-profit organizations in Rural Areas; the development of training materials; and the provision of necessary training assistance to local officials and agencies in Rural Areas.

Awards under the RBDG passenger transportation program will be made on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, and in accordance with section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)). Information required to be in the application package includes Standard Form (SF) 424, “Application for Federal Assistance;” environmental documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, “Environmental Policies and Procedures;” Scope of Work Narrative; Income Statement; Balance Sheet or Audit for previous 3 years; SF LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities;” RD 400-1, “Equal Opportunity Agreement;” RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement;” and a letter providing Board authorization to obtain assistance. For the FRNAT grant, which must benefit FRNATs, at least 75 percent of the benefits of the Project must be received by members of FRNATs. The Project that scores the greatest number of points based on the RBDG selection criteria and the discretionary points will be selected for each grant.

For the funding for Technical Assistance for RT systems, applicants must be qualified national organizations with experience in providing Technical Assistance and training to rural communities nationwide for the purpose of improving passenger transportation services or facilities. To be considered “national,” RBCS requires a qualified organization to provide evidence that it can operate RT assistance programming nationwide. An entity can qualify if they can work in partnership with other entities to fulfill the national requirement as long as the applicant will have ultimate control of the grant administration. For the funding for RT systems to FRNATs, an entity can qualify if it can work in partnership with other entities to support all federally recognized tribes in all States, as long as the applicant will have ultimate control of the grant administration. There is not a requirement to use the grant funds in a multi-State area. Grants will be made to qualified national organizations for the provision of Technical Assistance and training to Rural communities for the purpose of improving passenger transportation services or facilities.

3. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this notice are published at 7 CFR 4280.403.

4. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in response to this notice based on the provisions in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E and as indicated in this notice. However, the Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the burden in preparing and submitting a complete application in response to this notice.

Type of Award: Grants.

Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2021.

Available Funds: $750,000.

Approximate Number of Awards: Two. Historically, two awards have been made each Fiscal Year.

Maximum Awards: One single $500,000 grant and another single $250,000 grant for FRNATs.

Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2021.

Performance Period: October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2023.

Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.

1. Eligible Applicants.

To be considered eligible, an entity must be a qualified national organization serving Rural Areas as evidenced in its organizational documents and demonstrated experience, per 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. Grants will be competitively awarded to qualified national organizations.

The Agency requires the following information to make an eligibility determination that an applicant is a national organization. These applications must include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) An original and one copy of SF 424, “Application for Federal Assistance (for non-construction);”

(b) Copies of applicant's organizational documents showing the applicant's legal existence and authority to perform the activities under the grant;

(c) A proposed scope of work, including a description of the proposed Project, details of the proposed activities to be accomplished and timeframes for completion of each task, the number of months for the duration of the Project, and the estimated time it will take from grant approval to the beginning of Project implementation;

(d) A written narrative that includes, at a minimum, the following items:

(1) An explanation of why the Project is needed, the benefits of the proposed Project, and how the Project meets the grant eligible purposes;

(2) Area to be served, identifying each governmental unit, i.e., tribe, town, county, etc., to be affected by the Project;

(3) Description of how the Project will coordinate Economic Development activities with other Economic Development activities within the Project area;

(4) Businesses to be assisted, if appropriate, and economic development to be accomplished;

(5) An explanation of how the proposed Project will result in newly created, increased, or supported jobs in the area and the number of projected new and supported jobs within the next 3 years;

(6) A description of the applicant's demonstrated capability and experience in providing the proposed Project assistance, including experience of key staff members and persons who will be providing the proposed Project activities and managing the Project;

(7) The method and rationale used to select the areas and businesses that will receive the service;

(8) A brief description of how the work will be performed, including whether organizational staff or consultants or contractors will be used; and

(9) Other information the Agency may request to assist in making a grant award determination.

(e) The latest 3 years of financial information to show the applicant's financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. If the applicant is less than 3 years old, at a minimum, the information should include all balance sheet(s), income statement(s), and cash flow statement(s). A current audited report is required if available;

(f) Documentation regarding the availability and amount of other funds to be used in conjunction with the funds from RBDG;

(g) A budget which includes salaries, fringe benefits, consultant costs, indirect costs, and other appropriate direct costs for the Project.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Matching funds are not required.

3. Other.

Applications will only be accepted from qualified national organizations to provide Technical Assistance for RT. There are no “responsiveness” or “threshold” eligibility criteria for these grants. There is no limit on the number of applications an applicant may submit under this announcement. None of the funds made available may be used to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

None of the funds made available may be used to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

4. Completeness Eligibility. Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing required elements.

For further information, entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact the USDA Rural Development state office provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of the application package.

Prior to official submission of grant applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to May 21, 2021. Technical Assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a substitute for Agency review of completed applications, nor a determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth analysis. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in the submitted application.

Applications must be submitted in paper format or electronic submission. If you want to submit an electronic application, follow the instructions for the RBDG Transportation funding announcement located at: http://www.grants.gov. Please review the Grants.gov website for instructions on the process of registering your organization as soon as possible to ensure you can meet the electronic application deadline. Applications submitted to a USDA Rural Development State Office must be received by the closing date and local time.

You may submit your application in paper form or electronically through Grants.gov . Your application must contain all required information using only one of the submission methods. If you submit in paper form, any forms requiring signatures must include an original signature.

To apply electronically, you must follow the instructions for this funding announcement at: http://www.grants.gov. Please note that we cannot accept emailed or faxed applications.

You can locate the Grants.gov downloadable application package for this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program.

When you enter the Grants.gov website, you will find information about applying electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation.

To use Grants.gov , you must already have a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and you must also be registered and maintain registration in the System for Awards Management (SAM). We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov .

Documents submitted electronically through Grants.gov must include electronic signatures. Original signatures may be required if funds are awarded.

After applying electronically through Grants.gov , you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number.

If you want to submit a paper application, send it to the State Office located in the state where the Project will primarily take place. You can find State Office contact information at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.

The organization submitting the application will be considered the lead entity. The Contact/Program Manager must be associated with the lead entity submitting the application.

An application must contain all of the required elements. Each application received in a USDA Rural Development State Office will be reviewed to determine if it is consistent with the eligible purposes contained in section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)). Each selection priority criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.435 must be addressed in the application. Failure to address any of the criterion will result in a zero-point score for that criterion and will impact the overall evaluation of the application. Copies of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, are available on the Rural Development website at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/regulations-and-guidance, or at any USDA Rural Development state office.

All Projects to receive Technical Assistance through these passenger transportation grant funds are to be identified when the applications are submitted to the USDA Rural Development state office. Multiple Project applications must identify each individual Project, indicate the amount of funding requested for each individual Project, and address the criteria as stated above for each individual Project.

For multiple-Project applications, the average of the individual Project scores will be the score for that application.

The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete application are located in the Program Description section of this notice, and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.

(a) There are no specific formats, limitations on number of pages, font size and type face, or sequence for an application though the documentation and forms must be submitted in one complete package and properly organized for review by the Agency.

(b) The component pieces of this application must contain original signatures on the original application.

(c) Since these grants are for Technical Assistance for transportation purposes, no additional information requirements other than those described in this notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, are required.

All applicants must have a DUNS number which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAMS before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

(a) Application Deadline Date: Paper applications are due June 30, 2021. Electronic applications must be submitted via grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 30, 2021.

Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be in the USDA Rural Development state office by the local deadline date and time as indicated above. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.

(b) The deadline date means that the completed application package must be received in the USDA Rural Development state office by the deadline date established above. All application documents identified in this notice are required.

(c) If complete applications are not received by the deadline established above, the application will neither be reviewed nor considered under any circumstances.

(d) The Agency will determine the paper application receipt date based on the actual date postmarked.

(e) This notice is for RT Technical Assistance grants only and therefore intergovernmental reviews are not required.

(f) These grants are for RT Technical Assistance grants only; no construction or equipment purchases are permitted. If the grantee has a previously approved indirect cost rate and if it is permissible otherwise, the applicant may elect to charge the 10 percent indirect cost rate permitted under 2 CFR 200.414(f) or request a determination of its Indirect Cost Rate. Due to the time required to evaluate Indirect Cost Rates, it is likely that all funds will be awarded by the time the Indirect Cost Rate is determined. No foreign travel is permitted. Pre-Federal award costs will only be reimbursed with prior written approval by the Agency.

(g) Applicants must submit applications in paper copy format, or an electronic submission as previously indicated in the Application and Submission Information section of this notice. If the applicant wishes to hand deliver its application, the appropriate address can be located in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

(h) If you require alternative means of communication for program information ( e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored based on the scoring criteria contained in 7 CFR 4280.435. The Agency will select grantees subject to the grantees' satisfactory submission of the additional items required by 7 CFR part 4280, Section 4280.427, and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. Failure to address any one of the criteria in 7 CFR 4280.427 by the application deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible, and the application will not be considered for funding.

