81 FR 36181 - Relay Services for Deaf Blind Individuals
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 108 (June 6, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 108 (June 6, 2016)
| Page Range | 36181-36182 | |
| FR Document | 2016-13221 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 108 (Monday, June 6, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 36181-36182] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-13221] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 64 [CG Docket No. 10-210; FCC 16-69] Relay Services for Deaf Blind Individuals AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) extends the National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) as a pilot program for one additional year. The NDBEDP provides up to $10 million annually to support programs that distribute communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. Extending the pilot program enables the NDBEDP to continue providing communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind without interruption while the Commission considers whether to adopt rules to govern a permanent NDBEDP. DATES: Effective July 1, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosaline Crawford, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at phone: (202) 418- 2075 or email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Order (Order), Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals, CG Docket No. 10-210, FCC 16-69, adopted on May 26, 2016, and released on May 27, 2016. The full text of this document will be available for public inspection and copying via ECFS, and during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. The full text of this document can also be downloaded in Word or Portable Document Format (PDF) at: https://www.fcc.gov/general/disability-rights-office-headlines. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY). Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis This Order does not contain new or modified information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new or modified information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). Synopsis 1. In this Order, the Commission extends the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), as a pilot program, for one additional year, until June 30, 2017. The NDBEDP provides up to $10 million annually to support programs that distribute communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. The NDBEDP has operated as a pilot program since July 2012 and is currently set to expire on June 30, 2016. Extending the pilot program for an additional year will enable the NDBEDP to continue providing communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind without interruption while the Commission completes the proceeding that is underway to adopt rules to govern a permanent NDBEDP. 2. The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), 47 U.S.C. 620, directed the Commission to establish rules to provide up to $10 million annually from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Fund (TRS Fund) to support programs that distribute communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. In accordance with this directive, the Commission established the NDBEDP as a two-year pilot program, with an option to extend this program for an additional year. The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB or Bureau) launched the [[Page 36182]] NDBEDP as a pilot program on July 1, 2012. Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals, Report and Order, published at 76 FR 26641, May 9, 2011. To implement the program, the Bureau certified 53 entities to participate in the NDBEDP--one entity to distribute communications equipment in each state, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands--and selected a national outreach coordinator to support the outreach and distribution efforts of these state programs. On February 7, 2014, the Bureau extended the pilot program for a third year, until June 30, 2015. Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals, Order (CGB 2015). On May 27, 2015, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to obtain additional input from the public on how best to design and administer a permanent NDBEDP. Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf- Blind Individuals, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, published at 80 FR 32885, June 10, 2015. In addition, the Commission simultaneously issued an Order that extended the pilot program for an additional year, until June 30, 2016. Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals, Order, published at 80 FR 32857, June 10, 2015. 3. To ensure the uninterrupted administration of the NDBEDP until the conclusion of the rulemaking proceeding and the establishment of a permanent program for the delivery of communications equipment to low- income individuals who are deaf-blind, the Commission extends the existing NDBEDP pilot program rules for one additional year, until June 30, 2017. The Commission adopts this extension because it anticipates that this rulemaking proceeding and the implementation of new rules that may result will not be completed by June 30, 2016, when the rules governing the NDBEDP pilot program are scheduled to expire. 4. Many individuals who have received equipment and training under the NDBEDP have reported that this program has vastly improved their daily lives, significantly enhancing their ability to live independently and expanding their educational and employment opportunities. Extending the pilot program will serve the public interest because it will allow a seamless transition between the pilot and permanent programs. This extension will also provide greater programmatic certainty and stability to entities that are currently certified to participate in the NDBEDP in each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 5. Federal Rules Which Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With, the Commission's Proposals. None. 6. The Commission will send a copy of the Order, including a copy of the Final Regulatory Flexibility Certification, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA. Congressional Review Act 7. The Commission will not send a copy of the Order pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, because the Commission adopted no rules therein. See 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A). Rather than adopting rules, the Commission exercised its statutory authority to extend the NDBEDP as a pilot program by this Order for one additional year. Ordering Clause 8. Pursuant to the authority contained in sections 1, 4(i), 4(j), and 719 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 620, the Order is adopted. Federal Communications Commission. Gloria J. Miles, Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016-13221 Filed 6-3-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 36181
reclamation projects in Utah. The ■ 2. In § 10000.7, revise the first hours at the FCC Reference Information
Commission meets publicly to consider sentence of paragraph (a) to read as Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street SW.,
and act on agreements to carry out follows: Room CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554.
mitigation projects with various The full text of this document can also
partners, including State and Federal § 10000.7 Place of business; service of be downloaded in Word or Portable
process.
natural resource agencies and non-profit Document Format (PDF) at: https://
groups. The Commission has relocated (a) The principle place of business www.fcc.gov/general/disability-rights-
its place of business to 230 South 500 and offices of the agency are located at office-headlines. To request materials in
East, Suite 230 in Salt Lake City, Utah 230 South 500 East, Suite 230, Salt Lake accessible formats for people with
84102–2045. This rule updates the City, Utah 84102–2045. * * * disabilities (Braille, large print,
agency location where it is referenced in * * * * * electronic files, audio format), send an
43 CFR 10000.7(a). Dated: May 26, 2016. email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the
Mark A. Holden,
Consumer and Governmental Affairs
II. Procedural Requirements Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 202–
Executive Director.
