The information reported and the records kept for purposes of review under 7 CFR parts 240, 247, 250, 251, 253, and 254 are used by State and recipient agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs), and FNS regional and national offices for the purpose of administering USDA Food Distribution Programs. The programs assist American farmers and people who are food insecure by purchasing commodities and delivering them to State agencies and ITOs that, in turn, distribute them to organizations for use in providing food assistance to those in need. The information collected allows State agencies and ITOs to administer programs that align with their local preferences and gives FNS National and Regional offices the ability to ensure programs are complying with program regulations and policies.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. This ICR will renew the previous collections associated with 0584-0293 and implement the two revised and seven new collections associated with the Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity final rule (89 FR 87228).

Title: Food Distribution Burden Table.

Form Numbers: FNS 7, 52, 53, 57, 152, 153, 155, 667, 929 (new), 930 (new), and SF-425.

OMB Number: 0584-0293.

Expiration Date: August 31, 2026.

Abstract: The Food Distribution Programs of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assist American farmers and needy people by purchasing and delivering food to State agencies and ITOs that, in turn, distribute them to organizations that assist those in need. Effective administration of Food Distribution Programs is dependent on the collection and submission of information from State and local agencies, ITOs, and private-for-profit companies to FNS. This information includes, for example, the number of households served in the programs; the quantities of foods ordered and where the food is to be delivered; verification of the receipt of a food order; and the amounts of USDA Foods in inventory. FNS employs this information collection activity to obtain the data necessary to make those calculations. This is a revision of the information collection under the burden number 0584-0293.

Regulations at 7 CFR 240 establish procedures for State distributing agencies which receive cash in lieu of USDA Foods, including the manner of disbursement and requirements for accountability for funds. Although the reporting burden for these forms is captured in a separate information activity collection (OMB #0584-0055), the recordkeeping burden of these collections is included in this revision and renewal.

Regulations at 7 CFR 247 provide instructions on the administration of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Information collections in this section include applications to receive benefits, USDA Foods inventory management, use of administrative funding, and agreements between State agencies operating the program and FNS. These information collections ensure that the eligible individuals are able to access the program, that foods are distributed in a safe and effective manner, and that Federal funds are used appropriately.

Regulations at 7 CFR 250 govern the use of USDA Foods in child nutrition programs, household food distribution programs, disasters, and situations of distress. Information collection activities authorized by this section are necessary so that the Department can distribute USDA Foods as needed to State distributing agencies and, in turn, that State distributing agencies provide USDA Foods and associated funding to recipient agencies in accordance with Federal statutory and regulatory requirements.

Regulations at 7 CFR 251 establish requirements and procedures for administration of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Information collections authorized by this section include agreements between State agencies and FNS, plans for statewide distribution of USDA Foods, State plan amendments to implement Farm to Food Bank project grants, and records of participation in the distribution of USDA Foods for home consumption. These information collections provide FNS with an understanding of how USDA Foods are distributed through the program.

Regulations at 7 CFR 253 govern the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Information collections authorized by this section include plans of program operation, plans for monitoring and oversight of program operation by Tribal organizations, management of administrative funds, and reports of damaged or out of condition USDA Foods. These information collections allow FNS to understand how USDA Foods will be distributed by administering organizations, how Federal funds are used to support program operations, and ensure that USDA Foods are distributed in a safe and effective manner.

Regulations at 7 CFR part 254 establish requirements and procedures for the operation of FDPIR for households in Oklahoma. Information collections authorized by this section are identical to those of 7 CFR 253.

The Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity Final Rule (89 FR 87228) revised two and created seven new collections for CSFP, USDA Foods in Disasters and Situations of Distress, TEFAP, and FDPIR. For more information, please see The Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity Final Rule (89 FR 87228).

There are other forms which are used to report information that are associated with this collection that are approved under other FNS information collections or in other agency information collections. The burden associated with these forms is approved under these collections and is not included in the total burden for this collection. These forms include FNS-44 Report of Child and Adult Care Food Program, FNS-10 Report of School Operations, FNS-191 CSFP Racial/Ethnic Group Participation, FNS-292A Report of Commodity Distribution for Disaster Relief, and FNS-292B Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefit Issuance (OMB# 0584-0594 Food Programs Reporting System (FPRS), expiration date 9/30/2026) and FNS-74 Federal-State Agreement (OMB# 0584-0067 7 CFR part 235—State Administrative Expense (SAE) Funds, expiration date 1/31/2026). In addition to these Agency-developed forms, FNS also uses OMB Standard Forms SF-269 Financial Status Report (Long), SF-269A Financial Status Report (Short), SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, and SF-1034 in the commodity programs.

Affected Public: Respondent groups include: (1) Individuals and households; (2) businesses or other for-profit entities; (3) not for-profit organizations; and (4) State, local, and Tribal governments.

Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 815,362. This includes 78,014 respondents from State, Local, and Tribal Governments, 10,329 from private for-profit business and companies, 3,819 nonprofits, and 723,200 households and individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: The total estimated average number of responses is 4.96.

Estimated Time per Response: The average response time is 0.22 hours (13.2 minutes) per response.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 884,482.86. See table below for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent.

Title: Grazing Permit Administration Forms including new Grazing Agreement Form.

OMB Number: 0596-0003.

Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 2026.

Type of Review: New information collection for the Grazing Agreement form and Extension with no Revision of currently approved information collection forms.

Abstract: This information collection extension is necessary to continue allowing proper administration of livestock grazing programs on National Forest System (NFS) lands and sustaining relationships with grazing associations/districts. Domestic livestock grazing occurs on approximately 93 million acres of NFS lands. Grazing on NFS lands is subject to authorization and administrative oversight by the Forest Service. The information collected by the Forest Service is the minimum required for issuance and administration of grazing permits, including fee collections, as authorized by the Title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (BJFTA) of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 1010, 1011, 1012), the Granger-Thye Act of 1950 (16 U.S.C. 580h and 580l), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1751-2 et seq. ) and United States Department of Agriculture regulations at 36 CFR 213 and 222, subparts A-C. Similar information is not available from any other source. The seven forms being renewed have not been updated; there has been no change in the intent, amount, or type of information collected from the public. The Grazing Agreement is a new form.

Forest Service officials currently use the following forms to collect the information necessary to administer this program.

FS-2200-001; Refund, Credit, or Transfer Application collects the following information:

• Name and mailing address;

• Permit number;

• National forest or grassland and ranger district;

• Purpose of application: Credit on next year's fees, refund of overpaid fees, or transfer of credit to another account;

• The allotment, kind of livestock and number;

• Period rangeland not used; From and To dates;

• Reason for less use than permitted; and

• Signature of Permittee.

Information collected on this form enables the Forest Service to evaluate a grazing permittee's request for refund, credit, or transfer of the unused portion of the preceding season's grazing fees paid to the Forest Service for the occupancy of the National Forest System lands by permitted livestock.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 10 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 50.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 8 hours.

FS-2200-002; Application for Temporary Grazing or Livestock Use Permit collects following information:

• the Name and address of applicant;

• Livestock number, kind, and class;

• Period of use;

• Grazing allotment; and

• Signature of Applicant.

Information collected on this form enables the Forest Service to determine whether individuals qualify for a temporary grazing or livestock use permit, which authorizes grazing on certain NFS lands for a period not to exceed one year. The Forest Service uses the information on this form to determine whether the applicant is likely to comply with grazing permit terms and conditions.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 75.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 18.75 hours.

FS-2200-012; Waiver of Term Grazing Permit enables the Forest Service to terminate an individual's grazing privileges on certain NFS lands based upon that individual's sale or transfer of base property, permitted livestock, or both to another individual who desires to acquire a new grazing permit. The waiver enables the Forest Service to cancel the grazing permit held by the individual who sold or transferred the base property, permitted livestock, or both; and to identify the individual who acquired the base property, permitted livestock, or both as the preferred applicant for a new grazing permit.

• Name and address of permittee;

• Permit number;

• Date Permit Issued;

• Livestock number and livestock class;

• Period of use;

• Allotment;

• National Forest or Grassland and Ranger District;

• Date of Sale;

• Name and address of Purchaser;

• Livestock Number and Class OR Base Property Description;

• Signature of Permittee; and

• Signature of Purchaser.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 75.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 18.75 hours.

