The 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR part 219), which implements the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976, provides that the Forest Service develop, maintain, and revise Land Management Plans for all National Forests and Grasslands. Land Management Plans provide the programmatic framework for management of forest resources and are amendable as conditions change over time. The current Bridger-Teton Land Management Plan was adopted in 1990.

The 2012 Planning Rule requires the assessment to include information regarding the status and trends of ecological, social, and economic conditions within the planning area and across the broader landscape. In particular, the agency must identify and evaluate information relevant to the plan area for the following: (1) Terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and watersheds; (2) Air, soil, and water resources and quality; (3) System drivers, including dominant ecological processes, disturbance regimes, and stressors, such as natural succession, wildland fire, invasive species, and climate change, and the ability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the plan area to adapt to change; (4) Baseline assessment of carbon stocks; (5) Threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, and potential species of conservation concern present in the plan area; (6) Social, cultural, and economic conditions; (7) Benefits people obtain from the national forest system planning area (ecosystem services); (8) Multiple uses and their contributions to local, regional, and national economies; (9) Recreation settings, opportunities and access, and scenic character; (10) Renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources; (11) Infrastructure, such as recreational facilities and transportation and utility corridors; (12) Areas of tribal importance; (13) Cultural and historic resources and uses; (14) Land status and ownership and access patterns; and (15) Existing designated areas located in the plan area including wilderness and wild and scenic rivers and potential need and opportunity for additional designated areas. (36 CFR 219.6)

During this assessment phase, the Forest Service invites other government agencies, Tribes, non-governmental parties, and the public to share information about social, economic, and environmental conditions of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the broader landscape. Existing information about conditions on the Bridger-Teton, including information gathered through public engagement, from cooperating agencies, and Tribal consultation, will be integrated into the assessment. The Forest Service will host public outreach forums to share progress and gather additional information.

Topics of interest will be discussed in the assessment and subsequent plan development phases include: areas of tribal importance; at-risk species; livestock grazing; management within inventoried roadless areas; watersheds and intact ecosystems; habitat connectivity; sustainable recreation; human population pressures; mature and old growth forest conditions; fire management within the wildland urban interface; and timber management and production trends. Wilderness evaluation and the identification of eligible wild and scenic rivers will be separate from the assessment but included in plan development.

Responsible Official: The responsible official for the revision of the Land Management Plan is Chad Hudson, Forest Supervisor, Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The U.S. Census Bureau, with support from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation, plans to conduct the Business Enterprise Research and Development Survey (BERD) for the 2024-2026 survey years. BERD covers all domestic, non-farm, for-profit businesses with at least 10 paid employees. BERD provides the only comprehensive national data on Research and Development (R&D) costs and detailed expenses by type and industry.

The Census Bureau has conducted a business R&D survey since 1957, collecting primarily financial information on the systematic work companies undertake to discover new knowledge or use existing knowledge to develop new or improved goods and services.

The 2024-2026 BERD will continue to collect the following types of information:

• R&D expense based on accepted accounting standards.

• Worldwide R&D of U.S. companies.

• Business segment detail.

• R&D-related capital expenditures.

• Detailed data about the R&D workforce.

• R&D strategy and data on the potential impact of R&D on the market.

• R&D directed to application areas of particular national interest.

• Data measuring intellectual property protection activities and technology transfer.

Domestic and foreign researchers in academia, business, and government analyze and cite data from the BERD. Among the federal government users are the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). BEA includes R&D in the system of national accounts that measures the economic well-being of the country. BERD data are key inputs into these accounts, which feed into the calculation of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The White House, in 2006, issued the American Competitiveness Initiative to “increase investments in research and development, strengthen education, and encourage entrepreneurship.” In support of this initiative and in response to legislative mandates, data on R&D are delivered to OSTP, primarily in the biennial National Science Board report Science and Engineering Indicators. Also, the National Science Foundation (NSF) produces a series of publications containing R&D data including the National Patterns of R&D Resources series, the S&E State Profile series, and the annual Business Enterprise Research and Development Survey series. Special reports and other publications are also prepared.

BERD utilizes an online survey instrument. Respondents are mailed and emailed letters directing them to create a Census account and access the survey through their account. The online survey automatically skips questions that do not apply [based on previous responses] and checks for common errors. Links to detailed question-by-question instructions will be embedded in the electronic instrument. Excel spreadsheets are available to facilitate the electronic collection of information from various areas of the companies. A consolidator spreadsheet is also available to assist companies that need to gather information from business units and then compile the information into one company report.

Limited data can be taken over the phone should companies choose to call and wish to report that way.

OMB Control Number: 0607-0912.

Form Number(s): BRD-1.

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

Affected Public: For-profit businesses with at least 10 paid employees.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 47,500.

Estimated Time per Response: 2 Hours and 37 Minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 124,450.

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

Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.

Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., sections 8(b), 131 and 182; title 42, U.S.C. 1861-76 (National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended).

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

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

The U.S. Census Bureau plans to request a 3-year extension of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the Generic Clearance for Emergency Economic Information Collections (EEIC). The EEIC provides the quick turn-around necessary for conducting emergency economic information collections in response to unanticipated international, national, or regional declared emergencies or events of national interest arising as a direct result of declared emergencies having a significant economic impact on U.S. businesses and/or state or local governments. The purpose of the collections is to gauge and monitor the economic impact of such events on U.S. businesses or organizations and state or local governments.

Emergencies, once declared by the authorized state or federal official or entity, that could trigger the need for an EEIC may have global, national, or regional impact on U.S. businesses and governments, and include the following examples:

Other events of national interest arising as a direct result of declared emergencies may also have a significant impact on U.S. businesses or governments. General categories of national interest events arising as a direct result of declared emergencies which could trigger the need for an EEIC are:

EEIC questions may be included as supplemental questions on existing Census Bureau surveys or conducted as new special-purpose surveys. The data will be collected by paper or electronic instruments, depending on the survey or program.

EEIC questions will be chosen from a pretested Question Bank. For some subjects, the Question Bank includes specific questionnaire content. In other cases, the Question Bank includes topics which will then be addressed with questions designed to meet data needs that arise during a future unknown event. Some questions have been cognitively tested and should be considered final; some may require testing for final wording. Questions that may require testing and refinement are annotated in the Question Bank. As the Question Bank matures with new or revised content, the Census Bureau will resubmit the bank for review.

Prior to adding EEIC questions to any survey, the Census Bureau will consult with OMB and submit a request for approval, allowing between 3 and 10 business days for OMB action. Over the existing period of clearance, the EEIC Generic Clearance was used to clear supplemental questions which were added to existing surveys, responsive to both recession conditions resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic and various severe weather events which occurred in 2022.

As data collections will be tailored to the emergency, users of the data may vary, but may include: federal, state, or local officials charged with decision- making during the emergency; business leaders and policymakers wishing to develop plans to ameliorate the effects of the emergency; academics and members of the press wishing to study and disseminate information about the emergency; and the public. The data collected will help us understand how and why data we collect in our ongoing surveys may be affected by the emergency, as well as allow us to disseminate data as part of existing releases, new releases, or experimental releases.

The vast majority of business and government surveys to which EEIC questions may be added utilize the Census Bureau's online reporting system called Centurion as their primary collection system. New information collections conducted under this generic clearance will also likely collect responses electronically using Centurion.

OMB Control Number: 0607-1019.

Form Number(s): None.

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

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or Tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 300,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 50,000.

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

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., sections 131, 161 and 182.

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

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

On March 19, 2008, Commerce published its AD order on SHMP from China. 1 On February 1, 2024, Commerce published the notice of initiation of the third five-year sunset review of the Order, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). 2 On February 15, 2024, Commerce received a notice of intent to participate in this review from ICL Specialty Products, Inc. and Innophos, Inc. (collectively, the petitioners) within the deadline specified in 19 CFR 351.218(d)(1)(i). 3 The petitioners claimed interested party status under section 771(9)(C) of the Act as manufacturers of a domestic like product in the United States.

On March 1, 2024, the petitioners provided a complete substantive response for this review within the 30-day deadline specified in 19 CFR 351.218(d)(3)(i). 4 We received no substantive responses from any other interested parties, nor was a hearing requested. On March 22, 2024, Commerce notified the U.S. International Trade Commission that it did not receive an adequate substantive response from respondent interested parties. 5 As a result, pursuant to section 751(c)(3)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.218(e)(1)(ii)(C)(2), Commerce conducted an expedited (120-day) sunset review of this Order.

The merchandise subject to this Order is SHMP. It is imported under subheading 2835.39.5000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). It may also be imported as a blend or mixture under subheading 3824.90.3900, HTSUS. The American Chemical Society, Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) has assigned the name “Polyphosphoric Acid, Sodium Salt” to SHMP. The CAS registry number is 68915-31-1. However, SHMP is commonly identified by CAS No. 10124-56-8 in the market. For purposes of the Order, the narrative description is dispositive, not the tariff heading, CAS registry number, or CAS name. For a complete description of the scope of the Order, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum. 6

All issues raised in this review, including the likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping in the event of revocation and the magnitude of the margins likely to prevail if the Order were revoked, are addressed in the accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum. A list of topics discussed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum is included 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.

Pursuant to sections 751(c)(1) and 752(c)(1) and (3) of the Act, Commerce determines that revocation of the Order would be likely to lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and that the magnitude of the dumping margins likely to prevail would be up to 188.05 percent.

This notice serves as the only reminder to interested 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. Timely notification of the return or 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.

We are issuing and publishing these final results and notice in accordance with sections 751(c), 752(c), and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.218.

On January 3, 2024, Commerce published in the Federal Register its preliminary affirmative determination in the LTFV investigation of paper bags from Cambodia, in which we also postponed the final determination until May 17, 2024. 1 We invited interested parties to comment on the Preliminary Determination.

A summary of the events that occurred since Commerce published the Preliminary Determination, as well as a full discussion of the issues raised by parties for this final determination, may be found in the Issues and Decision Memorandum. 2 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.

The products covered by this investigation are paper bags from Cambodia. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix I.

During the course of this investigation, Commerce received scope comments from parties. Commerce issued a Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum to address these comments and set aside a period of time for parties to address scope issues in scope-specific case and rebuttal briefs. 3 We received comments from interested parties on the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum, which we addressed in the Final Scope Decision Memorandum. 4 We made no changes to the scope of the investigation from the scope published in the Preliminary Determination, as noted in Appendix I to this notice.

