82_FR_46480 82 FR 46289 - Report on the Criteria and Methodology for Determining the Eligibility of Candidate Countries for Millennium Challenge Account Assistance in Fiscal Year 2018

82 FR 46289 - Report on the Criteria and Methodology for Determining the Eligibility of Candidate Countries for Millennium Challenge Account Assistance in Fiscal Year 2018

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 191 (October 4, 2017)

Page Range46289-46297
FR Document2017-21448

This report to Congress is provided in accordance with Section 608(b) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as amended, (the ``Act'').

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 191 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46289-46297]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21448]


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MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

[MCC FR 17-06]


Report on the Criteria and Methodology for Determining the 
Eligibility of Candidate Countries for Millennium Challenge Account 
Assistance in Fiscal Year 2018

AGENCY: Millennium Challenge Corporation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This report to Congress is provided in accordance with Section 
608(b) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as amended, (the 
``Act'').

    Dated: September 29, 2017.
Jeanne M. Hauch,
VP/General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Millennium Challenge 
Corporation.

Report on the Criteria and Methodology for Determining the Eligibility 
of Candidate Countries for Millennium Challenge Account Assistance for 
Fiscal Year 2018

Summary

    In accordance with section 608(b)(2) of the Millennium Challenge 
Act of 2003 (the ``Act,'' 22 U.S.C. 7707(b)(l)), the Millennium 
Challenge Corporation (MCC) is submitting the enclosed report. This 
report identifies the criteria and methodology that MCC intends to use 
to determine which candidate countries may be eligible to be considered 
for

[[Page 46290]]

assistance under the Act for fiscal year 2018.
    Under section 608 (c)(1) of the Act, MCC will, for a thirty-day 
period following publication, accept and consider public comment for 
purposes of determining eligible countries under section 607 of the Act 
(22 U.S.C. 7706).

Criteria and Methodology for FY 2018

    This document explains how the Board of Directors (Board) of the 
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will identify, evaluate, and 
select eligible countries for fiscal year (FY) 2018. The statutory 
basis for this report is set forth in Appendix A. Specifically, this 
document discusses:

I. Which countries MCC will evaluate
II. How the Board evaluates these countries
    A. Overall
    B. For Selection for First Compact Eligibility
    C. For Selection for Second/Subsequent Compact Eligibility
    D. For Threshold Program Assistance
    E. A Note on Potential Regional Investments
    F. A Note on Potential Transition to Upper Middle Income Country 
(UMIC) Status After Initial Selection

I. Which countries are evaluated?

    MCC evaluates all low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle 
income countries (LMICs) as follows:
     For scorecard evaluation purposes for FY 2018, MCC defines 
LICs as those countries between $0 and $1,905 GNI per capita, and LMICs 
as those countries between $1,906 and $3,955 GNI per capita.\1\
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    \1\ This corresponds to LIC and LMIC definitions using the 
historic International Development Association (IDA) thresholds 
published by the World Bank.
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     For funding purposes for FY 2018, MCC defines the poorest 
75 countries as LICs, and the remaining countries up to the UMIC 
threshold of $3,955 as LMICs.\2\
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    \2\ By law, no more than 25 percent of all compact funds for a 
given fiscal year may be provided to LMIC countries (using this 
``funding'' definition).
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    In Appendix B, lists of all LICs, LMICs and statutorily prohibited 
countries for scorecard evaluation purposes are provided. The list 
using the ``funding'' definition was outlined in the August 2017 Report 
on Countries that are Candidates for Millennium Challenge Account 
Eligibility for Fiscal Year 2018 and Countries that Would be Candidates 
but for Legal Prohibitions (the ``Candidate Country Report''), and 
describes how funding categories work.

II. How does the Board evaluate these countries?

A. Overall Evaluation

    The Board looks at three legislatively-mandated factors in its 
evaluation of any candidate country for compact eligibility: (1) Policy 
performance; (2) the opportunity to reduce poverty and generate 
economic growth; and (3) the availability of MCC funds.
1. Policy Performance
    Because of the importance of needing to evaluate a country's policy 
performance and needing to do so in a comparable, cross-country way, 
the Board relies to the maximum extent possible upon the best-available 
objective and quantifiable indicators of policy performance. These 
indicators act as proxies of the country's commitment to just and 
democratic governance, economic freedom, and investing in its people, 
as laid out in MCC's founding legislation. Comprised of 20 third-party 
indicators in the categories of ``encouraging economic freedom,'' 
``investing in people,'' and ``ruling justly,'' MCC ``scorecards'' are 
created for all LICs and LMICs. To ``pass'' the indicators on the 
scorecard, the country must perform above the median among its income 
group (as defined above for scorecard evaluation purposes), except in 
the cases of inflation, political rights, civil liberties, and 
immunization rates (LMICs only), where threshold scores have been 
established. In particular, the Board considers whether the country:
     Passed at least 10 of the 20 indicators, with at least one 
in each category,
     Passed either the Political Rights or Civil Liberties 
indicator, and
     Passed the Control of Corruption indicator.
    While satisfaction of all three aspects means a country is termed 
to have ``passed'' the scorecard, the Board also considers whether the 
country performed ``substantially worse'' in any one policy category 
than it does on the scorecard overall. Appendix C describes all 20 
indicators, their definitions, what is required to ``pass,'' their 
source, and their relationship to the legislative criteria.
    The mandatory passing of either the Political Rights or Civil 
Liberties indicators is called the Democratic Rights ``hard hurdle'' on 
the scorecard, while the mandatory passing of the Control of Corruption 
indicator is called the Control of Corruption ``hard hurdle.'' Not 
passing either ``hard hurdle'' results in not passing the scorecard 
overall, regardless of whether at least 10 of the 20 other indicators 
are passed.
     Democratic Rights ``hard hurdle:'' This hurdle sets a 
minimum bar for democratic rights below which the Board will not 
consider a country for eligibility. Requiring that a country pass 
either the Political Rights or Civil Liberties indicator creates a 
democratic incentive for countries, recognizes the importance democracy 
plays in driving poverty-reducing economic growth, and holds MCC 
accountable to working with the best governed, poorest countries. When 
a candidate country is only passing one of the two indicators 
comprising the hurdle (instead of both), the Board will also closely 
examine why it is not passing the other indicator to understand what 
the score implies for the broader democratic environment and trajectory 
of the country. This examination will include consultation with both 
local and international civil society experts, among others.
     Control of Corruption ``hard hurdle:'' Corruption in any 
country is an unacceptable tax on economic growth and an obstacle to 
the private sector investment needed to reduce poverty. Accordingly, 
MCC seeks out partner countries that are committed to combatting 
corruption. It is for this reason that MCC also has the Control of 
Corruption ``hard hurdle,'' which helps ensure that MCC is working with 
countries where there is relatively strong performance in controlling 
corruption. Requiring the passage of the indicator provides an 
incentive for countries to demonstrate a clear commitment to 
controlling corruption, and allows MCC to better understand the issue 
by seeing how the country performs relative to its peers and over time.
    Together, the 20 policy performance indicators are the predominant 
basis for determining which eligible countries will be selected for MCC 
assistance, and the Board expects a country to be passing its scorecard 
at the point the Board decides to select the country for either a first 
or second/subsequent compact. However, the Board also recognizes that 
even the best-available data has inherent challenges. For example, data 
gaps, real-time events versus data lags, the absence of narratives and 
nuanced detail, and other similar weaknesses affect each of these 
indicators. In such instances, the Board uses its judgment to interpret 
policy performance as measured by the scorecards. The Board may also 
consult other sources of information to further enhance its 
understanding of a given country's policy performance beyond the issues 
on the scorecard, which is

[[Page 46291]]

especially useful given the unique perspective of each Board member 
(e.g., specific policy issues related to trade, civil society, other 
U.S. aid programs, financial sector performance, and security/foreign 
policy issues). The Board uses its judgment on how best to weigh such 
information in assessing overall policy performance.
2. The Opportunity To Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Growth
    The Board also consults other sources of qualitative and 
quantitative information to have a more detailed view of the 
opportunity to reduce poverty and generate economic growth in a 
country.
    While the Board considers a range of other information sources 
depending on the country, specific areas of attention typically include 
better understanding the issues on, trends in, and trajectory of:
     The state of democratic and human rights (especially of 
vulnerable groups \3\);
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    \3\ For example, women; children; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and 
transgender individuals; people with disabilities; and workers.
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     The perspective of civil society on salient governance 
issues;
     The control of corruption and rule of law;
     The potential for the private sector (both local and 
foreign) to lead investment and growth;
     The levels of poverty within a country; and
     The country's institutional capacity.
    Where applicable, the Board also considers MCC's own experience and 
ability to reduce poverty and generate economic growth in a given 
country--such as considering MCC's core skills versus the country's 
needs, capacity within MCC to work with a country, and the likelihood 
that MCC is seen by the country as a credible partner.
    This information provides greater clarity on the likelihood that 
MCC investments will have an appreciable impact on reducing poverty and 
generating economic growth in a given country. The Board has used such 
information both to not select countries that are otherwise passing 
their scorecards, as well as to better understand when a country's 
performance on a particular indicator may not be up to date or is about 
to change. More details on this subject (sometimes referred to as 
``supplemental information'') can be found on MCC's Web site.
3. The Availability of MCC Funds
    The final factor that the Board must consider when evaluating 
countries is the funding available. The agency's allocation of its 
budget is constrained, and often specifically limited, by provisions in 
the authorizing legislation and appropriations acts. MCC has a 
continuous pipeline of countries in compact development, compact 
implementation, and compact closeout, as well as threshold programs. 
Consequently, the Board factors in the overall portfolio picture when 
making its selection decisions given the funding available for each of 
the agency's planned or existing programs.
* * * * *
    The following subsections describe how each of these three 
legislatively-mandated factors are applied with regard to the selection 
situations the Board encounters each December: selection of countries 
for first compact eligibility, selection of countries for second/
subsequent compact eligibility, and selection of countries for the 
threshold program. Thereafter, notes are included on consideration of 
countries for potential regional investments, and issues for 
consideration for countries that might graduate to upper middle income 
country status after initial selection.

B. Evaluation for Selection of Countries for First Compact Eligibility

    When selecting eligible countries, the Board looks at all three 
legislatively-mandated aspects described in the previous section: (1) 
Policy performance, first and foremost as measured by the scorecards 
and bolstered through additional information (as described in the 
previous section); (2) the opportunity to reduce poverty and generate 
economic growth, examined through the use of other supporting 
information (as described in the previous section); and (3) the funding 
available.
    At a minimum, the Board looks to see that the country passes its 
scorecard. It also examines supporting evidence that the country's 
commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and 
investing in its people is on a sound footing and performance is on a 
positive trajectory (especially on the `hard hurdles' of Democratic 
Rights and Control of Corruption, as described in the previous 
section), and that MCC has funding to support a meaningful compact with 
that country. Where applicable, previous threshold program information 
is also considered. The Board then weighs the information described 
above across each of the three dimensions.
    The approach described above is then applied in any additional 
years of selection of a country to continue to develop a first compact, 
with the added benefit of having cumulative scorecards, cumulative 
records of policy performance, and other accumulated supporting 
information to determine the overall pattern of performance over the 
emerging multi-year trajectory.

