80 FR 37728 - Notice of Intent To Grant a Buy America Waiver to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for the Purchase of Two Turnouts and One Crossover
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 126 (July 1, 2015)
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 126 (July 1, 2015)
| Page Range | 37728-37729 | |
| FR Document | 2015-16064 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 37728-37729] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-16064] [[Page 37728]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA-2012-0033] Notice of Intent To Grant a Buy America Waiver to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for the Purchase of Two Turnouts and One Crossover AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), United States Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of intent to grant Buy America waiver. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: FRA is issuing this notice to advise the public that it intends to grant the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), a waiver from FRA's Buy America requirement under 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(2)(B) for the purchase of one No. 20 RH 136RE Turnout, one No. 20 LH 136RE Turnout, and one No. 20 LH Crossover 136RE (Turnouts and Crossover) manufactured by VAE Nortrak North America, Inc. at its plant in Birmingham, Alabama, for use in the Kingston Track Capacity and Platform Improvements Project (Kingston Project). Nortrak will manufacture the Turnouts and Crossover at its plant in Birmingham, Alabama. The Turnouts and Crossover will contain four components (ZU1-60 steel left and right switch point rail sections and Schwihag roller assemblies and plates) not produced in the U.S. The roller assemblies and plates are manufactured in Switzerland, and the ZUl-60 steel switch point rail sections are manufactured in Austria. The total amount of foreign material under this waiver request amounts to approximately $126,000. The foreign material comprises approximately 8 percent of the Turnouts' $350,000 cost or approximately $56,000 and 10 percent of the Crossover's $700,000 cost or approximately $70,000. FRA believes a waiver is appropriate under 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(2)(B) for the ZUI-60 steel switch point rail sections and roller assemblies and plates because domestically-produced components meeting the specific needs of RIDOT and Amtrak are not currently produced in the U.S. DATES: Written comments on FRA's determination to grant RIDOT's and Amtrak's Buy America waiver request should be provided to the FRA on or before July 6, 2015. ADDRESSES: Please submit your comments by one of the following means, identifying your submissions by docket number FRA-2012-0033. All electronic submissions must be made to the U.S. Government electronic site at http://www.regulations.gov. Commenters should follow the instructions below for mailed and hand-delivered comments. (1) Web site: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the U.S. Government electronic docket site; (2) Fax: (202) 493-2251; (3) Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M-30, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001; or (4) Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the first floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: All submissions must make reference to the ``Federal Railroad Administration'' and include docket number FRA-2012-0033. Due to security procedures in effect since October 2001, mail received through the U.S. Postal Service may be subject to delays. Parties making submissions responsive to this notice should consider using an express mail firm to ensure the prompt filing of any submissions not filed electronically or by hand. Note that all submissions received, including any personal information therein, will be posted without change or alteration to http://www.regulations.gov. For more information, you may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or visit http://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John Johnson, Attorney-Advisor, FRA Office of Chief Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 493-0078, John.Johnson@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The letter granting RIDOT's and Amtrak's request is quoted below: Mr. Bernard Reynolds Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) 60 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, D.C. Mr. Michael Lewis Director Rhode Island Department of Transportation Two Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02903 Re: Request for Waiver of Buy America Requirement Dear Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Lewis: On January 26, 2015, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) requested a waiver from FRA's Buy America requirement to purchase one (1) No. 20 RH 136RE turnout, one (1) No. 20 LH 136RE Turnout, and one (1) No. 20 LH Crossover 136RE (Turnouts and Crossover) manufactured by VAE Nortrak North America, Inc. (Nortrak) for use in the Kingston Track Capacity and Platform Improvements Project (Kingston Project). Nortrak will manufacture the Turnouts and Crossover at its plant in Birmingham, Alabama, but the Turnouts and Crossover will contain several components (ZU1-60 steel left and right switch point rail sections and Schwihag roller assemblies and plates) not produced in the United States. The total amount of foreign material is