We continue find that that critical circumstances do not exist with respect to imports of paper bags from Cambodia for Nice Packaging (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (Nice), UUPak, and all other producers and exporters, but do exist with respect to imports of paper bags from Pan Pacific. For a full description of the methodology and results of Commerce's critical circumstances analysis, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

As provided in section 782(i) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), we conducted verifications of the sales and cost information submitted by Nice Packaging (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (Nice) for use in our final determination. 5 In addition, Commerce was unable to conduct an on-site verification of the information relied upon in making its final determination with respect to UUPak Company Limited (UUPak). However, from February 21 through 22, 2024, we took additional steps, in lieu of an on-site verification to verify the information relied upon in making this final determination, in accordance with section 782(i) of the Act, by conducting virtual verification of UUPak. 6

On March 6, 2024, Commerce published the preliminary results of the 2022-2023 administrative review of the antidumping duty order on circular welded carbon steel pipes and tubes (CWP) from Thailand in the Federal Register and invited interested parties to comment. 1 We received no comments from interested parties on the Preliminary Results, and we have made no changes to the Preliminary Results. Accordingly, no decision memorandum accompanies this Federal Register notice. The Preliminary Results are hereby adopted in these final results. Commerce conducted this administrative review in accordance with section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act).

The products covered by this order are circular welded carbon steel pipes and tubes from Thailand. For a complete description of the scope of the order, see the Preliminary Results. 2

We determine that the following weighted-average dumping margin exists for the period March 1, 2022, through February 28, 2023:

Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce to evaluate their application. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may either: reject the application, request additional information/clarification, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the application. If the requisite minimum number of participants is not selected for a particular mission by the recruitment deadline, the mission may be canceled.

Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization, the products and/or services the represented firm or service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value.

A trade association/organization applicant must certify to the above for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.

In addition, each applicant must:

• Certify that the products and services that it wishes to market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export controls and regulations;

• Certify that it has identified any matter pending before any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce;

• Certify that it has identified any pending litigation (including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves the Department of Commerce; and

• Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates (1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in connection with a company's/participant's involvement in this mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

In the case of a trade association/organization, the applicant must certify that each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization can make the above certifications.

Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers, and trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S. products and services that have an interest in entering or expanding their business in the mission's destination country. The following criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:

• Suitability of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's) products or services to these markets;

• The applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's) potential for business in the markets, including the likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; and

• Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm's or service provider's) goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.

Balance of company size and location may also be considered during the review process. Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any information, including on the application, containing references to political contributions or other partisan political activities will be excluded from the application and will not be considered during the selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.

For purposes of assessing participation fees, an applicant is a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) if it qualifies as a “small business” under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) size standards ( https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards ), which vary by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code. The SBA Size Standards Tool ( https://www.sba.gov/size-standards ) can help you determine the qualifications that apply to your company.

Mission List: (additional information about trade missions can be found at https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions ).

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is organizing a Financial Technologies (Fintech) Business Development Mission to Hong Kong and Thailand from October 28-November 1, 2024.

The purpose of the fintech mission is to expand opportunities for U.S. companies to explore the immense potential that Hong Kong and Thailand offer in terms of access to capital, market size and talent pool. Delegates will gain invaluable insights into the local market landscape and establish relationships with local banks, financial institutions, and investors.

This business development mission is aimed at promoting and expanding the international presence of U.S. financial technology companies and to foster bilateral partnerships between U.S. fintech companies and financial institutions in Hong Kong and Thailand. These collaborations can stimulate innovation in the global fintech landscape and strengthen the global presence of U.S. companies. This mission will also be part of delivering and advancing U.S. technology, standards, and commercial interests in this vital region of the world.

ITA will organize a tailored program for U.S. companies exploring opportunities in Hong Kong and Thai markets and will leverage strong connections with U.S. interagency partners to lead discussions on trade, financing, and technical aspects of doing business in these two markets. Mission participants will have the opportunity to meet with potential buyers and partners, financial institutions, government officials, investors and associations. Mission participants will participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week on the first stop, followed by a visit to Bangkok. Both stops will include ITA-hosted networking events, pre-screened business-to-business matchmaking meetings, roundtable discussions with U.S. and foreign government and industry leaders, and optional company site visits.

Mission participants will receive assistance to secure meetings, gain greater exposure to Hong Kong and Thai markets, and benefit from the guidance and insights of ITA's commercial team and the support and expertise of interagency partners including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with a population of 7.4 million. There are numerous business opportunities given Hong Kong's finance and marketing talent base, sophisticated infrastructure, and access to mainland China's manufacturing centers. According to Invest Hong Kong (Hong Kong's official inbound investment agency), 78 of the world's top 100 banks call Hong Kong home. With over 163 licensed banks and 8 virtual banks, Hong Kong has large financial infrastructure. There are no controls over capital movement, no capital gains, and no tax on dividends. Hong Kong hosts the largest pool of RMB liquidity outside Mainland China. Hong Kong also serves as a springboard for foreign firms seeking access to Mainland China and for Chinese companies going global.

The Hong Kong government aims to push Hong Kong's status as a financial center, with fintech as a key subsector. As Hong Kong is home to over 3,900 startups, roughly 800 fintech companies, and ten unicorn companies, it claims a spot among the leading global cities for fostering swift startup growth. In June 2021, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) rolled out a “Fintech 2025” strategy for driving fintech development in Hong Kong. Blockchain technology advancements and the increasing use of big data analytics are among the top fintech trends in Hong Kong in 2024.

As a show of support for the sector, each year Invest Hong Kong organizes Hong Kong FinTech Week, one of the largest and most influential fintech events in Asia. It gathers regulators, fintech leaders and innovators around the world to in a dynamic conference and large exhibition setting, enabling attendees to connect with the Hong Kong and regional fintech industry. Hong Kong FinTech Week in 2023 attracted a record high of 35,000 attendees, over 5.5 million views online from over 100 economies, featured over 800 speakers and over 700 exhibitors.

To encourage inbound fintech activity into Hong Kong, Invest Hong Kong also organizes two attractive programs at no cost: the Global Fast Track Program, which is a hybrid program for startups to connect with investors and corporates, and a Global Scaleup Competition for eligible tech companies that are selected to pitch in front of judges at Hong Kong Fintech Week. In fact, a U.S. fintech company nearly won last year's competition. Moreover, the Fintech Association of Hong Kong has a vibrant board and very active membership that is enthusiastic about welcoming inbound U.S. fintech and related companies.

Because the U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong has a long history of attending Hong Kong Fintech Week, we are in a strong position to help many U.S. companies connect with the deep and sophisticated ecosystem of this growing industry. There will be no additional cost to the participants of this Trade Mission to attend Hong Kong Fintech Week.

Thailand, located in the heart of ASEAN, is an upper middle-income country and the second-largest economy in ASEAN after Indonesia. Its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 was US$ 526 billion, growing 2.6 percent from the previous year.

In Thailand, the public sector plays a significant role in developing fintech initiatives. Engagement with the Thai government is critical, as it seeks to make Bangkok a regional financial hub. In recent years, the fintech sector has been developing and evolving rapidly, driven by new government initiatives, advancements in technology, and changing consumer behavior. The adoption of new technologies is transforming traditional financial institutions and creating new opportunities for development in the sector.

Since the pandemic in 2020, Thailand has swiftly embraced digital transformation in both its public and private sectors. This shift has been encouraged by government support aiming to establish Thailand as a regional fintech hub. As a result, Thailand's fintech sector has experienced incredible growth driven by technology adoption across industries. For example, Thailand has seen a surge in digital transactions. E-wallets and mobile payment platforms have gained widespread acceptance among Thai society. There are nearly 300 fintech companies in Thailand, which has an active Thailand Fintech Association comprised of members in a wide variety of categories in fintech.

The Thai fintech ecosystem also has a growing list of organizations, agencies, and companies that support the growth in the sector. As another initiative from the government, in 2023, the BOT released the consultation document on a virtual bank licensing framework, which is the groundwork for introducing virtual banks as new financial service providers. The central bank plans to finalize the licensing regulation and announce the list of approved applications in 2024. During the initial phase, the three licenses will be awarded.

All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the DOC. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 firms participate in the mission from the applicant pool, subject to space availability.

After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Business Development Mission will be $2,900 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SME); and $4,500 for large firms or trade associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $750. The participation fee includes the cost for participants of this Trade Mission to attend mission related activities at Hong Kong Fintech Week in Hong Kong. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.

If and when an applicant is selected to participate in a particular mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the designated participation fee below is required. Upon notification of acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.

Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to, international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. In the event that a mission is canceled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a canceled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.

If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain business visas.

Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security situation in a given foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html . Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.

Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and health conditions in the United States and the mission countries. Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public, and applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees, accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the previously selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new virtual program.

Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and health conditions in the United States and the mission countries. Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public, and applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees, accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the previous selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new virtual program.

Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register , posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar ( http://export.gov/trademissions ) and other internet websites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than July 31, 2024. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after July 31, 2024, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Background: The Committee was established under the discretionary authority of the Secretary of Commerce and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app.). It provides advice to the Secretary of Commerce on the necessary elements of a comprehensive policy approach to supply chain competitiveness and on regulatory policies and programs and investment priorities that affect the competitiveness of U.S. supply chains. For more information about the Committee visit: https://www.trade.gov/acscc.

Matters to Be Considered: Committee members are expected to continue discussing the major competitiveness-related topics raised at the previous Committee meetings, including supply chain resilience and congestion; trade and competitiveness; freight movement and policy; trade innovation; regulatory issues; finance and infrastructure; and workforce development. The Committee's subcommittees will report on the status of their work regarding these topics. The agenda may change to accommodate other Committee business. The Office of Supply Chain Services will post the final detailed agenda on its website, https://www.trade.gov/acscc. The video with closed captioning of the meeting will also be posted on the Committee website.

The meeting is open to the public and press on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. Please contact Richard Boll, Designated Federal Officer, at richard.boll@trade.gov, for participation information.

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, January 19, 2021). 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 effecting 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 50 CFR 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.

Echo plans to conduct a 2D high-resolution seismic survey in Lease Blocks 61 and 66 (South Marsh Island Area). Echo plans to use a single, 20-cubic inch airgun, in addition to three other high-resolution geophysical (HRG) acoustic sources. Please see Echo's application for additional detail.