The state offices will review applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on the application and project eligibility requirements contained in 7 CFR 4280.416 and 4280.417, respectively, and as stated in this notice. If determined eligible, your application will be submitted to the national office. Funding of Projects is subject to the applicant's satisfactory submission of the additional items required by that subpart and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. The Agency reserves the right to award additional discretionary points under 7 CFR 4280.435(k).

In awarding discretionary points, the Agency scoring criteria regularly assigns points to applications that direct loans or grants to Projects based in, or serving, census tracts with poverty rates greater than or equal to 20 percent. This emphasis will support Rural Development's mission of improving the quality of life for Rural Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need them.

Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from their USDA Rural Development state office. Applicants must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award will be approved. Unsuccessful applications will receive notification by mail.

Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this program can be found in 7 CFR 4280.408, 4280.410, and 4280.439. Awards are subject to USDA Departmental Grant Regulations at 2 CFR part 400, which incorporates the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 2 CFR part 200.

All successful applicants will be notified by letter, which will include a Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of Intent to Meet the Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance. If the applicant wishes to consider beginning performance prior to the grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be approved in writing and in advance by the Agency. The grant will be considered officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of Conditions have been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the Project.

Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this program can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E; the Grants and Agreements regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture codified in 2 CFR part 400, and successor regulations. In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).

The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected for this program:

(a) Form RD 4280-2 “Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement.”

(b) Letter of Conditions.

(c) Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds.”

(d) Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.”

(e) Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement.” Each prospective recipient must sign Form RD 400-4 which assures USDA that the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR part 15, and other Agency regulations. Form RD 400-4 also provides that no person will be discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin, in regard to any program or activity for which the recipient receives Federal financial assistance. Nondiscrimination statements must be included in any grantee advertisements and brochures.

Program participants will be required to collect and maintain data provided by recipients on race, sex, and national origin and ensure recipients collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, “Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity,” (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Data on recipients' sex will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but should be available upon request by the Agency.

The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive Order 13166 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.

(j) SF LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” if applicable.

(k) Form SF 270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement.”

(a) A Financial Status Report and a Project performance activity report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based on the Federal fiscal year. The grantee will complete the Project within the total time available to it in accordance with the Scope of Work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by the grantee and approved by the Agency. A final Project performance report will be required with the final Financial Status Report. The final report may serve as the last quarterly report. The final report must provide complete information regarding the jobs created and supported as a result of the grant, if applicable. Grantees must continuously monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. The Project performance reports must include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for that period;

(2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have affected or will affect attainment of overall Project objectives, prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular Project work elements during established time periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve the situation;

(3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting period;

(4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and created, businesses assisted, or Economic Development which results in improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific requirements, should be placed in the reporting section in the Letter of Conditions; and

(5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the Project, the grantee will provide a final Project evaluation report. The last quarterly payment will be withheld until the final report is received and approved by the Agency. Even though the grantee may request reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements will be withheld until a final Project, Project performance, and financial status report are received and approved by the Agency.

For general questions about this announcement, please contact your USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15, subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246 (Equal Employment Opportunity), and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirement contained in this notice is approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.

All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a DUNS number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711, or online at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all applicants must be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM at: http://www.sam.gov/SAM. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information ( e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD 3027, found online at: http://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410;

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email: OAC@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget designated this action as a major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2), because it will result in an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more. Accordingly, there will be a mandatory 60-day delay in effectiveness to award loan funds. However, applications will be accepted for 60 days beginning April 1, 2021 as stated in the DATES section of this NOSA.

Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

Funding Opportunity Title: Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

Announcement Type: Guarantees for Bonds and Notes.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.850.

Due Date for Applications: Completed applications must be received or post marked by RUS no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) June 1, 2021.

The purpose of the 313A Program is to make guaranteed loans to selected applicants (each referred to as “Guaranteed Lender” in this NOSA) that are to be used (i) to make utility infrastructure loans or (ii) to refinance bonds or notes issued for such purposes to a borrower that has at any time received, or is eligible to receive, a loan under the RE Act. Each applicant must provide a statement on how it proposes to use the proceeds of the guaranteed bonds, and the financial benefit it anticipates deriving from participating in the program pursuant to 7 CFR 1720.6(a)(3), or its equivalent in any subsequent regulation. Objectives may include, but are not limited to the annual savings to be realized by the ultimate borrower(s) as a result of the applicant's use of lower cost loan funds provided by the Federal Financing Bank (FFB) and guaranteed by RUS.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) modified the 313A Program by amending the RE Act to allow proceeds of guaranteed bonds awarded under this NOSA to be used to make broadband loans, or to refinance broadband loans made to a borrower that has received, or is eligible to receive, a broadband loan under Title VI of the RE Act. As a result, to the extent that the proceeds of guaranteed bonds are to be used to fund or refinance broadband loans that were not made by RUS (“Non Broadband Loans”), such proceeds may only be used for Non Broadband Loans that would meet the amended eligibility requirements of Title VI pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill.

The 2018 Farm Bill has also modified the 313A Program to allow the proceeds of guaranteed loans made under this NOSA to be used by the Guaranteed Lender to fund projects for the generation of electricity.

The 313A Program is authorized by Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) and is implemented by regulations located at 7 CFR part 1720, in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The Administrator of RUS (the Administrator) has been delegated responsibility for administering the 313A Program.

The definitions applicable to this NOSA are currently published at 7 CFR 1720.3, or its equivalent in any new regulation issued by RUS.

RUS will review and evaluate applications received in response to this NOSA based on the regulations at 7 CFR 1720.7, and as provided in this NOSA.

Type of Awards: Guaranteed Loans.

Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2021.

Available Funds: $750 million. Should additional funding become available this fiscal year, the RUS reserves the right to increase the total funds available under this notice.

Award Amounts: RUS anticipates making multiple guarantees under this NOSA. The number, amount, and terms of awards under this NOSA will depend in part on the number of eligible applications and the amount of funds requested. In determining whether or not to make an award, RUS will take overall program policy objectives into account.

Due Date for Applications: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION above.

Award Date: Awards will be made on or before September 30, 2021, but no earlier than June 1, 2021.

Schedule of Loan Repayment: The amortization method for the repayment of the guaranteed loan shall be repaid by the Guaranteed Lender: (i) in periodic installments of principal and interest, (ii) in periodic installments of interest and, at the end of the term of the bond or note, as applicable, by the repayment of the outstanding principal, or (iii) through a combination of the methods described in (i) and (ii) above. The amortization method will be agreed to by RUS and the Guaranteed Lender.

1. To be eligible to participate in the 313A Program, a Guaranteed Lender must be:

a. A bank or other lending institution organized as a private, not-for-profit cooperative association, or otherwise organized on a non-profit basis;

b. Able to demonstrate to the Administrator that it possesses the appropriate expertise, experience, and qualifications to make loans for utility infrastructure purposes (to the extent that the applicant intends to use the guaranteed loan funds for such purpose); and

c. Able to demonstrate to the Administrator that it has bonds or notes eligible for refinancing under the 313A Program (to the extent that the applicant intends to use the guaranteed loan funds for such purpose).

2. To be eligible to receive a guarantee, a Guaranteed Lender's bond must meet the following criteria:

a. The Guaranteed Lender must furnish the Administrator with a certified list of the principal balances of eligible loans outstanding and certify that such aggregate balance is at least equal to the sum of the proposed principal amount of guaranteed bonds to be issued, including any previously issued guaranteed bonds outstanding; and

b. The guaranteed bonds to be issued by the Guaranteed Lender would receive an underlying investment grade rating from a Rating Agency, without regard to the guarantee.

3. A lending institution's status as an eligible applicant does not assure that the Administrator will issue the guarantee sought in the amount or under the terms requested, or otherwise preclude the Administrator from declining to issue a guarantee.

Applications will only be accepted from lenders that serve rural areas defined in 7 CFR 1710.2(a) as (i) any area of the United States, its territories and insular possessions (including any area within the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) other than a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants; and (ii) any area within a service area of a borrower for which a borrower has an outstanding loan as of June 18, 2008, made under titles I through V of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901-950cc-2). For initial loans to a borrower made after June 18, 2008, the “rural” character of an area is determined at the time of the initial loan to furnish or improve service in the area.

All applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with this NOSA and 7 CFR part 1720 (available online at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9295e45c9a0f6a857d800fbec5dde2fb&mc=true&node=pt7.11.1720&rgn=div5 ).