FS-2200-013; Escrow Waiver of Term Grazing Permit Privileges collects information on loans made to permittees. The Forest Service uses the information to record the name and address of a permittee's lender, the amount of the loan, and the due date for repayment. The information assists Agency officials in determining whether to hold in escrow, on behalf of the lender, all the privileges associated with the grazing permit except the privilege to graze. The Forest Service uses the collected information to (1) notify the lender of important issues associated with the administration of the grazing permit and (2) facilitate the transfer of a grazing permit to the lender if the permittee defaults on the loan.

• Name and address of permittee;

• Permit number;

• Date Permit Issued;

• Livestock number and livestock class;

• National Forest or Grassland and Ranger District;

• Financial Institution Name and address;

• Livestock Number and Class OR Base Property Description;

• Amount of loan and payable date; and

• Signature of Permittee.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 45.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 11.25 hours.

FS-2200-016; Application for Term Grazing Permit collects the following information:

• Name and address of applicant;

• Livestock Number, Kind and Class;

• Period of use;

• Grazing allotment; and

• Signature of applicant.

The information collected on this form enables the Forest Service to evaluate an applicant's eligibility and qualification to hold a term grazing permit authorizing the use of National Forest System lands for livestock grazing purposes, to determine the applicant's ability to comply with grazing permit terms and conditions, and to notify the applicant in writing of matters associated with the administration of permitted grazing including, but not limited to, bills for the fees associated with the permitted grazing.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 650.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 162.5 hours.

FS-2200-017; Application for Term Private Land Grazing Permit collects the following information:

• Name and address of applicant;

• Livestock Number, Kind and Class;

• Period of use;

• Grazing allotment; and

• Signature of applicant.

The information collected on this form enables the Forest Service to evaluate an applicant's eligibility and qualification to hold a term private land-grazing permit, which authorizes the use of National Forest System lands and private lands owned or controlled by the applicant for livestock grazing purposes. The information also enables the Forest Service to determine the applicant's ability to comply with grazing permit terms and conditions, and to notify the applicant in writing of matters associated with the administration of permitted grazing.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 50.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 12.5 hours.

FS-2200-025; Ownership Statement by Corporation, Partnership, or Other Legal Entity collects the following information:

• Name of corporation, partnership, or other legal entity;

• The name, title, signing authority, mailing address, shares owned, or percent of ownership of each stockholder, partner, or member of the entity; and

• Signature of applicant.

The information on this form enables the Forest Service to evaluate whether a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity is eligible and qualified to hold a term grazing permit authorizing grazing on certain National Forest System lands, whether the entity is authorized to conduct business in the state in which the National Forest System lands to be grazed are located, and which shareholders, partners, or members are authorized to sign official documents on behalf of the legal entity.

Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses.

Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 10 minutes.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 325.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 52 hours.

FS-2200-XXXX; Grazing Agreement:

The Forest Service and grazing associations/districts have been working together since the Secretary of Agriculture assigned many of the Land Utilization Project lands to the Forest Service for management under provisions of the BJFTA in 1954 (designated as “National Grasslands” in 1960). The purpose of cooperating with grazing associations/districts is to facilitate sound land conservation practices across all lands covered by a grazing agreement and encourage cooperation across boundaries to sustain working and natural landscapes. In doing so, grazing associations take on certain administrative responsibilities that would otherwise be borne by the Forest Service if it were directly administering the grazing permits of the grazing association members and bring valuable expertise and resources to foster responsible livestock grazing and rangeland management across boundaries.

A grazing agreement is a type of term grazing permit (see 36 CFR 222.3(c)(1)) that assigns responsibility to grazing associations or grazing districts, established under State law and recognized by the Forest Service, to administer livestock grazing by their members on NFS lands and on any other intermingled land ownerships identified in the grazing agreement. To ensure a durable instrument is available for authorizing Grazing Associations to use NFS lands for livestock grazing purposes, the Agency is creating an official grazing agreement form. Creation of an official grazing agreement form is also intended to ensure grazing associations/districts, and the Agency have access to a form that is:

• Consistent to provide transparency and predictability in clauses and requirements,

• Clear and concise to minimize the time needed and burden required to complete the form while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Government programs,

• Durable for use by ensuring the form meets all statutory and regulatory requirements,

• Provides uniform data for the implementation of the Agency grazing program.

FS-2200-XXX; Grazing Agreement collects the following information:

• Name of Grazing Association;

• National Grassland or National Forest;

• Number of permitted head months;

• Grazing Allotments; and

• Signature of Grazing Association President

Information collected on this form enables the Forest Service to document the relationship between the Agency and the respective grazing association, the level and areas (grazing allotments) of authorized livestock grazing use, and related responsibilities assigned to a respective grazing association for managing their members livestock grazing use and completion of authorized land use practices/rangeland improvements.

Affected Public: Individuals, Families, or Businesses (especially those owning and operating ranches/farms and participating as a member of a grazing association/district).

Estimate of Burden per Response: 1 hour to complete the form.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 5.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 5 hours.

Total Estimate of Annual Burden: 2.57 Minutes.

Total Type of Respondents: Individuals and Businesses.

Total Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 1,275.

Total Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondents: 1.

Total Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 288.75 hours.

Comment is invited on (1) whether this collection of information is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical or scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 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 the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be summarized and included in the submission request for Office of Management and Budget approval.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

1. Introduce the National Urban and Community Forestry Council members and guests;

2. Update on the Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program;

3. Update on the national ten-year action plan (2027-2037);

4. Discuss status of the Council nominations;

5. Discuss status of the national grant program;

6. Listen to public input;

7. Hear about partner activities;

8. Identify other items and;

9. Discuss next meeting and close meeting.

The purpose of the Council is to develop a national urban and community forestry ten-year action plan in accordance with section 9(g)(3)(A-F) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (the Act), evaluate and report annually on the implementation of that plan to the Secretary, and develop criteria, and submit recommendations with respect to, the Forest Service's National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-share Grant Program as required by section (9)(f)(1-2) of the Act.

Please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT , by or before the deadline, for all questions related to the meeting. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received upon request.

Meeting Accommodations: If you are a person requiring reasonable accommodation, please make a request in advance for sign language interpreting, assistive listening devices, or other reasonable accommodation. For access to proceedings, please contact the person listed in the section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . All reasonable accommodation requests are managed on a case-by-case basis.

Equal opportunity practices, in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies, will be followed in all membership appointments to the Council.

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

The Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program, regulated by 7 CFR part 3555, offers a 90% loan note guarantee to approved lenders to assist low- and moderate-income households in purchasing adequate, modest, safe, and sanitary dwellings as their primary residence in eligible rural areas. The SFHGLP provides opportunities for applicants lacking sufficient resources to acquire, build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate a dwelling in a rural area.

To streamline the SFHGLP, the RHS has been working on incorporating a delegated authority process for eligible lenders through a final rule (“Delegated Authority”) ( Federal Register Docket Number RHS-21-SFH-0017). While the necessary technology advancements needed for full implementation of Delegated Authority are in process, RHS has established the LITE Delegated Authority Pilot Program to phase in and test Delegated Authority in a controlled environment. The pilot will permit participating LITE Delegated Lenders to approve loans and obtain Loan Note Guarantees with limited Agency involvement. The objective of this pilot is to test the implementation of Delegated Authority by streamlining and expediting loan approvals, similar to the efficiencies seen in the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs programs, thereby leveraging the expertise of private-sector lenders to balance growing demand and limited federal resources.

This notice outlines the new LITE Delegated Authority Pilot Program under the Section 502 SFHGLP.

Lenders interested in participating must notify the Agency at LITEPilot@usda.gov. To qualify for the pilot program, lenders must demonstrate above-average loan performance based on delinquencies, loss claims, and default rates over the past two years when compared to the SFHGLP portfolio; have originated at least 10 SFHGLP loans in the last 12 months; and be current on all lender certifications, fees, and loan requirements. Lenders must have a satisfactory compliance record, with no failed Corrective Action Reviews or Reduced Sample Reviews for the past 24 months. The Agency will review qualifications for the pilot program as lenders submit notifications. The number of lenders approved for LITE Delegated Lender status will be contingent on the progress of the Agency's system modifications, budgetary constraints, portfolio performance, and availability of resources required to perform lender oversight and monitoring. Selection criteria will include lender performance metrics and the number of volunteer lenders.