Consistent with the preamble to the final rule, the survey effort proposed by Echo in its LOA request was used to develop LOA-specific take estimates based on the acoustic exposure modeling results described in the preamble (86 FR 5322, 5398, January 19, 2021). In order to generate the appropriate take numbers for authorization, the following information was considered: (1) survey type; (2) location (by modeling zone  1 ); (3) number of days; and (4) season. 2 The acoustic exposure modeling performed in support of the rule provides 24-hour exposure estimates for each species, specific to each modeled survey type in each zone and season.

Exposure modeling results were generated using the single airgun proxy. Because those results assume use of a 90-in 3 airgun, the take numbers authorized through this LOA are considered conservative ( i.e., they likely overestimate take) due to differences in the sound source planned for use by Echo, as compared to those modeled for the rule. The survey is planned to occur for up to 2 days in Zone 2. The season is not known in advance. Therefore, the take estimates for each species are based on the season that has the greater value for the species ( i.e., winter or summer).

Based on the results of our analysis, NMFS has determined that the level of taking expected for this survey and authorized through the LOA is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under the regulations. See table 1 in this notice and table 9 of the rule (86 FR 5322, January 19, 2021).

Under the GOM rule, NMFS may not authorize incidental take of marine mammals in an LOA if it will exceed “small numbers.” In short, when an acceptable estimate of the individual marine mammals taken is available, if the estimated number of individual animals taken is up to, but not greater than, one-third of the best available abundance estimate, NMFS will determine that the numbers of marine mammals taken of a species or stock are small. For more information please see NMFS' discussion of the MMPA's small numbers requirement provided in the final rule (86 FR 5322, 5438, January 19, 2021).

The take numbers for authorization, which are determined as described above, are used by NMFS in making the necessary small numbers determinations, through comparison with the best available abundance estimates (see discussion at 86 FR 5322, 5391, January 19, 2021). For this comparison, NMFS' approach is to use the maximum theoretical population, determined through review of current stock assessment reports (SAR; https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessments ) and model-predicted abundance information ( https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/Duke/GOM/ ). For the latter, for taxa where a density surface model could be produced, we use the maximum mean seasonal ( i.e., 3-month) abundance prediction for purposes of comparison as a precautionary smoothing of month-to-month fluctuations and in consideration of a corresponding lack of data in the literature regarding seasonal distribution of marine mammals in the GOM. Information supporting the small numbers determinations is provided in table 1.

Based on the analysis contained herein of Echo's proposed survey activity described in its LOA application and the anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS finds that small numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the affected species or stock sizes ( i.e., less than one-third of the best available abundance estimate) and therefore the taking is of no more than small numbers.

NMFS has determined that the level of taking for this LOA request is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under the incidental take regulations and that the amount of take authorized under the LOA is of no more than small numbers. Accordingly, we have issued an LOA to Echo authorizing the take of marine mammals incidental to its geophysical survey activity, as described above.

The Committee will meet to discuss a summary of Amendment 10 public comments received during the scoping period. They will receive an update including the timeline for Atlantic Herring Specifications for 2025-2027. The Committee will discuss an example of in-season estimates regarding River Herring and Shad Catch Caps and will make recommendations, 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.

The Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils, in conjunction with NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions, have implemented the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process, a multi-step method for determining the status of fish stocks in the Southeast Region. SEDAR is a three-step process including: (1) Data Workshop; (2) Assessment Process utilizing webinars; and (3) Review Workshop. The product of the Data Workshop is a data report which compiles and evaluates potential datasets and recommends which datasets are appropriate for assessment analyses. The product of the Assessment Process is a stock assessment report which describes the fisheries, evaluates the status of the stock, estimates biological benchmarks, projects future population conditions, and recommends research and monitoring needs. The assessment is independently peer reviewed at the Review Workshop. The product of the Review Workshop is a Summary documenting panel opinions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the stock assessment and input data. Participants for SEDAR Workshops are appointed by the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, and Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Participants include: data collectors and database managers; stock assessment scientists, biologists, and researchers; constituency representatives including fishermen, environmentalists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); international experts; and staff of Councils, Commissions, and state and federal agencies.

The items of discussion at the webinar meeting are as follows:

Discuss and review available removals data streams and provide recommendations for their use in the assessment.

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

This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council office (see ADDRESSES ) at least 10 business days prior to the meeting.

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

The Herring Advisory Panel will meet to discuss a summary of Amendment 10 public comments received during the scoping period. They will receive an update including the timeline for Atlantic Herring Specifications for 2025-2027. The Panel will discuss an example of in-season estimates regarding River Herring and Shad Catch Caps and will make recommendations, as appropriate. Other business will be discussed as necessary. Atlantic Herring Stakeholder Engagement Session—3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Following the Advisory Panel meeting, the Atlantic Herring Research Track Working Group will hold a stakeholder engagement session. The session will begin with a progress report followed by an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback to the working group. This session is being hosted jointly by the New England Fishery Management Council and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center.

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.

The Scallop Committee will meet to review Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA): Develop research recommendations for the notice of funding opportunity announcement (NOFO). Discuss recommending two-year research priorities and consider longer-term enhancement project awards. Scallop specifications and management measures: Receive an update on the timeline and possible measures, including data on flatfish accountability measures and seasonal closures. This action will be initiated at the June 2024 Council meeting. Other business will be discussed, if 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.

The Scallop Advisory Panel will meet to discuss Northern Edge: Review and discuss draft alternatives for the Northern Edge Habitat-Scallop Framework. Recommend modifications to the draft alternatives and rationale. Provide general direction on preparation of this management action, as needed. Recommendations will be discussed during the June Council meeting. The panel will also discuss Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA): Develop research recommendations for the notice of funding opportunity announcement (NOFO). Discuss recommending two-year research priorities and consider longer-term enhancement project awards. They will also review Scallop specifications and management measures: Receive an update on the timeline and possible measures, including data on flatfish accountability measures and seasonal closures. This action will be initiated at the June 2024 Council meeting. Other business will be discussed, if 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.

The Habitat and Scallop Committees will meet jointly to discuss Northern Edge: Review and discuss draft alternatives for the Northern Edge Habitat-Scallop Framework. Recommend modifications to the draft alternatives and rationale. Provide general direction on preparation of this management action, as needed. Recommendations will be discussed during the June Council meeting. Other business will be discussed, if 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.

Section 315(f) of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires NOAA to conduct periodic evaluations of Federally approved national estuarine research reserves. The evaluation process includes holding one or more public meetings, considering public comments, and consulting with interested Federal, State, and local agencies and members of the public. During the evaluation, NOAA will consider the extent to which the State of Ohio has met the national objectives and has adhered to the management plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the requirements of section 315(b)(2) of the CZMA and the terms of financial assistance under the CZMA. When the evaluation is complete, NOAA's Office for Coastal Management will place a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the final evaluation findings.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1461

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: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan Program) Promissory Notes and related forms.

OMB Control Number: 1845-0007.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals or Households; Private Sector

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 9,862,685.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 4,021,663.

Abstract: The Direct Subsidized Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note (Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN) serves as the means by which an individual agrees to repay a Direct Subsidized Loan and/or Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

The Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (PLUS Loan MPN) serves as the means by which an individual applies for and agrees to repay a Direct PLUS Loan. If a Direct PLUS Loan applicant is determined to have an adverse credit history, the applicant may qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan by obtaining an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. The Endorser Addendum serves as the means by which an endorser agrees to repay the Direct PLUS Loan if the borrower does not repay it.

An MPN is a promissory note under which a borrower may receive loans for a single or multiple academic years. The MPN explains the terms and conditions of the loans that are made under the MPN.

The Direct Consolidation Loan Application and Promissory Note (Consolidation Note) serves as the means by which a borrower applies for a Direct Consolidation Loan and promises to repay the loan. It also explains the terms and conditions of the Direct Consolidation Loan. The Consolidation Note Instructions explain to the borrower how to complete the Consolidation Note. The Consolidation Additional Loan Listing Sheet provides additional space for a borrower to list loans that he or she wishes to consolidate. The Consolidation Request to Add Loans serves as the means by which a borrower may add other loans to an existing Direct Consolidation Loan within a specified time period. The Consolidation Loan Verification Certificate serves as the means by which the U.S. Department of Education obtains the information needed to pay off the holders of the loans that the borrower wants to consolidate.

The proposed changes to the forms currently approved under OMB No. 1845-0007 include the following:

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: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Middle School Toolkit Evaluation.

OMB Control Number: 1850-NEW.

Type of Review: New ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 2,647.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 851.

Abstract: The current authorization for the Regional Educational Laboratories (REL) program is under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002, part D, section 174, (20 U.S.C. 9564), administered by the Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (IES), National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE). The central mission and primary function of the RELs is to support applied research and provide technical assistance to state and local education agencies within their region (ESRA, part D, section 174[f]). The REL program's goal is to partner with educators and policymakers to conduct work that is change-oriented and supports meaningful local, regional, or state decisions about education policies, programs, and practices to improve outcomes for students.

Grades 6-8 mark an extended and crucial period in which students are expected to master increasingly complex literacy skills (Biancarosa & Snow, 2006; Hagaman et al., 2016). By the middle school grades, reading instruction typically shifts from a focus on fundamental literacy skills, such as decoding and phonemic awareness, to genre-specific textual conventions, comprehension strategies, and learning curricular content from texts (Chall, 1983; Goldman & Snow, 2015). For students without the fundamental skills to read fluently, decode accurately, and comprehend text, the more advanced literacy practices needed for secondary content acquisition and text reading can be out of reach. Students who struggle with reading at the middle school level often have limited ability to access curricular content aligned to grade-level standards in English language arts and other subject areas (Torgesen et al., 2007) and may experience adverse educational outcomes with respect to attendance (Fisher & Frey, 2014), graduation rates (Daniel et al., 2006), and mental health (Daniel et al., 2006; Mugnaini et al., 2009).

The purpose of this evaluation is to test the efficacy of the Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Middle School Toolkit, or the PRISMS Toolkit. This toolkit supports the application of evidence-based recommendations from the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4-9 Educator's Practice Guide (hereafter, practice guide; Vaughn et al., 2022) through a suite of professional development activities. We anticipate that the toolkit will impact teacher knowledge, self-efficacy, and instructional practice. These changes in teacher knowledge, beliefs, and practice, in turn, will positively impact student outcomes, including student engagement, as measured by student engagement in reading and school attendance, and reading proficiency.