In addition to the required application specified in 7 CFR 1720.6, all applicants must submit the following additional required documents and materials:

All program applicants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110. Loan recipients must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by the Agency. The applicant must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and complete. Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM;

Applicants must comply with the requirements relating to restrictions on lobbying activities. (See 2 CFR part 418, and 7 CFR 1710.125.) This form is available at https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/disclosure-lobbying-activities;

Applicants must comply with 49 CFR part 24, which implements the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. (See 7 CFR 1710.124.) This form is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/electric-sample-documents;

This report indicates whether the applicants are delinquent on any Federal debt (See 7 CFR 1710.126 and 7 CFR 1710.501(a)(13)). This form (the Federal Debt Delinquency Certification) is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/electric-sample-documents;

Applicants must submit a non-discrimination assurance commitment to comply with certain regulations on non-discrimination in program services and benefits and on equal employment opportunity as set forth in 7 CFR parts 15 and 15b and 12 CFR part 202, 7 CFR 1901, subpart E., DR4300-003, DR4330-0300, DR4330-005. This form is available at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/electric-sample-documents; and

See 7 CFR 1710.501(b)(1). These are required if either document has been amended since the last loan application was submitted to RUS, or if this is the applicant's first application for a loan under the RE Act.

Each applicant must include five-year pro forma income statements, balance sheets and cash flow projections or business plans and clearly state the assumptions that underlie the projections, demonstrating that there is reasonable assurance that the applicant will be able to repay the guaranteed loan in accordance with its terms (See 7 CFR 1720.6(a)(4)).

A statement from the applicant's counsel listing any pending litigation, including levels of related insurance coverage and the potential effect on the applicant, must be submitted to RUS.

a. Each application will be reviewed by the Administrator to determine whether it is eligible under 7 CFR 1720.5, the information required under 7 CFR 1720.6 is complete, and the proposed guaranteed bond complies with applicable statutes and regulations. The Administrator can at any time reject an application that fails to meet these requirements.

b. Applications will be subject to a substantive review, on a competitive basis, by the Administrator based upon the evaluation factors listed in 7 CFR 1720.7(b).

The Administrator may limit the number of guarantees made to a maximum of five per year, to ensure a sufficient examination is conducted of applicant requests. RUS will notify the applicant in writing of the Administrator's approval or denial of an application. Approvals for guarantees will be conditioned upon compliance with 7 CFR 1720.4 (in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill) and 7 CFR 1720.6. The Administrator reserves the discretion to approve an application for an amount that was less than requested.

Before a guarantee decision is made by the Administrator, the Administrator shall request that FFB review the rating agency determination required by 7 CFR 1720.5(b)(2) as to whether the bond or note to be issued would receive an investment grade rating without regard to the guarantee.

The requirements under this section must be met by the applicant prior to the endorsement of a guarantee by the Administrator (See 7 CFR 1720.8.)

Each Guaranteed Lender will be required to enter into a Guarantee Agreement with RUS that contains the provisions described in 7 CFR 1720.8 (Issuance of the Guarantee), 7 CFR 1720.9 (Guarantee Agreement), and 7 CFR 1720.12 (Reporting Requirements). The Guarantee Agreement will also obligate the Guaranteed Lender to pay, on an annual basis, a guarantee fee equal to 30 basis points (0.30 percent) of the outstanding principal amount of the guaranteed loan (See 7 CFR 1720.10).

Guaranteed Lenders are required to comply with the financial reporting requirements and Pledged Collateral review and certification requirements set forth in 7 CFR 1720.12.

RUS will send a commitment letter to an applicant once the loan is approved. Applicants must accept and commit to all terms and conditions of the loan which are requested by RUS and FFB as follows:

In addition to the standard conditions placed on the 313A Program or conditions requested by RUS to ensure loan security and statutory compliance, applicants must comply with the following conditions:

a. Each Guaranteed Lender selected under the 313A Program will be required to post collateral for the benefit of RUS in an amount at least equal to the aggregate amount of loan advances made to the Guaranteed Lender under the 313A Program.

b. The pledged collateral (the Pledged Collateral) shall consist of outstanding notes or bonds payable to the Guaranteed Lender (the Eligible Securities) and shall be placed on deposit with a collateral agent for the benefit of RUS. To be deemed Eligible Securities that can be pledged as collateral, the notes or bonds to be pledged (i) cannot be classified as non-performing, impaired, or restructured under generally accepted accounting principles; special mention loans as defined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; or any other elevated risk categories used by the Guaranteed Lender, (ii) must be free and clear of all liens other than the lien created for the benefit of RUS, (iii) cannot be comprised of more than 30 percent of bonds or notes from generation and transmission borrowers, (iv) cannot have more than 5 percent of notes and bonds be from any one particular borrower and (v) cannot be unsecured notes.

c. The Guaranteed Lender will be required to place a lien on the Pledged Collateral in favor of RUS (as secured party) at the time that the Pledged Collateral is deposited with the collateral agent. RUS will have the right, in its sole discretion, within 14 business days of receipt of pledged collateral report to reject and require the substitution of any Pledged Collateral that the Guaranteed Lender deposits as collateral with the collateral agent. Prior to receiving any advances under the 313A Program, the Guaranteed Lender will be required to enter into a pledge agreement, satisfactory to RUS, with a banking institution serving as collateral agent.

d. The Guaranteed Lender will be required to agree not to take any action that would have the effect of reducing the value of the pledged collateral below the level described above.

e. Applicants must certify to the RUS, the portion of their loan portfolio that is:

(1) Refinanced RUS debt;

(2) Debt of borrowers for whom both RUS and the applicants have outstanding loans; and

(3) Debt of borrowers for whom both RUS and the applicant have outstanding concurrent loans pursuant to Section 307 of the RE Act, and the amount of Eligible Loans.

Applicants must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.

a. This obligation is subject to the provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, Division A, Title III, Sections 744 and 745, as amended and/or subsequently enacted for USDA agencies and offices, regarding the prohibition against RUS making awards to applicants having corporate felony convictions within the past 24 months or to applicants having corporate federal tax delinquencies.

b. An authorized official within your organization must execute, date, and return the loan commitment letter and the Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (Form AD-3031) to RUS within 14 calendar days from the date of the loan commitment letter, or by September 24, 2021, if the loan is approved after September 9, 2021; otherwise, the commitment will be void. This form is available at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3031.

c. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filing. The Borrower must provide RUS with evidence that the Borrower has filed the UCC financing statement required by 7 CFR 1720.8(a)(2). Upon filing of the appropriate UCC financing statement, the Guaranteed Lender will provide RUS with a perfection opinion by outside counsel which demonstrates that RUS's security interest in the pledged collateral under the Pledge Agreement is perfected.

d. Additional conditions may be instituted for future obligations.

For any proceeds to be used to refinance bonds and notes previously issued by the Guaranteed Lender for RE Act purposes that are not obligated for specific projects, RUS has determined that these financial actions will not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. However, for any new projects funded through the 313A Program, applicants must consult with RUS and comply with the Agency regulations at 7 CFR part 1970.

Applications must contain all the required elements of this NOSA, and all standard requirements as required by 7 CFR part 1720. Additional supporting data or documents may be required by RUS depending on the individual application or financial conditions. All applicants must comply with all Federal laws and regulations.

A. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/national-office/rus.

B. Phone: (202) 720-9540.

C. Email: amy.mcwilliams@usda.gov.

D. Main point of contact: Amy McWilliams, Program Advisor; Phone: (202) 720 9540 or (202) 205-8663;

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information ( e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027. Individuals wishing to file a discrimination complaint may use the form available at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office, or may write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; or

(2) Email: OAC@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

This meeting is available to the public through the following toll-free call-in number: 800-367-2403, conference ID number: 8890038. Any interested member of the public may call this number and listen to the meeting. Callers can expect to incur charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, and the Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Callers will incur no charge for calls they initiate over land-line connections to the toll-free telephone number. Persons with hearing impairments may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 and providing the Service with the conference call number and conference ID number.

Members of the public are entitled to make comments during the open period at the end of the meeting. Members of the public may also submit written comments; the comments must be received in the Regional Programs Unit within 30 days following the meeting. Written comments may be emailed to Angelica Trevino at atrevino@usccr.gov. Persons who desire additional information may contact Angelica Trevino at (202) 695-8935.

Records and documents discussed during the meeting will be available for public viewing prior to and after the meetings at https://www.facadatabase.gov/FACA/FACAPublicViewCommitteeDetails?id=a10t0000001gzltAAA.

Please click on the “Committee Meetings” tab. Records generated from these meetings may also be inspected and reproduced at the Regional Programs Unit, as they become available, both before and after the meetings. Persons interested in the work of this Committee are directed to the Commission's website, https://www.usccr.gov, or may contact the Regional Programs Unit at the above email or street address.

This meeting is available to the public through the WebEx link above. If joining only via phone, callers can expect to incur charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, and the Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 and providing the Service with the call-in number found through registering at the web link provided above for the meeting.

