81_FR_81218 81 FR 80996 - DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)

81 FR 80996 - DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 222 (November 17, 2016)

Page Range80996-81003
FR Document2016-27645

This final rule establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures to be used by DoD personnel for the operation and management of the DoD ELAP. The DoD ELAP provides a unified DoD program through which commercial environmental laboratories can voluntarily demonstrate competency and document conformance to the international quality systems standards as they are implemented by DoD.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 222 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 222 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80996-81003]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27645]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

32 CFR Part 188

[Docket ID: DOD-2013-OS-0230]
RIN 0790-AJ16


DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)

AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and 
Logistics, DoD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, 
and provides procedures to be used by DoD personnel for the operation 
and management of the DoD ELAP. The DoD ELAP provides a unified DoD 
program through which commercial environmental laboratories can 
voluntarily demonstrate competency and document conformance to the 
international quality systems standards as they are implemented by DoD.

[[Page 80997]]


DATES: This rule is effective on December 19, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edmund Miller, 571-372-6904.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 15, 2015 (80 FR 61997-62003), the 
Department of Defense published a proposed rule in the Federal Register 
titled ``DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)'' 
for a 60-day public comment period. After the 60-day public comment 
period had completed, no public comments were received. As a result, no 
changes were made to the rule text.

Executive Summary

    The purpose of this regulatory action is to document the procedures 
for the operation and management of the DoD Environmental Laboratory 
Accreditation Program (ELAP). The legal authority for the regulatory 
action is Section 515, Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106-554), which directed the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue government-wide 
guidelines that ``provide policy and procedural guidance to Federal 
Agencies for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, 
and integrity of information (including statistical information) 
disseminated by Federal Agencies.'' OMB guidelines, provided by FR 
Volume 67, Number 36, page 8452 (February 22, 2002) required federal 
agencies to maintain a basic standard of quality and take appropriate 
steps to incorporate information quality criteria into DoD public 
information dissemination practices. The guidance further provided that 
DoD Components shall adopt standards of quality that are appropriate to 
the nature and timeliness of the information they disseminate. The DoD 
ELAP provides the standards for ensuring the quality, objectivity, 
utility, and integrity of definitive environmental testing data 
disseminated by DoD for the Defense Environmental Restoration Program 
(DERP).
    This rule includes a general overview of DoD ELAP and establishment 
of standard operating procedures. It utilizes the baseline quality 
systems requirements of The NELAC Institute (TNI) and ISO/IEC 17025 
standards, but alone neither of these standards meet the testing and 
analysis needs for DERP. Therefore the DoD Quality Systems Manual (QSM) 
for environmental laboratories serves as the standard for DoD ELAP 
accreditation. The QSM contains the minimum requirements DoD considers 
essential to ensure the generation of definitive environmental data of 
know quality, appropriate for their intended uses. These minimal needs 
are not met by TNI or ISO 17025 standards alone. The DoD ELAP includes 
procedures on how to evaluate and recognize 3rd party accreditation 
bodies; perform and document government oversight of the DoD ELAP to 
ensure ongoing compliance with program requirements and to identify 
opportunities for continual improvement; conduct project-specific 
laboratory approvals for specific tests not addressed in the DoD ELAP; 
and handle specific complaints concerning the processes established by 
the DoD ELAP or the QSM.
    Past DoD laboratory assessment programs were specific to each DoD 
Component and limited to available resources. This created an overlap 
in assessments and fewer opportunities for laboratories to participate 
on DoD contracts. This rule proposes to establish a program to allow 
qualified laboratories to received third-party accreditation and become 
eligible to provide environmental sampling and testing services for 
DoD. It will be a voluntary program open to any qualified laboratories 
wishing to participate, thereby promoting fair and open competition 
among commercial laboratories.
    Since laboratories fund their own participation in the 
accreditation process, it will allow DoD to focus its resources on 
providing oversight of laboratory contracts. By proposing to replace 
separate DoD Component-specific laboratory approval programs, the DoD 
ELAP will eliminate redundant assessments, promote interoperability 
across the Department, streamline the process for DoD to identify and 
procure competent providers of environmental laboratory services, and 
provide more opportunities for commercial laboratories to participate 
in DoD environmental sampling and testing contracts.
    The scope of accreditation under ELAP includes specific laboratory 
services such as the test methods used, type of material tested (soil, 
water, etc.), and type of contaminants measured. The evaluation of a 
test method also includes the use of internal laboratory standard 
operating procedures.
    Statement of Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 3701 promotes transfer and 
utilization of science and technology resources of the Federal 
government. Public Law 106-554 requires the Federal government to 
ensure the quality and integrity of information disseminated by Federal 
agencies. In response, the DoD ELAP sets forth requirements on 
environmental laboratories conducting analytical testing for DoD to 
generate documented quality data capable of being reproduced in 
accordance with commonly accepted scientific standards and practices.

Regulatory Procedures

Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and Executive 
Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review''

    Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distribute impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' because it does not: (1) Have an annual effect on 
the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material 
way the economy; a section of the economy; productivity; competition; 
jobs; the environment; public health or safety; or State, local, or 
tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency 
or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another 
Agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs, or the rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising 
out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles 
set forth in these Executive Orders.

Sec. 202, Public Law 104-4, ``Unfunded Mandates Reform Act''

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
(Pub. L. 104-4) requires agencies assess anticipated costs and benefits 
before issuing any rule whose mandates require spending in any 1 year 
of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation. In 
2014, that threshold is approximately $141 million. This rule will not 
mandate any requirements for State, local, or tribal governments, nor 
will it affect private sector costs.

Public Law 96-354, ``Regulatory Flexibility Act'' (5 U.S.C. 601)

    The Department of Defense does not expect this final rule would 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities

[[Page 80998]]

within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et. 
seq.). The rule establishes a policy to provide a unified DoD program 
for commercial environmental laboratories to voluntarily demonstrate 
competency and document conformance to the international quality system 
standards already implemented by DoD. The Department's experience with 
these laboratories indicates that the professional skill and technical 
requirements of the accreditation program limits the numbers of 
entities that are likely to be impacted by this rule to approximately 
100 entities. Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, 
does not require that DoD prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis.

Public Law 96-511, ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)

    It has been certified that 32 CFR part 188 does not impose 
reporting or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995. The requirements in this rule do not require OMB approval 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act as the information is collected by 
the four accreditation bodies and not the Department. These 
accreditation bodies accredit the laboratories to meet DoD standards 
for environmental sampling and testing.

Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism''

    Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an 
agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule (and subsequent 
final rule) that imposes substantial direct requirement costs on State 
and local governments, preempts State law, or otherwise has Federalism 
implications. This rule will not have a substantial effect on State and 
local governments.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 188

    Laboratories, Oversight.

0
Accordingly, 32 CFR part 188 is added to read as follows:

PART 188--DOD ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (ELAP)

Sec.
188.1 Purpose.
188.2 Applicability.
188.3 Definitions.
188.4 Policy.
188.5 Responsibilities.
188.6 Procedures.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 3701; Pub. L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763.


Sec.  188.1  Purpose.

    This part implements policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides 
procedures to be used by DoD personnel for the operation and management 
of the DoD ELAP.


Sec.  188.2  Applicability.

    This part applies to Office of the Secretary of Defense, the 
Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the 
Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, 
the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within 
the DoD (referred to collectively in this part as the ``DoD 
Components'').


Sec.  188.3  Definitions.

    Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for 
the purposes of this part.
    Accreditation. Third-party attestation conveying formal 
demonstration of a laboratory's competence to carry out specific tasks.
    Accreditation body (AB). Authoritative organization that performs 
accreditation.
    Assessment. Process undertaken by an AB to evaluate the competence 
of a laboratory, based on requirements contained in the DoD Quality 
Systems Manual for Environmental Laboratories (QSM), for a defined 
scope of accreditation.
    Change. A reissuance of the DoD QSM containing minor changes to 
requirements or clarifications of existing requirements necessary to 
ensure consistent implementation.
    Complaint. Defined in International Organization for 
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 
17025:2005, ``General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and 
Calibration Laboratories'' (available for purchase at http://www.iso.org/iso/store.htm).
    Contractor project chemist. Defined in Under Secretary of Defense 
for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Memorandum, ``Acquisitions 
Involving Environmental Sampling or Testing Services'' (available at 
http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/changenotice/2008/20080303/223.7.pdf).
    Corrective action response. Description, prepared by the 
laboratory, of specific actions to be taken to correct a deficiency and 
prevent its reoccurrence.
    Deficiency. An unauthorized deviation from requirements.
    Definitive data. Defined in DoD Instruction 4715.15, 
``Environmental Quality Systems'' (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/471515p.pdf).
    Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW) component principal. A 
voting member of the DoD EDQW.
    Errata sheet. A document prepared by the EDQW and issued by the 
EDQW chair, defining minor ``pen and ink'' changes that apply to the 
most recently issued version of the DoD QSM. Errata will be corrected 
in the next change or revision of the DoD QSM.
    Government chemist. Defined in USD(AT&L) Memorandum, ``Acquisitions 
Involving Environmental Sampling or Testing Services.''
    Government oversight. The set of activities performed by or on 
behalf of the DoD EDQW to provide assurance that ABs and assessors are 
providing thorough, consistent, objective, and impartial assessments 
within the specified scopes of accreditation and to identify 
opportunities for continual improvement of the DoD QSM and DoD ELAP.
    International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) mutual 
recognition arrangement (MRA). An arrangement through which ABs are 
evaluated and accepted by their peers for conformance to ILAC rules and 
procedures. To be accepted into the ILAC MRA, the AB must become a 
signatory to its requirements; specifically, it must commit to maintain 
conformance with the current version of Deputy Secretary of Defense 
Memorandum, ``Ensuring Quality of Information Disseminated to the 
Public by the Department of Defense'') and ensure that the laboratories 
it accredits comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
    ILAC MRA peer evaluation. The process through which ABs are 
assessed by other ABs and receive or maintain acceptance into the ILAC 
MRA.
    Project-specific laboratory approval. The set of activities 
undertaken by the DoD EDQW to assess whether a laboratory is competent 
to perform specific tests, in the case where no DoD-ELAP accredited 
laboratory is able to perform the required tests.
    Quality system. Defined in ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
    Recognition. The acceptance of an AB by the EDQW based on its 
demonstrated commitment to maintain signatory status in the ILAC MRA 
and accept the DoD ELAP conditions and criteria for recognition.
    Revision. A reissuance of the DoD QSM containing significant 
changes in requirements or scope. A significant change is one that 
could reasonably be expected to affect a laboratory's ability to comply 
with the requirement (i.e., the laboratory is likely to have to make a 
change in its quality system or technical

[[Page 80999]]

procedures in order to maintain compliance).
    Scope of accreditation. Specific laboratory services, stated in 
terms of test method, matrix, and analyte, for which accreditation is 
sought or has been granted.


Sec.  188.4   Policy.

    It is DoD policy, in accordance with DoD Instruction 4715.15, to 
implement the DoD ELAP for the collection of definitive data in support 
of the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) at all DoD 
operations, activities, and installations, including government-owned, 
contractor-operated facilities and formerly used defense sites.


Sec.  188.5   Responsibilities.

    (a) Secretaries of the Military Departments and Director, Defense 
Logistics Agency (DLA). The Director, DLA, is under the authority, 
direction, and control of the USD(AT&L), through the Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness. The 
Secretaries of the Military Departments and Director, DLA:
    (1) Provide resources to support project-specific government 
oversight for the collection of definitive data in support of the DERP.
    (2) Provide resources to support project-specific laboratory 
approvals, if required.
    (b) Secretary of the Navy. In addition to the responsibilities in 
paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary of the Navy plans, 
programs, and budgets for DoD EDQW activities necessary to support 
government oversight of the DoD ELAP.


