Federal Register Vol. 82, No.16,

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 16 (January 26, 2017)

Page Range8499-8569
FR Document

Current View
Page and SubjectPDF
82 FR 8502 - Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Eligibility Notices, Fair Hearing and Appeal Processes for Medicaid and Other Provisions Related to Eligibility and Enrollment for Medicaid and CHIPPDF
82 FR 8542 - Sunshine Act Meeting: Board of Directors and Its Six CommitteesPDF
82 FR 8501 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Candidate Conservation Agreements With AssurancesPDF
82 FR 8540 - Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances PolicyPDF
82 FR 8499 - Delay of Effective Date for 30 Final Regulations Published by the Environmental Protection Agency Between October 28, 2016 and January 17, 2017PDF
82 FR 8499 - Small Business Investment Companies: Passive Business Expansion and Technical ClarificationsPDF
82 FR 8547 - Program-Specific Guidance About Special Nuclear Material of Less Than Critical Mass LicensesPDF
82 FR 8545 - Program-Specific Guidance About Medical Use LicensesPDF
82 FR 8529 - Injury Prevention Program Announcement; New Cooperative AgreementPDF
82 FR 8541 - Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Water ActPDF
82 FR 8515 - Intent To Prepare an Analysis Under the National Environmental Policy Act for the Port Everglades Navigation Improvements Project, Broward County, FloridaPDF
82 FR 8524 - Revised Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 7A of the Clayton ActPDF
82 FR 8524 - Revised Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 8 of the Clayton ActPDF
82 FR 8502 - Regulation Automated TradingPDF
82 FR 8560 - 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval and Merger of Collections: Statutory Licensing AuthorityPDF
82 FR 8560 - Forms Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Extension of ClearancePDF
82 FR 8559 - Forms Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Extension of ClearancePDF
82 FR 8518 - Lock 13 Hydro Partners; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments and Motions To IntervenePDF
82 FR 8518 - City and County of San Francisco; Notice of Effectiveness of SurrenderPDF
82 FR 8517 - Notice of Commission Staff AttendancePDF
82 FR 8518 - Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC; Notice of Initiation of Section 5 ProceedingPDF
82 FR 8516 - Wyoming Interstate Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Initiation of Section 5 ProceedingPDF
82 FR 8518 - Clearview Electric, Inc.; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 AuthorizationPDF
82 FR 8516 - Combined Notice of FilingsPDF
82 FR 8517 - Combined Notice of Filings #2PDF
82 FR 8515 - Combined Notice of Filings #1PDF
82 FR 8523 - Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding CompaniesPDF
82 FR 8503 - Privacy Act of 1974; Revised System of RecordsPDF
82 FR 8519 - Regular MeetingPDF
82 FR 8519 - Market Access Agreement; CorrectionPDF
82 FR 8528 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Public Comment RequestPDF
82 FR 8523 - Update to Notice of Financial Institutions for Which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Has Been Appointed Either Receiver, Liquidator, or ManagerPDF
82 FR 8561 - Proposed Collection of Information: Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment (SF 5510)PDF
82 FR 8566 - Proposed Information Collection Activity: (Income Verification)PDF
82 FR 8563 - Proposed Information Collection Activity: (PACT: Veteran's Health and Well-Being)PDF
82 FR 8568 - Agency Information Collection Activity: Shoulder and Arm Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960M-12)PDF
82 FR 8565 - Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee (VA Form 22-0810)PDF
82 FR 8568 - Agency Information Collection Activity: Certification of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement Correspondence Course (VA Form 22-1999c)PDF
82 FR 8567 - Agency Information Collection Activity: (Application and Training Agreement for Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Programs) (VA Form 22-8864; 22-8865))PDF
82 FR 8564 - Agency Information Collection Activity: (Nonsupervised Lender's Nomination and Recommendation of Credit Underwriter (VA Form 26-8736a))PDF
82 FR 8562 - Agency Information Collection Activity: (Statement of Person Claiming to Have Stood in Relation of Parent, VA Form 21P-524))PDF
82 FR 8564 - Agency Information Collection Activity: (VA Request for Determination of Reasonable Value (26-1805 & 26-1805-1))PDF
82 FR 8563 - Agency Information Collection Activity: (Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960A-1), Hairy Cell and Other B-Cell Leukemias Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960B-1), and Parkinson's Disease Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960C-1)). Activity Under OMB ReviewPDF
82 FR 8566 - Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Submission of School Catalog to the State Approving AgencyPDF
82 FR 8527 - Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and RecommendationsPDF
82 FR 8525 - Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and RecommendationsPDF
82 FR 8541 - Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From Brazil, South Africa, and TurkeyPDF
82 FR 8535 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed MeetingsPDF
82 FR 8537 - National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; Notice of MeetingPDF
82 FR 8537 - National Institute on Drug Abuse; Notice of Closed MeetingsPDF
82 FR 8538 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed MeetingsPDF
82 FR 8537 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed MeetingsPDF
82 FR 8514 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment RequestPDF
82 FR 8520 - Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications CommissionPDF
82 FR 8521 - Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated AuthorityPDF
82 FR 8521 - Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to the Office of Management and BudgetPDF
82 FR 8522 - Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated AuthorityPDF
82 FR 8554 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Eliminate Fees at Rule 7015(h) Assessed for VTE Terminal ConnectivityPDF
82 FR 8548 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, Amending NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.35 (Auctions), 7.10 (Clearly Erroneous Executions), 7.31 (Orders and Modifiers), and 7.11 (Limit Up-Limit Down Plan and Trading Pauses in Individual Securities Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility)PDF
82 FR 8551 - Joint Industry Plan; Order Approving the Twelfth Amendment to the National Market System Plan To Address Extraordinary Market Volatility by Bats BZX Exchange, Inc., Bats BYX Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGA Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Investors Exchange LLC, NASDAQ BX, Inc., NASDAQ PHLX LLC, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE MKT LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc.PDF
82 FR 8555 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of No Objection to Advance Notice Filing To Implement a Change to the Methodology Used in the MBSD VaR ModelPDF
82 FR 8541 - Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability ActPDF
82 FR 8507 - Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty DeterminationPDF
82 FR 8544 - Notice of Intent To Hold Space Navigation Workshop and Request for InformationPDF
82 FR 8510 - Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair ValuePDF
82 FR 8506 - Foreign-Trade Zone 157-Casper, Wyoming; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site FrameworkPDF
82 FR 8506 - Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 29-Shelbyville, Kentucky, Notification of Proposed Production Activity, Amcor Flexibles L.L.C., (Flexible Packaging Production, Warehousing, and Distribution), Shelbyville, KentuckyPDF
82 FR 8514 - Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB ReviewPDF
82 FR 8560 - Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “British Modern Prints From the British Museum: From the Great War to the Grosvenor School” ExhibitionPDF
82 FR 8542 - 2016 Statutory Pay-as-You-Go Act Annual ReportPDF

Issue

82 16 Thursday, January 26, 2017 Contents Agency Toxic Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8525-8527 2017-01741 Agriculture Agriculture Department NOTICES Privacy Act; Systems of Records, 8503-8506 2017-01767 Fiscal Bureau of the Fiscal Service NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment, 8561-8562 2017-01756 Centers Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8527-8528 2017-01742 Centers Medicare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services PROPOSED RULES Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Eligibility Notices, Fair Hearing and Appeal Processes for Medicaid and Other Provisions Related to Eligibility and Enrollment for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program, 8502 C1--2016--27848 Commerce Commerce Department See

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

See

International Trade Administration

See

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Commodity Futures Commodity Futures Trading Commission PROPOSED RULES Regulation Automated Trading, 8502 2017-01801 NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8514 2017-01706 Defense Department Defense Department See

Engineers Corps

NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8514-8515 2017-01734
Energy Department Energy Department See

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Engineers Engineers Corps NOTICES Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.: Port Everglades Navigation Improvements Project, Broward County, FL; Prepare an Analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act, 8515 2017-01804 Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency RULES Delay of Effective Date for 30 Final Regulations Published by the Environmental Protection Agency between October 28, 2016 and January 17, 2017, 8499-8501 2017-01822 Farm Credit Farm Credit Administration NOTICES Market Access Agreement; Correction, 8519 2017-01760 Farm Credit System Insurance Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation NOTICES Meetings: Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board, 8519-8520 2017-01761 Federal Communications Federal Communications Commission NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8520-8523 2017-01725 2017-01726 2017-01727 2017-01728 Federal Deposit Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation NOTICES Financial Institutions for Which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been Appointed Either Receiver, Liquidator, or Manager, 8523 2017-01757 Federal Energy Federal Energy Regulatory Commission NOTICES Combined Filings, 8515-8516 2017-01780 Combined Notice of Filings, 8516-8517 2017-01782 Combined Notice of Filings #2, 8517-8518 2017-01781 Exemptions: Effectiveness of Surrender, 8518 2017-01787 Initial Market-Based Rate Filings Including Requests for Blanket Section 204 Authorizations: Clearview Electric, Inc., 8518 2017-01783 Initiation of Section 5 Proceedings: Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC, 8518 2017-01785 Wyoming Interstate Company, LLC, 8516 2017-01784 Permit Applications: Lock 13 Hydro Partners, 8518-8519 2017-01788 Staff Attendances, 8517 2017-01786 Federal Reserve Federal Reserve System NOTICES Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies, 8523-8524 2017-01774 Federal Trade Federal Trade Commission NOTICES Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 8 of the Clayton Act; Revisions, 8524 2017-01802 Revised Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 7a of the Clayton Act, 8524 2017-01803 Fish Fish and Wildlife Service RULES Endangered and Threatened Species: Revisions to the Regulations for Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances; Delay of Effective Date, 8501 2017-01841 NOTICES Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances Policy, 8540 2017-01840 Foreign Trade Foreign-Trade Zones Board NOTICES Production Activities: Amcor Flexibles L.L.C., Foreign-Trade Zone 29, Shelbyville, KY, 8506 2017-01708 Reorganizations under Alternative Site Framework: Foreign-Trade Zone 157, Casper, WY, 8506-8507 2017-01709 Health and Human Health and Human Services Department See

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

See

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

See

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

See

Indian Health Service

See

National Institutes of Health

NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8528-8529 2017-01759
Indian Health Indian Health Service NOTICES Funding Opportunities: Injury Prevention Program, 8529-8535 2017-01806 Interior Interior Department See

Fish and Wildlife Service

International Trade Adm International Trade Administration NOTICES Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China, 8507-8510 2017-01712 Determinations of Sales at Less than Fair Value: Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China, 8510-8513 2017-01710 International Trade Com International Trade Commission NOTICES Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey, 8541 2017-01740 Justice Department Justice Department NOTICES Consent Decrees: Proposed Consent Decrees under CERCLA, 8541-8542 2017-01715 Proposed Consent Decrees under the Clean Water Act, 8541 2017-01805 Legal Legal Services Corporation NOTICES Meetings: Sunshine Act, 8542 2017-01853 Management Management and Budget Office NOTICES 2016 Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act Annual Report, 8542-8544 2017-01704 NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NOTICES Meetings: Workshop on Emerging Technologies for Autonomous Space Navigation, 8544-8545 2017-01711 National Institute National Institutes of Health NOTICES Meetings: Center for Scientific Review, 8535-8540 2017-01735 2017-01736 2017-01739 National Institute on Drug Abuse, 8537 2017-01737 National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 8537-8538 2017-01738 National Oceanic National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOTICES Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances Policy, 8540 2017-01840 Nuclear Regulatory Nuclear Regulatory Commission NOTICES Guidance: Program-Specific Guidance About Medical Use Licenses, 8545-8547 2017-01807 Program-Specific Guidance About Special Nuclear Material of Less Than Critical Mass Licenses, 8547 2017-01808 Securities Securities and Exchange Commission NOTICES Joint Industry Plans: Bats BZX Exchange, Inc., Bats BYX Exchange, Inc., et al., 8551-8554 2017-01717 Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes: Fixed Income Clearing Corp., 8555-8559 2017-01716 NYSE Arca, Inc., 8548-8551 2017-01718 The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, 8554-8555 2017-01719 Selective Selective Service System NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals, 8559-8560 2017-01792 2017-01791 Small Business Small Business Administration RULES Small Business Investment Companies: Passive Business Expansion and Technical Clarifications, 8499 2017-01809 State Department State Department NOTICES Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition: British Modern Prints from the British Museum—From the Great War to the Grosvenor School, 8560 2017-01705 Surface Transportation Surface Transportation Board NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Statutory Licensing Authority, 8560-8561 2017-01797 Treasury Treasury Department See

Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Veteran Affairs Veterans Affairs Department NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Application and Training Agreement for Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Programs, 8567-8568 2017-01748 Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee, 8565-8566 2017-01750 Certification of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement Correspondence Course, 8568-8569 2017-01749 Income Verification, 8566-8567 2017-01753 Ischemic Heart Disease Disability Benefits Questionnaire, Hairy Cell and Other B-Cell Leukemias Disability Benefits Questionnaire, and Parkinson's Disease Disability Benefits Questionnaire, 8563 2017-01744 Nonsupervised Lender's Nomination and Recommendation of Credit Underwriter, 8564 2017-01747 PACT—Veteran's Health and Well-Being, 8563-8564 2017-01752 Shoulder and Arm Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire, 8568 2017-01751 Statement of Person Claiming to Have Stood in Relation of Parent, 8562-8563 2017-01746 Submission of School Catalog to the State Approving Agency, 8566 2017-01743 VA Request for Determination of Reasonable Value, 8564-8565 2017-01745 Reader Aids

Consult the Reader Aids section at the end of this issue for phone numbers, online resources, finding aids, and notice of recently enacted public laws.

To subscribe to the Federal Register Table of Contents electronic mailing list, go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USGPOOFR/subscriber/new, enter your e-mail address, then follow the instructions to join, leave, or manage your subscription.

82 16 Thursday, January 26, 2017 Rules and Regulations SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 13 CFR Part 107 RIN 3245-AG67 Small Business Investment Companies: Passive Business Expansion and Technical Clarifications AGENCY:

U.S. Small Business Administration.

ACTION:

Final rule; delay of effective date and opportunity for public comment.

SUMMARY:

On December 28, 2016, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a final rule to expand permitted investments in passive businesses and provide further clarification with regard to investments in such businesses for the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program, with an effective date of January 27, 2017. In the meantime, a memorandum dated January 20, 2017 from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” calls for agencies to temporarily postpone the effective date of rules not yet effective and invite new public comment. In view of this development, SBA is delaying the effective date of this rule until March 21, 2017, and is inviting additional public comment on the final rule. Any timely public comments received will be considered and any changes to the final rule will be published in the Federal Register.

DATES:

The effective date of the SBA final rule published December 28, 2016 (81 FR 95419) is delayed until March 21, 2017. Comments must be received on or before February 19, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by RIN 3245-AG67, by any of the following methods:

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

Mail, Hand Delivery/Courier: Theresa Jamerson, Office for Investment and Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416.

SBA will post comments on http://www.regulations.gov. If you wish to submit confidential business information (CBI) as defined in the User Notice at http://www.regulations.gov, please submit the information to Theresa Jamerson, Office of Investment and Innovation, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416. Highlight the information that you consider to be CBI and explain why you believe this information should be held confidential. SBA will review the information and make the final determination of whether it will publish the information or not.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Theresa Jamerson, Office of Investment and Innovation, (202) 205-7563 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is revising the regulations for the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program to expand permitted investments in passive businesses and provide further clarification with regard to investments in such businesses. SBICs are generally prohibited from investing in passive businesses under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (Act). SBIC program regulations provide for two exceptions that allow an SBIC to structure an investment utilizing a passive small business as a pass-through. The first exception provides conditions under which an SBIC may structure an investment through up to two levels of passive entities to make an investment in a non-passive business that is a subsidiary of the passive business directly financed by the SBIC. The second exception, prior to this final rule, enabled a partnership SBIC, with SBA's prior approval, to provide financing to a small business through a passive, wholly-owned C corporation (commonly known as a blocker corporation), but only if a direct financing would cause the SBIC's investors to incur Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI). This final rule clarifies several aspects of the first exception and in the second exception eliminates the prior approval requirement and expands the purposes for which a blocker corporation may be formed. The final rule also adds new reporting and other requirements for passive investments to help protect SBA's financial interests and ensure adequate oversight and makes minor technical amendments. Finally, this rule makes a conforming change to the regulations regarding the amount of leverage available to SBICs under common control. This change is necessary for consistency with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, which increased the maximum amount of such leverage to $350 million.

Dated: January 23, 2017. Michele Schimpp, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Investment and Innovation.
[FR Doc. 2017-01809 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Parts 22, 51, 52, 61, 68, 80, 81, 124, 147, 171, 239, 259, 300, and 770 [FRL-9958-87-OP] Delay of Effective Date for 30 Final Regulations Published by the Environmental Protection Agency Between October 28, 2016 and January 17, 2017 AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Final rule; delay of effective dates.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Presidential directive as expressed in the memorandum of January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” this action temporarily delays until March 21, 2017, the effective date of the regulations listed in the table below. EPA identified 30 regulations that meet those criteria.

DATES:

This regulation is effective January 26, 2017. The effective date of each regulation listed in the table below is delayed to a new effective date of March 21, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sarah Rees, Director, Office of Regulatory Policy and Management, Office of Policy, Mail code 1804, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW., Washington, DC 20460; (202) 564-1986; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

EPA bases this action on the Presidential directive as expressed in the memorandum of January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review.” That memorandum directed the heads of Executive Departments and Agencies to temporarily postpone for sixty days from the date of the memorandum the effective dates of all regulations that had been published in the Federal Register but had not yet taken effect. The memorandum also noted certain exceptions that do not apply here. EPA identified 30 regulations that meet those criteria. Those regulations are listed in the table below. The new effective date for all 30 regulations is March 21, 2017.

The Agency's implementation of this action without opportunity for public comment is based on the good cause exceptions in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and 553(d)(3), in that seeking public comment is impracticable, unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. The temporary delay in effective dates until March 21, 2017, is necessary to give Agency officials the opportunity for further review and consideration of new regulations, consistent with the memorandum of the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, dated January 20, 2017. Given the imminence of these effective dates, seeking prior public comment on this temporary delay would have been impractical, as well as contrary to the public interest in the orderly promulgation and implementation of regulations. In addition, to the extent any regulation below is a procedural rule, it is exempt from notice and comment under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A).

Some of the regulations listed below would not have taken effect until late February or March. For those regulations, the length of today's delay is necessarily shorter than the delay established for regulations that would have taken effect in January or early February. The good cause exception applies here as well, because soliciting comment would be contrary to the public interest. First, by announcing today that all eligible regulations would be delayed until a single fixed date (March 21, 2017), the Agency provides immediate notice of its intention to further review and consider those regulations in addition to the others that would have taken effect sooner. This allows the later-published regulations to be considered more easily in context of the earlier-published regulations. Second, by focusing its attention on the substance of those later regulations rather than soliciting comment on a decision to delay their effective date until March 21, 2017, the Agency can minimize or obviate the need for further temporary delays beyond March 21. Third, as a practical matter, the new effective date for these regulations would extend by only a few weeks their original effective dates.

For the foregoing reasons, the good cause exceptions in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and 553(d)(3) also apply to EPA's decision to make today's action effectively immediately.

Federal
  • Register
  • citation
  • Title Publication date Original
  • effective date
  • New effective date
    81 FR 74927 State of Kentucky Section 1425 Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program Primacy Approval 10/28/16 1/26/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95047 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New York Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality and Nonattainment New Source Review; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements 12/27/16 1/26/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95041 Air Plan Approval; KY; RACM Determination for the KY Portion of the Louisville Area 1997 Annual PM2.5 12/27/16 1/26/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95043 Air Plan Approval; Wisconsin; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS 12/27/16 1/26/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95051 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Louisiana; Redesignation of Baton Rouge 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment 12/27/16 1/26/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95480 State of Kentucky Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class II Program; Primacy Approval 12/28/16 1/27/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95475 Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Volatile Organic Compounds Definition 12/28/16 1/27/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95473 Approval of California Air Plan Revisions, Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District 12/28/16 1/27/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95472 Approval of California Air Plan Revisions, South Coast Air Quality Management District 12/28/16 1/27/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 729 Partial Approval and Partial Disapproval of Attainment Plan for the Idaho Portion of the Logan, Utah/Idaho PM2.5 Nonattainment Area 1/4/17 2/3/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 2760 Addition of a Subsurface Intrusion Component to the Hazard Ranking System 1/9/17 2/8/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 2237 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Clean Air Act Infrastructure State and Federal Implementation Plans 1/9/17 2/8/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 89746 Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2017 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2018 12/12/16 2/10/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 89674 Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products 12/12/16 2/10/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 3171 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Control of Air Pollution from Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter 1/11/17 2/10/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 89868 Determination of Attainment of the 2012 Annual Fine Particulate Matter Standard; Pennsylvania; Delaware County Nonattainment Area 12/13/16 2/13/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 3639 Air Plan Approval; TN Infrastructure Requirements for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS 1/12/17 2/13/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 3637 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Alabama; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard 1/12/17 2/13/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 5182 Revisions to the Guideline on Air Quality Models: Enhancements to the AERMOD Dispersion Modeling System and Incorporation of Approaches to Address Ozone and Fine Particulate Matter 1/17/17 2/16/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 91839 Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Part 9 Miscellaneous Rules 12/19/16 2/17/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 94262 National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Partial Deletion of the North Penn Area 6 Superfund Site 12/23/16 2/21/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 93624 Determination of Attainment of the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Mariposa County, California 12/21/16 2/21/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 85438 Adequacy of Washington Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Permit Program—Direct Final Rule 11/28/16 2/27/2017 3/21/2017 81 FR 95477 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; State Boards 12/28/16 2/27/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 952 Pesticides; Certification of Pesticide Applicators 1/4/17 3/6/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 1206 Air Plan Approval; Georgia: Procedures for Testing and Monitoring Sources of Air Pollutants 1/5/17 3/6/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 2230 Consolidated Rules of Practice Governing the Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties, Issuance of Compliance or Corrective Action Orders, and the Revocation/Termination or Suspension of Permits; Procedures for Decisionmaking 1/9/17 3/10/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 2239 Approval of Arizona Air Plan Revisions; Ajo and Morenci, Arizona; Second 10-Year Sulfur Dioxide Maintenance Plans and Technical Correction 1/9/17 3/10/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 4594 Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act 1/13/17 3/14/2017 3/21/2017 82 FR 5142 Revisions to National Emission Standards for Radon Emissions from Operating Mill Tailings 1/17/17 3/20/2017 3/21/2017

    Where appropriate, the Agency may consider delaying the effective dates of the above-referenced regulations beyond March 21, 2017. If the Agency were to do so, consistent with the memorandum of the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, the Agency would propose any later effective date for public comment.

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Catherine McCabe, Acting Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01822 Filed 1-24-17; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0171; FF09E40000 167 FXES11150900000] RIN 1018-BB25 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances AGENCY:

    Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

    ACTION:

    Final rule; delay of effective date.

    SUMMARY:

    In accordance with a January 20, 2017, memo from the White House, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are delaying the effective date of a rule we published on December 27, 2016.

    DATES:

    The effective date of the rule that published on December 27, 2016, at 81 FR 95053, is delayed from January 26, 2017, to March 21, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Jeff Newman, Chief, Division of Recovery and Restoration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: ES, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; telephone 703-358-2171.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    On December 27, 2016, we published a rule to revise the regulations concerning enhancement-of-survival permits issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, associated with Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances. We added the term “net conservation benefit” to the Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances regulations, and eliminated references to “other necessary properties” to clarify the level of conservation effort we require each agreement to include in order for us to approve a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances. The rule was to be effective on January 26, 2017.

    On January 20, 2017, the White House issued a memo instructing Federal agencies to temporarily postpone the effective date for 60 days after January 20, 2017, of any regulations that have published in the Federal Register but not yet taken effect, for the purpose of “reviewing questions of fact, law, and policy they raise.” We are, therefore, delaying the effective date of our rule published on December 27, 2016, at 81 FR 95053 (see DATES, above).

    Authority:

    16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, unless otherwise noted.

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Tina A. Campbell, Chief, Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01841 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
    82 16 Thursday, January 26, 2017 Proposed Rules COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Parts 1, 38, 40, and 170 RIN 3038-AD52 Regulation Automated Trading AGENCY:

    Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

    ACTION:

    Extension of comment period.

    SUMMARY:

    On November 4, 2016, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“Commission”) approved a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking for Regulation AT (“Supplemental NPRM”). The Supplemental NPRM modifies certain rules proposed in the Commission's December 2015 notice of proposed rulemaking for Regulation AT. The Supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 25, 2016, with a 90-day comment period closing on January 24, 2017. Based on the broad range of topics addressed in the Supplemental NPRM and the number of questions posed, the Commission is extending the comment period for the Supplemental NPRM through May 1, 2017.

    DATES:

    The comment period for the Supplemental NPRM is extended until May 1, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments, identified by RIN 3038-AD52, by any of the following methods:

    CFTC Web site, via Comments Online: http://comments.cftc.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments through the Web site.

    Mail: Christopher J. Kirkpatrick, Secretary of the Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581.

    Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as Mail above.

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

    Please submit comments by only one method. All comments should be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation. Comments will be posted as received to http://www.cftc.gov. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. If you wish the Commission to consider information that may be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), a petition for confidential treatment of the exempt information may be submitted according to the procedures established in 17 CFR 145.9. The Commission reserves the right, but shall have no obligation, to review, prescreen, filter, redact, refuse, or remove any or all of your submission from http://www.cftc.gov that it may deem to be inappropriate for publication, such as obscene language. All submissions that have been redacted or removed that contain comments on the merits of the rulemaking will be retained in the public comment file and will be considered as required under the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable laws, and may be accessible under FOIA.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Sebastian Pujol Schott, Associate Director, Division of Market Oversight, [email protected] or 202-418-5641; Marilee Dahlman, Special Counsel, Division of Market Oversight, [email protected] or 202-418-5264.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    On November 4, 2016, the Commission approved for publication in the Federal Register a Supplemental NPRM for Regulation AT. The Supplemental NPRM modifies certain rules set forth in a notice of proposed rulemaking for Regulation AT published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2015. Based on the broad range of topics addressed in the Supplemental NPRM and the number of questions posed, the Commission has determined to extend the comment period. Accordingly, the comment period for the Supplemental NPRM is open through May 1, 2017.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 23, 2017, by the Commission. Robert N. Sidman, Deputy Secretary of the Commission. Appendix to Regulation Automated Trading—Commission Voting Summary

    On this matter, Acting Chairman Giancarlo and Commissioner Bowen voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Massad abstained. No Commissioner voted in the negative.

    [FR Doc. 2017-01801 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6351-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 42 CFR Parts 431, 435 and 457 [CMS-2334-P2] RIN 0938-AS55 Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Eligibility Notices, Fair Hearing and Appeal Processes for Medicaid and Other Provisions Related to Eligibility and Enrollment for Medicaid and CHIP Correction

    In proposed rule document 2016-27848, appearing on pages 86467-86488 in the issue of Wednesday, November 30, 2016, make the following corrections:

    On page 86467, in the first column, in the DATES section, and on page 86481 in the third column, in the fourth full paragraph following the table, “January 23, 2017” should read “January 30, 2017”.

    [FR Doc. C1-2016-27848 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1301-00-D
    82 16 Thursday, January 26, 2017 Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary Privacy Act of 1974; Revised System of Records AGENCY:

    Office of the Chief Information Officer, USDA.

    ACTION:

    Notice of the revision of Privacy Act system of records.

    SUMMARY:

    In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the Department of Agriculture proposes to revise an existing Department of Agriculture system of records notice now titled, USDA/OCIO-2 eAuthentication Service (eAuth). The USDA eAuth provides the public and government businesses with a single sign-on capability for USDA applications, management of user credentials, and verification of identity, authorization, and electronic signatures. USDA's eAuth collects customer information through an electronic self-registration process provided through the eAuth Web site. This System of Records Notice was previously published as “USDA eAuthentication Service” in Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 50 on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. The revision reflects updates to the system name; the system location; routine uses; storage policies; safeguards; retention and disposal; identity proofing individuals, the system manager; and notification, record access, and contesting procedures.

    DATES:

    Submit comments on or before March 7, 2017. This new system will be effective March 7, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments, identified by docket number USDA/OCIO-2 by one of the following methods:

    Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

    Fax: (970) 295-5238.

    Mail: Adam Zeimet, Branch Chief, Identity Access Branch, eAuthentication, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Suite 350, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526.

    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For general questions, please contact: Adam Zeimet, Program Manager, (970) 295-5678, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Suite 350, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526. For privacy issues, please contact: Kelvin Fairfax, Chief Privacy Officer, Technology Planning, Architecture and E-Government, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background

    The USDA eAuthentication Service provides USDA Agency customers and employee's single sign-on capability and electronic authentication and authorization for USDA Web applications and services. Through an online self-registration process, USDA Agency customers and employees can obtain accounts as authorized users that will provide access to USDA resources without needing to re-authenticate within the context of a single Internet session. Once an account is activated, users may use the associated user ID and password that they created to access USDA resources that are protected by eAuthentication. Information stored in the eAuthentication Service may be shared with other USDA components, as well as appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, foreign, or international government agencies as outlined in the routine uses or authorized by statute.

    This sharing will take place only after USDA determines that the receiving component or agency has a need to know the information to carry out agency mission, national security, law enforcement, immigration, intelligence, or other functions consistent with the routine uses set forth in this system of records notice. The revisions to this system of records include: Updating the system location, storage policies, storage safeguards, retention and disposal policies; the system manager's location; the practice of identity proofing individuals; record retrieval; and the notification, record access, & contesting procedures in order to be consistent with the Department's best practices.

    In addition, the routine uses were amended as follows:

    • Routine Use 1. is modified adding account management and user profile management

    • Routine Use 8. is added to permit another federal agency or federal entity to investigate breaches and remedy risk to individuals

    • Routine Use 9. is added for disclosure to credit bureaus to conduct identity proofing

    • Routine Use 10. is added for disclosure for contractors to assist in administering the program

    • Routine Use 11. Is added for disclosure of records to other federal agencies

    Dated: January 18, 2017. Michael T. Scuse, Acting Secretary of Agriculture. SYSTEM OF RECORDS USDA/OCIO-2 SYSTEM NAME:

    USDA/OCIO-2 eAuthentication Service

    SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:

    Unclassified.

    SYSTEM LOCATION:

    USDA—National Information Technology Center (NITC), 8930 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64114.

    USDA—St. Louis Enterprise Data Center, 4300 Goodfellow Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63120 US.

    CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:

    This system contains records on individuals who applied for and were granted access to USDA applications and services that are protected by eAuthentication. This includes but not limited to public citizens, federal employees, contractor employees, affiliates, etc.

    CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:

    The eAuthentication system will collect the information including but not limited to name, address, country of residence, telephone, email address, date of birth, user name, password, SSN (Capture Temporarily), challenge question, and challenge answer. The latter two types of information are used to validate a customer's identity for password reset. The system will request social security number for online identity proofing services through a verification process implemented with a credit bureau.

    AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE ON THE SYSTEM:

    Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA, Pub. L. 105-277) of 1998; Freedom to E-File Act (Pub. L. 106-222) of 2000; Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN, Pub. L. 106-229) of 2000; eGovernment Act of 2002 (H.R. 2458/Pub. L. 107-347); GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (Pub L. 106-102).

    PURPOSE(S):

    The records in this system are used to electronically authenticate and authorize users accessing protected USDA applications and services. eAuthentication shares the user information with authorized federal agencies or contractor systems supporting a federal agency mission for centralized account management and user profile management for USDA.

    ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES. RECORDS IN THIS SYSTEM MAY BE DISCLOSED AS FOLLOWS:

    1. To external Web applications or information technology systems integrated with the government's federated architecture for authentication, identity management, and user profile management for USDA. Prior to any disclosure of information under this architecture, the user will request access to an external application with their USDA credential. All external applications will have undergone rigorous testing before joining the architecture. The eAuthentication Service acts as a single sign-on point for USDA Agency applications, allowing a USDA customer to sign onto any USDA applications for which they have been authorized.

    2. When a record on its face, or in conjunction with other records, indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, and whether arising by general statute or particular program, statute, or by regulation, rule, or order issued pursuant thereto, disclosure may be made to the appropriate agency, whether Federal, foreign, State, local, tribal, or other public authority responsible for enforcing, investigating, or prosecuting such violation or charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, or rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto, if the information disclosed is relevant to any enforcement, regulatory, investigative, or prosecutive responsibility of the receiving entity. Referral to the appropriate agency, whether Federal, State, local, or foreign, charged with the responsibility of investigating or prosecuting violation of law, or of enforcing or implementing a statute, rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto, of any record within this system when information available indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature.

