Federal Register Vol. 81, No.167,

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Loving Support Award of Excellence.

Form Number: Not applicable.

OMB Number: 0584-0591.

Expiration Date: 03/31/2017.

Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.

Abstract: This information collection is mandated by section 231 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) (Pub. L. 111-296). Section 231 of the HHFKA requires USDA to implement a program to recognize exemplary breastfeeding support practices at WIC local agencies and clinics. The WIC Program provides breastfeeding promotion and support for pregnant and postpartum mothers as a part of its mission to improve the health of the approximately 8 million Americans it serves each month. Breastfeeding is a priority in WIC and WIC mothers are strongly encouraged to breastfeed their infants unless the mother or baby have a medical condition where breastfeeding is not advised.

In recognizing exemplary local agencies and clinics, the HHFKA requires that the Secretary consider the following criteria: (1) Performance measurements of breastfeeding; (2) the effectiveness of a peer counselor program; (3) the extent to which the agency or clinic has partnered with other entities to build a supportive breastfeeding environment for women participating in WIC; and (4) other criteria the Secretary considers appropriate after consultation with State and local program agencies. The information will be submitted voluntarily by WIC local agencies who will be applying for an award. FNS will use the information collected to evaluate the components of existing breastfeeding programs and support in WIC local agencies and make decisions about awards. This program is expected to provide models and motivate other local agencies and clinics to strengthen their breastfeeding promotion and support activities. Applications will be submitted online.

Affected Public: State, Local, Territories and Tribal Government. Respondent groups identified include the WIC local agencies who are applying for the award and the WIC State agencies who evaluate the applications.

Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of participants is 453: 363 local WIC agencies and 90 State WIC agencies.

A recent FNS study on WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling found that approximately two thirds of the local WIC agencies operate a “Loving Support Program.” The Loving Support Program is an FNS initiative that equips WIC programs with an implementation and management model—the “Loving Support Model”—that serves as a framework for designing, building, and sustaining peer counseling programs; a requirement for award eligibility. Based on the findings of the study, it is estimated that approximately 1,210 of the 1,834 WIC local agencies will be eligible to apply for an award. Although the number of local agencies operating a Loving Support Program has increased, an average of only 16.4% of eligible respondents have applied over the past two years. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, 77 out of 607 eligible local agencies applied for an award (12.7%) and in FY 2015, 123 out of 607 eligible local agencies applied for an award (20.3%). Therefore, unlike the previous information collection request, the estimated number of respondents for local agency applications will not assume all eligible local WIC agencies will apply for an award. To better reflect the estimated number of respondents for subsequent years, FNS estimates that 30% (363) of eligible local agencies will respond annually. This reduces the total number of burden hours for the local WIC agencies from 1,214 to 907.5 hours. The estimated number of respondents for the State agency application evaluation is derived from the total number of State WIC agencies.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: The estimated number of responses per respondent for the WIC local agency is one, as each eligible WIC local agency will submit one application. The estimated number of responses per respondent for the WIC State agency is 4.03, as each WIC State agency will evaluate approximately four applications annually. The estimated number of responses per respondent for the WIC State agency application evaluation was derived by dividing the total number of respondents for the WIC local agency applications, 363, by the total number of WIC State agencies, 90. FNS estimates that the overall responses per respondent for the entire collection is 1.60, which was derived by dividing the number of total annual responses 725.7, by the estimated number of respondents, 453.

Estimated Total Annual Responses: 725.7.

Estimated Time per Response: FNS estimates the WIC local agency application response is 2.5 hours, and the WIC State agency response is 1.5 hours. The overall response for the entire collection is 2.0 hours, which was derived by dividing the number of estimated total hours, 1,451.6, by the number of total annual responses by all respondents, 725.7.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,451.6 hours. The time for the WIC local agency is an estimated time for the agency to voluntarily review the instructions, fill out the “Loving Support Award of Excellence” application, and attach supportive documentation. The time for the State WIC agency is an estimated time for the agency to review the instructions, evaluate the components of the local WIC agencies applications, and make a recommendation for an award.

See the table below for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent.

Under the authority of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1979, as amended (the Stock Piling Act) (50 U.S.C. 98, et seq.), the Department of Defense's Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), as National Defense Stockpile Manager, maintains a stockpile of strategic and critical materials to supply the military, industrial, and essential civilian needs of the United States for national defense. Section 9(b)(2)(G)(ii) of the Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98(h)(b)(2)(G)(ii)) authorizes the National Defense Stockpile Manager to fund material research and development projects to develop new materials for the stockpile.

Section 3314 of the Fiscal Year (FY) 1993 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (50 U.S.C. 98h-1) formally established a Market Impact Committee (the Committee) to “advise the National Defense Stockpile Manager on the projected domestic and foreign economic effects of all acquisitions and disposals of materials from the stockpile. . . .” The Committee must also balance market impact concerns with the statutory requirement to protect the U.S. Government against avoidable loss.

The Committee is comprised of representatives from the Departments of Commerce, State, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, the Treasury, and Homeland Security, and is co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and State. The FY 1993 NDAA directs the Committee to consult with industry representatives that produce, process, or consume the materials stored in or of interest to the National Defense Stockpile Manager.

As the National Defense Stockpile Manager, the DLA must produce an Annual Materials Plan proposing the maximum quantity of each listed material that may be acquired, disposed of, upgraded, converted, or sold by the DLA in a particular fiscal year. In Attachment 1, the DLA lists the quantities and type of activity (potential acquisition, potential disposal, potential upgrade, potential conversion, or potential sale) associated with each material in its proposed FY 2018 Annual Materials Plan (“AMP”). The quantities listed in Attachment 1 are not acquisition, disposal, upgrade, conversion or sales target quantities, but rather a statement of the proposed maximum quantity of each listed material that may be acquired, disposed of, upgraded, converted, or sold in a particular fiscal year by the DLA, as noted. The quantity of each material that will actually be acquired or offered for sale will depend on the market for the material at the time of the acquisition or offering, as well as on the quantity of each material approved for acquisition, disposal, conversion, or upgrade by Congress.

The Committee is seeking public comments on the potential market impact associated with the proposed FY 2018 AMP as enumerated in Attachment 1. Public comments are an important element of the Committee's market impact review process.

The Committee requests that interested parties provide written comments, supporting data and documentation, and any other relevant information on the potential market impact of the quantities associated with the proposed FY 2018 AMP. All comments must be submitted to the addresses indicated in this notice. All comments submitted through email must include the phrase “Market Impact Committee Notice of Inquiry” in the subject line.

The Committee encourages interested persons who wish to comment to do so at the earliest possible time. The period for submission of comments will close on September 28, 2016. The Committee will consider all comments received before the close of the comment period. Comments received after the end of the comment period will be considered, if possible, but their consideration cannot be assured.

All comments submitted in response to this notice will be made a matter of public record and will be available for public inspection and copying. Anyone submitting business confidential information should clearly identify the business confidential portion of the submission and also provide a non-confidential submission that can be placed in the public record. The Committee will seek to protect such information to the extent permitted by law.

The Office of Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, displays public comments on the BIS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Web site at http://www.bis.doc.gov/foia. This office does not maintain a separate public inspection facility. If you have technical difficulties accessing this Web site, please call BIS's Office of Administration at (202) 482-1900 for assistance.