Sec.  188.6   Procedures.

    (a) DoD ELAP Overview--(1) Introduction. (i) DoD ELAP provides a 
unified DoD program through which commercial environmental laboratories 
can voluntarily demonstrate competency and document conformance to the 
international standard established in ISO/IEC 17025:2005 as implemented 
by the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security 
Memorandum, ``DoD Quality Systems Manual for Environmental 
Laboratories'' (available at http://www.denix.osd.mil/edqw/upload/QSM-V4-2-Final-102510.pdf) (referred to in this part as the ``DoD Quality 
Systems Manual for Environmental Laboratories (QSM)''). The DoD QSM 
provides minimum quality systems requirements, based on ISO/IEC 
17025:2005, for environmental laboratories performing testing for DoD.
    (ii) DoD ELAP was developed in compliance with 15 U.S.C. 3701 (also 
known as the ``National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act''). 
Support and guidance was provided by the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, following procedures used to establish 
similar programs for other areas of testing. The DoD ELAP supports 
implementation of section 515 of Public Law 106-554, ``Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act, 2001'' and Office of Management 
and Budget Guidance, ``Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the 
Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information 
Disseminated by Federal Agencies'' (67 FR 8452) as implemented by 
Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, ``Ensuring Quality of 
Information Disseminated to the Public by the Department of Defense.''
    (iii) Using third party ABs operating in accordance with the 
international standard ISO/IEC 17011:2004(E), ``Conformity Assessment--
General Requirements for Accreditation Bodies Accrediting Conformity 
Assessment Bodies'' (available for purchase at http://www.iso.org/iso/store.htm), the DoD ELAP:
    (A) Promotes interoperability among the DoD Components.
    (B) Promotes fair and open competition among commercial 
laboratories.
    (C) Streamlines the process for identifying and procuring competent 
providers of environmental laboratory services.
    (D) Promotes the collection of data of known and documented 
quality.
    (2) Authority. Operation of the DoD ELAP is authorized by DoD 
Instruction 4715.15.
    (3) Program requirements. (i) Pursuant to DoD Instruction 4715.15, 
laboratories seeking to perform testing in support of the DERP must be 
accredited in accordance with DoD ELAP.
    (ii) The DoD ELAP applies to:
    (A) Environmental programs at DoD operations, activities, and 
installations, including government-owned, contractor-operated 
facilities and formerly used defense sites.
    (B) Permanent, temporary, and mobile laboratories regardless of 
their size, volume of business, or field of accreditation that generate 
definitive data.
    (iii) Participation in the program is voluntary and open to all 
laboratories that operate under a quality system conforming to ISO/IEC 
17025:2005 and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental 
Security Memorandum, ``DoD Quality Systems Manual for Environmental 
Laboratories.'' Laboratories may seek accreditation for any method they 
perform in accordance with documented procedures, including non-
standard methods. Laboratories are free to select any participating AB 
for accreditation services.
    (iv) To participate in DoD ELAP, ABs must be U.S.-based signatories 
to the ILAC MRA and must operate in accordance with ISO/IEC 
17011:2004(E).
    (4) Program oversight. In accordance with Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment Memorandum, 
``DoD Environmental Data Quality Workgroup Charter'' (available at 
http://www.denix.osd.mil/edqw/upload/USA004743-10-Signed-Memo-to-DASs-DLA-DoD-Envir-Data-Quality-Workgroup-Charter-1Oct10-1.pdf), the DoD 
EDQW:
    (i) Provides coordinated responses to legislative and regulatory 
initiatives.
    (ii) Responds to requests for DoD Component information.
    (iii) Develops and recommends department-wide policy related to 
sampling, testing, and quality assurance for environmental programs.
    (iv) Implements and provides oversight for the DoD ELAP.
    (v) Includes technical experts from the Military Services and DLA 
as well as an EDQW component principal (voting) member from each of the 
Military Services.
    (vi) Specifies the EDQW Navy principal, Director of Naval Sea 
Systems Command (NAVSEASYSCOM) 04XQ(LABS), serve as EDQW chair.
    (b) Maintaining the DoD QSM--(1) General. The DoD EDQW will 
maintain and improve the DoD QSM to ensure that:
    (i) The DoD QSM remains current in accordance with ISO/IEC 
17025:2005.
    (ii) Minimum essential requirements are met.
    (iii) Requirements are clear, concise, and auditable.
    (iv) The DoD QSM will efficiently and effectively support the DoD 
ELAP.
    (2) Procedures.-- (i) Annual review. At a minimum, the DoD EDQW 
will perform an annual review of the DoD QSM, based on feedback 
received from participants in DoD ELAP (e.g., DoD Components, 
commercial laboratories, and ABs). The review will also address any 
revisions to ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
    (ii) Ongoing review. As received, the DoD EDQW will respond to 
questions submitted through the Defense Environmental Network 
Information Exchange (DENIX) concerning the interpretation of DoD QSM 
requirements. DoD EDQW participants will forward all questions through 
their EDQW component principal to the DoD EDQW chair.
    (iii) Issuances. The DoD EDQW chair will prepare DoD QSM updates:

[[Page 81000]]

    (A) Correspondence. The DoD EDQW chair, in consultation with the 
EDQW component principals, will prepare correspondence (email or 
memorandum) providing responses to all written requests for 
clarification and interpretation of the DoD QSM. Depending on the 
significance of the issue, as determined by the EDQW chair, the 
response may also result in a posting to the frequently asked question 
(FAQ) section of the appropriate Web sites.
    (B) Errata sheets. Minor corrections to the DoD QSM, such as 
typographical errors, may be made by the issuance of an errata sheet 
defining ``pen and ink'' changes that apply to the current version of 
the DoD QSM. Following concurrence by all EDQW component principals, 
errata sheets will be issued as needed by the DoD EDQW chair. Errata 
will be corrected in the next change or revision to the DoD QSM.
    (C) Changes. Changes to the DoD QSM will be issued as necessary to 
reflect minor changes to requirements or clarifications of existing 
requirements that are necessary to ensure consistent implementation. 
Following concurrence by the EDQW component principals, changes will be 
issued by the DoD EDQW chair in the form of a complete DoD QSM.
    (1) The first change to DoD QSM Version 4 will be numbered Version 
4.1, the second change will be Version 4.2, etc.
    (2) Changes to the DoD QSM will be posted on DENIX in place of the 
previous version or change of the DoD QSM.
    (D) Revisions. A revision will be issued if one or more of the 
proposed changes could reasonably be expected to affect a laboratory's 
ability to comply with the requirement (i.e., the laboratory is likely 
to have to make a change in its quality system or technical 
procedures).
    (1) Once EDQW component principals have reached consensus on the 
proposed revision, the DoD EDQW chair will forward the proposed 
revision to all participating DoD ELAP-accredited laboratories and ABs 
for review.
    (2) The DoD EDQW will review and respond to comments received from 
the DoD ELAP-accredited laboratories and ABs within the designated 
comment period.
    (3) Following concurrence by the EDQW component principals, 
revisions will be issued by the DoD EDQW chair in the form of a 
complete DoD QSM.
    (4) A revision of Version 4 will be issued as Version 5, a revision 
of Version 5 will be issued as Version 6, etc.
    (5) The final revised version of the DoD QSM will be posted on 
DENIX in place of the previous version including any DoD QSM updates.
    (3) Continual improvement. The DoD EDQW will meet with the ABs on 
an annual basis to review lessons learned and identify additional 
opportunities for continual improvement of the DoD ELAP and the DoD 
QSM.
    (4) Data and records management. Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD EDQW 
will maintain all DoD QSM updates in accordance with Secretary of the 
Navy Manual M-5210.1, ``Department of the Navy Records Management 
Program: Records Management Manual'' (available at http://doni.daps.dla.mil/SECNAV%20Manuals1/5210.1.pdf).
    (c) Recognizing ABs.--(1) General. (i) The DoD EDQW will:
    (A) Use the procedures in this paragraph to evaluate and recognize 
third-party ABs in support of the DoD ELAP.
    (B) Develop and maintain the application for recognition, the 
conditions and criteria for recognition and related forms, and review 
submitted AB applications for completeness and compliance with DoD ELAP 
requirements.
    (ii) The DoD EDQW chair, following consultation with and 
concurrence by the EDQW component principals, grants or revokes AB 
recognition in accordance with this paragraph.
    (2) Limitations. Candidate ABs must be U.S.-based signatories in 
good standing to the ILAC MRA. ABs must maintain ILAC recognition to 
maintain DoD ELAP recognition. Because the EDQW continually monitors AB 
performance, no pre-defined limits are placed on the duration of 
recognition; however, the EDQW may revoke recognition at any time, for 
cause, in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(vii) of this section.
    (3) Procedures. (i) Upon receipt of an application for recognition, 
the DoD EDQW will review the application package for completeness. A 
complete application package must include:
    (A) Application for recognition.
    (B) Signed acceptance of the conditions and criteria for DoD ELAP 
recognition.
    (C) Electronic copy of the AB's quality systems documentation.
    (D) Copy of the most recent ILAC MRA peer evaluation documentation.
    (ii) If necessary to complete the review, the DoD EDQW will request 
additional documentation from the applicant.
    (iii) The EDQW component principals will review the application 
package for compliance with requirements. Prior to granting 
recognition, the EDQW component principals must unanimously concur that 
all application requirements have been met.
    (iv) Once the EDQW component principals have completed review of 
the application package, the DoD EDQW chair will notify the AB, either 
granting recognition or citing specific reasons for not doing so (i.e., 
indicating which areas of the application package are deficient).
    (v) Once recognition has been granted, the DoD EDQW chair will post 
the name and contact information of the AB on DENIX.
    (vi) With unanimous concurrence, the EDQW component principals may 
revoke recognition if the AB:
    (A) Violates any of the conditions or criteria for recognition.
    (B) Fails to operate in accordance with its documented quality 
system.
    (vii) Should it become necessary to revoke an AB's recognition, the 
DoD EDQW chair will notify the AB stating specific reasons for the 
revocation and remove the AB's name from the list of DoD ELAP-
recognized ABs.
    (viii) If recognition is revoked, the AB must immediately cease to 
perform all DoD ELAP assessments.
    (ix) ABs who have been denied recognition, or ABs whose recognition 
has been revoked, may appeal that decision.
    (A) Within 15 calendar days of its receipt of a notice denying or 
revoking recognition, the AB must submit to the DoD EDQW chair a 
written statement with supporting documentation contesting the denial 
or revocation.
    (B) The submission must demonstrate that:
    (1) Clear, factual errors were made by the DoD EDQW during the 
review of the AB's application for recognition; or
    (2) The decision to revoke recognition was based on clear, factual 
errors, and that the AB would have been determined to meet all 
requirements for recognition if those errors had been corrected.
    (x) The DoD EDQW will have up to 30 calendar days to review the 
appeal and provide written notice to the AB either accepting the appeal 
and granting, or restoring, recognition, or explaining the basis for 
denying the appeal.
    (4) Continual improvement. The DoD EDQW will meet with ABs on an 
annual basis to review lessons learned and identify additional 
opportunities for continual improvement of the DoD ELAP. On a 5-year 
cycle, at minimum, the DoD EDQW will evaluate whether the process for 
evaluating and