C. Evaluation for Selection of Countries for Second/Subsequent Compact 
Eligibility

    Section 609(k) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as amended, 
specifically authorizes MCC to enter into ``one or more subsequent 
Compacts.'' MCC does not consider subsequent compact eligibility, 
however, before countries have completed their compact or are within 18 
months of completion, (e.g., a second compact if they have completed or 
are within 18 months of completing their first compact). Selection for 
subsequent compacts is not automatic and is intended only for countries 
that (1) exhibit successful performance on their previous compact; (2) 
exhibit improved scorecard policy performance during the partnership; 
and (3) exhibit a continued commitment to further their sector reform 
efforts in any subsequent partnership. As a result, the Board has an 
even higher standard when selecting countries for subsequent compacts.
1. Successful Implementation of the Previous Compact
    To evaluate the degree of success of the previous compact, the 
Board looks to see if there is a clear evidence base of success within 
the budget and time limits of the compact, in particular by looking at 
three aspects:
     The degree to which there is evidence of strong political 
will and management capacity: Is the partnership characterized by the 
country ensuring that both policy reforms and the compact program 
itself are both being implemented to the best ability that the country 
can deliver;
     The degree to which the country has exhibited commitment 
and capacity to achieve program results: Are the financial and project 
results being achieved; to what degree is the country committing its 
own resources to ensure the compact is a success; to what extent is the 
private sector engaged (if relevant); and other compact-specific 
issues; and
     The degree to which the country has implemented the 
compact in accordance with MCC's core policies and standards: That is, 
is the country adhering to MCC's policies and procedures, including in 
critical areas such as remediating unresolved fraud and corruption and 
abuse or misuse of

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funds issues; procurement; and monitoring and evaluation.
    Details on the specific types of information examined (and sources 
used) in each of the three areas are provided in Appendix D. Overall, 
the Board is looking for evidence that the previous compact will be 
completed or has been completed successfully, on time and on budget, 
and that there is a commitment to continued, robust reform going 
forward.
2. Improved Scorecard Policy Performance
    Beyond successful implementation of the previous compact, the Board 
expects the country to have improved its overall scorecard policy 
performance during the partnership, and to pass the scorecard in the 
year of selection for the subsequent compact. The Board focuses on:
     The overall scorecard pass/fail rate over time, what this 
suggests about underlying policy performance, as well as an examination 
of the underlying reasons;
     The progress over time on policy areas measured by both 
hard-hurdle indicators--Democratic Rights and Control of Corruption--
including an examination of the underlying reasons; and
     Other indicator trajectories as deemed relevant by the 
Board.
    In all cases, while the Board expects the country to be passing its 
scorecard, other sources of information are examined to understand the 
nuance and reasons behind scorecard or indicator performance over time, 
including any real-time updates, methodological changes within the 
indicators themselves, shifts in the relevant candidate pool, or 
alternative policy performance perspectives (such as gleaned through 
consultations with civil society and related stakeholders). Other 
sources of information are also consulted to look at policy performance 
over time in areas not covered by the scorecard, but that are deemed 
important by the Board (such as trade, foreign policy concerns, etc.).
3. A Commitment To Further Sector Reform
    The Board expects that subsequent compacts will endeavor to tackle 
deeper policy reforms necessary to unlock an identified constraint to 
growth. Consequently, the Board considers its own experience during the 
previous compact in considering how committed the country is to 
reducing poverty and increasing economic growth, and therefore tries to 
gauge the country's commitment for further sector reform should it be 
selected for a subsequent compact. This includes:
     Assessing the country's delivery of policy reform during 
the previous compact (as described above);
     Assessing expectations of the country's ability and 
willingness to continue embarking on sector policy reform in a 
subsequent compact;
     Examining both other sources of information that describe 
the nature of the opportunity to reduce poverty and generate growth (as 
outlined in A.2 above), and the relative success of the previous 
compact overall, as already discussed; and
     Finally, considering how well funding can be leveraged for 
impact, given the country's experience in the previous compact.
* * * * *
    Through this overall approach to subsequent compact selection, the 
Board applies the three legislatively mandated evaluation criteria 
(policy performance, the opportunity to reduce poverty and generate 
economic growth, and the funding available) in a way that rests 
critically on deeply assessing the previous partnership: From a compact 
success standpoint, a commitment to improved scorecard policy 
performance standpoint, and a commitment to continued sector policy 
reform standpoint. The Board then weighs all of the information 
described above in making its decision.
    The approach described above is then applied in any additional 
years of selection necessary as the country continues to develop the 
subsequent compact, with the added benefit of having further detail on 
previous compact implementation, cumulative scorecards, records of 
policy performance, and other accumulated supporting information to 
determine the overall pattern of performance over the resulting multi-
year trajectory.

D. Evaluation for Threshold Program Assistance

    The Board may also evaluate countries for participation in the 
Threshold Program. The Threshold Program provides assistance to 
candidate countries that exhibit a significant commitment to meeting 
the criteria described in the previous sub-sections, but fail to meet 
such requirements. Specifically, in examining the policy performance, 
the opportunity to reduce poverty and generate economic growth, and the 
funding available, the Board will consider whether a country that 
potentially qualifies for threshold program assistance appears to be on 
a trajectory to becoming viable for compact eligibility in the medium 
term.

E. A Note on Potential Regional Investments

    FY 2018 marks the third year that the Board may consider selecting 
countries where potential regional investments (i.e., complementary 
assistance by MCC to two or more countries in a region) may be 
developed.
    With respect to regional investments, the fundamental criteria and 
process for selection will remain unchanged: Countries will continue to 
be evaluated and selected individually, as described in sections A, B, 
and C above. However, for countries where regional investments might be 
contemplated, the Board will also examine additional supplemental 
information looking at the policy environment from a regional 
dimension.
    Specifically, the Board will examine additional data and 
information related to:
     The current state of the country's political and economic 
integration with its region and neighbors;
     Impediments to further integration with its region and 
neighbors; and
     The potential gains from investing at a regional level, 
including illustrative potential sector opportunities.
    The Board will weigh this additional regional information in tandem 
with the other supplemental factors described earlier in sections A, B, 
and C. The Board will then decide whether or not it will direct MCC to 
explore some form of a regional investment with the country.

F. A Note on Potential Transition to Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) 
Status After Initial Selection

    Some candidate countries may have a high LMIC per capita income 
and/or a high growth rate that implies there is a chance they could 
transition to UMIC status during the life of an MCC partnership. In 
such cases, it is not possible to accurately predict when such a 
country may or may not transition to UMIC status.
    Nonetheless, such countries may have more resources at their 
disposal for funding their own growth and poverty reduction strategies. 
As a result, in addition to using the regular selection criteria 
described in the previous sections, the Board will also use its 
discretion to assess both the need and the opportunity presented by 
partnering with such a country, in order to ensure that there is a 
higher bar for possible selection.
    Specifically, if a candidate country with a high probability of 
transitioning

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to UMIC status is under consideration for selection, the Board will 
examine additional data and information related to:
     Whether the country faces significant challenges accessing 
other sources of development financing (such as international capital, 
domestic resources, and other donor assistance) and, if so, examining 
if MCC grant financing would be an appropriate tool.
     Whether the nature of poverty in the country (for example, 
high inequality or poverty headcount ratios relative to peer countries) 
presents a clear and strategic opportunity for MCC to assist the 
country in reducing such poverty through investments that spur economic 
growth.
     Whether the country demonstrates particularly strong 
policy performance, including policies and actions that demonstrate a 
clear priority on poverty reduction.
     Whether MCC can reasonably expect that the country would 
contribute a significant amount of funding to the compact.
    These additional criteria would then be applied in any additional 
years of selection as the country continues to develop its compact. 
Should the country eventually transition to UMIC status during compact 
development, the country would no longer be a candidate country for 
that fiscal year. Consequently, continuing the partnership beyond that 
point would then be at the Board's discretion, and would rely on 
funding from previous fiscal years from when the country was a 
candidate country.

Appendix A: Statutory Basis for This Report

    This report to Congress is provided in accordance with section 
608(b) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 
7707(b) (the Act).
    Section 605 of the Act authorizes the provision of assistance to 
countries that enter into a Millennium Challenge Compact with the 
United States to support policies and programs that advance the 
progress of such countries in achieving lasting economic growth and 
poverty reduction. The Act requires MCC to take a number of steps in 
selecting countries for compact assistance for FY 2018 based on the 
countries' demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, 
economic freedom, and investing in their people, MCC's opportunity to 
reduce poverty and generate economic growth in the country, and the 
availability of funds. These steps include the submission of reports to 
the congressional committees specified in the Act and publication of 
information in the Federal Register that identify:
    1. The countries that are ``candidate countries'' for assistance 
for FY 2018 based on per capita income levels and eligibility to 
receive assistance under U.S. law. (section 608(a) of the Act; 22 
U.S.C. 7707(a));
    2. The criteria and methodology that MCC's Board of Directors 
(Board) will use to measure and evaluate policy performance of the 
candidate countries consistent with the requirements of section 607 of 
the Act (22 U.S.C. 7706) in order to determine ``eligible countries'' 
from among the ``candidate countries'' (section 608(b) of the Act; 22 
U.S.C. 7707(b)); and
    3. The list of countries determined by the Board to be ``eligible 
countries'' for FY 2018, with justification for eligibility 
determination and selection for compact negotiation, including those 
eligible countries with which MCC will seek to enter into compacts 
(section 608(d) of the Act; 22 U.S.C. 7707(d)).
    This report satisfies item 2 above.

Appendix B: Lists of all LICs, LMICs, and Statutorily Prohibited 
Countries for Evaluation Purposes

Income Classification for Scorecards

    Since MCC was created, it has relied on the World Bank's gross 
national income (GNI) per capita income data (Atlas method) and the 
historical ceiling for eligibility as set by the World Bank's 
International Development Association (IDA) to divide countries into 
two income categories for purposes of creating scorecards: LICs and 
LMICs. These categories are used to account for the income bias that 
occurs when countries with more per capita resources perform better 
than countries with fewer. Using the historical IDA eligibility ceiling 
for the scorecards ensures that the poorest countries compete with 
their income level peers and are not compared against countries with 
more resources to mobilize.
    MCC will continue to use the traditional income categories for 
eligibility to categorize countries in two groups for purposes of FY 
2018 scorecard comparisons:
     LICs are countries with GNI per capita below IDA's 
historical ceiling for eligibility ($1,905 for FY 2018); and
     LMICs are countries with GNI per capita above IDA's 
historical ceiling for eligibility but below the World Bank's upper 
middle income country threshold ($1,906-$3,955 for FY 2018).
    The list of countries categorized as LICs and LMICs for the purpose 
of FY 2018 scorecard assessments can be found below.\4\
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    \4\ In December 2011, a statutory change requested by MCC 
altered the way MCC must group countries for the purposes of 
applying MCC's 25 percent LMIC funding cap. This change, designed to 
bring stability to the funding stream, affects how MCC funds 
countries selected for compacts and does not affect the way 
scorecards are created. For determining whether a country can be 
funded as an LMIC or LIC:
     The poorest 75 countries are now considered LICs for 
the purposes of MCC funding. They are not limited by the 25 percent 
funding cap on LMICs.
     Countries with a GNI per capita above the poorest 75 
but below the World Bank's upper middle income country threshold 
($3,955 for FY 2018) are considered LMICs for the purposes of MCC 
funding. By law, no more than 25 percent of all compact funds for a 
given fiscal year can be provided to these countries.
    The FY 2018 Candidate Country Report lists LICs and LMICs based 
on this definition and outlines which countries are subject to the 
25 percent funding cap.
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Low Income Countries (FY 2018 Scorecard)

1. Afghanistan
2. Bangladesh
3. Benin
4. Burkina Faso
5. Burma
6. Burundi
7. Cambodia
8. Cameroon
9. Central African Republic
10. Chad
11. Comoros
12. Democratic Republic of Congo
13. Republic of Congo
14. C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire
15. Djibouti
16. Eritrea
17. Ethiopia
18. Gambia
19. Ghana
20. Guinea
21. Guinea-Bissau
22. Haiti
23. India
24. Kenya
25. Kyrgyz Republic
26. Lesotho
27. Liberia
28. Madagascar
29. Malawi
30. Mali
31. Mauritania
32. Mozambique
33. Nepal
34. Niger
35. North Korea
36. Pakistan
37. Rwanda
38. S[atilde]o Tom[eacute] and Principe
39. Senegal
40. Sierra Leone
41. Solomon Islands
42. Somalia
43. South Sudan
44. Syria

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45. Tajikistan
46. Tanzania
47. Timor-Leste
48. Togo
49. Uganda
50. Yemen
51. Zambia
52. Zimbabwe

Lower Middle Income Countries (FY 2018 Scorecard)

1. Angola
2. Armenia
3. Bhutan
4. Bolivia
5. Cabo Verde
6. Egypt
7. El Salvador
8. Georgia
9. Guatemala
10. Honduras
11. Indonesia
12. Jordan
13. Kiribati
14. Kosovo
15. Lao PDR
16. Micronesia
17. Moldova
18. Mongolia
19. Morocco
20. Nicaragua
21. Nigeria
22. Papua New Guinea
23. Philippines
24. Sri Lanka
25. Sudan
26. Swaziland
27. Tunisia
28. Ukraine
29. Uzbekistan
30. Vanuatu
31. Vietnam

Statutorily Prohibited Countries for FY18 \5\
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    \5\ This list is current as of August 1, 2017. Between such date 
and the December 2017 selection Board meeting, other countries may 
also be the subject of future statutory restrictions or 
determinations, or changed country circumstances, that affect their 
legal eligibility for assistance under part I of the Foreign 
Assistance Act by reason of application of the Foreign Assistance 
Act or any other provision of law for FY2018. Even though these 
countries are prohibited from received assistance, scorecards are 
still created for them to ensure all countries are included in an 
income group in order to determine the global medians/scores for 
that income group.
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1. Bolivia
2. Burma
3. Eritrea
4. North Korea
5. South Sudan
6. Sudan
7. Syria
8. Zimbabwe