Approved lenders and their agents operating under the LITE Delegated program must continue to utilize the Agency's automated loan underwriting and closing systems for all supported loan submissions. When manual submissions are necessary due to Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) limitations, lenders must follow the Manual Submission Job Aid procedures which can be located on the USDA LINC Training and Resource Library located at https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/usda-linc-training-resource-library/loan-origination. All aspects of loan origination, processing, closing, and servicing must strictly comply with published regulations and handbook guidelines. For LITE Delegated Lenders, the organization will perform the pre-closing loan approval process and manage post-closing issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee with minimal Agency oversight. These lenders have the delegated authority to approve loans either through the Agency's automated underwriting system, or by manually underwriting a file not supported by GUS. Processing times vary by submission type. GUS submissions will be completed within 2 business hours, while manual submissions will follow standard processing timeframes.

After closing, LITE Delegated Authority submissions qualify for a streamlined closing process. LITE Delegated Lenders will use the Lender Loan Closing system to enter basic loan closing information and authorize electronic payment of the upfront Guarantee Fee and USDA Technology Fee via the Pay.gov system. Documentation uploads are only required if specifically requested by the Agency. The Agency will issue the Loan Note Guarantee within two business days of receipt, retrievable from the Agency's Lender Loan Closing system. The Loan Note Guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States as per § 3555.108. Consequently, the LITE Delegated Lender is responsible for ensuring that both the applicant and the property meet the eligibility requirements and certification for the loan guarantee under subparts C, D, and E of 7 CFR part 3555, as well as the environmental requirements in § 3555.5.

The Agency is modifying the procedures for LITE Delegated Lenders as follows:

Environmental Reviews: SFHGLP loans are generally considered categorical exclusions under 7 CFR 1b. If there is an extraordinary circumstance, the LITE Delegated Lender must notify the Agency to decide the appropriate course of action.

Appraisal Reviews: Agency administrative appraisal reviews under § 3555.107(d)(4) are inapplicable to loans approved via LITE delegated authority. LITE Delegated Lenders are responsible for ensuring that appraisal reports meet all requirements under § 3555.107(d).

Application Priority Processing: The requirements under § 3555.107(a) for prioritizing applications do not apply to LITE Delegated Lenders as adequate budget authority exists.

Conflict of Interest: When a conflict of interest is disclosed by either the borrower or a Rural Development employee, as described in § 3555.8, the LITE Delegated Lender is required to document the disclosure in the permanent loan file. However, since Delegated Lenders will process pre-closing and post-closing activities with limited Agency assistance, reassignment of the application as described in § 3555.8(d) is not required.

The LITE Delegated Authority Pilot Program will be tested in a controlled environment. Any technological shortcomings encountered during the pilot program will be addressed through a workaround process provided to participating lenders. The program's effectiveness will be evaluated through comprehensive file reviews. Participating lenders will be required to submit fully documented, post-closing, loan submissions for evaluation. Initially, the Agency will review the first 5 to 15 loan files submitted by participating lenders, depending on loan volume. Additionally, 2% of files originated each month, per lender, will be reviewed utilizing the existing compliance review process. Should any concerns regarding regulatory or statutory non-compliance be identified during these reviews, participating lenders will be given 90 days from the date of notification by the Agency to make the necessary corrections. Failure to address these issues within the stipulated timeframe will result in the lender's removal from the pilot program. Furthermore, SFHGLP Senior Leadership retains the right to withdraw approval and participation in the program for any lender found to be engaging in misconduct. If a lender violates program guidelines or fails to meet eligibility standards, the Agency may issue cease and desist letters to halt improper actions. Additionally, all loans are subject to future indemnification per § 3555.108(d).

The requirements for LITE Delegated Lender status include meeting the general eligibility criteria in § 3555.51, having participated in the SFHGLP for at least two years, and maintaining above-average performance standards in delinquency, default, and loss claim rates. Eligibility is reassessed every two years, requiring lenders to be registered in SAM, complete mandatory recertification training, and respond within the timeframe specified in the agency notification provided to the Lender. Guarantee fees must be paid electronically at loan closing. LITE Delegated Lenders are required to continuously maintain these standards and are subject to regular assessments. To maintain eligibility, lenders must enter into a User Agreement to receive automated notifications and ensure compliance with § 3555.107. The Agency reserves the right to adjust, modify, or cancel the pilot program based on budget, performance, and integrity considerations.

In the event that modifications are made to the performance metrics for new LITE Delegated Lenders, existing LITE Delegated Lenders will retain their status, and the Agency will provide a reasonable timeframe to meet the new performance metrics to continue retaining LITE Delegated Lender status. Any modifications made to the performance metrics for LITE Delegated Lenders will be publicly announced through a notice in the Federal Register . The Agency will conduct lender approvals at a limited pace to foster smooth implementation of the LITE Delegated Authority Pilot Program. The rollout will be phased in to allow the Agency some control over the number of loans guaranteed by LITE Delegated Lenders throughout the pilot program. The Agency will evaluate the performance and efficacy of the process and make any necessary adjustments. The Agency will continue to phase in new lenders as the process is refined. The number of lenders approved for LITE Delegated Lender status will be contingent on the progress of the Agency's systems modifications, budgetary constraints, portfolio performance, and availability of resources required to perform lender oversight and monitoring.

The Agency has the right to suspend or terminate any lender's delegated status for reasons including, but not limited to, approving loans that do not meet Agency loan program guidelines; providing data to the Agency's automated underwriting system that is not supported by documentation retained by the lender; maintaining a portfolio that does not meet the established delinquency, loss claim, and default rate performance metrics; and an inability to meet the criteria described in § 3555.51, “Lender eligibility.” Adverse decisions made by the Agency may be appealed to the USDA National Appeals Division in accordance with 7 CFR 3555.4.

The Agency is implementing ongoing monitoring and oversight for LITE Delegated Lenders from two perspectives: Monitoring Performance and Lender Oversight.

Monitoring Performance: Loan-level data is collected from lenders each month through the Electronic Status Reporting system. This data is compiled, reviewed, and monitored by the Agency every month to determine portfolio performance as well as risks and trends in delinquency, default, and loss claim rates. This loan level data will be collected and analyzed to provide the Agency with information regarding their performance.

Lender Oversight Reviews/Examinations: The Agency's Quality Assurance and Lender Oversight Division will establish a regular process specifically for LITE Delegated Lenders to ensure adherence to Agency loan program requirements in 7 CFR part 3555 and ongoing eligibility for the program. This process involves reviewing and examining multiple aspects of mortgage origination and servicing, based on a representative sample of loans, financial requirements, and portfolio performance.

Lender Oversight reviews will be conducted on lenders within the first 12 months of participation in the LITE Delegated Authority Pilot Program. Lenders will be notified of the current process, and the oversight review will be consistent with established procedures.

Participating lenders will be required to submit fully documented loan submissions for evaluation. Lenders must provide comprehensive and complete documentation for each loan they originate under the program. The documentation must include all necessary information to support the loan application and ensure it meets the program's eligibility criteria.

The Agency may request a fully documented case file at any time from the lender for review if additional loan documentation is determined necessary for risk management. An ineligible loan may result in future indemnification and/or loss claim payment reduction/denial.

A report will be provided, with findings and observations recorded and communicated back to the lender or servicer, along with any suggestions for improvement. If necessary, the lender will have the opportunity to implement a Corrective Action Plan to address any deficiencies and will receive guidance, be provided with training, and given the opportunity to improve their performance. Recurring findings identified through the Lender Oversight process may result in additional reviews and examinations and may adversely affect a lender's LITE Delegated Lender status.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements associated with the programs, as covered in this notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0575-0179. The regulatory waivers for this pilot program contain no new reporting or recordkeeping burdens.

All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1b.

All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must be registered in SAM and have a UEI number as stated in Section D.3 of this notice. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.

