Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed 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 proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title: Assessing Equity in Work Requirements and SNAP Employment and Training.

Form Number: Not applicable.

OMB Number: 0584-NEW.

Expiration date: Not yet determined.

Type of request: New collection.

Abstract: Section 17 [7 U.S.C. 2026] (a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, provides general legislative authority for the planned data collection. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts with private institutions to undertake research that will help improve the administration and effectiveness of SNAP.

FNS is conducting this study to identify data available from SNAP State agencies, their E&T provider partners, and other sources that can be used to develop measures to assess equity in the administration of SNAP work requirements and E&T services. The developed measures can be used to determine how and whether States are providing equitable access to SNAP through the administration of work requirements, achieving equitable participation in education and training opportunities through the SNAP E&T program, and adopting program option and discretionary policies and procedures that influence disparities. FNS has identified four objectives for this study:

(1) Identify areas in the administration of work requirements in SNAP and in SNAP E&T program administration and access where equity issues could occur.

(2) Identify and describe the data that could be used to assess access and outcomes in the areas identified in Objective 1.

(3) Describe how State agencies address equity in administering work requirements in their SNAP and SNAP E&T programs.

(4) Develop recommendations on how FNS should assess and measure equity in the administration of work requirements in SNAP and in SNAP E&T program administration and access.

The study will gather data through a web-based survey and document review of all 53 SNAP State agencies and key informant interviews in six States. The web-based survey will provide information on current practices addressing equity and data available to assess equity. The web-based survey questions will be limited to those not answerable through the document review. The document review will include extant documents, manuals, guides, and other data sources from all 53 SNAP State agencies. We will identify nine SNAP State agencies and recruit as necessary to ensure the completion of key informant interviews in six States. The key informant interviews will include staff from each of the six study States at (1) the SNAP State agency office and (2) the SNAP local office; interviews will also include (3) SNAP E&T providers and (4) relevant interested parties, who may be government employees or representatives of academic and business interests ( e.g., community-based organizations, community college consortium, American Job Centers). We will pretest the web-based survey with individuals with previous experience working in SNAP State agencies. We will pretest the key informant interviews with State and local office staff from a SNAP State agency not selected as a study State.

This study aligns with President Biden's January 20, 2021, Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and the goal of equitable implementation of Federal programs. 1 These data will ultimately result in recommendations on how FNS can assess and measure equity in the administration of work requirements and SNAP E&T. The data collected will be kept private and will not be shared with anyone outside the study team and FNS research and administrative staff.

Affected public: Members of the public affected by the data collection include State, local, and Tribal governments; business (for profit and not for profit); and individuals.

Respondent groups identified include the following:

(1) State, local, and Tribal government: The web-based survey will be completed by all 53 SNAP State agency Directors with input from SNAP E&T Directors and SNAP State agency data analysts who are familiar with SNAP data and data systems. Submission of files for document review will be completed by the SNAP State agency Directors and data analysts.

Staff from the SNAP State office, the SNAP local office, and an interested party will pretest the interview instruments. The key informant interviews will be conducted in the six study States with SNAP State agency Directors, State agency data analysts, SNAP E&T Directors, staff from two local offices, SNAP E&T providers, and interested parties, such as staff at American Job Centers.

(2) Business (for profit and not for profit): One SNAP E&T provider will pretest the interview instrument. SNAP E&T providers and interested parties, such as staff at community-based organizations from the six study States, will participate in key informant interviews.

(3) Individuals: Six individuals will pretest the web-based survey instrument.

Pretesting: We anticipate 100 percent participation from the respondents involved in pretesting the web-based survey and the key informant interview guides. Six individuals with previous experience working in SNAP State agencies will pretest the web-based survey. Key informant interview instruments will be pretested by one SNAP State Director, one local SNAP E&T administrator, one interested party, and one SNAP E&T provider.

Survey: We will contact all 53 SNAP State agency Directors to request that they complete the survey. FNS anticipates 100 percent participation from the SNAP State agency Directors. Each SNAP State agency Director may designate up to two staff to complete sections of the survey, accounting for up to an additional 106 State agency staff participating as respondents (159 SNAP State agency staff respondents total). This is the highest possible number of survey respondents.

Document review: When recruited for participation in the survey, SNAP State agencies will also be asked to submit documents for a document review; FNS anticipates 100 percent participation. We will reach out to 53 SNAP State agency Directors to submit documents; Directors will be assisted by one staff member ( i.e., data analyst) to identify the necessary documents.

Key informant interviews: We will identify nine candidate States and conduct key informant interview in six States. The key informant interviews will involve semi-structured interviews with program administrators and staff of SNAP State agencies and SNAP local agencies, businesses or other agencies providing SNAP E&T services, and interested parties representing other government agencies or businesses. After FNS and the study team recruit the six States, FNS expects all selected local SNAP agencies, SNAP providers, and interested parties to participate.

Estimated number of respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 264 as follows: 203 State, local, and Tribal government staff; 55 business (for profit and not for profit) staff; and 6 individuals. Of the 264 contacted, 264 are estimated to be responsive, and three are estimated to be nonresponsive. The breakout of respondents follows:

(1) State, local, and Tribal government staff: Of the 159 SNAP State agency staff contacted, 159 are estimated to be responsive, and three will be nonresponsive. The web-based survey will be completed by 53 SNAP State Directors, 53 data analysts, and 53 SNAP E&T Directors; we expect them all to be responsive. The submission of files for document review will be completed by 53 SNAP State Directors and 53 data analysts; we expect them all to be responsive. Before beginning key informant interviews, we will pretest the interview instruments with a SNAP State Director, a local SNAP E&T administrator, and an interested party working for the government; we expect them all to be responsive. We will conduct key informant interviews in six study States. To successfully recruit six study States, FNS and the study team will contact up to nine SNAP State Directors; six SNAP State Directors will agree to participate in the interviews and three will be nonresponsive. Other State staff joining the SNAP State Directors for the key informant interviews will be six data analysts and six SNAP E&T Directors, who will all be responsive, and zero will be nonresponsive. Other local government staff will include 12 local SNAP E&T administrators, 24 local office staff, and six interested parties working for the government will be contacted and be responsive; zero will be nonresponsive.

(2) Business (for profit and not for profit) staff: One SNAP E&T provider will be recruited to pretest the key informant interview instrument, and they will be responsive. Of the 48 SNAP E&T providers contacted for key informant interviews in the six study States, 48 are estimated to be responsive, and zero will be nonresponsive. Six interested parties employed by businesses will be contacted for key informant interviews; we expect all six to be responsive and zero to be nonresponsive.

(3) Individuals: Of the six individuals recruited to pretest the web-based survey, all six are estimated to be responsive, and zero will be nonresponsive.

Estimated number of responses per respondent: 3.67—based on 981 total annual responses (978 responsive and 3 nonresponsive) made by the 264 respondents (264 responsive and three nonresponsive). See table 1 for the estimated number of responses per respondent for each type of respondent.

The estimate breakout follows:

(1) State, local, and Tribal government staff:

(a) SNAP State Staff (159): The estimated number of responses per SNAP State staff is 4.23:

(b) Local SNAP office staff (37): The estimated number of responses per local SNAP office staff is 2.97:

(c) Non-SNAP State and local government agency staff (7): The estimated number of responses per non-SNAP State and local staff is 2.86:

(2) Business (for profit and not for profit) SNAP E&T providers (55): The estimated number of responses per business stakeholder staff is 2.98:

(3) Individuals (6): The estimated number of responses per individuals is 2.00:

Estimated total frequency response per respondent. FNS anticipates 3.67 responses per respondent.

Estimated total annual responses: 981 (978 annual responses for responsive participants and 3 annual responses for nonresponsive participants).

Estimated time per response: 0.3796 hours (0.38 hours for responsive participants and 0.25 hours for nonresponsive participants). Among respondents, the estimated time of response varies from 0.03 hours to 1.50 hours depending on respondent group and activity, as table 1 shows.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents and nonrespondents: 372.41 hours (371.66 hours for responsive participants and 0.75 hours for nonresponsive participants). See table 1 for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent.

The decision to approve the revised Plan and the Regional Forester's list of species of conservation concern for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests will be subject to the objection process identified in 36 CFR part 219 subpart B (219.50 to 219.62). Per 36 CFR 219.53, only individuals and entities who have submitted substantive formal comments related to a plan revision during the opportunities for public comment that are attributable to the objector may file an objection unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the opportunities for formal comment.

Objections must be submitted to the Objection Reviewing Officer at the address shown in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. An objection must include the following (36 CFR 219.54(c)):

(1) The objector's name and address along with a telephone number or email address if available. In cases where no identifiable name is attached to an objection, the Forest Service will attempt to verify the identity of the objector to confirm objection eligibility;

(2) Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the objection);

(3) Identification of the lead objector when multiple names are listed on an objection. The Forest Service will communicate to all parties to an objection through the lead objector. Verification of the identity of the lead objector must also be provided if requested;

(4) The name of the plan revision being objected to, and the name and title of the responsible official;

(5) A statement of the issues and/or parts of the plan revision to which the objection applies;

(6) A concise statement explaining the objection and suggesting how the draft plan decision may be improved. If the objector believes that the plan revision is inconsistent with law, regulation, or policy, an explanation should be included;

(7) A statement that demonstrates the link between the objector's prior substantive formal comments and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the opportunities for formal comment; and

(8) All documents referenced in the objection (a bibliography is not sufficient), except the following need not be provided:

a. All or any part of a Federal law or regulation,

b. Forest Service Directive System documents and land management plans or other published Forest Service documents,

c. Documents referenced by the Forest Service in the planning documentation related to the proposal subject to objection, and

d. Formal comments previously provided to the Forest Service by the objector during the proposed plan, plan amendment, or plan revision comment period.

Additionally, objections should be identified as pertaining to the “GMUG National Forests Plan” or the “Regional Forester's Species of Conservation Concern List” for the GMUG National Forests, as these are subject to separate objection processes. Objectors filing objections on both topics should submit these as separate objection letters.

It is the responsibility of the objector to ensure that the Objection Reviewing Officer receives the objection in a timely manner. The regulations generally prohibit extending the length of the objection filing period (36 CFR 219.56(d)). However, when the time period expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the time is extended to the end of the next Federal working day (11:59 p.m. for objections filed by electronic means such as email or facsimile machine) (36 CFR 219.56).

Responsible Official: The responsible official who will approve the ROD for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests' revised Plan is Forest Supervisor Chad Stewart, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Headquarters, 2250 South Main Street, Delta, CO 81416, and phone: 970-874-6674. The responsible official for the list of species of conservation concern is Regional Forester Frank Beum, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region, 1617 Cole Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80401.

The Regional Forester is the reviewing officer for the revised Plan because the Forest Supervisor is the responsible official (36 CFR 219.56(e)). Objection review of the Regional Forester's list of species of conservation concern will be subject to a separate objection process from the objection review of the Plan. The Chief of the Forest Service is the reviewing officer for the list of species of conservation concern because the Regional Forester is the responsible official (36 CFR 219.56(e)(2)). This authority may be delegated to an individual Deputy Chief or Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System, consistent with delegations of authority provided in the Forest Service Manual at sections 1235.4 and 1235.5.

Background

On August 15, 2019, Commerce published in the Federal Register the antidumping duty order on steel propane cylinders from Thailand. 1 On August 2, 2022, Commerce published in the Federal Register a notice of opportunity to request an administrative review of the Order . 2 On October 11, 2022, based on timely requests for review and in accordance with section 751(a)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act) and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), Commerce initiated an administrative review of the Order . 3 Pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act, Commerce extended the deadline for the preliminary results until August 31, 2023. 4

For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this review, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 5 A list of the topics included in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is included as the appendix to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov . In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx .

The merchandise covered by this Order is steel propane cylinders from Thailand. For a complete description of the scope of the Order, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 6

Commerce is conducting this review in accordance with section 751(a) of the Act. Export price was calculated in accordance with section 772 of the Act. NV was calculated in accordance with section 773 of the Act. For a full description of the methodology underlying these preliminary results, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.

We preliminarily determine that the following estimated weighted-average dumping margin exists for the period August 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022:

We intend to disclose the calculations used for these preliminary results to interested parties within five days of the date of publication of this notice in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b). Interested parties may submit case briefs not later than seven days after the date on which the verification report is issued in this administrative review. 7 Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case briefs, may be filed not later than seven days after the date for filing case briefs. 8 Parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in this review are encouraged to submit with each argument: (1) a statement of the issue; (2) a brief summary of the argument; and (3) a table of authorities. 9 Executive summaries should be limited to five pages total, including footnotes. All briefs must be filed electronically using ACCESS. 10

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to request a hearing, must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register . Requests should contain: (1) the party's name, address and telephone number; (2) the number of participants; and (3) whether any participant is a foreign national; and (4) a list of issues to be discussed. Issues raised in the hearing will be limited to those raised by each party in their respective case and rebuttal briefs. If a request for a hearing is made, Commerce will announce the date and time of the hearing. Parties should confirm by telephone the date and time of the hearing two days before the scheduled hearing date.

Note that Commerce has temporarily modified certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary information, until further notice. 11 An electronically filed document must be received successfully in its entirety in ACCESS by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.

We intend to issue the final results of this administrative review, including the results of our analysis of the issues raised in any written briefs, not later than 120 days after the date of publication of this notice, unless extended, pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act.

On January 18, 2023, Worthington Industries (the petitioner) requested that Commerce conduct verification of SMPC's responses. 12 Accordingly, as provided in section 782(i)(3) of the Act, Commerce intends to verify the information relied upon in determining its final results.

Upon issuance of the final results of this review, Commerce shall determine, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, antidumping duties on all appropriate entries covered by this review. If the weighted-average dumping margin for SMPC ( i.e., the sole individually-examined respondent in this review) is not zero or de minimis ( i.e., greater than or equal to 0.5 percent) in the final results of this review, we will calculate importer-specific ad valorem antidumping duty assessment rates on the basis of the ratio of the total amount of dumping calculated for the examined sales made during the POR to each importer and the total entered value of those same sales, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1). If SMPC has not reported entered values, we will calculate a per-unit assessment rate for each importer by dividing the total amount of dumping calculated for the examined sales made to that importer by the total quantity associated with those transactions. To determine whether an importer-specific, per-unit assessment rate is de minimis, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.106(c)(2), we also will calculate an importer-specific ad valorem ratio based on estimated entered values. Where either SMPC's weighted average dumping margin is zero or de minimis, or an importer-specific assessment ad valorem rate is zero or de minimis, we intend to instruct CBP to liquidate appropriate entries without regard to antidumping duties. 13 The final results of this review shall be the basis for the assessment of antidumping duties on entries of merchandise covered by this review where applicable.

For entries of subject merchandise during the POR produced by SMPC for which the producer did not know its merchandise was destined for the United States, we will instruct CBP to liquidate those entries at the all-others rate ( i.e., 10.77 percent)  14 if there is no rate for the intermediate company(ies) involved in the transaction. 15

We intend to issue assessment instructions to CBP no earlier than 35 days after the date of publication of the final results of this review in the Federal Register . If a timely summons is filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the assessment instructions will direct CBP not to liquidate relevant entries until the time for parties to file a request for a statutory injunction has expired ( i.e., within 90 days of publication).

The following cash deposit requirements will be effective for all shipments of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the publication date of the final results of this administrative review, as provided by section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1) the cash deposit rate for SMPC will be equal to the weighted-average dumping margin established in the final results of this administrative review, except if the rate is less than 0.50 percent and, therefore, de minimis within the meaning of 19 CFR 351.106(c)(1), in which case the cash deposit rate will be zero; (2) for previously reviewed or investigated companies not listed above, the cash deposit rate will continue to be the company-specific rate published for the most recently completed segment of this proceeding in which the company participated; (3) if the exporter is not a firm covered in this review, a prior review, or in the less-than-fair-value investigation (LTFV) but the producer is, the cash deposit rate will be the rate established for the most recently completed segment of this proceeding for the producer of the merchandise; and (4) the cash deposit rate for all other producers or exporters will continue to be the all-others rate of 10.77 percent, the rate established in the LTFV investigation of this proceeding. 16 These cash deposit requirements, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further notice.

This notice also serves as a preliminary reminder to importers of their responsibility under 19 CFR 351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate regarding the reimbursement of antidumping duties prior to liquidation of the relevant entries during this review period. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in Commerce's presumption that reimbursement of antidumping duties occurred and the subsequent assessment of doubled antidumping duties.

We are issuing and publishing these preliminary results of review in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.213(h)(2) and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(4).

Background

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 U.S. 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 35 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 September 2023, 2 interested parties may request administrative review of the following orders, findings, or suspended investigations, with anniversary dates in September for the following periods:

Background

On August 19, 2016, Commerce published the antidumping duty (AD) order on HFC blends from China. 1 On August 2, 2022, Commerce published a notice of opportunity to request an administrative review of the Order, covering the POR, pursuant to section 751(a)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). 2 On October 11, 2022, based on timely requests for review from American HFC Coalition and Zhejiang Sanmei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Sanmei), 3 Commerce initiated an administrative review of the Order covering the POR. 4 The administrative review covers 17 companies, 5 including the mandatory respondent, Sanmei. On April 10, 2023, Commerce extended the deadline for the preliminary results of this review to no later than August 31, 2023. 6

The products covered by the Order are shipments of HFC blends from China. For a full description of the scope of the Order, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 7

Commerce preliminarily determines that one respondent, Sanmei, the only company individually examined in this review, is eligible to receive a separate rate in this review. 8

Under Commerce's policy regarding the conditional review of the China-wide entity, 9 the China-wide entity will not be under review unless a party specifically requests, or Commerce self-initiates, a review of the entity. Because no party requested a review of the China-wide entity in this review, the entity is not under review, and the entity's rate ( i.e., 216.37 percent) is not subject to change. 10 Commerce considers the 16 companies for which a review was requested (which did not file a separate rate application or did not demonstrate separate rate eligibility) listed in Appendix II to this notice, to be part of the China-wide entity. 11

Commerce is conducting this review in accordance with section 751(a)(1)(B) of the Act. We calculated export price in accordance with section 772 of the Act. Because China is an NME country within the meaning of section 771(18) of the Act, we calculated normal value in accordance with section 773(c) of the Act.

For a full description of the methodology underlying our preliminary results, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 12 A list of topics discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is included as Appendix I to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be found at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.

Commerce preliminarily determines that the following weighted-average dumping margin exists for the period August 31, 2021, through July 31, 2022:

Commerce intends to disclose the calculations performed in connection with these preliminary results to interested parties within five days after the date of publication of this notice. 13

Case briefs or other written comments may be submitted to Commerce no later than 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. 14 Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case briefs, may be filed no later than seven days after the time limit for filing case briefs. 15 Parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in this proceeding are encouraged to submit with each argument: (1) a statement of the issue; (2) a brief summary of the argument; and (3) a table of authorities. 16 Case and rebuttal briefs should be filed using ACCESS. 17 Note that Commerce has temporarily modified certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary information, until further notice. 18

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to request a hearing, limited to issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs, must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, U.S. Department of Commerce, filed electronically via ACCESS within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. 19 Hearing requests should contain: (1) the party's name, address, and telephone number; (2) the number of participants; and (3) a list of issues to be discussed. Issues raised in the hearing will be limited to issues raised in the briefs. If a request for a hearing is made, Commerce intends to hold the hearing at a date and time to be determined. 20 Parties should confirm by telephone the date and time of the hearing two days before the scheduled date. An electronically filed document must be received successfully in its entirety by ACCESS by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the established deadline.

Unless the deadline is extended, Commerce intends to issue the final results of this administrative review, including the results of its analysis of issues raised in any written briefs, not later than 120 days after the date of publication of this notice. 21

Upon completion of the final results, Commerce shall determine, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, antidumping duties on all appropriate entries covered by this review. 22 If the preliminary results are unchanged for the final results, we will instruct CBP to apply an ad valorem assessment rate of 216.37 percent to all entries of subject merchandise during the POR which were exported by the companies considered to be a part of the China-wide entity listed in Appendix II of this notice.

If the individually examined respondent's weighted-average dumping margin is above de minimis ( i.e., 0.50 percent) in the final results of this review, we will calculate an importer-specific assessment rate on the basis of the ratio of the total amount of dumping calculated for each importer's examined sales and, where possible, the total entered value of those same sales in accordance with 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1). 23 Where an importer- (or customer-) specific ad valorem rate is zero or de minimis, we will instruct CBP to liquidate appropriate entries without regard to antidumping duties. 24

For entries that were not reported in the U.S. sales database submitted by exporter individually examined during this review, Commerce will instruct CBP to liquidate such entries at the China-wide rate. 25

Background

Commerce published the Preliminary Results of this review on March 7, 2023. 1 We invited interested parties to comment on the Preliminary Results. 2 On May 30, 2023, Commerce extended the deadline for the final results of this review until September 1, 2023. 3 For a complete description of the events that occurred since the Preliminary Results, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum. 4

The merchandise covered by the Order is cold-drawn mechanical tubing from India. For a complete description of the scope of the Order, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

All issues raised in interested parties' briefs are addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum. A list of the issues raised by interested parties, to which we responded in the Issues and Decision Memorandum, is provided as an appendix to this notice. The Issues and Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Issues and Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.