Members of the public are entitled to make comments during the open period at the end of the meeting. Members of the public may also submit written comments; the comments must be received in the Regional Programs Unit within 30 days following the respective meeting. Written comments may be emailed to Barbara Delaviez at ero@usccr.gov. All written comments received will be available to the public.

Persons who desire additional information may contact the Regional Programs Unit at (202) 809-9618. Records and documents discussed during the meeting will be available for public viewing as they become available at the www.facadatabase.gov. Persons interested in the work of this advisory committee are advised to go to the Commission's website, www.usccr.gov, or to contact the Regional Programs Unit at the above phone number or email address.

The Census Bureau plans to request clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of data concerning the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to be conducted in conjunction with the February, March, and April Current Population Survey (CPS). The Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics sponsor this supplement, which had its beginnings in 1942. This collection is authorized under Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 182; and Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1-9. The current clearance expires December 31, 2021. The ASEC data collection questions and design will remain unchanged from its most recent collection in 2021.

Information on work experience, personal income, noncash benefits, current and previous year health insurance coverage, employer-sponsored insurance take-up, and migration is collected through the ASEC. The work experience items in the ASEC provide a unique measure of the dynamic nature of the labor force as viewed over a one-year period. These items produce statistics that show movements in and out of the labor force by measuring the number of periods of unemployment experienced by people, the number of different employers worked for during the year, the principal reasons for unemployment, and part-/full-time attachment to the labor force. We can make indirect measurements of discouraged workers and others with a casual attachment to the labor market.

The income data from the ASEC are used by social planners, economists, government officials, and market researchers to gauge the economic well-being of the country as a whole, and selected population groups of interest. Government planners and researchers use these data to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various assistance programs. Market researchers use these data to identify and isolate potential customers. Social planners use these data to forecast economic conditions and to identify special groups that seem to be especially sensitive to economic fluctuations. Economists use ASEC data to determine the effects of various economic forces, such as inflation, recession, recovery, and so on, and their differential effects on various population groups.

The ASEC is the official source of national poverty estimates calculated in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's Statistical Policy Directive 14. Two other important national estimates derived from the ASEC are real median household income and the number and percent of individuals without health insurance coverage.

The ASEC also contains questions related to: (1) Medical expenditures; (2) presence and cost of a mortgage on property; (3) child support payments; and (4) amount of child care assistance received. These questions enable analysts and policymakers to obtain better estimates of family and household income, and more precisely gauge poverty status.

The ASEC information will be collected by both personal visit and telephone interviews in conjunction with the regular February, March and April CPS interviewing. All interviews are conducted using computer-assisted interviewing.

OMB Control Number: 0607-0354.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission. Request for an Extension, without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection.

Affected Public: Households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 78,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 25 mintues.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 32,500.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (This is not the cost of respondents' time, but the indirect costs respondents may incur for such things as purchases of specialized software or hardware needed to report, or expenditures for accounting or records maintenance services required specifically by the collection.)

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 182; and Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1-9.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include, or summarize, each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Background

On September 3, 2020, based on timely requests for review, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), Commerce initiated an administrative review of the antidumping duty (AD) order on citric acid from Thailand, covering three companies: COFCO, Niran (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Niran), and Sunshine. 1 Commerce rescinded this review, in part, with respect to Niran on February 3, 2021. 2 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this review, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 3

The merchandise covered by this order includes all grades and granulation sizes of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate in their unblended forms, whether dry or in solution, and regardless of packaging type. The scope also includes blends of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate; as well as blends with other ingredients, such as sugar, where the unblended form(s) of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate constitute 40 percent or more, by weight, of the blend.

Commerce has received timely requests, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(b), for administrative reviews of various AD and CVD orders and findings with February anniversary dates.

All deadlines for the submission of various types of information, certifications, or comments or actions by Commerce discussed below refer to the number of calendar days from the applicable starting time.

If a producer or exporter named in this notice of initiation had no exports, sales, or entries during the period of review (POR), it must notify Commerce within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register . All submissions must be filed electronically at https://access.trade.gov in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303. 1 Such submissions are subject to verification in accordance with section 782(i) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Further, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303(f)(1)(i), a copy must be served on every party on Commerce's service list.

In the event Commerce limits the number of respondents for individual examination for administrative reviews initiated pursuant to requests made for the orders identified below, Commerce intends to select respondents based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data for U.S. imports during the POR. We intend to place the CBP data on the record within five days of publication of the initiation notice and to make our decision regarding respondent selection within 30 days of publication of the initiation Federal Register notice. Comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection should be submitted within seven days after the placement of the CBP data on the record of this review. Parties wishing to submit rebuttal comments should submit those comments within five days after the deadline for the initial comments.

In the event Commerce decides it is necessary to limit individual examination of respondents and conduct respondent selection under section 777A(c)(2) of the Act, the following guidelines regarding collapsing of companies for purposes of respondent selection will apply. In general, Commerce has found that determinations concerning whether particular companies should be “collapsed” ( e.g., treated as a single entity for purposes of calculating antidumping duty rates) require a substantial amount of detailed information and analysis, which often require follow-up questions and analysis. Accordingly, Commerce will not conduct collapsing analyses at the respondent selection phase of this review and will not collapse companies at the respondent selection phase unless there has been a determination to collapse certain companies in a previous segment of this AD proceeding ( e.g., investigation, administrative review, new shipper review, or changed circumstances review). For any company subject to this review, if Commerce determined, or continued to treat, that company as collapsed with others, Commerce will assume that such companies continue to operate in the same manner and will collapse them for respondent selection purposes. Otherwise, Commerce will not collapse companies for purposes of respondent selection. Parties are requested to; (a) identify which companies subject to review previously were collapsed; and (b) provide a citation to the proceeding in which they were collapsed. Further, if companies are requested to complete the Quantity and Value (Q&V) Questionnaire for purposes of respondent selection, in general, each company must report volume and value data separately for itself. Parties should not include data for any other party, even if they believe they should be treated as a single entity with that other party. If a company was collapsed with another company or companies in the most recently completed segment of this proceeding where Commerce considered collapsing that entity, complete Q&V data for that collapsed entity must be submitted.

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), a party that has requested a review may withdraw that request within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the requested review. The regulation provides that Commerce may extend this time if it is reasonable to do so. Determinations by Commerce to extend the 90-day deadline will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Section 504 of the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 amended the Act by adding the concept of a particular market situation (PMS) for purposes of constructed value under section 773(e) of the Act. 2 Section 773(e) of the Act states that “if a particular market situation exists such that the cost of materials and fabrication or other processing of any kind does not accurately reflect the cost of production in the ordinary course of trade, the administering authority may use another calculation methodology under this subtitle or any other calculation methodology.” When an interested party submits a PMS allegation pursuant to section 773(e) of the Act, Commerce will respond to such a submission consistent with 19 CFR 351.301(c)(2)(v). If Commerce finds that a PMS exists under section 773(e) of the Act, then it will modify its dumping calculations appropriately.

Neither section 773(e) of the Act nor 19 CFR 351.301(c)(2)(v) set a deadline for the submission of PMS allegations and supporting factual information. However, in order to administer section 773(e) of the Act, Commerce must receive PMS allegations and supporting factual information with enough time to consider the submission. Thus, should an interested party wish to submit a PMS allegation and supporting new factual information pursuant to section 773(e) of the Act, it must do so no later than 20 days after submission of initial responses to section D of the questionnaire.

In proceedings involving non-market economy (NME) countries, Commerce begins with a rebuttable presumption that all companies within the country are subject to government control and, thus, should be assigned a single antidumping duty deposit rate. It is Commerce's policy to assign all exporters of merchandise subject to an administrative review in an NME country this single rate unless an exporter can demonstrate that it is sufficiently independent so as to be entitled to a separate rate.

To establish whether a firm is sufficiently independent from government control of its export activities to be entitled to a separate rate, Commerce analyzes each entity exporting the subject merchandise. In accordance with the separate rates criteria, Commerce assigns separate rates to companies in NME cases only if respondents can demonstrate the absence of both de jure and de facto government control over export activities.

All firms listed below that wish to qualify for separate rate status in the administrative reviews involving NME countries must complete, as appropriate, either a separate rate application or certification, as described below. For these administrative reviews, in order to demonstrate separate rate eligibility, Commerce requires entities for whom a review was requested, that were assigned a separate rate in the most recent segment of this proceeding in which they participated, to certify that they continue to meet the criteria for obtaining a separate rate. The Separate Rate Certification form will be available on Commerce's website at https://enforcement.trade.gov/nme/nme-sep-rate.html on the date of publication of this Federal Register notice. In responding to the certification, please follow the “Instructions for Filing the Certification” in the Separate Rate Certification. Separate Rate Certifications are due to Commerce no later than 30 calendar days after publication of this Federal Register notice. The deadline and requirement for submitting a Certification applies equally to NME-owned firms, wholly foreign-owned firms, and foreign sellers who purchase and export subject merchandise to the United States.