Replacement of Trade Mission Statement.

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration is amending the dates of the Healthcare Business Development Mission to China to Oct. 16-21, 2016.

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, is organizing an executive-led Healthcare Business Development Mission to China with an emphasis on the Sector. The mission will be led by the Deputy Secretary of Commerce with participation from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate access to the appropriate Chinese government agencies.

The purpose of the mission is open access to Chinese government health officials and to introduce U.S. firms and trade associations to the Chinese Healthcare market as well as assist U.S. companies to find business partners and export their products and services to China. The mission is intended to include representatives from U.S. companies and U.S. trade associations with members that provide high end, innovative medical devices (especially imaging), healthcare technology equipment, innovative pharmaceuticals, hospital management or senior care management solutions, and medical education or training, hospital cooperation (i.e. management and education), as well as pharmaceuticals and senior care segments.

Healthcare is an important issue for both the China. Today, China's annual healthcare spending is about $590.2 billion or 5.7% of its GDP. Commerce and health are not mutually exclusive, as workers become ill and as the cost of healthcare and insurance increases there is a direct impact on business through the loss of worker productivity and skilled workers, and reduced output. With fewer healthy workers earning incomes, businesses will also be harmed by decreased size and purchasing power of consumers. Families and individuals will be burdened with the impact of reduced incomes, increased health costs, and increased likelihood of long term care. As the world's two largest economies, how the two sides approach healthcare in the future has the potential to impact global macro-economic stability and future economic growth.

In recent years China has prioritized the reform of its healthcare system, to ensure citizens have good quality and affordable care, especially given the trends in the population and the increase in various health issues. The aging population, chronic disease and lack of fitness for children create challenges and burdens on establishing an effective healthcare system. Incidence of non-communicable disease (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes has rapidly increased. Economic growth is also impeded because NCDs hit workers in their prime years of productivity—creating long term chronic conditions, withdrawal from the workforce, diminished family resources and early death. Tackling the prevalence and significance of NCDs is challenging. The causes are rooted in the universal trends of aging and rapid urbanization, demographic factors which will only increase in the future.

Facing similar challenges and possessing common goals to achieve a successful healthcare ecosystem, the United States and China are well positioned to share experiences and find solutions to existing problems through uniting government and private sector forces at the intersection of commerce and healthcare. Areas of mutual collaboration in the healthcare could focus on improving patient access and services delivery, as well as areas of cooperation to benefit the health and lives of the population. As China reforms its' healthcare system and endeavors to create an innovative medical device and pharmaceutical industry it risks the alienation of foreign firms in the market. This trade mission will offer U.S. firms not only the opportunity to market their products and services, but also to explore ways that U.S. industry can support China's efforts to reform their healthcare system through win-win bilateral healthcare cooperation.

The trade mission will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint venture partners; meetings with national and regional government officials, chambers of commerce, and business groups; and networking receptions for companies and trade associations representing companies interested in expansion into the Chinese markets. Meetings will be offered with government authorities (such as the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Services, and Ministry of Civil Affairs) that can address questions about policies, tariff rates, incentives, regulations, etc.

Web site: Please visit our official mission Web site for more information: http://2016.export.gov/china/healthcaretrademission/.

All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the DOC. All applicants will be evaluated on a staggered basis on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 15 and maximum of 18 firms and/or trade associations or organizations will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool.

After a trade association/organization has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Trade Mission will be $10,500 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME); 1 and $12,500 for a large firm and trade association/organization. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $3,500. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be arranged by the CS for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.

Application: All interested firms and associations may register via the following link: ttps://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/TM/7R0L.

The mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such as lodging, most meals, local ground transportation (except for transportation to and from meetings, and airport transfers during the mission), and air transportation. Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. Electronic visas are required to participate on the mission, which are easily obtainable online. Applying for and obtaining such visas will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such visas are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain necessary business visas.

Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than 5 August 2016. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review applications and make selection decisions on a staggered basis. Applications received after 5 August 2016, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Trade Mission Cancellation.

Interested U.S. companies and trade associations/organizations providing oil and gas equipment, technology, or services as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter the Brazilian market for the first time are being encouraged to contact us for information on the Gold Key Service (GKS) — through the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service.

On April 28, 2016, the Department of Commerce (the Department) initiated antidumping duty (AD) investigations concerning imports of certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate (CTL plate) from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China (PRC), France, the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany), Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea (Korea), South Africa, Taiwan, and the Republic of Turkey.1 Section 733(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 19 CFR 351.205(b)(1) state the Department will make a preliminary determination no later than 140 days after the date of the initiation. The current deadline for the preliminary determinations of these investigations is no later than September 15, 2016.

On August 15, 2016, ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Nucor Corporation, and SSAB Enterprises, LLC (the petitioners) made a timely request, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.205(e), for postponement of the preliminary determinations in the investigations of CTL plate from Austria, Belgium, the PRC, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, in order to provide the Department with sufficient time to develop the record in these proceedings through additional questionnaires, which the petitioners will in turn need time to analyze and comment on.2 Because there are no compelling reasons to deny the petitioners' request, in accordance with section 733(c)(1)(A) of the Act, the Department is postponing the deadline for the preliminary determinations by 50 days.

For the reasons stated above, the Department, in accordance with section 733(c)(1)(A) of the Act, is postponing the deadline for the preliminary determinations to no later than 190 days after the date on which the Department initiated these investigations. Therefore, the new deadline for the preliminary determinations is November 4, 2016. In accordance with section 735(a)(1) of the Act, the deadline for the final determinations of these investigations will continue to be 75 days after the date of the preliminary determinations, unless postponed at a later date.

This notice is issued and published pursuant to section 733(c)(2) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(f)(1).

This request is for an extension of a current information collection. On October 10, 2008, NMFS published a final rule promulgated under the Endangered Species Act implementing speed restrictions to reduce the incidence and severity of ship collisions with North Atlantic right whales (73 FR 60173). That final rule contained a collection-of-information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction act (PRA). Specifically, 50 CFR 224.105(c) requires a logbook entry to document that a deviation from the 10-knot speed limit was necessary for safe maneuverability under certain conditions.

In certain sea and weather conditions, a large ship may lose maneuverability at slow speeds. Therefore, under such conditions a ship, at the captain's discretion, may opt not to abide by the speed restrictions. If she/he chooses this option, she/he is required to make an entry into the ship's log, providing such information as: The reasons for the deviation, the speed at which the vessel is operated, the area, and the time and duration of such deviation.

Typically, paper logbooks are not routinely submitted to a federal agency and remain entirely on individual vessels. However, logbooks may be requested by federal authorities if questions arise regarding the circumstances under which the deviation was invoked.

OMB Control Number: 0648-0580.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular (extension of a current information collection).

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 250.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/reporting costs.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Public comment: Written comments may be directed to Gregg Waugh, Executive Director, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (see ADDRESSES) or electronically via the Council's Web site at: http://safmc.net/Sept2016_CouncilMeeting_CommentForm. All comments must be received by September 5, 2016 in order to be considered by the Council prior to the meeting. For written comments received after the Monday before the meeting (after 9/5), individuals sending the comment must use the Council's online form available from the Web site. Comments will automatically be posted to the Web site and available for Council consideration. Comments received prior to noon on Thursday, September 15, 2016 will be a part of the meeting administrative record.