    3. To a court or adjudicative body in a proceeding when: (a) USDA or any component thereof; or (b) any employee of USDA in his or her official capacity; or (c) any employee of USDA in his or her individual capacity where USDA has agreed to represent the employee; or (d) the United States Government, is a party to litigation or has an interest in such litigation, and by careful review, USDA determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and the use of such records is therefore deemed by USDA to be for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose for which USDA collected the records.

    4. To a congressional office in response to an inquiry made at the written request of the individual to whom the record pertains.

    5. Disclosure at the individuals' request to any Federal department, State, local agencies, or USDA partners including but not limited to contractor systems supporting the government mission utilizing or interfacing with eAuthentication to provide electronic authentication. The disclosure of this information is required to securely provide, monitor, and analyze the requested program, service, registration, or other transaction.

    6. To the Department of Justice when: (a) USDA or any component thereof; or (b) any employee of USDA in his or her official capacity where the Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or (d) the United States Government, is a party to litigation or has an interest in such litigation, and by careful review, USDA determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and the use of such records by the Department of Justice is therefore deemed by USDA to be for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose for which USDA collected the records.

    7. To appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when (1) USDA suspects or has confirmed that the security or confidentiality of information in the system of records has been compromised; (2) USDA has determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed breach there is a risk of harm to individuals, USDA (including its information systems, programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national security; and (3) the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, and persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with USDA's efforts to respond to the suspected or confirmed compromise and prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm.

    8. To another Federal agency or Federal entity, when information from this system of records is reasonably necessary to assist the recipient agency or entity in (1) responding to a suspected or confirmed breach or (2) preventing, minimizing, or remedying the risk of harm to individuals, the agency (including its information systems, programs and operations), the Federal Government, or national security.

    9. Disclosure to credit bureaus to conduct online identity proofing of users including but not limited to public citizens, federal employees, contractor employees, affiliates, etc., for the purpose of remotely verifying the users identity in using eAuthentication account management practices (e.g. Issuing an account & credential, and account recovery).

    10. Contract Disclosure. If the Department contracts with an entity for the purpose of performing any function that requires disclosure of records including but not limited to helpdesk operations, password resets, system administration, application operations, program support. The Department may disclose the records as a routine use to those contract employees. Before entering into such a contract, the Department shall require the contractor to maintain Privacy Act safeguards as required under 5 U.S.C. 552a(m) with respect to the records in the system.

    11. Disclosure may be made to a private contractor or Federal agency for the purpose of collating, analyzing, aggregating or otherwise refining records for official business in this system. The contractor or Federal agency will be required to maintain Privacy Act safeguards with respect to these records.

    POLICIES/PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: STORAGE:

    Records are stored and maintained electronically on USDA owned and operated systems in Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, Missouri.

    RETRIEVABILITY:

    Records can be retrieved by a search of user profile attributes including but not limited to Personal Identity Verification (HSPD-12 PID) card identifiers, UserName (Login ID), Last Name, First Name, Email, system ID (eAuth Internal ID), challenge question, and challenge answer. The latter two types of information are used to validate a customer's identity for helpdesk services only those individuals with approved access rights have this authority and data accessibility. USDA staff and contractors (acting as authorized agents) access information that is necessary to fulfill customer requests, provide end-user technical support and to operate and administer the system.

    SAFEGUARDS:

    Records are accessible only to authorized personnel. Protection of the records is ensured by appropriate technical controls. The physical security of the system is provided by restricted building access. In addition, increased security is provided by encryption of data when transmitted. SSN is masked during the capture process when a user enters on the web form. The system has undergone an Assessment and Authorization (A&A) by the OCIO Designated Approving Authority via Agricultural Security Operations Center (ASOC).

    RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:

    Records in this system will be retained in accordance with approved retention schedules, including: (31) General Retention Schedule (DAA-GRS-2013-0006-0004), which provides for annual cut-off and for destruction 6 years after cutoff or longer if required for business use; (61) General Retention Schedule (N1-GRS-07-3, item 13a2), which provides for annual cut-off and for destruction 7 years and 6 months to 20 years to 6 months after cut-off; and additional approved schedules may apply. Destruction of records shall occur in the manner(s) appropriate to the type of record, such as but not limited to shredding of paper records and/or deletion of computer records in accordance with federal requirements.

    SYSTEM MANAGER AND ADDRESS:

    Program Manager—Identity and Access Management, 2150 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526

    NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:

    Individuals seeking notification of and access to any record contained in this system of records, or seeking to contest its content, may submit a request in writing to the Headquarters or component's FOIA Officer, whose contact information can be found at http://www.da.usda.gov/foia.htm under “contacts.” If an individual believes more than one component maintains Privacy Act records concerning him or her the individual may submit the request to the Chief FOIA Officer, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250.

    When seeking records about yourself from this system of records or any other Departmental system of records your request must conform with the Privacy Act regulations set forth in 6 CFR part 5. You must first verify your identity, meaning that you must provide your full name, current address and date and place of birth. You must sign your request, and your signature must either be notarized or submitted under 28 U.S.C. 1746, a law that permits statements to be made under penalty of perjury as a substitute for notarization. While no specific form is required, you may obtain forms for this purpose from the Chief FOIA Officer, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. In addition you should provide the following:

    • An explanation of why you believe the Department would have information on you,

    • Identify which component(s) of the Department you believe may have the information about you,

    • Specify when you believe the records would have been created,

    • Provide any other information that will help the FOIA staff determine which USDA component agency may have responsive records,

    • If your request is seeking records pertaining to another living individual, you must include a statement from that individual certifying his/her agreement for you to access his/her records.

    Without this bulleted information the component(s) may not be able to conduct an effective search, and your request may be denied due to lack of specificity or lack of compliance with applicable regulations.

    RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:

    See “Notification procedure” above.

    CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:

    Any individual may contest information contained within a record in the system that pertains to him/her by submitting a written request to the system manager at the address above. Include the reason for contesting the record and the proposed amendment to the information with supporting documentation to show how the record is inaccurate.

    RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:

    Information maintained in the system will be submitted but not limited to public citizens, federal employees, contractor employees, affiliates, etc.. When a user wishes to transact with USDA or its partner organizations electronically, the user must enter name, address, country of residence, telephone, date of birth, username, and password. To elevate the user to conduct official business with USDA the user must be identity proofed requiring social security number being queried through a national credit bureau. As the USDA eAuthentication Service is integrated with other government or private sector authentication systems, data may be obtained from those systems to facilitate single-sign on capabilities with the user's permission.

    EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THIS SYSTEM:

    None.

    U.S. Department of Agriculture Narrative Statement on Revised eAuthentication System of Records Under the Privacy Act of 1974 USDA/OCIO-2 eAuthentication Service

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) eAuthentication Service provides USDA Agency customers and employees single sign-on capability and electronic authentication and authorization for USDA Web applications and services. Through an online self-registration process, USDA Agency customers and employees can obtain accounts as authorized users that will provide access to USDA resources without needing to re-authenticate within the context of a single Internet session. Once an account is activated, users may use the associated user ID and password that they created to access USDA resources that are protected by eAuthentication. Information stored in the eAuthentication Service may be shared with other USDA components, as well as appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, foreign, or international government agencies as outlined in the routine uses or authorized by statute. This sharing will take place only after USDA determines that the receiving component or agency has a need to know the information to carry out national security, law enforcement, immigration, intelligence, or other functions consistent with the routine uses set forth in this system of records notice. USDA is publishing the routine uses pursuant to which it may disclose information about individuals to the extent the disclosure is consistent with the purpose for which the information was collected. Routine uses include disclosure to external Web applications upon user request, to other government agencies for law enforcement purposes if the record on its face or in conjunction with other records indicates a violation of law, to a court or adjudicative body if relevant and necessary to appropriate litigation, to a congressional office upon written request of the individual, to other government entities of USDA partners upon user request, to USDA contractors or industry to identify fraud, waste, or abuse to the Department of Justice if relevant and necessary for appropriate litigation, or to agencies, entities, or persons to prevent or remedy security breach. The authority for maintaining this system is derived from: Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA, Pub. L. 105-277) of 1998; Freedom to E-File Act (Pub. L. 106-222) of 2000; Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN, Pub. L. 106-229) of 2000; eGovernment Act of 2002 (H.R. 2458).

    Probable or potential effects on the privacy of individuals:

    Although there is some risk to the privacy of individuals, that risk is outweighed by the benefits to those individuals who will be able to access multiple programs and applications with a single login. In addition, the safeguards in place will protect against unauthorized disclosure. Records are accessible only to individuals who are authorized, and physical and electronic safeguards are employed to ensure security. eAuthentication has a current Authority to Operate obtained via the completion Certification and Accreditation based on the Risk Management Framework. A satisfactory risk assessment has been performed.

    OMB information collection requirements:

    OMB information collection approval: OMB No. 0503-0014

    [FR Doc. 2017-01767 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-ZV-P
    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B-007-2017] Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 29—Shelbyville, Kentucky, Notification of Proposed Production Activity, Amcor Flexibles L.L.C., (Flexible Packaging Production, Warehousing, and Distribution), Shelbyville, Kentucky

    The Louisville and Jefferson County Riverport Authority, grantee of FTZ 29, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board on behalf of Amcor Flexibles L.L.C. (Amcor), located in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on January 11, 2017.

    A separate application for subzone designation at the Amcor facility was submitted and will be processed under Section 400.31 of the Board's regulations. The facility will be used to produce, warehouse, and distribute flexible packaging used in pharma, food, home, and personal care products. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status materials and components and specific finished products described in the submitted notification (as described below) and subsequently authorized by the FTZ Board.

    Production under FTZ procedures could exempt Amcor from customs duty payments on the foreign-status components used in export production. On its domestic sales, Amcor would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to: Printed and non-printed, non-laminated aluminum foil packaging (duty rate 3.0%); printed, laminated aluminum foil packaging (duty rate 3.7%); non-printed aluminum foil laminated packaging (duty rate 0.0%); aluminum/plastic packaging (duty rate 4.2%); aluminum/plastic pouches (duty rate 4.2%); aluminum/plastic tear strip (duty rate 4.2%); and, aluminum foil (not laminated) (duty rate 3.0%) for the foreign-status inputs noted below. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.

    The components and materials sourced from abroad include polyvinyl chloride film, nylon film, aluminum foil, aluminum/plastic tear strip, and aluminum foil (not laminated) (duty rate ranges from 3.0% to 5.8%).

    Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is March 7, 2017.

    A copy of the notification will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 21013, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230-0002, and in the “Reading Room” section of the Board's Web site, which is accessible via www.trade.gov/ftz.

    For further information, contact Juanita H. Chen at [email protected] or (202) 482-1378.

    Dated: January 17, 2017. Elizabeth Whiteman, Acting Executive Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01708 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B-08-2017] Foreign-Trade Zone 157—Casper, Wyoming; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework

    An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board by the Casper/Natrona County International Airport, grantee of FTZ 157, requesting authority to reorganize the zone under the alternative site framework (ASF) adopted by the FTZ Board (15 CFR Sec. 400.2(c)). The ASF is an option for grantees for the establishment or reorganization of zones and can permit significantly greater flexibility in the designation of new subzones or “usage-driven” FTZ sites for operators/users located within a grantee's “service area” in the context of the FTZ Board's standard 2,000-acre activation limit for a zone. The application was submitted pursuant to the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR part 400). It was formally docketed on January 17, 2017.

    FTZ 157 was approved by the FTZ Board on January 19, 1989 (Board Order 426, 54 FR 5532, February 3, 1989) and expanded on September 3, 2010 (Board Order 1707, 75 FR 56987-56988, September 17, 2010).

    The current zone includes the following sites: Site 1 (492 acres)—Casper/Natrona County International Airport, 8500 Airport Parkway, Casper; and, Site 2 (984 acres)—Casper Logistics Hub, 6 Mile Road and Morgan Street, Casper.

    The grantee's proposed service area under the ASF would be a portion of Natrona County, Wyoming, as described in the application. If approved, the grantee would be able to serve sites throughout the service area based on companies' needs for FTZ designation. The application indicates that the proposed service area is within and adjacent to the Casper, Wyoming U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry.

    The applicant is requesting authority to reorganize its existing zone to include both of the existing sites as “magnet” sites. The ASF allows for the possible exemption of one magnet site from the “sunset” time limits that generally apply to sites under the ASF, and the applicant proposes that Site 1 be so exempted. No subzones/usage-driven sites are being requested at this time.

    In accordance with the FTZ Board's regulations, Christopher Kemp of the FTZ Staff is designated examiner to evaluate and analyze the facts and information presented in the application and case record and to report findings and recommendations to the FTZ Board.

    Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the FTZ Board's Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is March 27, 2017. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period to April 11, 2017.

    A copy of the application will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 21013, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230-0002, and in the “Reading Room” section of the FTZ Board's Web site, which is accessible via www.trade.gov/ftz. For further information, contact Christopher Kemp at [email protected] or (202) 482-0862.

    Dated: January 17, 2017. Elizabeth Whiteman, Acting Executive Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01709 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C-570-048] Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination AGENCY:

    Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of Commerce (the “Department”) determines that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate (“CTL plate”) from the People's Republic of China (“PRC”). For information on the estimated subsidy rates, see the “Final Determination” section of this notice.

    DATES:

    Effective January 26, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Ryan Mullen, AD/CVD Operations, Office V, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482-5260.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Background

    The Department published the Preliminary Determination on September 13, 2016.1 A summary of the events that occurred since the preliminary analysis, as well as a full discussion of the issues raised by parties for this final determination, may be found in the Issues and Decision Memo.2 The Issues and Decision Memo is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (“ACCESS”). ACCESS is available to registered users at http://access.trade.gov, and is available to all parties in the Central Records Unit, room B8024 of the main Department of Commerce building. In addition, a complete version of the Issues and Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at http://trade.gov/enforcement. The signed Issues and Decision Memo and the electronic versions of the Issues and Decision Memo are identical in content.

    1See Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Determination and Alignment of Final Determination with Final Antidumping Duty Determination, 81 FR 62871 (September 13, 2016) (“Preliminary Determination”) and accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum (“Preliminary Decision Memo”).

    2See Memorandum from Gary Taverman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, to Paul Piquado, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, “Issues and Decision Memorandum for the Final Affirmative Determination in the Countervailing Duty Investigation of Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China,” dated concurrently with this determination and hereby adopted by this notice (“Issues and Decision Memo”).

    Period of Investigation

    The period of investigation for which we are measuring subsidies is January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015.

    Scope of the Investigation

    The scope of this investigation covers CTL plate from the PRC. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix II.

    Scope Comments

    In accordance with the Preamble to the Department's regulations,3 the Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise issues regarding product coverage, i.e., scope.4 Certain interested parties commented on the scope of the concurrent CTL plate investigations as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. For a summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal responses submitted to the records of this and the concurrent CTL plate investigations, and a discussion and analysis of all comments timely received, see the Department's Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum, the Department's Additional Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum, and the Department's Final Scope Comment Decision Memorandum.5 The Department has modified the scope language as it appeared in the Initiation Notice to clarify the exclusion for stainless steel plate, corrected two tariff numbers that were misidentified in the Petitions and in the Initiation Notice, and modified language pertaining to existing steel plate and hot-rolled flat-rolled steel orders.6

    3See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties; Final rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble).

    4See Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Brazil, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations, 81 FR 27098 (May 5, 2016) at 27090.

    5See Memorandum to Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, “Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey: Scope Comments Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determinations,” (September 6, 2016) (“Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum”), Memorandum to Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey: Additional Scope Comments Preliminary Decision Memorandum and Extension of Deadlines for Scope Case Briefs and Scope Rebuttal Briefs” (October 13, 2016) (“Additional Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum”), and Memorandum to Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, “Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey: Final Scope Comments Decision Memorandum,” (November 29, 2016) (“Final Scope Comments Decision Memorandum”), respectively.

    6See Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum at 2 and 56, Additional Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum at 10-11 and 20, and Final Scope Comments Decision Memorandum at 40.

    Methodology

    The Department is conducting this countervailing duty (“CVD”) investigation in accordance with section 701 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the “Act”). For each of the subsidy programs found countervailable, we determine that there is a subsidy, i.e., a financial contribution by an “authority” that gives rise to a benefit to the recipient, and that the subsidy is specific.7 For a full description of the methodology underlying our conclusions, see the Issues and Decision Memo.

    7See sections 771(5)(B) and (D) of the Act regarding financial contribution; section 771(5)(E) of the Act regarding benefit; and section 771(5A) of the Act regarding specificity.

    Analysis of Subsidy Programs and Comments Received

    The subsidy programs under investigation and the issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs by parties in this investigation are discussed in the Issues and Decision Memo. A list of the issues that parties raised, and to which we responded in the Issues and Decision Memo, is attached to this notice at Appendix I.

    Adverse Facts Available

    Section 776(a) of the Act provides that, subject to section 782(d) of the Act, the Department shall apply “facts otherwise available” if: (1) Necessary information is not on the record; or (2) an interested party or any other person (A) withholds information that has been requested, (B) fails to provide information within the deadlines established, or in the form and manner requested by the Department, subject to subsections (c)(1) and (e) of section 782 of the Act, (C) significantly impedes a proceeding, or (D) provides information that cannot be verified as provided by section 782(i) of the Act. Furthermore, section 776(b) of the Act provides that the Department may use an adverse inference in applying the facts otherwise available when a party fails to cooperate by not acting to the best of its ability to comply with a request for information.

    In this final determination, as we did in the preliminary determination, we find that the application of AFA is warranted with respect to Jiangyin Xingcheng Special Steel Works Co. Ltd. (“Jiangyin Special”), Hunan Valin Xiangtan Iron & Steel (“Hunan Valin”) and Viewer Development Co., Ltd. (“Viewer Development”). For further information, see the section “Use of Facts Otherwise Available and Adverse Inferences” in the accompanying Issues and Decision Memo.

    Changes Since the Preliminary Determination

    Based on our review and analysis of the comments received from parties, we made certain changes to the subsidy rates since the Preliminary Determination. For a discussion of these changes, see the Issues and Decision Memo.

    Final Determination

    In accordance with section 705(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Act, we calculated an individual rate for each producer/exporter of the subject merchandise individually investigated. In accordance with section 705(c)(5)(A)(i) of the Act, for companies not individually investigated, we apply an “all-others” rate, which is normally calculated by weighting the subsidy rates of the individual companies selected as mandatory respondents by those companies' exports of the subject merchandise to the United States. Section 705(c)(5)(A)(ii) of the Act provides that if the countervailable subsidy rate established for all exporters and producers individually investigated are determined entirely in accordance with section 776 of the Act, the Department may use any reasonable method to establish an all-others rate for exporters and producers not individually investigated. In this case, the countervailable subsidy rate calculated for the investigated companies is based entirely on facts available under section 776 of the Act. There is no other information on the record upon which to determine an all-others rate. As a result, we have used the rate assigned for Jiangyin Special, Hunan Valin, and Viewer Development as the all-others rate. This method is consistent with the Department's past practice.8

    8See, e.g., Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from India: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, 77 FR 64468 (October 22, 2012).

    Exporter/producer Subsidy rate (percent) Jiangyin Xingcheng Special Steel Works Co. Ltd 251.00 Hunan Valin Xiangtan Iron & Steel 251.00 Viewer Development Co., Ltd 251.00 All Others 251.00 Continuation of Suspension of Liquidation

    As a result of our Preliminary Determination, and pursuant to section 703(d)(1)(B) and (2) of the Act, we instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) to suspend liquidation of appropriate entries of merchandise under consideration from the PRC that were entered or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, on or after September 13, 2016, the date of publication of the Preliminary Determination in the Federal Register. In accordance with section 703(d) of the Act, on January 11, 2017, we have instructed CBP to discontinue the suspension of liquidation of all entries at that time.

    If the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) issues a final affirmative injury determination, we will issue a CVD order and will reinstate the suspension of liquidation under section 706(a) of the Act and will require a cash deposit of estimated CVDs for such entries of subject merchandise in the amounts indicated above. If the ITC determines that material injury, or threat of material injury, does not exist, this proceeding will be terminated and all estimated duties deposited as a result of the suspension of liquidation will be refunded or canceled.

    International Trade Commission Notification

    In accordance with section 705(d) of the Act, we will notify the ITC of our determination. In addition, we are making available to the ITC all non-privileged and non-proprietary information relating to this investigation. We will allow the ITC access to all privileged and business proprietary information in our files, provided the ITC confirms that it will not disclose such information, either publicly or under an administrative protective order (“APO”), without the written consent of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.

    Notification Regarding Administrative Protective Orders

    In the event the ITC issues a final negative injury determination, this notice will serve as the only reminder to parties subject to an APO of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written notification of the return or destruction of APO materials, or conversion to judicial protective order, is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation subject to sanction.

    This determination is issued and published pursuant to sections 705(d) and 777(i) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(c).

    Dated: January 17, 2017. Ronald K. Lorentzen, Acting Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix I List of Topics Discussed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Scope of the Investigation IV. Application of the Countervailing Duty Law to Imports from the PRC V. Subsidies Valuation VI. Use of Facts Otherwise Available and Adverse Inferences VII. Analysis of Comments Comment 1: The Department's Continued Use of AFA for Jiangyin Special Comment 2: The Department Cannot Countervail All Income Tax Programs Combined by More Than 25 Percent Comment 3: The Department Should Exclude Terminated Programs from the Total AFA Subsidy Rate Comment 4: The Department Should Amend the Selected AFA Rates for Certain Programs Consistent with its Stated Methodology VIII. Recommendation Appendix II Scope of the Investigation

    The products covered by this investigation are certain carbon and alloy steel hot-rolled or forged flat plate products not in coils, whether or not painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic substances (cut-to-length plate). Subject merchandise includes plate that is produced by being cut-to-length from coils or from other discrete length plate and plate that is rolled or forged into a discrete length. The products covered include (1) Universal mill plates (i.e., flat-rolled products rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, of a width exceeding 150 mm but not exceeding 1250 mm, and of a thickness of not less than 4 mm, which are not in coils and without patterns in relief), and (2) hot-rolled or forged flat steel products of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more and of a width which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness, and which are not in coils, whether or not with patterns in relief. The covered products described above may be rectangular, square, circular or other shapes and include products of either rectangular or non-rectangular cross-section where such non-rectangular cross-section is achieved subsequent to the rolling process, i.e., products which have been “worked after rolling” (e.g., products which have been beveled or rounded at the edges).

    For purposes of the width and thickness requirements referenced above, the following rules apply:

    (1) Except where otherwise stated where the nominal and actual thickness or width measurements vary, a product from a given subject country is within the scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set forth above; and

    (2) where the width and thickness vary for a specific product (e.g., the thickness of certain products with non-rectangular cross-section, the width of certain products with non-rectangular shape, etc.), the measurement at its greatest width or thickness applies.

    Steel products included in the scope of this investigation are products in which: (1) Iron predominates, by weight, over each of the other contained elements; and (2) the carbon content is 2 percent or less by weight.

    Subject merchandise includes cut-to-length plate that has been further processed in the subject country or a third country, including but not limited to pickling, oiling, levelling, annealing, tempering, temper rolling, skin passing, painting, varnishing, trimming, cutting, punching, beveling, and/or slitting, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation if performed in the country of manufacture of the cut-to-length plate.

    All products that meet the written physical description, are within the scope of this investigation unless specifically excluded or covered by the scope of an existing order. The following products are outside of, and/or specifically excluded from, the scope of this investigation:

    (1) Products clad, plated, or coated with metal, whether or not painted, varnished or coated with plastic or other non-metallic substances;

    (2) military grade armor plate certified to one of the following specifications or to a specification that references and incorporates one of the following specifications:

    • MIL-A-12560,

    • MIL-DTL-12560H,

    • MIL-DTL-12560J,

    • MIL-DTL-12560K,

    • MIL-DTL-32332,

    • MIL-A-46100D,

    • MIL-DTL-46100-E,

    • MIL-46177C,

    • MIL-S-16216K Grade HY80,

    • MIL-S-16216K Grade HY100,

    • MIL-S-24645A HSLA-80;

    • MIL-S-24645A HSLA-100,

    • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HY80,

    • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HY100,

    • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HSLA80,

    • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HSLA100, and

    • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Mod. Grade HSLA115,

    except that any cut-to-length plate certified to one of the above specifications, or to a military grade armor specification that references and incorporates one of the above specifications, will not be excluded from the scope if it is also dual- or multiple-certified to any other non-armor specification that otherwise would fall within the scope of this order;

    (3) stainless steel plate, containing 10.5 percent or more of chromium by weight and not more than 1.2 percent of carbon by weight;

    (4) CTL plate meeting the requirements of ASTM A-829, Grade E 4340 that are over 305 mm in actual thickness;

    (5) Alloy forged and rolled CTL plate greater than or equal to 152.4 mm in actual thickness meeting each of the following requirements:

    (a) Electric furnace melted, ladle refined & vacuum degassed and having a chemical composition (expressed in weight percentages):

    • Carbon 0.23-0.28,

    • Silicon 0.05-0.20,

    • Manganese 1.20-1.60,

    • Nickel not greater than 1.0,

    • Sulfur not greater than 0.007,

    • Phosphorus not greater than 0.020,

    • Chromium 1.0-2.5,

    • Molybdenum 0.35-0.80,

    • Boron 0.002-0.004,

    • Oxygen not greater than 20 ppm,

    • Hydrogen not greater than 2 ppm, and

    • Nitrogen not greater than 60 ppm;

    (b) With a Brinell hardness measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness falling within one of the following ranges:

    (i) 270-300 HBW,

    (ii) 290-320 HBW, or

    (iii) 320-350 HBW;

    (c) Having cleanliness in accordance with ASTM E45 method A (Thin and Heavy): A not exceeding 1.5, B not exceeding 1.0, C not exceeding 0.5, D not exceeding 1.5; and

    (d) Conforming to ASTM A578-S9 ultrasonic testing requirements with acceptance criteria 2 mm flat bottom hole;

    (6) Alloy forged and rolled steel CTL plate over 407 mm in actual thickness and meeting the following requirements:

    (a) Made from Electric Arc Furnace melted, Ladle refined & vacuum degassed, alloy steel with the following chemical composition (expressed in weight percentages):

    • Carbon 0.23-0.28,

    • Silicon 0.05-0.15,

    • Manganese 1.20-1.50,

    • Nickel not greater than 0.4,

    • Sulfur not greater than 0.010,

    • Phosphorus not greater than 0.020,

    • Chromium 1.20-1.50,

    • Molybdenum 0.35-0.55,

    • Boron 0.002-0.004,

    • Oxygen not greater than 20 ppm,

    • Hydrogen not greater than 2 ppm, and

    • Nitrogen not greater than 60 ppm;

    (b) Having cleanliness in accordance with ASTM E45 method A (Thin and Heavy): A not exceeding 1.5, B not exceeding 1.5, C not exceeding 1.0, D not exceeding 1.5;

    (c) Having the following mechanical properties:

    (i) With a Brinell hardness not more than 237 HBW measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness; and having a Yield Strength of 75ksi min and UTS 95ksi or more, Elongation of 18% or more and Reduction of area 35% or more; having charpy V at −75 degrees F in the longitudinal direction equal or greater than 15 ft. lbs (single value) and equal or greater than 20 ft. lbs (average of 3 specimens) and conforming to the requirements of NACE MR01-75; or

    (ii) With a Brinell hardness not less than 240 HBW measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness; and having a Yield Strength of 90 ksi min and UTS 110 ksi or more, Elongation of 15% or more and Reduction of area 30% or more; having charpy V at −40 degrees F in the longitudinal direction equal or greater than 21 ft. lbs (single value) and equal or greater than 31 ft. lbs (average of 3 specimens);

    (d) Conforming to ASTM A578-S9 ultrasonic testing requirements with acceptance criteria 3.2 mm flat bottom hole; and

    (e) Conforming to magnetic particle inspection in accordance with AMS 2301;

    (7) Alloy forged and rolled steel CTL plate over 407 mm in actual thickness and meeting the following requirements:

    (a) Made from Electric Arc Furnace melted, ladle refined & vacuum degassed, alloy steel with the following chemical composition (expressed in weight percentages):

    • Carbon 0.25-0.30,

    • Silicon not greater than 0.25,

    • Manganese not greater than 0.50,

    • Nickel 3.0-3.5,

    • Sulfur not greater than 0.010,

    • Phosphorus not greater than 0.020,

    • Chromium 1.0-1.5,

    • Molybdenum 0.6-0.9,

    • Vanadium 0.08 to 0.12,

    • Boron 0.002-0.004,

    • Oxygen not greater than 20 ppm,

    • Hydrogen not greater than 2 ppm, and

    • Nitrogen not greater than 60 ppm.

    (b) Having cleanliness in accordance with ASTM E45 method A (Thin and Heavy): A not exceeding 1.0(t) and 0.5(h), B not exceeding 1.5(t) and 1.0(h), C not exceeding 1.0(t) and 0.5(h), and D not exceeding 1.5(t) and 1.0(h);

    (c) Having the following mechanical properties: A Brinell hardness not less than 350 HBW measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness; and having a Yield Strength of 145ksi or more and UTS 160ksi or more, Elongation of 15% or more and Reduction of area 35% or more; having charpy V at −40 degrees F in the transverse direction equal or greater than 20 ft. lbs (single value) and equal or greater than 25 ft. lbs (average of 3 specimens);

    (d) Conforming to ASTM A578-S9 ultrasonic testing requirements with acceptance criteria 3.2 mm flat bottom hole; and

    (e) Conforming to magnetic particle inspection in accordance with AMS 2301.

    The products subject to the investigation are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under item numbers: 7208.40.3030, 7208.40.3060, 7208.51.0030, 7208.51.0045, 7208.51.0060, 7208.52.0000, 7211.13.0000, 7211.14.0030, 7211.14.0045, 7225.40.1110, 7225.40.1180, 7225.40.3005, 7225.40.3050, 7226.20.0000, and 7226.91.5000.

    The products subject to the investigation may also enter under the following HTSUS item numbers: 7208.40.6060, 7208.53.0000, 7208.90.0000, 7210.70.3000, 7210.90.9000, 7211.19.1500, 7211.19.2000, 7211.19.4500, 7211.19.6000, 7211.19.7590, 7211.90.0000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000, 7214.10.0000, 7214.30.0010, 7214.30.0080, 7214.91.0015, 7214.91.0060, 7214.91.0090, 7225.11.0000, 7225.19.0000, 7225.40.5110, 7225.40.5130, 7225.40.5160, 7225.40.7000, 7225.99.0010, 7225.99.0090, 7226.11.1000, 7226.11.9060, 7226.19.1000, 7226.19.9000, 7226.91.0500, 7226.91.1530, 7226.91.1560, 7226.91.2530, 7226.91.2560, 7226.91.7000, 7226.91.8000, and 7226.99.0180.

    The HTSUS subheadings above are provided for convenience and customs purposes only. The written description of the scope of the investigation is dispositive.

    [FR Doc. 2017-01712 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-047] Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value AGENCY:

    Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of Commerce (Department) determines that certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate (CTL plate) from the People's Republic of China (PRC) is being, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The final dumping margin of sales at LTFV is shown in the “Final Determination” section of this notice.

    DATES:

    Effective January 26, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Irene Gorelik, AD/CVD Operations, Office VIII, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-6905.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Background

    On November 14, 2016, the Department published in the Federal Register its preliminary affirmative determination in the LTFV investigation of CTL plate from the PRC.1 For a complete description of the events that followed the Preliminary Determination, see the memorandum that is dated concurrently with this determination and hereby adopted by this notice.2

    1See Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, 81 FR 79450 (November 14, 2016) (Preliminary Determination) and accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum.

    2See Memorandum from Gary Taverman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, to Paul Piquado, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, re: “Issues and Decision Memorandum for the Final Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China” (“Issues and Decision Memorandum”), dated concurrently with this notice.

    A summary of the events that occurred since the Department published the Preliminary Determination, as well as a full discussion of the issues raised by parties for this final determination, may be found in the Issues and Decision Memorandum. The Issues and Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at http://access.trade.gov, and is available to all parties in the Central Records Unit, Room B8024 of the main Department of Commerce building. In addition, a complete version of the Issues and Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at http://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/. The signed Issues and Decision Memorandum and the electronic version are identical in content.

    Period of Investigation

    The period of investigation (POI) is October 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016.

    Scope of the Investigation

    The product covered by this investigation is CTL plate from the PRC. For a full description of the scope of this investigation, see the “Scope of the Investigation” in Appendix I of this notice. Prior to the Preliminary Determination, the Department issued a Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum, followed by an Additional Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.3 Subsequently, various interested parties submitted case 4 and rebuttal 5 briefs concerning scope. The Department reviewed these briefs, considered the arguments therein, and is not making any additional changes to the scope of the investigation. For further discussion, see the Department's Final Scope Decision Memorandum.6 The scope in Appendix I reflects the final scope language.