approximately $126,000. For the reasons set forth below, FRA is granting a waiver for the purchase of the Turnouts and Crossover. FRA believes a waiver is appropriate under 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(2)(B) for the ZUI-60 steel switch point rail sections and Schwihag roller assemblies and plates because domestically-produced components meeting the specific needs of RIDOT and Amtrak for this application are not currently ``produced in sufficient and reasonably available amount or are not of a satisfactory quality.'' Amtrak has conducted significant market research to locate 100 percent compliant turnouts. Further, Nortrak has advised Amtrak that it is in the process of designing 100% domestic replacements for the Schwihag rollers and plates, and expects to have them fully tested and approved in one to two years. However, Nortrak will not complete the testing and approval process in time for use in the Kingston Project. In addition, Amtrak issued a competitive solicitation for the Turnouts and Crossover and received no Buy America compliant bids. On January 30, 2015, FRA provided public notice of this waiver request and a 15-day opportunity for comment on its Web site. FRA also sent an email notice to over 6,000 persons who have signed up for Buy America notices through ``GovDelivery.'' See http://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0782. FRA received no comments. This waiver applies only to the ZUI-60 steel switch point rail sections and [[Page 37729]] Schwihag roller assemblies and plates used in the Turnouts and Crossover installed in the Kingston Project. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(4), FRA will publish this letter granting Amtrak's and RIDOT's request in the Federal Register and provide notice of such finding and an opportunity for public comment after which this waiver will become effective. Questions about this letter can be directed to, John Johnson, Attorney-Advisor, at John.Johnson@dot.gov or (202) 493-0078. Sincerely, Sarah Feinberg Acting Administrator Issued in Washington, DC, on June 22, 2015. Sarah L. Inderbitzin, Deputy Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 2015-16064 Filed 6-30-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
![37728 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION means, identifying your submissions by Two Capitol Hill
docket number FRA–2012–0033. All Providence, RI 02903
Federal Railroad Administration electronic submissions must be made to Re: Request for Waiver of Buy America
[Docket No. FRA–2012–0033] the U.S. Government electronic site at Requirement
http://www.regulations.gov. Dear Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Lewis:
Notice of Intent To Grant a Buy Commenters should follow the On January 26, 2015, the Rhode Island
America Waiver to the Rhode Island instructions below for mailed and hand- Department of Transportation (RIDOT)
Department of Transportation and the delivered comments. and the National Railroad Passenger
National Railroad Passenger (1) Web site: http:// Corporation (Amtrak) requested a
Corporation for the Purchase of Two www.regulations.gov. Follow the waiver from FRA’s Buy America
Turnouts and One Crossover instructions for submitting comments requirement to purchase one (1) No. 20
on the U.S. Government electronic RH 136RE turnout, one (1) No. 20 LH
AGENCY: Federal Railroad docket site; 136RE Turnout, and one (1) No. 20 LH
Administration (FRA), United States (2) Fax: (202) 493–2251; Crossover 136RE (Turnouts and
Department of Transportation (DOT). (3) Mail: U.S. Department of Crossover) manufactured by VAE
ACTION: Notice of intent to grant Buy Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Nortrak North America, Inc. (Nortrak)
America waiver. Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M–30, for use in the Kingston Track Capacity
SUMMARY: FRA is issuing this notice to Room W12–140, Washington, DC and Platform Improvements Project
advise the public that it intends to grant 20590–0001; or (Kingston Project). Nortrak will
the Rhode Island Department of (4) Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on manufacture the Turnouts and
Transportation (RIDOT) and the the first floor of the West Building, 1200 Crossover at its plant in Birmingham,
National Railroad Passenger Corporation New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Alabama, but the Turnouts and
(Amtrak), a waiver from FRA’s Buy DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Crossover will contain several
America requirement under 49 U.S.C. Monday through Friday, except Federal components (ZU1–60 steel left and right
24405(a)(2)(B) for the purchase of one holidays. switch point rail sections and Schwihag
No. 20 RH 136RE Turnout, one No. 20 Instructions: All submissions must roller assemblies and plates) not
LH 136RE Turnout, and one No. 20 LH make reference to the ‘‘Federal Railroad produced in the United States. The total
Crossover 136RE (Turnouts and Administration’’ and include docket amount of foreign material is
Crossover) manufactured by VAE number FRA–2012–0033. Due to approximately $126,000. For the reasons
Nortrak North America, Inc. at its plant security procedures in effect since set forth below, FRA is granting a
in Birmingham, Alabama, for use in the October 2001, mail received through the waiver for the purchase of the Turnouts
Kingston Track Capacity and Platform U.S. Postal Service may be subject to and Crossover.