Based on a review of the record and comments received from interested parties regarding our Preliminary Results, and for the reasons explained in the Issues and Decision Memorandum, we made certain changes for these final results of review.

Commerce conducted this review in accordance with section 751(a)(l)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). For each of the subsidy programs found countervailable, we find that there is a subsidy, i.e., a financial contribution from a government or public entity that gives rise to a benefit to the recipient, and the subsidy is specific. 6 For a full description of the methodology underlying our conclusions, including any determination that relied upon the use of adverse facts available pursuant to section 776(a) and (b) of the Act, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

We made no changes to the methodology for determining a rate for companies not selected for individual examination from the Preliminary Results. However, due to changes in calculations for Goodluck India Limited, the non-selected rate changed for each of the non-selected companies for which a review was requested and not rescinded, and which were not selected as mandatory respondents. 7

We determine the total estimated net countervailable subsidy rates for the period January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, to be as follows:

Commerce will disclose to interested parties the calculations performed for these final results within five days of public announcement or, if there is no public announcement, within five days of the date of publication of the notice of final results in the Federal Register , in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).

Consistent with section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act, upon issuance of the final results, Commerce shall determine, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, countervailing duties on all appropriate entries covered by this review. Commerce intends to issue appropriate assessment instructions to CBP no earlier than 35 days after publication of these final results. If a timely summons is filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the assessment instructions will direct CBP not to liquidate relevant entries until the time for parties to file a request for a statutory injunction has expired ( i.e., within 90 days of publication).

Pursuant to section 751(a)(1) of the Act, Commerce intends to instruct CBP to collect cash deposits of estimated countervailing duties in the amounts indicated above with regard to shipments of subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of the final results of this review. For all non-reviewed firms, CBP will continue to collect cash deposits of estimated countervailing duties at the most recent company-specific or all-others rate applicable to the company, as appropriate. These cash deposit instructions, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further notice.

This notice also serves as a final reminder to parties subject to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the return or destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3), which continues to govern business proprietary information in this segment of proceeding. Timely written notification of the return/destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation which is subject to sanction.

These final results are issued and published in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(5).

Background

On October 11, 2022, based on timely requests for review, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), we initiated an administrative review of the antidumping duty order  1 on wind towers from Korea. 2 This review covers 15 producers/exporters of the subject merchandise. In April 2023, we extended the deadline for issuing the preliminary results of this review to no later than August 31, 2023. 3 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this review, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 4

The merchandise subject to the Order is wind towers. 5 The product is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 7308.20.0020 or 8502.31.0000 and may also be classified under HTSUS subheading 7308.20.0020 or 8502.31.0000. While the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written product description remains dispositive.

On October 28 and November 10, 2022, respectively, we received letters from Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation (Hyosung) and CS Wind Corporation (CS Wind), timely notifying Commerce that they had no exports, sales, or entries of subject merchandise during the POR. 6 Based on their certifications and our analysis of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) information, we preliminarily determine that CS Wind and Hyosung had no shipments during the POR. Consistent with our practice, we are not rescinding the review with respect to CS Wind and Hyosung. Instead, we will complete the review and issue appropriate instructions to CBP based on the final results of this review. 7

Commerce is conducting this review in accordance with section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Export price is calculated in accordance with section 772 of the Act. NV is calculated in accordance with section 773 of the Act. For a full description of the methodology underlying our conclusions, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx. A list of the topics discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is attached in Appendix I of this notice.

As a result of this review, we preliminarily determine the following estimated weighted-average dumping margin for the period August 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022:

The Act and Commerce's regulations do not address the establishment of a weighted-average dumping margin to be applied to companies not selected for individual examination when Commerce limits its examination in an administrative review pursuant to section 777A(c)(2) of the Act. Generally, Commerce looks to section 735(c)(5) of the Act, which provides instructions for calculating the all-others rate in a less-than-fair-value (LTFV) investigation, for guidance when calculating the weighted-average dumping margin for companies which were not selected for individual examination in an administrative review. Under section 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act, the all-others rate is normally equal to the weighted average of the estimated weighted-average dumping margins established for exporters and producers individually examined, excluding rates that are zero, de minimis ( i.e., less than 0.5 percent), or determined entirely on the basis of facts available.

For these preliminary results, we have preliminary assigned a dumping margin to these companies based on the rate calculated for Dongkuk S&C Co., Ltd. (Dongkuk). The companies not selected for individual review are listed in Appendix II.

Commerce intends to disclose the calculations performed in connection with these preliminary results to interested parties within five days after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register . 8 Interested parties may submit case briefs or other written comments to Commerce no later than 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. 9 Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case briefs, may be filed no later than seven days after the time limit for filing case briefs. 10 Parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in this proceeding are encouraged to submit with each argument: (1) a statement of the issue; (2) a brief summary of the argument; and (3) a table of authorities. 11 Case and rebuttal briefs should be filed using ACCESS. 12 An electronically filed document must be received successfully in its entirety by ACCESS by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the established deadline. Note that Commerce has temporarily modified certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary information, until further notice. 13

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to request a hearing must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, filed electronically via ACCESS within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. 14 Hearing requests should contain: (1) the party's name, address, and telephone number; (2) the number of participants; and (3) a list of issues to be discussed. Oral presentations at the hearing will be limited to issues raised in the briefs. If a request for a hearing is made, parties will be notified of the time and date for the hearing. 15

Commerce intends to issue the final results of this administrative review, including the results of its analysis raised in any written briefs, not later than 120 days after the date of publication of this notice, unless otherwise extended. 16

Upon issuing the final results, Commerce shall determine, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, antidumping duties on all appropriate entries. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1), because Dongkuk reported the entered value of its U.S. sales, we calculated importer-specific ad valorem duty assessment rates based on the ratio of the total amount of dumping calculated for the examined sales to the total entered value of those sales. Where either the respondent's weighted-average dumping margin is zero or de minimis within the meaning of 19 CFR 351.106(c)(1), or an importer-specific rate is zero or de minimis, we will instruct CBP to liquidate the appropriate entries without regard to antidumping duties.

Commerce's “automatic assessment” practice will apply to entries of subject merchandise during the POR produced by Dongkuk for which Dongkuk did not know that the merchandise it sold to the intermediary ( e.g., a reseller, trading company, or exporter) was destined for the United States. In such instances, we will instruct CBP to liquidate unreviewed entries at the all-others rate if there is no rate for the intermediate company(ies) involved in the transaction.

For the companies which were not selected for individual examination, we intend to assign an antidumping duty assessment rate equal to the dumping margin calculated in the final results of this review for Dongkuk. Further, if we continue to find in the final results that CS Wind and Hyosung had no shipments of subject merchandise during the POR, we will instruct CBP to liquidate any suspended entries that entered under their antidumping duty case numbers ( i.e., at that exporter's rate) at the all-others rate if there is no rate for the intermediate company(ies) involved in the transaction.

In accordance with section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act, the final results of this review shall be the basis for the assessment of antidumping duties on entries of merchandise covered by the final results of this review and for future deposits of estimated duties, where applicable.

Commerce intends to issue assessment instructions to CBP no earlier than 35 days after the date of publication of the final results of this review in the Federal Register . If a timely summons is filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the assessment instructions will direct CBP not to liquidate relevant entries until the time for parties to file a request for a statutory injunction has expired ( i.e., within 90 days of publication).

The following deposit requirements will be effective for all shipments of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the publication date of the final results of this administrative review, as provided by section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1) the cash deposit rate for the company listed above will be that established in the final results of this review, except if the rate is less than 0.50 percent and, therefore, de minimis within the meaning of 19 CFR 351.106(c)(1), in which case the cash deposit rate will be zero; (2) for previously investigated or reviewed companies not covered in this review, the cash deposit rate will continue to be the company-specific cash deposit rate published for the most recently completed segment of this proceeding in which the company participated; (3) if the exporter is not a firm covered in this review, or the LTFV investigation, but the manufacturer is, then the cash deposit rate will be the rate established for the most recent segment for the manufacturer of the merchandise; and (4) the cash deposit rate for all other manufacturers or exporters will continue to be 5.41 percent, the all-others rate established in the LTFV investigation. 17 These deposit requirements, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further notice.

This notice also serves as a preliminary reminder to importers of their responsibility under 19 CFR 351.402(f) to file a certificate regarding the reimbursement of antidumping duties prior to liquidation of the relevant entries during this review period. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in Commerce's presumption that reimbursement of antidumping duties occurred and the subsequent assessment of double antidumping duties.

We are issuing and publishing these results in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.

Background

Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ) direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review.

An authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings are set forth. NMFS has defined “negligible impact” in 50 CFR 216.103 as an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival.

Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the MMPA defines “harassment” as any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment); or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment).

On January 19, 2021, we issued a final rule with regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activities conducted by oil and gas industry operators, and those persons authorized to conduct activities on their behalf (collectively “industry operators”), in U.S. waters of the GOM over the course of 5 years (86 FR 5322). The rule was based on our findings that the total taking from the specified activities over the 5-year period will have a negligible impact on the affected species or stock(s) of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of those species or stocks for subsistence uses. The rule became effective on April 19, 2021.

Our regulations at 50 CFR 217.180 et seq. allow for the issuance of LOAs to industry operators for the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities and prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of affecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat (often referred to as mitigation), as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Under section 217.186(e), issuance of an LOA shall be based on a determination that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under these regulations and a determination that the amount of take authorized under the LOA is of no more than small numbers.

NMFS issued an LOA to Shell on October 1, 2022, for the take of marine mammals incidental to a 3-dimensional (3D) ocean bottom node (OBN) survey in Garden Banks Lease Block GB555 and GB556 and the surrounding 414 lease blocks effective through August 31, 2023. Please see the Federal Register notification of issuance (87 FR 55790, September 12, 2022) for additional detail regarding the LOA and the survey activity.

Shell initially anticipated that the activity would occur at some point between October 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023. Shell subsequently conveyed to NMFS that the survey would not be able to be completed by the original end date. Shell has requested modification to the expiration date of the LOA (from August 31, 2023, to September 15, 2023) to accommodate the survey delays.

NMFS has changed the expiration date of the LOA from August 31, 2023 to September 15, 2023. There are no other changes to the LOA as described in the September 12, 2023, Federal Register notice of issuance (87 FR 55790): the specified survey activity; estimated take by incidental harassment; and small numbers analysis and determination remain unchanged.

Agenda

The Groundfish Committee will meet to discuss recommendations from the Recreational Advisory Panel and Groundfish Advisory Panel. They will discuss Atlantic Cod Transition Plan—a summary of fishery data from the Research Track stock assessment for Atlantic cod as well as Framework Adjustment 66/Specifications and Management Measures—an update on the development of draft alternatives and a report from the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC). The Committee will discuss Framework Adjustment 68/Acceptable Biological Catches (ABC) Control Rules—the findings from the facilitated meeting and Groundfish Committee motions from meeting held on August 17, 2023 as well as 2024 Council Priorities—possible groundfish priorities for the Council to consider for 2024, and provide recommendations to the Council, as appropriate. Other business will be discussed as necessary.

Although non-emergency issues not contained on the agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. The public also should be aware that the meeting will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the recording is available upon request.

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Cate O'Keefe, Executive Director, at (978) 465-0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

Written Comments and Statements: Pursuant to section 10(a)(3) of the FACA and 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140, interested persons may submit a written statement for consideration at any time, but should be received by the Designated Federal Officer at least 5 business days prior to the meeting date so that the comments may be made available to the Board for their consideration prior to the meeting. Written statements should be submitted via email to: Kimberly.florich@usmcu.edu. Please note that since the Board operates under the provisions of the FACA, as amended, all submitted comments and public presentations may be treated as public documents and may be made available for public inspection, including, but not limited to, being posted on the board website.

The Department, 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. The Department is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department 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: 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS:20/25) Field Test.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals or households Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 6,927.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 1,279.

Abstract: The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Full-Scale (BPS:20/25) is conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, part of the Institute of Education Sciences, within the Department of Education, and is part of the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study data collection program at https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/bps/ . BPS is designed to follow a cohort of students who enroll in postsecondary education for the first time during the same academic year, irrespective of the date of high school completion. The study collects data on students' persistence in and completion of postsecondary education programs; their transition to employment; demographic characteristics; and changes over time in their goals, marital status, income, and debt, among other indicators. Data from BPS are used to help researchers and policymakers better understand how financial aid influences persistence and completion, what percentages of students complete various degree programs, what are the early employment and wage outcomes for certificate and degree attainers, and why students leave school.

The BPS:20/25 field test will include approximately 3,280 students who first began in the 2018-19 academic year. BPS:20/25 will be a nationally-representative sample of approximately 34,240 students who were first-time beginning students during the 2019-20 academic year. These students will be asked to complete a survey and administrative data will also be collected for them. Administrative data matching will be conducted with sources including the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), containing federal loan and grant files; the Central Processing System (CPS), which houses and processes data contained in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms; the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) which provides enrollment and degree verification; vendors of national undergraduate, graduate, and professional student admission tests; and possible other administrative data sources such as the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). These data will be obtained through file matching/downloading.

This submission is designed to adequately justify the need for and overall practical utility of the full study, presenting the overarching plan for all phases of the data collection and providing as much detail about the measures to be used as is available at the time of this submission. As part of this submission, NCES will publish a notice in the Federal Register allowing first a 60- and then a 30-day public comment period. Field test materials, procedures, and results will inform the full-scale study. After completion of the field test, NCES will publish a notice in the Federal Register allowing an additional 30-day public comment period on the final details and materials of the BPS:20/25 full-scale study.

Background: The Electric Vehicle Working Group (EVWG) was formed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to make recommendations to the Secretaries of Energy and Transportation regarding the development, adoption, and integration of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) into the U.S. transportation and energy systems.

Purpose of the Meeting: This is the inaugural meeting of the EVWG.

Tentative Agenda: The meeting will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The tentative meeting agenda includes: an introduction of EVWG members, a review of the role of the EVWG, and a discussion of potential report topics that the EVWG will research. Meeting materials and a link to registration can be found here: https://driveelectric.gov/ev-working-group.

Public Participation: This virtual meeting is open to the public. Individuals who would like to attend must register for the meeting here: https://driveelectric.gov/ev-working-group.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to offer comments and suggestions may do so during the public comment portion of the meeting. Approximately 25 minutes will be reserved for public comments at the end of the meeting. Time allotted per speaker will depend on the number who wish to speak but will not exceed three minutes. The Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Those wishing to speak during the public comment period should indicate so within their registration.

Those not able to attend the meeting or who have insufficient time to address the committee are invited to send a written statement to Dr. Rachael Nealer, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, or email: evwg@ee.doe.gov.

Minutes: The minutes of the meeting will be available on https://driveelectric.gov/ev-working-group or by contacting Dr. Nealer. She may be reached at the above postal address or email address.

The LGAC and SCAS will discuss several priority issues at EPA, including recommendations on PFAS risk communication and the development of a toolkit for local governments, recommendations on land use and electrifying transportation in small communities, and other topics including environmental justice. Meeting materials and recommendations will be posted closer to the meeting.

The meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Members of the public who wish to participate should register by contacting the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) at LGAC@epa.gov by September 22nd, 2023. Once available, the agenda and other supportive meeting materials will be available online at https://www.epa.gov/ocir/local-government-advisory-committee-lgac and will be emailed to all registered. In the event of cancellation for unforeseen circumstances, please contact the DFO or check the website above for reschedule information.

This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through April 30, 2024. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

This notice allows 60 days for public comments. Supporting documents, which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting, are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets .

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate forms of information technology. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: Section 3002 of RCRA requires hazardous waste generators to report, at least every 2 years, the quantity and nature of hazardous waste generated and managed during that reporting cycle. Section 3004 requires treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) to report any waste received. This is mandatory reporting. The information is collected via the Hazardous Waste Report (EPA Form 8700-13 A/B). This form is also known as the “Biennial Report” form.

Section 3010 of RCRA requires any person who generates or transports regulated waste or who owns or operates a facility for the treatment, storage, or disposal of regulated waste to notify the EPA of their activities, including the location and general description of activities and the regulated wastes handled. The entity is then issued an EPA Identification number. Entities use the Notification Form (EPA Form 8700-12) to notify EPA of their hazardous waste activities. This form is also known as the “Notification” form.

Section 3005 of RCRA requires TSDFs to obtain a permit. To obtain the permit, the TSDF must submit an application describing the facility's operation. The RCRA Hazardous Waste Part A Permit Application form (EPA Form 8700-23) defines the processes to be used for treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes; the design capacity of such processes; and the specific hazardous wastes to be handled at the facility. This form is also known as the “Part A” form.

Form Numbers: EPA form numbers 8700-12, 8700-13A/B, and 8700-23.

Respondents/affected entities: Business or other for-profit as well as State, local, or Tribal governments.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory (RCRA Sections 3002, 3304, 3005, 3010).

Estimated number of respondents: 66,504.

Frequency of response: Biennially and on occasion.

Total estimated burden: 809,382 hours per year. Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $402,545 (per year), includes $343,016 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in Estimates: The burden hours are likely to stay substantially the same.

The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, 15 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. (2006 ed.) (“FCLAA”), prohibits cigarette manufacturers and importers from manufacturing, packaging, importing for sale, or distributing cigarettes within the United States unless the packages bear one of four statutorily-prescribed Surgeon General's health warnings. 15 U.S.C. 1333(a). Cigarette advertising by any of these entities must also bear statutorily-prescribed health warnings. Id. Section 1333(b) sets forth the location and format requirements for the health warnings on both packaging and advertising.

The FCLAA further provides that the health warnings “shall be rotated by each manufacturer or importer . . . quarterly in alternating sequence on packages of each brand of cigarettes manufactured by the manufacturer or importer and in the advertisements for each such brand of cigarettes in accordance with a plan submitted by the manufacturer or importer and approved by the Federal Trade Commission.” 15 U.S.C. 1333(c)(1).

The FCLAA does provide an alternative to the requirement of quarterly rotation on cigarette packaging for manufacturers and importers whose sales satisfy two criteria. 1 These manufacturers and importers can seek approval to display the Surgeon General's warnings on a particular cigarette brand style  2 “an equal number of times within the twelve-month period beginning on the date of the approval by the Commission of the application” (hereinafter referred to as “equalization”). 15 U.S.C. 1333(c)(2)(C). In order to qualify for equalization, the sales of a manufacturer or importer must meet the following two criteria:

15 U.S.C. 1333(c)(2)(A). A manufacturer or importer can seek permission to equalize the display of the warnings on some of its brand styles, even if other brand styles do not qualify for equalization and are therefore subject to quarterly rotation.

Pursuant to the FCLAA, cigarette manufacturers and importers submit plans to the Commission explaining how they intend to comply with the statutory requirement to display the Surgeon General's warnings on their packaging. 3 If the company will be rotating the warnings on a quarterly basis, its plan must identify each of its brands and brand styles and include a schedule (or other explanation) showing the warning that will be assigned to each brand during each quarter of the year. The company must also specify when in the manufacturing process it will consult its rotation schedule for that particular brand in order to assign the appropriate quarterly warning.

If the company wishes to use the option provided by section 1333(c)(2) and display the four warnings an equal number of times during the year on the packaging of certain brand styles, its plan must provide information sufficient to show that its sales satisfy both of the criteria in 15 U.S.C. 1333(c)(2)(A). It must also explain how it will ensure that all four warnings will be equally displayed during the one-year period beginning on the date the plan is approved—for example, by using printing plates that produce an even number of all four warnings simultaneously on each print run. Finally, because the statute authorizes approval for equalization only for one year, see 15 U.S.C. 1333(c)(2)(C), the manufacturer or importer must submit a new plan annually demonstrating that its sales continue to qualify for equalization.

Manufacturers and importers who intend to engage in advertising must provide the Commission with a rotation schedule for the four statutorily-prescribed warnings for each brand they intend to advertise. They also must provide an example of each of the warning statement formats they will use, which vary based on the size of their advertisement, 4 and specify how they will determine which warnings will appear on different kinds of advertisements and how they will handle advertisements that feature more than one of the company's brands.