Appendix C: Indicator Definitions

    The following indicators will be used to measure candidate 
countries' demonstrated commitment to the criteria found in section 
607(b) of the Act. The indicators are intended to assess the degree to 
which the political and economic conditions in a country serve to 
promote broad-based sustainable economic growth and reduction of 
poverty and thus provide a sound environment for the use of MCC funds. 
The indicators are not goals in themselves; rather, they are proxy 
measures of policies that are linked to broad-based sustainable 
economic growth. The indicators were selected based on (i) their 
relationship to economic growth and poverty reduction; (ii) the number 
of countries they cover; (iii) transparency and availability; and (iv) 
relative soundness and objectivity. Where possible, the indicators are 
developed by independent sources.\6\ Listed below is a brief summary of 
the indicators (a detailed rationale for the adoption of these 
indicators can be found in the Public Guide to the Indicators on MCC's 
public website at www.mcc.gov).
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    \6\ Special note on Kosovo: Since UN agencies do not currently 
publish data for Kosovo due to non-recognition status, MCC is unable 
to source data directly from the UN for the six indicators that are 
constructed in all or in part from this data: Land Rights and 
Access, Health Expenditures, Primary Education Expenditures, 
Immunization Rates, Girls' Secondary Education Enrollment Rate, and 
Child Health. As result, MCC publishes data from UNKT (the UN Kosovo 
Team) in cases where UNKT uses comparable methodologies to their UN 
sister organizations. See http://www.unkt.org/ for more information.
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Ruling Justly

    1. Political Rights: Independent experts rate countries on the 
prevalence of free and fair electoral processes; political pluralism 
and participation of all stakeholders; government accountability and 
transparency; freedom from domination by the military, foreign powers, 
totalitarian parties, religious hierarchies and economic oligarchies; 
and the political rights of minority groups, among other things. Pass: 
Score must be above the minimum score of 17 out of 40. Source: Freedom 
House
    2. Civil Liberties: Independent experts rate countries on freedom 
of expression and belief; association and organizational rights; rule 
of law and human rights; and personal autonomy and economic rights, 
among other things. Pass: Score must be above the minimum score of 25 
out of 60. Source: Freedom House
    3. Freedom of Information: Measures the legal and practical steps 
taken by a government to enable or allow information to move freely 
through society; this includes measures of press freedom, national 
freedom of information laws, and the extent to which a county is 
filtering internet content or tools. Pass: Score must be above the 
median score for the income group. Source: Freedom House/Centre for Law 
and Democracy.
    4. Government Effectiveness: An index of surveys and expert 
assessments that rate countries on the quality of public service 
provision; civil servants' competency and independence from political 
pressures; and the government's ability to plan and implement sound 
policies, among other things. Pass: Score must be above the median 
score for the income group. Source: Worldwide Governance Indicators 
(World Bank/Brookings)
    5. Rule of Law: An index of surveys and expert assessments that 
rate countries on the extent to which the public has confidence in and 
abides by the rules of society; the incidence and impact of violent and 
nonviolent crime; the effectiveness, independence, and predictability 
of the judiciary; the protection of property rights; and the 
enforceability of contracts, among other things. Pass: Score must be 
above the median score for the income group. Source: Worldwide 
Governance Indicators (World Bank/Brookings)
    6. Control of Corruption: An index of surveys and expert 
assessments that rate countries on: ``grand corruption'' in the 
political arena; the frequency of petty corruption; the effects of 
corruption on the business environment; and the tendency of elites to 
engage in ``state capture,'' among other things. Pass: Score must be 
above the median score for the income group. Source: Worldwide 
Governance Indicators (World Bank/Brookings)

Encouraging Economic Freedom

    1. Fiscal Policy: General government net lending/borrowing as a 
percent of gross domestic product (GDP), averaged over a three year 
period. Net lending/borrowing is calculated as revenue minus total 
expenditure. The data for this measure comes from the IMF's World 
Economic Outlook. Pass: Score must be above the median score for the 
income group. Source: The International Monetary Fund's World Economic 
Outlook Database
    2. Inflation: The most recent average annual change in consumer 
prices. Pass: Score must be 15% or less. Source: The International 
Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook Database
    3. Regulatory Quality: An index of surveys and expert assessments 
that rate countries on the burden of regulations on business; price 
controls; the government's role in the economy; and

[[Page 46295]]

foreign investment regulation, among other areas. Pass: Score must be 
above the median score for the income group. Source: Worldwide 
Governance Indicators (World Bank/Brookings)
    4. Trade Policy: A measure of a country's openness to international 
trade based on weighted average tariff rates and non-tariff barriers to 
trade. Pass: Score must be above the median score for the income group. 
Source: The Heritage Foundation
    5. Gender in the Economy: An index that measures the extent to 
which laws provide men and women equal capacity to generate income or 
participate in the economy, including factors such as the capacity to 
access institutions, get a job, register a business, sign a contract, 
open a bank account, choose where to live, and to travel freely. Pass: 
Score must be above the median score for the income group. Source: 
International Finance Corporation
    a. Due to an expansion in the number of areas examined by the 
indicator institution since this indicator's conception in FY 2012, 
from FY 2019 the Gender in the Economy indicator will be expanded, and 
incorporate new areas such as property rights protections, protections 
against domestic violence, and child marriage (among others). Expanded 
details regarding these changes are provided in the annual Guide to the 
Indicators and Selection Process, and annual Data Notes, available on 
MCC's website.
    b. To phase in this new construction of the indicator, the original 
version of the indicator will be used on the FY 2018 scorecards. 
However, an appendix to the scorecards will be published that will show 
how countries would perform under the new construction of the 
indicator. From FY 2019, the new construction of the indicator will 
then fully replace the current version on the scorecard.
    6. Land Rights and Access: An index that rates countries on the 
extent to which the institutional, legal, and market framework provide 
secure land tenure and equitable access to land in rural areas and the 
time and cost of property registration in urban and peri-urban areas. 
Pass: Score must be above the median score for the income group. 
Source: The International Fund for Agricultural Development and the 
International Finance Corporation
    7. Access to Credit: An index that rates countries on rules and 
practices affecting the coverage, scope, and accessibility of credit 
information available through either a public credit registry or a 
private credit bureau; as well as legal rights in collateral laws and 
bankruptcy laws. Pass: Score must be above the median score for the 
income group. Source: International Finance Corporation
    8. Business Start-Up: An index that rates countries on the time and 
cost of complying with all procedures officially required for an 
entrepreneur to start up and formally operate an industrial or 
commercial business. Pass: Score must be above the median score for the 
income group. Source: International Finance Corporation

Investing in People

    1. Public Expenditure on Health: Total expenditures on health by 
government at all levels divided by GDP. Pass: Score must be above the 
median score for the income group. Source: The World Health 
Organization
    2. Total Public Expenditure on Primary Education: Total 
expenditures on primary education by government at all levels divided 
by GDP. Pass: Score must be above the median score for the income 
group. Source: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 
Organization and National Governments
    3. Natural Resource Protection: Assesses whether countries are 
protecting up to 17 percent of all their biomes (e.g., deserts, 
tropical rainforests, grasslands, savannas and tundra). Pass: Score 
must be above the median score for the income group. Source: The Center 
for International Earth Science Information Network and the Yale Center 
for Environmental Law and Policy
    4. Immunization Rates: The average of DPT3 and measles immunization 
coverage rates for the most recent year available. Pass: Score must be 
above the median score for LICs, and 90% or higher for LMICs. Source: 
The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund
    5. Girls Education:
    a. Girls' Primary Completion Rate: The number of female students 
enrolled in the last grade of primary education minus repeaters divided 
by the population in the relevant age cohort (gross intake ratio in the 
last grade of primary). LICs are assessed on this indicator. Pass: 
Score must be above the median score for the income group. Source: 
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    b. Girls Secondary Enrollment Education: The number of female 
pupils enrolled in lower secondary school, regardless of age, expressed 
as a percentage of the population of females in the theoretical age 
group for lower secondary education. LMICs are assessed on this 
indicator instead of Girls Primary Completion Rates. Pass: Score must 
be above the median score for the income group. Source: United Nations 
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    6. Child Health: An index made up of three indicators: (i) access 
to improved water, (ii) access to improved sanitation, and (iii) child 
(ages 1-4) mortality. Pass: Score must be above the median score for 
the income group. Source: The Center for International Earth Science 
Information Network and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and 
Policy

Relationship to Legislative Criteria

    Within each policy category, the Act sets out a number of specific 
selection criteria. A set of objective and quantifiable policy 
indicators is used to inform eligibility decisions for assistance and 
to measure the relative performance by candidate countries against 
these criteria. The Board's approach to determining eligibility ensures 
that performance against each of these criteria is assessed by at least 
one of the objective indicators. Most are addressed by multiple 
indicators. The specific indicators appear in parentheses next to the 
corresponding criterion set out in the Act.
    Section 607(b)(1): Just and democratic governance, including a 
demonstrated commitment to--
    (A) promote political pluralism, equality and the rule of law 
(Political Rights, Civil Liberties, Rule of Law, and Gender in the 
Economy);
    (B) respect human and civil rights, including the rights of people 
with disabilities (Political Rights, Civil Liberties, and Freedom of 
Information);
    (C) protect private property rights (Civil Liberties, Regulatory 
Quality, Rule of Law, and Land Rights and Access);
    (D) encourage transparency and accountability of government 
(Political Rights, Civil Liberties, Freedom of Information, Control of 
Corruption, Rule of Law, and Government Effectiveness); and
    (E) combat corruption (Political Rights, Civil Liberties, Rule of 
Law, Freedom of Information, and Control of Corruption);
    Section 607(b)(2): Economic freedom, including a demonstrated 
commitment to economic policies that--
    (A) encourage citizens and firms to participate in global trade and 
international capital markets (Fiscal Policy, Inflation, Trade Policy, 
and Regulatory Quality);
    (B) promote private sector growth (Inflation, Business Start-Up, 
Fiscal Policy, Land Rights and Access, Access

[[Page 46296]]

to Credit, Gender in the Economy, and Regulatory Quality);
    (C) strengthen market forces in the economy (Fiscal Policy, 
Inflation, Trade Policy, Business Start-Up, Land Rights and Access, 
Access to Credit, and Regulatory Quality); and
    (D) respect worker rights, including the right to form labor unions 
(Civil Liberties and Gender in the Economy); and
    Section 607(b)(3): Investments in the people of such country, 
particularly women and children, including programs that--
    (A) promote broad-based primary education (Girls' Primary 
Completion Rate, Girls' Secondary Education Enrollment Rate, and Total 
Public Expenditure on Primary Education);
    (B) strengthen and build capacity to provide quality public health 
and reduce child mortality (Immunization Rates, Public Expenditure on 
Health, and Child Health); and
    (C) promote the protection of biodiversity and the transparent and 
sustainable management and use of natural resources (Natural Resource 
Protection).