All awards of Federal financial assistance made under this NOFO are subject to applicable civil rights laws, which may include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1973, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

a. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at, and subject to the protections and requirements of, this part and any applicable constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. USDA will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

b. A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law. Religious accommodations may also be sought under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws.

c. A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance from USDA to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing services funded by USDA, or in their outreach activities related to such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.

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

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Background

On January 14, 2026, pursuant to section 781(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 19 CFR 351.226(i), Accuride and Maxion (domestic interested parties) filed a circumvention inquiry request alleging that certain steel wheels finished in Vietnam, using hot-rolled steel (HRS) produced in China, and subsequently exported from Vietnam to the United States are circumventing the AD and CVD Orders on certain steel wheels from China  1 and, accordingly, should be included within the scope of the Orders. 2 On January 26, 2026, NCC Vietnam Company, Ltd. (NCC Vietnam) submitted adequacy comments alleging the legal requirements to initiate a circumvention inquiry have not been met. 3 On February 2, 2026, domestic interested parties submitted rebuttal comments. 4 On February 9, 2026, we issued a supplemental questionnaire to domestic interested parties to clarify the period of inquiry and period of comparison. 5 The domestic interested parties responded on February 12, 2026. 6

The merchandise subject to the Orders is certain on-the-road steel wheels, discs, and rims for tubeless tires, with a nominal rim diameter of 22.5 inches and 24.5 inches, regardless of width. Imports of the subject merchandise are currently classified under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings: 8708.70.4530, 8708.70.4560, 8708.70.6030, 8708.70.6060, and 8716.90.5059. Merchandise meeting the scope description may also enter under the following HTSUS subheadings: 4011.20.1015, 4011.20.5020, and 8708.99.4850. While HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the Orders is dispositive. For a full description of the scope of the Orders, see the Initiation Checklist. 7

The circumvention inquiry covers certain steel wheels finished in Vietnam using HRS produced in China and subsequently exported from Vietnam to the United States.

Section 351.226(d) of Commerce's regulations states that if Commerce determines that a request for a circumvention inquiry satisfies the requirements of 19 CFR 351.226(c), then Commerce “will accept the request and initiate a circumvention inquiry.” Section 351.226(c)(1) of Commerce's regulations, in turn, requires that each request for a circumvention inquiry allege “that the elements necessary for a circumvention determination under section 781 of the Act exist” and be “accompanied by information reasonably available to the interested party supporting these allegations.” Domestic interested parties allege circumvention pursuant to section 781(b) of the Act (merchandise completed or assembled in other foreign countries).

Section 781(b)(1) of the Act provides that Commerce may find circumvention of an order when merchandise of the same class or kind subject to the order is completed or assembled in a foreign country other than the country to which the order applies. In conducting a circumvention inquiry, under section 781(b)(1) of the Act, Commerce relies on the following criteria: (A) merchandise imported into the United States is of the same class or kind as any merchandise produced in a foreign country that is the subject of an AD or CVD order; (B) before importation into the United States, such imported merchandise is completed or assembled in another foreign country from merchandise which is subject to the order or is produced in the foreign country that is subject to the order; (C) the process of assembly or completion in the foreign country referred to in section (B) is minor or insignificant; (D) the value of the merchandise produced in the foreign country to which the AD or CVD order applies is a significant portion of the total value of the merchandise exported to the United States; and (E) the administering authority determines that action is appropriate to prevent evasion of such order.

In determining whether the process of assembly or completion in a foreign country is minor or insignificant under section 781(b)(1)(C) of the Act, section 781(b)(2) of the Act directs Commerce to consider: (A) the level of investment in the foreign country; (B) the level of research and development in the foreign country; (C) the nature of the production process in the foreign country; (D) the extent of production facilities in the foreign country; and (E) whether or not the value of processing performed in the foreign country represents a small proportion of the value of the merchandise imported into the United States. However, no single factor, by itself, controls Commerce's determination of whether the process of assembly or completion in a foreign country is minor or insignificant. 8 Accordingly, it is Commerce's practice to evaluate each of these five factors as they exist in the foreign country, depending on the totality of the circumstances of the particular circumvention inquiry. 9

In addition, section 781(b)(3) of the Act sets forth additional factors to consider in determining whether to include merchandise assembled or completed in a foreign country within the scope of an AD or CVD order. Specifically, Commerce shall take into account such factors as: (A) the pattern of trade, including sourcing patterns; (B) whether the manufacturer or exporter of the merchandise that was shipped to the foreign country is affiliated with the person who, in the foreign country, uses the merchandise to complete or assemble the merchandise which is subsequently imported into the United States; and (C) whether imports of the merchandise into the foreign country have increased after the initiation of the investigation that resulted in the issuance of such order.

Based on our analysis of the domestic interested parties' circumvention inquiry request and supplemental questionnaire response, we determine that the Domestic Interested Parties have satisfied the criteria under 19 CFR 351.226(c), and thus, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.226(d)(1)(iii), we have accepted the request and are initiating the requested circumvention inquiry of the Orders. For a full discussion of the basis for our decision to initiate the requested circumvention inquiry, see the Initiation Checklist. The Initiation Checklist is available on ACCESS. ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov.

As explained in the Initiation Checklist, the information provided by Domestic Interested Parties warrants initiating this circumvention inquiry on a country-wide basis. Commerce has taken this approach in prior circumvention inquiries, where the facts warranted initiation on a country-wide basis. 10

As such, Commerce intends to issue questionnaires to solicit information from producers and exporters in Vietnam concerning their shipments to the United States and the origin of hot-rolled steel manufactured in China and finished into “steel wheels” ( i.e., the merchandise subject to the Orders ).

Commerce intends to base respondent selection on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. Commerce intends to place the CBP data on the record within five days of the publication of this initiation notice, which will be available on Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. Comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection should be submitted within seven days after placement of the CBP data on the record of the inquiry.

Commerce intends to establish a schedule for questionnaire responses after respondent selection. A company's failure to completely respond to Commerce's requests for information may result in the application of partial or total facts available, pursuant to section 776(a) of the Act, which may include adverse inferences, pursuant to section 776(b) of the Act.

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.226(l)(1), Commerce intends to notify CBP of this initiation and direct CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of entries of products subject to this circumvention inquiry that were already subject to the suspension of liquidation under the Orders and to apply the cash deposit rates that would be applicable if the products were determined to be covered by the scope of the Orders. Should Commerce issue affirmative preliminary or final circumvention determinations, Commerce will follow the suspension of liquidation rules under 19 CFR 351.226(l)(2)-(4). In the event that Commerce issues an affirmative preliminary or final circumvention determination that the products are circumventing the Orders, Commerce will instruct CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and to apply the applicable cash deposit rate.

Commerce will also instruct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits for any unliquidated entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, on or after the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the circumvention inquiries pursuant to paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii). In addition, pursuant to paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A), Commerce may instruct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits for any unliquidated entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, prior to the date of initiation of the circumvention inquiries, but not for such entries prior to November 4, 2021, the effective date of these provisions in the Final Rule. 11 These rules will not affect CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect to the suspension of liquidation or related measures for these entries, as stated in 19 CFR 351.226(l)(5).

In accordance with 19 CFR 351.226(d) and section 781(b) of the Act, Commerce determines that domestic interested parties' request for a circumvention inquiry satisfies the requirements of 19 CFR 351.226(c). Accordingly, Commerce is notifying all interested parties of the initiation of this circumvention inquiry to determine whether steel wheels finished in Vietnam using HRS produced in China, and subsequently exported from Vietnam to the United States, are circumventing the Orders. In addition, we have included a description of the products that are the subject to this inquiry and an explanation of Commerce's decision to initiate this inquiry as provided in the accompanying Initiation Checklist. 12 In accordance with 19 CFR 351.226(e)(1), Commerce intends to issue its preliminary circumvention determination no later than 150 days from the date of publication of the notice of initiation of this circumvention inquiry in the Federal Register . Furthermore, in accordance with section 781(f) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.226(e)(2), unless the circumvention inquiries are rescinded, in whole or in part, or the deadline for the final circumvention deadlines is extended, Commerce intends to issue its final determinations within 300 days from the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the circumvention inquiries in the Federal Register .

This notice is published in accordance with section 781(b) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.226(d)(1)(iii).