The items of discussion in the individual meeting agendas are as follows:

Council members will participate in a workshop on Parliamentary practice with a focus on Robert's Rules and effective communication.

1. The Committee will receive a report from the Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel and a summary of the Food Web & Connectivity and Climate Variability & Fisheries sections of the Council's Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP).

2. The Committee will review policy considerations supporting Policy Statement Development, Habitat and Ecosystem Tools, and model development. The Committee will provide recommendations as appropriate.

The Committee will receive an overview of the results of the Council's recent communications survey and an update on outreach activities. The Committee will provide guidance as needed.

The Committee will review applications for the SSC and provide recommendations for Council consideration.

The Committee will review applications for open advisory panel seats and provide recommendations for Council consideration.

The Committee will receive updates on SEDAR projects and provide guidance on a Research Track Proposal and assessment priorities.

Informal Q & A, Tuesday, September 13, 2016, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sam Rauch, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs NOAA Fisheries; Dr. Roy Crabtree, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Administrator; Dr. Bonnie Ponwith, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center Director; and Dr. Michelle Duval, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Chair.

1. The Committee will receive updates from NOAA Fisheries on the status of commercial catches versus quotas for species under Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and the status of amendment currently under Secretarial review and take action as necessary.

2. The Committee will receive an overview of Snapper Grouper Amendment 37 addressing measures for hogfish, review comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), modify the document as appropriate, and approve for Secretarial review.

3. The Committee will review Snapper Grouper Amendment 41 addressing management measures for mutton snapper, consider public hearing comments, modify the document as appropriate, and approve all actions.

4. The Committee will receive an overview of management options for red snapper to be addressed in Amendment 43, modify the document as necessary, approve for scoping, discuss and consider emergency action, and provide guidance to staff.

5. The Committee will review management options to include in a Vision Blueprint Recreational Amendment, discuss and provide guidance to staff as necessary.

6. The Committee will receive an overview of the assessment methodology used for golden tilefish in the Mid-Atlantic and the Council's rationale for not linking permits/catch history to endorsements, discuss changing the fishing year for the hook-and-line component of the commercial golden tilefish fishery and provide guidance as needed.

7. The Committee will discuss changing the mesh size of black sea bass pots and take action as necessary.

8. The Committee will receive an overview of the Red Grouper Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation (SAFE) report, discuss and provide guidance to staff.

1. The Committees will receive status updates from NOAA Fisheries on commercial catches versus annual catch limits (ACLs) for dolphin and wahoo and amendments currently under Secretarial review.

2. The Committees will receive an overview of Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan (FMP)/Amendment 44 to the Snapper Grouper FMP addressing allocations for dolphin and yellowtail snapper, review scoping comments, and provide direction to staff as appropriate.

3. The Committees will receive an overview of options for a Limited Entry program for federal For-Hire Permits in the Snapper Grouper, Coastal Migratory Pelagic, and Dolphin Wahoo fisheries in the South Atlantic/Atlantic. The Committees will discuss options and provide direction to staff.

1. The Committee will receive a report from NOAA Fisheries on commercial catches versus ACLs and the status of amendments under review, and an explanation of what happened with the cobia commercial overage in 2015. The Committee will discuss and take action as appropriate.

2. The Committee will receive reports from the June/August 2016 Gulf Council meetings, the August 2015 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) meeting, and the August 2016 Mid-Atlantic Council meeting, discuss and take action as appropriate.

3. The Committee will receive a presentation on the South Carolina Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic cobia, discuss and take action as appropriate.

4. The Committee will receive an overview of Framework Amendment 4 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP addressing management measures for Atlantic cobia, review public hearings comment, modify the document as needed, select preferred alternatives, and approve the document for Secretarial review. The Committee will also provide direction to staff on any emergency action and addressing any change to the fishing year for Atlantic cobia.

5. The Committee will review Framework Amendment 5 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP that would remove current restrictions on commercial king mackerel and Spanish mackerel permits that prohibit the retention of bag limit king mackerel and Spanish mackerel on recreational (non-commercial and non-charter/headboat) trips on federally permitted vessels when commercial harvest is closed for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic regions. The Committee will review public input, modify the document as needed, select preferred alternatives, and approve for Secretarial review.

6. The Committee will receive an overview of Amendment 29 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP to address allocations of Gulf migratory group king mackerel, select preferred alternatives, and modify as necessary.

Formal Public Comment, Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 5:30 p.m.—Public comment will be accepted on items on the Council agenda. Comment will be accepted first on items before the Council for Secretarial approval: (1) Snapper Grouper Amendment 37 (hogfish); (2) Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Amendment 4 (Atlantic cobia); and (3) Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Amendment 5 (Modify permit restrictions). The Council Chair, based on the number of individuals wishing to comment, will determine the amount of time provided to each commenter.

The Committee will receive a summary report from the Joint meeting of the Law Enforcement Committee and Advisory Panel and provide recommendations as appropriate.

The Committee will receive an update from NOAA Fisheries on Protected Resources issues including the Biological Opinion for the Snapper Grouper fishery and a 12-month determination for Nassau grouper. The Committee will also receive an update from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ASMFC.

1. The Committee will receive an update from NOAA Fisheries on the status of work relative to Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 3 (CE-BA 3) addressing bycatch and the final Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) rule, discuss the amendment and provide direction to staff.

2. The Committee will receive an update on the status of the Implementation Plan and cost analyses for commercial logbook electronic reporting, discuss and provide guidance to staff.

3. The Committee will also receive an overview of the Atlantic For-Hire Reporting Amendment, an update on the Council's for-hire pilot project, a report from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on their for-hire logbook validation and verification project, and provide guidance as appropriate.

4. The Committee will receive an update on the Council's Citizen Science Program, discuss, and take action as appropriate.

1. The Committee will receive an update on the HMS Advisory Panel meeting, discuss and take action as appropriate.

2. The Committee will receive a presentation from NOAA Fisheries HMS on the Proposed Rule/Environmental Assessment (EA) for non-blacknose small coastal shark and blacknose shark fisheries and draft EA for HMS Amendment 10 addressing Essential Fish Habitat and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, discuss and take action as necessary.

1. The Committee will receive an update on the status of expenditures for Calendar Year (CY) 2016; review, modify, and approve the Council Follow-up and work priorities; and provide recommendations as appropriate.

2. The Committee will discuss standards and procedures for participating in Council webinar meetings and for accepting public comment, review the Council/NOAA Fisheries/NOAA Regional Operations Agreement, and take action as appropriate.

8:30-8:45 a.m.: Call the meeting to order, swearing in of new Council members, election of chair and vice-chair, adopt the agenda, and approve the June 2016 meeting minutes.

8:45-9:30 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Snapper Grouper Committee and approve/disapprove Snapper Grouper Amendment 37 (hogfish) for Secretarial review and approve Snapper Grouper Amendment 43 (red snapper) for scoping. The Council will consider other Committee recommendations and take action as appropriate.

9:30-10:00 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Mackerel Cobia Committee, approve/disapprove Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Amendment 4 (Atlantic cobia) for Secretarial review and approve/disapprove any cobia emergency action, approve/disapprove Framework Amendment 5 (Modifying permit restrictions) for Secretarial review, consider other Committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

10 a.m.-10:10 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the HMS Committee, consider recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

10:10-10:30 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Joint Dolphin Wahoo, Snapper Grouper, and Mackerel Cobia Committees, consider recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

10:30-10:40 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Protected Resources Committee, consider recommendations and take action as appropriate.