Appendix D: Subsequent Compact Considerations

    MCC reporting and data in the following chart are used to assess 
compact performance of MCC partners nearing the end of compact 
implementation (i.e., within 18-months of compact end date). Some 
reporting used for assessment may contain sensitive information and 
adversely affect implementation or MCC-partner country relations. This 
information is for MCC's internal use and is not made public. However, 
key implementation information is summarized in compact status and 
results reports that are published quarterly on MCC's website under MCC 
country programs (https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work) or monitoring and 
evaluation (https://www.mcc.gov/our-impact/m-and-e) webpages.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                MCC reporting/
            Topic                 data source       Published documents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Political Will:                Quarterly   Quarterly
 Status of major       implementation      results published as
 conditions precedent.         reporting.          ``Table of Key
 Program oversight/    Quarterly   Performance
 implementation.               results             Indicators''
[cir] project restructures.    reporting.          (available by
[cir] partner response to      Survey of   country): https://
 MCA capacity issues.          MCC staff.          www.mcc.gov/our-
 Political                                 impact/m-and-e.
 independence of MCA.                              Survey
                                                   questions to be
                                                   posted: https://www.mcc.gov/resources/doc/summary-compact-survey-summary-fy18.
Management Capacity:
     Project
     management capacity.
     Project
     performance.
     Level of MCC
     intervention/oversight.
     Relative level
     of resources required.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             PROGRAM RESULTS
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Financial Results:             Indicator   Monitoring
 Commitments--         tracking tables.    and Evaluation Plans
 including contributions to    Quarterly   (available by
 compact funding.              financial           country): https://
 Disbursements.        reporting.          www.mcc.gov/our-
Project Results:               Quarterly   impact/m-and-e.
 Output, outcome,      implementation      Quarterly
 objective targets.            reporting.          Status Reports
 MCA commitment to     Quarterly   (available by
 `focus on results'.           results             country): https://
 MCA cooperation on    reporting.          www.mcc.gov/our-
 impact evaluation.            Survey of   impact/m-and-e.
 Percent complete      MCC staff.          Quarterly
 for process/outputs.          Impact      results published as
 Relevant outcome      evaluations.        ``Table of Key
 data.                                             Performance
 Details behind                            Indicators''
 target delays.                                    (available by
                                                   country): https://www.mcc.gov/our-impact/m-and-e.
                                                   Survey
                                                   questions to be
                                                   posted: https://www.mcc.gov/resources/doc/summary-compact-survey-summary-fy18.
Target Achievements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
 Procurement.          Audits      Published OIG
 Environmental and     (GAO and OIG).      and GAO audits.
 social.                       Quarterly   Survey
 Fraud and             implementation      questions to be
 corruption.                   reporting.          posted: https://
 Program closure.      Survey of   www.mcc.gov/resources/
 Monitoring and        MCC staff.          doc/summary-compact-
 evaluation.                                       survey-summary-fy18.
 All other legal
 provisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            COUNTRY SPECIFIC
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sustainability:                Quarterly   Quarterly
 Implementation        implementation      results published as
 entity.                       reporting.          ``Table of Key
 MCC investments.      Quarterly   Performance
Role of private sector or      results             Indicators''
 other donors:                 reporting.          (available by
 Other relevant        Survey of   country): https://
 investors/investments.        MCC staff.          www.mcc.gov/our-
 Other donors/                             impact/m-and-e.
 programming.                                      Survey
 Status of related                         questions to be
 reforms.                                          posted: https://
 Trajectory of                             www.mcc.gov/resources/
 private sector involvement                        doc/summary-compact-
 going forward.                                    survey-summary-fy18.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 46297]]

[FR Doc. 2017-21448 Filed 10-2-17; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 9211-03-P



                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices                                                 46289

                                                respondents, proposed frequency of                      the mining industry. The Federal Mine                 electronic, mechanical, or other
                                                response, and estimated total burden                    Safety and Health Act of 1977 sections                technological collection techniques or
                                                may be obtained free of charge from the                 101(a) and 103(h) authorize this                      other forms of information technology,
                                                RegInfo.gov Web site at http://                         information collection. See 30 U.S.C.                 e.g., permitting electronic submission of
                                                www.reginfo.gov/public/do/                              813(h), 30 U.S.C. 811(a).                             responses.
                                                PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=201708-1219-005                        This information collection is subject                Agency: DOL–MSHA.
                                                or by contacting Michel Smyth by                        to the PRA. A Federal agency generally                  Title of Collection: Mine Accident,
                                                telephone at 202–693–4129, TTY 202–                     cannot conduct or sponsor a collection                Injury, and Illness Report and Quarterly
                                                693–8064, (these are not toll-free                      of information, and the public is                     Mine Employment and Coal Production
                                                numbers) or by email at DOL_PRA_                        generally not required to respond to an               Report.
                                                PUBLIC@dol.gov.                                         information collection, unless it is                    OMB Control Number: 1219–0007.
                                                   Submit comments about this request                   approved by the OMB under the PRA                       Affected Public: Private Sector—
                                                by mail to the Office of Information and                and displays a currently valid OMB                    businesses or other for-profits.
                                                Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk                      Control Number. In addition,                            Total Estimated Number of
                                                Officer for DOL–MSHA, Office of                         notwithstanding any other provisions of               Respondents: 24,958.
                                                Management and Budget, Room 10235,                      law, no person shall generally be subject               Total Estimated Number of
                                                725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC                     to penalty for failing to comply with a               Responses: 118,417.
                                                20503; by Fax: 202–395–5806 (this is                    collection of information that does not                 Total Estimated Annual Time Burden:
                                                not a toll-free number); or by email:                   display a valid Control Number. See 5                 162,326 hours.
                                                OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.                            CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL                       Total Estimated Annual Other Costs
                                                Commenters are encouraged, but not                      obtains OMB approval for this                         Burden: $2,847.
                                                required, to send a courtesy copy of any                information collection under Control                    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).
                                                comments by mail or courier to the U.S.                 Number 1219–0007.
                                                                                                          OMB authorization for an ICR cannot                   Dated: September 28, 2017.
                                                Department of Labor-OASAM, Office of
                                                                                                        be for more than three (3) years without              Michel Smyth,
                                                the Chief Information Officer, Attn:
                                                Departmental Information Compliance                     renewal, and the current approval for                 Departmental Clearance Officer.
                                                Management Program, Room N1301,                         this collection is scheduled to expire on             [FR Doc. 2017–21320 Filed 10–3–17; 8:45 am]
                                                200 Constitution Avenue NW.,                            September 30, 2017. The DOL seeks to                  BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
                                                Washington, DC 20210; or by email:                      extend PRA authorization for this
                                                DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.                                 information collection for three (3) more
                                                                                                        years, without any change to existing                 MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                        requirements. The DOL notes that                      CORPORATION
                                                Michel Smyth by telephone at 202–693–
                                                                                                        existing information collection
                                                4129, TTY 202–693–8064, (these are not                                                                        [MCC FR 17–06]
                                                                                                        requirements submitted to the OMB
                                                toll-free numbers) or by email at DOL_
                                                                                                        receive a month-to-month extension
                                                PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.                                                                                           Report on the Criteria and
                                                                                                        while they undergo review. For
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This ICR                                                                           Methodology for Determining the
                                                                                                        additional substantive information
                                                seeks to extend PRA authority for the                                                                         Eligibility of Candidate Countries for
                                                                                                        about this ICR, see the related notice
                                                Mine Accident, Injury, and Illness                                                                            Millennium Challenge Account
                                                                                                        published in the Federal Register on
                                                Report and Quarterly Mine Employment                                                                          Assistance in Fiscal Year 2018
                                                                                                        June 16, 2017 (82 FR 27727).
                                                and Coal Production Report information                    Interested parties are encouraged to                AGENCY: Millennium Challenge
                                                collection. The reporting and                           send comments to the OMB, Office of                   Corporation.
                                                recordkeeping provisions in regulations                 Information and Regulatory Affairs at
                                                30 CFR part 50, Notification,                                                                                 ACTION: Notice.
                                                                                                        the address shown in the ADDRESSES
                                                Investigation, Reports and Records of                   section within thirty (30) days of                    SUMMARY:   This report to Congress is
                                                Accidents, Injuries and Illnesses,                      publication of this notice in the Federal             provided in accordance with Section
                                                Employment and Coal Production in                       Register. In order to help ensure                     608(b) of the Millennium Challenge Act
                                                Mines, are essential elements in the                    appropriate consideration, comments                   of 2003, as amended, (the ‘‘Act’’).
                                                MSHA’s Congressional mandate to                         should mention OMB Control Number
                                                reduce work-related injuries and                                                                                Dated: September 29, 2017.
                                                                                                        1219–0007. The OMB is particularly                    Jeanne M. Hauch,
                                                illnesses among the nation’s miners.                    interested in comments that:
                                                Accident, injury, and illness data, when                                                                      VP/General Counsel and Corporate Secretary,
                                                                                                          • Evaluate whether the proposed
                                                correlated with employment and                                                                                Millennium Challenge Corporation.
                                                                                                        collection of information is necessary
                                                production data, provide information                    for the proper performance of the                     Report on the Criteria and Methodology
                                                that allows the MSHA to improve its                     functions of the agency, including                    for Determining the Eligibility of
                                                safety and health enforcement programs,                 whether the information will have                     Candidate Countries for Millennium
                                                focus its education and training efforts,               practical utility;                                    Challenge Account Assistance for Fiscal
                                                and establish priorities for its technical                • Evaluate the accuracy of the                      Year 2018
                                                assistance activities in mine safety and                agency’s estimate of the burden of the
                                                health. Maintaining a current database                                                                        Summary
                                                                                                        proposed collection of information,
                                                allows the MSHA to identify and direct                  including the validity of the                           In accordance with section 608(b)(2)
                                                increased attention to those mines,                                                                           of the Millennium Challenge Act of
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                        methodology and assumptions used;
                                                industry segments, and geographical                       • Enhance the quality, utility, and                 2003 (the ‘‘Act,’’ 22 U.S.C. 7707(b)(l)),
                                                areas where hazardous trends are                        clarity of the information to be                      the Millennium Challenge Corporation
                                                developing. This could not be done                      collected; and                                        (MCC) is submitting the enclosed report.
                                                effectively using historical data. The                    • Minimize the burden of the                        This report identifies the criteria and
                                                information collected under part 50 is                  collection of information on those who                methodology that MCC intends to use to
                                                the most comprehensive and reliable                     are to respond, including through the                 determine which candidate countries
                                                occupational data available concerning                  use of appropriate automated,                         may be eligible to be considered for


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                                                46290                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices

                                                assistance under the Act for fiscal year                II. How does the Board evaluate these                 at least 10 of the 20 other indicators are
                                                2018.                                                   countries?                                            passed.
                                                  Under section 608 (c)(1) of the Act,                                                                           • Democratic Rights ‘‘hard hurdle:’’
                                                                                                        A. Overall Evaluation                                 This hurdle sets a minimum bar for
                                                MCC will, for a thirty-day period
                                                following publication, accept and                          The Board looks at three legislatively-            democratic rights below which the
                                                consider public comment for purposes                    mandated factors in its evaluation of                 Board will not consider a country for
                                                of determining eligible countries under                 any candidate country for compact                     eligibility. Requiring that a country pass
                                                section 607 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7706).                eligibility: (1) Policy performance; (2)              either the Political Rights or Civil
                                                                                                        the opportunity to reduce poverty and                 Liberties indicator creates a democratic
                                                Criteria and Methodology for FY 2018                    generate economic growth; and (3) the                 incentive for countries, recognizes the
                                                   This document explains how the                       availability of MCC funds.                            importance democracy plays in driving
                                                Board of Directors (Board) of the                                                                             poverty-reducing economic growth, and
                                                                                                        1. Policy Performance
                                                Millennium Challenge Corporation                                                                              holds MCC accountable to working with
                                                (MCC) will identify, evaluate, and select                  Because of the importance of needing               the best governed, poorest countries.
                                                eligible countries for fiscal year (FY)                 to evaluate a country’s policy                        When a candidate country is only
                                                2018. The statutory basis for this report               performance and needing to do so in a                 passing one of the two indicators
                                                is set forth in Appendix A. Specifically,               comparable, cross-country way, the                    comprising the hurdle (instead of both),
                                                this document discusses:                                Board relies to the maximum extent                    the Board will also closely examine why
                                                                                                        possible upon the best-available                      it is not passing the other indicator to
                                                I. Which countries MCC will evaluate                    objective and quantifiable indicators of
                                                II. How the Board evaluates these                                                                             understand what the score implies for
                                                                                                        policy performance. These indicators                  the broader democratic environment
                                                     countries                                          act as proxies of the country’s                       and trajectory of the country. This
                                                   A. Overall                                           commitment to just and democratic                     examination will include consultation
                                                   B. For Selection for First Compact                   governance, economic freedom, and                     with both local and international civil
                                                     Eligibility                                        investing in its people, as laid out in               society experts, among others.
                                                   C. For Selection for Second/                         MCC’s founding legislation. Comprised                    • Control of Corruption ‘‘hard
                                                     Subsequent Compact Eligibility                     of 20 third-party indicators in the                   hurdle:’’ Corruption in any country is an
                                                   D. For Threshold Program Assistance                  categories of ‘‘encouraging economic                  unacceptable tax on economic growth
                                                   E. A Note on Potential Regional                      freedom,’’ ‘‘investing in people,’’ and               and an obstacle to the private sector
                                                     Investments                                        ‘‘ruling justly,’’ MCC ‘‘scorecards’’ are             investment needed to reduce poverty.
                                                   F. A Note on Potential Transition to                 created for all LICs and LMICs. To                    Accordingly, MCC seeks out partner
                                                     Upper Middle Income Country                        ‘‘pass’’ the indicators on the scorecard,             countries that are committed to
                                                     (UMIC) Status After Initial                        the country must perform above the                    combatting corruption. It is for this
                                                     Selection                                          median among its income group (as                     reason that MCC also has the Control of
                                                I. Which countries are evaluated?                       defined above for scorecard evaluation                Corruption ‘‘hard hurdle,’’ which helps
                                                                                                        purposes), except in the cases of                     ensure that MCC is working with
                                                   MCC evaluates all low-income                         inflation, political rights, civil liberties,         countries where there is relatively
                                                countries (LICs) and lower-middle                       and immunization rates (LMICs only),                  strong performance in controlling
                                                income countries (LMICs) as follows:                    where threshold scores have been                      corruption. Requiring the passage of the
                                                   • For scorecard evaluation purposes                  established. In particular, the Board                 indicator provides an incentive for
                                                for FY 2018, MCC defines LICs as those                  considers whether the country:                        countries to demonstrate a clear
                                                countries between $0 and $1,905 GNI                        • Passed at least 10 of the 20                     commitment to controlling corruption,
                                                per capita, and LMICs as those countries                indicators, with at least one in each                 and allows MCC to better understand
                                                between $1,906 and $3,955 GNI per                       category,                                             the issue by seeing how the country
                                                capita.1                                                   • Passed either the Political Rights or            performs relative to its peers and over
                                                   • For funding purposes for FY 2018,                  Civil Liberties indicator, and                        time.
                                                MCC defines the poorest 75 countries as                    • Passed the Control of Corruption                    Together, the 20 policy performance
                                                LICs, and the remaining countries up to                 indicator.                                            indicators are the predominant basis for
                                                the UMIC threshold of $3,955 as                            While satisfaction of all three aspects            determining which eligible countries
                                                LMICs.2                                                 means a country is termed to have                     will be selected for MCC assistance, and
                                                   In Appendix B, lists of all LICs,                    ‘‘passed’’ the scorecard, the Board also              the Board expects a country to be
                                                LMICs and statutorily prohibited                        considers whether the country                         passing its scorecard at the point the
                                                countries for scorecard evaluation                      performed ‘‘substantially worse’’ in any              Board decides to select the country for
                                                purposes are provided. The list using                   one policy category than it does on the               either a first or second/subsequent
                                                the ‘‘funding’’ definition was outlined                 scorecard overall. Appendix C describes               compact. However, the Board also
                                                in the August 2017 Report on Countries                  all 20 indicators, their definitions, what            recognizes that even the best-available
                                                that are Candidates for Millennium                      is required to ‘‘pass,’’ their source, and            data has inherent challenges. For
                                                Challenge Account Eligibility for Fiscal                their relationship to the legislative                 example, data gaps, real-time events
                                                Year 2018 and Countries that Would be                   criteria.                                             versus data lags, the absence of
                                                Candidates but for Legal Prohibitions                      The mandatory passing of either the                narratives and nuanced detail, and other
                                                (the ‘‘Candidate Country Report’’), and                 Political Rights or Civil Liberties                   similar weaknesses affect each of these
                                                describes how funding categories work.                  indicators is called the Democratic                   indicators. In such instances, the Board
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                        Rights ‘‘hard hurdle’’ on the scorecard,              uses its judgment to interpret policy
                                                  1 This corresponds to LIC and LMIC definitions        while the mandatory passing of the                    performance as measured by the
                                                using the historic International Development            Control of Corruption indicator is called             scorecards. The Board may also consult
                                                Association (IDA) thresholds published by the           the Control of Corruption ‘‘hard                      other sources of information to further
                                                World Bank.
                                                  2 By law, no more than 25 percent of all compact      hurdle.’’ Not passing either ‘‘hard                   enhance its understanding of a given
                                                funds for a given fiscal year may be provided to        hurdle’’ results in not passing the                   country’s policy performance beyond
                                                LMIC countries (using this ‘‘funding’’ definition).     scorecard overall, regardless of whether              the issues on the scorecard, which is