Improvements Project (Kingston delays. Parties making submissions FRA believes a waiver is appropriate
Project). Nortrak will manufacture the responsive to this notice should under 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(2)(B) for the
Turnouts and Crossover at its plant in consider using an express mail firm to ZUI–60 steel switch point rail sections
Birmingham, Alabama. The Turnouts ensure the prompt filing of any and Schwihag roller assemblies and
and Crossover will contain four submissions not filed electronically or plates because domestically-produced
components (ZU1–60 steel left and right by hand. Note that all submissions components meeting the specific needs
switch point rail sections and Schwihag received, including any personal of RIDOT and Amtrak for this
roller assemblies and plates) not information therein, will be posted application are not currently ‘‘produced
produced in the U.S. The roller without change or alteration to http:// in sufficient and reasonably available
assemblies and plates are manufactured www.regulations.gov. For more amount or are not of a satisfactory
in Switzerland, and the ZUl-60 steel information, you may review DOT’s quality.’’
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Amtrak has conducted significant
switch point rail sections are
market research to locate 100 percent
manufactured in Austria. The total Federal Register published on April 11,
compliant turnouts. Further, Nortrak
amount of foreign material under this 2000 (65 FR 19477), or visit http://
has advised Amtrak that it is in the
waiver request amounts to www.regulations.gov.
process of designing 100% domestic
approximately $126,000. The foreign FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. replacements for the Schwihag rollers
material comprises approximately 8 John Johnson, Attorney-Advisor, FRA and plates, and expects to have them
percent of the Turnouts’ $350,000 cost Office of Chief Counsel, 1200 New fully tested and approved in one to two
or approximately $56,000 and 10 Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, years. However, Nortrak will not
percent of the Crossover’s $700,000 cost Washington, DC 20590, (202) 493–0078, complete the testing and approval
or approximately $70,000. FRA believes John.Johnson@dot.gov. process in time for use in the Kingston
a waiver is appropriate under 49 U.S.C.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The letter Project. In addition, Amtrak issued a
24405(a)(2)(B) for the ZUI–60 steel
granting RIDOT’s and Amtrak’s request competitive solicitation for the Turnouts
switch point rail sections and roller
is quoted below: and Crossover and received no Buy
assemblies and plates because America compliant bids.
domestically-produced components Mr. Bernard Reynolds On January 30, 2015, FRA provided
meeting the specific needs of RIDOT Vice President and Chief Procurement public notice of this waiver request and
and Amtrak are not currently produced Officer a 15-day opportunity for comment on its
in the U.S. National Railroad Passenger Corporation Web site. FRA also sent an email notice
(Amtrak)
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
DATES: Written comments on FRA’s to over 6,000 persons who have signed
determination to grant RIDOT’s and 60 Massachusetts Avenue NE up for Buy America notices through
Amtrak’s Buy America waiver request Washington, D.C. ‘‘GovDelivery.’’ See http://
should be provided to the FRA on or Mr. Michael Lewis www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0782. FRA
before July 6, 2015. Director received no comments.
ADDRESSES: Please submit your Rhode Island Department of This waiver applies only to the ZUI–
comments by one of the following Transportation 60 steel switch point rail sections and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Notices 37729
Schwihag roller assemblies and plates FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You Privacy Act Statement
used in the Turnouts and Crossover may contact Daniel Yuska, Office of All input received at the forum will
installed in the Kingston Project. Environment, U.S. Department of be recorded and attributable to the
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(4), FRA Transportation, Maritime individual commenter and where
will publish this letter granting Administration, 1200 New Jersey appropriate on behalf of an association,
Amtrak’s and RIDOT’s request in the Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. business, labor union, etc. This
Federal Register and provide notice of Telephone (202) 366–0714. You may information will be placed on the DOT
such finding and an opportunity for send electronic mail to Daniel.Yuska@ public docket. You may review DOT’s
public comment after which this waiver dot.gov. complete Privacy Act Statement in the
will become effective. For access to the docket, go to http:// Federal Register published on April 11,
Questions about this letter can be www.regulations.gov at any time or to 2000 (65 FR 19476, 04/11/2011) or at
directed to, John Johnson, Attorney- Room W12–140 of the Department of http://www.dot.gov/privacy.html.
Advisor, at John.Johnson@dot.gov or Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
(202) 493–0078. Authority: 49 CFR 1.93.
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590,
Sincerely, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., * * * * *
Sarah Feinberg Monday through Friday, except Federal Dated: June 25, 2015.