10:40-10:50 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Advisory Panel Selection Committee, consider Committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

10:50-11:00 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the SSC Selection Committee, consider Committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:00- 11:10 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the SEDAR Committee, consider committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:10-11:20 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Data Collection Committee, consider committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:20-11:25 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, consider any committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:25-11:30 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Law Enforcement Committee, consider recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:30-11:35 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Information and Education Committee, consider recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:35-11:45 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Executive Finance Committee, approve the Council Follow-Up and Priorities, approve the Council/NOAA Fisheries/NOAA Regional Operations Agreement, consider other Committee recommendations, and take action as appropriate.

11:45-1 p.m.: The Council will receive status reports from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center; review and develop recommendations on Experimental Fishing Permits as necessary; receive agency and liaison reports; and discuss other business and upcoming meetings.

Documents regarding these issues are available from the Council office (see ADDRESSES).

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

These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the council office (see ADDRESSES) 3 days prior to the meeting.

Agenda

The Committee will review preliminary 2016 scallop survey results and discuss initial recommendations from the Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT) for FY 2017 and FY 2018 (default) fishery specifications (Framework 28). They plan to review and provide input on Framework 28 management measures; which include: (1) Restricting the possession of shell stock inshore of the days-at-sea demarcation line north of 42°20′ N.; (2) modifying the process for distributing scallop fishery projected landing (ACL flowchart); (3) modifying the Closed Area I AA boundary consistent with potential changes to habitat and groundfish mortality closures. They will also review Advisory Panel recommendations from previous day. Other business will be discussed as necessary. The Committee will continue in a closed door session to review applications to the Advisory Panel.

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

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at (978) 465-0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

The Committee will receive a summary of recommendations from the Groundfish Advisory Panel, which met on August 30. They will discuss Framework Adjustment 56, particularly the specifications and management measures, (1) draft alternatives and make recommendations to the Council, (2) they will receive a Plan Development Team (PDT) report that summarizes Atlantic halibut management and recent catch and effort for the directed fishery in the State of Maine, (3) and review a draft letter to the Secretary of Commerce/State of Maine on the halibut issue and make recommendations to the Council. They also plan to discuss the Groundfish Monitoring Action, specifically a progress report from the PDT on the white paper on monitoring strategies, and develop recommendations to the Council. The Committee will discuss possible groundfish priorities for 2017, and develop initial recommendations to the Council. Other business will be discussed as necessary. The Committee will continue in a closed door session to review applications to the Recreational Advisory Panel and Groundfish Advisory Panel.

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

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at (978) 465-0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226).

File No. 19669: The applicant proposes to import and export biological samples taken for scientific research that continues the long term evaluation and monitoring of South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) population health at the Punta San Juan reserve and marine protected area in Peru. The requested duration of the permit is 5 years.

File No. 20532: The applicant proposes to import and export biological samples from museum holdings and stranded animals worldwide for scientific research to chronologically profile anthropogenic and physiological data including hormones and pesticides to record exposure and stress. Earwax and baleen samples will be from blue (Balaenoptera musculus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and earwax only from sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Earwax and baleen may also be obtained from subsistence hunted bowhead whales in Alaska. The requested duration of the permit is 5 years.

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

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

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., parties responsible for releasing hazardous substances into the environment are liable both for the costs of responding to the release (by cleaning up, containing, or otherwise remediating the release) and for damages arising from injuries to publicly owned or managed natural resources resulting from the release. CERCLA's Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) regulations (43 CFR 11) prescribe the process of assessing the nature and extent of the resulting injury, destruction, or loss of natural resources and the services they provide. Carrying out of the NRDA process also includes determining the compensation required to make the public whole for such injuries, destruction, or loss. CERCLA authorizes certain Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes to act on behalf of the public as Trustees for affected natural resources. Under CERCLA, these agencies and tribes are authorized to assess natural resource injuries and to seek compensation, referred to as damages, from responsible parties, including the costs of performing the damage assessment. The Trustees are required to use recovered damages for the following purposes only: To restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent of the injured or lost resources and services.

In the Draft RP/PEIS, the Trustees described restoration projects that could compensate for injuries to natural resources from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site (Superfund Site). These include both general types of restoration projects as well as two specific projects to restore aquatic connectivity on the Kalamazoo River by removing dams in and near Otsego, Michigan.

The notice of availability of the Draft RP/PEIS was published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2015 (80 FR 55144). The Draft RP/PEIS presented alternative programmatic approaches to restoration in the Kalamazoo River watershed and two specific projects as just mentioned, as well as an assessment of impacts of implementing the restoration approaches and projects. The Trustees provided the public with 45 days to review and comment on the Draft RP/PEIS. The Trustees also held a public meeting at the Kalamazoo Nature Center on September 15, 2015, to facilitate public understanding of the document and provide opportunity for public comment. The Trustees considered the public comments received, which informed the Trustees' analysis of programmatic alternatives in the Final RP/PEIS. A summary of the public comments received and the Trustees' responses to those comments are addressed in Chapter 7 with details provided in Appendix D of the Final RP/PEIS.

The Trustees prepared this RP/PEIS for restoration in the Kalamazoo River watershed pursuant to both CERCLA NRDA regulations and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The NEPA process consists of a set of fundamental objectives that include interagency coordination and cooperation, and public participation in the planning and development of projects. NEPA requires Federal agencies to conduct environmental reviews of proposed actions to consider the potential impacts on the environment. The Final RP/PEIS describes restoration projects that could compensate for injuries to natural resources from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site (Superfund Site).

Industrial activities in the Kalamazoo area have released PCBs into the environment. Recycling of carbonless copy paper at several area paper mills was the primary source of PCB release. Waste from the recycling of such paper conducted at Kalamazoo-area paper mills also contained PCBs, and the waste was disposed of by several methods that resulted in releases of PCBs into the environment. These PCBs have contaminated sediments, the water column, and biota in and adjacent to downstream sections of Portage Creek, the Kalamazoo River, and Lake Michigan. Based on the risks that PCBs pose to the environment and to human health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site on the National Priorities List on August 30, 1990.

PCBs are listed as hazardous substances under CERCLA. EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality currently describe the Site being addressed by the Superfund remedial investigation as including: (1) Five disposal areas and six paper mill properties; (2) a 3-mile stretch of Portage Creek from Cork Street in the City of Kalamazoo to where the creek meets the Kalamazoo River; and (3) an approximately 80-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River, from Morrow Dam to Lake Michigan, with adjacent floodplains, wetlands, and in-stream sediments. As defined in the Stage 1 Assessment Report (MDEQ et al. 2005; available at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/nrda/KalamazooRiver), the Trustees are using the term Kalamazoo River Environment (KRE) to represent the entire natural resource damage assessment area. The KRE encompasses the area being addressed by the Superfund remedial investigations for the site's operable units, along with any area where hazardous substances released at or from the Superfund site have come to be located, and areas where natural resources or the services they provide may have been affected by the Site-related hazardous substances releases (MDEQ et al. 2005). The Trustees expect to have opportunities to settle natural resource damage claims with willing parties. The RP/PEIS provides an ecological framework, with public input, to maximize the benefits of specific restoration projects to the affected resources in the KRE that might be included in or funded by future settlements. The RP/PEIS provides criteria and guidance for Trustees to use in selecting feasible restoration projects.