Since the information collection is statutorily prescribed, the need for OMB clearance was not necessarily apparent. 5 Nonetheless, the FTC recently decided to obtain OMB clearance for this statutorily-mandated information collection. Accordingly, on July 28, 2023, the FTC obtained OMB's approval of an expedited provisional clearance for this information collection (OMB Control Number: 3084-0175, Title: Information Collection under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act), and, under 5 CFR 1320.13(d), a waiver of the requirement to publish a notice of the emergency clearance request. As required by section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, the FTC is providing this opportunity for public comment before submitting the information collection to OMB for its nonprovisional clearance.

Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses and other for-profit entities.

Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 336.

Estimated Annual Labor Costs: $23,382.

Estimated Annual Non-Labor Costs: $0.

FTC staff's estimate of the burden hours is based on the time required for an applicant to prepare a plan seeking the Commission's approval for display of the Surgeon General's health warnings on its packages and advertising (assuming it plans to engage in advertising). During the period from 2020 to 2022, the Commission approved a total of 124 plans. In 2022, all 44 of the plans approved by the Commission included a request for equalization of the warning labels on at least some brand styles, and thus, the submission of sales information for those brand styles.

Manufacturers and importers who are approved for quarterly rotation of the warnings on their packaging do not have to submit new plans unless and until they intend to add new brands or brands styles or new types of advertising to their existing plans. As explained above, manufacturers and importers that are approved to use the alternative to quarterly rotation on their packaging must refile each year so the Commission can assess whether they remain eligible to equalize the warnings. They also must file new plans if they add new brands or brand styles to their existing plans; once the company has obtained approval for its initial plan, however, it should need less time in subsequent years to prepare those updates. Moreover, the sales information required to prove eligibility for the alternative to quarterly rotation is readily available to the applicant.

FTC staff recognizes that preparation of a plan by a manufacturer or importer that has not previously submitted one will take somewhat more time than either preparation of essentially the same plan with updated sales figures in subsequent years, or preparation of a very similar plan that modifies a previously-approved plan ( e.g., adding new brand styles). However, plans can be short ( e.g., 2-page) letters, and numerous examples of plans already approved by the Commission are available on the Commission's website. Thus, as an approximation, FTC staff believes that, on average, each submission will take respondents 8 hours to prepare and submit. As FTC staff receives, on average, 42 responses related to the FCLAA's information collection requirements per year, this yields an annual burden of 336 hours (42 responses × 8 hours per response).

FTC staff's experience is that most of the plans it receives are submitted by, or on behalf of, relatively small companies (as evidenced by the fact that all of the plans received in 2022 included requests for label equalization). Roughly half of the plans are submitted by non-legal company personnel, the other half by attorneys. FTC staff is assuming an average $69.59/hour wage, based on mean hourly wages listed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for lawyers ($80.11) and general and operations managers ($59.07). 6 Using this figure, this yields a burden of $23,382 per year (336 hours × $69.59).

FTC staff believes that the capital or other non-labor costs associated with the information requests are minimal.

Pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, the FTC invites comments on: (1) whether the disclosure and recordkeeping requirements are necessary, including whether the information will be practically useful; (2) the accuracy of our burden estimates, including whether the methodology and assumptions used are valid; (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.

For the FTC to consider a comment, we must receive it on or before November 6, 2023. Your comment, including your name and your state, will be placed on the public record of this proceeding, including the https://www.regulations.gov website.

If you file your comment on paper, write “Surgeon General's Cigarette Health Warnings: Paperwork Comment, FTC File No. P854505” on your comment and on the envelope, and mail it to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite CC-5610 (Annex J), Washington, DC 20580.

Because your comment will become publicly available at https://www.regulations.gov, you are solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive or confidential information. In particular, your comment should not include any sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else's Social Security number; date of birth; driver's license number or other state identification number, or foreign country equivalent; passport number; financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive health information, such as medical records or other individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment should not include any “trade secret or any commercial or financial information which . . . is privileged or confidential”—as provided by section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)—including, in particular, competitively sensitive information, such as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names.

Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is requested must (1) be filed in paper form, (2) be clearly labeled “Confidential,” and (3) comply with FTC Rule 4.9(c). In particular, the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c). Your comment will be kept confidential only if the General Counsel grants your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Once your comment has been posted publicly at www.regulations.gov, we cannot redact or remove your comment unless you submit a confidentiality request that meets the requirements for such treatment under FTC Rule 4.9(c), and the General Counsel grants that request.

The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding as appropriate. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments that it receives on or before November 6, 2023. For information on the Commission's privacy policy, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see https://www.ftc.gov/site-information/privacy-policy.

9000-0199, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

DoD, GSA, and NASA are combining OMB Control Nos. for the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by FAR part. This consolidation is expected to improve industry's ability to easily and efficiently identify burdens associated with a given FAR part. The review of the information collections by FAR part allows improved oversight to ensure there is no redundant or unaccounted for burden placed on industry. Lastly, combining information collections in a given FAR part is also expected to reduce the administrative burden associated with processing multiple information collections.

This justification supports the revision of OMB Control No. 9000-0199 and combines it with the previously approved information collections under OMB Control Nos. 9000-0201, with the title “Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment”. Upon approval of this consolidated information collection, OMB Control Nos. 9000-0201 will be discontinued. The burden requirements previously approved under the discontinued numbers will be covered under OMB Control No. 9000-0199.

This clearance covers the information that offerors and contractors must submit to comply with the following FAR requirements listed in the order in which offerors and contractors provide the information:

• FAR 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation. This provision requires offerors to:

○ Review the list of excluded parties in SAM for entities excluded from receiving Federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services”.

○ Represent whether it does or does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

○ Represents whether it does, or does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

• FAR 52.204-24, Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. This provision requires offerors to respond only if the offeror represented that it “does provide or use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument” in paragraphs (c)(1) or (c)(2) of the FAR provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraphs (v)(2)(i) or (ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

If the offeror is required to respond to this provision, offerors are required to:

○ Review the list of excluded parties in SAM for entities excluded from receiving Federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services,”

○ Represent whether it “will” or “will not” provide the covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from the solicitation.

If the offeror responded that it “will” in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the offeror must provide the following additional disclosure information found at 52.204-24 (e)(1) as part of its offer:

• For covered equipment—

○ The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (including entity name, unique entity identifier, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

○ A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (including brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

○ An explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of the provision at 52.204-24.

• For covered services—

○ If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

○ If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and an explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of the provision at 52.204-24.

○ Represent whether it “does” or “does not” use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

If the offeror has responded “does” in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the offeror must provide the following additional disclosure information found at 52.204-24 (e)(2):

• For covered equipment—

○ The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (including entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

○ A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (including brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

○ An explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of the provision at 52.204-24.

• For covered services—

○ If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

○ If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and an explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of the provision at 52.204-24.

• FAR 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. In the event a contractor identifies covered telecommunications equipment or services used as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, during contract performance, or a contractor is notified of such by a subcontractor at any tier or by any other source, this clause requires contractors to:

○ Report the information in paragraph 52.204-25(d)(2) to the contracting officer, unless the contract has established other procedures for reporting the information; in the case of DoD, the contractor shall report to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil.

○ For indefinite delivery contracts, the contractor shall report to the contracting officer for the indefinite delivery contract and the contracting officer(s) for any affected order or, in the case of DoD, identify both the indefinite delivery contract and any affected orders in the report provided at https://dibnet.dod.mil.

○ Report the following within one business day from the date of such identification or notification:

The contract number;

The order number(s), if applicable;

Supplier name;

Supplier unique entity identifier (if known);

Supplier CAGE code (if known);

Brand;

Model number (original equipment manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number);

Item description;

And any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.

○ Report the following within 10 business days of submitting the information in paragraph(d)(2)(i) of this clause:

Any further available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.

Describe efforts undertaken to prevent use or submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services, and any additional efforts that will be incorporated to prevent future use or submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services.

The information collected is used by contracting officers to identify if an offeror provides or uses any covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument. In the event that offerors are required to disclose further information, the contracting officer uses the collected information to ensure compliance with the FAR as implemented by statute and consult with legal counsel and the program office on next steps regarding the prohibited equipment or services.

Respondents: 902,777.

Total Annual Responses: 905,213.

Total Burden Hours: 1,839,573.

A 60-day notice was published in the Federal Register at 88 FR 42367, on June 30, 2023. No comments were received.

Obtaining Copies: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the GSA Regulatory Secretariat Division, by calling 202-501-4755 or emailing GSARegSec@gsa.gov. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0199, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

The purpose of this meeting is for the GAP FAC to propose, discuss and vote on committee comments on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council's Proposed Rule on Sustainable Procurement, which is available online at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/03/2023-16012/federal-acquisition-regulation-sustainable-procurement.

This meeting is open to the public and will be accessible by webcast. Registration information is located on the GAP FAC website: https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/policy/acquisition-policy/gsa-acquisition-policy-federal-advisory-committee. Public attendees who want to attend virtually will need to register no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 to obtain the meeting webcast information. All registrants will be asked to provide their name, affiliation, and email address. After registration, individuals will receive webcast access information details via email.

Written public comments are being accepted via email at gapfac@gsa.gov. To submit a written public comment, please email at gapfac.gsa.gov and include your name, organization name (if applicable).

Purpose: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is charged with advising the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on the use of immunizing agents. In addition, under 42 U.S.C. 1396s, the Committee is mandated to establish and periodically review and, as appropriate, revise the list of vaccines for administration to vaccine-eligible children through the Vaccines for Children program, along with schedules regarding dosing interval, dosage, and contraindications to administration of vaccines. Further, under applicable provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act, immunization recommendations of ACIP that have been approved by the Director, CDC, and appear on CDC immunization schedules generally must be covered by applicable health plans.

Matters to be Considered: The agenda will include discussions of maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. A recommendation vote for maternal RSV vaccine is scheduled. A Vaccines for Children vote is scheduled for maternal RSV vaccine. Agenda items are subject to change as priorities dictate. For more information on the meeting agenda, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/index.html.

Meeting Information: The meeting will be webcast live via the World Wide Web. For more information on ACIP, please visit the ACIP website: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html.

Interested persons or organizations are invited to participate by submitting written views, recommendations, and data. Please note that comments received, including attachments and other supporting materials, are part of the public record and are subject to public disclosure. Comments will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov. Therefore, do not include any information in your comment or supporting materials that you consider confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. If you include your name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in the body of your comments, that information will be on public display. CDC will review all submissions and may choose to redact, or withhold, submissions containing private or proprietary information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, inappropriate language, or duplicate/near-duplicate examples of a mass-mail campaign. CDC will carefully consider all comments submitted into the docket.

Written Public Comment: The docket will be opened to receive written comments on September 7, 2023. Written comments must be received by September 21, 2023.

Oral Public Comment: This meeting will include time for members of the public to make an oral comment. Priority will be given to individuals who submit a request to make an oral public comment before the meeting according to the procedures below.

Procedure for Oral Public Comment: All persons interested in making an oral public comment at the September 22, 2023, ACIP meeting must submit a request between September 7, 2023, and September 20, 2023, at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/index.html no later than 11:59 p.m., EDT, September 20, 2023, according to the instructions provided.

If the number of persons requesting to speak is greater than can be reasonably accommodated during the scheduled time, CDC will conduct a lottery to determine the speakers for the scheduled public comment session. CDC staff will notify individuals regarding their request to speak by email on September 21, 2023. To accommodate the significant interest in participation in the oral public comment session of ACIP meetings, each speaker will be limited to three minutes, and each speaker may only speak once per meeting.

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

Background: The Lead Exposure and Prevention Advisory Committee was established under Section 2203 of Public Law 114-322, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act; 42 U.S.C. 300j-21, Registry for Lead Exposure and Prevention Advisory Committee.

Purpose: The LEPAC is charged with providing advice and guidance to the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Director, CDC and Administrator, ATSDR, on (1) reviewing Federal programs and services available to individual communities exposed to lead; (2) reviewing current research on lead exposure to identify additional research needs; (3) reviewing and identifying best practices, or the need for best practices regarding lead screening and the prevention of lead poisoning; (4) identifying effective services, including services relating to healthcare, education, and nutrition for individuals and communities affected by lead exposure and lead poisoning, including in consultation with, as appropriate, the lead exposure registry as established in section 2203(b) of Public Law 114-322; and (5) undertaking any other review or activities that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

Matters To Be Considered: The agenda will include presentations on the following topics: aligning HUD inspection protocols for assisted housing for the last 20 years, the environmental factors impacting lead reduction, EPA's proposal on lead dust clearance level and hazard standard, updates on blood lead testing instrument, lead related funding opportunities for community-based organizations, state policy actions related to the blood lead reference value, CDC's efforts to increase blood lead testing in children enrolled in Medicaid, and an update from the Preventing Lead Exposure in Adults workgroup. Agenda items are subject to change as priorities dictate.

Oral Public Comment: The public comment period is scheduled on October 16, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., and October 17, 2023, from 9:15 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. EDT. Individuals wishing to make a comment during the public comment period, please email your name, organization, and phone number by October 1, 2023, to LEPAC@cdc.gov.

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

Meeting Accessibility: The CPSTF meeting will be shown via web conference.

All meeting attendees must register by October 11, 2023. CDC will email web conference login information and the agenda to registrants from the CPSTF@cdc.gov mailbox approximately two weeks before the meeting start date.

To register for the meeting, individuals should send an email to CPSTF@cdc.gov and include the following information: name, title, organization name, organization address, phone, and email.

Public Comment: Individuals who would like to make public comments during the October meeting must state their desire to do so in an email to the CPSTF@cdc.gov mailbox no later than October 11, 2023. The request should include name, organizational affiliation, and topic to be addressed. Public comment must be relevant to one of the topics proposed for the meeting. The requestor will receive instructions related to the public comment process for this meeting after the request is received. A public comment period follows the CPSTF's discussion of each systematic review and will be limited to no more than three minutes per person. Public comments may be used to inform task force discussions and will be included in the meeting summary.

Background on the CPSTF: The CPSTF is an independent, nonfederal panel whose members are appointed by the CDC Director. CPSTF members represent a broad range of research, practice, and policy expertise in prevention, wellness, health promotion, and public health. The CPSTF was convened in 1996 by HHS to identify community preventive programs, services, and policies that increase health and longevity, save lives and dollars, and improve Americans' quality of life. CDC is mandated to provide ongoing administrative, research, and technical support for the operations of the CPSTF. During its meetings, the CPSTF considers the findings of systematic reviews of existing research and practice-based evidence, and issues recommendations. CPSTF recommendations are not mandates for compliance or spending. Instead, they provide information about evidence-based options that decision makers and affected community members can consider when they are determining what best meets the specific needs, preferences, available resources, and constraints of their jurisdictions and constituents. The CPSTF's recommendations, along with the systematic reviews of the evidence on which they are based, are compiled on the Community Guide website ( www.thecommunityguide.org ).

Matters proposed for discussion: The agenda will consist of deliberation on systematic reviews of literature. Topics proposed for the October 2023 meeting include cancer, preparedness and response, social determinants of health, and substance use. Changes regarding the start and end times for each day, and any updates to agenda topics, will be available on the Community Guide website ( www.thecommunityguide.org ) closer to the date of the meeting. The meeting agenda is subject to change without notice.

Title 5, U.S.C. 4314(c)(4) of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, Public Law 95-454, requires that the appointment of Performance Review Board Members be published in the Federal Register . The following persons will serve on the CDC Performance Review Board, which will oversee the evaluation of performance appraisals of Senior Executive Service members for the fiscal year 2023 review period:

The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) provides certain protections for individuals applying for and receiving federal benefits. The law governs the use of computer matching by federal agencies when records in a system of records (meaning, federal agency records about individuals retrieved by name or other personal identifier) are matched with records of other federal or non-federal agencies. In carrying out this Agreement, both Parties will follow requirements that apply to System of Records, and HHS will carry out all of the requirements that apply to matching programs—under the Privacy Act as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, including Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-108 “Federal Agency Responsibilities for Review, Reporting, and Publication under the Privacy Act” published at 81 FR 94424 (Dec. 23, 2016) and other OMB guidelines. The DHS Data Integrity Board has not approved this program, but DHS/USCIS has approved the data exchange agreement.

The Privacy Act requires agencies involved in a program that meets the definition of a “matching program” in 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(8) to comply with the below requirements. HHS will provide all of the required protections to:

1. Enter into a written agreement, provide a copy of the agreement to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and make it available to the public, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(o), (u)(3)(A), and (u)(4).

2. Notify the individuals whose information will be used in the matching program that the information they provide is subject to verification through matching, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(o)(1)(D).

3. Verify match findings before suspending, terminating, reducing, or making a final denial of an individual's benefits or payments or taking other adverse action against the individual, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(p).

4. Report the matching program to Congress and the OMB, in advance and annually, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(o) (2)(A)(i), (r), and (u)(3)(D).

5. Publish advance notice of the matching program in the Federal Register as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(12).

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the recipient agency, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the source agency.

The principal authority for conducting the program is 42 U.S.C. 18001 et seq.

The program will provide CMS with USCIS data which CMS and state-based administering entities will use to determine individuals' eligibility for:

• initial enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan through an Exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (42 U.S.C. 18001 et seq. );

• Insurance Affordability Programs (IAPs);

• certificates of exemption from the shared responsibility payment; and

• redeterminations and renewal decisions, including appeal determinations.

IAPs include advance payments of the premium tax credit and cost sharing reductions; Medicaid; Children's Health Insurance Program; and Basic Health Program.

The individuals whose information will be used in the program are consumers (applicants and enrollees) who receive the eligibility determinations and redeterminations described in the preceding PURPOSE(S) section.

The categories of records used in the program are identity, citizenship, and immigration status records. The data elements are described below.

To request information from USCIS, CMS will query USCIS' Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system using these data elements: Last Name; First Name; Middle Name; Date of Birth; One or More Immigration Number(s) ( e.g., Alien Registration/USCIS Number, Arrival-Departure Record I-94 Number, SEVIS ID Number, Certificate of Naturalization Number, Certificate of Citizenship Number, or Unexpired Foreign Passport Number); and Other Information from Immigration Documentation ( e.g. Country of Birth, Date of Entry, Employment Authorization Category).

When the above-listed data that CMS uses to query the SAVE system matches USCIS data in SAVE, USCIS will return query results to CMS that include these additional data elements about each individual, as relevant: Verification Case Number; Citizenship or Immigration Data ( e.g., immigration status/category, immigration class of admission, and/or employment authorization); and Sponsorship Data ( e.g., name, address, and Social Security number of Form I-864/I-864EZ sponsors and Form I-864A household members, when applicable).

The records used in this program will be disclosed from the following systems of records, as authorized by routine uses published in the System of Records Notices (SORNs) cited below:

• CMS Health Insurance Exchanges System (HIX), System No. 09-70-0560, last published in full at 78 FR 63211 (Oct. 23, 2013) and amended at 83 FR 6591 (Feb. 14, 2018). Routine use 3 permits CMS' disclosures to USCIS.

• DHS/USCIS-004 Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program, 85 FR 31798 (May 27, 2020). Routine use I permits USCIS' disclosures to CMS.

Under the Medicare program, eligible beneficiaries may receive covered services from a hospital provided that certain requirements are met. Section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act (the Act) establishes distinct criteria for facilities seeking designation as a hospital. Regulations concerning provider agreements are at 42 CFR part 489 and those pertaining to activities relating to the survey and certification of facilities are at 42 CFR part 488. The regulations at 42 CFR part 482 specify the minimum conditions that a hospital must meet to participate in the Medicare program.

Generally, to enter into an agreement, a hospital must first be certified by a state survey agency (SA) as complying with the conditions or requirements set forth in 42 CFR part 482 of our regulations. Thereafter, the hospital is subject to regular surveys by a SA to determine whether it continues to meet these requirements.

Section 1865(a)(1) of the Act provides that, if a provider entity demonstrates through accreditation by a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved national accrediting organization (AO) that all applicable Medicare conditions are met or exceeded, we will deem those provider entities as having met the requirements. Accreditation by an AO is voluntary and is not required for Medicare participation.

If an AO is recognized by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) as having standards for accreditation that meet or exceed Medicare requirements, any provider entity accredited by the national accrediting body's approved program would be deemed to meet the Medicare conditions. A national AO applying for approval of its accreditation program under part 488, subpart A, must provide CMS with reasonable assurance that the AO requires the accredited provider entities to meet requirements that are at least as stringent as the Medicare conditions.

Our regulations concerning the approval of AOs are set forth at §§ 488.4, 488.5 and 488.5(e)(2)(i). The regulations at § 488.5(e)(2)(i) require an AO to reapply for continued approval of its accreditation program every 6 years or sooner as determined by CMS.