[[Page 81001]]

recognizing ABs is continuing to meet DoD needs.
    (5) Data and records management. Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD 
EDQW, will maintain copies of all application packages and associated 
documentation in accordance with Secretary of the Navy Manual M-5210.1.
    (d) Performing government oversight--(1) General. DoD personnel 
will use the procedures in this paragraph to perform and document 
government oversight of the DoD ELAP. Government oversight will include 
monitoring the performance of AB assessors during laboratory 
assessments, reviewing laboratory assessment reports, observing ILAC 
MRA peer evaluations, and evaluating AB Web sites for content on 
accredited laboratories.
    (2) Limitations. (i) DoD personnel performing oversight must 
observe, but must not participate in, laboratory assessments or ILAC 
MRA peer evaluations. Specifically, DoD personnel must not:
    (A) Offer specific advice to the laboratory regarding the 
development or implementation of quality systems or technical 
procedures;
    (B) Offer specific advice or direction to assessors or peer 
evaluators regarding accreditation processes, assessment procedures, or 
documentation of findings; or
    (C) Impede assessors, peer reviewers, or laboratory personnel in 
any way during the performance of their work, including technical 
procedures, document reviews, observations, interviews, and meetings.
    (ii) If, during the course of an assessment, questions by 
laboratory personnel or assessors are directed to DoD personnel, 
personnel must limit responses to specific text from the DoD QSM or 
published FAQs. DoD personnel must not render opinions regarding 
interpretation of the DoD QSM. If there are questions about the DoD QSM 
that require interpretation, DoD personnel must advise the assessor to 
contact the AB who may, if necessary, contact the DoD EDQW chair for a 
coordinated response.
    (iii) If DoD personnel observe any evidence of inappropriate 
practices on the part of assessors or laboratory personnel during the 
course of the assessment, they must record the observations and notify 
the DoD EDQW chair immediately (inappropriate practices are identified 
in the DoD QSM). DoD personnel must not call either the laboratory's or 
the assessor's attention to the specific practice in question.
    (3) Personnel qualifications. DoD personnel or contractors 
performing oversight must:
    (i) Meet the government chemist or contractor project chemist 
requirements contained in the USD(AT&L) Memorandum, ``Acquisitions 
Involving Environmental Sampling or Testing Services.''
    (ii) Have a working knowledge of the DoD QSM requirements and be 
familiar with environmental test methods and instrumentation.
    (iii) Obey all laboratory instructions regarding health and safety 
precautions while in the laboratory.
    (4) Procedures. (i) The DoD EDQW will maintain an up-to-date 
calendar of scheduled assessments and peer evaluations based on input 
from the ABs, peer evaluators, and assigned oversight personnel.
    (ii) Once an assessment or peer review has been scheduled, the EDQW 
component principals will determine if DoD oversight of the activity 
will be performed. The goal will be to observe a representative number 
of activities for each AB.
    (iii) The EDQW component principals will provide the DoD EDQW chair 
the names of personnel from their respective DoD Components who will 
participate in the oversight.
    (iv) The DoD EDQW chair will provide the AB with contact 
information for the oversight personnel.
    (v) If two or more DoD personnel are scheduled to monitor the 
assessment, the DoD EDQW chair will designate a lead that will be 
responsible for compiling an oversight report.
    (vi) The lead for the oversight activity will request a copy of the 
assessment plan from the AB's lead assessor and distribute it to other 
oversight personnel.
    (vii) The lead will review the assessment plan to determine the 
scope of accreditation and ensure that oversight personnel are assigned 
to monitor a cross-section of the assessment.
    (viii) Persons performing oversight will review previous oversight 
reports, if available, for the particular AB and assessors performing 
the assessment.
    (ix) Observing all health and safety protective measures, oversight 
personnel must accompany the assessor(s) as they witness procedures and 
conduct interviews, taking care not to interfere with the assessment.
    (5) Reporting. Within 15 calendar days of the onsite assessment, 
the lead for the oversight activity will complete an oversight report 
and forward the completed report through the appropriate EDQW component 
principal to the DoD EDQW chair.
    (i) The DoD EDQW chair will provide copies of the report to the 
EDQW component principals for review.
    (ii) After review by the EDQW component principals, the DoD EDQW 
chair will provide a summary of the oversight report to the AB 
performing the assessment.
    (6) Handling disputes. Laboratories must follow the AB's dispute 
resolution process for all disputes concerning the assessment or 
accreditation of the laboratory, including disagreements involving an 
interpretation of the DoD QSM arising during the accreditation process.
    (i) In the event the laboratory and the AB are unable to resolve a 
disagreement concerning the interpretation of the DoD QSM, either the 
laboratory or the AB may request the DoD EDQW provide an interpretation 
of the DoD QSM. The DoD EDQW chair will provide a written response to 
the laboratory and the AB providing the DoD authoritative 
interpretation of the DoD QSM. No review of this interpretation will be 
available to the laboratory or the AB.
    (ii) The DoD EDQW will not consider or take a position on requests 
by either a laboratory or an AB on a dispute concerning accreditation 
of the laboratory.
    (7) Continual improvement. The DoD EDQW will:
    (i) Review the ABs' assessment reports and the DoD oversight 
reports to evaluate the thoroughness, consistency, objectivity, and 
impartiality of the DoD ELAP assessments.
    (ii) Compare assessment reports across laboratories, ABs, and 
assessors.
    (iii) Compare DoD ELAP findings to findings from previous 
assessments.
    (iv) Identify opportunities for continual improvement of the DoD 
ELAP.
    (v) Meet with ABs on an annual basis to review lessons learned and 
identify additional opportunities for continual improvement of the DoD 
ELAP.
    (8) Data and records management. Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD EDQW 
will maintain copies of all oversight reports in accordance with 
Secretary of the Navy Manual M-5210.1.
    (e) Conducting project-specific laboratory approvals--(1) General. 
The DoD EDQW will use the procedures in this paragraph to conduct 
project-specific laboratory approvals for specific tests in the rare 
instances when DoD is unable to identify a DoD ELAP-accredited 
laboratory capable of providing the required services. This will ensure 
that competent laboratories

[[Page 81002]]

are used to support DoD environmental projects. Examples of these rare 
instances include:
    (i) The required method, matrix, or analyte is not included in the 
scope of accreditation for any existing DoD ELAP-accredited 
laboratories.
    (ii) The required method, matrix, and analyte combination is 
included in the scope of accreditation for an existing accredited 
laboratory; however, the laboratory is unable to meet one or more of 
the project-specific measurement performance criteria.
    (2) Limitations. (i) Project-specific laboratory approvals are not 
to be used as substitutes for the required DoD ELAP-accreditation.
    (ii) The DoD EDQW will not perform project-specific laboratory 
approvals in cases where one or more DoD ELAP-accredited laboratories 
capable of meeting project-specific requirements are available.
    (iii) The project-specific laboratory approval is a one-time 
approval, the specific terms of which will be outlined in the approval 
notice issued by the DoD EDQW.
    (3) Personnel qualifications. DoD personnel and contractors 
assessing laboratories for the purpose of performing project-specific 
laboratory approvals must meet the government chemist or contractor 
project chemist requirements contained in USD(AT&L) Memorandum, 
``Acquisitions Involving Environmental Sampling or Testing Services.'' 
Personnel must have a working knowledge of the DoD QSM requirements and 
be familiar with required environmental test methods and 
instrumentation.
    (4) Procedures. (i) If a project-specific laboratory approval is 
requested, the DoD EDQW will request and review a copy of the project's 
quality assurance project plan (QAPP).
    (ii) If, after review of the QAPP, the DoD EDQW determines that an 
existing DoD ELAP-accredited laboratory is available to provide the 
required services, the laboratory contact information will be provided 
to the project manager requesting assistance.
    (iii) If, after review of the QAPP, the DoD EDQW determines that no 
existing DoD ELAP-accredited laboratory is available to provide the 
required services, the DoD EDQW will:
    (A) Work with the project team to determine whether the use of 
alternative procedures by an existing DoD ELAP-accredited laboratory is 
feasible;
    (B) Determine if the required services can be added to the scope of 
accreditation of an existing DoD ELAP-accredited laboratory; or
    (C) Work with the project team to identify a candidate laboratory 
for project-specific laboratory approval.
    (iv) If a project-specific approval is needed, the DoD EDQW will:
    (A) Determine the type of assessment required (on-site, document 
review, etc.).
    (B) Determine if additional funding is required to support the 
assessment. If additional funding is required, the DoD EDQW will 
provide a cost estimate and work with the project manager to establish 
funding.
    (v) If the DoD EDQW determines that a project-specific laboratory 
approval is warranted and resources (including funding and technical 
expertise) are available to support the assessment, the DoD EDQW chair 
will coordinate with the EDQW component principals to appoint an 
assessment team with appropriate technical backgrounds.
    (vi) The DoD EDQW chair will designate an assessment team leader. 
The assessment team leader will:
    (A) Request the documentation needed to perform the assessment.
    (B) Assign responsibilities for individual members of the 
assessment team, if appropriate.
    (C) Coordinate the document reviews.
    (D) Lead the assessment team in the performance of the on-site 
assessment, if required.
    (E) Provide a report to the DoD EDQW chair. The report will 
identify whether:
    (1) The laboratory is capable of meeting all project-specific 
requirements.
    (2) Documentation procedures are in place to provide data that are 
scientifically valid, defensible, and reproducible.
    (3) Any deficiencies must be corrected prior to granting the 
project-specific laboratory approval.
    (vii) The DoD EDQW chair, with concurrence by the EDQW component 
principals, will issue a report to the project manager and laboratory 
detailing the results of the assessment and any deficiencies that must 
be corrected prior to granting a project-specific laboratory approval.
    (viii) Upon receipt of the laboratory's corrective action response, 
if required, the assessment team will:
    (A) Review the laboratory's corrective action response for 
resolving the deficiencies.
    (B) Provide the EDQW component principals with a final report 
describing the resolution of findings and containing recommendations on 
whether to grant the project-specific laboratory approval.
    (ix) The DoD EDQW chair, with concurrence by the EDQW component 
principals, will prepare a report for the DoD project manager 
describing the results of the assessment and the status and terms of 
the project-specific laboratory approval. Information about project-
specific laboratory approvals will not be posted on Web sites listing 
DoD ELAP-accredited laboratories.
    (5) Continual improvement. The EDQW component principals will 
review project-specific laboratory assessment reports to evaluate the 
thoroughness, consistency, objectivity, and impartiality of project-
specific assessments and make recommendations for continual improvement 
of the DoD QSM and the DoD ELAP.
    (6) Data and records management. Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD EDQW 
will maintain copies of all laboratory records and project-specific 
assessment reports in accordance with Secretary of the Navy Manual M-
5210.1.
    (f) Handling complaints--(1) General. The DoD EDQW will use the 
procedures in this paragraph to handle complaints concerning the 
processes established in the DoD ELAP or the DoD QSM. The DoD EDQW will 
document and resolve complaints promptly through the appropriate 
channels, consistently and objectively, and identify and implement any 
necessary corrective action arising from complaints. Complaints 
generally fall into one of four categories:
    (i) Complaints by any party against an accredited laboratory.
    (ii) Complaints by any party against an AB.
    (iii) Complaints by any party concerning any assessor acting on 
behalf of the AB.
    (iv) Complaints by any party against the DoD ELAP itself.
    (2) Limitations. The procedures in this paragraph:
    (i) Do not address appeals by laboratories regarding accreditation 
decisions by ABs. Appeals to decisions made by ABs regarding the 
accreditation status of any laboratory must be filed directly with the 
AB in accordance with agreements in place between the laboratory and 
the AB.
    (ii) Are not designed to handle allegations of unethical or illegal 
actions as described in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (iii) Do not address complaints involving contractual requirements 
between a laboratory and its client. All contracting issues must be 
resolved with the contracting officer.
    (3) Procedures. (i) All complaints must be filed in writing to the 
EDQW chair. All complaints must provide the basis for the complaint 
(i.e., the specific