Entities that currently do not have a separate rate from a completed segment of the proceeding  3 should timely file a Separate Rate Application to demonstrate eligibility for a separate rate in this proceeding. In addition, companies that received a separate rate in a completed segment of the proceeding that have subsequently made changes, including, but not limited to, changes to corporate structure, acquisitions of new companies or facilities, or changes to their official company name, 4 should timely file a Separate Rate Application to demonstrate eligibility for a separate rate in this proceeding. The Separate Rate Application will be available on Commerce's website at https://enforcement.trade.gov/nme/nme-sep-rate.html on the date of publication of this Federal Register notice. In responding to the Separate Rate Application, refer to the instructions contained in the application. Separate Rate Applications are due to Commerce no later than 30 calendar days after publication of this Federal Register notice. The deadline and requirement for submitting a Separate Rate Application applies equally to NME-owned firms, wholly foreign-owned firms, and foreign sellers that purchase and export subject merchandise to the United States.

For exporters and producers who submit a Separate Rate Application or Certification and subsequently are selected as mandatory respondents, these exporters and producers will no longer be eligible for separate rate status unless they respond to all parts of the questionnaire as mandatory respondents.

In accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), we are initiating administrative reviews of the following AD and CVD orders and findings. We intend to issue the final results of these reviews not later than February 28, 2022.

During any administrative review covering all or part of a period falling between the first and second or third and fourth anniversary of the publication of an AD order under 19 CFR 351.211 or a determination under 19 CFR 351.218(f)(4) to continue an order or suspended investigation (after sunset review), Commerce, if requested by a domestic interested party within 30 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the review, will determine whether AD duties have been absorbed by an exporter or producer subject to the review if the subject merchandise is sold in the United States through an importer that is affiliated with such exporter or producer. The request must include the name(s) of the exporter or producer for which the inquiry is requested.

For the first administrative review of any order, there will be no assessment of antidumping or countervailing duties on entries of subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption during the relevant “gap” period of the order ( i.e., the period following the expiry of provisional measures and before definitive measures were put into place), if such a gap period is applicable to the POR.

Interested parties must submit applications for disclosure under administrative protective orders in accordance with the procedures outlined in Commerce's regulations at 19 CFR 351.305. Those procedures apply to administrative reviews included in this notice of initiation. Parties wishing to participate in any of these administrative reviews should ensure that they meet the requirements of these procedures ( e.g., the filing of separate letters of appearance as discussed at 19 CFR 351.103(d)).

Commerce's regulations identify five categories of factual information in 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21), which are summarized as follows: (i) Evidence submitted in response to questionnaires; (ii) evidence submitted in support of allegations; (iii) publicly available information to value factors under 19 CFR 351.408(c) or to measure the adequacy of remuneration under 19 CFR 351.511(a)(2); (iv) evidence placed on the record by Commerce; and (v) evidence other than factual information described in (i)-(iv). These regulations require any party, when submitting factual information, to specify under which subsection of 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) the information is being submitted and, if the information is submitted to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information already on the record, to provide an explanation identifying the information already on the record that the factual information seeks to rebut, clarify, or correct. The regulations, at 19 CFR 351.301, also provide specific time limits for such factual submissions based on the type of factual information being submitted. Please review the Final Rule, 28 available at https://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/2013/1304frn/2013-08227.txt, prior to submitting factual information in this segment. Note that Commerce has temporarily modified certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary information, until further notice. 29

Any party submitting factual information in an AD or CVD proceeding must certify to the accuracy and completeness of that information using the formats provided at the end of the Final Rule. 30 Commerce intends to reject factual submissions in any proceeding segments if the submitting party does not comply with applicable certification requirements.

Parties may request an extension of time limits before a time limit established under Part 351 expires, or as otherwise specified by Commerce. 31 In general, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after the time limit established under Part 351 expires. For submissions which are due from multiple parties simultaneously, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after 10:00 a.m. on the due date. Examples include, but are not limited to: (1) Case and rebuttal briefs, filed pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309; (2) factual information to value factors under 19 CFR 351.408(c), or to measure the adequacy of remuneration under 19 CFR 351.511(a)(2), filed pursuant to 19 CFR 351.301(c)(3) and rebuttal, clarification and correction filed pursuant to 19 CFR 351.301(c)(3)(iv); (3) comments concerning the selection of a surrogate country and surrogate values and rebuttal; (4) comments concerning CBP data; and (5) Q&V questionnaires. Under certain circumstances, Commerce may elect to specify a different time limit by which extension requests will be considered untimely for submissions which are due from multiple parties simultaneously. In such a case, Commerce will inform parties in the letter or memorandum setting forth the deadline (including a specified time) by which extension requests must be filed to be considered timely. This policy also requires that an extension request must be made in a separate, stand-alone submission, and clarifies the circumstances under which Commerce will grant untimely-filed requests for the extension of time limits. Please review the Final Rule, available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-09-20/html/2013-22853.htm, prior to submitting factual information in these segments.

These initiations and this notice are in accordance with section 751(a) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1675(a)) and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i).

Each year during the anniversary month of the publication of an antidumping or countervailing duty order, finding, or suspended investigation, an interested party, as defined in section 771(9) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), may request, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213, that the Department of Commerce (Commerce) conduct an administrative review of that antidumping or countervailing duty order, finding, or suspended investigation.

All deadlines for the submission of comments or actions by Commerce discussed below refer to the number of calendar days from the applicable starting date.

In the event Commerce limits the number of respondents for individual examination for administrative reviews initiated pursuant to requests made for the orders identified below, Commerce intends to select respondents based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data for U.S. imports during the period of review. We intend to release the CBP data under Administrative Protective Order (APO) to all parties having an APO within five days of publication of the initiation notice and to make our decision regarding respondent selection within 21 days of publication of the initiation Federal Register notice. Therefore, we encourage all parties interested in commenting on respondent selection to submit their APO applications on the date of publication of the initiation notice, or as soon thereafter as possible. Commerce invites comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection within five days of placement of the CBP data on the record of the review.

In the event Commerce decides it is necessary to limit individual examination of respondents and conduct respondent selection under section 777A(c)(2) of the Act:

In general, Commerce finds that determinations concerning whether particular companies should be “collapsed” ( i.e., treated as a single entity for purposes of calculating antidumping duty rates) require a substantial amount of detailed information and analysis, which often require follow-up questions and analysis. Accordingly, Commerce will not conduct collapsing analyses at the respondent selection phase of a review and will not collapse companies at the respondent selection phase unless there has been a determination to collapse certain companies in a previous segment of this antidumping proceeding ( i.e., investigation, administrative review, new shipper review or changed circumstances review). For any company subject to a review, if Commerce determined, or continued to treat, that company as collapsed with others, Commerce will assume that such companies continue to operate in the same manner and will collapse them for respondent selection purposes. Otherwise, Commerce will not collapse companies for purposes of respondent selection. Parties are requested to: (a) Identify which companies subject to review previously were collapsed; and (b) provide a citation to the proceeding in which they were collapsed. Further, if companies are requested to complete a Quantity and Value Questionnaire for purposes of respondent selection, in general each company must report volume and value data separately for itself. Parties should not include data for any other party, even if they believe they should be treated as a single entity with that other party. If a company was collapsed with another company or companies in the most recently completed segment of a proceeding where Commerce considered collapsing that entity, complete quantity and value data for that collapsed entity must be submitted.

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), a party that requests a review may withdraw that request within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the requested review. The regulation provides that Commerce may extend this time if it is reasonable to do so. Determinations by Commerce to extend the 90-day deadline will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Section 504 of the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 amended the Act by adding the concept of particular market situation (PMS) for purposes of constructed value under section 773(e) of the Act. 1 Section 773(e) of the Act states that “if a particular market situation exists such that the cost of materials and fabrication or other processing of any kind does not accurately reflect the cost of production in the ordinary course of trade, the administering authority may use another calculation methodology under this subtitle or any other calculation methodology.” When an interested party submits a PMS allegation pursuant to section 773(e) of the Act, Commerce will respond to such a submission consistent with 19 CFR 351.301(c)(2)(v). If Commerce finds that a PMS exists under section 773(e) of the Act, then it will modify its dumping calculations appropriately.

Neither section 773(e) of the Act nor 19 CFR 351.301(c)(2)(v) set a deadline for the submission of PMS allegations and supporting factual information. However, in order to administer section 773(e) of the Act, Commerce must receive PMS allegations and supporting factual information with enough time to consider the submission. Thus, should an interested party wish to submit a PMS allegation and supporting new factual information pursuant to section 773(e) of the Act, it must do so no later than 20 days after submission of initial Section D responses.