The Accreditation Commission for Healthcare's (ACHC) current term of approval for their hospital accreditation program expires September 25, 2023.

Section 1865(a)(3)(A) of the Act provides a statutory timetable to ensure that our review of applications for CMS-approval of an accreditation program is conducted in a timely manner. The Act provides us 210 days after the date of receipt of a complete application, with any documentation necessary to make the determination, to complete our survey activities and application process. Within 60 days after receiving a complete application, we must publish a notice in the Federal Register that identifies the national accrediting body making the request, describes the request, and provides no less than a 30-day public comment period. At the end of the 210-day period, we must publish a notice in the Federal Register approving or denying the application.

On April 14, 2023, we published a proposed notice in the Federal Register (88 FR 23088), announcing ACHC's request for continued approval of its Medicare hospital accreditation program. In the April 14, 2023 proposed notice, we detailed our evaluation criteria. Under section 1865(a)(2) of the Act and in our regulations at § 488.5, we conducted a review of ACHC's Medicare hospital accreditation application in accordance with the criteria specified by our regulations, which include, but are not limited to the following:

• An administrative review of ACHC's: (1) corporate policies; (2) financial and human resources available to accomplish the proposed surveys; (3) procedures for training, monitoring, and evaluation of its hospital surveyors; (4) ability to investigate and respond appropriately to complaints against accredited hospital; and (5) survey review and decision-making process for accreditation.

• The comparison of ACHC's Medicare hospital accreditation program standards to our current Medicare hospital conditions of participation (CoPs).

• A documentation review of ACHC's survey process to do the following:

++ Determine the composition of the survey team, surveyor qualifications, and ACHC's ability to provide continuing surveyor training.

++ Compare ACHC's processes to those we require of state survey agencies, including periodic resurvey and the ability to investigate and respond appropriately to complaints against ACHC accredited hospitals.

++ Evaluate ACHC's procedures for monitoring accredited hospitals it has found to be out of compliance with ACHC's program requirements. (This pertains only to monitoring procedures when ACHC identifies non-compliance. If noncompliance is identified by a SA through a validation survey, the SA monitors corrections as specified at § 488.9(c)).

++ Assess ACHC's ability to report deficiencies to the surveyed hospitals and respond to the hospitals plans of correction in a timely manner.

++ Establish ACHC's ability to provide CMS with electronic data and reports necessary for effective validation and assessment of the organization's survey process.

++ Determine the adequacy of ACHC's staff and other resources.

++ Confirm ACHC's ability to provide adequate funding for performing required surveys.

++ Confirm ACHC's policies with respect to surveys being unannounced.

++ Confirm ACHC's policies and procedures to avoid conflicts of interest, including the appearance of conflicts of interest, involving individuals who conduct surveys or participate in accreditation decisions.

++ Obtain ACHC's agreement to provide CMS with a copy of the most current accreditation survey together with any other information related to the survey as we may require, including corrective action plans.

In accordance with section 1865(a)(3)(A) of the Act, the April 14, 2023, proposed notice also solicited public comments regarding whether ACHC's requirements met or exceeded the Medicare CoPs for hospitals. We received one comment in response to our proposed notice.

The commenter expressed concern about hospital accreditation programs overall and the responsibility of patient safety in hospitals. The comment was not specific to ACHC.

We appreciate this comment and the concern for patient safety and quality of care. We continue to prioritize patient safety and our responsibility for oversight of AOs. As described in Section III, “Provisions of the Proposed Notice” of this final notice, we take various steps when considering to approve or not approve a national AO. Each AO wishing to be recognized by Medicare as a national AO must go through a rigorous process for CMS approval. We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping the public informed of our evaluation process for AOs seeking approval from CMS.

We compared ACHC's hospital accreditation requirements and survey process with the Medicare CoPs of 42 CFR part 482, and the survey and certification process requirements of parts 488 and 489. Our review and evaluation of ACHC's hospital accreditation application, which were conducted as described in section III. of this final notice, yielded the following areas where, as of the date of this final notice, ACHC has completed revising its standards and certification processes in order to—

• Meet the standard's requirements of all the following regulations:

++ Section 482.22(c)(5)(iii), to fully address the requirement that an assessment of the patient (in lieu of the requirements of paragraphs (c)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section) be completed and documented after registration, but prior to surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia services, when the patient is receiving specific outpatient surgical or procedural services and when the medical staff has chosen to develop and maintain a policy that identifies, in accordance with the requirements at paragraph (c)(5)(v) of this section, specific patients as not requiring a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, or any update to it, prior to specific outpatient surgical or procedural services. The assessment must be completed and documented by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r) of the Act), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or other qualified licensed individual in accordance with State law and hospital policy.

++ Section 482.22(c)(5)(iv), to fully address the requirement that the medical staff develop and maintain a policy that identifies those patients for whom the assessment requirements of paragraph (c)(5)(iii) of this section would apply. The provisions of paragraphs (c)(5)(iii), (iv), and (v) of this section do not apply to a medical staff that chooses to maintain a policy that adheres to the requirements of paragraphs of (c)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section for all patients.

++ Section 482.22(c)(5)(v), to fully address the requirement that the medical staff, if it chooses to develop and maintain a policy for the identification of specific patients to whom the assessment requirements in paragraph (c)(5)(iii) of this section would apply, must demonstrate evidence that the policy applies only to those patients receiving specific outpatient surgical or procedural services as well as evidence that the policy is based on.

++ Section 482.41(b)(2), to address the requirements regarding Life Safety Code (LSC) waivers.

++ Section 482.41(b)(7), to address the requirements regarding alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) dispensers.

In addition to the standards review, CMS also reviewed ACHC's comparable survey processes, which were conducted as described in section III., of this notice, and yielded the following areas where, as of the date of this final notice, ACHC has completed revising its survey processes to demonstrate that it uses survey processes that are comparable to state survey agency processes by:

• Revising the complaint response policies and processes to align with the State Operations Manual, Chapter 5 guidance. ACHC revised its Administrative Review Offsite Investigation process to align with CMS' triage process to track and trend for potential focus areas during the next onsite survey or complete an onsite complaint investigation.

• Revising ACHC's hospital accreditation process policies to include the applicable sections of the Health Care Facilities Code National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 99) in accordance with section 482.41(c).

• Ensuring that all hospital LSC surveyors have received comparable and adequate training or have sufficient experience to make them qualified to survey health care facilities for compliance with both the 2012 LSC and 2012 NFPA 99 requirements.

• Providing guidance and instruction to surveyors on determining the appropriate level of citation for LSC deficiencies.

Based on our review and observations described in section III. and section V. of this final notice, we approve ACHC as a national accreditation organization for hospitals that request participation in the Medicare program. The decision announced in this final notice is effective September 25, 2023, through September 25, 2027 (4 years). In accordance with § 488.5(e)(2)(i) the term of the approval will not exceed 6 years.

While ACHC has taken actions based on the findings annotated in section V.A., of this final notice, (Differences Between ACHC's Standards and Requirements for Accreditation and Medicare Conditions and Survey Requirements) as authorized under § 488.8, we will continue ongoing review of ACHC's hospital processes to ensure full implementation and sustained compliance. In keeping with CMS's initiative to increase AO oversight broadly and ensure that our requested revisions by ACHC are fully implemented, CMS expects more frequent review of ACHC's activities in the future.

This document does not impose information collection requirements, that is, reporting, recordkeeping or third party disclosure requirements. Consequently, there is no need for review by the Office of Management and Budget under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ).

The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, having reviewed and approved this document, authorizes Evell J. Barco Holland, who is the Federal Register Liaison, to electronically sign this document for purposes of publication in the Federal Register .

FDA is announcing the availability of a guidance for industry entitled “DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs.” The FD&C Act, as amended by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), outlines requirements for enhanced drug distribution security, which include the steps to achieve interoperable, electronic tracing of products at the package level. Section 582(g)(1) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360eee-1(g)(1)) sets forth enhanced drug distribution security requirements for trading partners, including adherence to standards established by FDA for the exchange of transaction information and transaction statements in a secure, interoperable, electronic manner and the verification of product at the package level. Section 582(g)(1) of the FD&C Act states that these enhanced drug distribution security requirements go into effect on November 27, 2023. Additionally, section 582(h)(4)(A) of the FD&C Act specifies that FDA issue a guidance to identify and make recommendations with respect to the standards necessary for adoption in order to support the secure, interoperable, electronic data exchange among the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain that comply with a form and format developed by a widely recognized international standards development organization.

In this guidance, FDA considered the standards established pursuant to sections 505D of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355e). FDA also considered the standards established pursuant to section 582(a)(2) of the FD&C Act and described in the July 2022 revised draft guidance entitled “DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs.” The pilot projects conducted per section 582(j) of the FD&C Act also informed this guidance.

In November 2014, FDA issued a draft guidance for industry, entitled “DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs: How to Exchange Product Tracing Information.” In July 2022, FDA issued a revised draft guidance, entitled “DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs” (87 FR 40258), that updated the policies articulated in the 2014 draft guidance. This guidance finalizes the July 2022 revised draft guidance. FDA considered comments received on the revised draft guidance as the guidance was finalized. Changes were made to the guidance to improve clarity. This guidance finalizes the policy articulated in the July 2022 revised draft guidance to reflect the enhanced drug distribution security requirements in section 582(g)(1) of the FD&C Act that will go into effect on November 27, 2023, including that only electronic methods of product tracing will be permitted and verification of product at the package level will be required, unless a waiver, exception, or exemption applies. This guidance is intended to also facilitate the creation of a uniform methodology for product tracing while ensuring the protection of confidential commercial information and trade secrets. FDA also published other guidances describing recommendations for enhanced drug distribution security, including the attributes necessary for enhanced product tracing and verification, which should be read in conjunction with this guidance (see FDA's Drug Supply Chain Security Law and Policies web page at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-supply-chain-security-act-dscsa/drug-supply-chain-security-act-law-and-policies ).

This guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The guidance represents the current thinking of FDA on “DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs.” It does not establish any rights for any person and is not binding on FDA or the public. You can use an alternative approach if it satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

This guidance includes information collection provisions that are subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). FDA intends to solicit public comment and obtain OMB approval for any information collections recommended in this guidance that are new or that would represent substantive or material modifications to those previously approved collections of information found in FDA regulations or guidance.

Persons with access to the internet may obtain the guidance at either https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidance-compliance-regulatory-information/guidances-drugs, https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/guidance-compliance-regulatory-information-biologics/biologics-guidances, https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents, or https://www.regulations.gov.

Part A (Office of the Secretary), Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is being amended at Chapter AML, Office of Budget, as last amended at 74 FR 150 (39327) dated July 30, 2009; at Chapter AM, ASFR, as last amended at 74 FR 215 dated November 9, 2009; at Chapter AMS, Office of Finance, as last amended at 81 FR 88249, dated December 7, 2016; at Chapter AMX, Office of Acquisitions, as last amended at 84 FR 20154, dated May 8, 2019; at Chapter AMU, Office of Grants, as last amended 85 FR 81935, dated December 17, 2020; and at Chapter AMM, Immediate Office, as last amended at 86 FR 6354, dated January 21, 2021.

This notice realigns the Grants Quality Service Management Office (Grants QSMO) from the Immediate Office (AMM) to the Office of Grants (AMU); and compiles the responsibilities of ASFR into one Federal Register notice. All notices above are superseded by the following changes:

Section AM.00 Mission: The mission of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources is to advise the Secretary on all aspects of budget, grants, financial management, acquisitions, and Enterprise Risk Management and to provide direction for these activities throughout HHS.

Section AM.10 Organization: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources is headed by the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, who reports to the Secretary, and accomplishes its work through its component offices:

Section AM.20 Functions: The Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources has several formal and informal roles, including Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Performance Improvement Officer (PIO), Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO), HHS audit follow-up official, and lead official for budget and Department-wide grants policy. The Assistant Secretary is also a close advisor to the Secretary on policy issues.

Section AMM.00 Mission: The Immediate Office is responsible for support, operations, and coordination required to execute the mission of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR) and the implementation of HHS's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) capabilities. The Immediate Office also leads strategic and workforce development initiatives across ASFR.

Section AMM.10 Organization: The Immediate Office is headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations and Management, who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and includes the following:

Section AMM.20 Functions:

1. Division of Administrative Operations (AMM1): The Division:

(a) Provides operational support for the ASFR.

(b) Coordinates administrative and operational issues across ASFR.

(c) Serves as the liaison with internal and external stakeholders regarding operational matters.

(d) Leads activities that enhance ASFR's management and operations.

2. Division of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) (AMM2): The Division:

(a) Coordinates across HHS to establish, and communicate, and sustain HHS's ERM vision, culture, strategy, and framework.

(b) Designs, implements, and matures an ERM capability across HHS, including governance and community management.

(c) Develops and shares tools, guidance, and best practices regarding ERM.

(d) Provides technical assistance and direction to HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs) on implementing ERM.

(e) Facilitates strategic initiatives across HHS's risk portfolio of existing and emerging risks and opportunities, including guiding updates of the agency's risk profile, and management's prioritization of risks and opportunities.

(f) Leads the Department's efforts to meet the ERM requirements in OMB Circular A-123, “Management's Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control.”

(g) Prepares reports, briefings, and makes recommendations to senior HHS leadership, OPDIVs, STAFFDIVs and other stakeholders on ERM related activities.

(h) Leads activities that enhance HHS implementation and integration of ERM into business operations.

Section AML.00 Mission: The Office of Budget provides advice and support to the Secretary and the ASFR on matters pertaining to the formulation of the HHS and President's Budget. The Office of Budget manages the performance budget and provides program assessment and performance reporting, along with presentation of budgets and budget-related legislation to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the public, media, and Congressional committees. The Office of Budget provides resolution of issues arising from the execution of final appropriations. The Office of Budget manages HHS apportionment activities, which provide funding to the HHS OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs. The Office of Budget coordinates, oversees, and convenes resource managers and financial accountability officials within the Office of the Secretary to update, share, and implement related HHS‐wide policies, procedures, operations, rules, regulations, recommendations, and priorities. The Office of Budget coordinates and prepares guidelines for reprogramming execution, transfers between accounts, and other crosscutting funding methods and provides recommendations in managing and processing crosscutting funding proposals.

Section AML.10 Organization: The Office of Budget is headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and includes the following:

Section AML.20 Functions:

(a) Provides analytical services and assistance to the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and Department OPDIV heads in their budgetary management of the Department's principal discretionary social services, health, and science programs.

(b) Reviews budgets and related requests for resources and analyzes plans and proposals for new or alternative legislation.

(c) Analyzes proposed regulations, reorganizations, or program initiatives to determine their policy, resource, and management implications.

(d) Proposes recommendations on draft regulations, proposed legislation, and reorganization proposals.

(e) Proposes budget options and policy initiatives, as necessary, to achieve program objectives established by the Secretary.

(f) Assists in the development of strategies for the presentation of the budget to the Office of Management and Budget and the Congress and develops materials for key Departmental officials who testify at hearings before these bodies.

(g) Provides guidance to OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs in the formulation of their budgets.

(h) Conducts special reviews and analyses to examine assigned OPDIV program operations and management effectiveness.

(i) Assists in the development of performance plans, reports, and program assessments under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRAMA).

(j) Assists in the presentation of the Department's budget to the public by developing material for use by Departmental officials, and reviews press statements and other public documents for consistency with approved budgets and plans.

2. Division of Health Benefits and Income Support (AML3): The Division:

(a) Provides analytical services and assistance to the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and the Department OPDIV heads in the budgetary management of the Department's programs including Medicare, Medicaid, Family Support Payments and other entitlements in support of children and families.

(b) Reviews budget and related requests for resources; analyzes plans and proposals for new legislation, regulations, or program initiatives to determine their resource, policy, and management implications; proposes recommendations to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget on budget requests, draft regulations, proposed legislation, and reorganization proposals.

(c) Assists the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and the OPDIV heads in evaluating programs and budgetary proposals by developing reliable cost projections for legislative and planning proposals and ensuring that proposals are consistent with approved plans and policies.

(d) Coordinates the preparation of budget estimates and forecasts of resources required to support the programs and operations of the Department.

(e) Reviews reprogramming requests and recommends appropriate action to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget.

(f) Provides guidance in budget formulation for the appropriate OPDIV.

(g) Conducts special management reviews and analyses and develops management options to ensure efficient and effective program operations and to encourage management improvements.

(h) Proposes budget options and policy initiatives, as necessary, to achieve program objectives established by the Secretary.

(i) Assists in the development of strategies for presentation of the budget to the Office of Management and Budget and the Congress and develops materials for key Department officials who testify at hearings before these bodies.

(j) Assists in the development of performance plans, reports, and program assessments under the GPRAMA.

(k) Manages the overall allocation of Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) funds.

3. Division of Budget Policy, Execution and Review (AML4): The Division:

(a) Directs the formulation and presentation of the HHS budget by developing and promulgating to the OPDIVs and others the policies, procedures, guidance, and schedules for preparing budget submissions.

(b) Coordinates the presentation of the Department's budget and performance plan to Congress including preparation and submission of justifications, reports, significant items, and crosscutting materials; preparation of the Secretary's testimony before the Appropriations Committees; and coordination of transcripts, questions for the record, and other hearing materials.

(c) Provides advice and analysis to support Department-wide budget decision-making.

(d) Maintains active communication with Department budget officers with regard to budget events and activities with OMB, GAO, Congress and other parties.

(e) Manages a computerized budget information system reflecting HHS-wide data and coordinates OPDIV input into this system.

(f) Provides direct staff support to the Secretary in preparation for appropriation hearings and other budget-related presentations and briefings.

(g) Actively communicates with the Budget and Appropriations Committees in the Congress and provides intelligence and analyses of budget decisions to senior HHS staff and the OPDIVs.

(h) Prepares guidelines for determining funding levels under continuing resolutions.

(i) Coordinates preparation of guidelines governing reprogrammings, transfers between accounts, and other crosscutting funding methods; provides recommendations and staff support in managing and processing crosscutting funding proposals.

(j) Analyzes and prepares reports on HHS performance in managing Full Time Equivalent (FTE) levels and in implementing FTE policy and provides expert advice on Department-wide staffing.

(k) Provides leadership and direction in the Department-wide review, analysis and appraisal of financial elements of program execution and the development and execution of policies related to efficient allocation, expenditure and control of funds.

(l) Coordinates and tracks outlay projections: (1) To assist OMB in the continuing effort to monitor spending and to thereby improve the management of the Government's overall cash and debt operations; and (2) in support of formulation of the budget, including the maintenance of HHS ceiling controls and the development of outlay estimates shown in the President's Budget for controllable programs.

(m) Promulgates Departmental spending policies, especially in the event of Continuing Resolutions and possible suspension of operations due to the failure of the Congress to enact appropriations on time and works with agency budget officers and the OMB in formulating agency funding and contingency staffing plans.

(n) Maintains a system of Department-wide budget execution, including the management and control of the apportionment of funds in accordance with the requirements of the Anti-Deficiency Act and OMB regulations; and requests and monitors the receipt of Treasury warrants.

(o) Serves as principal staff advisor to the ASFR on all matters involving budget execution.

(p) Acts as liaison on behalf of HHS with OMB, the Treasury Department, the Congressional Budget Office, and other agencies on matters involving budget execution.

(q) Responsible for the development and maintenance of a system of financial information which involves the collection, organization, and maintenance of financial data in electronic form as well as the development of reporting mechanisms for making the financial information useful and available for decision making.

(r) Represents the Department in government-wide activities to implement the development and implementation of performance measures and budget-related performance planning policies, requirements and processes. Manages program performance assessment activities.

(s) Provides special management review services for selected activities.

(t) Manages the formulation, execution, and balances of the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.

(u) Monitoring compliance with the GPRA Modernization Act and other related legislation and guidance.

4. Division of the Office of the Secretary Budget (AML5): The Division:

(a) Reviews and analyzes the budgets of the STAFFDIVS funded by the General Departmental Management (GDM), Medicare Hearings and Appeals (MHA), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and Public Health Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF) appropriations. Prepares special analyses of these budgets for use in decision-making, particularly for evaluating capacity and determining if alternative approaches are feasible.

(b) Monitors Congressional appropriations hearings in which the GDM STAFFDIVS, OIG and OCR are participants.

(c) Reviews budgets and related requests for resources and analyzes plans and proposals for new or alternative legislation.

(d) Analyzes proposed regulations, reorganizations, or program initiatives to determine their policy, resource, and management implications.

(e) Proposes recommendations on draft regulations, proposed legislation, and reorganization proposals.

(f) Proposes budget options and policy initiatives as necessary to achieve program objectives established by the Secretary.

(g) Assists in the development of strategies for the presentation of the budget to the OMB and the Congress and develops materials for key Departmental officials who testify at hearings before these bodies.