The evaluation team plans to conduct an independent evaluation using a school-level, cluster randomized control trial design to assess the program's impact on teachers' practices and beliefs and students' engagement and literacy outcomes. The evaluation will also assess the implementation of the toolkit and how it may be effectively scaled. The evaluation will take place in 52 schools across an estimated 10 districts in Texas and will focus on teachers and students in grade 6-8. The evaluation will produce a report and presentations to study participants, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, and infographics and blog posts for a wider audience of educators and policymakers. These will be designed to inform district and school leaders and teachers about reading interventions that could be beneficial for all students in grade 6-8, but particularly those who are reading below grade level expectations.

Purpose of the Board: The purpose of the Board is to provide advice and recommendations concerning the following EM site-specific issues: clean-up activities and environmental restoration; waste and nuclear materials management and disposition; excess facilities; future land use and long-term stewardship. The Board may also be asked to provide advice and recommendations on any EM program components.

Tentative Agenda:

Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. The EM SSAB, Paducah will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Robert “Buz” Smith in advance of the meeting. The EM SSAB, Paducah will hear oral public comments during the meeting. Written statements may be filed either before or after the meeting. Written comments received by no later than 5 p.m. CDT on Monday, June 17, 2024, will be read aloud during the meeting. Written comments submitted by 5 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 28, 2024, will be included in the minutes. Please submit written comments to Robert “Buz” Smith with “Public Comment” in the subject line. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business.

Minutes: Minutes will be available by writing or calling Eric Roberts, Board Support Manager, Emerging Technology Center, Room 221, 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42001; Phone: (270) 554-3004. Minutes will also be available at the following website: https://www.energy.gov/pppo/pgdp-cab/listings/meeting-materials.

Signing Authority: This document of the Department of Energy was signed on May 22, 2024, by Alyssa Petit, Deputy Committee Management Officer, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register .

On August 16, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”)  1 into law, which in part supports the broad goals of deploying clean energy, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and investing in workers and communities. The IRA reflects advanced technology vehicle manufacturing's role in advancing transportation decarbonization and the supply chain goals of the Nation and U.S. manufacturers. Specifically, section 50142 of the IRA appropriates $3 billion, available through September 30, 2028, for the costs of providing direct loans under section 136(d) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, 2 the underlying authority for DOE's ATVM Program. 3

The ATVM Program can provide financing to help deploy eligible advanced technology vehicles or the manufacturing of qualifying components for eligible vehicles in the United States. These projects can be along the advanced technology vehicle value chain, including processing of critical materials for advanced technology vehicles; manufacturing of battery cell components, battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs for electric vehicles (“EVs”); recycling of battery components or critical materials; manufacturing of various nonroad advanced technology vehicles or their components; or manufacturing of EV charging infrastructure components, among other areas. The ATVM Program supports applicants' efforts to reequip, modernize, or expand existing facilities for these purposes, and/or support engineering integration performed related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components in the United States.

Onshoring and reshoring parts of advanced technology vehicle supply chain is an important part of helping the United States increase its energy independence and bolster its competitiveness in a global supply chain. Advanced technology vehicles are often dependent on a consistent and predictable supply chain. Today, the United States relies heavily on importing advanced technology vehicle supply chain components from abroad, exposing the nation to supply chain vulnerabilities that threaten to disrupt the availability and cost of these technologies, as well as the workforce that manufactures them.

LPO projects are often first movers in these sectors in the United States, helping American manufacturers scale up domestic manufacturing capacity, develop technical know-how, and create good-paying American jobs in new sectors. By providing flexible access to capital for borrowers in clean energy sectors where traditional commercial debt is unavailable, LPO can help support American entrepreneurs' efforts in these areas. This is critical as DOE seeks to deploy advanced technology vehicle production at scale while protecting the research, technology, and economic security interests of the American people. Investment in American manufacturing also helps the United States lead the world in clean energy industries and positions U.S. firms to export these clean technologies to our global partners. In addition, supporting the advanced technology vehicle supply chain and deploying these vehicles helps meet our climate and emissions reduction objectives as a Nation.

President Biden set an ambitious goal that at least 50 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks and at least 30 percent of all medium and heavy-duty vehicles sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell EVs. 4 The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions in the United States, accounting for 27 percent of all emissions in 2020. Transportation also is a major source of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can trigger asthma attacks and other health problems for the most vulnerable among us. 5 Advanced technology vehicles and qualifying components stand to help reduce GHG emissions and other mobile source air pollutants that may have a disproportionate impact on the air quality in overburdened and underserved communities.

Onshoring and reshoring parts of advanced technology vehicle supply chain in the United States is critical to growing America's manufacturing base, reaching the Biden-Harris Administration's climate and multi-pollutant emissions reduction objectives, and protecting taxpayer resources and our national security.

Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as amended (42 U.S.C. 17013) (the “ATVM statute”) authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the “Secretary”) to issue grants and direct loans to applicants for the costs of reequipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce qualified advanced technology vehicles, or qualifying components. The ATVM statute also authorizes the Secretary to issue grants and direct loans for the costs of engineering integration performed in the United States of qualifying advanced technology vehicles and qualifying components. The ATVM Program represents the Secretary's implementation of the direct loan authority under the ATVM statute and is administered by LPO. The purpose of the ATVM Program is to originate, underwrite, and service loans to eligible vehicle manufacturers and component manufacturers to finance the cost of: (i) reequipping, expanding or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce advanced technology vehicles and qualifying components; and (ii) engineering integration performed in the United States of advanced technology vehicles and qualifying components. These manufacturing facilities support vehicles that demonstrate improved performance and/or emissions standards compared to the existing vehicle fleet, in furtherance of the Administration's transportation decarbonization and EV goals.

Section 40401(b) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  6 (the “IIJA”) amended the definitions provision of the ATVM statute to add the following categories of vehicles within the ATVM statute's definition of “advanced technology vehicle”: a medium duty vehicle or a heavy duty vehicle that exceeds 125 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency standards established by the final rule of the Environmental Protection Agency entitled “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles-Phase 2” (81 FR 73478 (October 25, 2016)); a train or locomotive; a maritime vessel; an aircraft; and hyperloop technology. 7

Section 50142 of the IRA appropriates $3 billion for the ATVM Program, including to support direct loans for projects in the categories of advanced technology vehicles added to the program by the IIJA. However, section 50142 also provides that, with respect to trains or locomotives, maritime vessels; aircraft; and hyperloop technology, such funds may be used for that purpose “ only if such advanced technology vehicles emit, under any possible operational mode or condition, low or zero exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases” ( emphasis added ). 8 9 This standard was made part of the ATVM Program regulations at 10 CFR part 611. 10

LPO is currently establishing additional criteria pursuant to which it will evaluate loan applications under the expanded categories of advanced technology vehicles, including satisfaction of the GHG emission requirements of the IRA. LPO expects that these requirements will evolve over time as each applicable advanced technology vehicle sector matures.

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from manufacturers, project and technology developers, investors, minority-owned businesses, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, State and local officials, labor unions, Tribes, community-based organizations, and other interested parties on issues related to the implementation of the changes to the ATVM Program stemming from the IRA and IIJA. This is solely a request for information.

You may answer as few or as many of the questions below as you would like but please focus on the areas that are most pertinent to your expertise. When responding, please use the bolded category letters and sub-numbers as headings in your response to the greatest extent possible and refer to the questions ( e.g., A.1., A.2., A.3., . . .) in the body of your responses. This helps save time both for the responder and the reviewers. Especially where noted, respondents should think in terms of potential categories of advanced technology vehicles that would fall within the purpose and scope of the expanded ATVM Program: trains or locomotives, maritime vessels; aircraft; and hyperloop technology.

Please be as specific as possible in all responses, including what subset of an industry your answer is in reference to ( e.g., Offshore Support Vessels or Commercial Harbor Craft in the maritime industry), if applicable.

1. “Advanced technology vehicles” in the context of the ATVM Program are defined as having increased performance requirements, for example, better fuel economy for on-road advanced technology vehicles. The IRA requires trains or locomotives to “emit, under any possible operational mode or condition, low or zero exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases” to be eligible for IRA funding. 11 Recognizing that different trains, locomotives, or qualifying components within the rail industry have different potential performance requirements and metrics, please indicate what sub-category of the industry your answer reflects.

a. How could DOE consider the performance requirements for “business as usual” trains or locomotives? How could DOE consider the performance requirements for low or zero GHG emission “advanced technology” trains or locomotives?

b. What metrics/testing protocols/standards do customers typically use to measure the performance requirements and performance targets of trains or locomotives? How do they validate or qualify performance?

c. Do existing bodies, such as regulators or industry monitors, measure these performance and emissions metrics? Please describe what bodies do so and how they measure.

2. Please comment on the near and long term expected capital investment in the train and locomotive industry, including components.

a. What investments are planned for new and existing manufacturing facilities? What factors influence these investment decisions?

b. What is the expected volume and distribution of new or modified vehicles in the train and locomotive industry? What factors influence procurement decisions in this sector?

3. Please comment on key barriers to implementing advanced technology vehicle manufacturing projects in the rail industry.

4. What supply chain issues do the advanced technology rail industry face? Are these expected to change over time and if so, how?

5. Please comment on any current or upcoming regulatory requirements or factors impacting the rail industry and LPO's ability to support train or locomotive manufacturing projects.

a. Are there standard certification or readiness indicators applicable to the rail sector which indicate a rail product's commercial readiness?

1. “Advanced technology vehicles” in the context of the ATVM Program are defined as having increased performance requirements, for example, better fuel economy for on-road advanced technology vehicles. The IRA requires maritime vessels to “emit, under any possible operational mode or condition, low or zero exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases” to be eligible for IRA funding. 12 Recognizing that different maritime vessels or qualifying components within the maritime industry have different potential performance requirements and metrics, please indicate what sub-category of the industry your answer reflects.

a. How could DOE consider the performance requirements for “business as usual” maritime vessels? How could DOE consider the performance requirements for low or zero GHG emission “advanced technology” maritime vessels?

b. What metrics do customers typically use to measure the performance requirements and performance targets of maritime vessels? How do they validate or qualify performance?

c. Do existing bodies, such as regulators or industry monitors, measure these performance and emissions metrics? Please describe what bodies do so and how they measure.

2. Please comment on the near and long term expected capital investment in the maritime industry, including components.

a. What investments are planned for new and existing manufacturing facilities? What factors influence these investment decisions?

b. What is the expected volume and distribution of new or modified vehicles in the maritime industry. What factors influence procurement decisions in this sector?

3. Please comment on key barriers to implementing advanced technology vehicle manufacturing projects in the maritime industry.