Opportunity To Request a Review: Not later than the last day of April 2021, 2 interested parties may request administrative review of the following orders, findings, or suspended investigations, with anniversary dates in April for the following periods:

In accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(b), an interested party as defined by section 771(9) of the Act may request in writing that the Secretary conduct an administrative review. For both antidumping and countervailing duty reviews, the interested party must specify the individual producers or exporters covered by an antidumping finding or an antidumping or countervailing duty order or suspension agreement for which it is requesting a review. In addition, a domestic interested party or an interested party described in section 771(9)(B) of the Act must state why it desires the Secretary to review those particular producers or exporters. If the interested party intends for the Secretary to review sales of merchandise by an exporter (or a producer if that producer also exports merchandise from other suppliers) which was produced in more than one country of origin and each country of origin is subject to a separate order, then the interested party must state specifically, on an order-by-order basis, which exporter(s) the request is intended to cover.

Note that, for any party Commerce was unable to locate in prior segments, Commerce will not accept a request for an administrative review of that party absent new information as to the party's location. Moreover, if the interested party who files a request for review is unable to locate the producer or exporter for which it requested the review, the interested party must provide an explanation of the attempts it made to locate the producer or exporter at the same time it files its request for review, in order for the Secretary to determine if the interested party's attempts were reasonable, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.303(f)(3)(ii).

As explained in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Assessment of Antidumping Duties, 68 FR 23954 (May 6, 2003), and Non-Market Economy Antidumping Proceedings: Assessment of Antidumping Duties, 76 FR 65694 (October 24, 2011), Commerce clarified its practice with respect to the collection of final antidumping duties on imports of merchandise where intermediate firms are involved. The public should be aware of this clarification in determining whether to request an administrative review of merchandise subject to antidumping findings and orders. 3

Commerce no longer considers the non-market economy (NME) entity as an exporter conditionally subject to an antidumping duty administrative reviews. 4 Accordingly, the NME entity will not be under review unless Commerce specifically receives a request for, or self-initiates, a review of the NME entity. 5 In administrative reviews of antidumping duty orders on merchandise from NME countries where a review of the NME entity has not been initiated, but where an individual exporter for which a review was initiated does not qualify for a separate rate, Commerce will issue a final decision indicating that the company in question is part of the NME entity. However, in that situation, because no review of the NME entity was conducted, the NME entity's entries were not subject to the review and the rate for the NME entity is not subject to change as a result of that review (although the rate for the individual exporter may change as a function of the finding that the exporter is part of the NME entity). Following initiation of an antidumping administrative review when there is no review requested of the NME entity, Commerce will instruct CBP to liquidate entries for all exporters not named in the initiation notice, including those that were suspended at the NME entity rate.

All requests must be filed electronically in Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) on Enforcement and Compliance's ACCESS website at https://access.trade.gov. 6 Further, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303(f)(l)(i), a copy of each request must be served on the petitioner and each exporter or producer specified in the request. Note that Commerce has temporarily modified certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary information, until further notice. 7

Commerce will publish in the Federal Register a notice of “Initiation of Administrative Review of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation” for requests received by the last day of April 2021. If Commerce does not receive, by the last day of April 2021, a request for review of entries covered by an order, finding, or suspended investigation listed in this notice and for the period identified above, Commerce will instruct CBP to assess antidumping or countervailing duties on those entries at a rate equal to the cash deposit of estimated antidumping or countervailing duties required on those entries at the time of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, for consumption and to continue to collect the cash deposit previously ordered.

For the first administrative review of any order, there will be no assessment of antidumping or countervailing duties on entries of subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption during the relevant provisional-measures “gap” period of the order, if such a gap period is applicable to the period of review.

This notice is not required by statute but is published as a service to the international trading community.

Background: This NTIA cybersecurity multistakeholder process focuses on promoting software component transparency. 1 Most modern software is not written completely from scratch, but includes existing components, modules, and libraries from the open source and commercial software world. Modern development practices such as code reuse, and a dynamic IT marketplace with acquisitions and mergers, make it challenging to track the use of software components. The Internet of Things compounds this phenomenon, as new organizations, enterprises, and innovators take on the role of software developer to add “smart” features or connectivity to their products. While the majority of libraries and components do not have known vulnerabilities, many do, and the sheer quantity of software means that some software products ship with vulnerable or out-of-date components.

The first meeting of this multistakeholder process was held on July 19, 2018, in Washington, DC. 2 Stakeholders presented multiple perspectives, and identified several inter-related work streams: Understanding the Problem, Use Cases and State of Practice, Standards and Formats, and Healthcare Proof of Concept. Since then, stakeholders have been discussing key issues and developing products such as guidance documents. NTIA acts as the convener, but stakeholders drive the outcomes. Success of the process will be evaluated by the extent to which broader findings on software component transparency are implemented across the ecosystem.

The first set of stakeholder-drafted documents on Software Bills of Materials was published by NTIA in November 2019. Those documents, and subsequent consensus-approved drafts from the community, are available at: https://www.ntia.gov/SBOM. The main objectives of the April 29, 2021 meeting are to share progress from the working groups; to give feedback on the ongoing work around technical challenges, tooling, demonstrations, and awareness and adoption; and to continue discussions around potential guidance or playbook documents. This meeting will also feature short presentations and discussions of SBOM-related tools and services to help the community understand the growth of the broader ecosystem. Presentation suggestions and proposals should be 250 words or less and should be submitted to Allan Friedman at afriedman@ntia.gov by April 15, 2021. More information about stakeholders' work is available at: https://www.ntia.gov/SoftwareTransparency.

Time and Date: NTIA will convene the next meeting of the multistakeholder process on Software Component Transparency on April 29, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The exact time of the meeting is subject to change. Please refer to NTIA's website, https://www.ntia.gov/SoftwareTransparency, for the most current information.

Place: The meeting will be held virtually, with online slide share and dial-in information to be posted at https://www.ntia.gov/SoftwareTransparency. Please refer to NTIA's website, https://www.ntia.gov/SoftwareTransparency, for the most current information.

Other Information: The meeting is open to the public and the press on a first-come, first-served basis.

The virtual meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for real-time captioning or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Allan Friedman at (202) 482-4281 or afriedman@ntia.gov at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting. Access details for the meeting are subject to change. Please refer to NTIA's website, https://www.ntia.gov/SoftwareTransparency, for the most current information.

Title of Collection: Applicant Operational and Financial Management Survey.

OMB Control Number: 3045-0102. Type of Review: Renewal.

Respondents/Affected Public: Businesses and Organizations OR State, Local or Tribal Governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 1,500.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 3,000.

Abstract: This survey is intended to collect information about the capacity of applicants to manage federal grant funds. Per 2 CFR 200.205, AmeriCorps must evaluate the degree of risk posed by an applicant. Information from the survey will be used to assess an organization's operational and financial management capabilities prior to receiving a federal award and may also be used to support future monitoring activities, should the applicant receive federal funds from AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps also seeks to continue using the currently approved information collection until the revised information collection is approved by OMB. The currently approved information collection is due to expire on 05/31/2021.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information, to search data sources, to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. All written comments will be available for public inspection on regulations.gov .

The Status of Forces Reserve Survey (SOFS-R) is a DoD-wide survey of Reserve and National Guard used in evaluating existing policies and programs, establishing baseline measures before implementing new policies and programs, and monitoring the progress of policies/programs that make a difference in the lives of Reserve component members and their families. The survey assesses topics such as financial well-being, reintegration programs following activation/deployment, outreach to civilian employers, employer support, family support programs, and benefits ( i.e., education, commissary/exchange, health care), and suicide awareness. Data are aggregated by appropriate demographics, including Service, paygrade, gender, race/ethnicity, activation status, and other indicators. In order to be able to meet reporting requirements for DoD leadership, the Military Services, and Congress, the survey needs to be completed by fall 2021. As required by the NDAA, the results of this survey are used by each of the Service Secretaries to evaluate and update training. In addition, the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness uses the SOFS-R to suggest changes to services supporting Reserve component members' ability to return to their families and their civilian jobs following activation/deployment as well as addressing retention, health care, and family life issues.

Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Status of Forces Survey (Reserve).

Type of Request: New.

Number of Respondents: 16,515.

Responses per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 16,515.

Average Burden per Response: 30 minutes.