[[Page 81003]]

process or requirement in the DoD ELAP or the DoD QSM that has not been 
satisfied or is believed to need changing) and supporting 
documentation, including descriptions of attempts to resolve the 
complaint by the laboratory or the AB.
    (ii) Upon receipt of the complaint, the DoD EDQW chair will assign 
a unique identifier to the complaint, send a notice of acknowledgement 
to the complainant, and forward a copy of the complaint to the EDQW 
component principals.
    (iii) In consultation with the EDQW component principals, the DoD 
EDQW chair will make a preliminary determination of the validity of the 
complaint. Following preliminary review, the actions available to the 
DoD EDQW chair include:
    (A) If the DoD EDQW chair determines the complaint should be 
handled directly between the complainant and the subject of the 
complaint, the DoD EDQW will refer the complaint to the laboratory, or 
AB, as appropriate. The DoD EDQW will notify the complainant of the 
referral, but will take no further action with respect to investigation 
of the complaint. The subject of the complaint will be expected to 
respond to the complainant in accordance with their established 
procedures and timelines. A copy of the response will be provided to 
the DoD EDQW.
    (B) If insufficient information has been provided to determine 
whether the complaint has merit, the DoD EDQW will return the complaint 
to the complainant with a request for additional supporting 
documentation.
    (C) If the complaint appears to have merit and the parties to the 
complaint have been unable to resolve it, the DoD EDQW will investigate 
the complaint and recommend actions for its resolution.
    (D) If available information does not support the complaint, the 
DoD EDQW may reject the complaint.
    (E) If the complaint alleges inappropriate laboratory practices or 
other misconduct, the DoD EDQW chair will consult legal counsel to 
determine the recommended course of action.
    (iv) In all cases, the DoD EDQW will notify the complainant and any 
other entity involved in the complaint and explain the response of the 
EDQW to the complaint.
    (4) Continual improvement. The DoD EDQW will look into root causes 
and trends in complaints to help identify actions that should be taken 
by the DoD EDQW, or any parties involved with DoD ELAP, to prevent 
recurrence of problems that led to the complaints.
    (5) Data and records management. Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD EDQW 
will maintain copies of all complaint documentation in accordance with 
Secretary of the Navy Manual M-5210.1.

    Dated: November 14, 2016.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2016-27645 Filed 11-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P



                                                80996            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                and consistent with regulatory                           F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)                            extraordinary circumstances listed in 43
                                                objectives. E.O. 13563 further                             Under the criteria in section 1 of E.O.             CFR 46.215 that would require further
                                                emphasizes that regulations must be                      13132, this rule does not have sufficient             analysis under NEPA.
                                                based on the best available science and                  federalism implications to warrant the                K. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O.
                                                that the rulemaking process must allow                   preparation of a federalism summary                   13211)
                                                for public participation and an open                     impact statement. Therefore, a
                                                exchange of ideas. We have developed                     federalism summary impact statement is                  This rule is not a significant energy
                                                this rule in a manner consistent with                    not required.                                         action under the definition in E.O.
                                                these requirements.                                                                                            13211. Therefore, a Statement of Energy
                                                                                                         G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)                  Effects is not required.
                                                B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                                                                            This rule complies with the                        List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250
                                                  The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)                   requirements of E.O. 12988.
                                                requires an agency to prepare a                          Specifically, this rule:                                 Administrative practice and
                                                regulatory flexibility analysis for all                     (1) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)             procedure, Continental shelf,
                                                rules unless the agency certifies that the               requiring that all regulations be                     Environmental impact statements,
                                                rule will not have a significant                         reviewed to eliminate errors and                      Environmental protection, Government
                                                economic impact on a substantial                         ambiguity and be written to minimize                  contracts, Incorporation by reference,
                                                number of small entities. The RFA                        litigation; and                                       Investigations, Oil and gas exploration,
                                                applies only to rules for which an                          (2) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)          Penalties, Pipelines, Continental Shelf—
                                                agency is required to first publish a                    requiring that all regulations be written             mineral resources, Continental Shelf—
                                                proposed rule. (See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and                  in clear language and contain clear legal             rights-of-way, Reporting and
                                                604(a)). Because the FCPIA of 2015                       standards.                                            recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur.
                                                requires agencies to adjust penalties for                H. Consultation With Indian Tribes                    Amanda C. Leiter,
                                                the catch-up adjustment through an                       (E.O. 13175 and Departmental Policy)                  Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and
                                                interim final rulemaking, agencies are                                                                         Minerals Management.
                                                not required to complete a notice and                       The Department of the Interior strives
                                                comment process prior to promulgation.                   to strengthen its government-to-
                                                                                                                                                               PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND
                                                Thus, the RFA does not apply to this                     government relationship with Indian
                                                                                                                                                               SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE
                                                rulemaking.                                              tribes through a commitment to
                                                                                                                                                               OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
                                                                                                         consultation with Indian tribes and
                                                C. Small Business Regulatory                             recognition of their right to self-                   ■ Accordingly, the interim rule
                                                Enforcement Fairness Act                                 governance and tribal sovereignty. We                 amending 30 CFR part 250 which was
                                                   This rule is not a major rule under 5                 have evaluated this rule under the                    published at 81 FR 41801 on June 28,
                                                U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business                        Department of the Interior’s                          2016, is adopted as a final rule without
                                                Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.                     consultation policy, under Departmental               change.
                                                This rule:                                               Manual Part 512 Chapters 4 and 5, and
                                                                                                                                                               [FR Doc. 2016–27503 Filed 11–16–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         under the criteria in E.O. 13175. We
                                                   (1) Does not have an annual effect on                                                                       BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P
                                                                                                         have determined that it has no
                                                the economy of $100 million or more.
                                                                                                         substantial direct effects on federally
                                                   (2) Will not cause a major increase in                recognized Indian tribes and that
                                                costs or prices for consumers,                           consultation under the Department of                  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                individual industries, Federal, State, or                the Interior’s tribal consultation policy
                                                local government agencies, or                            is not required.                                      Office of the Secretary
                                                geographic regions.
                                                   (3) Does not have significant adverse                 I. Paperwork Reduction Act                            32 CFR Part 188
                                                effects on competition, employment,                         This rule does not contain
                                                investment, productivity, innovation, or                 information collection requirements,                  [Docket ID: DOD–2013–OS–0230]
                                                the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to                 and a submission to the OMB under the
                                                compete with foreign-based enterprises.                                                                        RIN 0790–AJ16
                                                                                                         Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
                                                D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                          3501 et seq.) is not required. We may                 DoD Environmental Laboratory
                                                                                                         not conduct or sponsor, and you are not               Accreditation Program (ELAP)
                                                   This rule does not impose an                          required to respond to, a collection of
                                                unfunded mandate on State, local, or                     information unless it displays a                      AGENCY:  Under Secretary of Defense for
                                                tribal governments, or the private sector                currently valid OMB control number.                   Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics,
                                                of more than $100 million per year. The                                                                        DoD.
                                                rule does not have a significant or                      J. National Environmental Policy Act
                                                                                                                                                               ACTION: Final rule.
                                                unique effect on State, local, or tribal                    This rule does not constitute a major
                                                governments or the private sector.                       Federal action significantly affecting the            SUMMARY:   This final rule establishes
                                                Therefore, a statement containing the                    quality of the human environment. A                   policy, assigns responsibilities, and
                                                information required by the Unfunded                     detailed statement under the National                 provides procedures to be used by DoD
                                                Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et                    Environmental Policy Act of 1969                      personnel for the operation and
                                                seq.) is not required.                                   (NEPA) is not required because the rule               management of the DoD ELAP. The DoD
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                                                                                                         is covered by a categorical exclusion                 ELAP provides a unified DoD program
                                                E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
                                                                                                         (see 43 CFR 46.210(i)). This rule is                  through which commercial
                                                  This rule does not effect a taking of                  excluded from the requirement to                      environmental laboratories can
                                                private property or otherwise have                       prepare a detailed statement because it               voluntarily demonstrate competency
                                                takings implications under E.O. 12630.                   is a regulation of an administrative                  and document conformance to the
                                                Therefore, a takings implication                         nature. We have also determined that                  international quality systems standards
                                                assessment is not required.                              the rule does not involve any of the                  as they are implemented by DoD.