4. What supply chain issues do the advanced technology maritime industry face? Are these expected to change over time and if so, how?

5. Please comment on any regulatory requirements or factors impacting the maritime industry and LPO's ability to support maritime vessel manufacturing projects.

a. Are there standard certification or readiness indicators applicable to the maritime sector which indicate a maritime product's commercial readiness?

1. “Advanced technology vehicles” in the context of the ATVM Program are defined as having increased performance requirements, for example, better fuel economy for on-road advanced technology vehicles. The IRA requires aircraft to “emit, under any possible operational mode or condition, low or zero exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases” to be eligible for IRA funding. 13 Recognizing that different aircraft or qualifying components within the aircraft industry have different potential performance requirements and metrics, please indicate what sub-category of the industry your answer reflects.

a. How could DOE consider the performance requirements for “business as usual” aircraft? How could DOE consider the performance requirements for low or zero GHG emission “advanced technology” aircraft?

b. What metrics do customers typically use to measure the performance requirements and performance targets of aircraft? How do they validate or qualify performance?

c. Do existing bodies, such as regulators or industry monitors, measure these performance and emissions metrics? Please describe what bodies do so and how they measure.

2. Please comment on the near and long term expected capital investment in the aircraft industry, including components.

a. What investments are planned for new and existing manufacturing facilities? What factors influence these investment decisions?

b. What is the expected volume and distribution of new or modified vehicles in the aircraft industry. What factors influence procurement decisions in this sector?

3. Please comment on key barriers to implementing advanced technology vehicle manufacturing projects in the aircraft industry.

4. What supply chain issues do the advanced technology aircraft industry face? Are these expected to change over time and if so, how?

5. Please comment on any regulatory requirements or factors impacting the aircraft industry and LPO's ability to support aircraft manufacturing projects.

a. Are there standard certification or readiness indicators applicable to the aircraft sector which indicate an aircraft product's commercial readiness?

1. Please comment on definitions DOE could consider for hyperloop technology.

2. “Advanced technology vehicles” in the context of the ATVM Program are defined as having increased performance requirements, for example, better fuel economy for on-road advanced technology vehicles. The IRA requires hyperloop vehicles to “emit, under any possible operational mode or condition, low or zero exhaust emissions of greenhouse gases” to be eligible for IRA funding. 14

a. How could DOE consider a “business as usual” case for hyperloop vehicles? How could DOE consider the performance requirements for low or zero GHG emission “advanced technology” hyperloop vehicles?

b. What design factors or technology components contribute to the GHG emissions of hyperloop vehicles? What innovations could contribute to future reductions in GHG emissions from hyperloop vehicles?

3. Please comment on use cases that would represent significant emissions reductions or efficiency improvements through the use of advanced technology hyperloop vehicles.

4. Please comment on existing hyperloop technology and potential near- to mid-term commercial deployments of hyperloop technology.

1. Please comment on how DOE can consider the broad goals of deploying clean energy, strengthening domestic manufacturing, investing in workers and communities, supporting the Justice40 Initiative  15 including mitigating environmental justice concerns, and engaging in meaningful tribal consultations when reviewing and evaluating applications for projects in the ATVM Program.

This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through June 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.

Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on September 28, 2023 during a 60-day comment period (88 FR 66840). This notice allows for an additional 30 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.

Abstract: The information is collected from applicants and recipients of EPA assistance to monitor adherence to the programmatic and administrative requirements of the Agency's financial assistance program. The information collected is used to make awards, pay recipients, and collect information on how Federal funds are being spent. EPA needs this information to meet its Federal stewardship responsibilities. This ICR renewal requests authorization for the collection of information under EPA's General Regulation for Assistance Programs, which establishes minimum management requirements for all recipients of EPA grants or cooperative agreements (assistance agreements). These regulations include only those provisions mandated by statue or added by EPA to ensure sound and effective financial assistance management with respect to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) utilization. The information required by these regulations will be used by EPA award officials to make assistance awards and assistance payments and to verify that the recipient is using Federal funds appropriately.

Form numbers: listed in supporting statement.

Respondents/affected entities: The primary recipients of EPA assistance agreements are state and local governments, Indian Tribes, educational institutions, and not-for-profit institutions.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Required to obtain an assistance agreement (40 CFR part 30, 40 CFR part 31, and 40 CFR part 33 for awards made prior to December 26, 2014, and 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1500, and 40 CFR part 33 for awards made after December 26, 2014).

Estimated number of respondents: 9,821(total).

Frequency of response: On occasion, quarterly, and annually.

Total estimated burden: 302,030 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $19,719,538 (per year), which includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in the estimates: There is an increase of 207,424 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This increase occurred for several reasons. First, EPA received unprecedented levels of funding to award grants under the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This led to a significant increase in number of grant applications received and awards made under various EPA grant programs. EPA also revised its approach to more accurately estimate the number of ongoing grant recipients who are subject to the requirements for record keeping and submittal of quarterly progress reports. In addition, EPA reviewed the burden assumptions in the ICR to ensure that they reflect the Agency's current experiences under its grant programs. EPA made adjustments to increase the burden hour estimates for three of the requirements based on consultations with grant recipients.

This is a request for approval of a new information collection under EPA's Materials Management Generic ICR. 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.

Public comments were previously requested on the overall collection via the Federal Register on September 29, 2023 during a 60-day comment period (88 FR 67277). This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. 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.

Abstract: Several statutes including the Save our Seas 2.0 Act (SOS 2.0) (Pub. L. 116-224), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58), and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (Pub. L. 94-580) direct EPA to implement grants and programs promoting efficient and equitable non-hazardous waste management in the United States. EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management, Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) is charged with, among other responsibilities, assuring that associated programs, policies, and grant monies are properly targeted to meet those goals. This proposed information collection is designed to provide ORCR with the timely and consistent information on waste/materials generation, disposition, and recovery it needs to fulfill that mission. Specifically, it will allow EPA to develop and use new forms and methods to support additional grant reporting requirements and volume resulting from recent funding legislation. Furthermore, the collection will allow EPA to use interviews, focus groups, and surveys to inform the Agency's understanding of methods, amounts, and economics of solid waste collection, management, recovery, reduction, and reuse.

EPA is recommending that OMB provides clearance for the Agency to conduct this set of associated information collection activities as a hybrid generic ICR. As described in OMB Memo “Paperwork Reduction Act—Generic Clearances” from May 28, 2010:

To use a generic ICR, agencies follow the traditional ICR process to initially request OMB clearance for a general set of related information collection activities. Agencies then file subsequent requests (ICs) to gain clearance for specific actions on an as-needed basis. However, because clearance for many of the common elements (such as the agency's authority to collect information, the scope and practical utility of information to be collected, the mechanisms and methodologies that will be employed, and the overall estimates of respondent burden) are established in the initial request, the content of, and approval process for, individual ICs can be, to varying extents, abridged. Within the range of generic ICR types, hybrid generic ICRs require the highest level of public and OMB review—with each IC submission having its own public notice and 30 day comment period announced in the Federal Register . EPA believes that a hybrid generic ICR is the most appropriate model to be used in this case because it: (1) allows the Agency to react quickly to evolving national strategies and infrastructure improvement plans; (2) allows the Agency to apply insight gathered in initial ICs to inform the need, scope, and methodologies used in subsequent information collections; and, (3) maintains the public's and OMB's ability to apply robust scrutiny to all proposed collections. Given the demonstrated need for fundamental waste generation and management information, the evolving nature of these data, and the expectations for pace/progress placed on ORCR, pursuing individual conventional ICRs to gather the required information would be impractical.

Form numbers: To be included in individual IC requests.

Respondents/affected entities: The grant reports would be administered to grantees which include U.S. States and Territories, communities of U.S. states, federally recognized Native American Tribes, and intertribal consortia. Additional information collections used to assess waste generation and management systems across the country may expand that respondent universe to include, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, U.S. cities and municipalities, waste management and recycling facilities, and individuals.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Grant recipients will be required to submit progress and final reports according to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58). Other information collection activities will be voluntary.

Estimated number of respondents: 146,345 (total).

Frequency of response: Grant recipients are required to report on a quarterly basis. Other information collections will be determined on an activity-by-activity basis, but no more than annually.

Total estimated burden: 15,397 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $1,001,153 (per year) which assumes a 100% response rate, annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs are not expected.

This is a request for approval of a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through November 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: The EPA uses contractors to perform services throughout the nation with regard to environmental emergencies involving the release, or threatened release, of oil, radioactive materials, or hazardous chemicals that may potentially affect communities and the surrounding environment. The Agency may request contractors responding to any of these types of incidents to conduct background checks and apply Government-established suitability criteria in title 5 CFR Administrative Personnel 731.104 Appointments Subject to Investigation, 732.201 Sensitivity Level Designations and Investigative Requirements, and 736.102 Notice to Investigative Sources when determining whether employees are acceptable to perform on given sites or on specific projects. In addition to emergency response contractors, EPA may require background checks for contractor personnel working in sensitive sites or sensitive projects. The background checks and application of the Government's suitability criteria must be completed prior to contract employee performance. The contractor shall maintain records associated with all background checks. Background checks cover citizenship or valid visa status, criminal convictions, weapons offenses, felony convictions, and parties prohibited from receiving federal contracts.

Form Numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Private Contractors.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Required to obtain a benefit per Title 5 CFR Administrative Personnel 731.104 Appointments Subject to Investigation, 732.201 Sensitivity Level Designations and Investigative Requirements, and 736.102 Notice to Investigative Sources.

Estimated number of respondents: 1,000 (total).

Frequency of response: Triennial.

Total estimated burden: 1,000 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $208,720 (per year), which includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in the Estimates: There is no change in the hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB.

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 automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. 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: This ICR applies to a contractor who performs response services at sensitive sites with serious security concerns where the Agency and public interest would best be protected through drug testing of contractor employees. It requires the contractor to test employees for the use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and any other controlled substances. Only contractor employees who have been tested within the previous 90 calendar days and have passing drug test results may be directly engaged in on-site response work and/or on-site related activities at designated sites with significant security concerns. The Agency may request contractors responding to any of these types of incidents to conduct drug testing and apply Government-established suitability criteria in Title 5 CFR Administrative Personnel 731.104 Appointments Subject to Investigation, 732.201 Sensitivity Level Designations and Investigative Requirements, and 736.102 Notice to Investigative Sources when determining whether employees are acceptable to perform on given sites or on specific projects.