Annual Burden Hours: 8,258.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Frequency: Annually.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Request for Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information collected has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of DoD's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (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 automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

The QuickCompass of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Personnel (QSAPR) assesses perceived professional or other reprisal or retaliation; access to sufficient physical and mental health services as a result of the nature of their work; access to installation and unit commanders; access to victims and alleged offender's immediate commander; responsiveness of commanders to SARCs; support and services provided to sexual assault victims; understanding of others of the process and their willingness to assist; adequacy of training received by SARCs and SAPR VAs to effectively perform their duties; and other factors affecting the ability of SARCs and SAPR VAs to perform their duties. In addition, the results of the survey will assess progress, identify shortfalls, and revise policies and programs as needed. The FY21 NDAA requires that not later than June 30, 2021 the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) survey SARCs and SAPR VAs on their ability to perform duties. SECDEF is required to submit a report of the survey results and actions to be taken as a result of the survey to the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services. In order to be able to meet reporting requirements for DoD leadership, the Military Services, and Congress, the survey needs to be completed by May 2021 to be able to present results to leadership by the end of 2021. That will also allow the results to be shared with the Department and Congress in the DoD SAPRO Annual Report as they have been in previous cycles. Data will be aggregated and reported triennially in perpetuity. Ultimately, the study will provide a report to Congress and all of the data, programs, and computational details necessary for replication and peer review.

Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Personnel.

Type of Request: New.

Number of Respondents: 5,000.

Responses per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 5,000.

Average Burden per Response: 20 minutes.

Annual Burden Hours: 1,667.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Frequency: Every three years.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Request for Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information collected has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of DoD's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (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 automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

On September 23, 2019 (84 FR 48724), DoD removed Part 88 from Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulation concerning the Department of Defense (DoD) Transition Assistance Program. Part 88 summarized the benefits in statute and internal policy. The following information is provided to promote awareness of those benefits for military dependents, caregivers of military members, Veterans, and military/veteran service organizations.

DoD internal policy is published and publicly available on the Department's website in DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1332.35, “Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for Military Personnel” at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/.

Virtual DoD TAP training curriculum for Veterans and family members is publicly available at https://www.tapevents.org/courses.

The DoD Transition Day (the DoD Managing Your Transition, Military Occupational Codes Crosswalk, Financial Planning for Transition) and DoD Managing Your Education participant guides are publicly available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) under recent publications at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/DODTAP.

Outlined in DoDI 1332.35 and Chapter 58 of Title 10, U.S.C is the process for how transition assistance is provided to caregivers, spouses and dependents of eligible Service members. This includes DoD collaboration between the Military-Civilian Transition Office and the Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) Office concerning policy about job placement counseling for the spouses of eligible transitioning Service members, and career change counseling for dependents of eligible Service members in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1142. This also entails updates for Service member dependents on Military OneSource incorporation into pre-separation/transition counseling and transition assistance curriculum.

DoD, Defense Personnel and Family Support Center (DPFSC) will inform eligible Service members' spouses and caregivers of TAP services through online media and other cooperative outreach efforts pursuant to the criteria in 38 U.S.C. 1720G, and procedural guidance in DoDI 1332.35, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. These authorities pertain to the required program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers and the responsibilities of the military services regarding caregiver participation in DoD pre-separation counseling sessions.

Military Departments will encourage installation commanders to permit access to veterans service organizations and military service organizations to transition assistance-related events and activities in the United States and abroad in accordance with the TAP MOU, DoD 5500.07-R, DoDI 1344.07 and the December 23, 2014 Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Installation Access and Support Services to VA-Recognized Veteran Service Organizations/Military Service Organizations,” at no cost to the U.S. Government. Access must be for the purpose of assisting Service members with the pre- and post-military disability claim process and transition assistance resources and services.

Family members and caregivers of Service members can find information on non-local community resources through the National Resource Director at www.nrd.gov.

(1) Spouses of eligible transitioning Service members are eligible to attend the Department of Labor (DOL) One-Day and the DOL Employment Track in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1144.

(2) Spouses of eligible transitioning Service members are eligible for the following services and information in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1142.

(a) DOL Job placement counseling.

(b) DoD and VA-administered survivor benefits information.

(c) DoD financial education and counseling, including information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and taxes.

(d) Transition plan assistance to enable achievement of educational, training, employment, and financial objectives.

(e) VA benefits orientation, such as education, employment, home loan services, housing assistance benefit information, and responsible borrowing practices counseling.

(3) Dependents of eligible Service members are entitled to the following services and information in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1142.

(a) Career change counseling and its effects on individuals and their family.

(b) Information on suicide prevention resources following separation from the Military Services.

(4) Eligible Service members and their dependents are entitled to transitional medical and dental care that will be available for 180 days, beginning on the first day after the date of separation, retirement, or release from active duty in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1145.

(5) Spouses of eligible Service members are encouraged to participate in transition assistance, as resources and capacity allow. Participating spouses may have their attendance recorded in accordance with the privacy and information collection mandates and requirements of Titles 10 and 14, U.S.C., and DoD 5400.11-R.

(6) Spouses completing pre-separation/transition counseling (using DD Form 2648) on behalf of an eligible recovering Service member in accordance with DoDI 1332.35 will provide their DoD identification number for data collection purposes.

(1) The Military Services will provide, during mandatory pre-separation counseling, a description of the assistance and support services provided for family caregivers of eligible veterans pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 1720G.

(2) Service members undergoing pre-separation/transition counseling, who may require caregiver services after separation, may identify an individual in writing to provide such services after separation.

(3) Service members who identified an individual to provide caregiver services after separation may permit their caregiver to participate in the member's pre-separation/transition counseling session to inform the caregiver of:

(a) The assistance and support services available to caregivers of members after separation.

(b) The manner in which the member's transition to civilian life after separation may impact the caregiver.

The descending order of priority for participation in transition assistance classroom attendance is based on the targeted population dates of separation or release from active duty, or their status of returning from overseas, or assignment to remote or isolated and geographically dispersed locations. DoD TAP training is publicly available virtually, as referenced above. Eligible Service members will be given preference for classroom DoD TAP, and spouse eligibility for DoD TAP classroom attendance will be based on resource availability and capacity in accordance with DoDI 1332.35.

The results of the Active Duty Spouse Survey (ADSS) provide leadership with an understanding of the effectiveness of the Department's family support programs. Given deployment and family life cycles, it allows policy offices to monitor changes in attitudes/opinions, evaluate effectiveness of recent initiatives, and provide insight into topics such as financial well-being, overall health, life in the military, spouse unemployment, and use of military-provided resources. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, DoD has delayed implementation in order to review and modify questions as needed to ensure an adequate response rate. This exemption will allow this survey to be fielded in May 2021 so results will be available by the end of 2021.

Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Active Duty Spouse Survey.

Type of Request: New.

Number of Respondents: 11,500.

Responses per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 11,500.

Average Burden per Response: 30 minutes.

Annual Burden Hours: 5750.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Frequency: Biannually.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information collected has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of DoD's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (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 automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department's information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. 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. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.

Title of Collection: High School and Beyond 2022 (HS&B:22) Base-Year Full-Scale Study Data Collection and First Follow-up Field Test Sampling, Tracking, and Recruitment.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0944.

Type of Review: A revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 128,478.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 53,930.

Abstract: The High School and Beyond 2022 study (HS&B:22) will be the sixth in a series of longitudinal studies at the high school level conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education. HS&B:22 will follow a nationally representative sample of ninth grade students from the start of high school in the fall of 2022 to the spring of 2026 when most will be in twelfth grade. A field test was conducted in fall 2019. The study sample will be freshened in 2026 to create a nationally representative sample of twelfth-grade students. A high school transcript collection and additional follow-up data collections beyond high school are also planned.

The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department's information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. 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. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.

Title of Collection: CRRSAA Supplemental Aid to Institutions of Higher Education Application.

OMB Control Number: 1840-New.

Type of Review: New collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Private Sector; State, Local, and Tribal Governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 1,500.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 4,500.

Abstract: Section 314(a)(3) of Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) allocates funds for institutions of higher education that the Secretary determines have the greatest unmet needs related to the coronavirus. This collection includes (1) a certification and agreement and (2) a profile form that will be used by institutions applying for discretionary grant funding under this section.

Additional Information: Emergency processing was requested for the Department to issue these awards in a timely manner. These awards are particularly needed by IHEs that have experienced the greatest economic and educational disruptions caused by 2019-nCoV in order to support their recovery. Given the short timeframe, ED is unable to consult with the public prior to issuing the forms. However, ED has ample experience designing other similar forms in a way that is clear and minimizes burden. We estimate that the application will require 3 hours per applicant to complete.

Background: The CASAC is a chartered Federal Advisory Committee, established pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1977, codified at 42 U.S.C. 7409(d)(2), to provide advice, information and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on the scientific and technical aspects of air quality criteria and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Members of the CASAC constitute a distinguished body of non-EPA scientists and engineers who are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their respective fields. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator and serve as Special Government Employees who provide independent expert advice to the agency.