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        80997

                                                     This rule is effective on
                                                DATES:                                                   their intended uses. These minimal                    testing for DoD to generate documented
                                                December 19, 2016.                                       needs are not met by TNI or ISO 17025                 quality data capable of being
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         standards alone. The DoD ELAP                         reproduced in accordance with
                                                Edmund Miller, 571–372–6904.                             includes procedures on how to evaluate                commonly accepted scientific standards
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:    On                         and recognize 3rd party accreditation                 and practices.
                                                October 15, 2015 (80 FR 61997–62003),                    bodies; perform and document
                                                                                                         government oversight of the DoD ELAP                  Regulatory Procedures
                                                the Department of Defense published a
                                                proposed rule in the Federal Register                    to ensure ongoing compliance with                     Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory
                                                titled ‘‘DoD Environmental Laboratory                    program requirements and to identify                  Planning and Review’’ and Executive
                                                Accreditation Program (ELAP)’’ for a 60-                 opportunities for continual                           Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation
                                                day public comment period. After the                     improvement; conduct project-specific                 and Regulatory Review’’
                                                                                                         laboratory approvals for specific tests
                                                60-day public comment period had                                                                                  Executive Orders 13563 and 12866
                                                                                                         not addressed in the DoD ELAP; and
                                                completed, no public comments were                                                                             direct agencies to assess all costs and
                                                                                                         handle specific complaints concerning
                                                received. As a result, no changes were                                                                         benefits of available regulatory
                                                                                                         the processes established by the DoD
                                                made to the rule text.                                                                                         alternatives and, if regulation is
                                                                                                         ELAP or the QSM.
                                                Executive Summary                                          Past DoD laboratory assessment                      necessary, to select regulatory
                                                                                                         programs were specific to each DoD                    approaches that maximize net benefits
                                                   The purpose of this regulatory action                                                                       (including potential economic,
                                                                                                         Component and limited to available
                                                is to document the procedures for the                                                                          environmental, public health and safety
                                                                                                         resources. This created an overlap in
                                                operation and management of the DoD                                                                            effects, distribute impacts, and equity).
                                                                                                         assessments and fewer opportunities for
                                                Environmental Laboratory Accreditation                                                                         Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the
                                                                                                         laboratories to participate on DoD
                                                Program (ELAP). The legal authority for                                                                        importance of quantifying both costs
                                                                                                         contracts. This rule proposes to
                                                the regulatory action is Section 515,                                                                          and benefits, of reducing costs, of
                                                                                                         establish a program to allow qualified
                                                Treasury and General Government                                                                                harmonizing rules, and of promoting
                                                                                                         laboratories to received third-party
                                                Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001                                                                        flexibility. This rule has not been
                                                                                                         accreditation and become eligible to
                                                (Public Law 106–554), which directed                     provide environmental sampling and                    designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                the Office of Management and Budget                      testing services for DoD. It will be a                action,’’ because it does not: (1) Have an
                                                (OMB) to issue government-wide                           voluntary program open to any qualified               annual effect on the economy of $100
                                                guidelines that ‘‘provide policy and                     laboratories wishing to participate,                  million or more or adversely affect in a
                                                procedural guidance to Federal                           thereby promoting fair and open                       material way the economy; a section of
                                                Agencies for ensuring and maximizing                     competition among commercial                          the economy; productivity; competition;
                                                the quality, objectivity, utility, and                   laboratories.                                         jobs; the environment; public health or
                                                integrity of information (including                        Since laboratories fund their own                   safety; or State, local, or tribal
                                                statistical information) disseminated by                 participation in the accreditation                    governments or communities; (2) create
                                                Federal Agencies.’’ OMB guidelines,                      process, it will allow DoD to focus its               a serious inconsistency or otherwise
                                                provided by FR Volume 67, Number 36,                     resources on providing oversight of                   interfere with an action taken or
                                                page 8452 (February 22, 2002) required                   laboratory contracts. By proposing to                 planned by another Agency; (3)
                                                federal agencies to maintain a basic                     replace separate DoD Component-                       materially alter the budgetary impact of
                                                standard of quality and take appropriate                 specific laboratory approval programs,                entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan
                                                steps to incorporate information quality                 the DoD ELAP will eliminate redundant                 programs, or the rights and obligations
                                                criteria into DoD public information                     assessments, promote interoperability                 of recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel
                                                dissemination practices. The guidance                    across the Department, streamline the                 legal or policy issues arising out of legal
                                                further provided that DoD Components                     process for DoD to identify and procure               mandates, the President’s priorities, or
                                                shall adopt standards of quality that are                competent providers of environmental                  the principles set forth in these
                                                appropriate to the nature and timeliness                 laboratory services, and provide more                 Executive Orders.
                                                of the information they disseminate.                     opportunities for commercial
                                                The DoD ELAP provides the standards                                                                            Sec. 202, Public Law 104–4, ‘‘Unfunded
                                                                                                         laboratories to participate in DoD
                                                for ensuring the quality, objectivity,                                                                         Mandates Reform Act’’
                                                                                                         environmental sampling and testing
                                                utility, and integrity of definitive                     contracts.                                               Section 202 of the Unfunded
                                                environmental testing data disseminated                    The scope of accreditation under                    Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
                                                by DoD for the Defense Environmental                     ELAP includes specific laboratory                     (Pub. L. 104–4) requires agencies assess
                                                Restoration Program (DERP).                              services such as the test methods used,               anticipated costs and benefits before
                                                   This rule includes a general overview                 type of material tested (soil, water, etc.),          issuing any rule whose mandates
                                                of DoD ELAP and establishment of                         and type of contaminants measured.                    require spending in any 1 year of $100
                                                standard operating procedures. It                        The evaluation of a test method also                  million in 1995 dollars, updated
                                                utilizes the baseline quality systems                    includes the use of internal laboratory               annually for inflation. In 2014, that
                                                requirements of The NELAC Institute                      standard operating procedures.                        threshold is approximately $141
                                                (TNI) and ISO/IEC 17025 standards, but                     Statement of Legal Authority: 15                    million. This rule will not mandate any
                                                alone neither of these standards meet                    U.S.C. 3701 promotes transfer and                     requirements for State, local, or tribal
                                                the testing and analysis needs for DERP.                 utilization of science and technology                 governments, nor will it affect private
                                                Therefore the DoD Quality Systems                        resources of the Federal government.                  sector costs.
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                                                Manual (QSM) for environmental                           Public Law 106–554 requires the
                                                laboratories serves as the standard for                  Federal government to ensure the                      Public Law 96–354, ‘‘Regulatory
                                                DoD ELAP accreditation. The QSM                          quality and integrity of information                  Flexibility Act’’ (5 U.S.C. 601)
                                                contains the minimum requirements                        disseminated by Federal agencies. In                    The Department of Defense does not
                                                DoD considers essential to ensure the                    response, the DoD ELAP sets forth                     expect this final rule would have a
                                                generation of definitive environmental                   requirements on environmental                         significant economic impact on a
                                                data of know quality, appropriate for                    laboratories conducting analytical                    substantial number of small entities


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                                                80998            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                within the meaning of the Regulatory                     procedures to be used by DoD personnel                   Environmental Data Quality
                                                Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et. seq.).                for the operation and management of the               Workgroup (EDQW) component
                                                The rule establishes a policy to provide                 DoD ELAP.                                             principal. A voting member of the DoD
                                                a unified DoD program for commercial                                                                           EDQW.
                                                environmental laboratories to                            § 188.2   Applicability.                                 Errata sheet. A document prepared by
                                                voluntarily demonstrate competency                          This part applies to Office of the                 the EDQW and issued by the EDQW
                                                and document conformance to the                          Secretary of Defense, the Military                    chair, defining minor ‘‘pen and ink’’
                                                international quality system standards                   Departments, the Office of the Chairman               changes that apply to the most recently
                                                already implemented by DoD. The                          of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint            issued version of the DoD QSM. Errata
                                                Department’s experience with these                       Staff, the Combatant Commands, the                    will be corrected in the next change or
                                                laboratories indicates that the                          Office of the Inspector General of the                revision of the DoD QSM.
                                                professional skill and technical                         Department of Defense, the Defense                       Government chemist. Defined in
                                                requirements of the accreditation                        Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and               USD(AT&L) Memorandum,
                                                program limits the numbers of entities                   all other organizational entities within              ‘‘Acquisitions Involving Environmental
                                                that are likely to be impacted by this                   the DoD (referred to collectively in this             Sampling or Testing Services.’’
                                                rule to approximately 100 entities.                      part as the ‘‘DoD Components’’).                         Government oversight. The set of
                                                Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility                                                                          activities performed by or on behalf of
                                                                                                         § 188.3   Definitions.                                the DoD EDQW to provide assurance
                                                Act, as amended, does not require that
                                                                                                            Unless otherwise noted, these terms                that ABs and assessors are providing
                                                DoD prepare a regulatory flexibility
                                                                                                         and their definitions are for the                     thorough, consistent, objective, and
                                                analysis.
                                                                                                         purposes of this part.                                impartial assessments within the
                                                Public Law 96–511, ‘‘Paperwork                              Accreditation. Third-party attestation             specified scopes of accreditation and to
                                                Reduction Act’’ (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)                   conveying formal demonstration of a                   identify opportunities for continual
                                                  It has been certified that 32 CFR part                 laboratory’s competence to carry out                  improvement of the DoD QSM and DoD
                                                188 does not impose reporting or                         specific tasks.                                       ELAP.
                                                recordkeeping requirements under the                        Accreditation body (AB).                              International Laboratory
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The                     Authoritative organization that performs              Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
                                                requirements in this rule do not require                 accreditation.                                        mutual recognition arrangement (MRA).
                                                OMB approval under the Paperwork                            Assessment. Process undertaken by an               An arrangement through which ABs are
                                                Reduction Act as the information is                      AB to evaluate the competence of a                    evaluated and accepted by their peers
                                                collected by the four accreditation                      laboratory, based on requirements                     for conformance to ILAC rules and
                                                bodies and not the Department. These                     contained in the DoD Quality Systems                  procedures. To be accepted into the
                                                accreditation bodies accredit the                        Manual for Environmental Laboratories                 ILAC MRA, the AB must become a
                                                laboratories to meet DoD standards for                   (QSM), for a defined scope of                         signatory to its requirements;
                                                environmental sampling and testing.                      accreditation.                                        specifically, it must commit to maintain
                                                                                                            Change. A reissuance of the DoD QSM                conformance with the current version of
                                                Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism’’                    containing minor changes to                           Deputy Secretary of Defense
                                                   Executive Order 13132 establishes                     requirements or clarifications of existing            Memorandum, ‘‘Ensuring Quality of
                                                certain requirements that an agency                      requirements necessary to ensure                      Information Disseminated to the Public
                                                must meet when it promulgates a                          consistent implementation.                            by the Department of Defense’’) and
                                                proposed rule (and subsequent final                         Complaint. Defined in International                ensure that the laboratories it accredits
                                                rule) that imposes substantial direct                    Organization for Standardization/                     comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
                                                requirement costs on State and local                     International Electrotechnical                           ILAC MRA peer evaluation. The
                                                governments, preempts State law, or                      Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025:2005,                      process through which ABs are assessed
                                                otherwise has Federalism implications.                   ‘‘General Requirements for the                        by other ABs and receive or maintain
                                                This rule will not have a substantial                    Competence of Testing and Calibration                 acceptance into the ILAC MRA.
                                                effect on State and local governments.                   Laboratories’’ (available for purchase at                Project-specific laboratory approval.
                                                                                                         http://www.iso.org/iso/store.htm).                    The set of activities undertaken by the
                                                List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 188                         Contractor project chemist. Defined in             DoD EDQW to assess whether a
                                                  Laboratories, Oversight.                               Under Secretary of Defense for                        laboratory is competent to perform
                                                ■ Accordingly, 32 CFR part 188 is                        Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics                specific tests, in the case where no
                                                added to read as follows:                                Memorandum, ‘‘Acquisitions Involving                  DoD–ELAP accredited laboratory is able
                                                                                                         Environmental Sampling or Testing                     to perform the required tests.
                                                PART 188—DOD ENVIRONMENTAL                               Services’’ (available at http://                         Quality system. Defined in ISO/IEC
                                                LABORATORY ACCREDITATION                                 www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/                      17025:2005.
                                                PROGRAM (ELAP)                                           changenotice/2008/20080303/                              Recognition. The acceptance of an AB
                                                                                                         223.7.pdf).                                           by the EDQW based on its demonstrated
                                                Sec.                                                        Corrective action response.                        commitment to maintain signatory
                                                188.1     Purpose.
                                                                                                         Description, prepared by the laboratory,              status in the ILAC MRA and accept the
                                                188.2     Applicability.
                                                188.3     Definitions.                                   of specific actions to be taken to correct            DoD ELAP conditions and criteria for
                                                188.4     Policy.                                        a deficiency and prevent its                          recognition.
                                                188.5     Responsibilities.                              reoccurrence.                                            Revision. A reissuance of the DoD
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                                                188.6     Procedures.                                       Deficiency. An unauthorized                        QSM containing significant changes in
                                                  Authority: 15 U.S.C. 3701; Pub. L. 106–                deviation from requirements.                          requirements or scope. A significant
                                                554, 114 Stat. 2763.                                        Definitive data. Defined in DoD                    change is one that could reasonably be
                                                                                                         Instruction 4715.15, ‘‘Environmental                  expected to affect a laboratory’s ability
                                                § 188.1    Purpose.                                      Quality Systems’’ (available at http://               to comply with the requirement (i.e., the
                                                  This part implements policy, assigns                   www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/               laboratory is likely to have to make a
                                                responsibilities, and provides                           471515p.pdf).                                         change in its quality system or technical