On April 9, 2020, Commerce published in the Federal Register the antidumping duty (AD) order on threaded rod from China. 1 On May 20, 2025, based on timely requests for review, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), we initiated an administrative review of the Order covering seven companies: Cooper & Turner (Ningbo) International Trading Co., Ltd. (Cooper); EC International (Nantong) Co., Ltd.; IFI & Morgan Ltd. (IFI); Ningbo Dingtuo Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. (Dingtuo); Ningbo Dongxin High-Strength Nut Co., Ltd. (Dongxin); Ningbo Jinding Fastening Piece Co., Ltd. (Jinding); and Zhejiang Junyue Standard Part Co., Ltd. (Junyue). 2

On November 14, 2025, Commerce tolled all deadlines in administrative proceedings by 47 days due to the lapse in appropriations and Federal Government shutdown, 3 and, due to a backlog of documents that were electronically filed via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) during the Federal Government shutdown, on November 24, 2025, Commerce tolled all deadlines in administrative proceedings by an additional 21 days. 4 On March 6, 2026, Commerce extended the time limit for these preliminary results, pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 19 CFR 351.213(h)(2). 5 Accordingly, the deadline for these preliminary results is now March 16, 2026.

For a complete description of events that occurred since the initiation of this review, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. 6 A list of the topics discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is attached as the appendix to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is made available to the public via ACCESS. ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.

On July 11, 2025, Commerce published in the Federal Register the Preliminary Results of this administrative review and invited comments from interested parties. 1 On September 17, 2025, we extended the deadline for the final results of this review to no later than January 7, 2026. 2 Due to the lapse in appropriations and Federal Government shutdown, on November 14, 2025, Commerce tolled all deadlines in administrative proceedings by 47 days. 3 Additionally, due to a backlog of documents that were electronically filed via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) during the Federal Government shutdown, on November 24, 2025, Commerce tolled all deadlines in administrative proceedings by an additional 21 days. Accordingly, the deadline for these final results is now March 16, 2026.

For a complete description of the events that occurred since the Preliminary Results, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum. 4 Commerce conducted this review in accordance with section 751(a)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act).

The products covered by the Order are OTR tires from India. For a full description of the scope of the Order, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

All issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs submitted by interested parties are addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum. The topics discussed and the issues raised by interested parties to which we responded in the Issues and Decision Memorandum are listed in Appendix I to this notice. The Issues and Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via ACCESS. ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Issues and Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.

Based on the comments received from interested parties and record information, we made certain changes from the Preliminary Results regarding the subsidy calculations for ATC Tires Private Limited (ATC) and Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT). For a discussion of the comments and explanation of the changes, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

Commerce conducted this review in accordance with section 751(a)(1)(A) of the Act. For each of the subsidy programs found to be countervailable, we determine that there is a subsidy, i.e., a government-provided financial contribution that gives rise to a benefit to the recipient, and that the subsidy is specific. 6 For a complete description of the methodology underlying all of Commerce's conclusions, including our reliance, in part, on facts otherwise available, including adverse facts available, pursuant to sections 776(a) and (b) of the Act, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

The Act and Commerce's regulations do not directly address the subsidy rate to be applied to companies not selected for individual examination where Commerce limits its examination in an administrative review pursuant to section 777A(e)(2) of the Act. However, Commerce normally determines the rates for non-selected companies in reviews in a manner that is consistent with section 705(c)(5) of the Act, which provides instructions for calculating the all-others rate in an investigation. Section 777A(e)(2) of the Act provides that “the individual countervailable subsidy rates determined under subparagraph (A) shall be used to determine the all-others rate under section 705(c)(5) {of the Act}.” Section 705(c)(5)(A) of the Act states that for companies not investigated, in general, we will determine an all-others rate by weight averaging the countervailable subsidy rates established for each of the companies individually investigated, excluding zero and de minimis rates or any rates based solely on the facts available. Accordingly, to determine the rate for companies not selected for individual examination, Commerce's practice is to weight-average the net subsidy rates for the selected mandatory respondents, excluding rates that are zero, de minimis, or based entirely on facts available. 7

In the instant review, the rates calculated for the mandatory respondents, ATC and BKT, were above de minimis and not based entirely on facts available. Therefore, we are applying to the non-selected companies the weight-average of the net subsidy rates calculated for ATC and BKT, which we calculated using the publicly-ranged sales data submitted by ATC and BKT.

We find the following net countervailable subsidy rates exist for the period January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023:

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

In accordance with section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.212(b)(2), Commerce shall determine, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, countervailing duties on all appropriate entries covered by this review. Commerce intends to issue assessment instructions to CBP no earlier than 35 days after publication of the final results of this review in the Federal Register . If a timely summons is filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the assessment instructions will direct CBP not to liquidate relevant entries until the time for parties to file a request for a statutory injunction has expired ( i.e., within 90 days of publication).

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

This notice also serves as a final reminder to parties subject to an APO of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written 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 subject to sanction.

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

On August 26, 2020, Commerce published in the Federal Register the AD and CVD orders on utility scale wind towers from Canada, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Korea. 1 On July 1, 2025, the ITC instituted, 2 and Commerce initiated, 3 the first sunset review of the Orders, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). As a result of its reviews, Commerce determined that revocation of the Orders would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and, countervailable subsidies, and therefore, notified the ITC of the magnitude of the margins of dumping and subsidy rates likely to prevail should the Orders be revoked. 4

On March 16, 2026, the ITC published its determination, pursuant to sections 751(c) and 752(a) of the Act, that revocation of the Orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the United States within a reasonably foreseeable time. 5

The merchandise covered by these Orders consists of certain wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof. Certain wind towers support the nacelle and rotor blades in a wind turbine with a minimum rated electrical power generation capacity in excess of 100 kilowatts and with a minimum height of 50 meters measured from the base of the tower to the bottom of the nacelle ( i.e., where the top of the tower and nacelle are joined) when fully assembled.

A wind tower section consists of, at a minimum, multiple steel plates rolled into cylindrical or conical shapes and welded together (or otherwise attached) to form a steel shell, regardless of coating, end-finish, painting, treatment, or method of manufacture, and with or without flanges, doors, or internal or external components ( e.g., flooring/decking, ladders, lifts, electrical buss boxes, electrical cabling, conduit, cable harness for nacelle generator, interior lighting, tool and storage lockers) attached to the wind tower section. Several wind tower sections are normally required to form a completed wind tower.

Wind towers and sections thereof are included within the scope whether or not they are joined with non-subject merchandise, such as nacelles or rotor blades, and whether or not they have internal or external components attached to the subject merchandise.

Specifically excluded from the scope are nacelles and rotor blades, regardless of whether they are attached to the wind tower. Also excluded are any internal or external components which are not attached to the wind towers or sections thereof, unless those components are shipped with the tower sections.

Merchandise covered by these Orders is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 7308.20.0020 or 8502.31.0000. Wind towers of iron or steel are classified under HTSUS 7308.20.0020 when imported separately as a tower or tower section(s). Wind towers may be classified under HTSUS 8502.31.0000 when imported as combination goods with a wind turbine ( i.e., accompanying nacelles and/or rotor blades). While the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these Orders is dispositive.

The merchandise covered by this Order consists of certain wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof. Certain wind towers support the nacelle and rotor blades in a wind turbine with a minimum rated electrical power generation capacity in excess of 100 kilowatts and with a minimum height of 50 meters measured from the base of the tower to the bottom of the nacelle ( i.e., where the top of the tower and nacelle are joined) when fully assembled.

A wind tower section consists of, at a minimum, multiple steel plates rolled into cylindrical or conical shapes and welded together (or otherwise attached) to form a steel shell, regardless of coating, end-finish, painting, treatment, or method of manufacture, and with or without flanges, doors, or internal or external components ( e.g., flooring/decking, ladders, lifts, electrical buss boxes, electrical cabling, conduit, cable harness for nacelle generator, interior lighting, tool and storage lockers) attached to the wind tower section. Several wind tower sections are normally required to form a completed wind tower.

Wind towers and sections thereof are included within the scope whether or not they are joined with nonsubject merchandise, such as nacelles or rotor blades, and whether or not they have internal or external components attached to the subject merchandise.