In accordance with NEPA, a Federal agency must prepare a concise public Record of Decision (ROD) at the time the agency makes a decision in cases involving an EIS (40 CFR 1505.2). The Trustees will issue a ROD pursuant to NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1505.2. Accordingly, the ROD for the Final RP/PEIS will provide and explain the Trustees' decisions regarding the selection of a preferred alternative. The Trustees will issue the ROD no earlier than 30 days after the Environmental Protection Agency publishes a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final RP/PEIS (40 CFR 1506.10).

In compliance with 40 CFR 1505 et seq., the Trustees will include in the NRDA Administrative Record (Record) documents that the Trustees relied upon during the development of the Final RP/PEIS. The hard copy Record is on file at MDEQ (contact Judith Alfano at (517) 284-5061 or [email protected]), and selected documents from the Record are also accessible at the following Web site: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/nrda/KalamazooRiver.

The subject permits are requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).

File No. 19315: The applicant requests a five-year scientific research permit to monitor right whale demographics, life history traits, habitat use, and behavior in Atlantic coastal waters from the Mid-Atlantic Bight to the Gulf of Maine. Annually, up to 1,500 right whales would be approached by aircraft for photo-identification and behavioral observation; up to 700 right whales would be approached by vessel for these activities and prey mapping; and up to 10 whales would be suction-cup tagged. Opportunistic sighting data and photographs would be collected for bowhead whales and up to 20 other cetacean and pinniped species and unidentified dolphins and whales could be incidentally harassed and photographed annually during surveys.

File No. 19674: Dr. Kraus requests a five-year scientific research permit to assess, quantify, and track trends in the demographic characteristics of right whales, and to identify, quantify and monitor the long term trends in anthropogenic impacts on the species. Up to 500 right whales would be approached annually by vessel or aircraft for photo-identification, behavioral observation, and blow and fecal sampling; up to 50 additional non-neonate whales would be photographed and biopsy sampled annually. Biological samples from up to 50 whales could be received, imported or exported annually. During vessel surveys up to 20 animals of each species of humpback whales, fin whales, harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) could be incidentally harassed annually.

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

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

The September 15-20, 2016 meeting of the Pacific Council will be streamed live on the internet. The broadcasts begin initially at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) Thursday, September 15, 2016 and continue at 8 a.m. daily through Tuesday, September 20, 2016. Broadcasts end daily at 6 p.m. PT or when business for the day is complete. Only the audio portion and presentations displayed on the screen at the Pacific Council meeting will be broadcast. The audio portion is listen-only; you will be unable to speak to the Pacific Council via the broadcast. To access the meeting online please use the following link: http://www.gotomeeting.com/online/webinar/join-webinar and enter the September Webinar ID, 132-423-419 and your email address. You can attend the webinar online using a computer, tablet, or smart phone, using the GoToMeeting application. It is recommended that you use a computer headset to listen to the meeting, but you may use your telephone for the audio portion only of the meeting. The audio portion may be attended using a telephone by dialing the toll number 1-213-929-4212 (not a toll-free number), audio access code 447-457-678, and enter the audio pin shown after joining the webinar.

The following items are on the Pacific Council agenda, but not necessarily in this order. Agenda items noted as “Final Action” refer to actions requiring the Council to transmit a proposed fishery management plan, proposed plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, under sections 304 or 305 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Additional detail on agenda items, Council action, advisory entity meeting times, and meeting rooms are described in Agenda Item A.5, Proposed Council Meeting Agenda, and will be in the advance September 2016 briefing materials and posted on the Council Web site at www.pcouncil.org.

Advisory body agendas will include discussions of relevant issues that are on the Council agenda for this meeting, and may also include issues that may be relevant to future Council meetings. Proposed advisory body agendas for this meeting will be available on the Council Web site http://www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/council-meetings/current-briefing-book/ no later than Wednesday, August 31, 2016.

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

These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt at (503) 820-2280 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

NOAA established the OEAB under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and legislation that gives the agency statutory authority to operate an ocean exploration program and to coordinate a national program of ocean exploration. The OEAB advises NOAA leadership on strategic planning, exploration priorities, competitive ocean exploration grant programs and other matters as the NOAA Administrator requests.

OEAB members represent government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and not-for-profit institutions involved in all facets of ocean exploration—from advanced technology to citizen exploration.

In addition to advising NOAA leadership, NOAA expects the OEAB to help to define and develop a national program of ocean exploration—a network of stakeholders and partnerships advancing national priorities for ocean exploration.

The Advisory Panel will review preliminary 2016 scallop survey results and discuss initial recommendations from the Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT) for FY 2017 and FY 2018 (default) fishery specifications (Framework 28). They plan to review and provide input on Framework 28 management measures; which include: (1) Restricting the possession of shell stock inshore of the days-at-sea demarcation line north of 42°20′ N; (2) Modifying the process for distributing scallop fishery projected landing (ACL flowchart); (3) Modifying the Closed Area I AA boundary consistent with potential changes to habitat and groundfish mortality closures. Other business will be discussed as necessary.

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

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at (978) 465-0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

Agenda items to be discussed at the SSC meeting include: Review fishery performance report and multi-year ABC specifications for spiny dogfish; and discuss MAFMC risk policy and assignment of CVs for Mid-Atlantic stock assessments.

The Advisory Panel will provide input on an Amendment to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The amendment could reduce the capacities of the longfin squid and Illex squid fleets. The Council is considering this action because of concern that activation of latent capacity in the squid fisheries could lead to excessive fishing effort and increased catch of non-target species. Several other issues are being considered as well: (1) New permits for Maine/northern states; (2) re-evaluation of longfin squid trimesters; and (3) longfin squid buffer zones (e.g. 10 miles) beyond state waters in the area south of Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket.

The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

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

The applicant proposes to continue a long-term research study of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Alaskan waters, focusing on population abundance, social structure, feeding behavior, and movement patterns. Other non-ESA listed cetacean species would be studied along the North Gulf Coast of Alaska in relation to U.S. Navy testing activities. Research methods include photo-identification, passive acoustics, collection of prey remains, morphometrics, biopsy sampling, and deployment of both suction cup and dart tags. Up to 2,000 killer whales may be photographed annually, with smaller numbers of whales receiving tags or biopsy sampled. Other species to be studied include gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Baird's beaked whales (Berardius bairdii), Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), and Stejneger's beaked whales (Mesoplodon stenergeri). Prey remains may be collected from up to 25 each of the following carcasses: Minke whales, gray whale, harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). The permit would be valid for five years from the date of issuance.

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

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

Meeting Accessibility: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165 and the availability of space, the meeting scheduled for on September 13, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., September 14, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and September 15, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at DOC is open to the public

New Visitor Access Requirement: For participants attending in person, please note that federal agencies, including DOC, can only accept a non-expired state-issued driver's license or identification card for access to federal facilities if such license or identification card is issued by a state that is compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-13), or by a state that has an extension for REAL ID compliance. DOC currently accepts other forms of federal-issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver's license. Driver's licenses from six states and territories are not compliant and will not be accepted as identification: Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Washington, and American Samoa. In addition, DOC will accept only enhanced driver's licenses (identified by the American Flag on the face of the card) from two states: Minnesota and Washington State. For a list of alternative identification, please visit: http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/visitor/.