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                      80999

                                                procedures in order to maintain                          Transfer and Advancement Act’’).                      non-standard methods. Laboratories are
                                                compliance).                                             Support and guidance was provided by                  free to select any participating AB for
                                                  Scope of accreditation. Specific                       the National Institute of Standards and               accreditation services.
                                                laboratory services, stated in terms of                  Technology, following procedures used                    (iv) To participate in DoD ELAP, ABs
                                                test method, matrix, and analyte, for                    to establish similar programs for other               must be U.S.-based signatories to the
                                                which accreditation is sought or has                     areas of testing. The DoD ELAP supports               ILAC MRA and must operate in
                                                been granted.                                            implementation of section 515 of Public               accordance with ISO/IEC 17011:2004(E).
                                                                                                         Law 106–554, ‘‘Treasury and General                      (4) Program oversight. In accordance
                                                § 188.4   Policy.                                                                                              with Assistant Deputy Under Secretary
                                                                                                         Government Appropriations Act, 2001’’
                                                   It is DoD policy, in accordance with                  and Office of Management and Budget                   of Defense for Installations and
                                                DoD Instruction 4715.15, to implement                    Guidance, ‘‘Guidelines for Ensuring and               Environment Memorandum, ‘‘DoD
                                                the DoD ELAP for the collection of                       Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity,                  Environmental Data Quality Workgroup
                                                definitive data in support of the Defense                Utility, and Integrity of Information                 Charter’’ (available at http://
                                                Environmental Restoration Program                        Disseminated by Federal Agencies’’ (67                www.denix.osd.mil/edqw/upload/
                                                (DERP) at all DoD operations, activities,                FR 8452) as implemented by Deputy                     USA004743-10-Signed-Memo-to-DASs-
                                                and installations, including                             Secretary of Defense Memorandum,                      DLA-DoD-Envir-Data-Quality-
                                                government-owned, contractor-operated                    ‘‘Ensuring Quality of Information                     Workgroup-Charter-1Oct10-1.pdf), the
                                                facilities and formerly used defense                     Disseminated to the Public by the                     DoD EDQW:
                                                sites.                                                   Department of Defense.’’                                 (i) Provides coordinated responses to
                                                                                                            (iii) Using third party ABs operating              legislative and regulatory initiatives.
                                                § 188.5   Responsibilities.
                                                                                                         in accordance with the international                     (ii) Responds to requests for DoD
                                                  (a) Secretaries of the Military                        standard ISO/IEC 17011:2004(E),                       Component information.
                                                Departments and Director, Defense                        ‘‘Conformity Assessment—General                          (iii) Develops and recommends
                                                Logistics Agency (DLA). The Director,                    Requirements for Accreditation Bodies                 department-wide policy related to
                                                DLA, is under the authority, direction,                  Accrediting Conformity Assessment                     sampling, testing, and quality assurance
                                                and control of the USD(AT&L), through                    Bodies’’ (available for purchase at                   for environmental programs.
                                                the Assistant Secretary of Defense for                   http://www.iso.org/iso/store.htm), the                   (iv) Implements and provides
                                                Logistics and Materiel Readiness. The                    DoD ELAP:                                             oversight for the DoD ELAP.
                                                Secretaries of the Military Departments                     (A) Promotes interoperability among                   (v) Includes technical experts from
                                                and Director, DLA:                                       the DoD Components.                                   the Military Services and DLA as well
                                                  (1) Provide resources to support                          (B) Promotes fair and open                         as an EDQW component principal
                                                project-specific government oversight                    competition among commercial                          (voting) member from each of the
                                                for the collection of definitive data in                 laboratories.                                         Military Services.
                                                support of the DERP.                                        (C) Streamlines the process for                       (vi) Specifies the EDQW Navy
                                                  (2) Provide resources to support                       identifying and procuring competent                   principal, Director of Naval Sea Systems
                                                project-specific laboratory approvals, if                providers of environmental laboratory                 Command (NAVSEASYSCOM)
                                                required.                                                services.                                             04XQ(LABS), serve as EDQW chair.
                                                  (b) Secretary of the Navy. In addition                    (D) Promotes the collection of data of                (b) Maintaining the DoD QSM—(1)
                                                to the responsibilities in paragraph (a) of              known and documented quality.                         General. The DoD EDQW will maintain
                                                this section, the Secretary of the Navy                     (2) Authority. Operation of the DoD                and improve the DoD QSM to ensure
                                                plans, programs, and budgets for DoD                     ELAP is authorized by DoD Instruction                 that:
                                                EDQW activities necessary to support                     4715.15.                                                 (i) The DoD QSM remains current in
                                                government oversight of the DoD ELAP.                       (3) Program requirements. (i) Pursuant             accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
                                                                                                         to DoD Instruction 4715.15, laboratories                 (ii) Minimum essential requirements
                                                § 188.6   Procedures.                                                                                          are met.
                                                                                                         seeking to perform testing in support of
                                                  (a) DoD ELAP Overview—(1)                              the DERP must be accredited in                           (iii) Requirements are clear, concise,
                                                Introduction. (i) DoD ELAP provides a                    accordance with DoD ELAP.                             and auditable.
                                                unified DoD program through which                           (ii) The DoD ELAP applies to:                         (iv) The DoD QSM will efficiently and
                                                commercial environmental laboratories                       (A) Environmental programs at DoD                  effectively support the DoD ELAP.
                                                can voluntarily demonstrate                              operations, activities, and installations,               (2) Procedures.— (i) Annual review.
                                                competency and document conformance                      including government-owned,                           At a minimum, the DoD EDQW will
                                                to the international standard established                contractor-operated facilities and                    perform an annual review of the DoD
                                                in ISO/IEC 17025:2005 as implemented                     formerly used defense sites.                          QSM, based on feedback received from
                                                by the Deputy Under Secretary of                            (B) Permanent, temporary, and mobile               participants in DoD ELAP (e.g., DoD
                                                Defense for Environmental Security                       laboratories regardless of their size,                Components, commercial laboratories,
                                                Memorandum, ‘‘DoD Quality Systems                        volume of business, or field of                       and ABs). The review will also address
                                                Manual for Environmental Laboratories’’                  accreditation that generate definitive                any revisions to ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
                                                (available at http://www.denix.osd.mil/                  data.                                                    (ii) Ongoing review. As received, the
                                                edqw/upload/QSM-V4-2-Final-                                 (iii) Participation in the program is              DoD EDQW will respond to questions
                                                102510.pdf) (referred to in this part as                 voluntary and open to all laboratories                submitted through the Defense
                                                the ‘‘DoD Quality Systems Manual for                     that operate under a quality system                   Environmental Network Information
                                                Environmental Laboratories (QSM)’’).                     conforming to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and                  Exchange (DENIX) concerning the
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                                                The DoD QSM provides minimum                             Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for                 interpretation of DoD QSM
                                                quality systems requirements, based on                   Environmental Security Memorandum,                    requirements. DoD EDQW participants
                                                ISO/IEC 17025:2005, for environmental                    ‘‘DoD Quality Systems Manual for                      will forward all questions through their
                                                laboratories performing testing for DoD.                 Environmental Laboratories.’’                         EDQW component principal to the DoD
                                                  (ii) DoD ELAP was developed in                         Laboratories may seek accreditation for               EDQW chair.
                                                compliance with 15 U.S.C. 3701 (also                     any method they perform in accordance                    (iii) Issuances. The DoD EDQW chair
                                                known as the ‘‘National Technology                       with documented procedures, including                 will prepare DoD QSM updates:


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                                                81000            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   (A) Correspondence. The DoD EDQW                         (5) The final revised version of the               compliance with requirements. Prior to
                                                chair, in consultation with the EDQW                     DoD QSM will be posted on DENIX in                    granting recognition, the EDQW
                                                component principals, will prepare                       place of the previous version including               component principals must
                                                correspondence (email or                                 any DoD QSM updates.                                  unanimously concur that all application
                                                memorandum) providing responses to                          (3) Continual improvement. The DoD                 requirements have been met.
                                                all written requests for clarification and               EDQW will meet with the ABs on an                        (iv) Once the EDQW component
                                                interpretation of the DoD QSM.                           annual basis to review lessons learned                principals have completed review of the
                                                Depending on the significance of the                     and identify additional opportunities for             application package, the DoD EDQW
                                                issue, as determined by the EDQW                         continual improvement of the DoD                      chair will notify the AB, either granting
                                                chair, the response may also result in a                 ELAP and the DoD QSM.                                 recognition or citing specific reasons for
                                                posting to the frequently asked question                    (4) Data and records management.                   not doing so (i.e., indicating which areas
                                                (FAQ) section of the appropriate Web                     Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD                         of the application package are deficient).
                                                sites.                                                   EDQW will maintain all DoD QSM                           (v) Once recognition has been granted,
                                                   (B) Errata sheets. Minor corrections to               updates in accordance with Secretary of               the DoD EDQW chair will post the name
                                                the DoD QSM, such as typographical                       the Navy Manual M–5210.1,                             and contact information of the AB on
                                                errors, may be made by the issuance of                   ‘‘Department of the Navy Records                      DENIX.
                                                an errata sheet defining ‘‘pen and ink’’                 Management Program: Records                              (vi) With unanimous concurrence, the
                                                changes that apply to the current                        Management Manual’’ (available at                     EDQW component principals may
                                                version of the DoD QSM. Following                        http://doni.daps.dla.mil/                             revoke recognition if the AB:
                                                concurrence by all EDQW component                        SECNAV%20Manuals1/5210.1.pdf).                           (A) Violates any of the conditions or
                                                principals, errata sheets will be issued                    (c) Recognizing ABs.—(1) General. (i)              criteria for recognition.
                                                as needed by the DoD EDQW chair.                         The DoD EDQW will:                                       (B) Fails to operate in accordance
                                                Errata will be corrected in the next                        (A) Use the procedures in this                     with its documented quality system.
                                                change or revision to the DoD QSM.                       paragraph to evaluate and recognize                      (vii) Should it become necessary to
                                                   (C) Changes. Changes to the DoD QSM                   third-party ABs in support of the DoD                 revoke an AB’s recognition, the DoD
                                                will be issued as necessary to reflect                   ELAP.                                                 EDQW chair will notify the AB stating
                                                minor changes to requirements or                            (B) Develop and maintain the                       specific reasons for the revocation and
                                                clarifications of existing requirements                  application for recognition, the                      remove the AB’s name from the list of
                                                that are necessary to ensure consistent                  conditions and criteria for recognition               DoD ELAP-recognized ABs.
                                                implementation. Following concurrence                    and related forms, and review submitted                  (viii) If recognition is revoked, the AB
                                                by the EDQW component principals,                        AB applications for completeness and                  must immediately cease to perform all
                                                changes will be issued by the DoD                        compliance with DoD ELAP                              DoD ELAP assessments.
                                                EDQW chair in the form of a complete                     requirements.                                            (ix) ABs who have been denied
                                                DoD QSM.                                                    (ii) The DoD EDQW chair, following
                                                                                                                                                               recognition, or ABs whose recognition
                                                                                                         consultation with and concurrence by
                                                   (1) The first change to DoD QSM                                                                             has been revoked, may appeal that
                                                                                                         the EDQW component principals, grants
                                                Version 4 will be numbered Version 4.1,                                                                        decision.
                                                                                                         or revokes AB recognition in accordance
                                                the second change will be Version 4.2,                                                                            (A) Within 15 calendar days of its
                                                                                                         with this paragraph.
                                                etc.                                                                                                           receipt of a notice denying or revoking
                                                                                                            (2) Limitations. Candidate ABs must
                                                   (2) Changes to the DoD QSM will be                                                                          recognition, the AB must submit to the
                                                                                                         be U.S.-based signatories in good
                                                posted on DENIX in place of the                                                                                DoD EDQW chair a written statement
                                                                                                         standing to the ILAC MRA. ABs must
                                                previous version or change of the DoD                                                                          with supporting documentation
                                                                                                         maintain ILAC recognition to maintain
                                                QSM.                                                                                                           contesting the denial or revocation.
                                                                                                         DoD ELAP recognition. Because the
                                                   (D) Revisions. A revision will be                     EDQW continually monitors AB                             (B) The submission must demonstrate
                                                issued if one or more of the proposed                    performance, no pre-defined limits are                that:
                                                changes could reasonably be expected to                  placed on the duration of recognition;                   (1) Clear, factual errors were made by
                                                affect a laboratory’s ability to comply                  however, the EDQW may revoke                          the DoD EDQW during the review of the
                                                with the requirement (i.e., the laboratory               recognition at any time, for cause, in                AB’s application for recognition; or
                                                is likely to have to make a change in its                accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(vii) of                 (2) The decision to revoke recognition
                                                quality system or technical procedures).                 this section.                                         was based on clear, factual errors, and
                                                   (1) Once EDQW component principals                       (3) Procedures. (i) Upon receipt of an             that the AB would have been
                                                have reached consensus on the                            application for recognition, the DoD                  determined to meet all requirements for
                                                proposed revision, the DoD EDQW chair                    EDQW will review the application                      recognition if those errors had been
                                                will forward the proposed revision to all                package for completeness. A complete                  corrected.
                                                participating DoD ELAP-accredited                        application package must include:                        (x) The DoD EDQW will have up to
                                                laboratories and ABs for review.                            (A) Application for recognition.                   30 calendar days to review the appeal
                                                   (2) The DoD EDQW will review and                         (B) Signed acceptance of the                       and provide written notice to the AB
                                                respond to comments received from the                    conditions and criteria for DoD ELAP                  either accepting the appeal and
                                                DoD ELAP-accredited laboratories and                     recognition.                                          granting, or restoring, recognition, or
                                                ABs within the designated comment                           (C) Electronic copy of the AB’s quality            explaining the basis for denying the
                                                period.                                                  systems documentation.                                appeal.
                                                   (3) Following concurrence by the                         (D) Copy of the most recent ILAC                      (4) Continual improvement. The DoD
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                                                EDQW component principals, revisions                     MRA peer evaluation documentation.                    EDQW will meet with ABs on an annual
                                                will be issued by the DoD EDQW chair                        (ii) If necessary to complete the                  basis to review lessons learned and
                                                in the form of a complete DoD QSM.                       review, the DoD EDQW will request                     identify additional opportunities for
                                                   (4) A revision of Version 4 will be                   additional documentation from the                     continual improvement of the DoD
                                                issued as Version 5, a revision of                       applicant.                                            ELAP. On a 5-year cycle, at minimum,
                                                Version 5 will be issued as Version 6,                      (iii) The EDQW component principals                the DoD EDQW will evaluate whether
                                                etc.                                                     will review the application package for               the process for evaluating and