Specifically excluded from the scope are nacelles and rotor blades, regardless of whether they are attached to the wind tower. Also excluded are any internal or external components which are not attached to the wind towers or sections thereof, unless those components are shipped with the tower sections.

Further, excluded from the scope are any products covered by the existing antidumping duty order on utility scale wind towers from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. See Utility Scale Wind Towers from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Antidumping Duty Order, 78 FR 11150 (February 15, 2013).

Merchandise covered by these orders is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 7308.20.0020 or 8502.31.0000. Wind towers of iron or steel are classified under HTSUS 7308.20.0020 when imported separately as a tower or tower section(s). Wind towers may be classified under HTSUS 8502.31.0000 when imported as combination goods with a wind turbine ( i.e., accompanying nacelles and/or rotor blades). While the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the Order is dispositive.

As a result of the determinations by Commerce and the ITC that revocation of the Orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping, countervailable subsidies, and material injury to an industry in the United States, pursuant to section 751(d)(2) of the Act, Commerce hereby orders the continuation of the Orders. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect AD and CVD cash deposits at the rates in effect at the time of entry for all imports of subject merchandise.

The effective date of the continuation of the Orders will be March 13, 2026. 6 Pursuant to section 751(c)(2) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.218(c)(2), Commerce intends to initiate the next five-year reviews of the Orders not later than 30 days prior to fifth anniversary of the date of the last determination by the ITC.

This notice also serves as a final reminder to parties subject to an APO of their responsibility concerning the return or destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3), which continues to govern business proprietary information in this segment of the proceeding. Timely written 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.

These five-year (sunset) reviews and this notice are in accordance with sections 751(c) and 751(d)(2) of the Act and published in accordance with section 777(i) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.218(f)(4).

On May 2, 2019, Commerce published in the Federal Register an AD order on LDWP from Canada. 1 On January 26, 2026, Interpro requested that, pursuant to section 751(b)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), 19 CFR 351.216, and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3), Commerce conduct an expedited CCR to determine that Interpro is the successor-in-interest to Evraz and accordingly to assign it the cash deposit rate of Evraz. 2 In its submission, Interpro stated that, effective July 31, 2025, Evraz underwent a change in corporate name and ownership when it was acquired by an American private equity firm and it now operates essentially the same business under the name Interpro. 3

The product subject to the Order is LDWP from Canada. 4

Pursuant to section 751(b)(1)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216(d), Commerce conducts a CCR upon receipt of information concerning, or a request from, an interested party for a review of an AD order which shows changed circumstances sufficient to warrant a review of the order. The information submitted by Interpro supporting its claim that it is the successor-in-interest Evraz demonstrates changed circumstances sufficient to warrant the initiation of such a review. 5 Therefore, in accordance with section 751(b)(1)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216(d) and (e), we are initiating a CCR.

In making a successor-in-interest determination, Commerce examines several factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the following: (1) management; (2) production facilities; (3) supplier relationships; and (4) customer base. 6 While no single factor or combination of factors will necessarily provide a dispositive indication of a successor-in-interest relationship, generally, Commerce will consider the new company to be the successor to the previous company if the new company's resulting operation is not materially dissimilar to that of its predecessor. 7 Thus, if the record evidence demonstrates that, with respect to the production and sale of the subject merchandise, the new company operates as the same business entity as the predecessor company, Commerce may assign the new company the cash deposit rate of its predecessor. 8

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3)(ii), Commerce may combine the notices of initiation and preliminary results of a CCR into a single notice if it concludes the expedited action is warranted. We have determined that it is appropriate to further consider, and potentially seek additional information regarding, certain factors noted above that Commerce examines successor-in-interest CCRs. Therefore, we have determined that expedited action is not warranted and we have not combined the notice of preliminary results of the CCR with this notice. Commerce intends to publish in the Federal Register a notice of the preliminary results of this CCR, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(b)(4) and (c)(3)(i), which will set forth Commerce's preliminary factual and legal conclusions. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.221(b)(4)(ii), interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on the preliminary results.

Unless extended, Commerce intends to issue the final results of this CCR within 270 days after the date of initiation, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.216(e).

We are issuing this notice in accordance with sections 751(b)(1) and 777(i) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216(b) and 351.221(b)(1).

On July 11, 2025, Commerce published in the Federal Register the Preliminary Results of this administrative review. 1 From July 28, 2025 through July 31, 2025, Commerce conducted verification of Navigator's questionnaire responses. 2 On September 30, 2025, Commerce extended the deadline for the final results to January 7, 2026. 3 On December 12, 2025, we invited interested parties to comment. 4

Due to the lapse in appropriations and Federal Government shutdown, on November 14, 2025, Commerce tolled all deadlines in administrative proceedings by 47 days. 5 Additionally, due to a backlog of documents that were electronically filed via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) during the Federal Government shutdown, on November 24, 2025, Commerce tolled all deadlines in administrative proceedings by an additional 21 days. 6 Accordingly, the deadline for these final results is now March 16, 2026.

For a complete description of the events that occurred since Commerce published the Preliminary Results, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum. 7 The Issues and Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via 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.

Commerce conducted this review in accordance with section 751(a)(1)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act).

The merchandise subject to the Order is certain uncoated paper from Portugal. For a full description of the scope, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

All issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs are listed in the appendix to this notice and addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum. A list of the issues addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum is attached to this notice as an Appendix.

Based on a review of the record, we made certain changes to the preliminary margin calculations for Navigator. For a detailed discussion of the changes since the Preliminary Results, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.

As a result of this review, we determine the following weighted-average dumping margin for the period March 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024:

We intend to disclose the calculations performed for the final results of this review to parties in this proceeding within five days after public announcement of the final results or, if there is no public announcement, within five days of the date of publication of this notice in the Final Register, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b). 9

Pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1), Commerce has determined, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, antidumping duties on all appropriate entries of subject merchandise in accordance with the final results of this review.

Because Navigator's weighted-average dumping margin is not zero or de minimis ( i.e., less than 0.5 percent) in the final results of this review, we calculated importer-specific assessment rates based on the ratio of the total amount of dumping calculated for each importer's examined sales and the total entered value of those same sales in accordance with 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1). Where an importer-specific assessment rate is zero or de minimis ( i.e., less than 0.5 percent), the entries by that importer will be liquidated without regard to antidumping duties.

Commerce's “automatic assessment” practice will apply to entries of subject merchandise during the POR produced by Navigator for which it did not know that the merchandise it sold to the intermediary ( e.g., a reseller, trading company, or exporter) was destined for the United States. In such instances, we will instruct CBP to liquidate unreviewed entries at the all-others rate if there is no rate for the intermediate company(ies) involved in the transaction. 10

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

The following cash deposit requirements will be effective for all shipments of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of the final results as provided by section 751(a)(2) of the Act: (1) the cash deposit rate for subject merchandise exported by Navigator will be equal to the weighted-average dumping margin established in these final results of this administrative review; (2) for merchandise exported by producers or exporters not covered in this review but covered in a prior completed segment of this proceeding, the cash deposit rate will continue to be the company-specific rate published in the completed segment for the most recent period; (3) if the exporter is not a firm covered in this review or a completed prior segment of this proceeding but the producer is, then the cash deposit rate will be the cash deposit rate established for the most recently completed segment of this proceeding for the producer of the subject merchandise; and (4) the cash deposit rate for all other producers and exporters will continue to be 7.80 percent, 11 the all-others rate established in the less-than-fair-value investigation.

These cash deposit requirements, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further notice.

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

This notice serves as the only reminder to parties subject to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written 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 the terms of an APO is a violation subject to sanction.

We are issuing and publishing these results in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(5).