    3See Memorandum to Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, “Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey: Scope Comments Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determinations,” dated September 6, 2016 (Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum), and Memorandum to Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey: Additional Scope Comments Preliminary Decision Memorandum and Extension of Deadlines for Scope Case Briefs and Scope Rebuttal Briefs,” dated October 13, 2016 (Additional Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum), respectively.

    4 These parties include Misumi USA, Inc., PCS Company, Hitachi Metals, Ltd., Friedr. Lohmann GmbH, AG der Dillinger Huettenwerke, Dillinger France S.A., voestalpine AG, voestalpine Grobblech GmbH, voestalpine Steel & Service Center GmbH, Bohler Bleche GmbH & Co KG, Bohler Uddeholm Corporation, Simonds International Holding, Inc., and The KnifeSource LLC.

    5 These parties include ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Nucor Corporation, and SSAB Enterprises, LLC (collectively, the petitioners).

    6See Memorandum to Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, “Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey: Final Scope Comments Decision Memorandum,” dated November 29, 2016 (Final Scope Decision Memorandum).

    Analysis of Comments Received

    All issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs that were submitted by parties in this investigation are addressed in either the Final Scope Decision Memorandum or the Issues and Decision Memorandum accompanying this notice, which is hereby adopted by this notice. A list of the issues addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum is attached to this notice at Appendix II.

    Separate Rates

    For the final determination, we continue to determine that Jiangyin Xingcheng Special Steel Works Co., Ltd., the sole mandatory respondent in this investigation, is not entitled to a separate rate, and is included within the PRC-wide entity.

    PRC-Wide Entity

    For the final determination, we continue to find that the PRC-wide entity, which includes certain PRC exporters and/or producers that did not respond to the Department's requests for information, failed to provide necessary information, failed to provide information in a timely manner, and significantly impeded this proceeding by not submitting the requested information. We also continue to find that the PRC-wide entity failed to cooperate. As a result, we continue to assign to the PRC-wide entity a dumping margin on the basis of adverse facts available (AFA) pursuant to section 776(b) of the Act.7 Furthermore, we continue to find that the highest petition margin of 68.27 percent is corroborated to the extent practicable within the meaning of section 776(c) of the Act for the reasons articulated in the Preliminary Determination. 8 Therefore, for the final determination, we continue to assign this dumping margin (i.e., 68.27 percent) to the PRC-wide entity.

    7 As stated in the Preliminary Determination, we did not conduct verification pursuant to section 782(i) of the Act because the only rate established in the case is based entirely on AFA.

    8See Preliminary Determination and accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum at 10-12.

    Combination Rates

    In the Initiation Notice, 9 the Department stated that it would calculate combination rates for the respondents that are eligible for a separate rate in this investigation. Policy Bulletin 05.1 describes this practice.10 However, as stated in the Preliminary Determination, all parties subject to this investigation are found to be part of the PRC-wide entity, to which we do not assign a separate combination rate.11

    9See Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China, South Africa, Taiwan, and the Republic of Turkey: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 81 FR 27089, 27095 (May 5, 2016) (Initiation Notice).

    10See Enforcement and Compliance's Policy Bulletin No. 05.1, regarding, “Separate-Rates Practice and Application of Combination Rates in Antidumping Investigations involving Non-Market Economy Countries” (April 5, 2005) (Policy Bulletin 05.1), available on the Department's Web site at http://enforcement.trade.gov/policy/bull05-1.pdf.

    11Id.; see also Preliminary Determination, 81 FR at 79451; Calcium Hypochlorite from the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Postponement of Final Determination, 79 FR 43393, 43394 (July 25, 2014), unchanged in Calcium Hypochlorite from the People's Republic of China: Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, 79 FR 74065 (December 15, 2014).

    Final Determination

    The Department determines that CTL plate from the PRC is being, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at LTFV, and that the following dumping margin exists:

    Exporter Dumping margin
  • (percent)
  • PRC-Wide Entity 68.27
    Disclosure

    As stated in the Preliminary Determination, because the Department established only one rate in this investigation based entirely on AFA in accordance with section 776 of the Act, there are no calculations to disclose. The calculations performed in connection with this final determination are not proprietary in nature and are described in the Preliminary Determination, the Petition and in the PRC AD Initiation Checklist.12

    12See Preliminary Determination, 81 FR at 79451-52; Petitions for the Imposition of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties: Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China, South Africa, Taiwan, and the Republic of Turkey, dated April 8, 2016 (Petition), Volume IV at 24; Supplement to the Petition, dated April 18, 2016; see also Initiation Notice and accompanying Antidumping Duty Investigation Initiation Checklist: Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China (PRC AD Initiation Checklist), at pages 7-11; and Preliminary Decision Memorandum at 11-12.

    Continuation of Suspension of Liquidation

    In accordance with section 735(c)(1)(B) of the Act, we will direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to continue to suspend liquidation of all entries of CTL plate from the PRC, as described in Appendix I of this notice, which are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after November 14, 2016, the date of publication in the Federal Register of the affirmative Preliminary Determination. Pursuant to section 735(c)(1) of the Act, we will instruct CBP to require a cash deposit equal to the margin indicated in the chart above.13 These suspension of liquidation instructions will remain in effect until further notice.

    13See Modification of Regulations Regarding the Practice of Accepting Bonds During the Provisional Measures Period in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations, 76 FR 61042 (October 3, 2011).

    In a LTFV investigation with a companion countervailing duty (CVD) investigation, we normally adjust antidumping duty cash deposit rates by the amount of export subsidies, where appropriate. However, in this investigation, we made no adjustments to the PRC-wide entity's antidumping cash deposit rate of 68.27 percent because the Department made no findings in the companion CVD investigation that any of the subsidies in question are export subsidies.14

    14See Preliminary Decision Memorandum at 12-13 and Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination (unpublished); see also Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from Pakistan: Affirmative Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional Measures, 81 FR 36867 (June 8, 2016) and accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum at page 13, unchanged in Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from Pakistan: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, 81 FR 75028 (October 28, 2016).

    Further, pursuant to section 777A(f) of the Act, we normally adjust cash deposit rates for estimated domestic subsidy pass-through, where appropriate. However, in this case, we continue to determine that there is no record evidence demonstrating that a domestic subsidy pass-through adjustment is warranted.15 Thus, the Department has not made an adjustment to the antidumping duty cash deposit rates under section 777A(f) of the Act.

    15See Preliminary Decision Memorandum at 12.

    International Trade Commission Notification

    In accordance with section 735(d) of the Act, we intend to notify the International Trade Commission (ITC) of the final affirmative determination of sales at LTFV. As the Department's final determination is affirmative, in accordance with section 735(b)(2) of the Act, the ITC will determine, within 45 days, whether the domestic industry in the United States is materially injured, or threatened with material injury, by reason of imports of CTL plate from the PRC, or sales (or the likelihood of sales) for importation, of CTL plate from the PRC. If the ITC determines that such injury does not exist, this proceeding will be terminated and all securities posted will be refunded or canceled. If the ITC determines that such injury does exist, the Department intends to issue an antidumping duty order directing CBP to assess, upon further instruction by the Department, antidumping duties on all imports of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the effective date of the suspension of liquidation.

    Notification Regarding Administrative Protective Orders

    This notice will serve as a reminder to the parties subject to administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the disposition of propriety information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. Timely written notification of return or destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation.

    We intend to issue and publish this determination in accordance with sections 735(d) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.

    Dated: January 17, 2017. Ronald K. Lorentzen, Acting Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix I—Scope of the Investigation

    The products covered by this investigation are certain carbon and alloy steel hot-rolled or forged flat plate products not in coils, whether or not painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic substances (cut-to-length plate). Subject merchandise includes plate that is produced by being cut-to-length from coils or from other discrete length plate and plate that is rolled or forged into a discrete length. The products covered include (1) Universal mill plates (i.e., flat-rolled products rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, of a width exceeding 150 mm but not exceeding 1250 mm, and of a thickness of not less than 4 mm, which are not in coils and without patterns in relief), and (2) hot-rolled or forged flat steel products of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more and of a width which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness, and which are not in coils, whether or not with patterns in relief. The covered products described above may be rectangular, square, circular or other shapes and include products of either rectangular or non-rectangular cross-section where such non-rectangular cross-section is achieved subsequent to the rolling process, i.e., products which have been “worked after rolling” (e.g., products which have been beveled or rounded at the edges).

    For purposes of the width and thickness requirements referenced above, the following rules apply:

    (1) Except where otherwise stated where the nominal and actual thickness or width measurements vary, a product from a given subject country is within the scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set forth above unless the product is already covered by an order existing on that specific country (e.g., Notice of the Antidumping Duty Order: Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From the People's Republic of China, 66 FR 59561 (November 29, 2001)); and

    (2) where the width and thickness vary for a specific product (e.g., the thickness of certain products with non-rectangular cross-section, the width of certain products with non-rectangular shape, etc.), the measurement at its greatest width or thickness applies.

    Steel products included in the scope of this investigation are products in which: (1) Iron predominates, by weight, over each of the other contained elements; and (2) the carbon content is 2 percent or less by weight.

    Subject merchandise includes cut-to-length plate that has been further processed in the subject country or a third country, including but not limited to pickling, oiling, levelling, annealing, tempering, temper rolling, skin passing, painting, varnishing, trimming, cutting, punching, beveling, and/or slitting, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation if performed in the country of manufacture of the cut-to-length plate.

    All products that meet the written physical description, are within the scope of this investigation unless specifically excluded or covered by the scope of an existing order. The following products are outside of, and/or specifically excluded from, the scope of this investigation:

    (1) Products clad, plated, or coated with metal, whether or not painted, varnished or coated with plastic or other non-metallic substances;

    (2) military grade armor plate certified to one of the following specifications or to a specification that references and incorporates one of the following specifications:

    • MIL-A-12560, • MIL-DTL-12560H, • MIL-DTL-12560J, • MIL-DTL-12560K, • MIL-DTL-32332, • MIL-A-46100D, • MIL-DTL-46100-E, • MIL-46177C, • MIL-S-16216K Grade HY80, • MIL-S-16216K Grade HY100, • MIL-S-24645A HSLA-80; • MIL-S-24645A HSLA-100, • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HY80, • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HY100, • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HSLA80, • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Grade HSLA100, and • T9074-BD-GIB-010/0300 Mod. Grade HSLA115, except that any cut-to-length plate certified to one of the above specifications, or to a military grade armor specification that references and incorporates one of the above specifications, will not be excluded from the scope if it is also dual- or multiple-certified to any other non-armor specification that otherwise would fall within the scope of this order;

    (3) stainless steel plate, containing 10.5 percent or more of chromium by weight and not more than 1.2 percent of carbon by weight;

    (4) CTL plate meeting the requirements of ASTM A-829, Grade E 4340 that are over 305 mm in actual thickness;

    (5) Alloy forged and rolled CTL plate greater than or equal to 152.4 mm in actual thickness meeting each of the following requirements:

    (a) Electric furnace melted, ladle refined & vacuum degassed and having a chemical composition (expressed in weight percentages):

    • Carbon 0.23-0.28, • Silicon 0.05-0.20, • Manganese 1.20-1.60, • Nickel not greater than 1.0, • Sulfur not greater than 0.007, • Phosphorus not greater than 0.020, • Chromium 1.0-2.5, • Molybdenum 0.35-0.80, • Boron 0.002-0.004, • Oxygen not greater than 20 ppm, • Hydrogen not greater than 2 ppm, and • Nitrogen not greater than 60 ppm;

    (b) With a Brinell hardness measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness falling within one of the following ranges:

    (i) 270-300 HBW,

    (ii) 290-320 HBW, or

    (iii) 320-350HBW;

    (c) Having cleanliness in accordance with ASTM E45 method A (Thin and Heavy): A not exceeding 1.5, B not exceeding 1.0, C not exceeding 0.5, D not exceeding 1.5; and

    (d) Conforming to ASTM A578-S9 ultrasonic testing requirements with acceptance criteria 2 mm flat bottom hole;

    (6) Alloy forged and rolled steel CTL plate over 407 mm in actual thickness and meeting the following requirements:

    (a) Made from Electric Arc Furnace melted, Ladle refined & vacuum degassed, alloy steel with the following chemical composition (expressed in weight percentages):

    • Carbon 0.23-0.28, • Silicon 0.05-0.15, • Manganese 1.20-1.50, • Nickel not greater than 0.4, • Sulfur not greater than 0.010, • Phosphorus not greater than 0.020, • Chromium 1.20-1.50, • Molybdenum 0.35-0.55, • Boron 0.002-0.004, • Oxygen not greater than 20 ppm, • Hydrogen not greater than 2 ppm, and • Nitrogen not greater than 60 ppm;

    (b) Having cleanliness in accordance with ASTM E45 method A (Thin and Heavy): A not exceeding 1.5, B not exceeding 1.5, C not exceeding 1.0, D not exceeding 1.5;

    (c) Having the following mechanical properties:

    (i) With a Brinell hardness not more than 237 HBW measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness; and having a Yield Strength of 75ksi min and UTS 95ksi or more, Elongation of 18% or more and Reduction of area 35% or more; having charpy V at −75 degrees F in the longitudinal direction equal or greater than 15 ft. lbs (single value) and equal or greater than 20 ft. lbs (average of 3 specimens) and conforming to the requirements of NACE MR01-75; or

    (ii) With a Brinell hardness not less than 240 HBW measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness; and having a Yield Strength of 90 ksi min and UTS 110 ksi or more, Elongation of 15% or more and Reduction of area 30% or more; having charpy V at −40 degrees F in the longitudinal direction equal or greater than 21 ft. lbs (single value) and equal or greater than 31 ft. lbs (average of 3 specimens);

    (d) Conforming to ASTM A578-S9 ultrasonic testing requirements with acceptance criteria 3.2 mm flat bottom hole; and

    (e) Conforming to magnetic particle inspection in accordance with AMS 2301;

    (7) Alloy forged and rolled steel CTL plate over 407 mm in actual thickness and meeting the following requirements:

    (a) Made from Electric Arc Furnace melted, ladle refined & vacuum degassed, alloy steel with the following chemical composition (expressed in weight percentages):

    • Carbon 0.25-0.30, • Silicon not greater than 0.25, • Manganese not greater than 0.50, • Nickel 3.0-3.5, • Sulfur not greater than 0.010, • Phosphorus not greater than 0.020, • Chromium 1.0-1.5, • Molybdenum 0.6-0.9, • Vanadium 0.08 to 0.12 • Boron 0.002-0.004, • Oxygen not greater than 20 ppm, • Hydrogen not greater than 2 ppm, and • Nitrogen not greater than 60 ppm.

    (b) Having cleanliness in accordance with ASTM E45 method A (Thin and Heavy): A not exceeding 1.0(t) and 0.5(h), B not exceeding 1.5(t) and 1.0(h), C not exceeding 1.0(t) and 0.5(h), and D not exceeding 1.5(t) and 1.0(h);

    (c) Having the following mechanical properties: A Brinell hardness not less than 350 HBW measured in all parts of the product including mid thickness; and having a Yield Strength of 145ksi or more and UTS 160ksi or more, Elongation of 15% or more and Reduction of area 35% or more; having charpy V at −40 degrees F in the transverse direction equal or greater than 20 ft. lbs (single value) and equal or greater than 25 ft. lbs (average of 3 specimens);

    (d) Conforming to ASTM A578-S9 ultrasonic testing requirements with acceptance criteria 3.2 mm flat bottom hole; and

    (e) Conforming to magnetic particle inspection in accordance with AMS 2301.

    Excluded from the scope of the antidumping duty investigation on cut-to-length plate from the People's Republic of China are any products covered by the existing antidumping duty order on certain cut-to-length carbon steel plate from the People's Republic of China. See Suspension Agreement on Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate From the People's Republic of China; Termination of Suspension Agreement and Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 68 FR 60,081 (Dep't Commerce Oct. 21, 2003), as amended, Affirmative Final Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate From the People's Republic of China, 76 FR 50,996, 50,996-97 (Dep't of Commerce Aug. 17, 2011). On August 17, 2011, the U.S. Department of Commerce found that the order covered all imports of certain cut-to-length carbon steel plate products with 0.0008 percent or more boron, by weight, from China not meeting all of the following requirements: aluminum level of 0.02 percent or greater, by weight; a ratio of 3.4 to 1 or greater, by weight, of titanium to nitrogen; and a hardenability test (i.e., Jominy test) result indicating a boron factor of 1.8 or greater.

    The products subject to the investigation are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under item numbers: 7208.40.3030, 7208.40.3060, 7208.51.0030, 7208.51.0045, 7208.51.0060, 7208.52.0000, 7211.13.0000, 7211.14.0030, 7211.14.0045, 7225.40.1110, 7225.40.1180, 7225.40.3005, 7225.40.3050, 7226.20.0000, and 7226.91.5000.

    The products subject to the investigation may also enter under the following HTSUS item numbers: 7208.40.6060, 7208.53.0000, 7208.90.0000, 7210.70.3000, 7210.90.9000, 7211.19.1500, 7211.19.2000, 7211.19.4500, 7211.19.6000, 7211.19.7590, 7211.90.0000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000, 7214.10.0000, 7214.30.0010, 7214.30.0080, 7214.91.0015, 7214.91.0060, 7214.91.0090, 7225.11.0000, 7225.19.0000, 7225.40.5110, 7225.40.5130, 7225.40.5160, 7225.40.7000, 7225.99.0010, 7225.99.0090, 7226.11.1000, 7226.11.9060, 7226.19.1000, 7226.19.9000, 7226.91.0500, 7226.91.1530, 7226.91.1560, 7226.91.2530, 7226.91.2560, 7226.91.7000, 7226.91.8000, and 7226.99.0180.

    The HTSUS subheadings above are provided for convenience and customs purposes only. The written description of the scope of the investigation is dispositive.

    Appendix II—List of Topics Discussed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Discussion of the Issues Comment 1: Separate Rate Treatment of Tiangong Comment 2: Separate Rate Treatment of Jiangyin Special IV. Recommendation
    [FR Doc. 2017-01710 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
    COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY:

    Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected costs and burden.

    DATES:

    Comments must be submitted on or before February 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of the information collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, may be submitted directly to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in OMB, within 30 days of the notice's publication, by email at [email protected]. Please identify the comments by OMB Control No. 3038-0005. Please provide the Commission with a copy of all submitted comments at the address listed below. Please refer to OMB Control No. 3038-0005, found on http://reginfo.gov. Comments may also be mailed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, and to Christopher Kirkpatrick, Secretary of the Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581 or by Hand Delivery/Courier at the same address; or through the Agency's Web site at http://comments.cftc.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments through the Web site.

    A copy of the supporting statements for the collection of information discussed above may be obtained by visiting http://RegInfo.gov. All comments must be submitted in English, or if not, accompanied by an English translation. Comments will be posted as received to http://www.cftc.gov.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Christopher Cummings, Special Counsel, Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, (202) 418-6700; email: [email protected], and refer to OMB Control No. 3038-0005.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Rules Relating to the Operations and Activities of Commodity Pool Operators and Commodity Trading Advisors and to Monthly Reporting by Futures Commission Merchants (OMB Control No. 3038-0005). This is a request for comment on amendment of a currently approved information collection.

    Abstract: The CFTC has amended Regulation 4.22(d) to permit a CPO that meets certain requirements to present and compute required Annual Reports in accordance with specified accounting principles, standards or practices other than United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). At the same time, the CFTC amended Regulation 4.27(c)(2) to permit a CPO that claims relief under Regulation 4.22(d) as amended to use the same alternative accounting principles, standards or practices in presenting and computing the financial information that the CPO is required to report on a quarterly basis to the CFTC in Form CPO-PQR. The instructions to Form CPO-PQR, however, specify that all financial information in the form must be presented and computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the CFTC proposed to amend the instructions to Form CPO-PQR to permit use of alternative accounting principles, standards or practices by CPOs that claim relief under Regulation 4.22(d), as amended.

    With respect to the collection of information, the CFTC sought comments on whether the proposed amendment to Collection 3038-0005 is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the CFTC, including whether the information will have a practical use, and whether the proposed amendment will increase the burden on CPOs who are required to file Form CPO-PQR. The Commission did not receive any comments on the 60-day Federal Register notice, 81 FR 85209, dated November 25, 2016.

    Burden Statement: The Commission is not revising its estimate of the burden for this collection as a result of the amendment to the instructions to Form CPO-PQR because the requirements to provide financial information remains substantively unchanged. There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with the collection.

    Authority:

    44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Robert N. Sidman, Deputy Secretary of the Commission.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01706 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6351-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DOD-2015-OS-0018] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of Defense has submitted to OMB for clearance, the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.

    DATES:

    Consideration will be given to all comments received by February 27, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Fred Licari, 571-372-0493.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title, Associated Form and OMB Number: Custodianship Certification to Support Claims on Behalf of Minor Children of Deceased Members of the Armed Forces; DD Form 2790; OMB Control Number 0730-0010.

    Type of Request: Reinstatement with change.

    Number of Respondents: 300.

    Responses per Respondent: 1.

    Annual Responses: 300.

    Average Burden per Response: 10 minutes.

    Annual Burden Hours: 50.

    Needs and Uses: An annuity for a minor child is paid to the legal guardian, or, if there is no legal guardian, to the natural parent who has care, custody, and control of the child as the custodian, or to a representative payee of the child. An annuity may be paid directly to the child when the child is considered to be of majority age under the law in the state of residence. The child then is considered an adult for annuity purposes and a custodian or legal fiduciary is not required.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Frequency: On occasion.

    Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits

    OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra.

    Comments and recommendations on the proposed information collection should be emailed to Ms. Jasmeet Seehra, DoD Desk Officer, at [email protected]. Please identify the proposed information collection by DoD Desk Officer and the Docket ID number and title of the information collection.

    You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method:

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

    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket ID number and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information.

    DoD Clearance Officer: Mr. Frederick Licari.

    Written requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Licari at WHS/ESD Directives Division, 4800 Mark Center Drive, East Tower, Suite 03F09, Alexandria, VA 22350-3100.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Aaron Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01734 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Intent To Prepare an Analysis Under the National Environmental Policy Act for the Port Everglades Navigation Improvements Project, Broward County, Florida AGENCY:

    Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD.

    ACTION:

    Notice of intent.

    SUMMARY:

    The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is beginning preparation of a supplemental National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the Port Everglades Navigation Improvements Project. The Port Everglades Navigation Improvement Project is designed to address future growth of cargo being transported to southeast Florida on post-Panamax ships due to the completion of the Panama Canal expansion, and to ensure safe navigational conditions for those vessels, as well as vessels currently calling at Port Everglades. The Port Everglades Feasibility Study was authorized through House Document 126, 103rd Congress, 1st Session, and House Document 144, 93rd Congress, 1st Session and by a resolution of the House Committee on Transportation dated May 9, 1996. In response to the study authority, the feasibility study was initiated in 2001 and completed with the signature of a Chief's Report and Record of Decision in 2016. The final recommended project was authorized as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act signed December 2016. The non-federal sponsor for the project is Broward County. The primary federal objective is to provide for increased navigational safety, efficiency, and improved economic conditions while limiting impacts to the environment to the maximum extent practicable, in accordance with environmental statutes, applicable executive orders, and other federal planning requirements.

    ADDRESSES:

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning and Policy Division, Environmental Branch, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Terri Jordan-Sellers at 904-232-1817 or email at [email protected]. Additional information is also available at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Navigation-Projects/Port-Everglades/.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    a. The level of design required to complete the Feasibility study was not as specific as the requirements for permitting and construction. As the project moves in the Pre-Engineering and Design Phase, additional information will be collected to refine the effects analysis prepared as part of the Environmental Impact Statement completed in 2016. Supplemental information will be utilized as part of the State of Florida permit application process, including updated resource surveys; hydrodynamic and sedimentation modeling and the development of revised Monitoring, Mitigation and Adaptive Management plans.

    b. The objectives of the supplemental NEPA will consider alternatives to enhance methods to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential impacts associated with the construction of the Port Everglades Navigation Improvements Project.

    c. A scoping letter was mailed September 27, 2016 to invite comments from Federal, State, and local agencies, affected Indian Tribes, and other interested private organizations and individuals. The scoping comment period will end on March 24, 2017. Written comments can be submitted to: Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Attn: Planning Division—Terri Jordan Sellers; 701 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207-8175.

    d. Two scoping meetings will be held February 22, 2017 beginning at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.

    e. All alternative plans will be reviewed under provisions of appropriate laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and Clean Water Act.

    f. The Draft Supplemental NEPA document is expected to be available for public review in mid to late 2018.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Eric P. Summa, Chief, Planning and Policy Division.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01804 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720-58-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings #1

    Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings:

    Docket Numbers: ER12-1436-011; ER10-2329-008; ER10-2740-010; ER10-2742-009; ER10-3099-017; ER10-3143-018; ER10-3169-011; ER10-3300-014; ER12-1260-010; ER12-1436-011; ER13-1488-008; ER13-1793-008; ER14-152-006; ER14-153-006; ER14-154-006; ER16-517-001.

    Applicants: Eagle Point Power Generation LLC, Elgin Energy Center, LLC, Gibson City Energy Center, LLC, Grand Tower Energy Center, LLC, Hazle Spindle, LLC, La Paloma Generating Company, LLC, Michigan Power Limited Partnership, Quantum Pasco Power, LP, RC Cape May Holdings, LLC, Rocky Road Power, LLC, Sabine Cogen, LP, Shelby County Energy Center, LLC, Tilton Energy LLC, Vineland Energy, LLC, Stephentown Spindle, LLC.

    Description: Supplement to November 30, 2016 Notice of Non-Material Change in Status of the Rockland Sellers.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5218..

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER16-1058-001.

    Applicants: Consumers Energy Company.

    Description: Compliance filing: Reactive Service Compliance to be effective 5/1/2016.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5137.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER16-2656-002.

    Applicants: Arizona Public Service Company.

    Description: Tariff Amendment: APS Motion to Partically Withdraw Tariff Filing to be effective 11/23/2016.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5170.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-808-000.

    Applicants: Clearview Electric, Inc.

    Description: Baseline eTariff Filing: Application for Market Based Rate to be effective 1/23/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5152.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-809-000.

    Applicants: Verso Escanaba LLC.

    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Cancellation of Escanaba Paper Company Tariff to be effective 1/18/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5157.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-810-000.

    Applicants: Verso Luke LLC.

    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Cancellation of Luke Paper Company Tariff to be effective 1/18/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5159.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-811-000.

    Applicants: NewPage Energy Services, LLC.

    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Cancellation of NewPage Energy Services Tariff to be effective 1/18/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5160.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-812-000.

    Applicants: Rumford Paper Company.

    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Cancellation of Rumford Paper Company Tariff to be effective 1/18/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5162.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-813-000.

    Applicants: Verso Energy Services LLC.

    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Cancellation of Verso Maine Energy LLC Tariff to be effective 1/18/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5163.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-814-000.

    Applicants: Verso Energy Services LLC.

    Description: Compliance filing: Baseline Filing for Verso Energy Services LLC MBR Tariff to be effective 1/19/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5164.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-815-000.

    Applicants: Verso Escanaba LLC.

    Description: Compliance filing: Baseline Filing for Verso Escanaba LLC MBR Tariff to be effective 1/19/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5165.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-816-000.

    Applicants: Verso Luke LLC.

    Description: Compliance filing: Baseline Filing for Verso Luke LLC MBR Tariff to be effective 1/19/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5166.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-817-000.

    Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.

    Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Original Service Agreement No. 4604; Queue No. U5-028 and U4-029 to be effective 12/19/2016.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5168.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/8/17.

    Take notice that the Commission received the following electric securities filings:

    Docket Numbers: ES17-9-000.

    Applicants: GridLiance West Transco LLC.

    Description: Amendment to December 16, 2016 Application Under Section 204 of the Federal Power Act for Authorization to Issue Securities of GridLiance West Transco LLC.

    Filed Date: 1/13/17.

    Accession Number: 20170113-5050.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/23/17.

    The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number.

    Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding.

    eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01780 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP17-302-000] Wyoming Interstate Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Initiation of Section 5 Proceeding

    On January 19, 2017, the Commission issued an order in Docket No. RP17-302-000, pursuant to section 5 of the Natural Gas Act, 15 U.S.C. 717d (2012), instituting an investigation into the justness and reasonableness of Wyoming Interstate Company, L.L.C.'s (WIC) currently effective tariff rates. The Commission's order directs WIC to file a full cost and revenue study within 75 days of the issuance of the order. Wyoming Interstate Company, L.L.C., 158 FERC ¶ 61,040 (2017).

    Any interested person desiring to be heard in Docket No. RP17-302-000 must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.214, within 30 days of the date of issuance of the order.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01784 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings

    Take notice that the Commission has received the following Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:

    Filings Instituting Proceedings

    Docket Numbers: RP16-975-000.

    Applicants: Venice Gathering System, L.L.C.

    Description: Report Filing: Updated Statements.

    Filed Date: 1/17/17.

    Accession Number: 20170117-5244.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/30/17.

    Docket Numbers: RP17-338-000.

    Applicants: Mitsui & Co. Energy Marketing and Services (USA) Inc., Alta Energy Marketing, LLC.

    Description: Joint Petition for Temporary Waiver of Commission Policies, Capacity Release Regulations and Related Tariff Provisions and Request for Expedited Action of Mitsui & Co. Energy Marketing and Services (USA) Inc. and Alta Energy Marketing, LLC.

    Filed Date: 1/17/17.

    Accession Number: 20170117-5311.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/24/17.

    Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding.

    Filings in Existing Proceedings

    Docket Numbers: RP17-317-001.

    Applicants: Gulf South Pipeline Company, LP.

    Description: Tariff Amendment: Amendment to Filing in RP17-317-000 to be effective 1/1/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/18/17.

    Accession Number: 20170118-5013.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/30/17.

    Any person desiring to protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date.

    The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number.

    eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.

    Dated: January 18, 2017. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01782 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Commission Staff Attendance

    The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) hereby gives notice that members of the Commission's staff may attend the following meetings related to the wholesale markets of ISO New England Inc.:

    Integrating Markets and Public Policy:

    January 25, 2017, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (EST), Doubletree Hotel, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 February 16, 2017, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (EST), Doubletree Hotel, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581

    Further information may be found at www.nepool.com/IMAPP.php.

    The discussion at the meeting described above may address matters at issue in the following proceedings:

    Docket Nos. EL13-33 and EL 14-86, Environment Northeast et al. v. Bangor Hydro-Electric Company et al. Docket No. EL16-19, ISO New England Inc. Participating Transmission Owners Administrative Committee Docket No. RP16-618, Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC Docket No. ER12-1650, Emera Maine Docket No. ER14-1639, ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool Participants Committee Docket No. ER13-2266, ISO New England Inc. Docket No. ER15-1429, Emera Maine Docket No. ER16-551, ISO New England Inc. Docket No. ER16-1904, ISO New England Inc. Docket No. ER16-2451, ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool Participants Committee Docket No. EL16-120, New England Power Generators Association, Inc. v. ISO New England Inc. Docket No. ER17-337, ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool Participants Committee Docket No. ER17-472, ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool Participants Committee Docket No. ER17-680, ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool Participants Committee Docket No. ER17-774, ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool Participants Committee Docket No. ER17-795, ISO New England Inc.

    For more information, contact Michael Cackoski, Office of Energy Market Regulation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at (202) 502-6169 or [email protected].

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01786 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings #2

    Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings:

    Docket Numbers: ER14-649-005.

    Applicants: Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., Entergy Services, Inc.

    Description: Report Filing: 2017-01-19_Entergy Refund Report pursuant to 9/28/2016 Order on Settlement to be effective N/A.

    Filed Date: 1/19/17.

    Accession Number: 20170119-5053.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/9/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-559-001.

    Applicants: Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.

    Description: Tariff Amendment: Amendment to MAIT Agency Agreement No. 4593 among MetEd, Penelec and MAIT to be effective 12/31/9998.

    Filed Date: 1/19/17.

    Accession Number: 20170119-5097.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/9/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-818-000.

    Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.

    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Notice of Cancellation of Original Service Agreement No. 3386, Queue No. W2-022 to be effective 1/16/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/19/17.

    Accession Number: 20170119-5095.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/9/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-819-000.

    Applicants: Arizona Public Service Company.

    Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Rate Schedule No. 33—WAPA Triangle Agreement, Exhibit A Revision No. 51 to be effective 3/22/2017.

    Filed Date: 1/19/17.

    Accession Number: 20170119-5109.

    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/9/17.

    The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number.

    Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding.

    eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01781 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP17-303-000] Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC; Notice of Initiation of Section 5 Proceeding

    On January 19, 2017, the Commission issued an order in Docket No. RP17-303-000, pursuant to section 5 of the Natural Gas Act, 15 U.S.C. 717d (2012), instituting an investigation into the justness and reasonableness of Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC's (Natural) currently effective tariff rates. The Commission's order directs Natural to file a full cost and revenue study within 75 days of the issuance of the order. Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC, 158 FERC ¶ 61,044 (2017).