Non U.S. Citizens Please Note: All foreign national visitors who do not have permanent resident status and who wish to register for the above meeting must supply additional information. Failure to provide this information prior to arrival will result, at a minimum, in significant delays (up to 24 hours) in entering the facility. Authority to gather this information is derived from United States Department of Commerce Department Administrative Order (DAO) number 207-12. When on-line registration is open, the required Foreign National form and instructions for transmittal via secure file transfer will be available. The Foreign National form needs to be submitted at least 7 business days in advance of the meeting.

Written Comments: Pursuant to section 10(a)(3) of the FACA and 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140, the public or interested organizations may submit written comments to the Advisory Committee in response to the stated agenda and meeting material. Meeting material, including work products will be made available on the Advisory Committee's Web site: http://sncaadvisorycommittee.noaa.gov/Meetings.aspx.

Oral Comments: In addition to written statements, members of the public may present oral comments at 4:25 p.m. on September 13, 2016. Those individuals interested in making oral comments should indicate their intent through the registration form and time will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Time allotted for an individual's comment period will be limited to no more than 3 minutes. If the number of registrants requesting to speak is greater than can be reasonably accommodated during the scheduled public comment periods, written comments can be submitted in lieu of oral comments. The Advisory Committee expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements.

Registration: Individuals and entities who wish to attend the public meeting are required to pre-register for the meeting by completing the online registration form: http://sncaadvisorycommittee.noaa.gov/Meetings.aspx. Anyone wishing to attend this meeting must register by 5:00 p.m. (EST), Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Registered attendees will receive security and campus instructions prior to the workshop. On-site registration will not be available for this meeting. Please note that seating is limited for public attendees, and will be granted on a first come first serve basis.

Additional Information: The Department of Commerce welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations, please indicate your requirements on the online registration form.

I. Purpose of Notice: This notice announces a roundtable event to solicit stakeholder input concerning the questions identified in part III of this section. In particular, at the roundtable we seek to explore how the USPTO can better leverage applicant's other applications having the same or substantially the same disclosure (e.g., domestic parent and counterpart foreign applications (see MPEP 609.04(b)(V))) as the U.S. application under examination, to provide examiners with relevant information as early as possible. The USPTO believes that providing this information at the earliest possible stage of prosecution of the U.S. application can improve the examination efficiency and quality. The participants at the roundtable also will provide feedback on what information, beyond that of a copy of the specification and drawing set forth in 35 U.S.C. 154(a)(4), should be part of a patent considering that complete information concerning U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications are accessible to the public via the PAIR system. The USPTO is also seeking written comments on the questions identified in part III of this section. The public is invited to provide comments on these questions or any other issues relevant to the consideration or development of the two topics discussed in this notice. Any member of the public, whether attending the roundtable or not, may submit written comments for consideration by the USPTO on any of the issues identified in this notice.

II. Background: The USPTO strives to expedite and improve the overall patent application process by (1) increasing patent examination quality and efficiency, and (2) streamlining patent issuance after an application is allowed.

(1) Increasing Patent Examination Quality and Efficiency

Examiners consider information from various sources when making patentability determinations. One such source may be an information disclosure statement filed by the applicant. Another would be information identified by the examiner during his prior art search. For continuing applications, the examiner will also consider the information the USPTO previously considered during the examination of a domestic parent application (other than an international application that designated the U.S.). See section 609.02 of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (9th ed. 2015) (Rev. 07.2015, November 2015) (MPEP). The USPTO's work sharing efforts have resulted in the development of additional sources of information from foreign counterpart applications that is likely highly relevant to the U.S. application under examination. For example, Global Dossier, a work sharing initiative developed by the IP5 offices (USPTO, the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), and the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China (SIPO)), provides U.S. examiners and the public access to the official file contents (e.g., prior art, search reports, office actions, etc.) of counterpart foreign applications.

The USPTO is exploring how to better leverage the information contained in these counterpart foreign applications and other U.S. applications with the same or substantially the same disclosure to improve examination efficiency and quality. The USPTO seeks, for example, the development of a system that utilizes both Global Dossier and the USPTO's internal databases to provide examiners with the information from counterpart foreign and domestic parent applications automatically at the earliest stage in prosecution of a U.S. application to improve the quality and efficiency of examination.

Global Dossier and the USPTO's databases may contain information from applicant's other applications that are not a domestic parent application or a counterpart foreign application. In fact, the pool of applications available for monitoring for relevant information could be much larger (e.g., the database may contain information on applicant's other child applications or other applications that are indirectly related to the U.S. application through a priority claim). Numerous concerns, however, arise when determining how to effectively implement a system with a larger scope of applications than domestic parent and counterpart foreign applications. Similarly, numerous concerns arise when considering what information would be provided to an examiner from another of applicant's applications. For example, too many applications, like too many items of information, might present large amounts of information that has no relevance to the application being examined. The examiner's consideration of such information may result in the examiner not having time to fully consider information that is relevant, and possibly material, to the U.S. application under examination. The right balance of the scope of applications and information therein is critical to ensure examiners are provided with the most relevant information without overburdening them with immaterial and marginally relevant information.

As part of its efforts to seek the right balance, the USPTO is requesting input on the best way it can ascertain the presence of these other applications having the same or substantially the same disclosure as the instant U.S. application under examination and import potentially relevant information contained therein. For instance, some applicants may prefer a fully automated system in which the USPTO monitors a set of applications that have been predefined by the USPTO, such as domestic parent and counterpart foreign applications, for certain information (e.g., prior art) to be imported into the U.S. application under examination. Other applicants may not desire that the USPTO import information from such a USPTO predefined set of applications, but instead, may prefer a set of applications defined by the applicant from which information is imported for consideration by the examiner. Still, other applicants may want to define both the set of applications and the particular information to be imported from these applications. In view of the different possible approaches for importing information, such as those mentioned herein, the USPTO would like stakeholders' input on what approach they believe the USPTO should consider implementing so examiners have the most pertinent information at the earliest stage of prosecution of the U.S. application. Furthermore, if the USPTO were to import information using any approach, the USPTO would like stakeholders' input on what documentation should be included in the record of the U.S. application under examination to accurately reflect that the information was imported and considered by the examiner.

(2) Streamlining patent issuance after an application is allowed

The USPTO is also considering what information, beyond the specification and drawings provided for in 35 U.S.C. 154(a)(4), should be part of a patent. This would include studying the degree to which the USPTO can migrate from the current paper-based process to 21st century processes that make greater use of the reality that complete information concerning U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications is accessible to the public via the PAIR system. For example, the USPTO discontinued printing inventor address information in 2011 as this information is readily accessible via PAIR. See Elimination of an Inventor's Mailing Address on Patents and Application Publications, 1360 Off. Gaz. Pat. Office 197 (Nov. 23, 2010). The USPTO also eliminated the listing of prior art documents accessible in Public PAIR on reexamination certificates to expedite the issuance of reexamination certificates. See Elimination of the Listing of Prior Art Documents on Reexamination Certificates, 1371 Off. Gaz. Pat Office 95 (October 11, 2011). The USPTO is seeking public comment on what information (e.g., prior art references, classification information, etc.) should be retained on the face of the patent now that processing and examination is conducted in an electronic environment.