On January 14, 2026, pursuant to section 781(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 19 CFR 351.226(i), Accuride and Maxion (domestic interested parties) filed a circumvention inquiry request alleging that certain steel wheels finished in Thailand using hot-rolled steel (HRS) produced in China, and subsequently exported from Thailand to the United States are circumventing the AD and CVD orders on certain steel wheels from China  1 and, accordingly, should be included within the scope of the Orders. 2 On January 26, 2026, an interested party, Asia Wheel Co., Ltd. (Asia Wheel), filed adequacy comments alleging the legal requirements to initiate a circumvention inquiry had not been met. 3 On February 2, 2026, domestic interested parties filed rebuttal comments in response to Asia Wheel's adequacy comments. 4 On February 9, 2026, we issued a supplementary questionnaire to domestic interested parties to clarify the period of inquiry and period of comparison. 5 The domestic interested parties responded on February 12, 2026. 6

The merchandise subject to the Orders is certain on-the-road steel wheels, discs, and rims for tubeless tires, with a nominal rim diameter of 22.5 inches and 24.5 inches, regardless of width. Imports of the subject merchandise are currently classified under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings: 8708.70.4530, 8708.70.4560, 8708.70.6030, 8708.70.6060, and 8716.90.5059. Merchandise meeting the scope description may also enter under the following HTSUS subheadings: 4011.20.1015, 4011.20.5020, and 8708.99.4850. While HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the Orders is dispositive. For a full description of the scope of the Orders, see the Initiation Checklist. 7

The circumvention inquiry covers certain steel wheels finished in Thailand using HRS produced in China and subsequently exported from Thailand to the United States.

Section 351.226(d) of Commerce's regulations states that if Commerce determines that a request for a circumvention inquiry satisfies the requirements of 19 CFR 351.226(c), then Commerce “will accept the request and initiate a circumvention inquiry.” Section 351.226(c)(1) of Commerce's regulations, in turn, requires that each request for a circumvention inquiry allege “that the elements necessary for a circumvention determination under section 781 of the Act exist” and be “accompanied by information reasonably available to the interested party supporting these allegations.” Domestic interested parties alleged circumvention pursuant to section 781(b) of the Act (merchandise completed or assembled in other foreign countries).

Section 781(b)(1) of the Act provides that Commerce may find circumvention of an order when merchandise of the same class or kind subject to the order is completed or assembled in a foreign country other than the country to which the order applies. In conducting a circumvention inquiry, under section 781(b)(1) of the Act, Commerce relies on the following criteria: (A) merchandise imported into the United States is of the same class or kind as any merchandise produced in a foreign country that is the subject of an AD or CVD order; (B) before importation into the United States, such imported merchandise is completed or assembled in another foreign country from merchandise which is subject to the order or is produced in the foreign country that is subject to the order; (C) the process of assembly or completion in the foreign country referred to in section (B) is minor or insignificant; (D) the value of the merchandise produced in the foreign country to which the AD or CVD order applies is a significant portion of the total value of the merchandise exported to the United States; and (E) the administering authority determines that action is appropriate to prevent evasion of such order.

In determining whether the process of assembly or completion in a foreign country is minor or insignificant under section 781(b)(1)(C) of the Act, section 781(b)(2) of the Act directs Commerce to consider: (A) the level of investment in the foreign country; (B) the level of research and development in the foreign country; (C) the nature of the production process in the foreign country; (D) the extent of production facilities in the foreign country; and (E) whether or not the value of processing performed in the foreign country represents a small proportion of the value of the merchandise imported into the United States. However, no single factor, by itself, controls Commerce's determination of whether the process of assembly or completion in a foreign country is minor or insignificant. 8 Accordingly, it is Commerce's practice to evaluate each of these five factors as they exist in the foreign country, depending on the totality of the circumstances of the particular circumvention inquiry. 9

In addition, section 781(b)(3) of the Act sets forth additional factors to consider in determining whether to include merchandise assembled or completed in a foreign country within the scope of an AD or CVD order. Specifically, Commerce shall take into account such factors as: (A) the pattern of trade, including sourcing patterns; (B) whether the manufacturer or exporter of the merchandise that was shipped to the foreign country is affiliated with the person who, in the foreign country, uses the merchandise to complete or assemble the merchandise which is subsequently imported into the United States; and (C) whether imports of the merchandise into the foreign country have increased after the initiation of the investigation that resulted in the issuance of such order.

Based on our analysis of the domestic interested parties' circumvention inquiry request and supplemental questionnaire response, we determine that requesters have satisfied the criteria under 19 CFR 351.226(c), and thus, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.226(d)(1)(iii), we have accepted the request and are initiating the requested circumvention inquiry of the Orders. For a full discussion of the basis for our decision to initiate the requested circumvention inquiry, see the Initiation Checklist. The Initiation Checklist is available on ACCESS. ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov.

As explained in the Initiation Checklist, the information provided by requesters' warrants initiating this circumvention inquiry on a country-wide basis. Commerce has taken this approach in prior circumvention inquiries, where the facts warranted initiation on a country-wide basis. 10 As such, Commerce intends to issue questionnaires to solicit information from producers and exporters in Thailand concerning their shipments to the United States and the origin of steel plates being further processed into steel wheels ( i.e., the merchandise subject to the Orders ).

Commerce intends to base respondent selection on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. Commerce intends to place the CBP data on the record within five days of the publication of this initiation notice, which will be available on Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. Comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection should be submitted within seven days after placement of the CBP data on the record of the inquiry.

Commerce intends to establish a schedule for questionnaire responses after respondent selection. A company's failure to completely respond to Commerce's requests for information may result in the application of partial or total facts available, pursuant to section 776(a) of the Act, which may include adverse inferences, pursuant to section 776(b) of the Act.

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.226(l)(1), Commerce will notify CBP of this initiation and direct CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of entries of products subject to this circumvention inquiry that were already subject to the suspension of liquidation under the Orders and to apply the cash deposit rates that would be applicable if the products were determined to be covered by the scope of the Orders. Should Commerce issue affirmative preliminary or final circumvention determinations, Commerce will follow the suspension of liquidation rules under 19 CFR 351.226(l)(2)-(4). In the event that Commerce issues an affirmative preliminary or final circumvention that the products are circumventing the Orders, Commerce will instruct CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and to apply the applicable cash deposit rate.

Commerce will also instruct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits for any unliquidated entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, on or after the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the circumvention inquiries pursuant to paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii). In addition, pursuant to paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A), Commerce may instruct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits for any unliquidated entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, prior to the date of initiation of the circumvention inquiries, but not for such entries prior to November 4, 2021, the effective date of these provisions in the Final Rule. 11 These rules will not affect CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect to the suspension of liquidation or related measures for these entries, as stated in 19 CFR 351.226(l)(5).

In accordance with 19 CFR 351.226(d) and section 781(b) of the Act, Commerce determines that the domestic interested parties' request for a circumvention inquiry satisfies the requirements of 19 CFR 351.226(c). Accordingly, Commerce is notifying all interested parties of the initiation of this circumvention inquiry to determine whether certain steel wheels finished in Thailand using HRS produced in China, which are subsequently exported from Thailand to the United States, are circumventing the Orders. In addition, we have included a description of the products that are the subject to this inquiry and an explanation of Commerce's decision to initiate this inquiry as provided in the accompanying Initiation Checklist. 12 In accordance with 19 CFR 351.226(e)(1), Commerce intends to issue its preliminary circumvention determination no later than 150 days from the date of publication of the notice of initiation of this circumvention inquiry in the Federal Register . Furthermore, in accordance with section 781(f) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.226(e)(2), unless the circumvention inquiry is rescinded, in whole or in part, or extended, Commerce intends to issue its final determination within 300 days from the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the circumvention inquiry in the Federal Register .

This notice is published in accordance with section 781(b) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.226(d)(1)(iii).

The CHIPS for America Programs are authorized by Title XCIX—Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Pub. L. 116-283, referred to as the CHIPS Act or Act), as amended by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Division A of Pub. L. 117-167). CHIPS for America includes the CHIPS Incentives Program and the CHIPS Research and Development (R&D) Program. The CHIPS Incentives Program is administered by the CHIPS Program Office (CPO). The CHIPS Research and Development Program is administered by the CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO). Both offices are within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States Department of Commerce (Department).

CPO awarded CHIPS Direct Funding to select CHIPS Recipients to support workforce development for their projects (CHIPS Workforce Funds). To request CHIPS Workforce Funds, CHIPS Recipients submit Workforce Solution Funding Orders (WSFOs). WSFOs are specific plans designed to address current and anticipated staffing shortages through programs including, but not limited to, internships, apprenticeships, and training programs. CRDO intends to support workforce development activities that will expand participation in education and training programs relevant to microelectronics, including through the development of registered apprenticeships. This PRA approval request is for the collection of participant data for those participating in workforce development programs outlined in the WSFOs, funded by CPO, and workforce development activities supported by CRDO. This data collection will occur within a secure online system that is being developed.