    Any interested person desiring to be heard in Docket No. RP17-303-000 must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.214, within 30 days of the date of issuance of the order.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01785 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14406-003] City and County of San Francisco; Notice of Effectiveness of Surrender

    On October 4, 2012, the Commission issued an Order Granting an Exemption from Licensing (Conduit) to the City and County of San Francisco (exemptee) for the proposed 240.9-kilowatt University Mound Reservoir Renewable Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 14403. The unconstructed project would have been located on the exemptee's water supply and treatment system, in San Francisco, California.

    On October 13, 2016, the exemptee filed a petition with the Commission to surrender the exemption. The exemptee has been unable to construct the project due to higher than projected costs associated with recent changes in the exemptee's water supply and treatment system.

    Accordingly, the Commission accepts the exemptee's surrender of its exemption from licensing, effective 30 days from the date of this notice, at the close of business on Monday, February 20, 2017. No license, exemption, or preliminary permit applications for the project site may be filed until Tuesday, February 21, 2017.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01787 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER17-808-000] Clearview Electric, Inc.; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization

    This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of Clearview Electric, Inc.'s application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate tariff, noting that such application includes a request for blanket authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability.

    Any person desiring to intervene or to protest should file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant.

    Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing protests with regard to the applicant's request for blanket authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability, is February 8, 2017.

    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at http://www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic service, persons with Internet access who will eFile a document and/or be listed as a contact for an intervenor must create and validate an eRegistration account using the eRegistration link. Select the eFiling link to log on and submit the intervention or protests.

    Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 5 copies of the intervention or protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.

    The filings in the above-referenced proceeding are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the appropriate link in the above list. They are also available for electronic review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an eSubscription link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email [email protected] or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01783 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14799-000] Lock 13 Hydro Partners; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments and Motions To Intervene

    On September 1, 2016, Lock 13 Hydro Partners filed an application for a preliminary permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), proposing to study the feasibility of the Evelyn Hydroelectric Station Hydroelectric Project (project) to be located at the Kentucky River Authority's Lock 13 on the Kentucky River in Lee County, Kentucky. The sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if issued, is to grant the permit holder priority to file a license application during the permit term. A preliminary permit does not authorize the permit holder to perform any land-disturbing activities or otherwise enter upon lands or waters owned by others without the owners' express permission.

    The proposed project would consist of the following: (1) An existing 248-foot-long, 35-foot-high concrete lock and dam; (2) an existing 165-acre reservoir having a storage capacity of 3,200-acre-feet; (3) five new submersible generating units located within the abandoned lock chamber for a total installed capacity of 2.8 megawatts; (4) a new 30-foot-long, 48-foot-wide on-shore building to house project controls; and (5) a new 1,200-foot-long, 12.47 kilo-Volt transmission line. The project is estimated to generate an average of 11.6 gigawatt-hours annually.

    Applicant Contact: Mr. David Brown Kinloch, Lock 13 Hydro Partners, 414 S. Wenzel Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40204; phone: (502) 589-0975.

    FERC Contact: Navreet Deo; phone: (202) 502-6304.

    Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, competing applications (without notices of intent), or notices of intent to file competing applications: 60 days from the issuance of this notice. Competing applications and notices of intent must meet the requirements of 18 CFR 4.36.

    The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please file comments, motions to intervene, notices of intent, and competing applications using the Commission's eFiling system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at [email protected], (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. The first page of any filing should include docket number P-14799-000.

    More information about this project, including a copy of the application, can be viewed or printed on the “eLibrary” link of Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P-14799-000) in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01788 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
    FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION Market Access Agreement; Correction AGENCY:

    Farm Credit Administration.

    ACTION:

    Notice of approval of the Draft Third Amended and Restated Market Access Agreement; correction.

    SUMMARY:

    The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) published a notice in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017, of its approval of the Draft Third Amended and Restated Market Access Agreement (Draft Third Restated MAA). This document corrects that notice by inserting a minor term and phrase that were inadvertently omitted in the Draft Third Restated MAA which was included in the notice.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    David Lewandrowski, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, VA 22102-5090, (703) 883-4212, TTY (703) 883-4056; or Rebecca S. Orlich, Senior Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Farm Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102-5090, (703) 883-4420, TTY (703) 883-4056. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    The FCA published a document in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017 (82 FR 5565). In FR Doc. 2017-01054, make the following corrections on two separate pages:

    1. Add the term “Leverage Ratio” on page 5567, in the first column, line 63 after “Tier 1”.

    2. On page 5576, in the second column, line 44, add the phrase “as amended from time to time or any successor thereto” to the end of the sentence.

    3. On page 5576, in the second column, line 46, add the phrase “as amended from time to time or any successor thereto” to the end of the sentence.

    Dated: January 23, 2017 Dale L. Aultman, Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board. [FR Doc. 2017-01760 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6705-01-P
    FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSURANCE CORPORATION Regular Meeting AGENCY:

    Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board.

    SUMMARY:

    Notice is hereby given of the regular meeting of the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board (Board).

    DATES:

    The meeting of the Board will be held at the offices of the Farm Credit Administration in McLean, Virginia, on January 26, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. until such time as the Board concludes its business.

    ADDRESSES:

    Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102. Submit attendance requests via email to [email protected]. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further information about attendance requests.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Dale L. Aultman, Secretary to the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board, (703) 883-4009, TTY (703) 883-4056.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    This meeting of the Board will be open to the public (limited space available). Please send an email to [email protected] at least 24 hours before the meeting. In your email include: name, postal address, entity you are representing (if applicable), and telephone number. You will receive an email confirmation from us. Please be prepared to show a photo identification when you arrive. If you need assistance for accessibility reasons, or if you have any questions, contact Dale L. Aultman, Secretary to the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board, at (703) 883-4009. The matters to be considered at the meeting are:

    Open Session A. Approval of Minutes

    • December 8, 2016.

    B. New Business

    • Review of Insurance Premium Rates.

    • Policy Statement Concerning Insurance of Assets.

    • Policy Statement Concerning Insurance Premiums and Frequently Asked Questions about Premiums.

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Dale L. Aultman, Secretary, Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01761 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6710-01-P
    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060-0767] Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission AGENCY:

    Federal Communications Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice and request for comments.

    SUMMARY:

    As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.

    The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

    DATES:

    Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email [email protected] and to [email protected]. Include in the comments the Title as shown in the Supplementary Information section below.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For additional information about the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0767.

    Title: Sections 1.2110, 1.2111 and 1.2112, Auction and Licensing Disclosures—Ownership and Designated Entity Status.

    Form Number: N/A.

    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

    Respondents: Business or other for profit, Not-for-profit institutions, and State, local or tribal government.

    Number of Respondents: 310 respondents; 310 responses.

    Estimated Time per Response: 0.50 hours to 2 hours.

    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement, Third party disclosure requirement, and Recordkeeping requirement.

    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for both the currently approved information collection and the revised information collection is contained in sections 154(i) and 309(j) of the Communications Act, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 4(i) and 309(j)(5).

    Total Annual Burden: 470 hours.

    Total Annual Costs: $31,500.

    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: The Commission is not requesting that respondents submit confidential information to the Commission as part of this information collection. However, to the extent a respondent wishes to request confidential treatment of information submitted in response to this collection, it may do so in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 0.459.

    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).

    Needs and Uses: The Commission will submit this revised information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) after this 60-day comment period in order to obtain the full three-year clearance from OMB. In FCC 15-80, Updating Part 1 Report and Order, the Commission updated many of its Part 1 competitive bidding rules. Among other things, the Commission amended its definition of “designated entities” to include “eligible rural service providers,” and established a new designated entity benefit/bidding credit for eligible rural service providers. The Commission is reporting program changes/increases of 10 potential new designated entity respondents/responses 20 total annual hours, and $1,500 in annual cost due to the inclusion of eligible rural service providers among the potential respondents from which the Commission may collect information under this collection. While there may be as many as 10 new designated entity respondents/responses under this collection, the estimated time per response is unchanged because the type of information that must be provided by the new designated entity respondents is comparable to that required by designated entities under the currently-approved collection and is expected to take the same estimated amount of time to prepare.

    Beginning first on May 5, 1997, OMB approved under OMB Control No. 3060-0767, the Commission's collections of information pursuant to sections 1.2110, 1.2111, and 1.2112 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.2110, 1.2111, and 1.2112, and their predecessors, regarding ownership and designated entity status of parties involved with Commission licenses. The Commission collects this information in several contexts, including when determining the eligibility of applicants to participate in Commission auctions (including eligibility to claim designated entity benefits), the eligibility of parties to hold a Commission license/authorization (including eligibility for designated entity benefits), the eligibility of parties to whom licenses/authorizations are being assigned or transferred, and the repayment by license/authorization holders of the amount of bidding credits received in Commission auctions to avoid unjust enrichment. Applicants and licensees/authorization holders claiming eligibility for designated entity status are subject to audits and a record-keeping requirement regarding FCC-licensed service concerning such claims of eligibility, to confirm that their representations are, and remain, accurate. The collection of this information will enable the Commission to determine whether applicants are qualified to bid on and hold Commission licenses/authorizations and, if applicable, to receive designated entity benefits, and is designed to ensure the fairness of the auction, licensing, and license/authorization assignment and transfer processes. The information collected will be reviewed and, if warranted, referred to the Commission's Enforcement Bureau for possible investigation and administrative action. The Commission may also refer allegations of anticompetitive auction conduct to the Department of Justice for investigation.

    OMB has approved separately the routine collections of information pursuant to these Commission rules in applications to participate in Commission auctions, FCC Form 175, OMB Control No. 3060-0600, and in Commission licensing applications, FCC Form 601, OMB Control No. 3060-0798, and assignment/transfer of control applications, FCC Form 603, OMB Control No. 3060-0800. On occasion, the Commission may collect information from auction applicants and license/authorization holders pursuant to these rules under this information collection to clarify information provided in these forms or in circumstances to which the standard forms may not directly apply.

    Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01728 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060-0311] Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to the Office of Management and Budget AGENCY:

    Federal Communications Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice and request for comments.

    SUMMARY:

    As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.

    The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

    DATES:

    Written comments should be submitted on or before February 27, 2017. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contacts listed below as soon as possible.

    ADDRESSES:

    Direct all PRA comments to Nicholas A. Fraser, OMB, via email [email protected]; and to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email [email protected] and to [email protected]. Include in the comments the OMB control number as shown in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For additional information or copies of the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918. To view a copy of this information collection request (ICR) submitted to OMB: (1) Go to the Web page http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain, (2) look for the section of the Web page called “Currently Under Review,” (3) click on the downward-pointing arrow in the “Select Agency” box below the “Currently Under Review” heading, (4) select “Federal Communications Commission” from the list of agencies presented in the “Select Agency” box, (5) click the “Submit” button to the right of the “Select Agency” box, (6) when the list of FCC ICRs currently under review appears, look for the OMB control number of this ICR and then click on the ICR Reference Number. A copy of the FCC submission to OMB will be displayed.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0311.

    Title: 47 CFR 76.54, Significantly Viewed Signals; Method to be followed for Special Showings.

    Form Number: Not applicable.

    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.

    Number of Respondents and Responses: 500 respondents, 1,274 responses.

    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting and third party disclosure requirements.

    Estimated Time per Response: 1-15 hours (average).

    Total Annual Burden: 20,610 hours.

    Total Annual Cost: $200,000.

    Nature of Response: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this information collection is contained in Section 4(i) and 340 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information.

    Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s).

    Needs and Uses: The information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 76.54(b) states significant viewing in a cable television or satellite community for signals not shown as significantly viewed under 47 CFR 76.54(a) or (d) may be demonstrated by an independent professional audience survey of over-the-air television homes that covers at least two weekly periods separated by at least thirty days but no more than one of which shall be a week between the months of April and September. If two surveys are taken, they shall include samples sufficient to assure that the combined surveys result in an average figure at least one standard error above the required viewing level.

    The information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 76.54(c) are used to notify interested parties, including licensees or permittees of television broadcast stations, about audience surveys that are being conducted by an organization to demonstrate that a particular broadcast station is eligible for significantly viewed status under the Commission's rules. The notifications provide interested parties with an opportunity to review survey methodologies and file objections.

    The information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 76.54(e) and (f), are used to notify television broadcast stations about the retransmission of significantly viewed signals by a satellite carrier into these stations' local market.

    Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01726 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060-1005] Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority AGENCY:

    Federal Communications Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice and request for comments.

    SUMMARY:

    As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

    DATES:

    Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before March 27, 2017. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.

    ADDRESSES:

    Direct all PRA comments to Nicole Ongele, FCC, via email to [email protected] and to [email protected].

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For additional information about the information collection, contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418-2991.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    OMB Control Number: 3060-1005.

    Title: Numbering Resource Optimization-Phase 3.

    Form Number: N/A.

    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

    Respondents: Business or other for-profit and State, local or Tribal Government.

    Number of Respondents and Responses: 17 respondents; 17 responses.

    Estimated Time per Response: 40-50 hours.

    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and third party disclosure requirement.

    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 153, 154, 201-205, 207-209, 218, 225-227, 251-252, 271, and 332.

    Total Annual Burden: 830 hours.

    Total Annual Cost: No cost.

    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).

    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: The Commission is not requesting respondents to submit confidential information to the Commission. If the Commission requests respondents to submit information which respondents believe is confidential, respondents may request confidential treatment of such information pursuant to 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission's rules.

    Needs and Uses: The Commission established a safety valve to ensure that carriers experiencing rapid growth in a given market will be able to meet customer demand. States may use this safety valve to grant requests from carriers that demonstrate the following:

    (1) The carrier will exhaust its numbering resources in a market or rate area within three months (in lieu of six months-to-exhaust requirement); and

    (2) Projected growth is based on the carrier's actual growth in the market or rate area, or in the carrier's actual growth in a reasonably comparable market, but only if that projected growth varies no more than 15 percent from historical growth in the relevant market.

    The Commission lifted the ban on service-specific and technology-specific overlays (collectively, specialized overlays or SOs), allowing State commissions seeking to implement SOs to request delegated authority to do so on a case-by-case basis. To provide further guidance to State commissions, the Commission set forth the criteria that each request for delegated authority to implement a SO should address. This will enable us to examine the feasibility of SOs in a particular area, and determine whether the Commission's stated goals are likely to be met if the SO is implemented. Specifically, State commissions should also specifically address the following:

    (1) The technologies or services to be included in the SO;

    (2) The geographic area to be covered;

    (3) Whether the SO will be transitional;

    (4) When the SO will be implemented and, if a transitional SO is proposed, when the SO will become an all-services overlay;

    (5) Whether the SO will include take-backs;

    (6) Whether there will be 10-digit dialing in the SO and the underlying area code(s);

    (7) Whether the SO and underlying area code(s) will be subject to rationing; and

    (8) Whether the SO will cover an area in which pooling is taking place.

    The Commission uses the information it collects to assist the State commissions in carrying out their delegated authority over numbering resources.

    Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01727 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060-0325] Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority AGENCY:

    Federal Communications Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice and request for comments.

    SUMMARY:

    As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.

    The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

    DATES:

    Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before March 27, 2017. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.

    ADDRESSES:

    Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email [email protected] and to [email protected].

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For additional information about the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    OMB Control No.: 3060-0325.

    Title: Section 80.605, U.S. Coast Guard Coordination.

    Form No.: Not applicable.

    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

    Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

    Number of Respondents and Responses: 10 respondents and 10 responses.

    Estimated Time per Response: 1.1 hours.

    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and Third party disclosure requirement.

    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Sections 4, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, 48 Stat. 1066, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, unless otherwise noted.

    Total Annual Burden: 11 hours.

    Annual Cost Burden: None.

    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).

    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information.

    Needs and Uses: Section 80.605 is necessary because applicants are required to obtain written permission from the Coast Guard in the area where radio-navigation/radio-location devices are located. This rule insures that no hazard to marine navigation will result from the grant of applications for non-selectable transponders and shore based radio-navigation aids. The Coast Guard is responsible for making this determination under 14 U.S.C. 18. Section 308(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 308(b) mandates that the Commission have such facts before it to determine whether an application should be granted or denied. The potential hazard to navigation is a critical factor in determining whether this type of radio device should be authorized.

    Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01725 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
    FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION Update to Notice of Financial Institutions for Which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Has Been Appointed Either Receiver, Liquidator, or Manager AGENCY:

    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

    ACTION:

    Update listing of financial institutions in liquidation.

    SUMMARY:

    Notice is hereby given that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Corporation) has been appointed the sole receiver for the following financial institutions effective as of the Date Closed as indicated in the listing. This list (as updated from time to time in the Federal Register) may be relied upon as “of record” notice that the Corporation has been appointed receiver for purposes of the statement of policy published in the July 2, 1992 issue of the Federal Register (57 FR 29491). For further information concerning the identification of any institutions which have been placed in liquidation, please visit the Corporation Web site at www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html or contact the Manager of Receivership Oversight in the appropriate service center.

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary. Institutions in Liquidation [In alphabetical order] FDIC Ref. No. Bank name City State Date closed 10523 Harvest Community Bank Pennsville NJ 1/13/2017
    [FR Doc. 2017-01757 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6714-01-P
    FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

    The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR part 225), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a bank holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a bank or bank holding company and all of the banks and nonbanking companies owned by the bank holding company, including the companies listed below.

    The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The applications will also be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 4 of the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1843). Unless otherwise noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States.

    Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than February 21, 2017.

    A. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (Adam M. Drimer, Assistant Vice President) 701 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23261-4528. Comments can also be sent electronically to [email protected]:

    1. First Citizens Bancshares, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina; to acquire at least 5 percent but less than 9 percent of the voting shares of First Advantage Bancorp, Clarksville, Tennessee, and thereby indirectly acquire shares of First Advantage Bank, Clarksville, Tennessee.

    B. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (Robert L. Triplett III, Senior Vice President) 2200 North Pearl Street, Dallas, Texas 75201-2272:

    1. Captex Bancshares, Inc., Bryan, Texas; to become a bank holding company by acquiring 100 percent of Trenton Bankshares, Inc., and therefore indirectly acquire First National Bank of Trenton, both of Trenton, Texas.

    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, January 23, 2017. Yao-Chin Chao, Assistant Secretary of the Board.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01774 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-P
    FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION Revised Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 8 of the Clayton Act AGENCY:

    Federal Trade Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Federal Trade Commission announces the revised thresholds for interlocking directorates required by the 1990 amendment of Section 8 of the Clayton Act. Section 8 prohibits, with certain exceptions, one person from serving as a director or officer of two competing corporations if two thresholds are met. Competitor corporations are covered by Section 8 if each one has capital, surplus, and undivided profits aggregating more than $10,000,000, with the exception that no corporation is covered if the competitive sales of either corporation are less than $1,000,000. Section 8(a)(5) requires the Federal Trade Commission to revise those thresholds annually, based on the change in gross national product. The new thresholds, which take effect immediately, are $32,914,000 for Section 8(a)(1), and $3,291,400 for Section 8(a)(2)(A).

    DATES:

    Effective Date: January 26, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    James F. Mongoven, Bureau of Competition, Office of Policy and Coordination, (202) 326-2879.

    Authority:

    15 U.S.C. 19(a)(5).

    Donald S. Clark, Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01802 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-P
    FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION Revised Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 7A of the Clayton Act AGENCY:

    Federal Trade Commission.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Federal Trade Commission announces the revised thresholds for the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 required by the 2000 amendment of Section 7A of the Clayton Act.

    DATES:

    Effective date: February 27, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Robert Jones, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Competition, Premerger Notification Office, 400 7th Street SW., Room #5301, Washington, DC 20024, Phone (202) 326-3100.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Section 7A of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18a, as added by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, Public Law 94-435, 90 Stat. 1390 (“the Act”), requires all persons contemplating certain mergers or acquisitions, which meet or exceed the jurisdictional thresholds in the Act, to file notification with the Commission and the Assistant Attorney General and to wait a designated period of time before consummating such transactions. Section 7A(a)(2) requires the Federal Trade Commission to revise those thresholds annually, based on the change in gross national product, in accordance with Section 8(a)(5). Note that while the filing fee thresholds are revised annually, the actual filing fees are not similarly indexed and, as a result, have not been adjusted for inflation in over a decade. The new thresholds, which take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, are as follows:

    Subsection of 7A Original
  • threshold
  • (million)
  • Adjusted
  • threshold
  • (million)
  • 7A(a)(2)(A) $200 $323 7A(a)(2)(B)(i) 50 80.8 7A(a)(2)(B)(i) 200 323 7A(a)(2)(B)(ii)(i) 10 16.2 7A(a)(2)(B)(ii)(i) 100 161.5 7A(a)(2)(B)(ii)(II) 10 16.2 7A(a)(2)(B)(ii)(II) 100 161.5 7A(a)(2)(B)(ii)(III) 100 161.5 7A(a)(2)(B)(ii)(III) 10 16.2 Section 7A note: Assessment and Collection of Filing Fees 1 (3)(b)(1) 100 161.5 Section 7A note: Assessment and Collection of Filing Fees (3)(b)(2) 100 161.5 Section 7A note: Assessment and Collection of Filing Fees (3)(b)(2) 500 807.5 Section 7A note: Assessment and Collection of Filing Fees (3)(b)(3) 500 807.5 1 Public Law 106-553, Sec. 630(b) amended Sec. 18a note.

    Any reference to these thresholds and related thresholds and limitation values in the HSR rules (16 CFR parts 801-803) and the Antitrust Improvements Act Notification and Report Form (“the HSR Form”) and its Instructions will also be adjusted, where indicated by the term “(as adjusted)”, as follows:

    Original
  • threshold
  • Adjusted
  • threshold
  • (million)
  • $10 million $16.2 50 million 80.8 100 million 161.5 110 million 177.7 200 million 323 500 million 807.5 1 billion 1,615

    By direction of the Commission.

    Donald S. Clark, Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01803 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [60 Day-17-17KN; Docket No. ATSDR-2017-0001] Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations AGENCY:

    Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    ACTION:

    Notice with comment period.

    SUMMARY:

    The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as part of its continuing efforts to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on “Cognition, Behavior, and Caregiver Burden in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).” Measures of ALS severity, cognition, mood and behavior, and caregiver burden will be completed by telephone and by mail.

    DATES:

    Written comments must be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. ATSDR-2017-0001 by any of the following methods:

    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

    Mail: Leroy A. Richardson, Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE., MS-D74, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.

    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket Number. All relevant comments received will be posted without change to Regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to Regulations.gov.

    Please note: All public comment should be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking portal (Regulations.gov) or by U.S. mail to the address listed above.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, contact the Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE., MS-D74, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; phone: 404-639-7570; Email: [email protected].

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. In addition, the PRA also requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each new proposed collection, each proposed extension of existing collection of information, and each reinstatement of previously approved information collection before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, we are publishing this notice of a proposed data collection as described below.

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information, to search data sources, to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

    Proposed Project

    Cognition, Behavior, and Caregiver Burden in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—New—Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

    Background and Brief Description

    The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is requesting a two-year clearance for a new information collection request (ICR) titled “Cognition, Behavior, and Caregiver Burden in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).” ATSDR awarded funds to Boston Veterans Affairs Research Institute (BVARI) through a contract (200-2014-59030) to conduct this study. This new information collection will enhance the scientific value of the ATSDR's National ALS Registry (OMB Control No. 0923-0041; expiration 11/30/2019) and focus on two topic areas: (a) Risk factors for ALS and (b) the burden that ALS places on persons with ALS (PALS), their family and caregivers, and whether these relationships affect ALS disease progression over a 1-year interval.

    ALS is an adult-onset, rapidly fatal, neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology that has been linked to genetic and environmental risk factors. Although ALS is primarily a motor neuron disease, there is a growing consensus about impaired cognitive function and behavioral disturbance in the disease, with prevalence estimates ranging from 10-75 percent for cognitive and behavioral disturbance and 15-41 percent for dementia. Cognitive and behavioral dysfunction in PALS is associated with shorter survival, and, perhaps, ALS disease progression. Research reported demonstrates that there is scarce information on risk factors for developing specific cognitive and behavioral ALS subtypes and whether these subtypes represent a continuum of cognitive and behavioral impairment associated with ALS disease progression. Better understanding of ALS subtypes and caregiver burden will provide crucial insights into the risk factors for and pathophysiology of the disease and caregiver burden.

    This is a prospective study. A national sample of PALS and their caregivers (dyads) will be recruited from the ATSDR National ALS Registry to study the following aims:

    1. Characterize the cognitive/behavioral subtypes in a large national cohort of PALS and identify risk factors for these subtypes;

    2. Study cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships among cognitive/behavioral subtypes in PALS and caregiver giver burden, and whether these relationships affect ALS disease progression over a one year interval.

    The study sample will be composed of men and women with ALS and their caregivers (i.e., patient/caregiver dyads) from across the U.S. All patient enrollees will have a diagnosis of possible, probable or definite ALS according to the El Escorial World Federation of Neurology criteria for the diagnosis of ALS. Examining the effects of cognitive and mood changes in PALS on disease progression and caregiver burden may illustrate new ways to slow the rapid progression of the disease and develop better coping strategies to help caregivers provide effective care for longer periods.

    Data will be collected on ALS severity, cognition, mood and behavior, and caregiver burden measures will be completed by telephone or by mail. In PALS, measures of ALS severity, cognition, and mood and behavior will be collected at baseline and at follow-up one year thereafter. In caregivers, measures related to caregiver burden will be collected at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Furthermore, caregivers may be asked to complete additional measures if PALS are unable, including cognition of PALS and ALS severity in PALS at baseline and annual follow-up.

    We estimate that 1,500 PALS/caregiver dyads will be screened for recruitment and 300 dyads will be enrolled. In addition, the 300 caregivers will respond for themselves. Participation in the study is voluntary and there are no costs to respondents other than their time.

    Estimated Annualized Burden Hours Type of respondents Form name Number of
  • respondents
  • Number of
  • responses per respondent
  • Average
  • burden of
  • response
  • (in hours)
  • Total burden hours
    Persons with ALS (PALS) and caregiver dyads Recruitment and Enrollment Telephone Script 1,500 1 30/60 750 Person with ALS ALS Functional Rating Score—Extended Edition (ALSFRS-EX) 150 2 30/60 150 Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICSm) 150 2 20/60 100 ALS Cognitive Behavioral Screen (ALS-CBS) 150 2 15/60 75 Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire (PRIME-MD PHQ) 150 2 10/60 50 Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) 150 2 10/60 50 Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) 150 2 5/60 25 Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) 150 2 10/60 50 Caregiver proxy for person with ALS (PALS) ALS Functional Rating Score—Extended Edition (ALSFRS-EX) 150 2 30/60 150 Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire (PRIME-MD PHQ) 150 2 10/60 50 Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) 150 2 10/60 50 Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) 150 2 5/60 25 Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) 150 2 10/60 50 Cambridge Behavioural Inventory Revised (CBI-R) 150 2 10/60 50 Caregiver of person with ALS (PALS) Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire (PRIME-MD PHQ) 300 2 10/60 100 Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) 300 3 10/60 150 Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) 300 3 5/60 75 Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) 300 2 10/60 100 Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) 300 3 10/60 150 Social Support Questionnaire Short Form (SSQSF) 300 3 10/60 150 Kosberg Cost of Care Index 300 3 5/60 75 ALS Cognitive Behavioral Screen (ALS-CBS)—Caregiver portion 300 3 5/60 75 Brief COPE 300 3 10/60 150 Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) 300 3 5/60 75 Total 2,725
    Leroy A. Richardson, Chief, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Scientific Integrity, Office of the Associate Director for Science, Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01741 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [60Day-17-0006; Docket No. CDC-2017-0004] Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations AGENCY:

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    ACTION:

    Notice with comment period.

    SUMMARY:

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of its continuing efforts to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on an extension request for the information collection titled “Statements in Support of Application of Waiver of Inadmissibility.” Approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number 0920-0006, this information collection allows CDC to review Class A medical waiver applications for prospective immigrants to the United States. CDC assists DHS/USCIS in determining whether or not a prospective immigrant with a Class A mental health designation may be admitted into the United States.

    DATES:

    Written comments must be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2017-0004 by any of the following methods:

    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

    Mail: Leroy A. Richardson, Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE., MS-D74, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.

    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket Number. All relevant comments received will be posted without change to Regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to Regulations.gov.

    Please note: All public comment should be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking portal (Regulations.gov) or by U.S. mail to the address listed above.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, contact the Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE., MS-D74, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; phone: 404-639-7570; Email: [email protected].

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. In addition, the PRA also requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each new proposed collection, each proposed extension of existing collection of information, and each reinstatement of previously approved information collection before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, we are publishing this notice of a proposed data collection as described below.

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information, to search data sources, to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

    Proposed Project

    Statements in Support of Application of Waiver of Inadmissibility (OMB Control No. 0920-0006; Expires 8/31/2017)—Extension—National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Background and Brief Description

    Section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act states that aliens with specific health related conditions are ineligible for admission into the United States. The Attorney General may waive application of this inadmissibility on health-related grounds if an application for waiver is filed and approved by the consular office considering the application for visa. CDC uses this application primarily to collect information to establish and maintain records of waiver applicants in order to notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when terms, conditions and controls imposed by waiver are not met.

    CDC is requesting approval from OMB to collect this data for another three years. Based on a review of the number of waivers processed by CDC over the last three years, CDC does not request a change in the amount of burden.

    Respondents must mail these documents to CDC, and this entails an additional cost. CDC estimates that respondents will spend approximately $15 per year on postal fees, for a total of $3,000 annually.

    Estimate of Annualized Burden Hours Type of respondent Form Number of
  • respondents
  • Number of
  • responses per
  • respondent
  • Average
  • burden per
  • response
  • (in hours)
  • Total
  • burden
  • hours
  • Physician CDC 4.422-1 200 1 10/60 33 Physician CDC 4.422-1a or letter 200 1 20/60 67 Total 100
    Leroy A. Richardson, Chief, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Scientific Integrity, Office of the Associate Director for Science, Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01742 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary [Document Identifier: 0990-0419-60D] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Public Comment Request AGENCY:

    Office of the Secretary, HHS.

    ACTION:

    60-Day notice.

    SUMMARY:

    In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, announces plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The ICR is for extending the use of the approved information collection assigned OMB control number 0990-0419, which expires on June 30, 2017. Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, OS seeks comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any other aspect of the ICR.

    DATES:

    Comments on the ICR must be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit your comments to [email protected] or by calling (202) 690-5683.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    When submitting comments or requesting information, please include the document identifier 0990-0419-60D for reference.

    Information Collection Request Title: Acquisition Regulation Clause Patent Rights and Rights and Data.

    OMB No.: 0990-0419.

    Abstract: The Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources and Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability, Division of Acquisition, is requesting an approval by OMB for an extension of a previously approved information collection request, 0990-0419—Acquisition Regulation Clause Patent rights and Rights in Data. HHS found that systematically, over a period of several years, when Determination of Exceptional Circumstances (DEC) were executed, additional legal protection for the patent and data rights of third parties beyond those covered by FAR 27.306 were necessary. A DEC is executed consistent with the policy and objectives of the Bayh-Dole Act, 35 U.S.C. 200, et seq., to ensure that subject inventions made under contracts and subcontracts (at all tiers) are used in a manner to promote free competition and enterprise without unduly encumbering future research and discovery; to encourage maximum participation of small business firms in federally supported research and development efforts; to promote collaboration between commercial concerns and nonprofit organizations including universities; to ensure that the Government obtains sufficient rights in federally supported inventions to meet its needs; to protect the public against nonuse or unreasonable use of inventions; and in the case of fulfilling the mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to ultimately to benefit the public health.

    Likely Respondents: Administrative, technical, legal and management personnel.

    The total annual burden hours estimated for this ICR are summarized in the table below.

    Total Estimated Annualized Burden—Hours Information collection Type of respondent and hours for each Number of
  • respondents
  • Number of
  • responses per
  • respondent
  • Average
  • burden per
  • response
  • (hours)
  • Total burden
  • hours
  • (a) Technical (4)
  • Legal (2)
  • Management (2)
  • 63 1 8 504
    (b) Technical (8)
  • Legal (2)
  • Management (2)
  • 63 1 12 756
    (c) Technical (8)
  • Legal (3)
  • Management (1)
  • 63 3 12 (36) 2268
    (d) Technical (8)
  • Legal (4)
  • Management (2)
  • 63 3 14 (42) 2646
    (e) Technical (6)
  • Legal (2)
  • Management (2)
  • 63 1 10 630
    (f) Technical (4)
  • Legal (2)
  • Management (2)
  • 63 1 8 504
    (g) Administrative (8) 63 3 8 (24) 1512 (h) Administrative (2)
  • Management (1)
  • 63 3 3 (9) 567
    (i) Technical (4)
  • Legal (2)
  • Management (2)
  • 63 3 8 (24) 1512
    Total 63 19 83 (173) 10,899

    OS specifically requests comments on (1) the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden, (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

    Terry S. Clark, Asst. Information Collection Clearance Officer.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01759 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-24-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Indian Health Service [Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2017-IHS-IPP-0001] Injury Prevention Program Announcement; New Cooperative Agreement Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.284 Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: February 26, 2017.