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices                                         46291

                                                especially useful given the unique                      the funding available. The agency’s                   develop a first compact, with the added
                                                perspective of each Board member (e.g.,                 allocation of its budget is constrained,              benefit of having cumulative scorecards,
                                                specific policy issues related to trade,                and often specifically limited, by                    cumulative records of policy
                                                civil society, other U.S. aid programs,                 provisions in the authorizing legislation             performance, and other accumulated
                                                financial sector performance, and                       and appropriations acts. MCC has a                    supporting information to determine the
                                                security/foreign policy issues). The                    continuous pipeline of countries in                   overall pattern of performance over the
                                                Board uses its judgment on how best to                  compact development, compact                          emerging multi-year trajectory.
                                                weigh such information in assessing                     implementation, and compact closeout,
                                                                                                                                                              C. Evaluation for Selection of Countries
                                                overall policy performance.                             as well as threshold programs.
                                                                                                                                                              for Second/Subsequent Compact
                                                                                                        Consequently, the Board factors in the
                                                2. The Opportunity To Reduce Poverty                                                                          Eligibility
                                                                                                        overall portfolio picture when making
                                                and Generate Economic Growth                                                                                     Section 609(k) of the Millennium
                                                                                                        its selection decisions given the funding
                                                   The Board also consults other sources                available for each of the agency’s                    Challenge Act of 2003, as amended,
                                                of qualitative and quantitative                         planned or existing programs.                         specifically authorizes MCC to enter
                                                information to have a more detailed                     *      *     *     *     *                            into ‘‘one or more subsequent
                                                view of the opportunity to reduce                          The following subsections describe                 Compacts.’’ MCC does not consider
                                                poverty and generate economic growth                    how each of these three legislatively-                subsequent compact eligibility,
                                                in a country.                                           mandated factors are applied with                     however, before countries have
                                                   While the Board considers a range of                 regard to the selection situations the                completed their compact or are within
                                                other information sources depending on                  Board encounters each December:                       18 months of completion, (e.g., a second
                                                the country, specific areas of attention                selection of countries for first compact              compact if they have completed or are
                                                typically include better understanding                  eligibility, selection of countries for               within 18 months of completing their
                                                the issues on, trends in, and trajectory                second/subsequent compact eligibility,                first compact). Selection for subsequent
                                                of:                                                     and selection of countries for the                    compacts is not automatic and is
                                                   • The state of democratic and human                  threshold program. Thereafter, notes are              intended only for countries that (1)
                                                rights (especially of vulnerable                        included on consideration of countries                exhibit successful performance on their
                                                groups 3);                                              for potential regional investments, and               previous compact; (2) exhibit improved
                                                   • The perspective of civil society on                                                                      scorecard policy performance during the
                                                                                                        issues for consideration for countries
                                                salient governance issues;                                                                                    partnership; and (3) exhibit a continued
                                                   • The control of corruption and rule                 that might graduate to upper middle
                                                                                                        income country status after initial                   commitment to further their sector
                                                of law;                                                                                                       reform efforts in any subsequent
                                                   • The potential for the private sector               selection.
                                                                                                                                                              partnership. As a result, the Board has
                                                (both local and foreign) to lead                        B. Evaluation for Selection of Countries              an even higher standard when selecting
                                                investment and growth;                                  for First Compact Eligibility                         countries for subsequent compacts.
                                                   • The levels of poverty within a
                                                                                                           When selecting eligible countries, the
                                                country; and                                                                                                  1. Successful Implementation of the
                                                   • The country’s institutional capacity.              Board looks at all three legislatively-
                                                                                                                                                              Previous Compact
                                                   Where applicable, the Board also                     mandated aspects described in the
                                                                                                        previous section: (1) Policy                             To evaluate the degree of success of
                                                considers MCC’s own experience and
                                                                                                        performance, first and foremost as                    the previous compact, the Board looks
                                                ability to reduce poverty and generate
                                                                                                        measured by the scorecards and                        to see if there is a clear evidence base
                                                economic growth in a given country—
                                                                                                        bolstered through additional                          of success within the budget and time
                                                such as considering MCC’s core skills
                                                                                                        information (as described in the                      limits of the compact, in particular by
                                                versus the country’s needs, capacity
                                                                                                        previous section); (2) the opportunity to             looking at three aspects:
                                                within MCC to work with a country, and                                                                           • The degree to which there is
                                                the likelihood that MCC is seen by the                  reduce poverty and generate economic
                                                                                                        growth, examined through the use of                   evidence of strong political will and
                                                country as a credible partner.                                                                                management capacity: Is the partnership
                                                   This information provides greater                    other supporting information (as
                                                                                                        described in the previous section); and               characterized by the country ensuring
                                                clarity on the likelihood that MCC
                                                                                                        (3) the funding available.                            that both policy reforms and the
                                                investments will have an appreciable
                                                                                                           At a minimum, the Board looks to see               compact program itself are both being
                                                impact on reducing poverty and
                                                                                                        that the country passes its scorecard. It             implemented to the best ability that the
                                                generating economic growth in a given
                                                                                                        also examines supporting evidence that                country can deliver;
                                                country. The Board has used such                                                                                 • The degree to which the country
                                                                                                        the country’s commitment to just and
                                                information both to not select countries                                                                      has exhibited commitment and capacity
                                                                                                        democratic governance, economic
                                                that are otherwise passing their                                                                              to achieve program results: Are the
                                                                                                        freedom, and investing in its people is
                                                scorecards, as well as to better                                                                              financial and project results being
                                                                                                        on a sound footing and performance is
                                                understand when a country’s                                                                                   achieved; to what degree is the country
                                                                                                        on a positive trajectory (especially on
                                                performance on a particular indicator                                                                         committing its own resources to ensure
                                                                                                        the ‘hard hurdles’ of Democratic Rights
                                                may not be up to date or is about to                                                                          the compact is a success; to what extent
                                                                                                        and Control of Corruption, as described
                                                change. More details on this subject                    in the previous section), and that MCC                is the private sector engaged (if
                                                (sometimes referred to as ‘‘supplemental                has funding to support a meaningful                   relevant); and other compact-specific
                                                information’’) can be found on MCC’s                    compact with that country. Where                      issues; and
                                                Web site.                                                                                                        • The degree to which the country
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                                                                                                        applicable, previous threshold program
                                                3. The Availability of MCC Funds                        information is also considered. The                   has implemented the compact in
                                                                                                        Board then weighs the information                     accordance with MCC’s core policies
                                                   The final factor that the Board must
                                                                                                        described above across each of the three              and standards: That is, is the country
                                                consider when evaluating countries is
                                                                                                        dimensions.                                           adhering to MCC’s policies and
                                                  3 For example, women; children; lesbian, gay,            The approach described above is then               procedures, including in critical areas
                                                bisexual, and transgender individuals; people with      applied in any additional years of                    such as remediating unresolved fraud
                                                disabilities; and workers.                              selection of a country to continue to                 and corruption and abuse or misuse of


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                                                46292                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices

                                                funds issues; procurement; and                          should it be selected for a subsequent                to becoming viable for compact
                                                monitoring and evaluation.                              compact. This includes:                               eligibility in the medium term.
                                                  Details on the specific types of                        • Assessing the country’s delivery of
                                                                                                                                                              E. A Note on Potential Regional
                                                information examined (and sources                       policy reform during the previous
                                                                                                                                                              Investments
                                                used) in each of the three areas are                    compact (as described above);
                                                provided in Appendix D. Overall, the                      • Assessing expectations of the                        FY 2018 marks the third year that the
                                                Board is looking for evidence that the                  country’s ability and willingness to                  Board may consider selecting countries
                                                previous compact will be completed or                   continue embarking on sector policy                   where potential regional investments
                                                has been completed successfully, on                     reform in a subsequent compact;                       (i.e., complementary assistance by MCC
                                                time and on budget, and that there is a                   • Examining both other sources of                   to two or more countries in a region)
                                                commitment to continued, robust                         information that describe the nature of               may be developed.
                                                reform going forward.                                   the opportunity to reduce poverty and                    With respect to regional investments,
                                                                                                        generate growth (as outlined in A.2                   the fundamental criteria and process for
                                                2. Improved Scorecard Policy                                                                                  selection will remain unchanged:
                                                                                                        above), and the relative success of the
                                                Performance                                                                                                   Countries will continue to be evaluated
                                                                                                        previous compact overall, as already
                                                  Beyond successful implementation of                   discussed; and                                        and selected individually, as described
                                                the previous compact, the Board expects                   • Finally, considering how well                     in sections A, B, and C above. However,
                                                the country to have improved its overall                funding can be leveraged for impact,                  for countries where regional
                                                scorecard policy performance during the                 given the country’s experience in the                 investments might be contemplated, the
                                                partnership, and to pass the scorecard in               previous compact.                                     Board will also examine additional
                                                the year of selection for the subsequent                                                                      supplemental information looking at the
                                                                                                        *     *      *    *     *
                                                compact. The Board focuses on:                                                                                policy environment from a regional
                                                                                                          Through this overall approach to
                                                  • The overall scorecard pass/fail rate                                                                      dimension.
                                                                                                        subsequent compact selection, the                        Specifically, the Board will examine
                                                over time, what this suggests about                     Board applies the three legislatively
                                                underlying policy performance, as well                                                                        additional data and information related
                                                                                                        mandated evaluation criteria (policy                  to:
                                                as an examination of the underlying                     performance, the opportunity to reduce
                                                reasons;                                                                                                         • The current state of the country’s
                                                                                                        poverty and generate economic growth,                 political and economic integration with
                                                  • The progress over time on policy                    and the funding available) in a way that              its region and neighbors;
                                                areas measured by both hard-hurdle                      rests critically on deeply assessing the                 • Impediments to further integration
                                                indicators—Democratic Rights and                        previous partnership: From a compact                  with its region and neighbors; and
                                                Control of Corruption—including an                      success standpoint, a commitment to                      • The potential gains from investing
                                                examination of the underlying reasons;                  improved scorecard policy performance                 at a regional level, including illustrative
                                                and                                                     standpoint, and a commitment to                       potential sector opportunities.
                                                  • Other indicator trajectories as                     continued sector policy reform                           The Board will weigh this additional
                                                deemed relevant by the Board.                           standpoint. The Board then weighs all                 regional information in tandem with the
                                                  In all cases, while the Board expects                 of the information described above in                 other supplemental factors described
                                                the country to be passing its scorecard,                making its decision.                                  earlier in sections A, B, and C. The
                                                other sources of information are                          The approach described above is then                Board will then decide whether or not
                                                examined to understand the nuance and                   applied in any additional years of                    it will direct MCC to explore some form
                                                reasons behind scorecard or indicator                   selection necessary as the country                    of a regional investment with the
                                                performance over time, including any                    continues to develop the subsequent                   country.
                                                real-time updates, methodological                       compact, with the added benefit of
                                                changes within the indicators                           having further detail on previous                     F. A Note on Potential Transition to
                                                themselves, shifts in the relevant                      compact implementation, cumulative                    Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC)
                                                candidate pool, or alternative policy                   scorecards, records of policy                         Status After Initial Selection
                                                performance perspectives (such as                       performance, and other accumulated                       Some candidate countries may have a
                                                gleaned through consultations with civil                supporting information to determine the               high LMIC per capita income and/or a
                                                society and related stakeholders). Other                overall pattern of performance over the               high growth rate that implies there is a
                                                sources of information are also                         resulting multi-year trajectory.                      chance they could transition to UMIC
                                                consulted to look at policy performance                                                                       status during the life of an MCC
                                                                                                        D. Evaluation for Threshold Program
                                                over time in areas not covered by the                                                                         partnership. In such cases, it is not
                                                                                                        Assistance
                                                scorecard, but that are deemed                                                                                possible to accurately predict when
                                                important by the Board (such as trade,                    The Board may also evaluate                         such a country may or may not
                                                foreign policy concerns, etc.).                         countries for participation in the                    transition to UMIC status.
                                                                                                        Threshold Program. The Threshold                         Nonetheless, such countries may have
                                                3. A Commitment To Further Sector                       Program provides assistance to                        more resources at their disposal for
                                                Reform                                                  candidate countries that exhibit a                    funding their own growth and poverty
                                                  The Board expects that subsequent                     significant commitment to meeting the                 reduction strategies. As a result, in
                                                compacts will endeavor to tackle deeper                 criteria described in the previous sub-               addition to using the regular selection
                                                policy reforms necessary to unlock an                   sections, but fail to meet such                       criteria described in the previous
                                                identified constraint to growth.                        requirements. Specifically, in examining
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                                                                                                                                                              sections, the Board will also use its
                                                Consequently, the Board considers its                   the policy performance, the opportunity               discretion to assess both the need and
                                                own experience during the previous                      to reduce poverty and generate                        the opportunity presented by partnering
                                                compact in considering how committed                    economic growth, and the funding                      with such a country, in order to ensure
                                                the country is to reducing poverty and                  available, the Board will consider                    that there is a higher bar for possible
                                                increasing economic growth, and                         whether a country that potentially                    selection.
                                                therefore tries to gauge the country’s                  qualifies for threshold program                          Specifically, if a candidate country
                                                commitment for further sector reform                    assistance appears to be on a trajectory              with a high probability of transitioning


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices                                                   46293

                                                to UMIC status is under consideration                   the Act and publication of information                2018 scorecard assessments can be
                                                for selection, the Board will examine                   in the Federal Register that identify:                found below.4
                                                additional data and information related                    1. The countries that are ‘‘candidate              Low Income Countries (FY 2018
                                                to:                                                     countries’’ for assistance for FY 2018
                                                   • Whether the country faces                                                                                Scorecard)
                                                                                                        based on per capita income levels and
                                                significant challenges accessing other                  eligibility to receive assistance under               1. Afghanistan
                                                sources of development financing (such                  U.S. law. (section 608(a) of the Act; 22              2. Bangladesh
                                                as international capital, domestic                      U.S.C. 7707(a));                                      3. Benin
                                                resources, and other donor assistance)                                                                        4. Burkina Faso
                                                                                                           2. The criteria and methodology that               5. Burma
                                                and, if so, examining if MCC grant
                                                                                                        MCC’s Board of Directors (Board) will                 6. Burundi
                                                financing would be an appropriate tool.
                                                   • Whether the nature of poverty in                   use to measure and evaluate policy                    7. Cambodia
                                                the country (for example, high                          performance of the candidate countries                8. Cameroon
                                                inequality or poverty headcount ratios                  consistent with the requirements of                   9. Central African Republic
                                                relative to peer countries) presents a                  section 607 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7706)               10. Chad
                                                clear and strategic opportunity for MCC                 in order to determine ‘‘eligible                      11. Comoros
                                                to assist the country in reducing such                  countries’’ from among the ‘‘candidate                12. Democratic Republic of Congo
                                                poverty through investments that spur                   countries’’ (section 608(b) of the Act; 22            13. Republic of Congo
                                                economic growth.                                        U.S.C. 7707(b)); and                                  14. Côte d’Ivoire
                                                   • Whether the country demonstrates                      3. The list of countries determined by             15. Djibouti
                                                particularly strong policy performance,                 the Board to be ‘‘eligible countries’’ for            16. Eritrea
                                                including policies and actions that                     FY 2018, with justification for eligibility           17. Ethiopia
                                                demonstrate a clear priority on poverty                 determination and selection for compact               18. Gambia
                                                reduction.                                              negotiation, including those eligible                 19. Ghana
                                                   • Whether MCC can reasonably                         countries with which MCC will seek to                 20. Guinea
                                                expect that the country would                           enter into compacts (section 608(d) of                21. Guinea-Bissau
                                                contribute a significant amount of                      the Act; 22 U.S.C. 7707(d)).                          22. Haiti
                                                funding to the compact.                                    This report satisfies item 2 above.                23. India
                                                   These additional criteria would then                                                                       24. Kenya
                                                be applied in any additional years of                   Appendix B: Lists of all LICs, LMICs,                 25. Kyrgyz Republic
                                                selection as the country continues to                   and Statutorily Prohibited Countries for              26. Lesotho
                                                develop its compact. Should the country                 Evaluation Purposes                                   27. Liberia
                                                eventually transition to UMIC status                    Income Classification for Scorecards                  28. Madagascar
                                                during compact development, the                                                                               29. Malawi
                                                country would no longer be a candidate                     Since MCC was created, it has relied               30. Mali
                                                country for that fiscal year.                           on the World Bank’s gross national                    31. Mauritania
                                                Consequently, continuing the                            income (GNI) per capita income data                   32. Mozambique
                                                partnership beyond that point would                     (Atlas method) and the historical ceiling             33. Nepal
                                                then be at the Board’s discretion, and                  for eligibility as set by the World Bank’s            34. Niger
                                                would rely on funding from previous                     International Development Association                 35. North Korea
                                                fiscal years from when the country was                  (IDA) to divide countries into two                    36. Pakistan
                                                a candidate country.                                    income categories for purposes of                     37. Rwanda
                                                                                                        creating scorecards: LICs and LMICs.                  38. São Tomé and Principe
                                                Appendix A: Statutory Basis for This                    These categories are used to account for              39. Senegal
                                                Report                                                  the income bias that occurs when                      40. Sierra Leone
                                                  This report to Congress is provided in                countries with more per capita                        41. Solomon Islands
                                                accordance with section 608(b) of the                   resources perform better than countries               42. Somalia
                                                Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as                    with fewer. Using the historical IDA                  43. South Sudan
                                                amended, 22 U.S.C. 7707(b) (the Act).                   eligibility ceiling for the scorecards                44. Syria
                                                  Section 605 of the Act authorizes the                 ensures that the poorest countries
                                                provision of assistance to countries that               compete with their income level peers                    4 In December 2011, a statutory change requested

                                                enter into a Millennium Challenge                       and are not compared against countries                by MCC altered the way MCC must group countries
                                                Compact with the United States to                       with more resources to mobilize.                      for the purposes of applying MCC’s 25 percent
                                                                                                                                                              LMIC funding cap. This change, designed to bring
                                                support policies and programs that                         MCC will continue to use the                       stability to the funding stream, affects how MCC
                                                advance the progress of such countries                  traditional income categories for                     funds countries selected for compacts and does not
                                                in achieving lasting economic growth                    eligibility to categorize countries in two            affect the way scorecards are created. For
                                                and poverty reduction. The Act requires                                                                       determining whether a country can be funded as an
                                                                                                        groups for purposes of FY 2018                        LMIC or LIC:
                                                MCC to take a number of steps in                        scorecard comparisons:                                   • The poorest 75 countries are now considered
                                                selecting countries for compact                            • LICs are countries with GNI per                  LICs for the purposes of MCC funding. They are not
                                                assistance for FY 2018 based on the                     capita below IDA’s historical ceiling for             limited by the 25 percent funding cap on LMICs.
                                                countries’ demonstrated commitment to                                                                            • Countries with a GNI per capita above the
                                                                                                        eligibility ($1,905 for FY 2018); and                 poorest 75 but below the World Bank’s upper
                                                just and democratic governance,
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                                                economic freedom, and investing in                         • LMICs are countries with GNI per                 middle income country threshold ($3,955 for FY
                                                                                                        capita above IDA’s historical ceiling for             2018) are considered LMICs for the purposes of
                                                their people, MCC’s opportunity to                                                                            MCC funding. By law, no more than 25 percent of
                                                reduce poverty and generate economic                    eligibility but below the World Bank’s                all compact funds for a given fiscal year can be
                                                growth in the country, and the                          upper middle income country threshold                 provided to these countries.
                                                availability of funds. These steps                      ($1,906–$3,955 for FY 2018).                             The FY 2018 Candidate Country Report lists LICs
                                                                                                                                                              and LMICs based on this definition and outlines
                                                include the submission of reports to the                   The list of countries categorized as               which countries are subject to the 25 percent
                                                congressional committees specified in                   LICs and LMICs for the purpose of FY                  funding cap.