(h) Provides guidance to STAFFDIVs in the formulation and execution of their budgets.

(i) Conducts special reviews and analyses to examine assigned STAFFDIV program operations and management effectiveness.

(j) Provides staff assistance to the Secretary, the ASFR, the Service and Supply Funds (SSF) Board of Directors, OPDIV Budget Officers and STAFFDIV Heads in the budgetary and financial management of the SSF.

(k) Provides for budget policy management and financial integrity of the SSF in the provision of Departmental common use administrative services.

(l) Assists in the planning and preparation of the SSF budget for presentation to the SSF Board, the OMB, and Congress.

(m) Provides budget policy and technical support to the Program Support Center Director (and other activity managers) on all SSF activities.

(n) Directs and provides technical guidance to SSF activity managers in preparing annual budgets.

(o) Directs and provides technical guidance to SSF accountants in preparing annual financial statements. Assists in the planning and preparation of these statements for presentation to the SSF Board, auditors, and the Office of Management and Budget.

(p) Establishes Department policy in receiving and responding to Inspector General reports and audits.

(q) Prepares apportionment requests for the SSF.

(r) Provides Chief Financial Officer (CFO) certification on Office of the Secretary Quarterly and Annual Financial Statements.

(s) Provides oversight of the HHS OS OPDIV travel program that consists of 17 OS STAFFDIVs in assuring that processes are followed as described in the Federal Travel Regulation and manages the performance and execution of travel authorizations, vouchers, Individual Billed Accounts and Centrally Billed Accounts.

4. Chapter AMS, Office of Finance

Section AMS.00 Mission: The Office of Finance leads the HHS financial management community through responsible stewardship, financial accountability, collaboration and innovation, and enhanced program integrity.

Section AMS.10 Organization: The Office of Finance is headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Finance, also the Department's Deputy Chief Financial Officer, who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (also the Department's Chief Financial Officer), and includes the following:

Section AMS.20 Functions:

1. Immediate Office of Finance (AMS): The Office:

(a) Advises the ASFR/CFO on all aspects of financial management matters affecting the Department including policy, workforce, and technology topics.

(b) Provides executive leadership, professional training, and strategic direction to the HHS CFO community to meet the CFO Act requirements.

(c) Leads strategic planning for the HHS CFO community and the Office of Finance.

(d) Serves as the liaison on financial management matters with internal and external stakeholders such as OMB, US Department of the Treasury (Treasury), and other Federal and non-Federal organizations.

(e) Leads the Department's efforts to meet the HHS-wide annual assessment of internal controls and develops the Department's annual assurance statement according to requirements in OMB Circular A-123, “Management's Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control.”

(f) Provides administrative and operational support for the Office of Finance.

(g) Leads workforce development initiatives for the Office of Finance.

(h) Leads other activities that enhance the Office of Finance's management and operations.

2. Office of Financial Policy and Reporting (AMS1): The Office:

(a) Is responsible for financial management policy and standards, internal controls over reporting, statutory financial reports and audits, and other managerial reports.

(b) Advises the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Finance on all aspects of financial management policy and reporting matters affecting the Department including statutory and managerial financial reports, financial reporting standards, OMB and Treasury transparency initiatives, proper accounting treatment, and accounting standardization.

(c) Reviews and interprets OMB, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Treasury, and Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) guidance and requirements related to government-wide accounting policies and standards.

(d) Recommends, develops, and promulgates Department-wide policies, procedures, and standards for financial management areas including OMB, GAO, Treasury, FASAB, and other agency guidance related to government-wide accounting policies and standards, cash management, credit management, debt management, payment and disbursement activities and functions, and budget execution accounting.

(e) Serves as the principal liaison with the OIG in planning the annual financial statement audit strategy under the CFO Act, as amended.

(f) Leads the Departmental process for the development of the required annual report on HHS's audited financial statements; collaborates with the OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs on the preparation of the Department's agency financial report, and coordinates with OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs to ensure timely audit deliverables.

(g) Reviews and analyzes OPDIVs' financial statements and key reconciliations and oversees the preparation and submission of consolidated Department financial statements as required by OMB and Treasury.

(h) Oversees the design, preparation, review, analysis, and submission of financial management reports for the Department, as required by legislation, regulation, OMB, Treasury, GAO, Congress, and other stakeholders.

(i) Leads the Department's efforts to establish and maintain proper internal control over reporting and ensures that requirements are met under Appendix A, OMB Circular A-123, “Management's Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control.”

(j) Assures OPDIVs' reporting is in accordance with internal control and reporting standards from OMB, GAO, Treasury, FASAB, and the HHS Accounting Treatment Manual (ATM).

(k) Coordinates with the OPDIVs in the preparation of corrective action plans (CAP) and oversees the mitigations of risks contributing to material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, and other reportable conditions from the annual CFO Act audit.

(l) Maintains a system for tracking and improving cash and credit management and debt collection performance throughout the Department.

(m) Serves as the liaison with OMB, Treasury, authoritative Federal agencies, intragovernmental groups, and other agencies on standard general ledger compliance matters, accounting, financial policy, and reporting issues.

(n) Collaborates with system owners and financial management offices to facilitate standardized enterprise-wide solutions within the financial accounting reporting systems.

(o) Collaborates with the Office of Financial Systems Policy and Oversight to ensure financial system conformity with the Department's Accounting Treatment Manual (ATM) and related data standards.

(p) Provides advice and assistance to OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs on proper accounting treatments in accordance with the Department's ATM and on financial reporting and related fiscal matters.

(q) Oversees the strategic planning and maintenance of the Department-wide ATM consistent with Federal accounting concepts, standards, and HHS financial management policies.

(r) Introduces uniform business rules and data standards required to support new financial reporting requirements.

(s) Provides support to the OPDIV CFOs for financial planning and improvement initiatives.

(t) Aligns business goals with IT services, products, software, and infrastructure, identifying opportunities for process improvements through business process reengineering and automation.

3. Office of Financial Systems Policy and Oversight (AMS2): The Office:

(a) Is responsible for overseeing and managing the Department-wide financial systems.

(b) Advises the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Finance on all aspects of financial systems matters affecting the Department including strategic direction for financial management systems, innovative solutions, and workforce development.

(c) Establishes, facilitates, and supports a governance framework for Department-wide financial management.

(d) Serves as the liaison on financial systems matters with internal and external stakeholders such as OMB, Treasury, and other Federal and non-Federal organizations.

(e) Develops and promulgates policies, directives, and guidance for Department-wide financial management systems and ensures compliance.

(f) Oversees, manages, and operates Department-wide financial systems as per the CFO Act of 1990, Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (FFMIA) of 1996, Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) of 1982, and other federal requirements.

(g) Facilitates the annual Department-wide financial systems Audit in accordance with GAO's Financial Information System Controls Audit Manual (FISCAM).

(h) Assesses Department-wide financial management systems for compliance with FFMIA requirements, security, and internal controls and includes the evaluation results in the Department's annual assurance statement.

(i) Provides executive leadership to plan and implement innovative solutions using Business Intelligence & Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and other technologies to achieve efficiencies, reduce costs, improve quality, and improve reporting and analytical capabilities for financial management.

4. Office of Program Audit Coordination (AMS3): The Office:

(a) Serves as the central point of contact for coordinating program audit support through payment accuracy and audit resolution activities across the Department.

(b) Advises the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Finance on all aspects of payment integrity-related matters affecting the Department and serves as the liaison with internal and external stakeholders, OMB, and other Federal and non-Federal entities.

(c) Leads the Department-wide efforts to implement the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, and payment integrity-related Executive Orders and other regulatory requirements.

(d) Provides leadership, guidance, training, and support to both HHS and non-HHS single audit stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR part 200).

(e) Serves as ASFR's audit liaison for Government Accountability Office (GAO) engagements and serves as HHS' Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit liaison.

(f) Oversees the development, implementation, change management, and overall operations of enterprise-wide audit tracking and analytics systems.

(g) Performs analysis using grant- and audit-related data to advance the use of such data and evidence in HHS programs' management.

5. Chapter AMU, Office of Grants.

Section AMU.00 Mission: The Office of Grants provides Department-wide leadership, guidance, and oversight for HHS' grants management policies, practices, systems, and workforce development activities. The Office of Grants provides technical assistance to the Department's OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs, assesses the effectiveness of the grants programs and processes; develops pertinent HHS-wide regulatory guidance, policies, and performance standards; maintains and reports Departmental grant/financial assistance award information; and conducts special Departmental improvement initiatives related to grants. The Office of Grants fosters collaboration, innovation, and accountability in the administration and management of the grant functions throughout the Department. The Office of Grants provides input for coordinated Department positions on proposed legislation and Government regulations specific to grant-related matters. The Office of Grants is responsible for carrying out HHS's responsibilities as the lead standards setting agency, per the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act and as designated by OMB, to set government-wide data requirements for all federal grant-making agencies. The Office of Grants also manages Federal shared service initiatives, such as Grants.gov and GrantSolutions. The Office of Grants represents HHS to the OMB, GAO, other Federal agencies, and Congress in matters of Departmental grant policies and management.

Section AMU.10 Organization: The Office of Grants is headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Grants, also the Department's Senior Grants Management Official, who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and includes the following:

Section AMU.20 Functions:

1. Immediate Office of Grants (AMU): The Office:

(a) Assists in the management and administration of the Office's functions

(b) Facilitates and coordinates government wide initiatives and activities on behalf of the HHS and Federal grant community, as appropriate.

2. Division of Policy Oversight Effectiveness and Training (AMU1): The Division:

(a) Formulates, oversees, and evaluates Department-wide implementation of grants policies governing the award and management of grants throughout HHS, in support of existing laws, regulations, and OMB Circulars.

(b) Develops and implements HHS grants management regulations and publishes new policies and modifications in the HHS Grants Policy Directives (GPDs), including all directives necessary to implement new intergovernmental and HHS policies.

(c) Maintains a program of continuous improvement initiatives that promote effective and efficient grant and program management practices across the Department.

(d) Leads Departmental efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of Departmental employees with grant management and grant program related responsibilities.

(e) Represents the Department and serves as liaison in interagency grants policy and management activities; maintains working relationships with OMB, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), GAO and other Federal agencies to coordinate and assist in the development of proposed legislation and policy.

(f) Leads the Grants Quality Service Management and Data Standards functions with responsibility for creating and managing a government-wide marketplace offering federal agencies modern IT solutions and services to support their grants missions; advising agencies and OMB on federal grants IT investments; and driving the implementation of grants data standards.

3. The Division of Information and Solutions (AMU2): The Division:

(a) Develops, manages, and operates major, grant-shared services and solution offerings for HHS, as directed by the Secretary of HHS or delegated authority.

(b) Manages DATA act reporting for the Department's grant transactions and provides technical assistant to HHS STAFFDIVs and OPDIVs to promote data integrity.

(c) Coordinates initiatives that require cross-Departmental system development or enhancement of grant management or adjacent systems to meet Departmental goals or to comply with government wide grants policy requirements.

6. Chapter AMX, Office of Acquisitions

Section AMX.00 Mission: The Office of Acquisitions provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to constituent organizations, and coordinates long and short-range planning for HHS' acquisition practices, systems, and workforce. The Office of Acquisitions provides technical assistance to the Department's OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs; evaluates effectiveness of the acquisition programs and processes; develops pertinent HHS-wide regulatory guidance, policies, and performance standards; maintains Departmental contract award information; and conducts special Departmental initiatives related to acquisitions. The Office of Acquisitions provides input for coordinated Department positions on proposed legislation and Government regulations specific to acquisition related matters, processes suspension and debarment cases, and manages activities associated with the training, development, and certification of—and strategic planning for—the Department's acquisition workforce.

Section AMX.10 Organization: The Office of Acquisitions is headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions, also the Department's Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) and Suspension and Debarment Official (SDO), who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, and includes the following:

Section AMV.20 Functions:

1. Immediate Office of Acquisitions (AMX): The Office:

(a) Provides strategic planning, execution, oversight, and management.

(b) Provides acquisition system performance measurement and management.

(c) Leads customer engagement and communications efforts.

(d) Provides SPE industry engagement support.

(e) Provides budget planning and tracking.

(f) Serves as human resources liaison (recruitment, security processing & onboarding support, timekeeper, and performance management support).

(g) Provides executive administrative support and travel support.

(h) Provides equipment inventory and support.

(i) Leads employee engagement.

(j) Manages executive correspondence.

(k) Conducts small purchases.

2. The Division of Strategic Programs and Business Systems. (AMX1): The Office:

(a) Serves as the System Owner for the HHS Consolidated Acquisition Solution (HCAS) and develops Department-wide standards that include acquisition system policies and guidance.

(b) Manages contract data quality and analytics initiatives.

(c) Works with the other divisions within the Office of Acquisitions to develop innovative processes and tools acquiring, adopting, tailoring, and sharing best practices for use by the HHS acquisition workforce.

(d) Leads and implements the Department's Category Management Program, designed to increase acquisition efficiency, enhance mission performance, increase spend under management, and incorporate innovative approaches, solutions, and products to meet enterprise requirements.

(e) Manages the Government Purchase Card Program and develops pertinent HHS-wide regulatory guidance, policies, and procedures; maintains department wide spend and refund data, among other statistical data on the card program; conducts internal audits to assess the program's implementation risk.

(f) Oversees contract performance through the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

(g) Leads industry engagement through its Industry Liaison function.

3. The Division of Acquisition Policy, Legislation, Oversight & Workforce (AMX2): The Office:

(a) Provides leadership in acquisitions through regulations and policy development and implementation and workforce planning, development, and training.

(b) Formulates Department-wide acquisition policies and procedures governing acquisition activities, including publishing and maintaining the HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR), and providing advice and technical assistance on matters related to HHS acquisition programs.

(c) Participates in government-wide acquisition rulemaking through the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council.

(d) Manages workforce development initiatives for the Department's acquisition workforce.

(e) Provides oversight of the implementation of acquisition regulations and policies by the Department's OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs to ensure consistent policy interpretation and application.

(f) Provides advice, oversight and support regarding operational acquisition and business practices and issues and conducts procurement management reviews and promotes consistent and standardized business practices.

(g) Serves as the Department's liaison relating to acquisition issues for OMB, Congress, GAO and the OIG.

(h) Acts as the Department's Task Order Ombudsman and Advocate for Competition.

4. The Office of Recipient Integrity and Compliance (AMX3): The Office:

(a) Provides leadership, guidance, and oversight of the Department's suspension and disbarment program, and coordinates long and short-range planning for HHS' suspension and disbarment efforts.

(b) Provides technical assistance to the Department's OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs; evaluates effectiveness of the programs and processes; develops pertinent HHS-wide regulatory guidance, and policies; maintains Departmental suspension and disbarment information; and conducts special Departmental initiatives related to recipient integrity.

5. Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (AMX4): The Office:

(a) Is headed by a Director who reports directly to the Deputy Secretary and is administratively supported by the Office of Acquisitions.

(b) Advocates for the use of small and socioeconomic businesses as Federal contractors pursuant to Public Law 95-507 and has responsibility within the Department for policy, plans, and oversight to execute the functions under Sections 8 & 15 (k) of the Small Business Act.

(c) Provides leadership, policy, guidance, and supervision, as well as coordinating short- and long-range strategic planning to assure that small business vendors have a fair opportunity to compete for and are awarded prime and subcontracts with the Department.

(d) Provides small business technical assistance to the Department's OPDIVs and STAFFDIVs; reviews and evaluates planned procurements to ensure that small and socioeconomic businesses are given thorough consideration; evaluates effectiveness of the small business programs and processes; develops pertinent HHS-wide policies, guidance, and performance standards; drafts Federal government and Departmental small business reports; and conducts special Departmental initiatives related to small and socioeconomic business concerns.

(e) Manages the development and implementation of appropriate small business vendor engagement activities that promote the utilization of small and socioeconomic business within the HHS acquisition portfolio as prime and subcontractors.

Delegations of Authority. Pending further redelegation, directives or orders made by the Secretary or the ASFR, all delegations and redelegations of authority made to officials and employees of affected organizational components will continue in them or their successors pending further redelegations, provided they are consistent with this reorganization.

Notice of this meeting is in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, (Pub. L. 117-286, 5 U.S.C., ch. 10). The National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee is authorized by section 601 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, (Pub. L. 115-282, 132 Stat. 4190), and is codified in 46 U.S.C. 15102. The Committee operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and 46 U.S.C. 15109. The National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security through the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), on matters relating to the safe operation of vessels including the matters of:

(A) navigation safety;

(B) safety equipment and procedures;

(C) marine insurance;

(D) vessel design, construction, maintenance, and operation; and

(E) personnel qualifications and training.

Additionally, the Committee will review regulations proposed under chapter 45 of Title 46 of U.S. Code (during preparation of the regulations) and review marine casualties and investigations of vessels covered by chapter 45 of Title 46 U.S. Code and make recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security to improve safety and reduce vessel casualties.

The agenda for the National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee meeting is as follows:

VII. New Business

a. Task Statement #04-23: Review the multi-year statistics (provided by the USCG) regarding commercial fishing vessels of less than 200 gross ton accidents or losses that resulted in fatalities, injuries, or property damage. Major marine casualties such as the loss of the DESTINATION, NO LIMITS, and other fishing vessels with multiple fatalities and vessel losses should be reviewed to provide the background information necessary to other supplementary taskings in best efforts to make informed recommendations to the USCG.

b. Task Statement #05-23: Examine and make recommendations to the USCG on best practices to reduce and mitigate the negative consequences caused by the misalignment of state and federal regulations regarding drug laws legalizing the recreational and/or medical use for drugs also classed as dangerous drugs by federal law and applicable transportation related statutes. This is critical for the safety of operations and creating an environment for vessel personnel to work in a drug-free workplace, with special emphasis on critical safety sensitive jobs such as navigation and engineering duties to bring fishing vessels into alignment with other commercial vessels. Develop recommendations that include testing for pre-employment, routine, and reasonable cause. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

c. Task Statement #06-23: Examine and effectively disseminate recommendations for best practices to ensure full crew access to all parts of a vessel to allow for safe vessel operation. This task should address and examine things like a means to access all areas of the vessel and allow the crew to safely move fore and aft to remove ice, inspect the vessel, and operate critical equipment like the vessel's anchors and similar gear that does not require the crew to climb over the pot stack (for example, in the case of a vessel carrying pots, nets or similar devices to create pathways for access). Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

d. Task Statement #07-23: Establish best practices for standard procedures and guidance for crew standing navigation watches. This should include a detailed crew orientation for each unique vessel, including the operation of critical equipment and establish clear and easily understood watchstanding orders to protect the safety of the vessel during its applicable operations. This could be accomplished as a standardized form or checklist. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

e. Task Statement #08-23: Evaluate and provide a comprehensive list of recommendations to the USCG, in the form of best practices (NVICs, policies, training), or amended or new regulations, regarding stability considerations which may pose severe risk to the safety of a fishing vessel such as icing, loading, the need for stability instructions, and vessel modifications. As part of this task, review the USCG's current level of oversight, provide recommendations on its adequacy, and specify needed changes to areas of the fishing safety program that need additional attention. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

f. Task Statement #09-23: Evaluate and provide recommendations to the USCG for best practices to address the high degree of risk associated with fishing vessel operations and how the acceptance of risk is prevalent and accepted in the fishing industry. Specifically, the Marine Board recommends the committee focus on topics including icing, heavy weather avoidance in voyage planning, and formalizing the navigation watch duties via onboard familiarization and written standard orders to ensure the safety of vessel during its transit and during fishing operations. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

g. Task Statement #10-23: Evaluate and provide recommendations to the USCG to ensure the most effective means to widely disseminate critical safety information for the commercial fishing industry. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

h. Task Statement #11-23: Review and provide recommendations on the development of a publicly accessible website that contains all information related to fishing industry activities, including vessel safety, inspections, enforcement, hazards, training, regulations (including proposed regulations), outages of the Rescue 21 system in Alaska and similar outages, and any other fishing-related activities. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

i. Task Statement #12-23: Discuss and make recommendations requiring watch alarms on specific types of commercial fishing vessels. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

j. Task Statement #13-23: Examine and make recommendations to the USCG on a way to widely distribute personal location beacons at minimal expense. Ensure availability and access for crewmembers of these critical lifesaving devices which could be acquired by consortiums, associations, or other organizations for distribution to vessel crews through federally funded grant programs or other programs. Submit recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

A copy of pre-meeting documentation will be available at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/NCFSAC2023 /no later than September 14, 2023. Alternatively, you may contact Mr. Jonathan Wendland as noted in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

There will be a public comment period scheduled each day of the meeting. Speakers are requested to limit their comments to 3 minutes. Please note that the public comment period may end before the period allotted, following the last call for comments. Please contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT SECTION to register as a speaker.