Acting Administrator Holidays. To view the docket By Order of the Maritime Administrator.
electronically, type the docket number T. Mitchell Hudson, Jr.,
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 22,
2015.
‘‘MARAD–2015–0086’’ in the Secretary, Maritime Administration.
‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ [FR Doc. 2015–16180 Filed 6–30–15; 8:45 am]
Sarah L. Inderbitzin,
Click and Open Docket Folder on the BILLING CODE 4910–81–P
Deputy Chief Counsel. line associated with this forum.
[FR Doc. 2015–16064 Filed 6–30–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
META program seeks to foster DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
collaborative efforts among Federal
agencies, academia, industry and the Maritime Administration
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
public to address critical marine Voluntary Intermodal Sealift
Maritime Administration transportation environmental issues. Agreement/Joint Planning Advisory
Among the areas of current focus are Group Table Top Exercise
[Docket Number MARAD–2015–0086] aquatic invasive species, ballast water
and underwater hull growth, port and AGENCY: Maritime Administration,
Maritime Environmental and Technical Department of Transportation.
vessel air emissions, and alternative
Assistance (META) Program Forum
fuels and energy technologies. Through ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY: Maritime Administration, META, MARAD supports research,
Department of Transportation. development and demonstration of SUMMARY: The Voluntary Intermodal
innovative technologies for practical Sealift Agreement (VISA) program
ACTION: Notice.
applications to balance freight, requires a notice of the time, place, and
SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration passenger and environmental concerns nature of each Joint Planning Advisory
(MARAD), in cooperation with the with sustainable solutions. This support Group (JPAG) meeting be published in
Maryland Environmental Resource includes financial support for research the Federal Register. The full text of the
Center, will hold an open forum to and development activities, and VISA program, including these
solicit individual input to MARAD on fostering the exchange of information requirements, is published in Federal
the Agency’s Maritime Environmental and best practices. Register/Vol. 79, No. 209, 64462—
and Technical Assistance (META) 64470, dated October 29, 2014.
MARAD is holding this forum to On June 2–3, 2015, the Maritime
Program and key environmental issues provide information on the META
facing maritime transportation. Input Administration and the U.S.
concept, gather public input on Transportation Command co-hosted the
received will enable the Agency to identifying the key environmental
assess the effectiveness and utility of the 2015 Voluntary Intermodal Sealift
issues on which the META program Agreement Joint Planning Advisory
Program thus far, and will inform should focus its activities, and on how
MARAD and Department of Group Table-Top Exercise at Scott Air
MARAD might best structure the Force Base, Illinois. Participants of the
Transportation decision making program for the future. Specific topics of
regarding possible future research, Table Top Exercise (TTX) were required
discussion will include how MARAD to possess a secret clearance due to the
development and demonstration might be able to better focus requests for
projects. classified nature of the meeting and
proposals, and how to address various attendance was by invitation only. The
DATES: The forum will be held on levels of technology readiness. Maritime Administrator invited VISA
Wednesday, July 22, 2015, from 9:00 During the forum, MARAD carriers, Maritime Labor Unions,
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. representatives will explain the META Longshoreman Labor and designated
ADDRESSES: The event will be held at program and discuss current areas of U.S. Strategic Seaport personnel. In
the Conference Center of the Maritime focus and projects, followed by small addition, representatives from the
Institute of Technology and Graduate group discussions. Minutes will be kept Department of Transportation, the
of the discussion and posted by
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Studies (MITAGS), 692 Maritime Blvd., Maritime Administration and the
Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090 MARAD. Department of Defense (DOD) to include
(Telephone 866–656–5568). The facility MARAD will release further details on the Office of the Secretary of Defense,
has overnight accommodations. For this public forum, including times and U.S. Transportation Command, the
those interested in reserving MITAGS agenda, on its Web page at http:// Military Sealift Command and the
accommodations please feel free to call marad.dot.gov and on the DOT docket Surface Deployment and Distribution
410–859–5700. as they become available. Command attended the meeting.
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 13:19:25
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 13:19:25
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of intent to grant Buy America waiver. | |
| Dates | Written comments on FRA's determination to grant RIDOT's and Amtrak's Buy America waiver request should be provided to the FRA on or before July 6, 2015. | |
| Contact | Mr. John Johnson, Attorney-Advisor, FRA Office of Chief Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 493-0078, [email protected]. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 37728 |
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