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                                                46294                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices

                                                45. Tajikistan                                             demonstrated commitment to the                         freedom, national freedom of
                                                46. Tanzania                                               criteria found in section 607(b) of the                information laws, and the extent to
                                                47. Timor-Leste                                            Act. The indicators are intended to                    which a county is filtering internet
                                                48. Togo                                                   assess the degree to which the political               content or tools. Pass: Score must be
                                                49. Uganda                                                 and economic conditions in a country                   above the median score for the income
                                                50. Yemen                                                  serve to promote broad-based                           group. Source: Freedom House/Centre
                                                51. Zambia                                                 sustainable economic growth and                        for Law and Democracy.
                                                52. Zimbabwe                                               reduction of poverty and thus provide a                   4. Government Effectiveness: An
                                                                                                           sound environment for the use of MCC                   index of surveys and expert assessments
                                                Lower Middle Income Countries (FY
                                                                                                           funds. The indicators are not goals in                 that rate countries on the quality of
                                                2018 Scorecard)
                                                                                                           themselves; rather, they are proxy                     public service provision; civil servants’
                                                1. Angola                                                  measures of policies that are linked to                competency and independence from
                                                2. Armenia                                                 broad-based sustainable economic                       political pressures; and the
                                                3. Bhutan                                                  growth. The indicators were selected                   government’s ability to plan and
                                                4. Bolivia                                                 based on (i) their relationship to                     implement sound policies, among other
                                                5. Cabo Verde                                              economic growth and poverty                            things. Pass: Score must be above the
                                                6. Egypt                                                   reduction; (ii) the number of countries                median score for the income group.
                                                7. El Salvador                                             they cover; (iii) transparency and                     Source: Worldwide Governance
                                                8. Georgia                                                 availability; and (iv) relative soundness              Indicators (World Bank/Brookings)
                                                9. Guatemala                                               and objectivity. Where possible, the                      5. Rule of Law: An index of surveys
                                                10. Honduras                                               indicators are developed by                            and expert assessments that rate
                                                11. Indonesia                                                                                                     countries on the extent to which the
                                                                                                           independent sources.6 Listed below is a
                                                12. Jordan                                                                                                        public has confidence in and abides by
                                                                                                           brief summary of the indicators (a
                                                13. Kiribati                                                                                                      the rules of society; the incidence and
                                                                                                           detailed rationale for the adoption of
                                                14. Kosovo                                                                                                        impact of violent and nonviolent crime;
                                                                                                           these indicators can be found in the
                                                15. Lao PDR                                                                                                       the effectiveness, independence, and
                                                16. Micronesia                                             Public Guide to the Indicators on MCC’s
                                                                                                           public website at www.mcc.gov).                        predictability of the judiciary; the
                                                17. Moldova                                                                                                       protection of property rights; and the
                                                18. Mongolia                                               Ruling Justly                                          enforceability of contracts, among other
                                                19. Morocco                                                   1. Political Rights: Independent                    things. Pass: Score must be above the
                                                20. Nicaragua                                              experts rate countries on the prevalence               median score for the income group.
                                                21. Nigeria                                                                                                       Source: Worldwide Governance
                                                                                                           of free and fair electoral processes;
                                                22. Papua New Guinea                                                                                              Indicators (World Bank/Brookings)
                                                                                                           political pluralism and participation of
                                                23. Philippines                                                                                                      6. Control of Corruption: An index of
                                                                                                           all stakeholders; government
                                                24. Sri Lanka                                                                                                     surveys and expert assessments that rate
                                                                                                           accountability and transparency;
                                                25. Sudan                                                                                                         countries on: ‘‘grand corruption’’ in the
                                                26. Swaziland                                              freedom from domination by the
                                                                                                           military, foreign powers, totalitarian                 political arena; the frequency of petty
                                                27. Tunisia                                                                                                       corruption; the effects of corruption on
                                                28. Ukraine                                                parties, religious hierarchies and
                                                                                                           economic oligarchies; and the political                the business environment; and the
                                                29. Uzbekistan                                                                                                    tendency of elites to engage in ‘‘state
                                                30. Vanuatu                                                rights of minority groups, among other
                                                                                                           things. Pass: Score must be above the                  capture,’’ among other things. Pass:
                                                31. Vietnam                                                                                                       Score must be above the median score
                                                                                                           minimum score of 17 out of 40. Source:
                                                Statutorily Prohibited Countries for                       Freedom House                                          for the income group. Source:
                                                FY18 5                                                        2. Civil Liberties: Independent experts             Worldwide Governance Indicators
                                                                                                           rate countries on freedom of expression                (World Bank/Brookings)
                                                1. Bolivia
                                                2. Burma                                                   and belief; association and                            Encouraging Economic Freedom
                                                3. Eritrea                                                 organizational rights; rule of law and
                                                                                                           human rights; and personal autonomy                      1. Fiscal Policy: General government
                                                4. North Korea                                                                                                    net lending/borrowing as a percent of
                                                5. South Sudan                                             and economic rights, among other
                                                                                                           things. Pass: Score must be above the                  gross domestic product (GDP), averaged
                                                6. Sudan                                                                                                          over a three year period. Net lending/
                                                7. Syria                                                   minimum score of 25 out of 60. Source:
                                                                                                           Freedom House                                          borrowing is calculated as revenue
                                                8. Zimbabwe                                                                                                       minus total expenditure. The data for
                                                                                                              3. Freedom of Information: Measures
                                                Appendix C: Indicator Definitions                          the legal and practical steps taken by a               this measure comes from the IMF’s
                                                                                                           government to enable or allow                          World Economic Outlook. Pass: Score
                                                  The following indicators will be used
                                                                                                           information to move freely through                     must be above the median score for the
                                                to measure candidate countries’
                                                                                                           society; this includes measures of press               income group. Source: The International
                                                  5 This list is current as of August 1, 2017.
                                                                                                                                                                  Monetary Fund’s World Economic
                                                Between such date and the December 2017                       6 Special note on Kosovo: Since UN agencies do      Outlook Database
                                                selection Board meeting, other countries may also          not currently publish data for Kosovo due to non-        2. Inflation: The most recent average
                                                be the subject of future statutory restrictions or         recognition status, MCC is unable to source data       annual change in consumer prices. Pass:
                                                determinations, or changed country circumstances,          directly from the UN for the six indicators that are
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                                                                                                                                                                  Score must be 15% or less. Source: The
                                                that affect their legal eligibility for assistance under   constructed in all or in part from this data: Land
                                                part I of the Foreign Assistance Act by reason of          Rights and Access, Health Expenditures, Primary        International Monetary Fund’s World
                                                application of the Foreign Assistance Act or any           Education Expenditures, Immunization Rates, Girls’     Economic Outlook Database
                                                other provision of law for FY2018. Even though             Secondary Education Enrollment Rate, and Child           3. Regulatory Quality: An index of
                                                these countries are prohibited from received               Health. As result, MCC publishes data from UNKT        surveys and expert assessments that rate
                                                assistance, scorecards are still created for them to       (the UN Kosovo Team) in cases where UNKT uses
                                                ensure all countries are included in an income             comparable methodologies to their UN sister
                                                                                                                                                                  countries on the burden of regulations
                                                group in order to determine the global medians/            organizations. See http://www.unkt.org/ for more       on business; price controls; the
                                                scores for that income group.                              information.                                           government’s role in the economy; and


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices                                            46295

                                                foreign investment regulation, among                    be above the median score for the                     Score must be above the median score
                                                other areas. Pass: Score must be above                  income group. Source: International                   for the income group. Source: United
                                                the median score for the income group.                  Finance Corporation                                   Nations Educational, Scientific and
                                                Source: Worldwide Governance                              8. Business Start-Up: An index that                 Cultural Organization
                                                Indicators (World Bank/Brookings)                       rates countries on the time and cost of                 6. Child Health: An index made up of
                                                   4. Trade Policy: A measure of a                      complying with all procedures officially              three indicators: (i) access to improved
                                                country’s openness to international                     required for an entrepreneur to start up              water, (ii) access to improved sanitation,
                                                trade based on weighted average tariff                  and formally operate an industrial or                 and (iii) child (ages 1–4) mortality. Pass:
                                                rates and non-tariff barriers to trade.                 commercial business. Pass: Score must                 Score must be above the median score
                                                Pass: Score must be above the median                    be above the median score for the                     for the income group. Source: The
                                                score for the income group. Source: The                 income group. Source: International                   Center for International Earth Science
                                                Heritage Foundation                                     Finance Corporation                                   Information Network and the Yale
                                                   5. Gender in the Economy: An index                                                                         Center for Environmental Law and
                                                that measures the extent to which laws                  Investing in People
                                                                                                                                                              Policy
                                                provide men and women equal capacity                       1. Public Expenditure on Health:
                                                to generate income or participate in the                Total expenditures on health by                       Relationship to Legislative Criteria
                                                economy, including factors such as the                  government at all levels divided by                      Within each policy category, the Act
                                                capacity to access institutions, get a job,             GDP. Pass: Score must be above the                    sets out a number of specific selection
                                                register a business, sign a contract, open              median score for the income group.                    criteria. A set of objective and
                                                a bank account, choose where to live,                   Source: The World Health Organization                 quantifiable policy indicators is used to
                                                and to travel freely. Pass: Score must be                  2. Total Public Expenditure on                     inform eligibility decisions for
                                                above the median score for the income                   Primary Education: Total expenditures                 assistance and to measure the relative
                                                group. Source: International Finance                    on primary education by government at                 performance by candidate countries
                                                Corporation                                             all levels divided by GDP. Pass: Score                against these criteria. The Board’s
                                                   a. Due to an expansion in the number                 must be above the median score for the                approach to determining eligibility
                                                of areas examined by the indicator                      income group. Source: The United                      ensures that performance against each of
                                                institution since this indicator’s                      Nations Educational, Scientific and                   these criteria is assessed by at least one
                                                conception in FY 2012, from FY 2019                     Cultural Organization and National                    of the objective indicators. Most are
                                                the Gender in the Economy indicator                     Governments                                           addressed by multiple indicators. The
                                                will be expanded, and incorporate new                      3. Natural Resource Protection:                    specific indicators appear in
                                                areas such as property rights                           Assesses whether countries are                        parentheses next to the corresponding
                                                protections, protections against                        protecting up to 17 percent of all their              criterion set out in the Act.
                                                domestic violence, and child marriage                   biomes (e.g., deserts, tropical
                                                                                                                                                                 Section 607(b)(1): Just and democratic
                                                (among others). Expanded details                        rainforests, grasslands, savannas and
                                                                                                                                                              governance, including a demonstrated
                                                regarding these changes are provided in                 tundra). Pass: Score must be above the
                                                                                                                                                              commitment to—
                                                the annual Guide to the Indicators and                  median score for the income group.
                                                Selection Process, and annual Data                                                                               (A) promote political pluralism,
                                                                                                        Source: The Center for International
                                                Notes, available on MCC’s website.                                                                            equality and the rule of law (Political
                                                                                                        Earth Science Information Network and
                                                   b. To phase in this new construction                                                                       Rights, Civil Liberties, Rule of Law, and
                                                                                                        the Yale Center for Environmental Law
                                                of the indicator, the original version of                                                                     Gender in the Economy);
                                                                                                        and Policy
                                                the indicator will be used on the FY                       4. Immunization Rates: The average of                 (B) respect human and civil rights,
                                                2018 scorecards. However, an appendix                   DPT3 and measles immunization                         including the rights of people with
                                                to the scorecards will be published that                coverage rates for the most recent year               disabilities (Political Rights, Civil
                                                will show how countries would perform                   available. Pass: Score must be above the              Liberties, and Freedom of Information);
                                                under the new construction of the                       median score for LICs, and 90% or                        (C) protect private property rights
                                                indicator. From FY 2019, the new                        higher for LMICs. Source: The World                   (Civil Liberties, Regulatory Quality,
                                                construction of the indicator will then                 Health Organization and the United                    Rule of Law, and Land Rights and
                                                fully replace the current version on the                Nations Children’s Fund                               Access);
                                                scorecard.                                                 5. Girls Education:                                   (D) encourage transparency and
                                                   6. Land Rights and Access: An index                     a. Girls’ Primary Completion Rate:                 accountability of government (Political
                                                that rates countries on the extent to                   The number of female students enrolled                Rights, Civil Liberties, Freedom of
                                                which the institutional, legal, and                     in the last grade of primary education                Information, Control of Corruption, Rule
                                                market framework provide secure land                    minus repeaters divided by the                        of Law, and Government Effectiveness);
                                                tenure and equitable access to land in                  population in the relevant age cohort                 and
                                                rural areas and the time and cost of                    (gross intake ratio in the last grade of                 (E) combat corruption (Political
                                                property registration in urban and peri-                primary). LICs are assessed on this                   Rights, Civil Liberties, Rule of Law,
                                                urban areas. Pass: Score must be above                  indicator. Pass: Score must be above the              Freedom of Information, and Control of
                                                the median score for the income group.                  median score for the income group.                    Corruption);
                                                Source: The International Fund for                      Source: United Nations Educational,                      Section 607(b)(2): Economic freedom,
                                                Agricultural Development and the                        Scientific and Cultural Organization                  including a demonstrated commitment
                                                International Finance Corporation                          b. Girls Secondary Enrollment                      to economic policies that—
                                                   7. Access to Credit: An index that                   Education: The number of female pupils                   (A) encourage citizens and firms to
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                                                rates countries on rules and practices                  enrolled in lower secondary school,                   participate in global trade and
                                                affecting the coverage, scope, and                      regardless of age, expressed as a                     international capital markets (Fiscal
                                                accessibility of credit information                     percentage of the population of females               Policy, Inflation, Trade Policy, and
                                                available through either a public credit                in the theoretical age group for lower                Regulatory Quality);
                                                registry or a private credit bureau; as                 secondary education. LMICs are                           (B) promote private sector growth
                                                well as legal rights in collateral laws                 assessed on this indicator instead of                 (Inflation, Business Start-Up, Fiscal
                                                and bankruptcy laws. Pass: Score must                   Girls Primary Completion Rates. Pass:                 Policy, Land Rights and Access, Access


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                                                46296                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices

                                                to Credit, Gender in the Economy, and                   Enrollment Rate, and Total Public                       nearing the end of compact
                                                Regulatory Quality);                                    Expenditure on Primary Education);                      implementation (i.e., within 18-months
                                                  (C) strengthen market forces in the                     (B) strengthen and build capacity to                  of compact end date). Some reporting
                                                economy (Fiscal Policy, Inflation, Trade                provide quality public health and                       used for assessment may contain
                                                Policy, Business Start-Up, Land Rights                  reduce child mortality (Immunization                    sensitive information and adversely
                                                and Access, Access to Credit, and                       Rates, Public Expenditure on Health,                    affect implementation or MCC-partner
                                                Regulatory Quality); and                                and Child Health); and                                  country relations. This information is
                                                  (D) respect worker rights, including                    (C) promote the protection of                         for MCC’s internal use and is not made
                                                the right to form labor unions (Civil                   biodiversity and the transparent and
                                                                                                                                                                public. However, key implementation
                                                Liberties and Gender in the Economy);                   sustainable management and use of
                                                                                                                                                                information is summarized in compact
                                                and                                                     natural resources (Natural Resource
                                                  Section 607(b)(3): Investments in the                                                                         status and results reports that are
                                                                                                        Protection).
                                                people of such country, particularly                                                                            published quarterly on MCC’s website
                                                women and children, including                           Appendix D: Subsequent Compact                          under MCC country programs (https://
                                                programs that—                                          Considerations                                          www.mcc.gov/where-we-work) or
                                                  (A) promote broad-based primary                         MCC reporting and data in the                         monitoring and evaluation (https://
                                                education (Girls’ Primary Completion                    following chart are used to assess                      www.mcc.gov/our-impact/m-and-e)
                                                Rate, Girls’ Secondary Education                        compact performance of MCC partners                     webpages.