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       81001

                                                recognizing ABs is continuing to meet                       (3) Personnel qualifications. DoD                  appropriate EDQW component principal
                                                DoD needs.                                               personnel or contractors performing                   to the DoD EDQW chair.
                                                   (5) Data and records management.                      oversight must:                                          (i) The DoD EDQW chair will provide
                                                Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD                               (i) Meet the government chemist or                 copies of the report to the EDQW
                                                EDQW, will maintain copies of all                        contractor project chemist requirements               component principals for review.
                                                application packages and associated                      contained in the USD(AT&L)                               (ii) After review by the EDQW
                                                documentation in accordance with                         Memorandum, ‘‘Acquisitions Involving                  component principals, the DoD EDQW
                                                Secretary of the Navy Manual M–                          Environmental Sampling or Testing                     chair will provide a summary of the
                                                5210.1.                                                  Services.’’                                           oversight report to the AB performing
                                                   (d) Performing government                                (ii) Have a working knowledge of the               the assessment.
                                                oversight—(1) General. DoD personnel                     DoD QSM requirements and be familiar                     (6) Handling disputes. Laboratories
                                                will use the procedures in this                          with environmental test methods and                   must follow the AB’s dispute resolution
                                                paragraph to perform and document                        instrumentation.                                      process for all disputes concerning the
                                                government oversight of the DoD ELAP.                       (iii) Obey all laboratory instructions             assessment or accreditation of the
                                                Government oversight will include                        regarding health and safety precautions               laboratory, including disagreements
                                                monitoring the performance of AB                         while in the laboratory.                              involving an interpretation of the DoD
                                                assessors during laboratory assessments,                    (4) Procedures. (i) The DoD EDQW                   QSM arising during the accreditation
                                                reviewing laboratory assessment reports,                 will maintain an up-to-date calendar of               process.
                                                observing ILAC MRA peer evaluations,                     scheduled assessments and peer                           (i) In the event the laboratory and the
                                                and evaluating AB Web sites for content                  evaluations based on input from the                   AB are unable to resolve a disagreement
                                                on accredited laboratories.                              ABs, peer evaluators, and assigned                    concerning the interpretation of the DoD
                                                   (2) Limitations. (i) DoD personnel                    oversight personnel.                                  QSM, either the laboratory or the AB
                                                performing oversight must observe, but                      (ii) Once an assessment or peer review             may request the DoD EDQW provide an
                                                must not participate in, laboratory                      has been scheduled, the EDQW                          interpretation of the DoD QSM. The
                                                assessments or ILAC MRA peer                             component principals will determine if                DoD EDQW chair will provide a written
                                                evaluations. Specifically, DoD personnel                 DoD oversight of the activity will be                 response to the laboratory and the AB
                                                must not:                                                performed. The goal will be to observe                providing the DoD authoritative
                                                   (A) Offer specific advice to the                      a representative number of activities for             interpretation of the DoD QSM. No
                                                laboratory regarding the development or                  each AB.                                              review of this interpretation will be
                                                implementation of quality systems or                        (iii) The EDQW component principals                available to the laboratory or the AB.
                                                                                                         will provide the DoD EDQW chair the                      (ii) The DoD EDQW will not consider
                                                technical procedures;
                                                                                                         names of personnel from their                         or take a position on requests by either
                                                   (B) Offer specific advice or direction
                                                                                                         respective DoD Components who will                    a laboratory or an AB on a dispute
                                                to assessors or peer evaluators regarding
                                                                                                         participate in the oversight.                         concerning accreditation of the
                                                accreditation processes, assessment
                                                                                                                                                               laboratory.
                                                procedures, or documentation of                             (iv) The DoD EDQW chair will
                                                                                                                                                                  (7) Continual improvement. The DoD
                                                findings; or                                             provide the AB with contact
                                                                                                                                                               EDQW will:
                                                   (C) Impede assessors, peer reviewers,                 information for the oversight personnel.                 (i) Review the ABs’ assessment
                                                or laboratory personnel in any way                          (v) If two or more DoD personnel are               reports and the DoD oversight reports to
                                                during the performance of their work,                    scheduled to monitor the assessment,                  evaluate the thoroughness, consistency,
                                                including technical procedures,                          the DoD EDQW chair will designate a                   objectivity, and impartiality of the DoD
                                                document reviews, observations,                          lead that will be responsible for                     ELAP assessments.
                                                interviews, and meetings.                                compiling an oversight report.                           (ii) Compare assessment reports
                                                   (ii) If, during the course of an                         (vi) The lead for the oversight activity           across laboratories, ABs, and assessors.
                                                assessment, questions by laboratory                      will request a copy of the assessment                    (iii) Compare DoD ELAP findings to
                                                personnel or assessors are directed to                   plan from the AB’s lead assessor and                  findings from previous assessments.
                                                DoD personnel, personnel must limit                      distribute it to other oversight                         (iv) Identify opportunities for
                                                responses to specific text from the DoD                  personnel.                                            continual improvement of the DoD
                                                QSM or published FAQs. DoD                                  (vii) The lead will review the                     ELAP.
                                                personnel must not render opinions                       assessment plan to determine the scope                   (v) Meet with ABs on an annual basis
                                                regarding interpretation of the DoD                      of accreditation and ensure that                      to review lessons learned and identify
                                                QSM. If there are questions about the                    oversight personnel are assigned to                   additional opportunities for continual
                                                DoD QSM that require interpretation,                     monitor a cross-section of the                        improvement of the DoD ELAP.
                                                DoD personnel must advise the assessor                   assessment.                                              (8) Data and records management.
                                                to contact the AB who may, if necessary,                    (viii) Persons performing oversight                Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD
                                                contact the DoD EDQW chair for a                         will review previous oversight reports,               EDQW will maintain copies of all
                                                coordinated response.                                    if available, for the particular AB and               oversight reports in accordance with
                                                   (iii) If DoD personnel observe any                    assessors performing the assessment.                  Secretary of the Navy Manual M–
                                                evidence of inappropriate practices on                      (ix) Observing all health and safety               5210.1.
                                                the part of assessors or laboratory                      protective measures, oversight                           (e) Conducting project-specific
                                                personnel during the course of the                       personnel must accompany the                          laboratory approvals—(1) General. The
                                                assessment, they must record the                         assessor(s) as they witness procedures                DoD EDQW will use the procedures in
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                                                observations and notify the DoD EDQW                     and conduct interviews, taking care not               this paragraph to conduct project-
                                                chair immediately (inappropriate                         to interfere with the assessment.                     specific laboratory approvals for specific
                                                practices are identified in the DoD                         (5) Reporting. Within 15 calendar                  tests in the rare instances when DoD is
                                                QSM). DoD personnel must not call                        days of the onsite assessment, the lead               unable to identify a DoD ELAP-
                                                either the laboratory’s or the assessor’s                for the oversight activity will complete              accredited laboratory capable of
                                                attention to the specific practice in                    an oversight report and forward the                   providing the required services. This
                                                question.                                                completed report through the                          will ensure that competent laboratories