Form Numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Private Contractors.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Required to obtain a benefit per Title 5 CFR Administrative Personnel 731.104 Appointments Subject to Investigation, 732.201 Sensitivity Level Designations and Investigative Requirements, and 736.102 Notice to Investigative Sources.

Estimated number of respondents: 500 (total).

Frequency of response: annual.

Total estimated burden: 1,125 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b) Total estimated cost: $133,010 (per year), includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in Estimates: There is no change in the hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB.

This is a request for approval of a new collection. 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.

Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on November 15, 2023 during a 60-day comment period (88 FR 78353). This notice allows for an additional 30 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.

Abstract: To help expand historically underserved and overburdened communities' access to critical resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTAC) Program. The 18 Centers will operate in cooperative agreements with EPA to remove barriers and improve access for communities who wish to apply for financial assistance awards to tackle their environmental justice concerns. The Centers will provide assistance and training to build capacity in: identifying sources of funding; navigating grant application systems; compiling strong grant proposals; managing grants; and developing partnerships and coalitions. With this Information Collection Request (ICR), EPA seeks authorization to collect post-award information from each Center to track their progress. Collection of this information enables EPA to assess and manage the TCTAC Program, which ensures responsible stewardship of public funds; rigorous evidence-based learning and improvement; and transparent accountability to the American public. This ICR also requests authorization for the Centers to collect input and insights from communities who seek to obtain technical assistance services, as well as stakeholders who have valuable experience and expertise in community engagement and empowerment. These information collections will enable the Centers to document local priorities, needs, and norms to ensure that they develop useful and relevant technical assistance and training services. Furthermore, feedback about these services will enable the Centers to conduct self-assessments to identify best practices and areas for improvement. Lastly, this ICR requests authorization for the National Centers in the TCTAC Program to conduct quarterly needs assessments for the Regional Centers, in order to identify the best ways in which the National Centers can support, expand, and bolster the technical assistance that local communities may need.

Form Numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Recipients of financial assistance awards from the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTAC) Program, community members, stakeholders.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Required for financial assistance award recipients to obtain or retain a benefit (CAA 103(b), CWA 104(b), FIFRA 20(a), MPRSA 203, SDWA 1442(b), SWDA 8001(a), and TSCA 10(a)). Voluntary for public outreach information collections via surveys and focus groups.

Estimated number of respondents: 20,498.

Frequency of response: Varies.

Total estimated burden: 6,359 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $201,712 (per year), there are no annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in the Estimates: This is a new collection, and so does not involve any program changes or burden adjustments.

This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through March 31, 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.

Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on August 14, 2023 during a 60-day comment period (88 FR 55039). This notice allows for an additional 30 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.

Abstract: This ICR covers the paperwork activities associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new program to encourage the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as the preferred approach to pest control in the nation's schools. IPM is a smart, sensible, and sustainable approach to pest control that emphasizes the remediation of pest conducive conditions. IPM combines a variety of pest management practices to provide effective, economical pest control with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. These practices involve exclusion of pests, maintenance of sanitation, and the judicious use of pesticides.

EPA's vision is that all students in the U.S. will experience the benefits provided by an IPM program in their school district. The Agency's IPM implementation efforts are based on a wholesale approach aimed at kindergarten through 12th grade public and Tribal schools. The Agency intends to use the information collected through this ICR to encourage school districts to implement IPM programs and to recognize those that have attained a notable level of success. Since IPM implementation occurs along a continuum, the School IPM (SIPM) incentive program will recognize each milestone step a school district must take to begin, grow, and sustain an IPM program.

This program has five award categories—Great Start, Leadership, Excellence, Sustained Excellence, and Connector. The first four categories are stepwise levels that are reflective of the effort, experience, and, ultimately, success that results from implementing EPA-recommended IPM tactics that protect human health and the environment. Schools with pest infestations are not only exposed to potential harm to health and property, but also to stigmatization. The SIPM recognition program will give districts across the nation the opportunity to receive positive reinforcement through public recognition of their efforts in implementing pest prevention and management strategies.

Form numbers: 9600-054.

Respondents/affected entities: School districts or entities that represent them, which include the following North American Industry Classification System (NACIS) Codes: 6111—Elementary and Secondary Schools, 6244—Child Day Care Services, 56172—Janitorial Services, 56173—Landscaping Services, 56171—Exterminating and Pest Control Services, and 5617—Services to Buildings and Dwellings.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary but required to retain a benefit.

Estimated number of respondents: 53 (total).

Frequency of response: Occasionally.

Total estimated burden: 914 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).

Total estimated cost: $98,358 (per year), includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in the estimates: There are minor corrections to the burden from the last renewal for the Great Start, Model of Sustained Excellence and the Connector Award which were miscalculated but still reflect no change in the actual burden. There were no changes in the number of respondents and the Agency burden hours over the previous renewal cycle. The only change is that the cost estimates were updated using the May 2022 wage rates. This change is an adjustment.

The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the FCC invited the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might “further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.”

OMB Control Number: 3060-0931.

Title: Section 80.103, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Operating Procedures—Maritime Mobile Identity (MMSI).

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Individuals or households; business or other for-profit entities and Federal Government.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 40,000 respondents; 40,000 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: .25 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and third-party disclosure requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is in 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307(e), 309 and 332 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. The reporting requirement is contained in international agreements and ITU-R M.541.9.

Total Annual Burden: 10,000 hours.

Total Annual Cost: No cost.

Needs and Uses: The information collected is necessary to require owners of marine VHF radios with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability to register information such as the name, address, type of vessel with a private entity issuing marine mobile service identities (MMSI). The information would be used by search and rescue personnel to identify vessels in distress and to select the proper rescue units and search methods.

The requirement to collect this information is contained in international agreements with the U.S. Coast Guard and private sector entities that issue MMSI's.

The information is used by private entities to maintain a database used to provide information about the vessel owner in distress using marine VHF radios with DSC capability. If the data were not collected, the U.S. Coast Guard would not have access to this information which would increase the time and effort needed to complete a search and rescue operation.

Proposal to renew the following currently approved collection of information:

1. Title: Interagency Notice of Change in Director or Executive Officer.

OMB Number: 3064-0097.

Forms: 6822/02.

Affected Public: Insured state nonmember banks and state savings associations.

Burden Estimate:

General Description of Collection: Section 32 of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1831i) requires an insured depository institution or depository institution holding company under certain circumstances to notify the appropriate federal banking agency of the proposed addition of any individual to the board of directors or the employment of any individual as a senior executive officer of such institution at least 30 days before such addition or employment becomes effective. Section 32 of the FDIA also provides that the FDIC may disapprove an individual's service as a director or senior executive officer of certain state nonmember banks or state savings associations if, upon assessing the individual's competence, experience, character, and integrity, it is determined that the individual's service would not be in the best interest of the depositors of the institution or the public. The Interagency Notice of Change in Director or Senior Executive Officer, with the information contained in the Interagency Biographical and Financial Report (described above) as an attachment, is used by the FDIC to collect information relevant to assess the individual's competence, experience, character, and integrity. There is no change in the methodology or substance of this information collection. The reduction in estimated annual burden (from 214 hours in 2021 to 124 hours currently) is due to the decrease in the estimated number of annual responses.

2. Title: Prompt Corrective Action

OMB Number: 3064-0115

Affected Public: Insured state nonmember banks and state savings associations.

Burden Estimate:

General Description of Collection: The Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) provisions of section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires or permits the FDIC and other federal banking agencies to take certain supervisory actions when FDIC-insured institutions fall within certain capital categories. They also restrict or prohibit certain activities and require the submission of a capital restoration plan when an insured institution becomes undercapitalized. Various provisions of the statute and the FDIC's implementing regulations require the prior approval of the FDIC before an FDIC-supervised institution, or certain insured depository institutions, can engage in certain activities, or allow the FDIC to make exceptions to restrictions that would otherwise be imposed. This collection of information consists of the applications that are required to obtain the FDIC's prior approval to engage in these activities. There is no change in the methodology or substance of this information collection. The estimated burden remains unchanged from 2021.

3. Title: Restrictions on Qualified Financial Contracts of Subsidiaries of certain FDIC Supervised Institutions; Revisions to the Definition of Qualifying Master Netting Agreement and Related Definitions

OMB Number: 3064-0208

Forms: None

Affected Public: Private Sector

Burden Estimate:

General Description of Collection: Part 382 of the FDIC regulations (part 382) is necessary to give effect to such cross-default restrictions in the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) 2015 Universal Resolution Stay Protocol (ISDA Protocol). Part 382 requires that FDIC-supervised institutions that are subsidiaries of global systemically important banks (GSIBs) and their counterparties either adhere to the ISDA Protocol or take the prescribed steps to amend the contractual provisions of their Qualified Financial Contracts (QFCs), consistent with the requirements in the rule, within a specified period of time. If such institutions elect to amend their QFCs in lieu of adhering to the ISDA Protocol, they must seek the FDIC's approval of the proposed amendments, giving rise to this information collection. The information collection is necessary to ensure QFCs are amended in compliance with part 382. The rule applies to FDIC-supervised institutions that are subsidiaries of GSIBs and sets forth requirements parallel to those contained in similar rules recently published by the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency with regard to entities they supervise to ensure consistent regulatory treatment of QFCs among the various entities within a GSIB group.

There is no change in the methodology or substance of this information collection. The total estimated annual burden for this information collection is 10 hours, which is a decrease of 10 hours from the 2021 information collection submission (20 hours). This decrease is a result of a reduction in the estimated annual number of respondents because of the automation and standardization of business processes.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the FDIC's functions, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimates of the burden of the information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 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 respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All comments will become a matter of public record.

The single source award will build on existing public health infrastructure and CDC-supported surveillance and workforce development platform in the region. This award will enable CDC to work collaboratively with recipients to sustain its Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) efforts to strengthen health protection, detection, and response capacity in Guatemala/Central America. Universidad del Valle de Guatemala is in a unique position to conduct this work, as it will focus on multi-pathogen key public health impact disease surveillance of respiratory pathogen surveillance, support for entomological activities and public health workforce development.

Recipient: Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.

Purpose of the Award: The purpose of this award is to enhance global health security in Guatemala/CA through epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory-based surveillance. This award should contribute to strengthening national notifiable disease surveillance and translating data into public health action.

Amount of Award: $5,000,000 in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 funds, with a total estimated $25,000,000 for the 5-year period of performance, subject to availability of funds. Please note, Year 1 funding is as follows: $5,000,000 for Core Component 1, $10,000,000 for Approved but Unfunded (ABU) Component 2, $15,000,000 Component 3 (ABU), and $15,000,000 for (ABU) Component 4.