                                                                                                                  MCC reporting/
                                                                       Topic                                                                                         Published documents
                                                                                                                   data source

                                                                                                                   COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP

                                                Political Will:                                          • Quarterly implementation re-          • Quarterly results published as ‘‘Table of Key Performance
                                                     • Status of major conditions precedent.               porting.                                Indicators’’ (available by country): https://www.mcc.gov/our-
                                                     • Program oversight/implementation.                 • Quarterly results reporting.            impact/m-and-e.
                                                          Æ project restructures.                        • Survey of MCC staff.                  • Survey questions to be posted: https://www.mcc.gov/re-
                                                          Æ partner response to MCA capacity                                                       sources/doc/summary-compact-survey-summary-fy18.
                                                            issues.
                                                     • Political independence of MCA.
                                                Management Capacity:
                                                     • Project management capacity.
                                                     • Project performance.
                                                     • Level of MCC intervention/oversight.
                                                     • Relative level of resources required.

                                                                                                                     PROGRAM RESULTS

                                                Financial Results:                                       • Indicator tracking tables.            • Monitoring and Evaluation Plans (available by country):
                                                    • Commitments—including contributions to             • Quarterly financial reporting.          https://www.mcc.gov/our-impact/m-and-e.
                                                       compact funding.                                  • Quarterly implementation re-          • Quarterly Status Reports (available by country): https://
                                                    • Disbursements.                                       porting.                                www.mcc.gov/our-impact/m-and-e.
                                                Project Results:                                         • Quarterly results reporting.          • Quarterly results published as ‘‘Table of Key Performance
                                                    • Output, outcome, objective targets.                • Survey of MCC staff.                    Indicators’’ (available by country): https://www.mcc.gov/our-
                                                    • MCA commitment to ‘focus on results’.              • Impact evaluations.                     impact/m-and-e.
                                                    • MCA cooperation on impact evaluation.                                                      • Survey questions to be posted: https://www.mcc.gov/re-
                                                    • Percent complete for process/outputs.                                                        sources/doc/summary-compact-survey-summary-fy18.
                                                    • Relevant outcome data.
                                                    • Details behind target delays.
                                                Target Achievements.

                                                                                                                ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS

                                                •   Procurement.                                         • Audits (GAO and OIG).                 • Published OIG and GAO audits.
                                                •   Environmental and social.                            • Quarterly implementation re-          • Survey questions to be posted: https://www.mcc.gov/re-
                                                •   Fraud and corruption.                                  porting.                                sources/doc/summary-compact-survey-summary-fy18.
                                                •   Program closure.                                     • Survey of MCC staff.
                                                •   Monitoring and evaluation.
                                                •   All other legal provisions.

                                                                                                                      COUNTRY SPECIFIC

                                                Sustainability:                                          • Quarterly implementation re-          • Quarterly results published as ‘‘Table of Key Performance
                                                    • Implementation entity.                               porting.                                Indicators’’ (available by country): https://www.mcc.gov/our-
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                                                    • MCC investments.                                   • Quarterly results reporting.            impact/m-and-e.
                                                Role of private sector or other donors:                  • Survey of MCC staff.                  • Survey questions to be posted: https://www.mcc.gov/re-
                                                    • Other relevant investors/investments.                                                        sources/doc/summary-compact-survey-summary-fy18.
                                                    • Other donors/programming.
                                                    • Status of related reforms.
                                                    • Trajectory of private sector involvement
                                                      going forward.




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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 4, 2017 / Notices                                          46297

                                                [FR Doc. 2017–21448 Filed 10–2–17; 4:15 pm]             requirements. It is imperative that the               remove any identifying or contact
                                                BILLING CODE 9211–03–P                                  meeting be held on these dates to the                 information from the public comments
                                                                                                        scheduling priorities of the key                      submitted. You may inspect paper
                                                                                                        participants.                                         copies of comments at NCUA’s
                                                NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND                                                                                      headquarters at 1775 Duke Street,
                                                                                                        Patricia D. Rausch,
                                                SPACE ADMINISTRATION                                                                                          Alexandria, Virginia 22314, by
                                                                                                        Advisory Committee Management Officer,                appointment weekdays between 9 a.m.
                                                [Notice: (17–072)]                                      National Aeronautics and Space
                                                                                                                                                              and 3 p.m. To make an appointment,
                                                                                                        Administration.
                                                NASA Advisory Council; Science                                                                                call (703) 518–6570 or send an email to
                                                                                                        [FR Doc. 2017–21255 Filed 10–3–17; 8:45 am]
                                                Committee; Ad Hoc Task Force on Big                                                                           boardcomments@ncua.gov.
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
                                                Data; Meeting                                                                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                              Melissa Lowden, Management Analyst,
                                                AGENCY: National Aeronautics and                                                                              National Credit Union Administration,
                                                Space Administration.                                   NATIONAL CREDIT UNION                                 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia
                                                ACTION: Notice of meeting.                              ADMINISTRATION                                        22314–3428 or telephone: (703) 518–
                                                                                                                                                              1182.
                                                SUMMARY:    In accordance with the                      Request for Comment Regarding
                                                Federal Advisory Committee Act, as                      National Credit Union Administration                    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 306.
                                                amended, the National Aeronautics and                   Draft 2018–2022 Strategic Plan                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:      The
                                                Space Administration (NASA)                                                                                   Government Performance and Results
                                                                                                        AGENCY: National Credit Union
                                                announces a meeting of the Ad Hoc Big                                                                         Act of 1993 (GPRA) requires agencies to
                                                                                                        Administration (NCUA).
                                                Data Task Force (BDTF). This task force                                                                       prepare strategic plans, annual
                                                reports to the NASA Advisory Council’s                  ACTION: Notice and request for comment.               performance plans and annual
                                                Science Committee. The meeting will be                  SUMMARY:   The NCUA Board (Board) is                  performance reports with measurable
                                                held for the purpose of soliciting and                  requesting comment on its 2018–2022                   performance indicators to address the
                                                discussing, from the scientific                         Draft Strategic Plan. The NCUA 2018–                  policy, budgeting and oversight needs of
                                                community and other persons, scientific                 2022 Draft Strategic Plan summarizes                  both Congress and agency leaders,
                                                and technical information relevant to                   our analysis of the internal and external             partners/stakeholders, and program
                                                big data.                                               environment impacting NCUA;                           managers. In 2010, Congress passed the
                                                DATES: Wednesday, November 1, 2017,                     evaluates NCUA programs and risks;                    GPRA Modernization Act of 2010,
                                                8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Thursday,                          and provides goals and objectives for                 which further requires a leadership-
                                                November 2, 2017, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.;                  the next five years. While the Board                  driven governance model with emphasis
                                                and Friday, November 3, 2017, 8:30                                                                            on quarterly reviews and transparency.
                                                                                                        welcomes all comments from the public
                                                a.m.–5:00 p.m., Local Time.                                                                                   The GPRA Modernization Act requires
                                                                                                        and stakeholders, it specifically invites
                                                ADDRESSES: Jet Propulsion Laboratory                                                                          agencies to set priority goals linked to
                                                                                                        comments and input on the proposed
                                                (JPL), Theodore von Kármán                                                                                  longer-term Agency strategic goals. Part
                                                                                                        goals and objectives of the strategic
                                                Auditorium, 4800 Oak Grove Drive,                                                                             6 of Office of Management and Budget
                                                                                                        plan.
                                                Pasadena, CA 91011.                                                                                           (OMB) Circular A–11 provides
                                                                                                        DATES:  Comments must be received on                  additional guidance and requirements
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                                                                                        or before December 4, 2017 to be                      for federal agencies to implement these
                                                KarShelia Henderson, Science Mission
                                                                                                        assured of consideration.                             laws. The NCUA Draft Strategic Plan
                                                Directorate, NASA Headquarters,
                                                Washington, DC 20546, (202) 358–2355,                   ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                    2018–2022 is issued pursuant to the
                                                fax (202) 358–2779, or khenderson@                      by any of the following methods (Please               GPRA, the GPRA Modernization Act,
                                                nasa.gov.                                               send comments by one method only):                    and OMB Circular A–11.
                                                                                                           • NCUA Web site: https://                             The NCUA 2018–2022 Draft Strategic
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The                          www.ncua.gov/about/pages/board-                       Plan outlines how the agency will
                                                meeting will be open to the public up                   comments.aspx. Follow the instructions                continue to effectively supervise and
                                                to the capacity of the room. The meeting                for submitting comments.                              insure a growing and evolving credit
                                                will also be available telephonically and                  • Email: Address to boardcomments@                 union system. As the financial services
                                                by WebEx. You must use a touch tone                     ncua.gov. Include ‘‘[Your name]—                      and the credit union sector evolve,
                                                phone to participate in this meeting.                   Comments on NCUA 2018–2022 Draft                      NCUA must adjust to meet the
                                                Any interested person may dial the USA                  Strategic Plan’’ in the email subject line.           challenges the changes provide. In
                                                toll free conference call number 888–                      • Fax: (703) 518–6319. Include your                response, we are adopting new
                                                324–9653, or toll number 1–312–470–                     name and the following subject line:                  technology and analytical tools to
                                                7273, passcode 3883300, to participate                  ‘‘Comments on NCUA 2018–2022 Draft                    improve the agency’s offsite monitoring
                                                in this meeting by telephone for all                    Strategic Plan.’’                                     capabilities. Additionally, we are
                                                three days. The WebEx link is https://                     • Mail: Address to Gerard Poliquin,                recalibrating our examination approach
                                                nasa.webex.com/; the meeting number                     Secretary of the Board, National Credit               to reflect a more stable economic
                                                is 991 009 965 and the password is                      Union Administration, 1775 Duke                       environment. We also are revising the
                                                BDTFmtg#6 for all three days. The                       Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314–                   agency’s operations, priorities and
                                                agenda for the meeting includes the                     3428.                                                 structure to ensure our objectives match
                                                following topics:                                          • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as
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                                                                                                                                                              those prescribed in the Federal Credit
                                                —Update on JPL/Caltech Data Science                     mail address.                                         Union Act, while at the same time
                                                   Programs and Projects                                   Public Inspection: You can view all                efficiently using the agency’s resources.
                                                —Review of BDTF Studies                                 public comments on NCUA’s Web site                       In the years ahead, NCUA also plans
                                                —Discussion of Draft Findings and                       at https://www.ncua.gov/about/pages/                  to advance meaningful regulatory relief
                                                   Recommendations.                                     board-comments.aspx as submitted,                     by fully reevaluating our rules and
                                                   Attendees will be requested to sign a                except for those we cannot post for                   working to modify them as appropriate,
                                                register and to comply with JPL security                technical reasons. NCUA will not edit or              improving the uniformity of


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Document Created: 2018-10-25 09:54:29
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 09:54:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
FR Citation82 FR 46289 

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