Section 102 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064) added section 70112 of Title 46 of the U.S. Code and authorized the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish Area Maritime Security Advisory Committees for any port area of the United States. (See 33 U.S.C. 1226; 46 U.S.C. 70112; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.01; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1(II)(71), Revision No. 01.3. The MTSA includes a provision exempting these AMSCs from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-436, 86 Stat. 470 (5 U.S.C. App. 2). 1 The AMSCs shall assist the Federal Maritime Security Coordinator in the development, review, update, and exercising of the Area Maritime Security Plan for their area of responsibility. Such matters may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Identifying critical port infrastructure and operations; Identifying risks (threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences).

(2) Determining mitigation strategies and implementation methods.

(3) Developing strategies to facilitate the recovery of the MTS after a Transportation Security Incident.

(4) Developing and describing the process to continually evaluate overall port security by considering consequences and vulnerabilities, how they may change over time, and what additional mitigation strategies can be applied; and

(5) Providing advice to and assisting the Federal Maritime Security Coordinator in developing and maintaining the Area Maritime Security Plan.

Members of the AMSC should have at least five years of experience related to maritime or port security operations. The Sector Columbia River AMSC has 20 members, and we are seeking to fill additional vacancies with this solicitation.

Applicants may be required to pass an appropriate security background check prior to appointment to the committee. Applicants must register with and remain active as a Coast Guard Homeport user if appointed. Terms of office will be for five years; however, a member is eligible to serve additional terms of office. Members will not receive any salary or other compensation for their service on an AMSC. In accordance with 33 CFR 103, members may be selected from Federal, Territorial, or Tribal governments; State government and political subdivisions of the State; local public safety, crisis management, and emergency response agencies; law enforcement and security organizations; maritime industry, including labor; other port stakeholders having a special competence in maritime security; and port stakeholders affected by security practices and policies.

The Coast Guard does not discriminate in selecting committee members on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factor. The Coast Guard strives to achieve a widely diverse candidate pool for all its recruitment actions.

Those seeking membership are not required to submit formal applications to the local Captain of the Port, however, because we do have an obligation to ensure that a specific number of members have the prerequisite maritime security experience, we encourage the submission of resumes highlighting experience in the maritime and security industries.

Section 102 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, as amended (46 U.S.C. 70107), authorizes the PSGP to provide for the risk-based allocation of funds to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and State and local government agencies required to provide port security services and to train law enforcement personnel under 46 U.S.C. 70132. Before awarding a grant under the program, the Secretary for Homeland Security shall provide for review and comment by the appropriate Federal Maritime Security Coordinators and the Maritime Administrator. In administering the grant program, the Secretary shall consider national economic, energy, and strategic defense concerns based upon the most current risk assessments available.

Any information collected by FEMA for this program is in accordance with general reporting requirements, for example, see 2 CFR 200.329; or in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 70107(g), as amended by Section 112(c) of the Security and Accountability For Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-347), which provides that entities subject to an Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan may submit an application for a grant under this program at such time, in such form, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require.

2 CFR 200.329 requires grant recipients to report on the status of their grant funded activities including potential or real setbacks in performance.

The GPD-Extension form, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-110 is newly added and allows FEMA to ensure a consistent review process for extending the Period of Performance of existing grants per 2 CFR 200.309. This form standardizes the information collection as well as the review criteria for extension requests. Information includes the current status of the project, an explanation of delays experienced in completing the project on schedule and anticipated new milestones for completion within the newly requested Period of Performance.

Title: FEMA Preparedness Grants: Port Security Grant Program (PSGP).

Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved information collection.

OMB Number: 1660-0114.

FEMA Forms: FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-108 (formerly 089-05), PSGP Investment Justification; FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-109 (formerly 088-0-1), Grant Programs Directorate Performance Report (GPD-PR), and FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-110, Grant Programs Directorate Extension Request (GPD-Extension).

Abstract: Section 102 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, as amended (46 U.S.C. 70107), authorizes the PSGP to provide for the risk-based allocation of funds to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and State and local government agencies required to provide port security services and to train law enforcement personnel under 46 U.S.C. 70132. Before awarding a grant under the program, the Secretary for Homeland Security shall provide for review and comment by the appropriate Federal Maritime Security Coordinators and the Maritime Administrator. In administering the grant program, the Secretary shall take into account national economic, energy, and strategic defense concerns based upon the most current risk assessments available.

Affected Public: State, local or Tribal government and private sector.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 966.

Estimated Number of Responses: 1,832.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 17,446.

Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $1,462,290.

Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: $0.

Estimated Respondents' Capital and Start-Up Costs: $0.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $1,853,355.

Comments may be submitted as indicated in the ADDRESSES caption above. Comments are solicited to (a) evaluate whether the proposed data collection is necessary for the proper performance of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

The Secretary is exercising authority under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9) to temporarily suspend the applicability of certain requirements governing on-campus and off-campus employment for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is South Sudan regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan), who are present in the United States in lawful F-1 nonimmigrant student status on the date of publication of this notice, and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The original notice, which suspended certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the humanitarian crisis at that time is effective from March 3, 2022, through November 3, 2023. See 87 FR 12182 (Mar. 3, 2022). Effective with this publication, suspension of the employment limitations is available through May 3, 2025, for those who are in lawful F-1 nonimmigrant status on the date of publication of this notice. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student granted employment authorization through this notice to be engaged in a “full course of study” for the duration of the employment authorization, if the student satisfies the minimum course load set forth in this notice. 1 See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F).

This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:

(1) Are a citizen of South Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan);

(2) Were lawfully present in the United States on the date of publication of this notice in F-1 nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i);

(3) Are enrolled in an academic institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment for F-1 nonimmigrant students;

(4) Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and

(5) Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.

This notice applies to F-1 nonimmigrant students in an approved private school in kindergarten through grade 12, public school grades 9 through 12, and undergraduate and graduate education. An F-1 nonimmigrant student covered by this notice who transfers to another SEVP-certified academic institution remains eligible for the relief provided by means of this notice.

DHS is taking action to provide relief to South Sudanese F-1 nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship due to the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Based on its review of country conditions in South Sudan and input received from the U.S. Department of State (DOS), DHS is taking action to allow eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students from South Sudan to request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 nonimmigrant student status.

Despite the 2022 extension of a peace agreement by various parties, South Sudan remains plagued by conflict both among non-signatories to the peace agreement and between groups that are ostensibly at peace with one another. 2 Violence linked to ongoing armed conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, a dire humanitarian situation, rampant disease, frequent gender-based violence, and food insecurity, made worse by disastrous floods. All of which continues to threaten the safety of potential returnees throughout the country.

A principal driver of armed conflict in South Sudan has long been the rivalry between President Silva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, as well as their various supporters and aligned armed groups. 3 4 In spite of the 2018 peace agreement that established the current transitional government—and to which President Kiir and Vice President Machar were the main signatories—South Sudan frequently faces violent political contestations, and lacks a stable government, which has facilitated ongoing violence that is characterized by gross human rights violations that consistently target civilians and cause mass displacements in various parts of the country. 5

Multiple parties are responsible for committing crimes and abuses across South Sudan, such as security and opposition forces, non-signatories to the 2022 peace agreement, and civilians. 6 Government forces have reportedly engaged in collective punishment of civilians perceived to be opposition supporters, an assumption often based on ethnicity. 7 Delays in implementing security sector reform and demobilization of armed groups have contributed to security forces and ex-combatants exploiting local communities, emboldened by a climate of impunity. 8 Members of government and opposition forces, associated armed militia groups, and ethnic groups have reportedly committed torture and other abuses in conflict zones. 9 Additionally, parts of South Sudan also face simmering ethnic conflict that has resulted in dire humanitarian consequences, including significant displacement and human rights abuses, including those involving the killing of civilians, arbitrary arrests and unjust detentions, looting and destruction of civilian property, physical abuse, forced recruitment, and gender-based violence. 10

Armed conflict has had particularly dire consequences for women and children. Women and girls have faced increased cases of sexual violence and harassment, as well as risk of abductions, killings, and threats from armed forces. 11 Various parties use gender-based violence as a conflict tactic, including rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage. 12 Impunity for sexual and gender-based abuses has continued. 13 Experts estimate that around 2.8 million people are at risk of gender-based violence in 2023, constituting a nine percent increase over the previous year. 14 Children also remain at great risk of multiple types of abuse and victimization. The United Nations has documented many incidents of what the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict has identified as the six “grave violations” against children, including recruitment and use by armed groups; killing and maiming; rape and other forms of sexual violence; attacks on schools, hospitals, and protected persons in relation to schools and hospitals. 15

As a result of violence and other conditions, an estimated 9.4 million of South Sudan's total population of more than 12 million people is in need of humanitarian assistance. 16 Multiple factors complicate the provision of relief. Armed groups restrict the safe and effective delivery of assistance, in some cases even harassing or killing aid workers, engaging in looting, and destroying humanitarian assets and facilities. 17 Bureaucratic obstacles and interference further undermine access. 18 Additionally, flooding has prevented physical access to some locations. 19

Acute food insecurity, ongoing subnational violence, poor macroeconomic conditions, and severe flooding continue to drive growing humanitarian needs across South Sudan. Approximately 7.8 million South Sudanese were projected to face “Crisis” levels of acute food insecurity, or worse, between April and July 2023. 20 Within this population, 2.9 million people were projected to face “Emergency” levels of acute food security (a level four on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)), and around 43,000 were expected to face “Catastrophe” levels (a level five on the IPC).”  21 Disruption in the agricultural sector has led to a dramatic increase in food prices, thereby exacerbating food insecurity and intensifying poverty. 22 Access to food is also sometimes used as a weapon of war. 23

South Sudan is also contending with multiple disease outbreaks. Flood-affected areas have seen the spread of malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and skin infections, and the lack of clean water and sanitation suggests that outbreaks of cholera and Hepatitis E are likely to persist. 24 There also have been confirmed outbreaks of measles. 25 Dozens of health facilities were damaged or relocated due to flooding, further restricting access to care. 26

South Sudan has experienced above normal rainfall for four consecutive years. 27 The effects of rain and flooding are widespread, with the number of people impacted across South Sudan estimated to exceed one million. 28 Floods have destroyed crops, homes, schools, health care centers, and boreholes for water access, and efforts to provide relief have been stymied by violence, inaccessibility, and gaps in resources and infrastructure. 29

As of August 8, 2023, approximately 130 F-1 nonimmigrant students from South Sudan are enrolled at SEVP-certified academic institutions in the United States. Given the extent of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, affected students whose primary means of financial support comes from South Sudan may need to be exempt from the normal student employment requirements to continue their studies in the United States. The current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis has made it unfeasible for many students to safely return to South Sudan for the foreseeable future. Without employment authorization, these students may lack the means to meet basic living expenses.

Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students who receive on-campus or off-campus employment authorization under this notice must remain registered for a minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term. Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students enrolled in a term of different duration must register for at least one half of the credit hours normally required under a “full course of study.” See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(B) and (F). A graduate-level F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives on-campus or off-campus employment authorization under this notice must remain registered for a minimum of three semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v). Nothing in this notice affects the applicability of other minimum course load requirements set by the academic institution.

In addition, an F-1 nonimmigrant student (either undergraduate or graduate) granted on-campus or off- campus employment authorization under this notice may count up to the equivalent of one class or three credits per session, term, semester, trimester, or quarter of online or distance education toward satisfying this minimum course load requirement, unless their course of study is in an English language study program. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G). An F-1 nonimmigrant student attending an approved private school in kindergarten through grade 12 or public school in grades 9 through 12 must maintain “class attendance for not less than the minimum number of hours a week prescribed by the school for normal progress toward graduation,” as required under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). Nothing in this notice affects the applicability of federal and state labor laws limiting the employment of minors.

Yes. An F-1 nonimmigrant student who is a South Sudanese citizen, regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan), who already has on-campus or off-campus employment authorization and is otherwise eligible may benefit under this notice, which suspends certain regulatory requirements relating to the minimum course load requirement under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i) and certain employment eligibility requirements under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9). Such an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student may benefit without having to apply for a new Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD). To benefit from this notice, the F-1 nonimmigrant student must request that their designated school official (DSO) enter the following statement in the remarks field of the student's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, which the student's Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, will reflect:

No. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives and comports with the employment authorization permitted under this notice to be engaged in a “full course of study”  31 for the duration of the student's employment authorization, provided that a qualifying undergraduate level F-1 nonimmigrant student remains registered for a minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term, and a qualifying graduate level F-1 nonimmigrant student remains registered for a minimum of three semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v) and (f)(6)(i)(F). Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students enrolled in a term of different duration must register for at least one half of the credit hours normally required under a “full course of study.” See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(B) and (F). DHS will not require such students to apply for reinstatement under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16) if they are otherwise maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status.

No. An F-2 spouse or minor child of an F-1 nonimmigrant student is not authorized to work in the United States and, therefore, may not accept employment under the F-2 nonimmigrant status, consistent with 8CFR 214.2(f)(15)(i).

No. The suspension of the applicability of the standard regulatory requirements only applies to certain F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet the following conditions:

(1) Are a citizen of South Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan);

(2) Were lawfully present in the United States on the date of publication of this notice in F-1 nonimmigrant status, under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i);

(3) Are enrolled in an academic institution that is SEVP-certified for enrollment of F-1 nonimmigrant students;

(4) Are maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and

(5) Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.

An F-1 nonimmigrant student who does not meet all these requirements is ineligible for the suspension of the applicability of the standard regulatory requirements (even if experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan).

Yes. This notice applies to such an F-1 nonimmigrant student, but only if the DSO has properly notated the student's SEVIS record, which will then appear on the student's Form I-20. The normal rules for visa issuance remain applicable to a nonimmigrant who needs to apply for a new F-1 visa to continue an educational program in the United States.

Yes. However, this notice does not by itself reduce the required course load for F-1 nonimmigrant students from South Sudan enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 at a private school, or grades 9 through 12 at a public high school. Such students must maintain the minimum number of hours of class attendance per week prescribed by the academic institution for normal progress toward graduation, as required under 8CFR214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). The suspension of certain regulatory requirements related to employment through this notice is applicable to all eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students regardless of educational level. Eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students from South Sudan enrolled in an elementary school, middle school, or high school may benefit from the suspension of the requirement in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i) that limits on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

Yes. For an F-1 nonimmigrant student covered in this notice, the Secretary is suspending the applicability of the requirement in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i) that limits an F-1 nonimmigrant student's on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session. An eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student has authorization to work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session if the DSO has entered the following statement in the remarks field of the student's SEVIS record, which will be reflected on the student's Form I-20:

To obtain on-campus employment authorization, the F-1 nonimmigrant student must demonstrate to the DSO that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship directly resulting from the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. An F-1 nonimmigrant student authorized by the DSO to engage in on-campus employment by means of this notice does not need to file any applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The standard rules permitting full-time on-campus employment when school is not in session or during school vacations apply, as described in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i).

Yes. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives on-campus employment authorization under this notice to be engaged in a “full course of study”  33 for the purpose of maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status for the duration of the on-campus employment, if the student satisfies the minimum course load requirement described in this notice, consistent with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). However, the authorization to reduce the normal course load is solely for DHS purposes of determining valid F-1 nonimmigrant student status. Nothing in this notice mandates that school officials allow an F-1 nonimmigrant student to take a reduced course load if the reduction would not meet the academic institution's minimum course load requirement for continued enrollment. 34

For an F-1 nonimmigrant student covered by this notice, as provided under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(A), the Secretary is suspending the following regulatory requirements relating to off-campus employment:

Yes. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives off-campus employment authorization by means of this notice to be engaged in a “full course of study”  35 for the purpose of maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant student status for the duration of the student's employment authorization if the student satisfies the minimum course load requirement described in this notice, consistent with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). However, the authorization for a reduced course load is solely for DHS purposes of determining valid F-1 nonimmigrant student status. Nothing in this notice mandates that school officials allow an F-1 nonimmigrant student to take a reduced course load if such reduced course load would not meet the school's minimum course load requirement. 36

An F-1 nonimmigrant student must file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS to apply for off-campus employment authorization based on severe economic hardship directly resulting from the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. 37 Filing instructions are located at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.

Fee considerations. Submission of a Form I-765 currently requires payment of a $410 fee. An applicant who is unable to pay the fee may submit a completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. See https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/additional-information-on-filing-a-fee-waiver. The submission must include an explanation about why USCIS should grant the fee waiver and the reason(s) for the inability to pay, and any evidence to support the reason(s). See 8 CFR 103.7(c) (Oct. 1, 2020).

Supporting documentation. An F-1 nonimmigrant student seeking off- campus employment authorization due to severe economic hardship must demonstrate the following to their DSO:

(1) This employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship; and

(2) The hardship is a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.

If the DSO agrees that the F-1 nonimmigrant student is entitled to receive such employment authorization, the DSO must recommend application approval to USCIS by entering the following statement in the remarks field of the student's SEVIS record, which will then appear on that student's Form I-20:

The F-1 nonimmigrant student must then file the properly endorsed Form I-20 and Form I-765 according to the instructions for the Form I-765. The F-1 nonimmigrant student may begin working off campus only upon receipt of the EAD from USCIS.

DSO recommendation. In making a recommendation that an F-1 nonimmigrant student be approved for Special Student Relief, the DSO certifies that:

(a) The F-1 nonimmigrant student is in good academic standing and is carrying a “full course of study”  39 at the time of the request for employment authorization;

(b) The F-1 nonimmigrant student is a citizen of South Sudan, regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan), and is experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, as documented on the Form I-20;

(c) The F-1 nonimmigrant student has confirmed that the student will comply with the reduced course load requirements of this notice and register for the duration of the authorized employment for a minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term if at the undergraduate level, or for a minimum of three semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term if the student is at the graduate level;  40 and

(d) The off-campus employment is necessary to alleviate severe economic hardship to the individual as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.

Processing. To facilitate prompt adjudication of the student's application for off-campus employment authorization under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C), the F-1 nonimmigrant student should do both of the following:

(a) Ensure that the application package includes the following documents:

(1) A completed Form I-765 with all applicable supporting evidence;

(2) The required fee or properly documented fee waiver request as defined in 8 CFR 103.7(c) (Oct. 1, 2020); and

(3) A signed and dated copy of the student's Form I-20 with the appropriate DSO recommendation, as previously described in this notice; and

(b) Send the application in an envelope which is clearly marked on the front of the envelope, bottom right-hand side, with the phrase “SPECIAL STUDENT RELIEF.”  41 Failure to include this notation may result in significant processing delays.

If USCIS approves the student's Form I-765, USCIS will send the student a Form I-766 EAD as evidence of employment authorization. The EAD will contain an expiration date that does not exceed the end of the granted temporary relief.

Yes. An F-1 nonimmigrant student who has not yet applied for TPS or for other relief that reduces the student's course load per term and permits an increased number of work hours per week, such as Special Student Relief, 42 under this notice has two options.

Under the first option, the F-1 nonimmigrant student may apply for TPS according to the instructions in the USCIS notice designating South Sudan for TPS elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register . All TPS applicants must file a Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, with the appropriate fee (or request a fee waiver). Although not required to do so, if F-1 nonimmigrant students want to obtain a new TPS-related EAD that is valid through May 3, 2025, and to be eligible for automatic EAD extensions that may be available to certain EADs with an A-12 or C-19 category code, they must file Form I-765 and pay the Form I-765 fee (or request a fee waiver). After receiving the TPS-related EAD, an F-1 nonimmigrant student may request that their DSO make the required entry in SEVIS and issue an updated Form I-20, which notates that the nonimmigrant student has been authorized to carry a reduced course load, as described in this notice. As long as the F-1 nonimmigrant student maintains the minimum course load described in this notice, does not otherwise violate their nonimmigrant status, including as provided under 8 CFR 214.1(g), and maintains TPS, then the student maintains F-1 status and TPS concurrently.

Under the second option, the F-1 nonimmigrant student may apply for an EAD under Special Student Relief by filing Form I-765 with the location specified in the filing instructions. At the same time, the F-1 nonimmigrant student may file a separate TPS application but must submit the Form I-821 according to the instructions provided in the Federal Register notice designating South Sudan for TPS. If the F-1 nonimmigrant student has already applied for employment authorization under Special Student Relief, they are not required to submit the Form I-765 as part of the TPS application. However, some nonimmigrant students may wish to obtain a TPS-related EAD in light of certain extensions that may be available to EADs with an A-12 or C-19 category code that are not available to the C-3 category under which Special Student Relief falls. The F-1 nonimmigrant student should check the appropriate box when filling out Form I-821 to indicate whether a TPS-related EAD is being requested. Again, so long as the F-1 nonimmigrant student maintains the minimum course load described in this notice and does not otherwise violate the student's nonimmigrant status, included as provided under 8 CFR 214.1(g), the nonimmigrant will be able to maintain compliance requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant student status while having TPS.