A. Determination To Issue Final Rule 418–0432 (TTY).
[FR Doc. 2016–13215 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am]
Effective in Less Than 30 Days Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
The Commission has determined that Analysis
the public notice and comment This Order does not contain new or
provisions of the Administrative FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS modified information collection
Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b), do not COMMISSION requirements subject to the Paperwork
apply to this rulemaking. Because Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Public
updating the agency’s address is a 47 CFR Part 64 Law 104–13. In addition, therefore, it
matter of ‘‘agency organization, does not contain any new or modified
[CG Docket No. 10–210; FCC 16–69]
procedure, and practice,’’ it is exempt information collection burden for small
from notice and comment rulemaking Relay Services for Deaf Blind business concerns with fewer than 25
under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(A). The Individuals employees, pursuant to the Small
Commission has also determined that Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002,
there is good cause to waive the AGENCY: Federal Communications Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C.
requirement of publication 30 days in Commission. 3506(c)(4).
advance of the rule’s effective date ACTION: Final rule. Synopsis
under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). The public
benefits from having the regulations SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal 1. In this Order, the Commission
reflect the agency’s correct physical Communications Commission extends the National Deaf-Blind
address so it has accurate information (Commission) extends the National Deaf Equipment Distribution Program
on how to contact the agency. The use Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), as a pilot program, for one
of the incorrect address could result in (NDBEDP) as a pilot program for one additional year, until June 30, 2017. The
correspondence not reaching the additional year. The NDBEDP provides NDBEDP provides up to $10 million
agency. up to $10 million annually to support annually to support programs that
programs that distribute distribute communications equipment
B. Review Under Procedural Statutes communications equipment to low- to low-income individuals who are deaf-
and Executive Orders income individuals who are deaf-blind. blind. The NDBEDP has operated as a
Extending the pilot program enables the pilot program since July 2012 and is
The Commission has determined that
NDBEDP to continue providing currently set to expire on June 30, 2016.
making changes to its regulations to
communications equipment to low- Extending the pilot program for an
reflect its correct address does not
income individuals who are deaf-blind additional year will enable the NDBEDP
trigger any requirements under the
without interruption while the to continue providing communications
procedural statutes and Executive
Commission considers whether to adopt equipment to low-income individuals
Orders that govern rulemaking
rules to govern a permanent NDBEDP. who are deaf-blind without interruption
procedures.
DATES: Effective July 1, 2016. while the Commission completes the
List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 10000 proceeding that is underway to adopt
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
rules to govern a permanent NDBEDP.
Organization and functions. Rosaline Crawford, Disability Rights 2. The Twenty-First Century
Office, Consumer and Governmental Communications and Video
For the reasons set forth in the
Affairs Bureau, at phone: (202) 418– Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), 47
preamble, under the authority of 5
2075 or email: Rosaline.Crawford@ U.S.C. 620, directed the Commission to
U.S.C. 552 and section 301(g)(3)(A) of
fcc.gov. establish rules to provide up to $10
the Central Utah Project Completion
Act, amend part 10000 of Chapter III of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a million annually from the Interstate
title 43 of the Code of Federal summary of the Commission’s Order Telecommunications Relay Service
Regulations as follows: (Order), Twenty-First Century Fund (TRS Fund) to support programs
Communications and Video that distribute communications
PART 10000—ORGANIZATION AND Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, equipment to low-income individuals
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES
FUNCTIONS Relay Services for Deaf-Blind who are deaf-blind. In accordance with
Individuals, CG Docket No. 10–210, FCC this directive, the Commission
■ 1. The authority citation for part 16–69, adopted on May 26, 2016, and established the NDBEDP as a two-year
10000 continues to read as follows: released on May 27, 2016. The full text pilot program, with an option to extend
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. of this document will be available for this program for an additional year. The
620k(note); Sec. 301(g)(3)(A) of Public Law public inspection and copying via Consumer and Governmental Affairs
102–575, 106 Stat. 4600, 4625. ECFS, and during regular business Bureau (CGB or Bureau) launched the
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![36182 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
NDBEDP as a pilot program on July 1, employment opportunities. Extending I. Background
2012. Twenty-First Century the pilot program will serve the public
Communications and Video interest because it will allow a seamless As part of NASA’s retrospective
Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, transition between the pilot and review of existing regulations pursuant
Relay Services for Deaf-Blind permanent programs. This extension to section 6 of Executive Order 13563,
Individuals, Report and Order, will also provide greater programmatic Improving Regulation and Regulatory
published at 76 FR 26641, May 9, 2011. certainty and stability to entities that are Review, NASA conducted a review of it
To implement the program, the Bureau currently certified to participate in the regulations and published a final rule in
certified 53 entities to participate in the NDBEDP in each of the 50 states plus the Federal Register on March 12, 2015
NDBEDP—one entity to distribute the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, (80 FR 12946). As published, this rule
communications equipment in each and the U.S. Virgin Islands. contains errors due to inadvertent
state, plus the District of Columbia, 5. Federal Rules Which Duplicate, omissions. A summary of changes
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Overlap, or Conflict With, the follows:
Islands—and selected a national Commission’s Proposals. None.