In programs where participant data is being collected, program participants will input their own data such as full name, full address, full date of birth, race and ethnicity, sex, and educational attainment. The participant information that will be collected from individuals will help to facilitate program oversight to determine whether certain CHIPS-funded programs are effective and enable future program evaluation.

All participant data collected will be aggregated to provide insights to CHIPS for America and the CHIPS Awardee. Each CHIPS Recipient or Awardee will only be able to see insights specific to their own WSFOs. This enables CHIPS Recipients or Awardees to ensure that proposed activities are effective ( i.e., resulting in reduced staffing shortages) and enables CHIPS for America to monitor the implementation and impact of taxpayer funded workforce development activities in real time.

CHIPS for America intends to collect information from respondents electronically using a secure online system.

OMB Control Number: 0693-XXXX.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission—New Information Collection.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education; individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 35,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 2 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,155 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $54,654.60.

Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory to be eligible for CHIPS funding.

Legal Authority: CHIPS Act of 2022 (Division A of Pub. L. 117-167) (the Act).

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 subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).

The applicant requests a permit to take Weddell seals to assess the nature and underlying mechanisms that contribute to the significant heterogeneity observed in reproductive rates and animal fitness that exist within wild animal populations. To achieve project goals, a cohort of 20 female-pup pairs (10 high-quality, 10 low-quality) in Erebus Bay, Antarctica will undergo health assessments across the austral summer. Dive recorders will also be deployed during this time, and instruments will be recovered after the winter (gestational) foraging period. At each handling, female-pup pairs will be given a health exam, physiological samples collected, and instruments deployed to monitor dive behaviors. In addition, females will undergo a reproductive ultrasound examination during late lactation to track ovulation. Seals may be taken by capture and restraint for drug administration, biological sampling, blood sampling, instrumentation, marking, measuring, ultrasound, and weighing. Weddell seals may also be taken by harassment through counting surveys, collection of molt, scat, spew, urine, and unmanned aircraft systems for photogrammetry. Up to 15 unintentional mortalities of Weddell seals, including humane euthanasia if warranted, are also requested across the life of the permit. Samples collected during research would be imported back into the United States and may be exported to collaborators. Crabeater seals ( Lobodon carcinophagus ) may also be unintentionally harassed during research activities. The permit would be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

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

Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register , NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

On February 12, 2026 (91 FR 6624), the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice of proposed deletions from the Procurement List. This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503(a)(2) and 41 CFR 51-2.3.

After consideration of the relevant matter presented, the Committee has determined that the product(s) listed below are no longer suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 8501-8506 and 41 CFR 51-2.4.

I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were:

1. The action will not result in additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities.

2. The action may result in authorizing small entities to furnish the product(s) to the Government.

3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501-8506) in connection with the product(s) deleted from the Procurement List.

Accordingly, the following product(s) are deleted from the Procurement List:

This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503 (a)(2) and 41 CFR 51-2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions.

In accordance with 41 CFR 51-5.3(b), the Committee intends to add this services requirement to the Procurement List as a mandatory purchase only for contracting activity at the location listed with the proposed qualified nonprofit agency as the authorized source of supply. Prior to adding the service to the Procurement List, the Committee will consider other pertinent information, including information from Government personnel and relevant comments from interested parties regarding the Committee's intent to geographically limit this services requirement.

The following service(s) are proposed for addition to the Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agencies listed:

The following product(s) and service(s) are proposed for deletion to the Procurement List:

Background: The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is an independent Federal agency operating as the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. It oversees the AbilityOne Program, which provides employment opportunities through Federal contracts for people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the manufacture and delivery of products and services to the Federal Government. The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. chapter 85) authorizes the contracts.

Registration: Attendees not requesting speaking time should register not later than April 21, 2026. Attendees requesting speaking time must register not later than April 14, 2026, and use the comment fields in the registration form to specify the intended speaking topic(s). The registration link will be available on the Commission's home page, www.abilityone.gov, under News and Events.

Commission Statement: This regular quarterly public meeting will include updates from the Commission Chairperson, Executive Director, and Acting Inspector General.

Public Participation: The public engagement session topic is “Innovation in AbilityOne Products and Domestic Manufacturing.” Speakers are invited to highlight examples including, but not limited to, innovation, efficiency, speed, cost effectiveness, competitiveness, responsiveness to customer needs, reshoring/onshoring materials or components (to use domestic sources), supply chain management, and products developed from domestic raw materials.

The Commission looks forward to receiving comments and suggestions on the public engagement topic. During registration, you may choose to submit comments, or you may request speaking time at the meeting. The Commission may invite some attendees who submit advance comments to discuss their comments during the meeting. Comments submitted will be reviewed by staff and the Commission members before the meeting. Comments posted in the chat box during the meeting will be shared with the Commission members after the meeting. The Commission is not subject to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552(b); however, the Commission published this notice to encourage the broadest possible participation in its meeting.

Personal Information: Speakers should not include any information that they do not want publicly disclosed.

Status of all meetings below: Open to the public.

Matters to be considered at all meetings below: (1) Summary report by the President of the Mississippi River Commission (Commission) on national and regional issues affecting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Commission programs and projects on the Mississippi River and its tributaries; (2) District Commander's overview for the Commission on current project issues in the respective area; and (3) Presentations to the Commission by local organizations and members of the public giving views or comments on any issue affecting the programs or projects of the Commission and the Corps.

Time, Date and Place: 9:00 a.m., March 23, 2026. On board the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI at New Madrid, Missouri—City Front.

Time, Date and Place: 9:00 a.m., March 24, 2026. On board the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI at Memphis, Tennessee—Mud Island River Park Landing.

Time, Date and Place: 9:00 a.m., March 26, 2026. On board the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI at Vicksburg, Mississippi—City Front.

Correction—Time, Date and Place: 9:00 a.m., March 27, 2026. On board the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI at Baton Rouge, Louisiana—at Shamrock Maring, 900 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA.

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: RISE Award.

OMB Control Number: 1860-0510.

Type of Review: A reinstatement without change of a previously approved ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 100.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 400.

Abstract: The purpose of the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award is to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school and to inspire innovation and excellence among all classified school employees. A classified school employee is an employee of a state or any political subdivision of a state or an employee of a nonprofit entity who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional clerical and administrative services transportation services food and nutrition services custodial and maintenance services security services health and student services technical services and skilled trades. The terms used have the meaning given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). The U.S. Department of Education (Department) invites the governor of each state to nominate up to two classified school employees by November 1 annually. Prior to May 31 of each year, the Secretary of Education shall select a single classified employee to receive the national RISE Award for that school year. The Department will communicate the national honoree-s story in order to inspire other innovative practices and excellence among classified school employees nationwide.

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: Shaping the Future of Loan Repayment.

OMB Control Number: 1850-NEW.

Type of Review: A new ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 60.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 30.

Abstract: The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) requests clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct new data collection activities for the Shaping the Future of Loan Repayment: Participation and Repayment Progress in Federal Student Loan Plans study. This request covers telephone/virtual interviews with federal student loan borrowers in repayment.

IES seeks to understand which borrowers do and do not enroll in IDR plans, why they do so, how long they stay in their plans, their repayment behaviors, and other household finance and life course outcomes, as feasible. IES also seeks to understand the feasibility of rigorous investigation with potential to expand knowledge about student loan repayment plans. The data collected for this study will update what is known about borrowers' repayment plan knowledge and decision making. Findings will be disseminated via a report describing borrowers' understanding and awareness of repayment plans and features, as well as the reasons driving their plan choice.

This is the first and only request for the collection of data for this study.

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: Description of Today's TRIO Programs and Proposing Options for Future Outcome Evaluations.

OMB Control Number: 1850-NEW.

Type of Review: A new ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 5,472.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 5,768.

Abstract: The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) requests clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct new data collection activities for the Description of Today's TRIO Programs and Proposing Options for Future Outcome Evaluations study. This request covers two rounds of web-based survey data collection from TRIO grantee project directors/staff. This is the first and only request for the collection of data for this study.