    Review Date: March 21-24, 2017.

    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: April 15, 2017.

    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: February 26, 2017.

    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: February 26, 2017.

    I. Funding Opportunity Description Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS), Division of Environmental Health Services is accepting competitive cooperative agreement (CA) applications for the Injury Prevention Program (IPP) for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The program is authorized under 25 U.S.C. 13, Snyder Act, and 42 U.S.C., Section 301(a), Public Health Service Act, as amended. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.284.

    Background

    Injuries are the single leading cause of death for AI/AN between the ages of 1 and 44 years. (Indian Health Focus: Injuries 2015 Edition, IHS, Division of Program Statistics). Depending on the type of injury, AI/AN experience injury mortality rates that are 2.5 to 8.7 times higher than the U.S. all races rates. This funding opportunity was developed by the IHS IPP to address the disparity in injury rates by encouraging Tribes to implement injury prevention projects based on evidence-based, effective strategies.

    Injury prevention evidence-based, effective strategies are prevention methods that have been scientifically proven to prevent injuries. Injury prevention programs and projects are most effective when based on these model practices. Though not repeatedly scientifically proven to be effective, the use of promising and innovative injury prevention strategies is also recommended. For more information on evidence-based injury prevention resources see: http://www.healthy.ohio.gov/vipp/evidence/ebresource.aspx.

    Comprehensive injury prevention programs use a public health approach to employ strategies that address education, policy development with enforcement, and environmental modifications. Programs use various combinations of effective strategies to ensure they are effective and sustainable. A single focus with only education is not an effective strategy.

    The IHS IPP priorities are prevention of (1) motor vehicle crash related injuries; and (2) unintentional fall injuries. For AI/AN, motor vehicle-related injuries and deaths are the leading cause of disability, years of potential life lost, and medical and societal costs. Unintentional elder fall-related injuries are a leading cause of hospitalizations in AI/AN communities. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries (http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html).

    Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to promote the capability of Tribes, Indian organizations and urban Indian organizations to build and maintain sustainable, effective injury prevention programs:

    (a) Increase the understanding of the injury problem by Tribes/Indian organizations/urban Indian organizations;

    (b) promote Tribal capacity to implement effective strategies to prevent injuries in Tribal communities; and

    (c) to improve the quality of life of AI/AN people.

    This cooperative agreement opportunity is available to any applicant that does not have a current IHS injury prevention cooperative agreement. There is no IHS user population requirement.

    Applicants will only be issued one award: Part II-IPP Effective Strategy Project. Applications should be sure to respond to the appropriate “Criteria” under Section V-Application Review Information.

    II. Award Information Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

    Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year (FY) 2017 is approximately $375,000. Individual award amounts are anticipated from $10,000 to $25,000 for three years. The amount of funding available for awards issued under this announcement is subject to the availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

    Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately fifteen awards will be issued under this program announcement.

    Project Period

    The project period will be three years and will run consecutively from April 15, 2017 to April 14, 2020.

    Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a grant. However, the funding agency (IHS) is required to have substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire award segment. Below is a detailed description of the level of involvement required for both IHS and the grantee. IHS will be responsible for activities listed under Section A and the grantee will be responsible for activities listed under Section B as stated:

    Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement A. IHS Programmatic Involvement

    The IHS IPP substantial involvement includes providing technical assistance to the Tribal Injury Prevention Coordinators in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. IHS will assign an IHS IPP Specialist or designee to serve as the local project officer. Responsibilities of the IHS local project officers are described below:

    (1) Provide guidance to the grantee involving strategy, injury data (collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of findings), use of public information materials, quality assurance, coordination of activities, training, reports, budget and evaluation.

    (2) Review continuation applications and recommend approval or disapproval.

    Technical assistance will also include the following:

    (1) Schedule bi-annual conference calls for technical assistance.

    (2) Assist grantee in writing progress reports.

    (3) Disseminate injury prevention best practices guidance.

    (4) Provide training to grantees.

    B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities

    Responsibilities of the grantee are described below:

    (1) Work in partnership with the IHS in decisions involving strategy, injury data (collection, analysis, reporting), use of public information materials, quality assurance, coordination of activities, training, reports, budget and evaluation.

    (2) Provide a logic model plan for the Part II effective strategies project. The logic model will address the stages of the project development implementation and evaluation with proposed timeline.

    (3) Develop culturally-competent, project-related information to educate and empower communities to take action in injury prevention.

    (4) Develop a project evaluation plan with baseline data, timeline and outcome measures.

    (5) Participate in IHS conference calls and webinars.

    III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this “New/Competing Continuation Announcement” under this announcement, an applicant be one of the following as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603:

    • A Federally-recognized Indian Tribe 25 U.S.C. 1603(14); operating an Indian health program operated pursuant to a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or compact with IHS pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), (Pub. L. 93-638).

    • A Tribal organization 25 U.S.C. 1603(26); operating an Indian health program operated pursuant to as contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or compact with the IHS pursuant to the ISDEAA, (Pub. L. 93-638).

    • An Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29). Operating a Title V urban Indian health program that currently has a grant or contract with the IHS under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, (Pub. L. 93-437). Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status with the application, e.g. 501(c)(3).

    Note:

    Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents required, such as Tribal resolutions, proof of non-profit status, etc.

    2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants or cooperative agreements.

    3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined under the “Estimated Funds Available” section within this funding announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed for further consideration. If deemed ineligible, IHS will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by email by the Division of Grants Management of this decision.

    Tribal Resolution

    An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. Applications by Tribal organizations will not require a specific Tribal resolution if the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they operate would encompass the proposed grant activities.

    An official signed Tribal resolution must be received by the DGM prior to a Notice of Award being issued to any applicant selected for funding. However, if an official signed Tribal resolution cannot be submitted with the electronic application submission prior to the official application deadline date, a draft Tribal resolution must be submitted by the deadline in order for the application to be considered complete and eligible for review. The draft Tribal resolution is not in lieu of the required signed resolution, but is acceptable until a signed resolution is received. If an official signed Tribal resolution is not received by DGM when funding decisions are made, then a Notice of Award will not be issued to that applicant and they will not receive any IHS funds until such time as they have submitted a signed resolution to the Grants Management Specialist listed in this Funding Announcement.

    Proof of Non-Profit Status

    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with the application submission by the Application Deadline Date listed under the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement.

    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation after the initial application submission due date is required to ensure the information was received by the IHS DGM by obtaining documentation confirming delivery (i.e., FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).

    IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this announcement can be found at http://www.Grants.gov or https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/.

    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

    2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants include:

    • Table of contents.

    • Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.

    • Application forms:

    ○ SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.

    ○ SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.

    ○ SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.

    • Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed five pages).

    • Project Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed 15 pages).

    ○ Background information on the Tribe or organization.

    ○ Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-page Timeframe Chart.

    • Tribal Resolution(s).

    • Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.

    • 501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).

    • Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.

    • Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope of work.

    • Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).

    • Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).

    • Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.

    • Organizational Chart (optional).

    • Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) A-133 required Financial Audit (if applicable).

    Acceptable forms of documentation include:

    ○ Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that audits were submitted; or

    ○ Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC Web site: http://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/main.aspx.

    Public Policy Requirements

    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative agreements with exception of the discrimination policy.

    Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives

    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word document that is no longer than 15 pages and must: Be single-spaced, type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not smaller than 12 points, and be printed on one side only of standard size 81/2″ x 11″ paper.

    Be sure to succinctly address and answer all questions listed under the evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this announcement) and place all responses and required information in the correct section (noted below), or they shall not be considered or scored. These narratives will assist the Objective Review Committee (ORC) in becoming more familiar with the applicant's activities and accomplishments prior to this cooperative agreement award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 15 pages will be reviewed. The 15 page limit for the narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, table of contents, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.

    There are three parts to the narrative: Part A—Program Information; Part B—Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C—Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be included in the narrative. The page limitations below are for each narrative and budget submitted.

    Part A: Program Information (Page Limitation—2) Section 1: Needs

    Describe nature and extent of the injury problem of the Tribe, Indian organization or urban Indian organization. Describe the public health approach to address the injury problem.

    Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (Page Limitation—8) Section 1: Program Plans

    Succinctly describe how the Tribe, Indian organization or urban Indian organization plans to address the injury problems utilizing effective strategies, best, or promising practices.

    Section 2: Program Evaluation

    Describe fully and clearly how the proposed interventions will impact in minimizing or reducing severe injuries in Tribal communities. Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.

    Part C: Program Report (Page Limitation—5)

    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months. Identify and describe significant program achievements associated with injury prevention initiatives. Provide the accomplishments of the goals established for the time frame, or if applicable, provide justification for the lack of progress.

    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months. Provide an overview of significant injury prevention program activities associated with in reduction of severe injuries over the past 24 months. This section should address significant program activities including those related to the accomplishments listed in the previous section.

    B. Budget Narrative (Page Limitation—5)

    This narrative must include a line item budget with a narrative justification for all expenditures identifying reasonable allowable, allocable costs necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project narrative. Budget should match the scope of work described in the project narrative.

    3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Any application received after the application deadline will not be accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for funding. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the application is rejected.

    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via email to [email protected] or at (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact Mr. Gettys ([email protected]), DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least ten days prior to the application deadline. Please do not contact the DGM until you have received a Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to obtain a tracking number, call the DGM as soon as possible.

    4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not applicable to this program.

    5. Funding Restrictions

    • Pre-award costs are not allowable.

    • The available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect costs.

    • Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per applicant.

    • IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

    6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application electronically and select the “Find Grant Opportunities” link on the homepage. Download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit the completed application via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.

    If the applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of submitting electronically through Grants.gov, a waiver must be requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Mr. Robert Tarwater, Director, DGM, (see Section IV.6 below for additional information). A written waiver request must be sent to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. The waiver must (1) be documented in writing (emails are acceptable), before submitting a paper application, and (2) include clear justification for the need to deviate from the required electronic grants submission process.

    Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions and the mailing address to submit the application. A copy of the written approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy of the application that is mailed to DGM. Paper applications that are submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Director of the DGM will not be reviewed or considered for funding. The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer of the DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later than 5:00 p.m., EST, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will not be accepted for processing or considered for funding. Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award Management (SAM) and/or http://www.Grants.gov registration or that fail to request timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a waiver to submit a paper application.

    Please be aware of the following:

    • Please search for the application package in http://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.

    • If you experience technical challenges while submitting your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support directly at: [email protected] or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on Federal holidays).

    • Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver from the agency must be obtained.

    • Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as the registration process for SAM and Grants.gov could take up to fifteen working days.

    • Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the DGM.

    • All applicants must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this Funding Announcement.

    • After electronically submitting the application, the applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download the application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the appropriate agency officials. Neither the DGM nor the IHS IPP will notify the applicant that the application has been received.

    • Email applications will not be accepted under this announcement.

    Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, you may access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-5711.

    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (“Transparency Act”), to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity may receive a first-tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures the use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.

    System for Award Management (SAM)

    Organizations that were not registered with Central Contractor Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may register online at https://www.sam.gov.

    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

    V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. The fifteen page narrative should include only the first year of activities; information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. See “Multi-year Project Requirements” at the end of this section for more information. The narrative section should be written in a manner that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the project fully. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 60 points is required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

    1. Criteria A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

    Describe the need for funding and the injury problem using local IHS, state, or national injury data in the community or target area.

    Describe the Tribe's/Tribal organization's support for the proposed Injury Prevention Part II effective strategy project.

    Describe the population to be served by the proposed project (no minimum population requirement).

    B. Project Objectives(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)

    Goals and objectives must be clear and concise. Each objective must be measurable, feasible and attainable to accomplish during the 3 year project period utilizing the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time specific) program objectives.

    SMART Objective examples:

    • Child safety car seat use will be increased from 10% to 50% at Bobcat community by August 1, 2020.

    • Implement on-going Tai Chi classes once a week at Lower Red Rock community for ages 55+ by August 1, 2020.

    Effective strategies must be incorporated in each project and should be based on effectiveness, economic efficiency and feasibility of the project. Provide a description of the extent to which proposed projects are an effective strategy based on a documented need in the target communities.

    Coalition/Collaboration: Describe how the Tribe or urban community, the IHS and other organizations will collaborate on the project or conduct related activities. Provide a description of the roles of Tribal involvement, organization, or agency and evidence of coordination, supervision, and degree of commitment (e.g., time, in-kind, financial) of staff, organizations, and agencies involved in activities.

    C. Program Evaluation (20 Points)

    Describe how and when the project will be evaluated for program process, effectiveness, and impact. This includes, but is not limited to, what data will be collected to evaluate the success of the proposed program objectives.

    D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (10 Points)

    A description of the roles of the Project Director in activities during the 3 year project(s) (e.g., time in-kind, financial). Provide the organizational structure (chart). Describe coalition or collaboration activities of the Tribe or urban Tribal program.

    E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)

    Projects must include a project narrative, 3 year categorical budget, and budget justification for each year of funding requested. If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current negotiated rate to the budget.

    Multi-Year Project Requirements

    Projects requiring a second and third year must include a brief project narrative and budget (one additional page per year) addressing the developmental plans for each additional year of the project.

    Additional Documents Can Be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov

    • Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed objectives.

    • Position descriptions for key staff.

    • Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.

    • Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter of commitment (if applicable).

    • Current Indirect Cost Agreement.

    • Organizational chart.

    • Map of area identifying project location(s).

    • Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data tables, key news articles, etc.).

    2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal reviewers appointed by the IHS Program to review and make recommendations on these applications. The technical review process ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition for limited funding. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer of the DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via email, to outline minor missing components (i.e., budget narratives, audit documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise complete application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or before the due date listed in the email of notification of missing documents required.

    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must address all program requirements and provide all required documentation

    VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document signed by the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification of the grant award. The NoA will be initiated by the DGM in our grant system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve their NoA. The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of the award, the effective date of the award, and the budget/project period.

    Disapproved Applicants

    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding level for approval, 60, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and weaknesses of their application. The summary statement will be sent to the Authorized Organizational Representative that is identified on the face page (SF-424) of the application. The IHS program office will also provide additional contact information as needed to address questions and concerns as well as provide technical assistance if desired.

    Approved But Unfunded Applicants

    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range and were deemed by the ORC to be “Approved”, but were not funded due to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the course of FY 2017, the approved but unfunded application may be re-considered by the awarding program office for possible funding. The applicant will also receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC.

    Note:

    Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed by an IHS grants management official announcing to the project director that an award has been made to their organization is not an authorization to implement their program on behalf of IHS.

    2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative Agreements are administered in accordance with the following regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:

    A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.

    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:

    • Uniform Administrative Requirements HHS Awards, located at 45 CFR part 75.

    C. Grants Policy:

    • HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.

    D. Cost Principles:

    • Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, “Cost Principles,” located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.

    E. Audit Requirements:

    • Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, “Audit Requirements,” located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.

    3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request reimbursement of indirect costs (IDC) in their grant application. In accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM at the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to the DGM.

    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-Cost-Services/indian-tribes. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants Management Specialist listed under “Agency Contacts” or the main DGM office at (301) 443-5204.

    4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted electronically by attaching them as a “Grant Note” in GrantSolutions. Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts list in section VII for the systems contact information.

    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.

    A. Progress Reports

    Program progress reports are required semi-annually, within 30 days after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period, a summary of progress to date, or, if applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period.

    B. Financial Reports

    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Payment Management Services, HHS at: http://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is recommended that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) report to the Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.

    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information being reported on all required reports: the Progress Reports and Federal Financial Report.

    C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)

    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.

    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards.

    IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, with a $25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold met for any specific reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards (where the project period is made up of more than one budget period) and where: (1) The project period start date was October 1, 2010 or after and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will be required to address the FSRS reporting. For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants Policy Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

    D. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding Opportunity Announcements

    Recipients of Federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must administer their programs in compliance with Federal civil rights law. This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English proficiency. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/.

    The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also provides guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html; and http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/index.html. Recipients of FFA also have specific legal obligations for serving qualified individuals with disabilities. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html. Please contact the HHS OCR for more information about obligations and prohibitions under Federal civil rights laws at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/headquarters-and-regional-addresses/index.html or call 1-800-368-1019 or TDD 1-800-537-7697. Also note it is an HHS Departmental goal to ensure access to quality, culturally competent care, including long-term services and supports, for vulnerable populations. For further guidance on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, recipients should review the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care at http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53.

    Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of his/her exclusion from benefits limited by Federal law to individuals eligible for benefits and services from the IHS.

    Recipients will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of Compliance form which can be obtained from the following Web site: http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf, and send it directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20201.

    F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 45 CFR 75.205.

    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to NFEs that receive Federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.

    Mandatory Disclosure Requirements

    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, the IHS must require a non-federal entity or an applicant for a Federal award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award.

    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all information related to violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.

    Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service, Division of Grants Management, Attn: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, Maryland 20857, (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line). Office: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: [email protected]; AND U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Attn: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201, URL: http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp, (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line). Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line) or Email: [email protected].

    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 & 376 and 31 U.S.C. 3321).

    VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Ms. Nancy Bill, Program Manager, Injury Prevention Program, IHS, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop 10N14-C, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-0105, Fax: (301) 443-7538, E-Mail: [email protected].

    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be directed to: Andrew Diggs, Senior Grant Management Specialist, Division of Grants Management, Indian Health Service, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-2241; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-0899, E-Mail: [email protected].

    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-0899, [email protected].

    VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative agreement and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Pub. L. 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

    Dated: January 13, 2017. Mary Smith, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01806 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4165-16-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of the following meetings.

    The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflicts: Molecular and Cellular Hematology One.

    Date: February 21, 2017.

    Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Telephone Conference Call).

    Contact Person: Anshumali Chaudhari, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4124, MSC 7802, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1210, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; PAR Panel: Long-Term Outcomes of Medically Assisted Reproduction.

    Date: February 21, 2017.

    Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Telephone Conference Call).

    Contact Person: Clara M. Cheng, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6170, MSC 7892, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1041, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity.

    Date: February 22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Marriott Wardman Park Washington DC Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road NW., Washington, DC 20008.

    Contact Person: Elaine Sierra-Rivera, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, EMNR IRG, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6182, MSC 7892, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301 435-2514, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Development of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Data Resource Center.

    Date: February 22, 2017.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate cooperative agreement applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting).

    Contact Person: Allen Richon, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6184, MSC 7892, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-379-9351, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Interventions and Mechanisms for Addictions.

    Date: February 22, 2017.

    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting).

    Contact Person: Marc Boulay, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3110, MSC 7808, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 300-6541, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Vascular and Hematology.

    Date: February 23, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting).

    Contact Person: Luis Espinoza, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4140, MSC 7814, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-0952, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Urologic and Urogynecologist Applications.

    Date: February 23, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport, 1489 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202.

    Contact Person: Ganesan Ramesh, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Dr., Room 2182, MSC 7818, Bethesda, MD 20892, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; RFA-LM-17-001: Enhancing the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Digital Curation for Biomedical Big Data (U01).

    Date: February 23, 2017.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892.

    Contact Person: Mark Caprara, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5156, MSC 7844, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1042, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular Biophysics.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting).

    Contact Person: Sergei Ruvinov, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4158, MSC 7806, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1180, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; RFA Panel: Molecular Probes.

    Date: February 24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Pier 2620 Hotel Fisherman's Wharf, 2620 Jones St., San Francisco, CA 94133.

    Contact Person: Mary Custer, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4148, MSC 7850, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1164, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Fellowship: Surgical Sciences Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

    Date: February 24, 2017.

    Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting).

    Contact Person: Donald Scott Wright, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5108, MSC 7854, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-8363, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Microbiome and Related Sciences.

    Date: February 24, 2017.

    Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road NW., Washington, DC 20015.

    Contact Person: Aiping Zhao, MD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm 2188 MSC7818, Bethesda, MD 20892-7818, (301) 435-0682, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Sleep, Stress and Cardiovascular Disease.

    Date: February 24, 2017.

    Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Telephone Conference Call).

    Contact Person: Wind Cowles, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive , Room 3172, Bethesda, MD 20892, [email protected].

    (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine; 93.333, Clinical Research, 93.306, 93.333, 93.337, 93.393-93.396, 93.837-93.844, 93.846-93.878, 93.892, 93.893, National Institutes of Health, HHS)
    Dated: January 19, 2017. Michelle Trout, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01739 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App), notice is hereby given of the following meetings.

    The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

    Name of Committee: National Institute on Drug Abuse Special Emphasis Panel; Coordinating Center for the HIV/AIDS and Substance Use Cohorts Program (U24).

    Date: February 17, 2017.

    Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate cooperative agreement applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852, (Telephone Conference Call).

    Contact Person: Hiromi Ono, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Extramural Affairs, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 4238, MSC 9550, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 827-5820, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: National Institute on Drug Abuse Special Emphasis Panel; R13 Conference Grant Review.

    Date: February 17, 2017.

    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852, (Virtual Meeting).

    Contact Person: Susan O. McGuire, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Extramural Affairs, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 4245, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 827-5817, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: National Institute on Drug Abuse Special Emphasis Panel; Exploratory Studies of Smoking Cessation Interventions for People with Schizophrenia (R21/R33).

    Date: February 27, 2017.

    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852, (Telephone Conference Call).

    Contact Person: Hiromi Ono, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Extramural Affairs, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 4238, MSC 9550, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 827-5820, [email protected].

    (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos.: 93.279, Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs, National Institutes of Health, HHS)
    Dated: January 19, 2017. Natasha M. Copeland, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01737 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of the following meetings.

    The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Integrative Nutrition and Metabolic Processes.

    Date: February 9, 2017.

    Time: 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Washington Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW., Washington, DC 20005.

    Contact Person: Michael Knecht, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6176, MSC 7892, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1046, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Death and Disease.

    Date: February 16, 2017.

    Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, (Telephone Conference Call).

    Contact Person: Carole L. Jelsema, Ph.D., Chief and Scientific Review Administrator, MDCN Scientific Review Group, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4146, MSC 7850, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1248, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Innate Immune Responses.

    Date: February 17, 2017.

    Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Pentagon City, 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202.

    Contact Person: Tina McIntyre, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4202, MSC 7812, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-594-6375, [email protected].

    (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine; 93.333, Clinical Research, 93.306, 93.333, 93.337, 93.393-93.396, 93.837-93.844, 93.846-93.878, 93.892, 93.893, National Institutes of Health, HHS)
    Dated: January 19, 2017. David Clary, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01735 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; Notice of Meeting

    Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

    The meeting will be open to the public as indicated below, with attendance limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting.

    The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and/or contract proposals and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications and/or contract proposals, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

    Name of Committee: National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

    Date: February 27-28, 2017.

    Closed: February 27, 2017, 3:00 p.m. to adjournment.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications and/or proposals.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Conference Room 10, Bethesda, MD 20892.

    Open: February 28, 2017, 8:00 a.m. to adjournment.

    Agenda: The agenda will include opening remarks, administrative matters, Director's report, NIH Health Disparities update, and other business of the Council.

    Place: National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Conference Room 10, Bethesda, MD 20892.

    Contact Person: Dr. Joyce A. Hunter, Deputy Director, NIMHD, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Heath Disparities, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 402-1366, [email protected].

    Any member of the public interested in presenting oral comments to the committee may notify the Contact Person listed on this notice at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. Interested individuals and representatives of organizations may submit a letter of intent, a brief description of the organization represented, and a short description of the oral presentation. Only one representative of an organization may be allowed to present oral comments and if accepted by the committee, presentations may be limited to five minutes. Both printed and electronic copies are requested for the record. In addition, any interested person may file written comments with the committee by forwarding their statement to the Contact Person listed on this notice. The statement should include the name, address, telephone number and when applicable, the business or professional affiliation of the interested person.

    In the interest of security, NIH has instituted stringent procedures for entrance onto the NIH campus. All visitor vehicles, including taxis, hotel, and airport shuttles, will be inspected before being allowed on campus. Visitors will be asked to show one form of identification (for example, a government-issued photo ID, driver's license, or passport) and to state the purpose of their visit.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. David Clary, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01738 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of the following meetings.

    The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

    Name of Committee: Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Study Section.

    Date: February 21, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles—Westside, 6161 W Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230.

    Contact Person: Nicholas Gaiano, PhD., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5178, MSC 7844, Bethesda, MD 20892-7844, 301-435-1033, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Mechanisms of Sensory, Perceptual, and Cognitive Processes Study Section.

    Date: February 21-22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.

    Contact Person: Kirk Thompson, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5184, MSC 7844, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1242, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes Integrated Review Group; Biobehavioral Mechanisms of Emotion, Stress and Health Study Section.

    Date: February 21-22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: JW Marriott New Orleans, 614 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

    Contact Person: Samantha Smith, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive Room 3170, Bethesda, MD 20892, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Population Sciences and Epidemiology Integrated Review Group; Cancer, Heart, and Sleep Epidemiology B Study Section.

    Date: February 21-22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Pier 2620 Hotel, 2620 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.

    Contact Person: Ellen K. Schwartz, EDD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3144, MSC 7770, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-828-6146, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Oncology 1—Basic Translational Integrated Review Group; Tumor Progression and Metastasis Study Section.

    Date: February 21-22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Hotel Solamar, 435 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.

    Contact Person: Rolf Jakobi, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6187, MSC 7806, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-495-1718, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Healthcare Delivery and Methodologies Integrated Review Group; Health Services Organization and Delivery Study Section.

    Date: February 21-22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road NW., Washington, DC 20015.

    Contact Person: Jacinta Bronte-Tinkew, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3164, MSC 7770, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 806-0009, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Integrated Review Group; Vector Biology Study Section.

    Date: February 22, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel, 609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

    Contact Person: Liangbiao Zheng, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3214, MSC 7808, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-402-5671, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Clinical Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration Study Section.

    Date: February 22-23, 2017.

    Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115.

    Contact Person: Alessandra C Rovescalli, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, National Institutes of Health, Center for Scientific Review, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 5205 MSC 7846, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1021, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Population Sciences and Epidemiology Integrated Review Group; Cancer, Heart, and Sleep Epidemiology A Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

    Contact Person: Denise Wiesch, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3138, MSC 7770, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 437-3478, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Drug Discovery for the Nervous System Study Section.

    Date: February 23, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Pier 2620 Hotel Fisherman's Wharf, 2620 Jones St., San Francisco, CA 94133.

    Contact Person: Mary Custer, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4148, MSC 7850, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1164, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Integrated Review Group; Drug Discovery and Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Mayflower Park Hotel, 405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98101.

    Contact Person: Guangyong Ji, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3188, MSC 7808, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1146, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Digestive, Kidney and Urological Systems Integrated Review Group; Gastrointestinal Mucosal Pathobiology Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road, NW., Washington, DC 20015.

    Contact Person: Aiping Zhao, MD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm 2188 MSC7818, Bethesda, MD 20892-7818, (301) 435-0682, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Chronic Dysfunction and Integrative Neurodegeneration Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Residence Inn Bethesda, 7335 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.

    Contact Person: Alexei Kondratyev, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5200, MSC 7846, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1785, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Neurotoxicology and Alcohol Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.

    Contact Person: Jana Drgonova, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive Room 5213, Bethesda, MD 20892, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Clinical Neuroplasticity and Neurotransmitters Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115.

    Contact Person: Suzan Nadi, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5217B, MSC 7846, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1259, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Cell Biology Integrated Review Group; Cellular Mechanisms in Aging and Development Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

    Contact Person: John Burch, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institute of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3213, MSC 7808, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-408-9519, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Oncology 2—Translational Clinical Integrated Review Group; Chemo/Dietary Prevention Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Marriott Courtyard Gaithersburg Washingtonian Ctr, 204 Boardwalk Place, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

    Contact Person: Svetlana Kotliarova, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6214, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-594-7945, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences Integrated Review Group; Integrative Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Renaissance M Street Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20037.

    Contact Person: Raul Rojas, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6185, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 451-6319, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Integrated Review Group; Virology—A Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

    Contact Person: Kenneth M Izumi, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3204, MSC 7808, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-496-6980, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences Integrated Review Group; Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular Sciences Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks, 2712 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098.

    Contact Person: Yuanna Cheng, MD, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4138, MSC 7814, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1195, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes Integrated Review Group; Biobehavioral Regulation, Learning and Ethology Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Historic Inns of Annapolis, 58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.

    Contact Person: Andrea B Kelly, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3184, MSC 7770, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 455-1761, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Digestive, Kidney and Urological Systems Integrated Review Group; Hepatobiliary Pathophysiology Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Renaissance Washington DC, Dupont Circle, 1143 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.

    Contact Person: Jianxin Hu, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, NINDS/NIH, Scientific Review Branch, 6001 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Immunology Integrated Review Group, Immunity and Host Defense Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109.

    Contact Person: Scott Jakes, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4198, MSC 7812, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1506, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Oncology 2—Translational Clinical Integrated Review Group; Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: The Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20036.

    Contact Person: Jeffrey Smiley, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6194, MSC 7804, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-594-7945, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Immunology Integrated Review Group; Cellular and Molecular Immunology—A Study Section.

    Date: February 23-24, 2017.

    Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.

    Contact Person: David B Winter, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4204, MSC 7812, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1152, [email protected].

    Name of Committee: Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Integrated Review Group; Bacterial Pathogenesis Study Section.

    Date: February 24, 2017.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

    Place: Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road, NW., Washington, DC 20015.

    Contact Person: Marci Scidmore, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3192, MSC 7808, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-435-1149, [email protected].

    (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine; 93.333, Clinical Research, 93.306, 93.333, 93.337, 93.393-93.396, 93.837-93.844, 93.846-93.878, 93.892, 93.893, National Institutes of Health, HHS)
    Dated: January 19, 2017. Michelle Trout, Program Analyst, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01736 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket Nos. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0177 and 160223138-6138-01; FF09E40000 156 FXES11150900000; 160223138-6999-02] RIN 1018-BB08; 0648-BF79 Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances Policy AGENCY:

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior; National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

    ACTION:

    Announcement of revised policy; delay of effective date.

    SUMMARY:

    In accordance with a January 20, 2017, memo from the White House, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services), are delaying the effective date of a policy we published on December 27, 2016.

    DATES:

    The effective date of the revised policy that published on December 27, 2016, at 81 FR 95164, is delayed from January 26, 2017, to March 21, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Jeff Newman, Chief, Division of Recovery and Restoration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: ES, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (telephone 703-358-2171); or Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (telephone 301-427-8403, facsimile 301-713-0376). Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    On December 27, 2016, the Services announced revisions to the Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances policy under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We added a definition of “net conservation benefit” to this policy and eliminated references to the confusing requirement of “other necessary properties” to clarify the level of conservation effort each agreement needs to include in order to be approved. The revisions to the policy were to take effect on January 26, 2017.

    On January 20, 2017, the White House issued a memo instructing Federal agencies to temporarily postpone the effective date for 60 days after January 20, 2017, of any regulations or guidance documents that have published in the Federal Register but not yet taken effect, for the purpose of “reviewing questions of fact, law, and policy they raise.” We are, therefore, delaying the effective date of our revised policy published on December 27, 2016, at 81 FR 95164 (see DATES, above).

    Authority:

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Tina A. Campbell, Chief, Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dated: January 23, 2017. Samuel D. Rauch III, Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01840 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
    INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1319, 1326, and 1328 (Final)] Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey Determination

    On the basis of the record 1 developed in the subject investigations, the United States International Trade Commission (“Commission”) determines, pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (“the Act”), that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey, provided for in subheadings 7208.40.30, 7208.51.00, 7208.52.00, 7211.13.00, 7211.14.00, 7225.40.11, 7225.40.30, 7226.20.00, and 7226.91.50 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that have been found by the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) to be sold in the United States at less than fair value (“LTFV”). The Commission also finds that imports subject to Commerce's affirmative critical circumstances determinations are not likely to undermine seriously the remedial effect of the antidumping duty orders on carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from Brazil and Turkey.

    1 The record is defined in sec. 207.2(f) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 207.2(f)).

    Background

    The Commission, pursuant to section 735(b) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673d(b)), instituted these investigations effective April 8, 2016, following receipt of petitions filed with the Commission and Commerce by ArcelorMittal USA LLC (Chicago, Illinois), Nucor Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina), and SSAB Enterprises, LLC (Lisle, Illinois). The Commission scheduled the final phase of the investigations following notification of preliminary determinations by Commerce that imports of cut-to-length plate from Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey were being sold at LTFV within the meaning of section 733(b) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673b(b)). Notice of the scheduling of the final phase of the Commission's investigations and of a public hearing to be held in connection therewith was given by posting copies of the notice in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, DC, and by publishing the notice in the Federal Register of October 12, 2016 (81 FR 70440). The hearing was held in Washington, DC, on November 30, 2016, and all persons who requested the opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by counsel.