Period of Performance: September 30, 2024, through September 29, 2029.

Authority: This program is authorized under section 307 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 242 I ] and section 317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 247(b)(k2].

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term “collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Skilled Nursing Facility and Skilled Nursing Facility Complex Cost Report; Use: The primary function of the cost report is to implement the principles of cost reimbursement that require that SNFs maintain sufficient financial records and statistical data for proper determination of costs payable under the program. Specifically, CMS-2540-24 collects discrete data, previously reported in summary form, used in determining the cost weights for the SNF market basket and for payment adequacy analyses. SNFs and SNF health care complexes participating in the Medicare program submit these cost reports annually to report cost and statistical data used by CMS to determine reasonable costs. Essentially the methods of determining costs payable under Medicare involve making use of data available from the provider's accounting records, as usually maintained, to arrive at equitable and proper payment for services to beneficiaries.

We originally published the 30-day notice on April 17, 2024 (89 FR 27413); however, there was a significant delay between the publication of the notice and the associated files being publicly available. For this reason, we are publishing the 30-day notice again. Form Number: CMS-2540-24 (OMB control number: 0938-0463); Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: Private Sector—Business or other for-profits, Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 14,189; Total Annual Responses: 14,189; Total Annual Hours: 2,866,178. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Luann Piccione at 410-786-5423.)

In accordance with section 640(l)(4) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9835(1)(4), ACF announces a joint Tribal consultation session to be held between HHS/ACF ECD, OHS, and OCC leadership and the leadership of Tribal governments operating Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting; Tribal Child Care and Development Fund; and Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

The agenda for the scheduled joint consultation reflects the statutory purposes of Head Start Tribal consultations related to meeting the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children and families and will include the opportunity to discuss topics such as the Tribal Request for Information and recent changes to AIAN Head Start eligibility requirements. The consultation will also provide an opportunity for discussion on the review and promulgation of Head Start Program Performance Standards under section 641A(a)(2)(D) of the Head Start Act. OHS will also highlight the progress made in addressing issues and concerns raised in the previous OHS Tribal consultations.

The consultation session includes elected or appointed leaders of Tribal governments and their designated representatives. Designees must have a letter from the Tribal government authorizing them to represent the Tribe. Tribal governments must submit the designee letter at least 3 days before the consultation session to AIANheadstart@acf.hhs.gov . Other representatives of Tribal organizations and Native non-profit organizations are welcome to attend as observers.

Within 45 days of the consultation session, a detailed report of each consultation session will be available for all Tribal governments receiving funds for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Tribes can submit written testimony for the report to AIANheadstart@acf.hhs.gov prior to each consultation session or within 30 days of each meeting. OHS will summarize oral testimony and comments from the consultation sessions in each report without attribution, along with topics of concern and recommendations.

Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document.

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

This information collection supports FDA regulations and information collection discussed in associated guidance. Sections 201(h), 513(a) and (f), 701(a), and 704 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 321(h), 360c(a) and (f), 371(a), and 374) establish a comprehensive system for the regulation of medical devices intended for human use. Section 513(f)(2) of the FD&C Act provides for a “De Novo” classification process, most recently amended by section 3101 of the 21st Century Cures Act (Pub. L. 114-255). The final rule “Medical Device De Novo Classification Process” (86 FR 54826), established 21 CFR part 860, subpart D (sections 860.200 through 860.260) to implement provisions in section 513(f)(2) of the FD&C Act. These regulations govern format and content elements for De Novo device classification requests, as well as withdrawal of the requests, and explain FDA procedures for acceptance, review, and granting or denying a request.

In addition to regulatory requirements set forth in 21 CFR part 860, subpart D, the guidance document entitled “Acceptance Review for De Novo Classification Requests” communicates our thinking on criteria set out in 21 CFR part 860.230, in assessing whether a De Novo request should be accepted for substantive review. The guidance document includes an “Acceptance Checklist” to assist respondents in this regard.

The collections of information described by this notice are necessary to satisfy the previously mentioned statutory requirements for administration of this voluntary submission program. FDA uses the information to evaluate whether a medical device may be reclassified from Class III into Class I or II, and if applicable, to determine the general and/or special controls necessary to sufficiently regulate the medical device. Respondents to this information collection are private sector or other for-profit businesses.

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

Our estimated burden for the information collection reflects an overall increase of 2,002 hours and a corresponding increase of 11 responses. We attribute this adjustment to an increase in the number of submissions we received over the last few years.

Section 306(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act requires debarment of an individual from providing services in any capacity to a person that has an approved or pending drug product application if FDA finds that the individual has been convicted of a felony under Federal law for conduct relating to the regulation of any drug product under the FD&C Act. On March 17, 2023, Ms. Anzures-Camarena was convicted as defined in section 306(l)(1) of the FD&C Act in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas-Beaumont Division when the court accepted her plea of guilty and entered judgment against her for the felony offense of Conspiracy to Traffick in Drugs with Counterfeit Mark in violation of 18 U.S.C. 371, and 18 U.S.C. 2320(a)(4). The underlying facts supporting the conviction are as follows: As contained in the Second Superseding Indictment, and the Factual Basis, between approximately April 2014 and February 2021 Ms. Anzures-Camarena was involved in a conspiracy with drug traffickers to distribute misbranded and counterfeit cough syrup. Specifically, Ms. Anzures-Camarena worked for Woodfield Pharmaceutical LLC as a packaging specialist. Woodfield Pharmaceutical LLC was a part of a group of pharmaceutical companies that included Woodfield Pharmaceutical LLC, a contract manufacturing company, and Woodfield Distribution LLC, a third-party logistics company (collectively, “Woodfield”).

On April 25, 2014, Woodfield acquired Pernix Manufacturing LLC (Pernix). Pernix had, in January 2014, entered into an agreement with Byron A. Marshall and his Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) to copy and manufacture cough syrup according to the directions of Marshall and his associates. Marshall was not licensed or authorized to distribute cough syrup and any background check of the personal information provided by Marshall to Pernix or later Woodfield would have revealed that he was not a licensed physician as he claimed. Initially, Marshall sought to copy Actavis Prometh VC with Codeine (Actavis). Actavis is a purple, peach-mint flavored prescription cough syrup that was in demand as a street drug. Marshall and his associates wanted to mass produce and traffic a counterfeit version of Actavis that contained promethazine, but not codeine.

On April 24, 2014, Actavis Holdco US discontinued production of Actavis due to its widespread abuse by recreational drug users. A Pernix product-development scientist worked with Marshall and his associates to re-create the Actavis product without codeine and promethazine in order to re-create the syrup base, which is a necessary component of cough syrup. Marshall and his associates would add Promethazine to the counterfeit syrup base prior to bottling and distribution in order to create the street drug. Marshall and his DTO also obtained counterfeited commercial-grade pharmaceutical labels designed to look exactly like the genuine labels for the prescription cough syrup from another supplier. Later in the conspiracy, Marshall and his DTO asked Woodfield employees to reformulate other cough syrup to use in their drug trafficking scheme to include Hi-Tech Promethazine Hydrocholoride and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution (Hi-Tech) and Wockhardt Promethazine Syrup Plain (Wockhardt).

In her position within Woodfield, Ms. Anzures-Camarena assisted in the packaging and delivery of the counterfeit syrup. In addition, when the Marshall DTO exhausted its available supply of promethazine, Ms. Anzures-Camarena was videoed, along with her supervisor, removing controlled substances from Woodfield's vault to deliver to the Marshall DTO. Later, Ms. Anzures-Camarena agreed with other Woodfield employees to create additional syrup base supply not authorized by Woodfield in order to sell that additional supply to Marshall and DTO at a reduced price in order to split the fee with other Woodfield employees, a practice Ms. Anzures-Camarena and other employees called, “double batching.” No records of the “double batching” were created.

From 2014 through February 2021, the conspiracy between the Marshall DTO produced and distributed, or attempted to produce and distribute, approximately 65,920 gallons of counterfeit cough syrup.

FDA sent Ms. Anzures-Camarena, by certified mail, on January 25, 2024, a notice proposing to permanently debar her from providing services in any capacity to a person that has an approved or pending drug product application. The proposal was based on a finding, under section 306(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act that Ms. Anzures-Camarena was convicted of a felony under Federal law for conduct relating to the regulation of a drug product under the FD&C Act. The proposal informed Ms. Anzures-Camarena of the proposed debarment and offered her an opportunity to request a hearing, providing her 30 days from the date of receipt of the letter in which to file the request, and advised her that failure to request a hearing constituted a waiver of the opportunity for a hearing and of any contentions concerning this action. Ms. Anzures-Camarena received the proposal and notice of opportunity for a hearing on February 5, 2024. Ms. Anzures-Camarena failed to request a hearing within the timeframe prescribed by regulation and has, therefore, waived her opportunity for a hearing and waived any contentions concerning her debarment (21 CFR part 12).

Therefore, the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Human and Animal Food Operations, under section 306(a)(2)(B) of the FD&C Act, under authority delegated to the Assistant Commissioner, finds that Maria Anzures-Camarena has been convicted of a felony under Federal law for conduct relating to the regulation of a drug product under the FD&C Act.

As a result of the foregoing finding, Ms. Anzures-Camarena is permanently debarred from providing services in any capacity to a person with an approved or pending drug product application, effective (see DATES ) (see sections 306(a)(2)(B) and 306(c)(2)(A)(ii) of the FD&C Act). Any person with an approved or pending drug product application who knowingly employs or retains as a consultant or contractor, or otherwise uses in any capacity the services of Ms. Anzures-Camarena during her debarment, will be subject to civil money penalties (section 307(a)(6) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 335b(a)(6))). If Ms. Anzures-Camarena provides services in any capacity to a person with an approved or pending drug product application during her period of debarment she will be subject to civil money penalties (section 307(a)(7) of the FD&C Act). In addition, FDA will not accept or review any abbreviated new drug application from Ms. Anzures-Camarena during her period of debarment, other than in connection with an audit under section 306 of the FD&C Act (section 306(c)(1)(B) of the FD&C Act). Note that, for purposes of sections 306 and 307 of the FD&C Act, a “drug product” is defined as a “drug subject to regulation under section 505, 512, or 802 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355, 360b, or 382) or under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262)” (section 201(dd) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 321(dd))).