III. Questions for Written Comments and Discussion at the Roundtable Event: The USPTO seeks written comments and participant feedback at the roundtable on the following questions related to how the USPTO should efficiently utilize information from applicant's other applications having the same or substantially the same disclosure to automatically provide U.S. examiners with relevant information at the earliest stage of examination and on what information should be part of a patent:

1. In balancing the goals of examination quality and efficiency, should the USPTO monitor other applications, besides domestic parent and counterpart foreign applications, for relevant information located therein for consideration in the instant U.S. application? If so, which other applications should be monitored (e.g., siblings, applications involving the same or related technology, etc.)?

2. What is the most convenient way to bring an application to the USPTO's attention that should be monitored for information during the examination of a U.S. application (e.g., automated system, applicant notifies the USPTO, etc.)?

3. How should the USPTO determine which information from the monitored applications to provide examiners while ensuring they are not overburdened with immaterial and marginally relevant information?

4. If the USPTO were to import information from applicant's other applications, how should the USPTO document the information imported into the image file wrapper of the instant U.S. application? For example, should the record reflect which domestic parent or counterpart foreign application the information was imported from, the date that the information was imported, and whether the examiner considered the imported information?

5. Taking into consideration the information that is publicly available in PAIR, what information should be part of a patent? For example, should prior art references and classification information still be listed on the front page of a patent?

The CPC is a detailed classification system in effect at the USPTO and based on the International Patent Classification scheme. The CPC incorporates best classification practices from both the U.S. and European systems.

The USPTO and the EPO designed the CPC to enable patent examiners and patent system users worldwide to conduct more efficient prior art searches. It provides an increased number of breakdowns compared to the U.S. Patent Classification System, allowing for targeted searches with more focused results. The CPC also was designed to encourage work sharing initiatives focused on enhancing efficiency by reducing duplicative work. Additionally, revisions to the CPC system can be made by both Offices on a regular basis, allowing for a rapid response to filing trends and emerging technologies.

At the September 19, 2016 meeting, key USPTO executive staff and project managers will brief attendees on the progress of the CPC, including recent changes and updates to the CPC. Attendees will receive information concerning external user interaction, accessibility, and outreach related to the CPC. In addition, a workshop will be held to provide training on the use of the CPC. Similar informational meetings have been held in Europe.

For further information about the CPC and the September 19, 2016 meeting, including the agenda for the meeting, please visit www.cpcinfo.org.

On 6/3/2016 (81 FR 35749-35750), the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice of proposed addition to the Procurement List.

After consideration of the material presented to it concerning capability of qualified nonprofit agencies to provide the service and impact of the addition on the current or most recent contractor, the Committee has determined that the service listed below is suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 8501-8506 and 41 CFR 51-2.4.

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

1. The action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organization that will furnish the service to the Government.

2. The action will result in authorizing a small entity to furnish the service to the Government.

3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501-8506) in connection with the service proposed for addition to the Procurement List.

Accordingly, the following service is added to the Procurement List.

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Appendix I, DoD Pilot Mentor-Protege Program; OMB Control Number 0704-0332.

Type of Request: Revision.

Number of Respondents: 122.

Responses per Respondent: Approximately 2.

Annual Responses: 240.

Average Burden per Response: Approximately 1 hour.

Annual Burden Hours: 240.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit and not-for profit institutions.

Frequency: On occasion.

Needs and Uses: DoD needs this information to ensure that participants in the Mentor-Protege Program (“the Program”) are fulfilling their obligations under the mentor-protege agreements and that the Government is receiving value for the benefits it provides through the Program. DoD uses the information as source data for reports to Congress required by section 811(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Pub. L. 106-65). Participation in the Program is voluntary.

Respondent's Obligation:

a. DFARS Appendix I, section I-112.2(a)-(d), requires mentor firms to report on the progress made under active mentor-protege agreements semiannually for the periods ending March 31 and September 30. The September 30 report must address the entire fiscal year. Reports must include the following:

1. Data on performance under the mentor-protege agreement, including dollars obligated, expenditures, subcontracts awarded to the protege firm, developmental assistance provided, impact and progress of the agreement.

2. A copy of the Individual Subcontracting Report (ISR) or SF 294 and Summary Subcontracting Report (SSR) for each contract where developmental assistance was credited to subcontracting goals.

b. DFARS Appendix I, section I-112.2(e), requires protege firms to submit reports on an annual basis. Reports must include progress made by the protege firm in employment, revenues, and participation in DoD contracts during each fiscal year of the Program participation term and each of the two fiscal years following the expiration of the Program participation term. During the Program participation term, the protege firms may provide this data to the mentor firm for inclusion in the mentor report required by I-112(a)-(d) for the period ending September 30.

OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra.

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed information collection should be sent to Ms. Seehra at the Office of Management and Budget, Desk Officer for DoD, Room 10236, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.

You may also submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by the following method:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, docket number, and title for the Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other public submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check http://www.regulations.gov approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).

DoD Clearance Officer: Mr. Frederick C. Licari.

Written requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Licari at: Publication Collections Program, WHS/ESD Information Management Division, 4800 Mark Center Drive, 2nd Floor, East Tower, Suite 02G09, Alexandria, VA 22350-3100.

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Subpart 227.71, Rights in Technical Data, and Subpart 227.72, Rights in Computer Software and Computer Software Documentation, and related provisions and clauses of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS); OMB Control Number 0704-0369.

Type of Request: Revision.

Number of Respondents: 75,250.

Responses per Respondent: Approximately 13.

Annual Responses: 959,602.

Average Burden per Response: Approximately 1 hour.

Annual Response Burden Hours: 904,574 hours.

Total Annual Burden Hours: 995,174 hours.

Annual Recordkeeping Burden Hours: 90,600 hours.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit and not-for profit institutions.

Frequency: On occasion.

Needs and Uses: DFARS Subparts 227.71 and 227.72 prescribe the use of solicitation provisions and contract clauses containing information collection requirements that are associated with rights in technical data and computer software. DoD needs this information to implement 10 U.S.C. 2320, Rights in technical data, and 10 U.S.C. 2321, Validation of proprietary data restrictions. DoD uses the information to recognize and protect contractor rights in technical data and computer software that are associated with privately funded developments; and to ensure that technical data delivered under a contract are complete and accurate and satisfy contract requirements.