    The Commission made these determinations pursuant to section 735(b) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673d(b)). It completed and filed its determinations in these investigations on January 19, 2017. The views of the Commission are contained in USITC Publication 4664 (February 2017), entitled Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey: Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1319, 1326, and 1328 (Final).

    By order of the Commission.

    Issued: January 19, 2017. Katherine M. Hiner, Acting Supervisory Attorney.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01740 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Water Act

    On January 19, 2017, the Department of Justice lodged a proposed consent decree with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma in the lawsuit entitled United States v. Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P., Civil Action No. 17-cv-00031-JED-TLW.

    The United States filed this lawsuit under the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. The complaint seeks civil penalties and injunctive relief for violations related to four unauthorized discharges of petroleum products from Magellan's liquid petroleum pipeline system. These spills occurred in 2011 and 2015 in Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. The consent decree requires Magellan to pay a civil penalty of $2 million. The consent decree also requires Magellan to complete injunctive relief across its 11,000-mile pipeline system, including: (1) Completing an ongoing spill cleanup effort in Nebraska, (2) instituting an enhanced annual training program for its third-party damage prevention staff, (3) updating and enhancing company information resources concerning selective seam corrosion, (4) updating its integrity management plan, and (5) creating a publicly accessible Web page that will report information about certain types of pipeline releases and Magellan's responses to them.

    The publication of this notice opens a period for public comment on the consent decree. Comments should be addressed to the Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and should refer to United States v. Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P., D.J. Ref. No. 90-5-1-1-10628. All comments must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the publication date of this notice. Comments may be submitted either by email or by mail:

    To submit comments: Send them to: By email [email protected]. By mail Assistant Attorney General, U.S. DOJ—ENRD, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611.

    During the public comment period, the consent decree may be examined and downloaded at this Justice Department Web site: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees. We will provide a paper copy of the consent decree upon written request and payment of reproduction costs. Please mail your request and payment to: Consent Decree Library, U.S. DOJ—ENRD, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611.

    Please enclose a check or money order for $11.25 (25 cents per page reproduction cost) payable to the United States Treasury.

    Thomas P. Carroll, Assistant Section Chief, Environmental Enforcement Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01805 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-15-P
    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

    On December 22, 2016, the Department of Justice lodged a proposed Consent Decree with the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island in the lawsuit entitled United States v. ACS Industries, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 1:16-cv-00665-S-LDA.

    The proposed Consent Decree (“Decree”) relates to the Second Operable Unit (“OU2”) of the Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Superfund Site located in Lincoln and Cumberland, Rhode Island. There are 91 Settling Defendants. Under the proposed Consent Decree, the 22 Settling Performing Defendants agree to perform the remedy selected by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for OU2, pay EPA's interim response costs (response costs incurred from September 30, 2015 to the date the Consent Decree is approved by the Court), and pay future oversight costs of both EPA and the State of Rhode Island. The 69 Settling De Minimis Defendants agree to pay a total of approximately $8.5 million to fund performance of work at OU2. The Settling De Minimis Federal Agencies (United States Postal Service, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Defense, and the United States Department of the Treasury (IRS)), are paying an additional $975,000 to fund performance of the work at OU2 to resolve alleged contribution liability at OU2. The Statement of Work, included as Appendix K to the Decree, provides the framework for implementation of the cleanup plan as set forth in the Record of Decision (“ROD”) signed by the Regional Administrator for Region 1 of EPA on September 8, 2015. Among other things, the selected remedy calls for the construction of a multi-layer impermeable cap over the J.M. Mills Landfill and the Nunes Parcel. The Remedial Design, Remedial Action, and Operations and Maintenance at OU2 are estimated to cost approximately $40.3 million. Over the past decade, EPA has recovered about $8.4 million from potentially responsible parties at OU2 that have filed for bankruptcy. EPA will make these funds available to the Settling Performing Defendants to partially fund the work. The settlement will not recover EPA's past costs related to OU2, which are about $3.4 million.

    The United States has provided all of the Settling Defendants with a covenant not to sue under Sections 106 and 107(a) of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and Section 7003 of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), relating to OU2. The covenant provided to the Settling Performing Defendants has a reopener for new information and unknown conditions. The covenant provided to the Settling De Minimis Defendants does not have a reopener for new information or unknown conditions. EPA has agreed not to take administrative action against the Settling De Minimis Federal agencies pursuant to Sections 106 and 107(a) of CERCLA, and Section 7003 of RCRA, relating to OU2.

    The State of Rhode Island has filed a complaint related to this matter in State of Rhode Island v. ACS Industries, Inc., Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-00024, and is a party to the settlement.

    The publication of this notice opens a period for public comment on the Consent Decree. Comments should be addressed to the Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and should refer to United States v. ACS Industries, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 1:16-cv-00665-S-LDA, D.J. Ref. No. 90-11-3-1233/9. All comments must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the publication date of this notice. Comments may be submitted either by email or by mail:

    To submit comments: Send them to: By e-mail [email protected]. By mail Assistant Attorney General, U.S. DOJ—ENRD, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611.

    Under section 7003(d) of RCRA, a commenter may request an opportunity for a public meeting in the affected area.

    During the public comment period, the Consent Decree may be examined and downloaded at this Justice Department Web site: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees. We will provide a paper copy of the Consent Decree upon written request and payment of reproduction costs. Please mail your request and payment to: Consent Decree Library, U.S. DOJ—ENRD, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611.

    Please enclose a check or money order for $206.50 (25 cents per page reproduction cost) payable to the United States Treasury. For a paper copy without the exhibits and signature pages, the cost is $28.50.

    Robert E. Maher Jr., Assistant Section Chief, Environmental Enforcement Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01715 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-15-P
    LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION Sunshine Act Meeting: Board of Directors and Its Six Committees AGENCY:

    Legal Services Corporation.

    ACTION:

    Change Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    On January 19, 2017, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) published a notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 8214) titled “Board of Directors and its Six Committees will meet on January 26-28, 2017, Eastern Standard Time (EST)”. A correction to change the Board of Directors Open Session Agenda by adding an additional item to the agenda item #3 Approval of minutes of the Board's Open Session telephonic meeting of September 21, 2016; all other items remain consecutively the same. This document changes the notice by revising the Board of Directors Open Session Agenda by adding an additional item to the agenda.

    CHANGES IN THE MEETING:

    Adding an additional Item to the Board of Directors Open Session Agenda.

    —Item #3 of the Agenda: Approval of minutes of the Board's Open Session telephonic meeting of September 21, 2016. DATES:

    This change is effective January 19, 2017.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Katherine Ward, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20007; (202) 295-1500; [email protected].

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Katherine Ward, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01853 Filed 1-24-17; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 7050-01-P
    OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET 2016 Statutory Pay-as-You-Go Act Annual Report AGENCY:

    Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    This report is being published as required by the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Act of 2010, 2 U.S.C. 931 et seq. The Act requires that OMB issue 1) an annual report as specified in 2 U.S.C. 934(a) and 2) a sequestration order, if necessary.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Erin O'Brien. 202-395-3106.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    This report and additional information about the PAYGO Act can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/paygo_default.

    David Rowe, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget.

    This Report is being published pursuant to section 5 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Act of 2010, Public Law 111-139, 124 Stat. 8, 2 U.S.C. 934, which requires that OMB issue an annual PAYGO report, including a sequestration order if necessary, no later than 14 working days after the end of a congressional session.

    This Report describes the budgetary effects of all PAYGO legislation enacted during the second session of the 114th Congress and presents the 5-year and 10-year PAYGO scorecards maintained by OMB. Because neither the 5-year nor 10-year scorecard shows a debit for the budget year, which for purposes of this Report is fiscal year 2017,1 a sequestration order under subsection 5(b) of the PAYGO Act, 2 U.S.C. 934(b) is not necessary.

    1 References to years on the PAYGO scorecards are to fiscal years.

    During the second session of the 114th Congress, no laws were enacted with emergency requirements under section 4(g) of the PAYGO Act, 2 U.S.C. 933(g). Additionally, the scorecards include no current policy adjustments made under section 4(c) of the PAYGO Act, 2 U.S.C. 933(c). The authority for current policy adjustments expired as of December 31, 2011, so the Report does not contain any information about or descriptions of any current policy adjustments.

    I. PAYGO Legislation With Budgetary Effects

    PAYGO legislation is authorizing legislation that affects direct spending or revenues, and appropriations legislation that affects direct spending in the years beyond the budget year or affects revenues in any year.2 For a more complete description of the Statutory PAYGO Act, see Chapter 9, “Budget Concepts,” of the Analytical Perspectives volume of the 2017 President's Budget, found on the Web site of the U.S. Government Printing Office (https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/BUDGET-2017-PER/pdf/BUDGET-2017-PER.pdf).

    2 Provisions in appropriations acts that affect direct spending in the years beyond the budget year (also known as “outyears”) or affect revenues in any year are considered to be budgetary effects for the purposes of the PAYGO scorecards except if the provisions produce outlay changes that net to zero over the current year, budget year, and the four subsequent years. As specified in section 3 of the PAYGO Act, off-budget effects are not counted as budgetary effects. Off-budget effects refer to effects on the Social Security trust funds (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance) and the Postal Service.

    The 5-year and 10-year PAYGO scorecards for each congressional session begin with the balances of costs or savings carried over from previous sessions and then tally the costs or savings of PAYGO laws enacted in the most recent session. The 5-year PAYGO scorecard for the second session of the 114th Congress began with balances of savings of $4,896 million in 2017, $4,057 million in 2018, $4,082 million in 2019, and $3,456 million in 2020. The completed 5-year scorecard for the session shows that PAYGO legislation enacted during the session was estimated to have PAYGO budgetary effects that increased the deficit by an average of $478 million each year from 2017 through 2021.3 These new costs on the scorecard decreased the balances of savings in each year on the 5-year scorecard from 2017 through 2020, and created new costs in 2021.

    3 As provided in section 4(d) of the PAYGO Act, 2 U.S.C. 933(d), budgetary effects on the PAYGO scorecards are based on congressional estimates for bills including a reference to a congressional estimate in the Congressional Record, and for which such a reference is indeed present in the Record. Absent such a congressional cost estimate, OMB is required to use its own estimate for the scorecard. None of the bills enacted during the second session of the 114th Congress had such a congressional estimate and therefore OMB was required to provide an estimate for all PAYGO laws enacted during the session.

    The 10-year PAYGO scorecard for the second session of the 114th Congress began with balances of savings of $15,448 million in each year from 2017 to 2020, $9,077 million in 2021, $8,367 million in 2022, $7,232 million in 2023, $7,239 million in 2024, and $5,718 million in 2025. The completed 10-year scorecard for the session shows that PAYGO legislation for the session increased the deficit by an average of $980 million each year from 2017 through 2026. These new costs decreased the balances of savings in each year on the 10-year scorecard from 2017 through 2025, and created new costs in 2026.

    In the second session of the 114th Congress, 52 laws were enacted that were determined to constitute PAYGO legislation. Of the 52 enacted PAYGO laws, 16 laws were estimated to have PAYGO budgetary effects (costs or savings) in excess of $500,000 over one or both of the 5-year or 10-year PAYGO windows. These were:

    • Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, Public Law 114-125;

    • An act to direct the Administrator of General Services, on behalf of the Archivist of the United States, to convey certain Federal property located in the State of Alaska to the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, Public Law 114-161;

    • Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, Public Law 114-182;

    • FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, Public Law 114-190;

    • Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, Public Law 114-198;

    • Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016, Public Law 114-228;

    • United States Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympians Act of 2016, Public Law 114-239;

    • Treatment of Certain Payments in Eugenics Compensation Act, Public Law 114-241;

    • Full Annuity Supplement for Certain Air Traffic Controllers, Public Law 114-251;

    • Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, Public Law 114-254;

    • 21st Century Cures Act, Public Law 114-255;

    • National Park Service Centennial Act, Public Law 114-289;

    • Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, Public Law 114-315;

    • Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act or the WIIN Act, Public Law 114-322;

    • Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act, Public Law 114-327;

    • National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, Public Law 114-328.

    In addition to the laws identified above, 36 laws enacted in this session were estimated to have negligible budgetary effects on the PAYGO scorecards—costs or savings of less than $500,000 over both the 5-year and 10-year PAYGO windows.

    II. Budgetary Effects Excluded From the Scorecard Balances A. Statutory Provisions Excluding Legislation From the Scorecards

    One law enacted in the second session of the 114th Congress had estimated budgetary effects on direct spending and revenues that were excluded from the calculations for the PAYGO scorecards due to provisions in law excluding all or part of the law from section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010: The 21st Century Cures Act, for which Division A was excluded from the scorecards. No laws included provisions excluding their budgetary effects from the PAYGO scorecards entirely.

    III. PAYGO Scorecards Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Scorecards [In millions of dollars, negative amounts portray decreases in deficits] 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Second Session of the 114th Congress 478 478 478 478 478 Balances from Previous Sessions −4,896 −4,057 −4,082 −3,456 0 Five-year PAYGO Scorecard −4,418 −3,579 −3,604 −2,978 478 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Second Session of the 114th Congress 980 980 980 980 980 980 980 980 980 980 Balances from Previous Sessions −15,448 −15,448 −15,448 −15,448 −9,077 −8,367 −7,232 −7,239 −5,718 0 Ten-year PAYGO Scorecard −14,468 −14,468 −14,468 −14,468 −8,097 −7,387 −6,252 −6,259 −4,738 980

    The total net budgetary effects of all PAYGO legislation enacted during the second session of the 114th Congress on the 5-year scorecard increased the deficit by $2,389 million. This total is averaged over the years 2017 to 2021 on the 5-year PAYGO scorecard, resulting in costs of $478 million in each year. Combining these costs with balances carried over from prior sessions of the Congress creates total net savings in 2017 of $4,418 million, $3,579 million in 2018, $3,604 million in 2019, and $2,978 million in 2020. The 5-year PAYGO window extended only through 2020 in the first session of the 114th Congress, so there were no 5-year scorecard balances in 2021 to carry over and the 5-year scorecard total is the average $478 million cost from this session.

    The total 10-year net impact of legislation enacted during the second session of the 114th Congress was costs of $9,800 million. The 10-year PAYGO scorecard shows the total net impact averaged over the 10-year period, resulting in costs of $980 million in each year. Combining these costs with balances from prior sessions results in net savings of $14,468 million in 2017 through 2020, $8,097 million in 2021, $7,387 million in 2022, $6,252 million in 2023, $6,259 million in 2024, and $4,738 million in 2025. The 10-year PAYGO window extended only through 2025 in the first session of the 114th Congress, so there were no 10-year scorecard balances in 2026 to carry over and the 10-year scorecard total is the average $980 million costs from this session.

    IV. Sequestration Order

    As shown on the scorecards, the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation enacted in the second session of the 114th Congress, combined with the balances from previous sessions of the Congress left on each scorecard, resulted in net savings on both the 5-year and the 10-year scorecard in the budget year, which is 2017 for the purposes of this Report. Because the costs for the budget year, as shown on the scorecards, do not exceed savings for the budget year, there is no “debit” on either scorecard under section 3 of the PAYGO Act, 2 U.S.C. 932, and there is no need for a sequestration order.

    The savings shown on the scorecards for 2017 will be removed from the scorecards that are used to record the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation enacted in the first session of the 115th Congress. The totals shown in 2018 through 2026 will remain on the scorecards and will be used in determining whether a sequestration order will be necessary in the future. Each year from 2018 to 2020 of the 5-year scorecard that will carry over into the first session of the 115th Congress shows balances of savings. The year 2021 shows balances of costs. Each year from 2018 to 2025 of the 10-year scorecard that will carry over into the first session of the 115th Congress shows balances of savings. The year 2026 shows balances of costs.

    Authority:

    2 U.S.C. 934.

    [FR Doc. 2017-01704 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
    NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice: (17-002)] Notice of Intent To Hold Space Navigation Workshop and Request for Information AGENCY:

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    ACTION:

    Request for Information or Sources Sought Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Communication and Navigations (SCaN) Program announces a Workshop on Emerging Technologies for Autonomous Space Navigation to inform industry on evolving positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies and techniques being developed to enhance the operational efficiency and flexibility of future missions. The “Nav Workshop” will include optional one-on-one discussions with industry participants on a space-available basis Friday, February 17, 2017. NASA is soliciting information from all interested U.S. private sector enterprises only.

    DATES:

    The Space Navigation Workshop, Thursday, February 16, 2017, and the One-on-One Meetings, Friday, February 17, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    NASA Headquarters Auditorium (west lobby) 300 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20546.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    U.S. participants will register/sign-in for the Navigation Workshop at the door on February 16. To RSVP for the follow-on One-on-One Meetings scheduled for February 17, please RSVP to James J. Miller by February 8 at [email protected] or 202-358-4417.

    Reservations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. A confirmation email will be sent to acknowledge your requested participation. Companies will be notified on or before Friday, February 10, 2017, of their assigned One-on-One meeting time.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    This announcement is a Request for Information (RFI) or Sources Sought Notice and is limited to U.S. citizens or residents. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and does NOT constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requested. No basis for claim against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this announcement or Government use of any information provided. This announcement does not restrict the Government's right to consider acquisition strategies as deemed appropriate.

    The Nav Workshop will allow industry to gain a better understanding of space navigation technologies and techniques that NASA is investing in to better enable space missions in near Earth, cis-Lunar space, and deep space domains. It will also allow industry to better align their navigation research and development efforts with NASA's Architecture Roadmaps now under development. The follow-on one-on-one meetings are intended to provide a forum for industry to share their ideas with NASA, for NASA to understand the scope of space navigation technologies being developed in the commercial sector, and for both NASA and industry to assess areas for potential collaboration regarding navigation technology development efforts that have the potential to serve national needs. NASA is therefore seeking broad information about systems previously flown, systems currently in development—including for other non-NASA missions—and future technologies that are relevant to space navigation and space-based PNT.

    Navigation topics to be discussed during the Nav Workshop include:

    • Emerging Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications, including the development and use of GNSS in high altitude applications in the Space Service Volume (SSV), protecting and enhancing the GPS SSV, developing a multi-GNSS SSV, NASA's current and future missions employing GNSS in the SSV, and GNSS receiver developments within NASA.

    • Emerging Navigation technologies, including PNT capabilities envisioned for the Next Generation Broadcast Service (NGBS), innovative timing system developments and techniques such as the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC), optical navigation capabilities and techniques that support rendezvous, landing on objects (near Earth or solar system objects) or docking to vehicles, and navigation & PNT capabilities supporting proximity operations, satellite servicing, and formation flying.

    • Other advanced topics to be addressed include the use of optimetrics from laser communications systems to support precise PNT solutions, on-board navigation software and filters, such as the Goddard Enhanced Onboard Navigation System (GEONS), and X-ray Navigation capabilities and techniques.

    The agenda for the Nav Workshop and Industry Meetings is as follows:

    Tentative Space Navigation Workshop Agenda (Thursday, February 16, 2017) 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Networking Opportunity 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Introductions & Emerging GNSS Applications 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Lunch Break 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Next-Generation Developing Technologies 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Game-Changing Initiatives 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wrap-Up 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Networking Opportunity One-on-One Industry Meetings With NASA (Friday, February 17, 2017) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 45 minute information-exchange/discussion

    To RSVP for the February 16 workshop and follow-on One-on-One Meetings scheduled for February 17, please RSVP to James J. Miller by February 8 at [email protected] or 202-358-4417.

    Attendance limitations: The Navigation Workshop and One-on-One Meeting attendees is strictly limited to four (4) persons per company.

    One-on-One Meeting Description

    To facilitate interactive communication with industry, NASA SCaN representatives will be available for One-on-One meetings to exchange ideas on areas of synergy and potential collaboration. NASA will hold One-on-One meetings with industry on Friday, February 17, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, to discuss Space Navigation technologies and techniques as related to Nav Workshop presentations. The meetings will be held with interested parties at scheduled times provided in response to the RSVP on a space available basis. NASA will attempt to prioritize non-local companies with One-on-One meeting times.

    The One-on-One meetings are intended to be private question-and-answer and information-gathering sessions based on industry developments that align with NASA investments for enhanced autonomous space navigation capabilities. Industry presentation packages are acceptable and will be held in accordance with any proprietary or business confidential markings as annotated on the chart package. Meetings will not exceed 45 minutes in length. One appointment per hour will be scheduled. Additional separate meetings can be scheduled later if demand exceeds capacity.

    No recording devices are permitted during the Workshop and One-on-One meetings.

    Cheryl E. Parker, Federal Register Liaison Officer. Space Navigation Workshop Registration and Industry “One-on-One” RSVP Form 1. Full Name: 2. Title: 3. Organization Name: 4. Email address: 5. Phone Number: 6. Company's Primary Point of Contact for interactions with NASA on Navigation Workshop (Please provide full name): 7. Company's Point of Contact Email address: 8. Company's Point of Contact Phone Number: 9. Are you interested in participating in the Space Navigation Workshop “One-on-One”? yes/no 10. If yes, please provide the full Names of the representatives attending (4 or less): 11. Interested and local/Interested and from out of town/Not interested
    [FR Doc. 2017-01711 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7510-13-P
    NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2016-0122] Program-Specific Guidance About Medical Use Licenses AGENCY:

    Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

    ACTION:

    Draft NUREG; extension of comment period.

    SUMMARY:

    On December 6, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) solicited comments on draft NUREG-1556, Volume 9, Revision 3, “Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses: Program-Specific Guidance About Medical Use Licenses.” The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on February 6, 2017. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period to allow more time for members of the public to develop and submit their comments.

    DATES:

    The due date of comments requested in the document published on December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87978) is extended. Comments should be filed no later than March 31, 2017. Comments received after this date will be considered if it is practical to do so, but the NRC is able to ensure consideration only for comments received on or before this date.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments by any of the following methods (unless this document describes a different method for submitting comments on a specific subject):

    Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2016-0122. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-415-3463; email: [email protected]. For technical questions, contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.

    Mail comments to: Cindy Bladey, Office of Administration, Mail Stop: OWFN-12-H08, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

    For additional direction on accessing information and submitting comments, see “Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments” in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Katie Tapp, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards; U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-0236; email: [email protected].

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments A. Obtaining Information

    Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2016-0122 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You may obtain publicly-available information related to this action by the following methods:

    Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2016-0122.

    NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select “ADAMS Public Documents” and then select “Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.” For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to [email protected]. The draft NUREG-1556, Volume 9, Revision 3, is available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML16328A214.

    NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

    The draft NUREG-1556, Volume 9, Revision 3, is also available on the NRC's public Web site on: (1) The “Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses (NUREG-1556)” page at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/; and (2) the “Draft NUREG-Series Publications for Comment” page at http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/doc-comment.html#nuregs.

    B. Submitting Comments

    Please include Docket ID NRC-2016-0122 in the subject line of your comment submission, in order to ensure that the NRC is able to make your comment submission available to the public in this docket.

    The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at http://www.regulations.gov and enter the comment submissions into ADAMS, but the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information.

    If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, you should inform these persons that they should not include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into ADAMS.

    II. Discussion

    On December 6, 2016, the NRC solicited comments on draft NUREG-1556, Volume 9, Revision 3, “Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses: Program-Specific Guidance About Medical Use Licenses.”

    The purpose of the document published on December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87978) was to provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on draft NUREG-1556, Volume 9, Revision 3. The NUREG provides guidance to existing medical use of byproduct material licensees and to an applicant that are preparing a medical use of byproduct material license application. The NUREG also provides the NRC criteria for evaluating a license application.

    The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on February 6, 2017. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period on this document until March 31, 2017, to allow more time for members of the public to submit their comments.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 18th day of January 2017.

    For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

    Daniel S. Collins, Director, Division of Material Safety, State, Tribal and Rulemaking Programs, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.

    The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on February 6, 2017. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period on this document until March 31, 2017, to allow more time for members of the public to submit their comments.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 18th day of January 2017.

    For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

    Daniel S. Collins, Director, Division of Material Safety, State, Tribal and Rulemaking Programs, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.
    ML17017A419 OFC MSTR/MSEB MSTR/MSLB MSTR/MSLB MSTR NAME AMcMurtray for KTapp AMcMurtray HGonzalez DCollins DATE 1/18/17 1/18/17 1/18/17 1/18/17 Official Record Copy
    [FR Doc. 2017-01807 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
    NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2016-0121] Program-Specific Guidance About Special Nuclear Material of Less Than Critical Mass Licenses AGENCY:

    Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

    ACTION:

    Draft NUREG; request for comment.

    SUMMARY:

    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is revising its licensing guidance for a specific license for receipt, possession, use, and transfer of special nuclear material in quantities that are not sufficient to form a “critical mass.” The NRC is requesting public comment on draft NUREG-1556, Volume 17, Revision 1, “Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses: Program-Specific Guidance About Special Nuclear Material of Less Than Critical Mass Licenses.” The document has been updated from the original version to include information on safety culture, security of radioactive materials, protection of sensitive information, and changes in regulatory policies and practices. This document is intended for use by applicants, licensees, and the NRC staff.

    DATES:

    Submit comments by March 3, 2017. Comments received after this date will be considered if it is practicable to do so, but the NRC is only able to assure consideration of comments received on or before this date.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments by any of the following methods (unless this document describes a different method for submitting comments on a specific subject):

    Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2016-0121. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-415-3463; email: [email protected]. For technical questions, contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.

    Mail comments to: Cindy Bladey, Office of Administration, Mail Stop: OWFN-12-H8, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

    For additional direction on obtaining information and submitting comments, see “Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments” in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Anthony McMurtray, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards; U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-2746; email: [email protected].

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments A. Obtaining Information

    Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2016-0121 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You may obtain publicly-available information related to this action by the following methods:

    Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2016-0121.

    NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select “ADAMS Public Documents” and then select “Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.” For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737 or by email to [email protected]. The draft NUREG-1556, Volume 17, Revision 1, is available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML17012A346.

    NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

    B. Submitting Comments

    Please include Docket ID NRC-2016-0121 in the subject line of your comment submission, in order to ensure that the NRC is able to make your comment submission available to the public in this docket.

    The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at http://www.regulations.gov as well as enter the comment submissions into ADAMS, and the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information.

    If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to include identifying or contact information that

    they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into ADAMS.

    II. Further Information

    This NUREG provides guidance to existing licensees that receive, possess, use, and transfer special nuclear material of less than critical mass, and to applicants preparing license applications to receive, possess, use, and transfer such materials. This NUREG also provides NRC reviewers criteria for evaluating such a license application. The purpose of this notice is to provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on draft NUREG-1556, Volume 17, Revision 1, “Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses: Program-Specific Guidance About Special Nuclear Material of Less Than Critical Mass Licenses.” These comments will be considered in the final version or subsequent revisions.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 18th day of January, 2017.

    For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

    Daniel S. Collins, Director, Division of Material Safety, State, Tribal and Rulemaking Programs, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01808 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-79846; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2016-130] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, Amending NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.35 (Auctions), 7.10 (Clearly Erroneous Executions), 7.31 (Orders and Modifiers), and 7.11 (Limit Up—Limit Down Plan and Trading Pauses in Individual Securities Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility) January 19, 2017. I. Introduction

    On October 4, 2016, NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange” or “NYSE Arca”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) 1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to amend NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.35 (Auctions), 7.10 (Clearly Erroneous Executions), 7.31 (Orders and Modifiers), and 7.11 (Limit Up—Limit Down Plan and Trading Pauses in Individual Securities Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility). The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on October 24, 2016.3 On December 6, 2016, the Commission extended the time period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change to January 22, 2017.4 On January 18, 2017, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.5 The Commission received no comments on the proposed rule change. This order approves the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1.

    1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

    2 17 CFR 240.19b-4.

    3See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79107 (October 18, 2016), 81 FR 73159 (“Notice”).

    4See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79480, 81 FR 89525 (December 12, 2016).

    5 In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange stated that it anticipates that it will implement the proposed rule change in the third quarter of 2017. Because Amendment No. 1 does not materially alter the substance of the proposed rule change or raise unique or novel regulatory issues, Amendment No. 1 is not subject to notice and comment. Amendment No. 1 is available at: https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-nysearca-2016-130/nysearca2016130-1507307-130821.pdf.

    II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1

    In conjunction with the Twelfth Amendment to the National Market System Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (“Plan”),6 the Exchange proposes to revise its Trading Halt Auction procedures and to make related changes.

    6See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79845 (January 19, 2017) (File No. 4-631).

    Auction Reference Price and Auction Collar for Trading Halt Auctions

    The Exchange proposes to revise the Auction Reference Price and the Auction Collar for Trading Halt Auctions. Currently, the upper (lower) boundary of the Auction Collar for a Trading Halt Auction is the Auction Reference Price increased (decreased) by the price collar threshold.7 The price collar threshold for a Trading Halt Auction is 10% for securities with an Auction Reference Price of $25.00 or less, 5% for securities with an Auction Reference Price greater than $25.00 and less than or equal to $50.00, or 3% for securities with an Auction Reference Price greater than $50.00.8 The Auction Reference Price for a Trading Halt Auction is the last consolidated round-lot price of that trading day, and if none, the prior day's Official Closing Price.9

    7See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(10)(A).

    8See id. NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(10)(A) also specifies a sunset date for the price collar thresholds for Trading Halt Auctions.

    9See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(8)(A).

    Under the proposal, for a Trading Halt Auction following a trading pause under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11 (“Trading Pause”), if the Limit State that preceded the Trading Pause was at the Lower (Upper) Price Band, the Auction Reference Price would be the Lower (Upper) Price Band.10 Moreover, for securities with an Auction Reference Price above $3.00, the Price Collar Threshold for the Trading Halt Auction would be the Auction Reference Price multiplied by 5 percent. For securities with an Auction Reference Price of $3.00 and below, the Price Collar Threshold would be $0.15.11

    10 The proposed definition of Auction Reference Price for a Trading Pause is designed to be consistent across listing exchanges. For all other Trading Halt Auctions, the Auction Reference Price would continue to be as specified in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(8). See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(A). The Exchange also proposes to make a conforming change to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(8)(A) to add the clause “except as provided for in Rule 7.35(e)(7)(A),” which would clarify that the Auction Reference Price for a Trading Halt Auction following a Trading Pause would be determined pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(A).

    11See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7). These proposed Price Collar Thresholds are designed to be consistent across listing exchanges. The Exchange also proposes to make conforming changes to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(10)(A) to delete the reference to Trading Halt Auctions and to delete language that specifies the sunset date for the current price collar thresholds applicable to Trading Halt Auctions.

    As proposed, for a Trading Halt Auction following a Trading Pause, if the Auction Reference Price is the Lower (Upper) Price Band, the Lower (Upper) Auction Collar would be the Auction Reference Price decreased (increased) by the Price Collar Threshold, rounded down to the nearest MPV, and the Upper (Lower) Auction Collar would be the Upper (Lower) Price Band.12 For a Trading Halt Auction following a trading halt due to extraordinary market volatility under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.12 (“MWCB Halt”) or a regulatory halt, the Lower (Upper) Auction Collar would be the Auction Reference Price decreased (increased) by the Price Collar Threshold, rounded down to the nearest MPV.13

    12See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(B)(i). The proposed Auction Collars for a Trading Pause are designed to be consistent across listing exchanges.

    13See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(B)(ii).

    Extension of Re-Opening Time and Expansion of Auction Collars for Trading Halt Auctions

    Currently, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(2) provides that, after trading in a security has been halted or paused, the NYSE Arca Marketplace will disseminate the estimated time at which trading in that security will re-open (“Re-Opening Time”). The Exchange proposes to add to this rule that the initial Re-Opening Time for a Trading Halt Auction following a Trading Pause or MWCB Halt would be at the scheduled end of the Trading Pause or MWCB Halt.

    Under the proposal, the Exchange would extend the Re-Opening Time for a Trading Halt Auction under certain circumstances. Specifically, a Trading Halt Auction would not be conducted if the Indicative Match Price,14 before being adjusted based on Auction Collars,15 is below (above) the Lower (Upper) Auction Collar or if there is a sell (buy) Market Imbalance,16 either of which would be defined as an “Impermissible Price.” 17 As proposed, if there is an Impermissible Price at the initial Re-Opening Time, the pause or halt would be extended an additional five minutes and a new Re-Opening Time would be disseminated (“First Extension”).18 If there is an Impermissible Price at the end of the First Extension, the pause or halt would be extended an additional five minutes and a new Re-Opening Time would be disseminated (“Subsequent Extension”).19 The trading pause or halt would continue to be extended if there is an Impermissible Price at the Re-Opening Time for a Subsequent Extension.20

    14 NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(8) defines “Indicative Match Price” to mean the best price at which the maximum volume of shares, including the non-displayed quantity of Reserve Orders, is tradable in the applicable auction, subject to Auction Collars. The Exchange states that for purposes of proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(5), the Indicative Match Price would not be calculated subject to Auction Collars. See Notice, supra note 3, at 73160.