The applicants listed in table 1 have informed FDA that these drug products are no longer marketed and have requested that FDA withdraw approval of the applications under the process in § 314.150(c) (21 CFR 314.150(c)). The applicants have also, by their requests, waived their opportunity for a hearing. Withdrawal of approval of an application or abbreviated application under § 314.150(c) is without prejudice to refiling.

Therefore, approval of the applications listed in table 1, and all amendments and supplements thereto, is hereby withdrawn as of June 28, 2024. Approval of each entire application is withdrawn, including any strengths and dosage forms included in the application but inadvertently missing from table 1. Introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of products listed in table 1 without an approved NDA violates sections 505(a) and 301(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(a) and 331(d)). Drug products that are listed in table 1 that are in inventory on June 28, 2024 may continue to be dispensed until the inventories have been depleted or the drug products have reached their expiration dates or otherwise become violative, whichever occurs first.

FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Platform Technology Designation Program for Drug Development.” This draft guidance provides details about the implementation of the Platform Technology Designation Program under section 506K of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 356k), which was established by section 2503 of the PREVENT Pandemics Act (2022) and enacted as part of Public Law 117-328. This draft guidance, when finalized, will outline criteria for receiving a platform technology designation, benefits of receiving a designation, how to leverage data from designated platform technologies, how to discuss the planned designation request as part of a milestone meeting, the recommended content of a designation request submission, and the review timelines for a designation request.

To determine eligibility for designation as a designated platform technology, FDA will first determine whether the technology qualifies as a platform technology. Under section 506K(h)(1) of the FD&C Act, a platform technology is a well understood and reproducible technology, which can may include a nucleic acid sequence, molecular structure, mechanism of action, delivery method, vector, or a combination of any such technologies that FDA determines to be appropriate, where it: (1) is incorporated in or utilized by a drug and is essential to the structure or function of such drug; (2) can be adapted for, incorporated into, or utilized by, more than one drug sharing common structural elements; and (3) facilitates the manufacture or development of more than one drug through a standardized production or manufacturing process or processes. A platform technology designation does not affect product eligibility for any expedited approval pathways if it is otherwise eligible. Sponsors of applications or emergency use authorization requests will also be allowed under certain circumstances to leverage data related to designated platform technologies previously submitted to FDA.

Under section 506K(b) of the FD&C Act, a platform technology is eligible for designation by FDA if: (1) it is incorporated in, or utilized by, an approved drug; (2) preliminary evidence demonstrates that the platform technology has the potential to be incorporated in, or utilized by, more than one drug without an adverse effect on quality, manufacturing, or safety; and (3) data or information submitted by the same party indicates that incorporation or utilization of the platform technology has a reasonable likelihood to bring significant efficiencies to the drug development or manufacturing process and to the review process.

This draft guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The draft guidance, when finalized, will represent the current thinking of FDA on the “Platform Technology Designation Program.” 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.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document.

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

This information collection supports implementation of the Platform Technology Designation Program under section 506K of the FD&C Act. FDA recommends requesting designation of a platform technology during the investigational new drug phase of drug development for a planned new drug application (NDA) or biologics license application (BLA). Any request for platform technology designation will be reviewed by a team of FDA experts to evaluate the data and information submitted and to examine if the platform technology meets the definitional and eligibility criteria outlined in sections 506K(h)(1) and (b), respectively, of the FD&C Act. If the sponsor receives a platform technology designation, then information about the platform designation can be leveraged in subsequent applications from the same sponsor. A different sponsor may be able to leverage platform technology data if they receive a full right of reference to the leveraged data under a business arrangement with the originator of the platform technology. If a platform technology receives a platform technology designation, then FDA may take actions to expedite the development and review of any subsequent application submitted under section 505(b) of the FD&C Act or section 351(a) of the Public Health Service Act for a drug that uses or incorporates the designated platform technology pursuant to section 506K(e) of the FD&C Act.

We are issuing a draft guidance for industry entitled “Platform Technology Designation Program for Drug Development,” which outlines: (1) criteria for receiving a platform technology designation, (2) potential benefits of receiving a designation, (3) how to leverage data from designated platform technologies, (4) how to discuss a planned designation request as part of a milestone meeting, (5) the recommended content of a designation request submission, and (6) the review timelines for a designation request.

We estimate the burden of this collection of information as follows:

Our updated figures are based on our experience with the information collection along with Agency data and reflect burden we attribute to the applicable reporting requirements and to those respondents we believe may incur such burden. These activities include submitting a request for platform technology designation to FDA. These estimates are based on historical metrics obtained during the first year of the Platform Technology Designation Program. We estimate that the number of platform technology designation requests received will increase after the publication of this guidance.

This draft guidance also refers to previously approved FDA collections of information. The collections of information in 21 CFR part 314 relating to the submissions of NDAs have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0001. The collections of information in 21 CFR part 601 relating to the submissions of BLAs have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0338. The collections of information in 21 CFR parts 210 and 211 relating to current good manufacturing practice have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0139.

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

On September 16, 2009, FEMA published a Final Rule on Property Acquisition and Relocation for Open Space (44 CFR part 80) that governs property acquisitions for FEMA's four Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs, three of which, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program are authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 93-288, as amended) (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5170c, and 5135) and the fourth (Flood Mitigation Assistance) under Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA) of 1968 (Pub. L. 90-448, as amended) (42 U.S.C. 4104c). 44 CFR part 80 requires the collection of information from grant applicants to ensure the voluntary nature of the property acquisitions and to ensure that the property acquired remains in open space in perpetuity.

States, Federally-recognized Tribes (Tribes) and territories as applicants/recipients, per 44 CFR 80.5(b)(3), are responsible for collecting and reviewing applications for acquisition projects to ensure that the proposed activities comply with 44 CFR part 80. States, territories and Tribes must ensure that the property acquisition is voluntary in nature. The subapplication they submit to FEMA for proposed projects must include information to enable FEMA's determination of eligibility, technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and environmental and historic preservation compliance (44 CFR 80.5(b)(4)). Per 44 CFR 80.5(b), once the property is acquired, States, territories and Tribes, as well as FEMA and the subrecipients, must enforce the terms of 44 CFR part 80 and the deed restrictions to ensure that the property remains committed to open space use in perpetuity. States, territories and Tribes must report on property compliance with open space requirements after the grant is awarded.

With this revision, FEMA is removing five instruments off the inventory for this information collection because each of these five instruments are approved for use in a different information collection with its own OMB Control Number. These five instruments will still be used but do not require to be approved for use by OMB twice.

This proposed information collection previously published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2024, at 89 FR 11310 with a 60-day public comment period. One public comment was received that is not germane to this information collection. The purpose of this notice is to notify the public that FEMA will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

Title: Property Acquisition and Relocation for Open Space.

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

OMB Number: 1660-0103.

FEMA Forms: FEMA Form FF-206-FY-21-124 (formerly 086-0-31), Statement of Voluntary Participation for Acquisition of Property for Purpose of Open Space.

Abstract: FEMA and State, Tribal and local recipients of FEMA mitigation grant programs will use the information collected to meet the Property Acquisition requirements to implement acquisition activities under the terms of grant agreements for acquisition and relocation activities. FEMA and State/local grant recipients will also use the information to monitor and enforce the open space requirements for all properties acquired with FEMA mitigation grants.

Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Governments.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 573.

Estimated Number of Responses: 573.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 573.

Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $34,254.

Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: $0.

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

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $425,794.

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; (b) 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.

According to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), 42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq., FEMA is authorized to provide assistance before, during, and after a disaster has impacted a State, Tribe, or Territory (STT). For a major disaster, the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to direct any agency to utilize its existing authorities and resources in support of STT assistance response and recovery efforts. See 42 U.S.C. 5170(a)(1). For an emergency, the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to direct any agency to utilize its existing authorities and resources in support of STT emergency efforts. See 42 U.S.C. 5192(a)(1). FEMA may task other Federal Agencies to assist during disasters and to support emergency efforts by STT governments by issuing a mission assignment to the appropriate agency. See 44 CFR 206.5, 206.208. FEMA collects the information necessary to determine what resources are needed and if a mission assignment is appropriate. The information collected explains which STT requires assistance, what needs to be accomplished, details any resource shortfalls, and explains what assistance is required to meet these needs.

This proposed information collection previously published in the Federal Register on February 28, 2024, at 89 FR 14673 with a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to notify the public that FEMA will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

The notice FEMA published at 89 FR 14673 published erroneous totals for the Estimated Number of Respondents, Estimated Number of Responses, Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours, Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost, and Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs due to the clerical error of not including one instrument in the calculations for the totals. The burden and cost numbers for that instrument is included in the totals published in this notice.

Title: Request for Federal Assistance—How to Process Mission Assignments in Federal Disaster Operations.

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

OMB Number: 1660-0047.

FEMA Forms: FEMA Form FF-104-FY-21-119 (formerly 010-0-8), Mission Assignment Form; FEMA Form FF-104-FY-21-120 (formerly 010-0-7), Resource Request Form; FEMA Form FF-104-FY-21-121 (formerly 010-0-8A), Mission Assignment Task Order Form.

Abstract: A written request for Federal assistance may be submitted on a Resource Request Form (RRF). The RRF is a working document requesting Federal assistance and may be sourced as a Mission Assignment. The Mission Assignment (MA) form is used to record a request for Federal assistance by States/Tribes/Territories to FEMA, and is the official FEMA obligating document that tasks another Federal agency to perform work.

Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 104.

Estimated Number of Responses: 4,220.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,687.

Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $164,044.

Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: $0.

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

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $77,090.

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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite review and comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies on applications we have received for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered and threatened species under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ), and our regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR part 17. Documents and other information submitted with the applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act.

The ESA prohibits certain activities with endangered and threatened species unless authorized by a Federal permit. The ESA and our implementing regulations in part 17 of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provide for the issuance of such permits and require that we invite public comment before issuing permits for activities involving endangered species.

A recovery permit issued by us under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA authorizes the permittee to conduct activities with endangered species for scientific purposes that promote recovery or for enhancement of propagation or survival of the species. Our regulations implementing section 10(a)(1)(A) for these permits are found at 50 CFR 17.22 for endangered wildlife species, 50 CFR 17.32 for threatened wildlife species, 50 CFR 17.62 for endangered plant species, and 50 CFR 17.72 for threatened plant species.

The ESA requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits. Accordingly, we invite local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and the public to submit written data, views, or arguments with respect to these applications. The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are those supported by quantitative information or studies. Proposed activities in the following permit requests are for the recovery and enhancement of propagation or survival of the species in the wild.