The F-1 nonimmigrant student must maintain normal course load requirements for a “full course of study”  43 unless or until the nonimmigrant student receives employment authorization under this notice. TPS-related employment authorization, by itself, does not authorize a nonimmigrant student to drop below twelve credit hours, or otherwise applicable minimum requirements ( e.g., clock hours for non-traditional academic programs). Once approved for a TPS-related EAD and Special Student Relief employment authorization, as indicated by the DSO's required entry in SEVIS and issuance of an updated Form I-20, the F-1 nonimmigrant student may drop below twelve credit hours, or otherwise applicable minimum requirements (with a minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term if at the undergraduate level, or for a minimum of three semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term if at the graduate level). See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v), (f)(6), and (f)(9)(i) and (ii).

There is no further application process with USCIS if a student has been approved for a TPS-related EAD. The F-1 nonimmigrant student must demonstrate and provide documentation to the DSO of the direct economic hardship resulting from the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The DSO will then verify and update the student's record in SEVIS to enable the F-1 nonimmigrant student with TPS to reduce the course load without any further action or application. No other EAD needs to be issued for the F-1 nonimmigrant student to have employment authorization.

Yes. Regulations permit certain students who fall out of F-1 nonimmigrant student status to apply for reinstatement. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16). This provision may apply to students who worked on a TPS-related EAD or dropped their course load before publication of this notice, and therefore fell out of student status. These students must satisfy the criteria set forth in the F-1 nonimmigrant student status reinstatement regulations.

This notice grants temporary relief until May 3, 2025, 44 to eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in South Sudan. Should the special provisions authorized by this notice need modification or extension, DHS will announce such changes in the Federal Register .

An F-1 nonimmigrant student seeking off-campus employment authorization due to severe economic hardship resulting from the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan must demonstrate to the DSO that this employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship. A DSO who agrees that a nonimmigrant student should receive such employment authorization must recommend an application approval to USCIS by entering information in the remarks field of the student's SEVIS record. The authority to collect this information is in the SEVIS collection of information currently approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 1653-0038.

This notice also allows an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student to request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while the academic institution is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 nonimmigrant student status.

To apply for employment authorization, certain F-1 nonimmigrant students must complete and submit a currently approved Form I-765 according to the instructions on the form. OMB has previously approved the collection of information contained on the current Form I-765, consistent with the PRA (OMB Control No. 1615-0040). Although there will be a slight increase in the number of Form I-765 filings because of this notice, the number of filings currently contained in the OMB annual inventory for Form I-765 is sufficient to cover the additional filings. Accordingly, there is no further action required under the PRA.

Through this notice, DHS sets forth procedures necessary for nationals of South Sudan (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) to (1) re-register for TPS and to apply for renewal of their EADs with USCIS or (2) submit an initial registration application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

Re-registration is limited to individuals who have previously registered for TPS under the prior designation of South Sudan and whose applications have been granted. Failure to re-register properly within the 60-day re-registration period may result in the withdrawal of your TPS following appropriate procedures. See 8 CFR 244.14.

For individuals who have already been granted TPS under South Sudan's designation, the 60-day re-registration period runs from September 6, 2023 through November 6, 2023. USCIS will issue new EADs with a May 3, 2025 expiration date to eligible South Sudanese TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs. Given the time frames involved with processing TPS re-registration applications, DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive new EADs before their current EADs expire. Accordingly, through this Federal Register notice, DHS automatically extends the validity of certain EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of South Sudan through November 3, 2024. Therefore, as proof of continued employment authorization through November 3, 2024, TPS beneficiaries can show their EADs that have the notation A-12 or C-19 under Category and a “Card Expires” date of November 3, 2023. This notice explains how TPS beneficiaries and their employers may determine which EADs are automatically extended and how this affects the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, E-Verify, and USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) processes.

Individuals who have a South Sudan TPS application (Form I-821) and/or Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) that was still pending as of September 6, 2023 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves an individual's pending Form I-821, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through May 3, 2025. Similarly, if USCIS approves a pending TPS-related Form I-765, USCIS will issue the individual a new EAD that will be valid through the same date. There are currently approximately 133 beneficiaries under South Sudan's TPS designation.

Under the redesignation, individuals who currently do not have TPS may submit an initial application during the initial registration period that runs from September 6, 2023 through the full length of the redesignation period ending May 3, 2025. In addition to demonstrating continuous residence in the United States since September 4, 2023, and meeting other eligibility criteria, initial applicants for TPS under this redesignation must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since November 4, 2023, 1 the effective date of this redesignation of South Sudan, before USCIS may grant them TPS. DHS estimates that approximately 140 individuals may become newly eligible for TPS under the redesignation of South Sudan.

• TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of a foreign state designated for TPS under the INA, or to eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated foreign state, regardless of their country of birth.

• During the TPS designation period, TPS beneficiaries are eligible to remain in the United States, may not be removed, and are authorized to obtain EADs so long as they continue to meet the requirements of TPS.

• TPS beneficiaries may also apply for and be granted travel authorization as a matter of DHS discretion.

• To qualify for TPS, beneficiaries must meet the eligibility standards at INA section 244(c)(1)-(2), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(1)-(2).

• When the Secretary terminates a foreign state's TPS designation, beneficiaries return to one of the following:

○ The same immigration status or category that they maintained before TPS, if any (unless that status or category has since expired or terminated); or

○ Any other lawfully obtained immigration status or category they received while registered for TPS, as long as it is still valid beyond the date TPS terminates.

South Sudan was initially designated for TPS on October 13, 2011, on the dual bases of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevented nationals of South Sudan from safely returning. 2 Following the initial designation, DHS extended and redesignated South Sudan for TPS in 2013, 2014, and 2016. 3 In 2017, 2019, and 2020, DHS extended TPS for South Sudan, based on ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions. 4 Most recently, in March 2022, DHS extended and redesignated South Sudan for TPS for 18 months based on ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions, from May 3, 2022, to November 3, 2023. 5

Section 244(b)(1) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1), authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate agencies of the U.S. Government, to designate a foreign state (or part thereof) for TPS if the Secretary determines that certain country conditions exist. 6 The decision to designate any foreign state (or part thereof) is a discretionary decision, and there is no judicial review of any determination with respect to the designation, termination, or extension of a designation. See INA sec. 244(b)(5)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(5)(A). The Secretary, in his or her discretion, may then grant TPS to eligible nationals of that foreign state (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in the designated foreign state). See INA sec. 244(a)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)(1)(A).

At least 60 days before the expiration of a foreign state's TPS designation or extension, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. Government agencies, must review the conditions in the foreign state designated for TPS to determine whether they continue to meet the conditions for the TPS designation. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A). If the Secretary determines that the foreign state continues to meet the conditions for TPS designation, the designation will be extended for an additional period of 6 months or, in the Secretary's discretion, 12 or 18 months. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(A), (C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A), (C). If the Secretary determines that the foreign state no longer meets the conditions for TPS designation, the Secretary must terminate the designation. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(B), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B).

In addition to extending an existing TPS designation, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Government agencies, may redesignate a country (or part thereof) for TPS. See INA sec. 244(b)(1), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1); see also INA sec. 244(c)(1)(A)(i), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(1)(A)(i) (requiring that “the alien has been continuously physically present since the effective date of the most recent designation of the state” ) (emphasis added). 7

When the Secretary designates or redesignates a country for TPS, the Secretary also has the discretion to establish the date from which TPS applicants must demonstrate that they have been “continuously resid[ing]” in the United States. See INA sec. 244(c)(1)(A)(ii), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(1)(A)(ii). The Secretary has determined that the “continuous residence” date for applicants for TPS under the redesignation of South Sudan shall be September 4, 2023. Initial applicants for TPS under this redesignation must also show they have been “continuously physically present” in the United States since November 4, 2023, which is the effective date of the Secretary's redesignation, of South Sudan. See INA sec. 244(c)(1)(A)(i), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(1)(A)(i). For each initial TPS application filed under the redesignation, the final determination of whether the applicant has met the “continuous physical presence” requirement cannot be made until November 4, 2023, the effective date of this redesignation for South Sudan. USCIS, however, will issue employment authorization documentation, as appropriate, during the registration period in accordance with 8 CFR 244.5(b).

DHS has reviewed country conditions in South Sudan. Based on the review, including input received from the Department of State (DOS), the Secretary has determined that an 18-month TPS extension is warranted because ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions supporting South Sudan's TPS designation remain. The Secretary has further determined that redesignating South Sudan for TPS under INA section 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C) is warranted and is changing the “continuous residence” and “continuous physical presence” dates that applicants must meet to be eligible for TPS.

As in prior years, the armed conflicts in South Sudan consist of fighting among various factions associated with the government, as well as between government forces and militant groups, such as the National Salvation Front (also known as the NAS). 8 A principal driver of armed conflict within the government has long been the rivalry between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar, as well as their various supporters and aligned armed groups. 9 10 In spite of the 2018 peace agreement that established the current transitional government—and to which President Kiir and Vice President Machar were signatories—South Sudan faces “often violent political contestations,” and the lack of stable government has facilitated ongoing violence that is “nearly always characterized by gross human rights violations that [have] targeted civilians and caused mass displacements” in parts of the country. 11 Conflict among armed actors, including the South Sudan People's Defence Force (SSPDF), the Sudan People's Liberation Movement—In Opposition (SPLM-IO), and the NAS have continued in 2023. 12 In March 2023, media reported mobilization of forces allied to the government and the SPLM-IO as the groups prepared to “return to war” with one another. 13

Multiple parties are responsible for committing crimes and human rights abuses across South Sudan, with reports that “security forces, opposition forces, armed militias affiliated with the government and the opposition, nonsignatories to the peace agreement, and civilians were responsible for a significant range of conflict-related abuses around the country.”  14 Government forces have reportedly engaged in collective punishment of civilians perceived to be opposition supporters, an assumption often based on ethnicity. 15 Delays in implementing security sector reform and demobilization of armed groups have contributed to security forces and ex-combatants exploiting local communities, emboldened by a climate of impunity. 16 Members of government and opposition forces, associated armed militia groups, and ethnic groups are reported to have committed torture and other ill-treatment in conflict zones. 17 The “simmering ethnic conflict” in parts of South Sudan has resulted in dire humanitarian consequences, including significant displacement and reports of human rights violations and abuses, including those involving the killing of civilians, arbitrary arrests or unjust detentions, looting and destruction of civilian property, physical abuse, forced recruitment, and gender-based violence. 18

Armed conflict has had particularly dire consequences for women and children. Women and girls have faced increased cases of sexual violence and harassment, as well as risk of abductions, killings, and threats from armed forces. 19 Various parties use gender-based violence as a conflict tactic, including rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage. 20 Impunity for gender-based abuses, including sexual abuses, has continued. 21 Experts estimate that around 2.8 million people are at risk of gender-based violence in 2023, constituting a nine percent increase over the previous year. 22 Children also remain at great risk of multiple types of abuse and victimization. The United Nations has documented many incidences of what the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict has identified as the six “grave violations against children,” including recruitment and use by armed groups; killing and maiming; rape and other forms of sexual violence; attacks on schools, hospitals, and protected persons in relation to schools and/or hospitals; abduction; and denial of humanitarian access. 23

South Sudan has experienced above normal rainfall for four consecutive years. 24 The effects of rain and flooding are widespread, with the number of people impacted across South Sudan estimated to exceed one million. 25 Floods have destroyed crops, homes, schools, health care centers, and boreholes for water access, and efforts to provide relief have been stymied by violence, inaccessibility, and gaps in resources and infrastructure. 26

South Sudan is also contending with multiple disease outbreaks. Flood-affected areas have seen the spread of malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and skin infections, and the lack of clean water and sanitation suggests that outbreaks of cholera and Hepatitis E are likely to persist. 27 There also have been confirmed outbreaks of measles. 28 Dozens of health facilities were damaged or relocated due to flooding, furthering restricting access to care. 29

Approximately 7.8 million South Sudanese were projected to face “Crisis” levels of acute food insecurity, or worse, between April and July 2023. 30 Within this population, 2.9 million people were projected to face “Emergency” levels of acute food security, and around 43,000 were expected to face “Catastrophe.”  31 Disruption in the agricultural sector has led to a dramatic increase in food prices, thereby exacerbating food insecurity and intensifying poverty. 32 Access to food is also sometimes used as a weapon of war. 33

An estimated 9.4 million of South Sudan's total population of more than 12 million people is in need of humanitarian assistance. 34 Multiple factors complicate the provision of relief. Armed groups restrict the safe and effective delivery of assistance, in some cases even harassing or killing aid workers, engaging in looting, and destroying humanitarian assets and facilities. 35 Bureaucratic obstacles and interference further undermine access. 36 Additionally, flooding has prevented physical access to some locations. 37

Based upon this review and after consultation with appropriate U.S. Government agencies, the Secretary has determined that:

• The conditions supporting South Sudan's designation for TPS continue to be met. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(A) and (C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A) and (C).

• There continues to be an ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan and, due to such conflict, requiring the return to South Sudan of South Sudanese nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) would pose a serious threat to their personal safety. See INA sec. 244(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A).

• There continue to be extraordinary and temporary conditions in South Sudan that prevent South Sudanese nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) from returning in safety, and it is not contrary to the national interest of the United States to permit South Sudanese TPS beneficiaries to remain in the United States temporarily. See INA sec. 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C).

• The designation of South Sudan for TPS should be extended for an 18-month period, beginning on November 4, 2023, and ending on May 3, 2025. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C).

• Due to the conditions described above, South Sudan should be simultaneously extended and redesignated for TPS beginning on November 4, 2023 and ending on May 3, 2025. See INA sec. 244(b)(1)(A), (C), and (b)(2), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A), (C), and (b)(2).

• For the redesignation, the Secretary has determined that TPS applicants must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in the United States since September 4, 2023.

• Initial TPS applicants under the redesignation must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since November 4, 2023, the effective date of the redesignation of South Sudan for TPS.

• There are approximately 133 current South Sudan TPS beneficiaries who are eligible to re-register for TPS under the extension.

• It is estimated that approximately 140 additional individuals may be eligible for TPS under the redesignation of South Sudan. This population includes South Sudanese nationals in the United States in nonimmigrant status or without immigration status.

By the authority vested in me as Secretary under INA section 244, 8 U.S.C. 1254a, I have determined, after consultation with the appropriate U.S. Government agencies, the statutory conditions supporting South Sudan's designation for TPS on the basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions are met and it is not contrary to the national interest of the United States to permit South Sudanese TPS beneficiaries to remain in the United States temporarily. See INA sec. 244(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A) and INA sec. 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C). On the basis of this determination, I am simultaneously extending the existing designation of South Sudan for TPS for 18 months, beginning on November 4, 2023, and ending on May 3, 2025, and redesignating South Sudan for TPS for the same 18-month period. See INA sec. 244(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(C) and (b)(2); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(2).

To register for TPS based on the designation of South Sudan, you must submit a Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and pay the filing fee (or request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver). You may be required to pay the biometric services fee. If you can demonstrate an inability to pay the biometric services fee, you may request to have the fee waived. Please see additional information under the “Biometric Services Fee” section of this notice.

TPS beneficiaries are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which proves their authorization to work in the United States. You are not required to submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, or have an EAD to be granted TPS, but see below for more information if you want an EAD to use as proof that you can work in the United States.

Individuals who have a South Sudan TPS application (Form I-821) that was still pending as of September 6, 2023 do not need to file the application again. If USCIS approves an individual's Form I-821, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through May 3, 2025.

For more information on the application forms and fees for TPS, please visit the USCIS TPS web page at https://www.uscis.gov/tps. Fees for the Form I-821, the Form I-765, and biometric services are also described in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1) (Oct. 1, 2020). In addition, the form instructions for the Form I-821 and Form I-765 provide further information on requirements and fees for both initial TPS applicants and existing TPS beneficiaries who are re-registering.

Everyone must provide their employer with documentation showing that they have the legal right to work in the United States. TPS beneficiaries are eligible to obtain an EAD, which proves their legal right to work. Those who want to obtain an EAD must file a Form I-765 and pay the Form I-765 fee (or request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver). TPS applicants may file this form along with their TPS application, or at a later date, provided their TPS application is still pending or has been approved. Beneficiaries with a South Sudanese TPS-related Form I-765 that was still pending as of September 6, 2023 do not need to file the application again. If USCIS approves a pending TPS-related Form I-765, USCIS will issue the individual a new EAD that will be valid through May 3, 2025.

If USCIS denies your fee waiver request, you can resubmit your TPS application. The fee waiver denial notice will contain specific instructions about resubmitting your application.

USCIS offers the option to applicants for TPS under South Sudan's designation to file Form I-821 and related requests for EADs online or by mail. However, if you request a fee waiver, you must submit your application by mail. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, with their Form I-821.

Online filing: Forms I-821 and I-765 are available for concurrent filing online. 38 To file these forms online, you must first create a USCIS online account. 39

Mail filing: Mail your application for TPS to the proper address in Table 1.

Mail your completed Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if applicable; Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver (if applicable); and supporting documentation to the proper address in Table 1.

If you were granted TPS by an immigration judge (IJ) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and you wish to request an EAD, please file online or mail your Form I-765 application to the appropriate mailing address in Table 1. If filing online, please include the fee. If filing by mail, please include the fee or fee waiver request. When you are requesting an EAD based on an IJ/BIA grant of TPS, please include a copy of the IJ or BIA order granting you TPS with your application. This will help us verify your grant of TPS and process your application.

The filing instructions on the Form I-821 list all the documents needed to establish eligibility for TPS. You may also find information on the acceptable documentation and other requirements for applying ( i.e., registering) for TPS on the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/tps under “South Sudan.”

TPS beneficiaries may also apply for and be granted travel authorization as a matter of discretion. You must file for travel authorization if you wish to travel outside of the United States. If granted, travel authorization gives you permission to leave the United States and return during a specific period. To request travel authorization, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-131. You may file Form I-131 together with your Form I-821 or separately. When filing Form I-131, you must:

• Select Item Number 1.d. in Part 2 on the Form I-131; and

• Submit the fee for Form I-131, or request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-821, send your forms to the address listed in Table 1. If you are filing Form I-131 separately based on a pending or approved Form I-821, send your form to the address listed in Table 2 and include a copy of Form I-797 for the approved or pending Form I-821.

Biometrics (such as fingerprints) are required for all applicants 14 years of age and older. Those applicants must submit a biometric services fee. As previously stated, if you are unable to pay the biometric services fee, you may request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. For more information on the application forms and fees for TPS, please visit the USCIS TPS web page at https://www.uscis.gov/tps. If necessary, you may be required to visit an Application Support Center to have your biometrics captured. For additional information on the USCIS biometric screening process, please see the USCIS Customer Profile Management Service Privacy Impact Assessment, available at https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhsuscispia-060-customer-profile-management-service-cpms.

To get case status information about your TPS application, as well as the status of your TPS-based EAD request, you can check Case Status Online at uscis.gov , or visit the USCIS Contact Center at https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter. If your Form I-765 has been pending for more than 90 days, and you still need assistance, you may ask a question about your case online at https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).

Yes. Regardless of your country of birth, provided that you currently have a South Sudan TPS-based EAD that has the notation A-12 or C-19 under Category and a “Card Expires” date of November 3, 2023, this Federal Register notice automatically extends your EAD through November 3, 2024. Although this Federal Register notice automatically extends your EAD through November 3, 2024, you must re-register timely for TPS in accordance with the procedures described in this Federal Register notice to maintain your TPS and employment authorization.

You can find the Lists of Acceptable Documents on Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, as well as the Acceptable Documents web page at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents. Employers must complete Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees. Within three days of hire, employees must present acceptable documents to their employers as evidence of identity and employment authorization to satisfy Form I-9 requirements.

You may present any document from List A (which provides evidence of both identity and employment authorization) or one document from List B (which provides evidence of your identity) together with one document from List C (which provides evidence of employment authorization), or you may present an acceptable receipt as described in the Form I-9 Instructions. Employers may not reject a document based on a future expiration date. You can find additional information about Form I-9 on the I-9 Central web page at https://www.uscis.gov/I-9Central. An EAD is an acceptable document under List A. See the section “How do my employer and I complete Form I-9 using my automatically extended EAD for a new job?” of this Federal Register notice for further information. If your EAD states A-12 or C-19 under Category and has a “Card Expires” date of November 3, 2023 it has been extended automatically by virtue of this Federal Register notice and you may choose to present your EAD to your employer as proof of identity and employment eligibility for Form I-9 through November 3, 2024, unless your TPS has been withdrawn or your request for TPS has been denied. Your country of birth notated on the EAD does not have to reflect the TPS designated country of South Sudan for you to be eligible for this extension.