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                                                81002            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                are used to support DoD environmental                      (C) Work with the project team to                   principals, will prepare a report for the
                                                projects. Examples of these rare                         identify a candidate laboratory for                   DoD project manager describing the
                                                instances include:                                       project-specific laboratory approval.                 results of the assessment and the status
                                                  (i) The required method, matrix, or                      (iv) If a project-specific approval is              and terms of the project-specific
                                                analyte is not included in the scope of                  needed, the DoD EDQW will:                            laboratory approval. Information about
                                                accreditation for any existing DoD                         (A) Determine the type of assessment                project-specific laboratory approvals
                                                ELAP-accredited laboratories.                            required (on-site, document review,                   will not be posted on Web sites listing
                                                  (ii) The required method, matrix, and                  etc.).                                                DoD ELAP-accredited laboratories.
                                                analyte combination is included in the                     (B) Determine if additional funding is                 (5) Continual improvement. The
                                                scope of accreditation for an existing                   required to support the assessment. If                EDQW component principals will
                                                accredited laboratory; however, the                      additional funding is required, the DoD               review project-specific laboratory
                                                laboratory is unable to meet one or more                 EDQW will provide a cost estimate and                 assessment reports to evaluate the
                                                of the project-specific measurement                      work with the project manager to                      thoroughness, consistency, objectivity,
                                                performance criteria.                                    establish funding.                                    and impartiality of project-specific
                                                  (2) Limitations. (i) Project-specific                    (v) If the DoD EDQW determines that                 assessments and make
                                                laboratory approvals are not to be used                  a project-specific laboratory approval is             recommendations for continual
                                                as substitutes for the required DoD                      warranted and resources (including                    improvement of the DoD QSM and the
                                                ELAP-accreditation.                                      funding and technical expertise) are                  DoD ELAP.
                                                  (ii) The DoD EDQW will not perform                     available to support the assessment, the                 (6) Data and records management.
                                                project-specific laboratory approvals in                 DoD EDQW chair will coordinate with                   Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD
                                                cases where one or more DoD ELAP-                        the EDQW component principals to                      EDQW will maintain copies of all
                                                accredited laboratories capable of                       appoint an assessment team with                       laboratory records and project-specific
                                                meeting project-specific requirements                    appropriate technical backgrounds.                    assessment reports in accordance with
                                                are available.                                             (vi) The DoD EDQW chair will                        Secretary of the Navy Manual M–
                                                  (iii) The project-specific laboratory                  designate an assessment team leader.                  5210.1.
                                                approval is a one-time approval, the                     The assessment team leader will:                         (f) Handling complaints—(1) General.
                                                specific terms of which will be outlined                   (A) Request the documentation                       The DoD EDQW will use the procedures
                                                in the approval notice issued by the                     needed to perform the assessment.                     in this paragraph to handle complaints
                                                                                                           (B) Assign responsibilities for                     concerning the processes established in
                                                DoD EDQW.
                                                                                                         individual members of the assessment                  the DoD ELAP or the DoD QSM. The
                                                  (3) Personnel qualifications. DoD
                                                                                                         team, if appropriate.                                 DoD EDQW will document and resolve
                                                personnel and contractors assessing
                                                                                                           (C) Coordinate the document reviews.                complaints promptly through the
                                                laboratories for the purpose of                            (D) Lead the assessment team in the
                                                performing project-specific laboratory                                                                         appropriate channels, consistently and
                                                                                                         performance of the on-site assessment, if             objectively, and identify and implement
                                                approvals must meet the government                       required.
                                                chemist or contractor project chemist                                                                          any necessary corrective action arising
                                                                                                           (E) Provide a report to the DoD EDQW                from complaints. Complaints generally
                                                requirements contained in USD(AT&L)                      chair. The report will identify whether:
                                                Memorandum, ‘‘Acquisitions Involving                                                                           fall into one of four categories:
                                                                                                           (1) The laboratory is capable of                       (i) Complaints by any party against an
                                                Environmental Sampling or Testing                        meeting all project-specific
                                                Services.’’ Personnel must have a                                                                              accredited laboratory.
                                                                                                         requirements.                                            (ii) Complaints by any party against
                                                working knowledge of the DoD QSM                           (2) Documentation procedures are in                 an AB.
                                                requirements and be familiar with                        place to provide data that are                           (iii) Complaints by any party
                                                required environmental test methods                      scientifically valid, defensible, and                 concerning any assessor acting on behalf
                                                and instrumentation.                                     reproducible.                                         of the AB.
                                                  (4) Procedures. (i) If a project-specific                (3) Any deficiencies must be corrected                 (iv) Complaints by any party against
                                                laboratory approval is requested, the                    prior to granting the project-specific                the DoD ELAP itself.
                                                DoD EDQW will request and review a                       laboratory approval.                                     (2) Limitations. The procedures in this
                                                copy of the project’s quality assurance                    (vii) The DoD EDQW chair, with                      paragraph:
                                                project plan (QAPP).                                     concurrence by the EDQW component                        (i) Do not address appeals by
                                                  (ii) If, after review of the QAPP, the                 principals, will issue a report to the                laboratories regarding accreditation
                                                DoD EDQW determines that an existing                     project manager and laboratory detailing              decisions by ABs. Appeals to decisions
                                                DoD ELAP-accredited laboratory is                        the results of the assessment and any                 made by ABs regarding the accreditation
                                                available to provide the required                        deficiencies that must be corrected prior             status of any laboratory must be filed
                                                services, the laboratory contact                         to granting a project-specific laboratory             directly with the AB in accordance with
                                                information will be provided to the                      approval.                                             agreements in place between the
                                                project manager requesting assistance.                     (viii) Upon receipt of the laboratory’s             laboratory and the AB.
                                                  (iii) If, after review of the QAPP, the                corrective action response, if required,                 (ii) Are not designed to handle
                                                DoD EDQW determines that no existing                     the assessment team will:                             allegations of unethical or illegal actions
                                                DoD ELAP-accredited laboratory is                          (A) Review the laboratory’s corrective              as described in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of
                                                available to provide the required                        action response for resolving the                     this section.
                                                services, the DoD EDQW will:                             deficiencies.                                            (iii) Do not address complaints
                                                  (A) Work with the project team to                        (B) Provide the EDQW component                      involving contractual requirements
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                                                determine whether the use of alternative                 principals with a final report describing             between a laboratory and its client. All
                                                procedures by an existing DoD ELAP-                      the resolution of findings and                        contracting issues must be resolved with
                                                accredited laboratory is feasible;                       containing recommendations on                         the contracting officer.
                                                  (B) Determine if the required services                 whether to grant the project-specific                    (3) Procedures. (i) All complaints
                                                can be added to the scope of                             laboratory approval.                                  must be filed in writing to the EDQW
                                                accreditation of an existing DoD ELAP-                     (ix) The DoD EDQW chair, with                       chair. All complaints must provide the
                                                accredited laboratory; or                                concurrence by the EDQW component                     basis for the complaint (i.e., the specific


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       81003

                                                process or requirement in the DoD ELAP                     (5) Data and records management.                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     If
                                                or the DoD QSM that has not been                         Through NAVSEASYSCOM, the DoD                         you have questions on this rule, call or
                                                satisfied or is believed to need                         EDQW will maintain copies of all                      email Mr. Ronald L. Houck, at Sector
                                                changing) and supporting                                 complaint documentation in accordance                 Maryland-National Capital Region
                                                documentation, including descriptions                    with Secretary of the Navy Manual M–                  Waterways Management Division, U.S.
                                                of attempts to resolve the complaint by                  5210.1.                                               Coast Guard; telephone 410–576–2674,
                                                the laboratory or the AB.                                  Dated: November 14, 2016.                           email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.
                                                   (ii) Upon receipt of the complaint, the                                                                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                         Aaron Siegel,
                                                DoD EDQW chair will assign a unique
                                                identifier to the complaint, send a                      Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison                I. Table of Abbreviations
                                                                                                         Officer, Department of Defense.
                                                notice of acknowledgement to the                                                                               CFR Code of Federal Regulations
                                                complainant, and forward a copy of the                   [FR Doc. 2016–27645 Filed 11–16–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                               COTP Captain of the Port
                                                complaint to the EDQW component                          BILLING CODE 5001–06–P                                DHS Department of Homeland Security
                                                principals.                                                                                                    FR Federal Register
                                                   (iii) In consultation with the EDQW                                                                         NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                component principals, the DoD EDQW                                                                             § Section
                                                                                                         DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                U.S.C. United States Code
                                                chair will make a preliminary                            SECURITY
                                                determination of the validity of the                                                                           II. Background Information and
                                                complaint. Following preliminary                         Coast Guard                                           Regulatory History
                                                review, the actions available to the DoD
                                                EDQW chair include:                                                                                               On September 2, 2016, the Coast
                                                                                                         33 CFR Part 165
                                                   (A) If the DoD EDQW chair                                                                                   Guard published a notice of proposed
                                                determines the complaint should be                       [Docket Number USCG–2016–0675]                        rulemaking (NPRM) titled ‘‘Security
                                                handled directly between the                                                                                   Zone; Potomac River and Anacostia
                                                complainant and the subject of the                       RIN 1625–AA87                                         River, and adjacent waters; Washington,
                                                complaint, the DoD EDQW will refer the                                                                         DC’’ in the Federal Register (81 FR
                                                complaint to the laboratory, or AB, as                   Security Zone; Potomac River and                      60663). There we stated why we issued
                                                appropriate. The DoD EDQW will notify                    Anacostia River, and Adjacent Waters;                 the NPRM, and invited comments on
                                                the complainant of the referral, but will                Washington, DC                                        our proposed regulatory action related
                                                take no further action with respect to                                                                         to this security zone. During the
                                                                                                         AGENCY:    Coast Guard, DHS.
                                                investigation of the complaint. The                                                                            comment period that ended November
                                                                                                         ACTION:   Final rule.                                 1, 2016, we received no comments.
                                                subject of the complaint will be
                                                expected to respond to the complainant                   SUMMARY:    The Coast Guard is                        III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
                                                in accordance with their established                     establishing a series of security zones in
                                                procedures and timelines. A copy of the                                                                          The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
                                                                                                         the National Capital Region (NCR) on
                                                response will be provided to the DoD                                                                           under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The
                                                                                                         specified waters of the Potomac River
                                                EDQW.                                                                                                          COTP determined that it is necessary to
                                                                                                         and Anacostia River, and adjacent
                                                   (B) If insufficient information has                                                                         establish a series of security zones
                                                                                                         waters during increased security events.
                                                been provided to determine whether the                                                                         within the NCR. The purpose of these
                                                                                                         This action is necessary to prevent
                                                complaint has merit, the DoD EDQW                                                                              security zones is to ensure the safety of
                                                                                                         terrorist acts and incidents immediately
                                                will return the complaint to the                                                                               vessels and the relevant navigable
                                                                                                         before, during, and after events held
                                                complainant with a request for                                                                                 waters before, during, and after the
                                                                                                         within the NCR, whenever such an
                                                additional supporting documentation.                                                                           event.
                                                                                                         event exists, as determined by the
                                                   (C) If the complaint appears to have                  Captain of the Port Maryland-National                 IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes,
                                                merit and the parties to the complaint                   Capital Region. This rule prohibits                   and the Rule
                                                have been unable to resolve it, the DoD                  vessels and persons from entering the
                                                EDQW will investigate the complaint                                                                              As noted above, we received no
                                                                                                         security zone and requires vessels and                comments on our NPRM published on
                                                and recommend actions for its                            persons in the security zone to depart
                                                resolution.                                                                                                    September 2, 2016. There are no
                                                                                                         the security zone, unless specifically                changes in the regulatory text of this
                                                   (D) If available information does not                 exempt under the provisions in this rule
                                                support the complaint, the DoD EDQW                                                                            rule from the proposed rule in the
                                                                                                         or granted specific permission from the               NPRM.
                                                may reject the complaint.                                Coast Guard Captain of the Port
                                                   (E) If the complaint alleges                                                                                  This rule establishes a series of
                                                                                                         Maryland-National Capital Region. The                 security zones on specified waters of the
                                                inappropriate laboratory practices or                    regulations will enhance the safety and
                                                other misconduct, the DoD EDQW chair                                                                           Potomac River, Anacostia River and
                                                                                                         security of persons and property within               adjacent waters. The security zones
                                                will consult legal counsel to determine                  the Nation’s Capital, while minimizing,
                                                the recommended course of action.                                                                              cover specified navigable waters within
                                                                                                         to the extent possible, the impact on                 the NCR whenever an event that
                                                   (iv) In all cases, the DoD EDQW will
                                                                                                         commerce and legitimate waterway use.                 requires increased security is taking
                                                notify the complainant and any other
                                                entity involved in the complaint and                     DATES: This rule is effective December                place. The duration of the zone is
                                                explain the response of the EDQW to the                  19, 2016.                                             intended to ensure the safety of vessels
                                                complaint.                                               ADDRESSES: To view documents                          and these navigable waters before,
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                                                   (4) Continual improvement. The DoD                    mentioned in this preamble as being                   during, and after the event. No vessel or
                                                EDQW will look into root causes and                      available in the docket, go to http://                person would be permitted to enter the
                                                trends in complaints to help identify                    www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2016–                  security zone without obtaining
                                                actions that should be taken by the DoD                  0675 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click                  permission from the COTP or a
                                                EDQW, or any parties involved with                       ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket                      designated representative. The COTP
                                                DoD ELAP, to prevent recurrence of                       Folder on the line associated with this               Maryland-National Capital Region will
                                                problems that led to the complaints.                     rule.                                                 notify the maritime community, via


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Document Created: 2016-11-17 02:59:44
Document Modified: 2016-11-17 02:59:44
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis rule is effective on December 19, 2016.
ContactEdmund Miller, 571-372-6904.
FR Citation81 FR 80996 
RIN Number0790-AJ16
CFR AssociatedLaboratories and Oversight

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