outreach coordinator to support the 6. The Commission will send a copy • Subpart 1849.5 is removed in its
outreach and distribution efforts of of the Order, including a copy of the entirety. Section 1849.5 titled Contract
these state programs. On February 7, Final Regulatory Flexibility Termination Clauses contained a
2014, the Bureau extended the pilot Certification, to the Chief Counsel for prescription at 1849.505–70 for which
program for a third year, until June 30, Advocacy of the SBA. the associated clause at 1852.249–72
2015. Twenty-First Century had been previously removed by a final
Congressional Review Act rule published on March 12, 2015 (80
Communications and Video
Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, 7. The Commission will not send a FR 12935).
Relay Services for Deaf-Blind copy of the Order pursuant to the • Section 1852.214–71 is revised to
Individuals, Order (CGB 2015). On May Congressional Review Act, because the
correct a paragraph designation.
27, 2015, the Commission released a Commission adopted no rules therein.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to See 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A). Rather than List of Subject in 48 CFR Parts 1849 and
obtain additional input from the public adopting rules, the Commission 1852
on how best to design and administer a exercised its statutory authority to
permanent NDBEDP. Twenty-First extend the NDBEDP as a pilot program Government procurement.
Century Communications and Video by this Order for one additional year. Manuel Quinones,
Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Ordering Clause NASA FAR Supplement Manager.
Relay Services for Deaf-Blind
Individuals, Notice of Proposed 8. Pursuant to the authority contained Accordingly, 48 CFR parts 1849 and
Rulemaking, published at 80 FR 32885, in sections 1, 4(i), 4(j), and 719 of the 1852 are amended as follows:
June 10, 2015. In addition, the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), ■ 1. The authority citation for parts
Commission simultaneously issued an
Order that extended the pilot program 620, the Order is adopted. 1849 and 1852 continues to read as
for an additional year, until June 30, follows:
Federal Communications Commission.
2016. Twenty-First Century Gloria J. Miles, Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a) and 48 CFR
Communications and Video Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the chapter 1.
Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Secretary.
Relay Services for Deaf-Blind [FR Doc. 2016–13221 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am]
PART 1849—TERMINATION OF
Individuals, Order, published at 80 FR BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
CONTRACTS
32857, June 10, 2015.
3. To ensure the uninterrupted Subpart 1849.5 [Removed]
administration of the NDBEDP until the
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
conclusion of the rulemaking ■ 2. Remove subpart 1849.5, consisting
proceeding and the establishment of a SPACE ADMINISTRATION
of sections 1849.505 and 1849.505–70.
permanent program for the delivery of 48 CFR Parts 1849 and 1852
communications equipment to low- PART 1852—SOLICITATION
income individuals who are deaf-blind, NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT
the Commission extends the existing Supplement CLAUSES
NDBEDP pilot program rules for one
additional year, until June 30, 2017. The AGENCY: National Aeronautics and 1852.214–71 [Amended]
Commission adopts this extension Space Administration.
ACTION: Technical amendments. ■ 3. Amend section 1852.214–71
because it anticipates that this
rulemaking proceeding and the introductory text by removing
SUMMARY: NASA is making technical ‘‘1814.201–670(c)’’ and adding
implementation of new rules that may
amendments to the NASA FAR ‘‘1814.201–670(b)’’ in its place.
result will not be completed by June 30,
Supplement (NFS) to provide needed
2016, when the rules governing the [FR Doc. 2016–13227 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am]
editorial changes.
NDBEDP pilot program are scheduled to BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
expire. DATES: Effective June 6, 2016.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES
4. Many individuals who have FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
received equipment and training under Manuel Quinones, NASA, Office of
the NDBEDP have reported that this Procurement, Contract and Grant Policy
program has vastly improved their daily Division, via email at
lives, significantly enhancing their manuel.quinones@nasa.gov, or
ability to live independently and telephone (202) 358–2143.
expanding their educational and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Document Created: 2016-06-04 00:16:34
Document Modified: 2016-06-04 00:16:34
| 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 | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | Effective July 1, 2016. | |
| Contact | Rosaline Crawford, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at phone: (202) 418- 2075 or email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 36181 |
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