    15 NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(10) defines “Auction Collar” to mean the price collar thresholds for the Indicative Match Price for the Core Open Auction, Trading Halt Auction, or Closing Auction.

    16 NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(7)(B) defines “Market Imbalance” to mean the imbalance of any remaining buy (sell) Market Orders that are not matched for trading in the applicable auction.

    17See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(5). The Exchange also proposes to make conforming changes in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11(b).

    18See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(6)(A). The Exchange would not conduct a Trading Halt Auction before the Re-Opening Time for the First Extension. See id.

    19See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(6)(B). The Exchange would conduct a Trading Halt Auction before the Re-Opening Time for a Subsequent Extension if the Indicative Match Price, before being adjusted based on Auction Collars, is within the applicable Auction Collars and there is no Market Imbalance. See id.

    20See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(6)(C).

    Under the proposal, the Auction Collar on the side of the Impermissible price would be widened for each Extension, and the Auction Collar on the opposite side of the Impermissible Price would remain the same as the last-calculated Auction Collar on that side.21 Specifically, if the Impermissible Price is on the side of the Lower (Upper) Auction Collar, the last-calculated Lower (Upper) Auction Collar would be decreased (increased) by a Price Collar Threshold and the Upper (Lower) Auction Collar would stay the same.22 If the side of the Impermissible Price changes from the Lower (Upper) Auction Collar to the Upper (Lower) Auction Collar, the last-calculated Upper (Lower) Auction Collar would be widened for that Extension and the last-calculated Lower (Upper) Auction Collar would remain the same.23

    21See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(C).

    22See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(C)(i).

    23See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(7)(C)(ii). The proposed extensions and widening of the Auction Collars are designed to be consistent across listing exchanges.

    As proposed, if the Re-Opening Time for a Trading Halt Auction would be in the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Core Trading Hours, the Exchange would not conduct a Trading Halt Auction in that security and would not transition to continuous trading. Instead, the Exchange would remain paused and would conduct a Closing Auction in such security as provided for in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(d).24 In such circumstances, Market-on-Open (“MOO”) Orders, Limit-on-Open (“LOO”) Orders, and IO Orders (as defined below) entered during the pause or halt would not participate in the Closing Auction and would expire at the end of the Core Trading Session.25 Additionally, the Auction Collars for the Closing Auction for such security would be the most recently widened Auction Collars for the Trading Halt Auction that did not occur.26

    24See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(10). The concept of holding a closing auction instead of a re-opening auction if a Trading Pause exists in the last ten minutes of trading is designed to be consistent across listing exchanges and to reflect the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan.

    25See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(10)(A).

    26See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(10)(B). The Exchange proposes to make a conforming change to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(10)(A) to make clear that the price collar thresholds for a Closing Auction are defined in NYSE Arca Equites Rule 7.35(a)(10)(A), except as provided for in proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(10)(B).

    Other Changes to the Trading Halt Auction

    The Exchange proposes to adopt an Imbalance Offset Order (“IO Order”), which would be a Limit Order to buy (sell) that is to be traded only in a Trading Halt Auction.27 An IO Order would be accepted only during a halt or pause, including any extensions.28 It would participate in a Trading Halt Auction only if: (i) There is an imbalance in the security on the opposite side of the market from the IO Order after taking into account all other orders eligible to trade at the Indicative Match Price; and (ii) the limit price of the IO Order to buy (sell) is at or above (below) the Indicative Match Price.29 The working price of an IO Order to buy (sell) would be adjusted to be equal to the Indicative Match Price, provided that the working price of the IO Order would not be higher (lower) than its limit price.30 An IO Order that participates in a Trading Halt Auction would be ranked in time priority among IO Orders after all other orders eligible to participate in the auction have been allocated.31

    27See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.31(c)(5).

    28See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.31(c)(5)(A).

    29See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.31(c)(5)(B).

    30See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.31(c)(5)(C).

    31See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.31(c)(5)(D).

    The Exchange also proposes to add an Auction Imbalance Freeze before a Trading Halt Auction.32 As proposed, the Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze would begin five seconds before the Re-Opening Time, including the Re-Opening Time for each Extension.33 If a pause or halt is extended, the Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze for the prior period would end, new orders and order instructions received during the prior period's Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze would be processed, and the Exchange would accept order entry and cancellation as provided for in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.18(c) until the next Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze.34 During the Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze, order entry and cancellation would be processed as follows:

    32See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(8). See also proposed changes to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(3).

    33See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(8).

    34See id.

    • MOO Orders and LOO Orders that are on the same side of the Imbalance, would flip the Imbalance, or would create a new Imbalance would be rejected.35

    35See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(8)(A).

    • Market Orders (other than MOO Orders) and Limit Orders would be accepted but would not be included in the calculation of the Indicative Match Price or the Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Information.36 Such orders would participate in the Trading Halt Auction only to offset the Imbalance that is remaining after all orders entered before the Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze, including the non-display quantity of Reserve Orders, are allocated in the Trading Halt Auction, and would be allocated in price-time priority under NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.36(c)-(g) consistent with the priority ranking associated with each order and ahead of any IO Orders.37

    36See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(8)(B).

    37See id.

    • Requests to cancel and requests to cancel and replace Market Orders, LOO Orders, Limit Orders, and IO Orders would be accepted but not processed until after the Trading Halt Auction concludes, as provided for in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(h).38

    38See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(8)(C).

    • All other order instructions would be accepted.39

    39See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(8)(D).

    The Exchange also proposes to specify that Limit Orders that were eligible to participate in the Trading Halt Auction but did not participate would transition to continuous trading as provided for in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(h).40

    40See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(e)(9).

    The Exchange proposes to amend NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.10(a) to provide that executions as a result of a Trading Halt Auction are not eligible for a request to review as clearly erroneous under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.10(b).41

    41 The proposal to exclude re-opening auction trades from the clearly erroneous execution rule is designed to be consistent across listing exchanges.

    Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Information

    NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(4) currently defines “Auction Imbalance Information” to mean the information that is disseminated by the Exchange for an auction and includes, if applicable, the Total Imbalance, Market Imbalance, Indicative Match Price, and Matched Volume.42 The Exchange now proposes to add the following to Auction Imbalance Information: Auction Reference Price, Auction Collar, Book Clearing Price,43 Far Clearing Price,44 Imbalance Freeze Indicator,45 and Auction Indicator.46

    42See NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.35(a)(7) (defining “Total Imbalance” and “Market Imbalance”); 7.35(a)(8) (defining “Indicative Match Price”); and 7.35(a)(9) (defining “Matched Volume”).

    43 The Exchange proposes to define “Book Clearing Price” to mean the price at which all interest eligible to participate in an auction could be traded if not subject to the Auction Collar. The Book Clearing Price would be zero if a sell (buy) imbalance cannot be filled by any buy (sell) orders. See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(11).

    44 The Exchange proposes to define “Far Clearing Price” to mean the price at which Auction-Only Orders could be traded within the Auction Collar. See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(12).

    45 The Exchange proposes to define “Imbalance Freeze Indicator” to mean an indicator of whether a security is currently in an Auction Imbalance Freeze. See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(14).

    46 The Exchange proposes to define “Auction Indicator” to mean an indicator of whether an auction could be conducted, based on the applicable Auction Collar and Imbalance. See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(13).

    Other Changes Relating to Trading Pauses

    The Exchange proposes various changes to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to state that if a primary listing market issues a Trading Pause, the Exchange would resume trading as provided for in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.18(a).47 NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.18(a) provides that, if a UTP Listing Market declares a UTP Regulatory Halt for a security, during Core Trading Hours, the Exchange will halt trading until it receives the first Price Band in the halted security. The Exchange also proposes to state that if the Exchange is unable to re-open trading at the end of the Trading Pause due to a systems or technology issue, it would immediately notify the single plan processor responsible for consolidation of information for the security pursuant to Rule 603 of Regulation NMS.48 In addition, the Exchange proposes to delete obsolete rule text that governed Trading Pauses before the Plan was fully implemented.49

    47See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11(b)(2). This change is designed to be consistent across listing exchanges and to reflect the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan. Relatedly, the Exchange proposes to delete the rule text that currently states that if a primary listing market issues a Trading Pause, the Exchange would pause trading in that security until trading has resumed on the primary listing market or notice has been received from the primary listing market that trading may resume, and that if the primary listing market does not re-open the security within 10 minutes of notification of a Trading Pause, the Exchange may resume trading in the security. See id.

    48See proposed NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11(b)(1). This change is designed to be consistent across listing exchanges and to reflect the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan.

    49See proposed changes to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11(b).

    The Exchange represents that it will announce the implementation date of the proposed rule change via Trader Update to be issued after this proposed rule change is approved. The Exchange anticipates that this implementation will occur in the third quarter of 2017.50

    50See Amendment No. 1, supra note 5. For a more detailed description of the proposed rule change, see Notice, supra note 3.

    III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.51 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,52 which requires, among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. As noted above, the Commission received no comment letters regarding the proposed rule change.

    51 In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).

    52 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

    The Commission notes that the proposed rule change is designed, together with the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan,53 to address the issues experienced on August 24, 2015 by reducing the number of repeat Trading Pauses in a single NMS Stock.54 The Commission notes that the proposed rule change is also designed to further the goal of establishing a standardized approach for how Primary Listing Exchanges would conduct certain aspects of an automated re-opening following a Trading Pause, which should provide certainty for market participants regarding how a security would re-open following a Trading Pause, regardless of the listing exchange.55

    53See supra note 6.

    54See Notice, supra note 3, at 73165.

    55See id.

    With respect to the proposed Auction Reference Price and Auction Collars, the Commission finds reasonable the Exchange's belief that the price of the limit state that preceded the Trading Pause (i.e., either the Lower or Upper Price Band price) would better reflect the most recent price of the security, and therefore should be used as the Auction Reference Price.56 Moreover, the Commission believes that the proposed method for calculating the initial Auction Collars (i.e., the Auction Collar on the opposite side of the trading pressure would be the Price Band in place before the Trading Pause was triggered) would address the concept of mean reversion, as well as avoid a security from trading outside of a price that it would have been permitted to trade before the Trading Pause.57

    56See id.

    57See Notice, supra note 3, at 73161-62, 73165. As noted above, for MWCB Halts and regulatory halts, the Price Collar Threshold would continue to be applied on both sides of the Auction Reference Price. See supra note 13 and accompanying text.

    The Commission believes that extending the Trading Pause and widening Auction Collars on the side of the Impermissible Price would be a measured approach to provide additional time to attract offsetting interest, to help to address an imbalance that may not be resolved within the prior Auction Collars, and to reduce the potential for triggering another Trading Pause.58 Also, as the Exchange noted, widening Auction Collars only in the direction of the imbalance would address issues relating to the concept of mean reversion.59 Moreover, the Commission notes that the proposal to conduct a Closing Auction if a security is in a Trading Pause during the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Regular Trading Hours (instead of a Trading Halt Auction) would be consistent with the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan.60

    58See Notice, supra note 3, at 73165. The Exchange notes that applying specific aspects of the proposed changes to Trading Halt Auctions following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt would promote consistency in how the Exchange conducts its Trading Halt Auctions, thus reducing complexity in the marketplace. See id.

    59See id.

    60 As the Exchange noted, the proposed changes related to the treatment of MOO Orders, LOO Orders, and IO Orders under these circumstances would provide transparency regarding how orders that are designated to participate in a Trading Halt Auction only would be handled. See Notice, supra note 3, at 73162. Also, as the Exchange noted, if the Exchange goes directly from an unresolved Trading Pause, MWCB Halt, or regulatory halt to a Closing Auction, the existing narrower price collar thresholds applicable to the Closing Auction could result in Auction Collars that do not correlate to the trading condition for the stock. See id.

    The Commission believes that precluding ETP Holders from requesting a review of a Trading Halt Auction as a clearly erroneous execution is appropriate. As the Exchange noted, the proposed re-opening procedures would allow for widened collars, which may result in a re-opening price that would be away from prior trading prices, but the re-opening price would be the result of a measured and transparent process that reduces the potential that such trade would be considered erroneous.61

    61See Notice, supra note 3, at 73165.

    With respect to the proposed IO Order, as the Exchange noted, the IO Order is designed to attract offsetting interest for Trading Halt Auctions and would provide an option for market participants that are willing to participate in an auction to offset an imbalance, but do not want such orders to participate in continuous trading.62

    62See id. The Exchange notes that the proposed IO Order is based in part on the Closing Offset Order offered by the New York Stock Exchange LLC. See id.

    The Commission notes that, according to the Exchange, the proposed Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Freeze would provide market participants with a brief period to assess the imbalance going into a Trading Halt Auction.63 Moreover, during the Trading Halt Imbalance Freeze, order entry and cancellation would be revised in a manner designed to reduce imbalance.64 Further, the Exchange represents that allowing Limit Orders that do not participate in a Trading Halt Auction, but have a limit price within the applicable Auction Collars, to roll into continuous trading likely would not impact the pricing of post-auction trading and trigger another Trading Pause because the limit price of such orders would have been within the same price range that trading would have been permitted.65

    63See Notice, supra note 3, at 73165-66.

    64See Notice, supra note 3, at 73166. Currently, the Exchange provides an Auction Imbalance Freeze for the Early Open Auction, Core Open Auction, and Closing Auction. See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.35(a)(3).

    65See Notice, supra note 3, at 73166.

    In addition, the Commission believes that the proposed enhancements to the Auction Imbalance Information would further promote transparency around Trading Halt Auctions.66

    66See id.

    Finally, the Exchange represents that the proposed amendments to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.11 would remove obsolete rule text and amend the remaining rule text to conform to the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan.67

    67See Notice, supra note 3, at 73165.

    Based on the Exchange's representations mentioned above and in the Notice, and for the foregoing reasons, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 68 and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.

    68 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

    IV. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,69 that the proposed rule change (SR-NYSEArca-2016-130), as modified by Amendment No. 1, be, and hereby is, approved.

    69 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.70

    70 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01718 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-79845; File No. 4-631] Joint Industry Plan; Order Approving the Twelfth Amendment to the National Market System Plan To Address Extraordinary Market Volatility by Bats BZX Exchange, Inc., Bats BYX Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGA Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Investors Exchange LLC, NASDAQ BX, Inc., NASDAQ PHLX LLC, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE MKT LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. January 19, 2017. I. Introduction

    On September 19, 2016, NYSE Group, Inc., on behalf of the other parties 1 to the National Market System Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (the “Plan”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to Section 11A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) 2 and Rule 608 thereunder,3 a proposal to amend the Plan.4 The proposal represents the twelfth amendment to the Plan, and reflects proposed changes unanimously approved by the Participants (“Twelfth Amendment”). The proposed Twelfth Amendment was published for comment in the Federal Register on December 2, 2016.5 The Commission received two comment letters regarding the amendment.6 On January 17, 2017, the Participants submitted a letter to the Commission related to the Twelfth Amendment, which requests that the Commission modify the Twelfth Amendment to retain provisions in the Plan related to Straddle States.7 This order approves the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan, as modified.

    1 NYSE Group, Inc. filed on behalf of the following parties to the Plan: Bats BZX Exchange, Inc., Bats BYX Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGA Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Investors Exchange LLC, NASDAQ BX, Inc., NASDAQ PHLX LLC, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE MKT LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Participants”).

    2 15 U.S.C. 78k-1.

    3 17 CFR 242.608.

    4See Letter from Elizabeth King, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, NYSE, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, dated September 16, 2016.

    5See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79410 (November 28, 2016), 81 FR 87114 (“Notice”).

    6See Letters from Mortimer J. Buckley, Chief Investment Officer, Vanguard, dated December 23, 2016 (“Vanguard Letter”); and David W. Blass, General Counsel, Investment Company Institute, dated December 22, 2016 (“ICI Letter”) to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission.

    7See Letter from Elizabeth K. King, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, NYSE to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, dated January 13, 2017 (“Modification Letter”).

    II. Description of the Proposal

    In the Twelfth Amendment, the Participants propose to implement a modified reopening process following a Trading Pause.8 In particular, the Participants propose to amend the Plan to provide that a Trading Pause will continue until the Primary Listing Exchange has reopened trading using its established reopening procedures, even if such reopening is more than 10 minutes after the beginning of a Trading Pause, require that trading centers may not resume trading in an NMS Stock following a Trading Pause without Price Bands in such NMS Stock, and delete language made unnecessary in light of the proposed reopening procedures.9 In addition, the Participants propose to address the situation where there is no Reopening Price from the Primary Listing Exchange due to a systems or technology issue and make related changes regarding how the Reference Price would be determined and Price Bands calculated and disseminated following a resumption of trading. Further, the Participants propose to amend the Plan to provide that if an NMS Stock is in a Trading Pause during the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Regular Trading Hours, the Primary Listing Exchange shall attempt to execute a closing transaction using its established closing procedures. Finally, the Participants propose to clarify in the Plan the limited circumstances in which a trading center may calculate and apply Price Bands when a Reference Price is available but Price Bands have not been disseminated by the Processor (“Synthetic Price Bands”).

    8 Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

    9 The Primary Listing Exchanges filed proposed rule changes pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1), and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, 17 CFR 240.19b-4, relating to the changes to the reopening procedures proposed in the Twelfth Amendment. See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 79162 (October 26, 2016), 81 FR 75875 (November 1, 2016) (SR-BatsBZX-2016-61; 79158 (October 26, 2016), 81 FR 75879 November 1, 2016) (SR-NASDAQ-2016-131); and 79107 (October 18, 2016), 81 FR 73159 (October 24, 2016) (SR-NYSEArca-2016-130). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No 79846, (January 19, 2017) (SR-NYSEArca-2016-130).

    Finally, in the Twelfth Amendment, the Participants propose to remove provisions related to Straddle States. However, as described in the Modification Letter, the Participants have requested the Commission to modify the Twelfth Amendment to retain the provisions related to Straddle States in the Plan.

    III. Summary of Comment Letters

    The Commission received two comment letters on the proposed Twelfth Amendment, both supporting the proposed changes to the Plan related to the reopening process. One commenter noted that the proposed amendments to the Plan along with the related proposed rule changes submitted by the exchanges 10 “should improve the transparency of the reopening process, allow reopening auctions to establish more accurate prices, and make it less likely that trading in a security will be halted again shortly after trading resumes.” 11 This commenter further noted that “[I]mplementing these proposals also should increase market confidence by reducing the likelihood of the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan creating confusion during volatile markets, when clarity and certainty are most important.” 12 This commenter urged the Commission to approve the proposed Twelfth Amendment and corresponding rule changes, but noted that the Twelfth Amendment “does not address the discordance between the rules governing clearly erroneous executions and the limit up-limit down price bands, which contributes unnecessarily to uncertainty in the equity markets in volatile times.” 13 The second commenter urged the Commission to approve the Twelfth Amendment “without delay” and before considering a change to the Plan recommended by the Equity Market Structure Advisory Committee in which “securities in a limit state would not be halted pursuant to existing rules, but would be permitted to trade within established price bands.” 14 This commenter believes that “the Twelfth Amendment is an important step towards improving the equity markets and minimizing the likelihood of an event like August 24, 2015.” 15

    10See supra note 9.

    11See ICI Letter, supra note 6 at 2.

    12Id.

    13Id.

    14See Vanguard Letter, supra note 6, at 2.

    15Id.

    IV. Discussion and Commission Findings

    Rule 608 under Regulation NMS provides that the Commission shall approve an NMS plan amendment, with such changes or subject to such conditions as the Commission may deem necessary or appropriate, if it finds that the plan amendment is “necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a national market system, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.” 16 The Commission finds that the Twelfth Amendment, as modified, is consistent with Section 11A of the Act 17 and Rule 608 thereunder 18 because, for the reasons discussed below it is appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, and that it removes impediments to, and perfects the mechanism of, a national market system. The Commission notes that the Participants proposed the Twelfth Amendment to address issues experienced on August 24, 2015. In particular, the Participants believe that the changes to the Plan set forth in the Twelfth Amendment should reduce the number of repeat Trading Pauses in a single NMS Stock and establish a more standardized process across Primary Listing Exchanges in reopening trading following a Trading Pause.

    16 17 CFR 242.608(b)(2).

    17 15 U.S.C. 78k-1.

    18 17 CFR 242.608.

    A. Coordinated Reopening Procedures After a Trading Pause

    The Participants propose to remove the language in Plan Section VII(B)(3) that permits trading centers to begin trading an NMS Stock ten minutes after declaration of a Trading Pause in an NMS Stock if the Primary Listing Exchange has not either reported a Reopening Price or declared a Regulatory Halt.19 Accordingly, Trading Pauses would continue until a Primary Listing Market reports a Reopening Price, except in limited circumstances discussed below. In addition, the Participants propose to provide that trading centers may not resume trading in an NMS Stock following a Trading Pause without Price Bands in such NMS Stock.

    19 The Participants also propose to amend Section V(C) of the Plan to remove language, which describes the first Reference Price in situations when a Primary Listing Market does not reopen within ten minutes after the beginning of a Trading Pause. The Commission believes that with the adoption of the proposed amendments described above, the Plan text in Section V(C) is no longer necessary.

    The Commission believes that it is appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of a fair and orderly market to provide that a Trading Pause continue until the Primary Listing Exchange has reopened trading using its established reopening procedures, even if such reopening is more than 10 minutes after the beginning of a Trading Pause, and to require that trading centers may not resume trading in an NMS Stock following a Trading Pause without Price Bands in such NMS Stock. The Commission believes that these two provisions together support a more standardized process for reopening trading after a Trading Pause has been declared. Further, these provisions ensure that trading would not resume after a Trading Pause without Price Bands.

    B. Systems and Technology Issues

    The Participants propose to amend Section VII(B)(2) of the Plan to clarify that the only time trading centers may resume trading in an NMS Stock in the absence of a Reopening Price from the Primary Listing Exchange is if the Primary Listing Exchange notifies the Processor that it is unable to reopen trading due to a systems or technology issue. The Commission believes that this change is appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of a fair and orderly market because if a Primary Listing Exchange is unable to reopen trading due to a systems or technology issue, trading should be permitted to resume in that NMS Stock on other trading centers.

    Further, the Participants propose to add a new sentence to Section V(C)(1) of the Plan to specify that if the Primary Listing Exchange notifies the Processor that it is unable to reopen an NMS Stock due to a systems or technology issue, the next Reference Price would be the last effective Price Band that was in a Limit State before the Trading Pause. The Participants also propose to use this process for determining a Reference Price in situations where the Primary Listing Exchange reopens trading with a quotation that has a zero bid or offer, or both. The Commission believes that it is appropriate to use the last effective Price Band as the new Reference Price in these situations. As noted by the Participants, using the last effective Price Band that triggered the Trading Pause should be a closer approximation of the most recent trading in the NMS Stock, which should help to prevent repeat Trading Pauses.

    The Participants also propose to provide that if, under Section VII(B)(2), the Primary Listing Exchange notifies the Processor that it is unable to reopen an NMS Stock due to a systems or technology issue and it has not declared a Regulatory Halt, the Processor will calculate and disseminate Price Bands by applying triple the Percentage Parameters set forth in Appendix A to the Plan for the first 30 seconds such Price Bands are disseminated. The Commission notes that the Plan currently reflects that triple Percentage Parameters are applied if trading resumes ten minutes after a Trading Pause has been declared when the Primary Listing Exchange has not issued a Reopening Price. Accordingly, the Commission believes that that it is appropriate to apply triple Percentage Parameters to the new limited instances when a Reopening Price is not disseminated.

    Finally, the Participants propose to amend Section VII(B)(4) of the Plan to clarify that the Processor shall update the Price Bands, as set forth in Section V(C)(1)-(2) of the Plan, after receiving notification from the Primary Listing Exchange of a Reopening Price following a Trading Pause (or a resume message in the case of a reopening quote that has a zero bid or zero offer, or both), or notification that the Primary Listing Exchange is unable to reopen trading following a Trading Pause due to a systems or technology issue. In instances when the Primary Listing Exchange is unable to reopen due to a systems or technology issue, the Processor shall update the Price Bands no earlier than ten minutes after the beginning of the Trading Pause. The Commission believes that these changes are appropriate to clarify the requirements of the Processor to update the Price Bands in all situations following a Trading Pause.

    C. Trading Pauses Before the End of Regular Trading Hours

    The Participants propose to amend Section VII(C)(1) of the Plan to provide that if an NMS Stock is in a Trading Pause during the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Regular Trading Hours, the Primary Listing Exchange shall, rather than seek to resume trading through its established reopening procedures, attempt to execute a closing transaction using its established closing procedures. The Commission believes that this change is appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of a fair and orderly market to accommodate the new standardized process for reopening trading. As noted above, all trading centers must wait to resume trading in an NMS Stock subject to a Trading Pause until the Primary Listing Exchange has reported a Reopening Price. It is possible that a Trading Pause that was declared before the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Regular Trading Hours could be extended until after the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Regular Trading Hours. The Commission believes that it is appropriate to amend the Plan to reflect in such case, that trading in the NMS Stock should not resume, and instead the Primary Listing Exchange should attempt to execute a closing transaction using established closing procedures.

    D. Synthetic Price Bands

    The Participants propose to amend Section V(A)(1) of the Plan to clarify that if the Processor has not yet disseminated Price Bands, but a Reference Price is available, a trading center may calculate and apply Synthetic Price Bands based on the same Reference Price that the Processor would use for calculating such Price Bands until the trading center receives Price Bands from the Processor. The Commission believes that this change is appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of a fair and orderly market because it will make clear that, while a trading center may not resume trading in an NMS Stock following a Trading Pause without Price Bands in such NMS Stock, when a Reference Price is available, a trading center is permitted to calculate and apply its own Synthetic Price Bands before Price Bands have been received from the Processor.

    E. Straddle States

    In the Twelfth Amendment, the Participants proposed to remove provisions in the Plan related to Straddle States. In its Modification Letter, the Participants request that the Commission approve the Twelfth Amendment, as modified, to retain the provisions related to Straddle States.20 The Participants note that they intend to further study alternatives to eliminating Straddle States from the Plan. The Commission deems it necessary to modify the Twelfth Amendment so that the provisions related to Straddle States are retained. The Commission believes that further data analysis is appropriate to evaluate alternatives to eliminating Straddle States from the Plan.

    20See Modification Letter, supra note 7.

    For the reasons noted above, the Commission finds that the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan, as modified, is consistent with Section 11A of the Act 21 and Rule 608 thereunder.22

    21 15 U.S.C. 78k-1.

    22 17 CFR 242.608. Consistent with their representations set forth in the Notice, the Commission expects the Participants to implement the Twelfth Amendment, as modified, no later than six months after the date of this order.

    V. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 11A of the Act 23 and Rule 608 thereunder,24 that the Twelfth Amendment to the Plan (File No. 4-631), as modified, be, and it hereby is, approved.

    23 15 U.S.C. 78k-1.

    24 17 CFR 242.608.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.25

    25 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(29).

    Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01717 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-79849; File No. SR-NASDAQ-2017-005] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Eliminate Fees at Rule 7015(h) Assessed for VTE Terminal Connectivity January 19, 2017.

    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), 1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on January 11, 2017, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III, below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.

    1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

    2 17 CFR 240.19b-4.

    I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to eliminate the Exchange's fees at Rule 7015(h) assessed for VTE terminal connectivity, which is no longer offered by the Exchange.

    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at http://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

    II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

    A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose

    The purpose of the proposed rule change is to eliminate VTE terminal fees under Rule 7015(h), since the Exchange no longer offers VTE terminal connectivity. A VTE terminal was a basic front-end user interface used by Nasdaq members to connect to, and enter orders in, The Nasdaq Market Center. Members using VTE terminals paid the exchanges and market centers separately for data feeds and services provided by Nasdaq, other exchanges or market centers through VTE.3

    3 Such fees are filed with the SEC and separately assessed by the exchanges and market centers at the same rate irrespective of the method of accessing the data feeds.

    Effective June 1, 2016, the Exchange increased the fees assessed for VTE connectivity, noting that the pricing changes were warranted in order to appropriately balance the decreasing demand for the product with increasing platform, overhead, and technology infrastructure costs.4 The Exchange also noted that, because VTE was based on outdated technology and that members have other options for connecting to, and entering orders in, The Nasdaq Market Center, Nasdaq planned to phase out the service in its entirety on or before January 31, 2017.5 There are currently no subscribers to VTE terminals, and the Exchange has begun the process of decommissioning the service. Accordingly, the Exchange is proposing to eliminate the VTE terminal fees and related text from its rulebook.

    4 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78051 (June 13, 2016), 81 FR 39739 (June 17, 2016) (SR-NASDAQ-2016-078).

    5Id.

    2. Statutory Basis

    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,6 in general, and furthers the objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and 6(b)(5) of the Act,7 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among members and issuers and other persons using any facility, and is not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.

    6 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).

    7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).

    The Exchange believes that elimination of the fees is reasonable because the Exchange no longer offers the service, thus making the fees irrelevant. The Exchange believes that elimination of the fee and related rule text is an equitable allocation and is not unfairly discriminatory because there are no longer subscribers to the service, and elimination of the fee and related rule text will not impact members differently. Thus, the proposed change will not discriminate among members in any way and will be allocated equitably.

    B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed change removes fees and related text from the rules, which applied to a connectivity service that the Exchange no longer offers. The Exchange notes that VTE connectivity was entirely optional and members were able avail themselves of numerous other means of accessing The Nasdaq Market Center. In fact, the Exchange determined to decommission the connectivity option because of declining subscribership, the age of the technology, and because members have other options for connecting to, and entering orders in, The Nasdaq Market Center. Members recognized the limited utility of the connectivity option in light of more modern options, and over time all subscribers chose to cancel their subscriptions. Thus, the proposed change is not burdening competition in any way, but rather reflects the consequences of robust competition where trading venues are compelled to offer superior connectivity options, which ultimately supplant connectivity based on old technology.

    C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

    III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act.8

    8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is: (i) Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the protection of investors; or (iii) otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

    IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

    Electronic Comments

    • Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or

    • Send an email to [email protected]. Please include File Number SR-NASDAQ-2017-005 on the subject line.

    Paper Comments

    • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASDAQ-2017-005. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASDAQ-2017-005 and should be submitted on or before February 16, 2017.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.9

    9 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01719 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-79843; File No. SR-FICC-2016-801] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of No Objection to Advance Notice Filing To Implement a Change to the Methodology Used in the MBSD VaR Model January 19, 2017.

    On November 23, 2016, the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (“FICC”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the advance notice SR-FICC-2016-801 pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of the Payment, Clearing, and Settlement Supervision Act of 2010 (“Clearing Supervision Act”) 1 and Rule 19b-4(n)(1)(i) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”).2 The advance notice was published for comment in the Federal Register on December 28, 2016.3 The Commission did not receive any comments on the advance notice. This publication serves as notice that the Commission does not object to the changes set forth in the advance notice.

    1 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1). The Financial Stability Oversight Council designated FICC a systemically important financial market utility on July 18, 2012. See Financial Stability Oversight Council 2012 Annual Report, Appendix A, http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/fsoc/Documents/2012%20Annual%20Report.pdf. Therefore, FICC is required to comply with the Clearing Supervision Act and file advance notices with the Commission. See 12 U.S.C. 5465(e).

    2 17 CFR 240.19b-4(n)(1)(i).

    3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79643 (December 21, 2016), 81 FR 95669 (December 28, 2016) (SR-FICC-2016-801) (“Notice”). FICC also filed a proposed rule change with the Commission pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Exchange Act and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, seeking approval of changes to its rules necessary to implement the proposal. 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1) and 17 CFR 240.19b-4, respectively. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on December 13, 2016. Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79491 (December 7, 2016), 81 FR 90001 (December 13, 2016) (SR-FICC-2016-007). The Commission did not receive any comments on the proposed rule change.

    I. Description of the Advance Notice

    As described by FICC in the advance notice, FICC proposes to change the methodology that it currently uses in the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division's (“MBSD”) value-at-risk (“VaR”) model from one that employs a full revaluation approach to one that would employ a sensitivity approach.4 In connection with this change, FICC also proposes to amend the MBSD Clearing Rules (“MBSD Rules”) to: (i) Amend the definition of VaR Charge 5 to reference an alternative volatility calculation (“Margin Proxy”) that FICC would use in the event that data used for the sensitivity approach is unavailable for an extended period of time; 6 (ii) revise the definition of VaR Charge to include a VaR floor that FICC would use as an alternative to the amount calculated by the proposed VaR model for portfolios where the VaR floor would be greater than the model-based charge amount (“VaR Floor”); (iii) eliminate two components from the Required Fund Deposit 7 calculation that would no longer be necessary following implementation of the proposed VaR Charge; and (iv) change the margining approach that FICC may use for certain securities with inadequate historical pricing data from one that calculates charges using a historic index volatility model to one that would use a haircut method.