Even though we have automatically extended your EAD, your employer is required by law to ask you about your continued employment authorization. Your employer may need to examine your automatically extended EAD to check the “Card Expires” date and Category code if your employer did not keep a copy of your EAD when you initially presented it. Once your employer has reviewed the Card Expiration date and Category code, your employer should update the EAD expiration date in Section 2 of Form I-9. See the section “What updates should my current employer make to Form I-9 if my EAD has been automatically extended?” of this Federal Register notice for further information. You may show this Federal Register notice to your employer to explain what to do for Form I-9 and to show that USCIS has automatically extended your EAD through November 3, 2024, but you are not required to do so. The last day of the automatic EAD extension is November 3, 2024. Before you start work on November 4, 2024, your employer is required by law to reverify your employment authorization on Form I-9. By that time, you must present any document from List A or any document from List C on Form I-9 Lists of Acceptable Documents, or an acceptable List A or List C receipt described in the Form I-9 instructions to reverify employment authorization.

Your employer may not specify which List A or List C document you must present and cannot reject an acceptable receipt.

Yes, if you are eligible for TPS, you can obtain a new TPS-based EAD, regardless of whether you have an EAD or work authorization based on another immigration status. If you want to obtain a new TPS-based EAD valid through May 3, 2025, then you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and pay the associated fee (unless USCIS grants your fee waiver request).

No. When completing Form I-9, employers must accept any documentation you choose to present from the Form I-9 Lists of Acceptable Documents that reasonably appears to be genuine and that relates to you, or an acceptable List A, List B, or List C receipt. Employers may not request proof of South Sudanese citizenship or proof of registration for TPS when completing Form I-9 for new hires or reverifying the employment authorization of current employees. If you present an EAD that USCIS has automatically extended, employers should accept it as a valid List A document so long as the EAD reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to you. Refer to the “Note to Employees” section of this Federal Register notice for important information about your rights if your employer rejects lawful documentation, requires additional documentation, or otherwise discriminates against you based on your citizenship or immigration status, or your national origin.

When using an automatically extended EAD to complete Form I-9 for a new job before November 4, 2024:

1. For Section 1, you should:

a. Check “A noncitizen authorized to work until” and enter November 3, 2024, as the “expiration date”; and

b. Enter your USCIS number or A-Number where indicated. (Your EAD or other document from DHS will have your USCIS number or A-Number printed on it; the USCIS number is the same as your A-Number without the A prefix.)

2. For Section 2, employers should:

a. Determine if the EAD is auto-extended by ensuring it is in category A-12 or C-19 and has a “Card Expires” date of November 3, 2023;

b. Write in the document title;

c. Enter the issuing authority;

d. Provide the document number; and

e. Write November 3, 2024, as the expiration date.

Before the start of work on November 4, 2024, employers must reverify the employee's employment authorization on Form I-9.

If you presented a TPS-related EAD that was valid when you first started your job and USCIS has now automatically extended your EAD, your employer may need to examine your current EAD if they do not have a copy of the EAD on file. Your employer should determine if your EAD is automatically extended by ensuring that it contains Category A-12 or C-19 and has a “Card Expires” date of November 3, 2023. Your employer may not rely on the country of birth listed on the card to determine whether you are eligible for this extension.

If your employer determines that USCIS has automatically extended your EAD, your employer should update Section 2 of your previously completed Form I-9 as follows:

1. Write EAD EXT and November 3, 2024, as the last day of the automatic extension in the Additional Information field; and

2. Initial and date the correction.

Note: This is not considered a reverification. Employers do not reverify the employee until either the automatic extension has ended, or the employee presents a new document to show continued employment authorization, whichever is sooner. By November 4, 2024, when the employee's automatically extended EAD has expired, employers are required by law to reverify the employee's employment authorization on Form I-9.

Employers may create a case in E-Verify for a new employee by entering the number from the Document Number field on Form I-9 into the document number field in E-Verify. Employers should enter November 3, 2024, as the expiration date for an EAD that has been extended under this Federal Register notice.

E-Verify automated the verification process for TPS-related EADs that are automatically extended. If you have employees who provided a TPS-related EAD when they first started working for you, you will receive a “Work Authorization Documents Expiring” case alert when the auto-extension period for this EAD is about to expire. Before this employee starts work on November 4, 2024, you must reverify their employment authorization on Form I-9. Employers may not use E-Verify for reverification.

Employers are reminded that the laws requiring proper employment eligibility verification and prohibiting unfair immigration-related employment practices remain in full force. This Federal Register notice does not supersede or in any way limit applicable employment verification rules and policy guidance, including those rules setting forth reverification requirements. For general questions about the employment eligibility verification process, employers may call USCIS at 888-464-4218 (TTY 877-875-6028) or email USCIS at I-9Central@uscis.dhs.gov. USCIS accepts calls and emails in English and many other languages. For questions about avoiding discrimination during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify), employers may call the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) Employer Hotline at 800-255-8155 (TTY 800-237-2515). IER offers language interpretation in numerous languages. Employers may also email IER at IER@usdoj.gov or get more information online at www.justice.gov/ier.

For general questions about the employment eligibility verification process, employees may call USCIS at 888-897-7781 (TTY 877-875-6028) or email USCIS at I-9Central@uscis.dhs.gov. USCIS accepts calls in English, Spanish and many other languages. Employees or job applicants may also call the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) Worker Hotline at 800-255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515) for information regarding employment discrimination based on citizenship, immigration status, or national origin, including discrimination related to Form I-9 and E-Verify. The IER Worker Hotline provides language interpretation in numerous languages.

To comply with the law, employers must accept any document or combination of documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents if the documentation reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to the employee, or an acceptable List A, List B, or List C receipt as described in the Form I-9 Instructions. Employers may not require extra or additional documentation beyond what is required for Form I-9 completion. Further, employers participating in E-Verify who receive an E-Verify case result of “Tentative Nonconfirmation” (mismatch) must promptly inform employees of the mismatch and give such employees an opportunity to take action to resolve the mismatch. A mismatch means that the information entered into E-Verify from Form I-9 differs from records available to DHS.

Employers may not terminate, suspend, delay training, withhold or lower pay, or take any adverse action against an employee because of a mismatch while the case is still pending with E-Verify. A Final Nonconfirmation (FNC) case result is received when E-Verify cannot confirm an employee's employment eligibility. An employer may terminate employment based on a case result of FNC. Work-authorized employees who receive an FNC may call USCIS for assistance at 888-897-7781 (TTY 877-875-6028). For more information about E-Verify-related discrimination or to report an employer for discrimination in the E-Verify process based on citizenship, immigration status, or national origin, contact IER's Worker Hotline at 800-255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515). Additional information about proper nondiscriminatory Form I-9 and E-Verify procedures is available on the IER website at https://www.justice.gov/ier and the USCIS and E-Verify websites at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central and https://www.e-verify.gov.

For Federal purposes, if you present an automatically extended EAD referenced in this Federal Register notice, you do not need to show any other document, such as a Form I-797C, Notice of Action reflecting receipt of a Form I-765 EAD renewal application or this Federal Register notice, to prove that you qualify for this extension. While Federal Government agencies must follow the guidelines laid out by the Federal Government, State and local government agencies establish their own rules and guidelines when granting certain benefits. Each state may have different laws, requirements, and determinations about what documents you need to provide to prove eligibility for certain benefits. Whether you are applying for a Federal, State, or local government benefit, you may need to provide the government agency with documents that show you are a TPS beneficiary, show you are authorized to work based on TPS or other status, or that may be used by DHS to determine if you have TPS or another immigration status. Examples of such documents are:

• Your current EAD with a TPS category code of A-12 or C-19, even if your country of birth noted on the EAD does not reflect the TPS designated country of South Sudan;

• Your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record;

• Your Form I-797, Notice of Action, reflecting approval of your Form I-765; or

• Form I-797 or Form I-797C, Notice of Action, reflecting approval or receipt of a past or current Form I-821, if you received one from USCIS.

Check with the government agency requesting documentation regarding which document(s) the agency will accept. Some state and local government agencies use the SAVE program to confirm the current immigration status of applicants for public benefits.

While SAVE can verify that an individual has TPS, each agency's procedures govern whether they will accept an unexpired EAD, Form I-797, Form I-797C, or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. If an agency accepts the type of TPS-related document you present, such as an EAD, the agency should accept your automatically extended EAD, regardless of the country of birth listed on the EAD. It may assist the agency if you:

a. Give the agency a copy of the relevant Federal Register notice showing the extension of TPS-related documentation in addition to your recent TPS-related document with your A-number, USCIS number, or Form I-94 number;

b. Explain that SAVE will be able to verify the continuation of your TPS using this information; and

c. Ask the agency to initiate a SAVE query with your information and follow through with additional verification steps, if necessary, to get a final SAVE response verifying your TPS.

You can also ask the agency to look for SAVE notices or contact SAVE if they have any questions about your immigration status or automatic extension of TPS-related documentation. In most cases, SAVE provides an automated electronic response to benefit-granting agencies within seconds, but occasionally verification can be delayed.

You can check the status of your SAVE verification by using CaseCheck at https://save.uscis.gov/casecheck/. CaseCheck is a free service that lets you follow the progress of your SAVE verification case using your date of birth and one immigration identifier number (such as A-number, USCIS number or Form I-94 number) or Verification Case Number. If an agency has denied your application based solely or in part on a SAVE response, the agency must offer you the opportunity to appeal the decision in accordance with the agency's procedures. If the agency has received and acted on or will act on a SAVE verification and you do not believe the SAVE response is correct, the SAVE website, https://www.uscis.gov/save, has detailed information on how to make corrections or update your immigration record, make an appointment, or submit a written request to correct records.

The regulations governing the HCVP are published at 24 CFR part 982. The purpose of the rental assistance program is to assist eligible families to pay their rent for decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. The FY 2022 awardees announced in this notice were provided HCVP TPV funds on an as-needed, non-competitive basis. TPV awards made to PHAs for program actions that displace families living in public housing were made on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with PIH Notice 2018-04, “Voucher Funding in Connection with the Demolition or Disposition of Occupied Public Housing Units,” and PIH Notice 2021-10, “Implementation of the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021 Funding Provisions for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and Availability of FFY 2020 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Set-Aside Funds for Second Round Per Unit Cost (PUC) Increases due to Unforeseen Circumstances.”

By this notice, HUD also is making the public aware that TPV awards for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) were provided for certain projects under the Second Component of RAD consistent with PIH Notice H-2020-09 PIH-2020-23(HA), REV-4, “Rental Assistance Demonstration—Final Implementation, Revision 4.

Awards published under this notice were provided (1) to assist families living in HUD-owned properties that are being sold; (2) to assist families affected by the expiration or termination of their Project-based Section 8 and Moderate Rehabilitation contracts; (3) to assist families in properties where the owner has prepaid the HUD mortgage; (4) to assist families in projects where the Rental Supplement and Rental Assistance Payments contracts are expiring (RAD—Second Component); (5) to provide relocation housing assistance in connection with the demolition of public housing; (6) to provide replacement housing assistance for single room occupancy (SRO) units that fail housing quality standards (HQS); (7) to assist families in public housing developments that are scheduled for demolition in connection with a HUD-approved HOPE VI revitalization or demolition grant, and (8) to assist families consistent with PIH Notice 2019-01, “Funding Availability for Set-Aside Tenant Protection Vouchers.”

A special administrative fee of $200 per occupied unit was provided to PHAs to compensate for any extraordinary HCVP administrative costs associated with the Multifamily Housing conversion actions. The Department awarded total new budget authority of $132,870,875 to recipients under all the above-mentioned categories for 13,847 housing choice vouchers. Additional details related to TPV awards made since FY 2020, including project name and identification number, are available at the following TPV Dashboard link: Housing Voucher Financial Management Division (FMD) | HUD.gov /U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In accordance with section 102(a)(4)(C) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 (103 Stat. 1987, 42 U.S.C. 3545), the Department is publishing the names, addresses of awardees, and their award amounts in Appendix A. The awardees are listed alphabetically by State for each type of TPV award.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Richard Monocchio, having reviewed and approved this document, is delegating the authority to electronically sign this document to submitter, Aaron Santa Anna, who is the Federal Register Liaison for HUD, for purposes of publication in the Federal Register .

Consistent with section 9(f) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939, and the rules and regulations published in 52 FR 11954, April 13, 1987 (43 CFR 426.22), Reclamation will publish notice of proposed or amendatory contract actions for any contract for the delivery of project water for authorized uses in newspapers of general circulation in the affected area at least 60 days prior to contract execution. Announcements may be in the form of news releases, legal notices, official letters, memorandums, or other forms of written material. Meetings, workshops, and/or hearings may also be used, as appropriate, to provide local publicity. The public participation procedures do not apply to proposed contracts for the sale of surplus or interim irrigation water for a term of 1 year or less. Either of the contracting parties may invite the public to observe contract proceedings. All public participation procedures will be coordinated with those involved in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act. Pursuant to the “Final Revised Public Participation Procedures” for water resource-related contract negotiations, published in 47 FR 7763, February 22, 1982, a tabulation is provided of all proposed contractual actions in each of the five Reclamation regions. When contract negotiations are completed, and prior to execution, each proposed contract form must be approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or pursuant to delegated or redelegated authority, the Commissioner of Reclamation or one of the regional directors. In some instances, congressional review and approval of a report, water rate, or other terms and conditions of the contract may be involved.

Public participation in and receipt of comments on contract proposals will be facilitated by adherence to the following procedures:

1. Only persons authorized to act on behalf of the contracting entities may negotiate the terms and conditions of a specific contract proposal.

2. Advance notice of meetings or hearings will be furnished to those parties that have made a timely written request for such notice to the appropriate regional or project office of Reclamation.

3. Written correspondence regarding proposed contracts may be made available to the general public pursuant to the terms and procedures of the Freedom of Information Act, as amended.

4. Written comments on a proposed contract or contract action must be submitted to the appropriate regional officials at the locations and within the time limits set forth in the advance public notices.

5. All written comments received and testimony presented at any public hearings will be reviewed and summarized by the appropriate regional office for use by the contract approving authority.

6. Copies of specific proposed contracts may be obtained from the appropriate regional director or his or her designated public contact as they become available for review and comment.

7. In the event modifications are made in the form of a proposed contract, the appropriate regional director shall determine whether republication of the notice and/or extension of the comment period is necessary.

Factors considered in making such a determination shall include, but are not limited to, (i) the significance of the modification, and (ii) the degree of public interest which has been expressed over the course of the negotiations. At a minimum, the regional director will furnish revised contracts to all parties who requested the contract in response to the initial public notice.

MISSOURI BASIN—INTERIOR REGION 5: Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 36900, Federal Building, 2021 4th Avenue North, Billings, Montana 59101, telephone 406-247-7752.

New contract action:

30. Greenfields ID, Sun River Project, Montana: Consideration for a preliminary lease of power privilege for Pishkun Inlet. Consideration for additional sites is ongoing.

Completed contract action:

28. PacifiCorps; Glendo Unit, P-SMBP; Wyoming: Consideration for a 5-year excess capacity contract. Contract executed on June 6, 2023.

UPPER COLORADO BASIN—INTERIOR REGION 7: Bureau of Reclamation, 125 South State Street, Room 8100, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1102, telephone 801-524-3864.

New contract actions:

40. Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Weber Basin Project, Utah: Amendment to contract No. 22-WC-40-940 to increase repayment from approximately $8M to $23M.

41. The Jordanelle Special Service District; Bonneville Unit, CUP; Utah: The District desires to enter into a Section 14 of the Reclamation Projects Act of 1939 contract for Reclamation to dedicate a water right in order for the Utah State Parks to receive water at the Rock Cliff Recreation Area for recreational purposes.

42. Los Ranchitos Estates, Florida Project, Colorado: Reclamation received a request for a long-term water service contract (25 years) to augment depletions from residential water uses within the subdivision. The proposed contract will be for 36 acre-feet of water annually.

43. Forrest Groves Estates, Florida Project, Colorado: Reclamation received a request for a long-term water service contract (25 years) to augment depletions from residential water uses within the subdivision. The proposed contract will be for 43 acre-feet of water annually.

44. Country Aire Estates, Florida Project, Colorado: Reclamation received a request for a long-term water service contract (25 years) to augment depletions from residential water uses within the subdivision. The proposed contract will be for 7 acre-feet of water annually.

LOWER COLORADO BASIN—INTERIOR REGION 8: Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 61470 (Nevada Highway and Park Street), Boulder City, Nevada 89006-1470, telephone 702-293-8192.

Completed contract actions:

16. GSC Farm, LLC, and the Town of Queen Creek, Arizona; BCP; Arizona: Enter into a proposed partial assignment and transfer of Arizona fourth-priority Colorado River water in the amount of 2,033.01 acre-feet per year from GSC to Queen Creek, amend GSC's Colorado River water delivery contract No. 13-XX-30-W0571 to decrease their Colorado River water entitlement from 2,913.3 to 69.93 acre-feet per year, enter into Colorado River water delivery contract No. 20-XX-30-W0689 with Queen Creek for 2,033.01 acre-feet per year of Arizona fourth-priority Colorado River water entitlement, and enter into a wheeling agreement between the United States and Queen Creek for the wheeling of non-project water to be transported through the CAP for the use or benefit of Queen Creek. Contracts executed on April 28, 2023.

19. Western Water, LLC and Cibola Valley IDD, BCP, Arizona: Approve an amendment of Western's contract service area under their contract No. 16-XX-30-W0619, as amended (Western Contract), to include the previously excluded parcels of land; namely, the eastern halves of Assessor Parcel Nos. 301-08-003C and 301-08-003D. The inclusion of these lands within the Western Contract service area will make these lands eligible to receive Arizona fourth-priority Colorado River water from Western. Western has an Arizona fourth-priority Colorado River water entitlement under the Western Contract for an annual diversion of 536.48 acre-feet of Colorado River water for irrigation use within the Western Contract service area. Additionally, Reclamation will amend the District's contract service area under their contract to exclude Western lands. The exclusion of the Western lands from the District's contract service area will make the Western lands ineligible to receive Arizona fourth-, fifth-, and/or sixth-priority water from the District. The District's boundary will remain the same. Contracts executed on April 18, 2023.

COLUMBIA-PACIFIC NORTHWEST—INTERIOR REGION 9: Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise, Idaho 83706-1234, telephone 208-378-5344.

Modified contract action:

16. Storage Division, Yakima Project, Washington: Contracts with water user entities for the repayment of reimbursable shares of the costs of the SOD program modification for Kachess Dam.

CALIFORNIA-GREAT BASIN—INTERIOR REGION 10: Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825-1898, telephone 916-978-5250.

Completed contract action:

9. San Luis WD, CVP, California: Proposed partial assignment of 4,449 acre-feet of the District's CVP supply to Santa Nella County WD for M&I use. Contract executed on January 24, 2023.

Correction

In the Federal Register of April 4, 2023, in FR Doc. 2023-06952 (88 FR 19990), on page 19990, in columns 1 and 2, under the requested controlled substances/drug codes, it should read as such:

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.34(a), this is notice that on August 10, 2023, Catalent Greenville, Inc., 1240 Sugg Parkway, Greenville, North Carolina 27834-9006, applied to be registered as an importer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to import the above listed controlled substance for internal research and to support customers research and clinical studies. No other activities for this drug codes are authorized for this registration.

Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with what is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2). Authorization will not extend to the import of Food and Drug Administration-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale.

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.34(a), this is notice that on July 28, 2023, Lipomed, 150 Cambridgepark Drive, Suite 705, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140-2300, applied to be registered as an importer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to import the above listed controlled substances as analytical reference standards for distribution to its customers for research and analytics purposes. Placement of these drug codes onto the company's registration does not translate into automatic approval of subsequent permit applications to import controlled substances. No other activities for these drug codes are authorized for this registration.

Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with what is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2). Authorization will not extend to the import of Food and Drug Administration-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale.

IMLS is particularly interested in public comments that help the agency to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the Nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant making, research, and policy development. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.

This proposed request is to renew IMLS's Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery. This data collection activity provides a means to garner qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient and timely manner in accordance with the Administration's commitment to improving service delivery. By qualitative feedback, IMLS means information that provides useful insights on perceptions and opinions, but whose collection does not yield results that can be generalized to the population of study. The Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery has been conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the clearance number 3137-0081, which expires December 31, 2023.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery.

OMB Control Number: 3137-0081.

Agency Number: 3137.