Respondent's Obligation:

a. Identification and assertion of use, release, or disclosure restrictions prior to delivery. DFARS provision 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions, is used in all noncommercial solicitations that include either DFARS clauses 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data—Noncommercial Items; 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation; and 252.227-7018, Rights in Noncommercial Technical Data and Computer Software—Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, to require offerors to identify and assert, in their offer, technical data or computer software to be delivered with other than unlimited rights in their offer.

b. Post-award notices of use, release, or disclosure restriction and marking. DFARS clauses 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data—Noncommercial Items; 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation; and 252.227-7018, Rights in Noncommercial Technical Data and Computer Software—Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, require contractors to both identify and mark technical data or software that must be protected from unauthorized release or disclosure.

c. Justification for any asserted restriction. DFARS 252.227-7019, Validation of Asserted Restrictions—Computer Software, and 252.227-7037, Validation of Restrictive Markings on Technical Data, require contractors and subcontractors to maintain adequate records to justify the validity of any markings that assert restrictions on the Government's rights to use, modify, reproduce, perform, display, release or disclose delivered or required to be delivered.

d. Use and non-disclosure agreement. DFARS 227.7103-7, Use and non-disclosure agreement, requires intended recipients of technical data or computer software delivered to the Government with restrictions on use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or disclosure, to sign the use and non-disclosure agreement at 227.7103-7(c) prior to release or disclosure of the data, unless the recipient is a Government contractor that requires access to a third parties data or software for the performance of a Government contract that contains the clause at 252.227-7025, Limitations on Use or Disclosure of Government-Furnished Information Marked with Restrictive Legends.

e. Limitations on use or disclosure. DFARS 252.227-7025, Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Government-Furnished Information Marked with Restrictive Legends, requires contractors and subcontractors at any tier that obtain data from the Government to which the Government has only limited rights, restricted rights, or SBIR rights legends to submit a “Use and Disclosure” agreement.

f. Identification of previously delivered technical data or computer software. DFARS 252.227-7028, Technical Data or Computer Software Previously Delivered to the Government, requires offerors to identify any technical data or computer software that it intends to deliver that are identical or substantially similar to technical data or computer software that the offeror has produced for, delivered to or is obligated to deliver to the Government.

OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra.

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed information collection should be sent to Ms. Seehra at the Office of Management and Budget, Desk Officer for DoD, Room 10236, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.

You may also submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by the following method:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, docket number, and title for the Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other public submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check http://www.regulations.gov approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).

DoD Clearance Officer: Mr. Frederick C. Licari.

Written requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Licari at: Publication Collections Program, WHS/ESD Information Management Division, 4800 Mark Center Drive, 2nd Floor, East Tower, Suite 02G09, Alexandria, VA 22350-3100.

The Department's regulations for Measuring Educational Gain in the National Reporting System for Adult Education, 34 CFR part 462 (NRS regulations), include the procedures for determining the suitability of tests for use in the NRS.

Criteria the Secretary Uses: In order for the Secretary to consider a test suitable for use in the NRS, the test must meet the criteria and requirements established in 34 CFR 462.13.

Submission Requirements:

(a) In preparing your application, you must comply with the requirements in 34 CFR 462.11.

(b) In accordance with 34 CFR 462.10, the deadlines for transmittal of applications in this fiscal year are October 1, 2016, and April 1, 2017.

(c) Whether you submit your application by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier) or deliver your application by hand or by courier service, you must mail or deliver four copies of your application, on or before the deadline date, to the following address: NRS Assessment Review, c/o American Institutes for Research, 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street NW., Washington, DC 20007.

(d) If you submit your application by mail or commercial carrier, you must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of Education.

(e) If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark.

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

(f) We do not consider applications postmarked after the application deadline date. If an application is postmarked after the October 1, 2016 deadline date but before the April 1, 2017 date, the application will be considered timely for the April 1 deadline date.

Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office.

(g) If you submit your application by hand delivery, you (or a courier service) must deliver four copies of the application by hand, on or before 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.

Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the contact person listed in this notice.

Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System at: www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site.

You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department.

Purpose of the Board: The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE-EM and site management in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities.

Tentative Agenda:

Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. The EM SSAB, Hanford, welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Kristen Holmes at least seven days in advance of the meeting at the phone number listed above. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to agenda items should contact Kristen Holmes at the address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comments will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments.

Minutes: Minutes will be available by writing or calling Kristen Holmes's office at the address or phone number listed above. Minutes will also be available at the following Web site: http://www.hanford.gov/page.cfm/hab.

Purpose of the Committee: The Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC) was re-established in July 2010, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., App. 2, to provide advice to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in implementing the Energy Policy Act of 2005, executing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and modernizing the nation's electricity delivery infrastructure. The EAC is composed of individuals of diverse background selected for their technical expertise and experience, established records of distinguished professional service, and their knowledge of issues that pertain to electricity.

Tentative Agenda: The meeting of the EAC is expected to include an update on the programs and initiatives of the DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. The meeting is also expected to include a presentation on the 2016 paper sponsored by NOAA, “Future Cost-Comparative Electricity Systems and Their Impact on U.S. CO2 Emissions,” panel discussions on opportunities presented by high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission and on grid impacts of the high penetration of plug-in electric vehicles, and an open discussion of industry topics relevant to DOE. Additionally, the meeting is expected to include a discussion of the plans and activities of the Smart Grid Subcommittee, Power Delivery Subcommittee, Energy Storage Subcommittee, the Clean Power Plan Working Group, and the Grid Modernization Working Group.

The meeting agenda may change to accommodate EAC business. For EAC agenda updates, see the EAC Web site at: http://energy.gov/oe/services/electricity-advisory-committee-eac.

Public Participation: The EAC welcomes the attendance of the public at its meetings. Individuals who wish to offer public comments at the EAC meeting may do so on Thursday, September 29, 2016, but must register at the registration table in advance. Approximately 10 minutes will be reserved for public comments. Time allotted per speaker will depend on the number who wish to speak but is not expected to exceed three minutes. Anyone who is not able to attend the meeting, or for whom the allotted public comments time is insufficient to address pertinent issues with the EAC, is invited to send a written statement to Mr. Matthew Rosenbaum.

You may submit comments, identified by “Electricity Advisory Committee Open Meeting,” by any of the following methods:

• Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Matthew Rosenbaum, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8G- 017, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585.

• Email: [email protected]. Include “Electricity Advisory Committee Open Meeting” in the subject line of the message.

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and identifier. All comments received will be posted without change to http://energy.gov/oe/services/electricity-advisory-committee-eac, including any personal information provided.

• Docket: For access to the docket, to read background documents or comments received, go to http://energy.gov/oe/services/electricity-advisory-committee-eac.

The following electronic file formats are acceptable: Microsoft Word (.doc), Corel Word Perfect (.wpd), Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), plain text (.txt), Microsoft Excel (.xls), and Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt). If you submit information that you believe to be exempt by law from public disclosure, you must submit one complete copy, as well as one copy from which the information claimed to be exempt by law from public disclosure has been deleted. You must also explain the reasons why you believe the deleted information is exempt from disclosure.

DOE is responsible for the final determination concerning disclosure or nondisclosure of the information and for treating it in accordance with the DOE's Freedom of Information regulations (10 CFR 1004.11).

Note: Delivery of the U.S. Postal Service mail to DOE may be delayed by several weeks due to security screening. DOE, therefore, encourages those wishing to comment to submit comments electronically by email. If comments are submitted by regular mail, the Department requests that they be accompanied by a CD or diskette containing electronic files of the submission.

Minutes: The minutes of the EAC meeting will be posted on the EAC Web page at http://energy.gov/oe/services/electricity-advisory-committee-eac. They can also be obtained by contacting Mr. Matthew Rosenbaum at the address above.

The Commission, by Order issued December 22, 2011, in Docket No. EF11-12-000, confirmed and approved Wholesale Power Rate Schedules JW-1-J and JW-2-F through September 19, 2016 (137 FERC ¶ 62,248).

By order published March 31, 2016, (81 FR 18607) the rate schedules were extended to September 30, 2016. Rate schedule JW-1-K replaces rate schedule JW-1-J and rate schedule JW-2-F is extended through September 30, 2021.