Expertise Sought for CASAC: The CASAC was established pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1977, codified at 42 U.S.C. 7409(d)(2), to review air quality criteria and NAAQS and recommend to the EPA Administrator any new NAAQS and revisions of existing criteria and NAAQS as may be appropriate. The CASAC shall also: Advise the EPA Administrator of areas in which additional knowledge is required to appraise the adequacy and basis of existing, new, or revised NAAQS; describe the research efforts necessary to provide the required information; advise the EPA Administrator on the relative contribution to air pollution concentrations of natural as well as anthropogenic activity; and advise the EPA Administrator of any adverse public health, welfare, social, economic, or energy effects which may result from various strategies for attainment and maintenance of such NAAQS. As required under the CAA section 109(d), the CASAC is composed of seven members, with at least one member of the National Academy of Sciences, one physician, and one person representing state air pollution control agencies. The SAB Staff Office is seeking nominations of experts to serve on the CASAC with expertise in: Air quality, biostatistics, ecology, environmental engineering, epidemiology, exposure assessment, medicine, risk assessment, and toxicology. The SAB Staff Office is especially interested in scientists with expertise described above who have knowledge and experience relating to criteria pollutants (carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides). For further information about the CASAC membership appointment process and schedule, please contact Mr. Aaron Yeow, DFO, by telephone at 202-564-2050 or by email at yeow.aaron@epa.gov.

Nominees are selected based on their individual qualifications. Curriculum vitae should reflect the following:

As the committee undertakes specific advisory activities, the SAB Staff Office will consider two additional criteria for each new activity: Absence of financial conflicts of interest and absence of an appearance of a loss of impartiality.

How to Submit Nominations: Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominations should be submitted in electronic format (preferred) using the online nomination form under the “Nomination of Experts” category at the bottom of the CASAC home page at http://www.epa.gov/casac. To be considered, all nominations should include the information requested below. EPA values and welcomes diversity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of sex, race, disability or ethnicity.

The following information should be provided on the nomination form: Contact information for the person making the nomination; contact information for the nominee; the disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee; the nominee's curriculum vitae; and a biographical sketch of the nominee indicating current position, educational background; research activities; sources of research funding for the last two years; and recent service on other national advisory committees or national professional organizations. To help the agency evaluate the effectiveness of its outreach efforts, please indicate how you learned of this nomination opportunity. Persons having questions about the nomination process or the public comment process described below, or who are unable to submit nominations through the CASAC website, should contact the DFO, as identified above. The DFO will acknowledge receipt of nominations and will invite the nominee to provide any additional information that the nominee feels would be useful in considering the nomination, such as availability to participate as a member of the committee; how the nominee's background, skills and experience would contribute to the diversity of the committee; and any questions the nominee has regarding membership. The names and biosketches of qualified nominees identified by respondents to this Federal Register notice, and additional experts identified by the SAB Staff Office, will be posted in a List of Candidates on the CASAC website at http://www.epa.gov/casac. Public comments on each List of Candidates will be accepted for 21 days from the date the list is posted. The public will be requested to provide relevant information or other documentation on nominees that the SAB Staff Office should consider in evaluating candidates.

Candidates may be asked to submit the “Confidential Financial Disclosure Form for Special Government Employees Serving on Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form is required for Special Government Employees (SGEs) and allows EPA to determine whether there is a statutory conflict between that person's public responsibilities as an SGE and private interests and activities, or the appearance of a loss of impartiality, as defined by Federal regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded through the “Ethics Requirements for Advisors” link on the CASAC home page at http://www.epa.gov/casac. This form should not be submitted as part of a nomination.

The proposed Settlement Agreement allows the Settling Party to make a cash payment: (1) To EPA to resolve alleged civil CERCLA liability; and (2) to DOI and the State to resolve alleged natural resource damage liability. The proposed Settlement Agreement also allows the Settling Party to perform work, implement land use restrictions requested by the State and for the payment of oversight costs incurred by the United States at or in connection with the Property. The Settling Party consents to and will not contest the authority of the United States to enter into the Agreement or to implement or enforce its terms. The Settling Party recognizes that the Agreement has been negotiated in good faith and that the Agreement is entered into without the admission or adjudication of any issue of fact or law.

Background: The SAB is a chartered Federal Advisory Committee, established in 1978, under the authority of the Environmental Research, Development and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. 4365, to provide independent scientific and technical peer review, consultation, advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator. Members of the SAB constitute a distinguished body of non-EPA scientists, engineers, and economists who are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their respective fields. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator to serve as Special Government Employees and provide independent expert advice to the agency for a term of up to three years. Additional information about the SAB is available at http://www.epa.gov/sab.

Expertise Sought for the Sab: The chartered SAB provides scientific advice to the EPA Administrator on a variety of EPA science and research topics. All the work of SAB standing committees and ad-hoc panels is conducted under the auspices of the chartered SAB. The chartered SAB reviews all SAB standing committee and ad-hoc panel draft reports and determines whether each exhibits the high quality and meets the SAB's criteria to deliver to the EPA Administrator. The SAB Staff Office invites nominations of individuals to serve on the chartered SAB with expertise or extensive experience in the following scientific disciplines and topics as they relate to human health and the environment: Air quality; agricultural sciences and economics; analytical chemistry; atmospheric sciences; benefit-cost analysis; chemical safety; climate science; citizen science; community environmental health; dose-response assessment; drinking water; drinking water engineering; ecological sciences and ecological assessment; ecological risk assessment; ecosystem services; economics; energy and the environment; engineering; environmental justice; epidemiology; exposure assessment; forestry; geochemistry; health sciences; human health risk assessment; hydrology; hydrogeology; medicine; microbiology; modeling; pediatrics; pesticide risk assessment, public health; physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling; risk assessment; social, behavioral and decision sciences; statistics; sustainability; radiological risk assessment; toxicology; uncertainty analysis; water quality; water quantity and reuse; and waste management. For further information about the chartered SAB membership appointment process and schedule, please contact Dr. Suhair Shallal, DFO, by telephone at (202) 564-2057 or by email at shallal.suhair@epa.gov or Dr. Thomas Armitage, DFO, by telephone at (202) 564-2155 or by email at armitage.thomas@epa.gov.

Members selected to the Chartered SAB may also participate on standing committees of the SAB. These committees take the lead at evaluating specific peer review actions where SAB feedback is requested. Board members with demonstrated scientific credentials, disciplinary expertise in relevant fields, and experience may be asked to also participate on the following SAB Standing Committees:

• The Agricultural Science Committee;

• the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee;

• the Climate Science Committee;

• the Drinking Water Committee;

• the Economic Analysis Committee;

• the Environmental Justice Science Committee; and,

• the Radiation Advisory Committee.

As the SAB and its standing committees and ad-hoc panels undertake specific advisory activities, the SAB Staff Office will consider two additional criteria for each new activity: Absence of financial conflicts of interest and absence of an appearance of a loss of impartiality.

How to Submit Nominations: Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to these advisory committees. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominations should be submitted in electronic format using the online nomination form under the “Nomination of Experts” category at the bottom of the SAB home page at http://www.epa.gov/sab. To be considered, all nominations should include the information requested below. EPA values and welcomes diversity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, race, disability, or ethnicity.

The following information should be provided on the nomination form: Contact information for the person making the nomination; contact information for the nominee; the disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee; the nominee's curriculum vitae; and a biographical sketch of the nominee indicating current position, educational background; research activities; sources of research funding for the last two years; and recent service on other national advisory committees or national professional organizations. To help the agency evaluate the effectiveness of its outreach efforts, please indicate how you learned of this nomination opportunity. Persons having questions about the nomination process or the public comment process described below, or who are unable to submit nominations through the SAB website, should contact a DFO as identified above. The SAB Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of nominations and invite the nominee to provide any additional information that the nominee feels would be useful in considering the nomination, such as availability to participate as a member of the committee; how the nominee's background, skills and experience would contribute to the diversity of the SAB; and any questions the nominee has regarding membership. The names and biosketches of qualified nominees identified by respondents to this Federal Register notice, and any additional experts identified by the SAB Staff Office, will be posted in a List of Candidates on the SAB website at http://www.epa.gov/sab. Public comments on each List of Candidates will be accepted for 21 days from the date the list is posted. The public will be requested to provide relevant information or other documentation on nominees that the SAB Staff Office should consider in evaluating candidates.

Candidates invited to serve will be asked to submit the “Confidential Financial Disclosure Form for Special Government Employees Serving on Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form allows EPA to determine whether there is a statutory conflict between that person's public responsibilities as a Special Government Employee and private interests and activities, or the appearance of a loss of impartiality, as defined by Federal regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded through the “Ethics Requirements for Advisors” link on the SAB home page at http://www.epa.gov/sab. This form should not be submitted as part of a nomination.