    4 The proposed sensitivity approach methodology would be reflected in the Methodology and Model Operations Document—MBSD Quantitative Risk Model (“QRM Methodology”). FICC requested confidential treatment of the QRM Methodology and filed it separately with the Secretary of the Commission, pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Exchange Act. See 17 CFR 240.24b-2.

    5 The term “VaR Charge” means, with respect to each margin portfolio, a calculation of the volatility of specified net unsettled positions of an MBSD clearing member, as of the time of such calculation. See MBSD Rule 1.

    6 Details of the Margin Proxy methodology would be reflected in the QRM Methodology.

    7 The term “Required Fund Deposit” means the amount an MBSD clearing member is required to deposit to the Clearing Fund pursuant to MBSD Rule 4. See MBSD Rule 1 and MBSD Rule 4 Section 2.

    A. Overview of the Required Fund Deposit and Clearing Fund Calculation

    A key tool that FICC uses to manage market risk is the daily calculation and collection of Required Fund Deposits from MBSD clearing members (“Clearing Members”).8 The Required Fund Deposit serves as each Clearing Member's margin. The aggregate of all Clearing Members' Required Fund Deposits constitutes the Clearing Fund 9 of MBSD, which FICC would access should a defaulting Clearing Member's own Required Fund Deposit be insufficient to satisfy losses to FICC caused by the liquidation of that Clearing Member's portfolio.

    8 The term “Clearing Member” means any entity admitted into membership pursuant to MBSD Rule 2A. See MBSD Rule 1.

    9 The term “Clearing Fund” means the Clearing Fund established by FICC pursuant to MBSD Rules, which shall be comprised of the aggregate of all Required Fund Deposits and all other deposits, including cross-guaranty repayment deposits. See MBSD Rule 1.

    According to FICC, the objective of a Clearing Member's Required Fund Deposit is to mitigate potential losses to FICC associated with liquidation of such Clearing Member's portfolio in the event that FICC ceases to act for such Clearing Member (i.e., a “default”).10 Pursuant to MBSD Rules, each Clearing Member's Required Fund Deposit amount consists of multiple components. Of all of the components, the VaR Charge comprises the largest portion of a Clearing Member's Required Fund Deposit amount.

    10See Notice, 81 FR at 95670.

    Generally, the VaR Charge is calculated using a risk-based margin methodology that is intended to capture the market price risk associated with the securities in a Clearing Member's portfolio. More specifically, FICC calculates the VaR Charge using a methodology referred to as the full revaluation approach. The full revaluation approach uses a historical simulation method to fully re-price each security in a Clearing Member's portfolio. According to FICC, the methodology is designed to project the potential gains or losses that could occur in connection with the liquidation of a defaulting Clearing Member's portfolio, assuming that a portfolio would take three days to hedge or liquidate in normal market conditions.11 The projected liquidation gains or losses are used to determine the amount of the VaR Charge, which is calculated to cover projected liquidation losses at a 99 percent confidence level.12

    11Id.

    12 The 99 percent confidence level does not apply to unregistered investment pool clearing members, which are subject to a VaR Charge with a higher minimum targeted confidence level assumption of 99.5 percent.

    If FICC determines that a security's price history is incomplete and the market price risk cannot be calculated by the VaR model, then FICC applies the Margin Proxy until such security's trading history and pricing reflects market risk factors that can be appropriately calibrated from the security's historical data.13

    13See MBSD Rule 4 Section 2(c).

    B. Proposed Changes to the VaR Charge Calculation

    According to FICC, during the volatile market period that occurred during the second and third quarters of 2013, FICC's full revaluation approach did not respond effectively to the levels of market volatility at that time, and the model did not achieve a 99 percent confidence level.14 This prompted FICC to employ the Margin Proxy—a supplemental risk charge to ensure that each Clearing Member's VaR Charge would achieve a minimum 99 percent confidence level.15

    14See Notice, 81 FR at 95670.

    15 The Margin Proxy is currently used to provide supplemental coverage to the VaR Charge; however, under this proposed change, the Margin Proxy would only be used as an alternative volatility calculation in the event that the requisite data used for the sensitivity approach is unavailable for an extended period of time.

    FICC reviewed the existing model's deficiencies, examined the root causes of the deficiencies, and considered options that would remediate the model weaknesses. As a result of this review, FICC now proposes to change MBSD's methodology for calculating the VaR Charge by: (i) Replacing the full revaluation approach with the sensitivity approach; (ii) using the Margin Proxy as an alternative volatility calculation in the event that the data used for the sensitivity approach is unavailable for an extended period of time; and (iii) establishing a VaR Floor to address a circumstance where the proposed VaR model yields a VaR Charge amount that is lower than 5 basis points of the market value of a Clearing Member's gross unsettled positions.16

    16 Assuming the market value of gross unsettled positions of $500,000,000, the VaR Floor calculation would be .0005 multiplied by $500,000,000 = $250,000. If the VaR model charge is less than $250,000, then the VaR Floor calculation of $250,000 would be set as the VaR Charge.

    (i) Proposed Sensitivity Approach

    FICC's current full revaluation method uses valuation algorithms to fully re-price each security in a Clearing Member's portfolio over a range of historically simulated scenarios. While there are benefits to this method, according to FICC, its deficiencies are that it requires significant historical market data inputs, calibration of various model parameters, and extensive quantitative support for price simulations.17 FICC believes that the proposed sensitivity approach would address these deficiencies because it would leverage external vendor expertise in supplying the market risk attributes,18 which would then be incorporated by FICC into its model to calculate the VaR Charge.19

    17See Notice, 81 FR at 95670.

    18 The risk factors that would be incorporated into MBSD's proposed VaR methodology are key rate, convexity, spread, volatility, mortgage basis and time, as more fully described in the Notice. See Notice, 81 FR at 95671.

    19 FICC states that by leveraging external vendor expertise, FICC would not need to develop such expertise in-house to supply the market risk attributes that would then be incorporated by FICC into its model to calculate the VaR Charge. See Notice, 81 FR at 95671.

    Because data quality is an important component of calculating the VaR Charge, FICC would conduct independent data checks to verify the accuracy and consistency of the data feed received from the vendor. According to FICC, it has reviewed a description of the vendor's calculation methodology and the manner in which the market data is used to calibrate the vendor's models, and it states that it understands and is comfortable with the vendor's controls, governance process, and data quality standards.20 Additionally, FICC would conduct an independent review of the vendor's release of a new version of the model. To the extent that the vendor changes its model and methodologies that produce the risk factors and risk sensitivities, FICC would review the effects (if any) of these changes on FICC's proposed sensitivity approach. Moreover, according to FICC, it does not believe that engaging the vendor would present a conflict of interest to FICC because the vendor is not an existing Clearing Member nor are any of the vendor's affiliates existing Clearing Members.21 To the extent that the vendor or any of its affiliates submit an application to become a Clearing Member, FICC states that it will negotiate an appropriate information barrier with the applicant in an effort to prevent a conflict of interest from arising.22

    20See Notice, 81 FR at 95671.

    21See Notice, 81 FR at 95672.

    22 The Commission understands that FICC will address any potential conflicts of interest.

    According to FICC, the sensitivity approach would provide three key benefits.23 First, the sensitivity approach would incorporate both historical data and current risk factor sensitivities while the full revaluation approach is calibrated with only historical data. According to FICC, the integration of both observed risk factor changes and current market conditions would enable the model to more effectively respond to current market price moves that may not be reflected in the historical price moves.24 FICC performed backtesting to validate the performance of the proposed model and determine the impact on the VaR Charge. According to FICC, the backtesting results and impact study show that the sensitivity approach provides better coverage on volatile days and a material improvement in margin coverage, while not significantly increasing the overall Clearing Fund.25 FICC believes that the proposed sensitivity approach would be more responsive to changing market dynamics and would not negatively impact FICC or its Clearing Members.26

    23See Notice, 81 FR at 95671.

    24Id.

    25Id.

    26Id.

    Second, FICC states that the proposed sensitivity approach would provide more transparency to Clearing Members. Since Clearing Members typically use risk factor analysis for their own risk and financial reporting, these Clearing Members would have comparable data and analysis to assess the variation in their VaR Charges based on changes in the market value of their portfolios. Therefore, Clearing Members would be able to simulate the VaR Charge to a closer degree than under the existing VaR model.

    Third, FICC states that the proposed sensitivity approach would better provide FICC with the ability to increase the look-back period used to generate the risk scenarios from one year to 10 years plus an additional stressed period, as determined necessary by FICC.27 The extended look-back period would be used to ensure that the historical simulation is inclusive of stressed market periods. While FICC could extend the one-year look-back period in the existing full revaluation approach to a 10-year look-back period, performance of the existing model could deteriorate if current market conditions are materially different than indicated in the historical data. Additionally, since the full revaluation method requires FICC to maintain in-house complex pricing models and mortgage prepayment models, enhancing these models to extend the look-back period to include 10-years of historical data would involve significant model development.

    27 Under the proposed model, the 10-year look-back period would include the 2008/2009 financial crisis scenario. To the extent that an equally or more stressed market period does not occur when the 2008/2009 financial crisis period is phased out from the 10-year look-back period (e.g., from September 2018 onward), FICC would continue to include the 2008/2009 financial crisis scenario in its historical scenarios. However, if an equally or more stressed market period emerges in the future, FICC may choose not to augment its 10-year historical scenarios with those from the 2008/2009 financial crisis. On an annual basis, FICC would assess whether an additional stressed period should be included. This assessment would include a review of: (i) The largest moves in the dominating market risk factor of the proposed VaR model; (ii) the impact analyses resulting from the removal and/or addition of a stressed period; and (iii) the backtesting results of the proposed look-back period.

    (ii) Proposed Margin Proxy

    In connection with FICC's proposal to source data for the proposed sensitivity approach from an external vendor, FICC is also proposing procedures that would govern in the event that the vendor fails to provide sensitivity data and risk factor data. If the vendor fails to provide any data or a significant portion of the data timely, FICC would use the most recently available data on the first day that such data disruption occurs.28 If it is determined that the vendor will resume providing data within five business days, management would determine whether the VaR Charge should continue to be calculated by using the most recently available data along with an extended look-back period or whether the Margin Proxy should be invoked, as described below. If it is determined that the data disruption will extend beyond five business days, the Margin Proxy would be applied.

    28 FICC states it has existing policies and procedures in accordance with Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (“SCI”), 17 CFR 242.1001(c)(1) (“Regulation SCI”), to determine whether a disruption to, or significant downgrade of, the normal operation of FICC's risk management system has occurred as defined under Regulation SCI. In the event that the vendor fails to provide the requisite sensitivity data and risk factor data, the responsible SCI personnel at FICC would determine whether an SCI event has occurred, and FICC would fulfill its obligations with respect to the SCI event.

    FICC would calculate the Margin Proxy on a daily basis, and the Margin Proxy method would be subject to monthly performance review. FICC would monitor the performance of the calculation on a monthly basis to ensure that it could be used in the circumstance described above. Specifically, FICC would monitor each Clearing Member's Required Fund Deposit and the aggregate Clearing Fund requirements versus the requirements calculated by Margin Proxy. FICC would also backtest the Margin Proxy results versus the three-day profit and loss based on actual market price moves. If FICC observes material differences between the Margin Proxy calculations and the aggregate Clearing Fund requirement calculated using the proposed VaR model, or if the Margin Proxy's backtesting results do not meet FICC's 99 percent confidence level, management may recommend remedial actions, such as increasing the look-back period and/or applying an appropriate historical stressed period to the Margin Proxy calibration.

    (iii) Proposed Change To Establish a VaR Floor

    FICC proposes to amend the definition of VaR Charge to include a VaR Floor. The VaR Floor would be used as an alternative to the amount calculated by the proposed model for portfolios where the VaR Floor would be greater than the model-based charge amount. FICC's proposal to establish a VaR Floor seeks to address the risk that the proposed VaR model may calculate too low a VaR Charge for certain portfolios where the VaR model applies substantial risk offsets among long and short positions in different classes of mortgage-backed securities that have a high degree of historical price correlation. According to FICC, because this high degree of historical price correlation may not apply in future changing market conditions,29 it is prudent to apply a VaR Floor that is based upon the market value of the gross unsettled positions in the Clearing Member's portfolio to protect FICC against such risk in the event that FICC is required to liquidate a large mortgage-backed securities portfolio in stressed market conditions.

    29 According to FICC, for example, and without limitation, certain classes of mortgage-backed securities may have highly correlated historical price returns despite having different coupons. However, if future mortgage market conditions were to generate substantially greater prepayment activity for some but not all such classes, these historical correlations could break down, leading to model-generated offsets that would not adequately capture a portfolio's risk.

    C. Proposed Change to Eliminate the Coverage Charge and the Margin Requirement Differential

    FICC proposes to eliminate two components of the Required Fund Deposit—the Coverage Charge 30 and the Margin Requirement Differential (“MRD”) 31 —that FICC believes would become unnecessary with the proposed changes to the VaR Charge. Both components are based on historical portfolio activity, which may not be indicative of a Clearing Member's current risk profile, but were determined by FICC to be appropriate to address potential shortfalls in margin charges under the existing VaR model.

    30 The Coverage Charge is an additional charge to help bring a Clearing Member's margin coverage to a targeted confidence level by preemptively increasing the Required Fund Deposit by an amount calculated to forecast potential deficiencies in the margin coverage. See MBSD Rule 1.

    31 The MRD is designed to help mitigate the risks posed to FICC by day-over-day fluctuations in a Clearing Member's portfolio. It does this by forecasting future changes in a Clearing Member's portfolio based on a historical look-back of each portfolio over a given time period. See MBSD Rule 4 Section 2.

    According to FICC, as part of the development and assessment of the sensitivity approach for the proposed VaR model, FICC obtained an independent validation of the proposed model by an external party, backtested the model's performance and analyzed the impact of the margin changes. Results of the analysis indicated that the proposed sensitivity approach would be more responsive to changing market dynamics and a Clearing Member's portfolio composition coverage than the existing model. The model validation and backtesting analysis also demonstrated that the proposed sensitivity model would provide sufficient margin coverage on a standalone basis. Because testing and validation of MBSD's proposed VaR model show a material improvement in margin coverage, FICC believes that the Coverage Charge and MRD components are no longer necessary.

    D. Proposed Change To Replace the Historic Index Volatility Model With a Haircut Method

    According to FICC, occasionally, portfolios contain classes of securities that reflect market price changes not consistently related to historical risk factors. The value of these securities is often uncertain because the securities' market volume varies widely, which limits their price histories. Since the volume and price information for such securities is not robust, a historical simulation approach would not generate VaR Charge amounts that adequately reflect the risk profile of such securities. Currently, MBSD Rule 4 provides that FICC may use a historic index volatility model to calculate the VaR component of the Required Fund Deposit for these classes of securities.32 FICC is proposing to amend MBSD Rule 4 to replace the historic index volatility model with a haircut method. FICC believes that the haircut method would better capture the risk profile of these securities because the lack of adequate historical data makes it difficult to map such securities to a historic index volatility model.

    32See MBSD Rule 4 Section 2(c).

    FICC proposes to calculate the component of the Required Fund Deposit applicable to these securities by applying a fixed haircut level to the gross market value of the positions. FICC has selected an initial haircut of one percent based on its analysis of a five-year historical study of three-day returns during a period that such securities were traded. This percentage would be reviewed annually or more frequently if market conditions warrant and updated, if necessary, to ensure sufficient coverage.

    II. Discussion and Commission Findings

    Although the Clearing Supervision Act does not specify a standard of review for an advance notice, its stated purpose is instructive: To mitigate systemic risk in the financial system and promote financial stability by, among other things, promoting uniform risk management standards for systemically important financial market utilities and strengthening the liquidity of systemically important financial market utilities.33 Section 805(a)(2) of the Clearing Supervision Act 34 authorizes the Commission to prescribe risk management standards for the payment, clearing, and settlement activities of designated clearing entities and financial institutions engaged in designated activities for which it is the Supervisory Agency or the appropriate financial regulator. Section 805(b) of the Clearing Supervision Act 35 states that the objectives and principles for the risk management standards prescribed under Section 805(a) shall be to:

    33See 12 U.S.C. 5461(b).

    34 12 U.S.C. 5464(a)(2).

    35 12 U.S.C. 5464(b).

    • Promote robust risk management;

    • promote safety and soundness;

    • reduce systemic risks; and

    • support the stability of the broader financial system.

    The Commission has adopted risk management standards under Section 805(a)(2) of the Clearing Supervision Act 36 and Section 17A of the Exchange Act (“Clearing Agency Standards”).37 The Clearing Agency Standards require registered clearing agencies to establish, implement, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to meet certain minimum requirements for their operations and risk management practices on an ongoing basis.38 Therefore, it is appropriate for the Commission to review proposed changes in advance notices against the objectives and principles of these risk management standards as described in Section 805(b) of the Clearing Supervision Act and in the Clearing Agency Standards.

    36 12 U.S.C. 5464(a)(2).

    37See 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22. Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68080 (October 22, 2012), 77 FR 66220 (November 2, 2012) (S7-08-11).

    38Id.

    A. Consistency With Section 805(b) of the Clearing Supervision Act

    The Commission believes that the changes proposed in the advance notice are consistent with the objectives and principles described in Section 805(b) of the Clearing Supervision Act.39

    39 12 U.S.C. 5464(b).

    As discussed above, FICC is proposing a number of changes to the way it calculates its Required Fund Deposits—a key tool that FICC uses to mitigate potential losses to FICC associated with liquidating a Clearing Member's portfolio in the event of Clearing Member default. The Commission believes that the proposed changes are consistent with promoting robust risk management because they are designed to enable FICC to better limit its exposure to Clearing Members in the event of Clearing Member default.

    First, FICC proposes to implement the sensitivity approach to its VaR Charge calculation. The change would enable FICC to better limit its exposure to Clearing Members by correcting deficiencies in MBSD's existing VaR methodology by leveraging an external vendor's expertise in supplying market risk attributes used to calculate the VaR Charge in the proposed sensitivity approach. In turn, the sensitivity approach would enable FICC to view and respond more effectively to market volatility by allowing FICC to attribute market price moves to various risk factors such as key rates. Second, the proposal to implement the Margin Proxy as a back-up methodology to the sensitivity approach would enable FICC to better limit its exposure to Clearing Members by helping ensure that FICC could continue to calculate each Clearing Member's VaR Charge in the event that FICC experiences a data disruption with the vendor that supplies the sensitivity data. Third, FICC's proposal to implement the VaR Floor is designed to enable FICC to better limit its exposure to Clearing Members in the event that the proposed sensitivity VaR model calculates too low of a VaR Charge for portfolios where the model applies substantial offsets from certain offsetting long and short positions. Fourth, the proposed change to implement a haircut method for securities with inadequate historical pricing data would enable FICC to better limit its exposure to Clearing Members by better capturing the risk profile of the securities. Finally, FICC's proposal to remove the Coverage Charge and MRD components would enable FICC to remove unnecessary components from the Clearing Fund calculation that may not be indicative of a Clearing Member's current risk profile.

    Therefore, because the proposal is designed to enable FICC to better limit its exposure to Clearing Members in the manner described above, the Commission believes it is consistent with promoting robust risk management.

    Furthermore, the Commission believes that the changes proposed in the advance notice are consistent with promoting safety and soundness, which, in turn, is consistent with reducing systemic risks and supporting the stability of the broader financial system, consistent with Section 805(b) of the Clearing Supervision Act.40 The proposed changes are designed to better limit FICC's exposure to Clearing Members in the event of Clearing Member default. As discussed above, the sensitivity approach would enable FICC to view and respond more effectively to market volatility. The Margin Proxy would help manage data disruption. The VaR Floor would ensure FICC collects at least a minimum VaR Charge. The haircut method would better capture the risk profile of securities with inadequate historical pricing data. Finally, removing the Coverage Charge and MRD would help ensure the Clearing Fund calculation would not include unnecessary components that may not be indicative of a Clearing Member's current risk profile. By better limiting exposure to Clearing Members, the proposed changes are designed to ensure that, in the event of Clearing Member default, MBSD's operations would not be disrupted and non-defaulting Clearing Members would not be exposed to losses that they cannot anticipate or control. This is consistent with promoting safety and soundness, which in turn, is consistent with reducing systemic risks and supporting the stability of the broader financial system.

    40Id.

    B. Consistency with Rule 17Ad-22(b)(1) and (b)(2) Under the Exchange Act

    The Commission believes that FICC's proposal is consistent with Clearing Agency Standards, in particular, Rules 17Ad-22(b)(1) and (b)(2) under the Exchange Act.41 Rule 17Ad-22(b)(1) under the Exchange Act 42 requires a registered clearing agency that performs central counterparty services to establish, implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to, among other things, limit its exposures to potential losses from defaults by its participants under normal market conditions so that the operations of the clearing agency would not be disrupted and non-defaulting participants would not be exposed to losses that they cannot anticipate or control. FICC's proposal would enable FICC to better limit its exposure to potential losses from defaults by its Clearing Members under normal market conditions. As discussed above, the sensitivity approach would enable FICC to view and respond more effectively to market volatility. The Margin Proxy would help manage data disruption. The VaR Floor would ensure FICC collects at least a minimum VaR Charge. The haircut method would better capture the risk profile of securities with inadequate historical pricing data. Finally, removing the Coverage Charge and MRD would help ensure the Clearing Fund calculation would not include unnecessary components that may not be indicative of a Clearing Member's current risk profile. By better limiting its exposures to potential losses from defaults by its participants under normal market conditions, the proposed changes are designed to ensure that the operations of the clearing agency would not be disrupted and non-defaulting participants would not be exposed to losses that they cannot anticipate or control. Therefore, the Commission believes this proposal is consistent with Rule 17Ad-22(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.43

    41 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(b)(1) and (b)(2).

    42 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(b)(1).

    43Id.

    Rule 17Ad-22(b)(2) under the Exchange Act 44 requires a registered clearing agency that performs central counterparty services to establish, implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to, among other things, use margin requirements to limit its credit exposures to participants under normal market conditions and use risk-based models and parameters to set margin requirements. The Required Fund Deposits are the margin requirements that FICC collects to limit its credit exposures to participants under normal market conditions. Additionally, FICC's proposed changes use a risk-based model (i.e., the sensitivity approach) and parameters (e.g., the VaR Floor and Margin Proxy) to set margin requirements. The proposed changes are designed to improve FICC's margin requirements to better limit FICC's credit exposures to Clearing Members, in the event of default, under normal market conditions. Therefore, the Commission believes this proposal is consistent with Rule 17Ad-22(b)(2) under the Exchange Act 45

    44 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(b)(2).

    45Id.

    For these reasons, the Commission does not object to the advance notice.

    III. Conclusion

    It is therefore noticed, pursuant to Section 806(e)(1)(I) of the Clearing Supervision Act,46 that the Commission does not object to this advance notice proposal (SR-FICC-2016-801) and that FICC is authorized to implement the proposal as of the date of this notice or the date of an order by the Commission approving a proposed rule change that reflects rule changes that are consistent with this advance notice proposal (SR-FICC-2016-007), whichever is later.

    46 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1)(I).

    By the Commission.

    Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01716 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
    SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM Forms Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Extension of Clearance AGENCY:

    Selective Service System.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    The following forms have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extension of clearance in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35):

    SSS Form—402

    Title: Uncompensated Registrar Appointment Form.

    Purpose: Is used to verify the official status of applicants for the position of Uncompensated Registrars and to establish authority for those appointed to perform as Selective Service System Registrars.

    Respondents: United States citizens over the age of 18.

    Frequency: One time.

    Burden: The reporting burden is three minutes or less per respondent.

    Copies of the above identified form can be obtained upon written request to the Selective Service System, Reports Clearance Officer, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-2425.

    Written comments and recommendations for the proposed extension of clearance of the form should be sent within 30 days of the publication of this notice to the Selective Service System, Reports Clearance Officer, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-2425.

    A copy of the comments should be sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Desk Officer, Selective Service System, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 3235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Lawrence Romo, Director.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01791 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8015-01-P
    SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM Forms Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Extension of Clearance AGENCY:

    Selective Service System.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    The following forms have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extension of clearance in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35):

    SSS Form—404

    Title: Potential Board Member Information.

    Purpose: Is used to identify individuals willing to serve as members of local, appeal or review boards in the Selective Service System.

    Respondents: Potential Board Members.

    Burden: A burden of 15 minutes or less on the individual respondent.

    Copies of the above identified form can be obtained upon written request to the Selective Service System, Reports Clearance Officer, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-2425.

    Written comments and recommendations for the proposed extension of clearance of the form should be sent within 30 days of the publication of this notice to the Selective Service System, Reports Clearance Officer, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-2425.

    A copy of the comments should be sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Desk Officer, Selective Service System, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 3235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: January 19, 2017. Lawrence Romo, Director.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01792 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8015-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 9863] Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “British Modern Prints From the British Museum: From the Great War to the Grosvenor School” Exhibition SUMMARY:

    Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257-1 of December 11, 2015), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition “British Modern Prints from the British Museum: From the Great War to the Grosvenor School,” imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owner or custodian. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the University of San Diego, San Diego, California, from on or about February 10, 2017, until on or about May 19, 2017, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For further information, including a list of the imported objects, contact the Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202-632-6471; email: [email protected]). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, SA-5, Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522-0505.

    Alyson Grunder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01705 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-05-P
    SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval and Merger of Collections: Statutory Licensing Authority ACTION:

    Notice and Request for Comments.

    AGENCY:

    Surface Transportation Board.

    SUMMARY:

    As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice that it is requesting from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an extension of approval for the information collections required from those seeking licensing authority under 49 U.S.C. 10901-03 and consolidation authority under sections 11323-26. The Board is also seeking approval to merge into this collection (OMB Control Number: 2140-0023) the collection of information about interchange commitments (OMB Control Number: 2140-0016).

    DATES:

    Comments on this information collection should be submitted by March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Direct all comments to Chris Oehrle, PRA Officer, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001, or to [email protected]. When submitting comments, please refer to “Paperwork Reduction Act Comments, Statutory Licensing Authority.”

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For further information regarding this collection, contact Michael Higgins, Deputy Director, Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at (202) 245-0284 or at [email protected]. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.]

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    The Board currently collects information from those seeking licensing authority under OMB Control Number 2140-0023 and, under that collection, requires the disclosure of information about rail interchange commitments, which is also addressed under OMB Control Number 2140-0016. This request proposes to combine collections under Control Numbers 2140-0016 and 2140-0023, with 2140-0023 being the survivor. The Board will request to discontinue Control Number 2140-0016 upon OMB approval of the merger.

    Comments are requested concerning: (1) The accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (2) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; (3) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when appropriate; and (4) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility. Submitted comments will be summarized and included in the Board's request for OMB approval.

    Description of Collection 1

    Title: Statutory Licensing Authority.

    OMB Control Number: 2140-0023.

    STB Form Number: None.

    Type of Review: Extension with change.

    Respondents: Rail carriers and non-carriers seeking statutory licensing or consolidation authority or an exemption from filing an application for such authority.

    Number of Respondents: 76.1

    1 Approximately 40% of the filings are additional filings submitted by railroads that had already submitted filings during the time period.

    Estimated Time per Response:

    Estimated Hours per Response Type of filing Number of hours per response under 49 U.S.C. 10901-03 and 11323-26 Applications 524 Petitions * 58 Notices * 19

    Frequency: On occasion.

    Number of Responses in FY 2015 Type of filing Number of filings under 49 U.S.C. 10901-03 and 11323-26 Applications 1 Petitions * 12 Notices * 113 * Under section 10502, petitions for exemption and notices of exemption are permitted in lieu of an application.

    Total Burden Hours (annually including all respondents): 3,367 (sum total of estimated hours per response × number of responses for each type of filing).

    Total “Non-hour Burden” Cost: None identified. Filings are submitted electronically to the Board.

    Needs and Uses: Under the Interstate Commerce Act, as amended by the ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law No. 104-88, 109 Stat. 803 (1995), persons seeking to construct, acquire or operate a line of railroad and railroads seeking to abandon or to discontinue operations over a line of railroad or, in the case of two or more railroads, to consolidate their interests through merger or a common-control arrangement are required to file an application for prior approval and authority with the Board. See 49 U.S.C. 10901-03, 11323-26. Under 49 U.S.C. 10502, persons may seek an exemption from many of the application requirements of sections 10901-03 and 11323-26 by filing with the Board a petition for exemption or notice of exemption in lieu of an application. The collection by the Board of these applications, petitions, and notices (including collection of disclosures of rail interchange commitments under 49 CFR 1150.43(h)) enables the Board to meet its statutory duty to regulate the referenced rail transactions.

    Description of Collection 2

    Title: Disclosure of Rail Interchange Commitments.

    OMB Control Number: 2140-0016.

    STB Form Number: None.

    Type of Review: Extension without change.

    Respondents: Noncarriers and carriers seeking an exemption to acquire (through purchase or lease) or to operate a rail line, if the proposed transaction would create an interchange commitment.

    Number of Respondents: 4.

    Estimated Time per Response: 8 hours.

    Frequency: On occasion.

    Total Burden Hours (annually including all respondents): 32 hours.

    Total “Non-hour Burden” Cost: None identified. Filings may be submitted electronically to the Board.

    Needs and Uses: Under 49 U.S.C. 10502, noncarriers and carriers may seek an exemption from the prior approval requirements of sections 10901, 10902, and 11323 to acquire (through purchase or lease) or to operate a rail line. These transactions may create agreements with interchange commitments. If the interchange commitments limit the future interchange of traffic with third parties, then certain information must be disclosed to the Board about those commitments. 49 CFR 1150.43(h). The collection of this information facilitates the case-specific review of interchange commitments and enables the Board's monitoring of their usage generally.

    Under the PRA, a federal agency that conducts or sponsors a collection of information must display a currently valid OMB control number. A collection of information, which is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c), includes agency requirements that persons submit reports, keep records, or provide information to the agency, third parties, or the public. Under 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), federal agencies are required to provide, prior to an agency's submitting a collection to OMB for approval, a 60-day notice and comment period through publication in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information.

    Dated: January 23, 2017. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01797 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Bureau of the Fiscal Service Proposed Collection of Information: Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment (SF 5510) ACTION:

    Notice and request for comments.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on a proposed and/or continuing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). Currently the Bureau of the Fiscal Service within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the Standard Form 5510, “Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment”.

    DATES:

    Written comments should be received on or before March 27, 2017 to be assured of consideration.

    ADDRESSES:

    Direct all written comments and requests for further information to Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Bruce A. Sharp, 200 Third Street A4-A, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, or [email protected].

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment.

    OMB Number: 1530-0015 (Previously approved as 1510-0059 as a collection conducted by Department of the Treasury/Financial Management Service).

    Transfer of OMB Control Number: Financial Management Service (FMS) and the Bureau of Public Debt (BPD) have consolidated to become the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal Service). Information collection requests previously held separately by FMS and BPD will now be identified by a 1530 prefix, designating Fiscal Service.

    Form Number: SF 5510.

    Abstract: The form is used to collect information from remitters (individuals and corporations) to authorize electronic fund transfers from accounts maintained at financial institutions to collect monies for government agencies.

    Current Actions: Extension of a previously approved collection.

    Type of Review: Regular.

    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, individuals or households, Federal Government.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 100,000.

    Estimated Time per Respondent: 15 minutes.

    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 25,000.

    Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

    Dated: January 17, 2017. Bruce A. Sharp, Bureau Clearance Officer.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01756 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-AS-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0059] Agency Information Collection Activity: (Statement of Person Claiming to Have Stood in Relation of Parent, VA Form 21P-524)) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0059” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 or FAX (202) 632-8925.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-21), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: Statement of Person Claiming to Have Stood in Relation of Parent, VA Form 21P-524.

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0059.

    Type of Review: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.

    Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through its Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), administers an integrated program of benefits and services, established by law, for veterans, service personnel, and their dependents and/or beneficiaries.

    38 U.S.C. 1310 established Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a benefit payable to the survivors of a Veteran who dies from a service-connected or compensable disability.

    38 U.S.C. 1315 established Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to parents (known as Parents' DIC). Parents' DIC is monthly benefit payable to the surviving parent(s) of a deceased Veteran. The monthly benefit payable is dependent of the parent(s) based on the parent's (parents') annual income. An additional monthly amount is payable if the parent is a patient in a nursing home, blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.

    38 CFR 3.59 defines the term “Parent” as “. . . a natural mother or father (including the mother of an illegitimate child or the father of an illegitimate child if the usual family relationship existed), mother or father through adoption, or a person who for a period of not less than 1 year stood in the relationship of a parent to a veteran at any time before his or her entry into active service.”

    The information collected will be used by VBA to evaluate a claimant's parental relationship to a deceased Veteran when the claimant is not the Veteran's natural mother or father or adopted mother or father.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 800 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 2 hours (120 minutes).

    Frequency of Response: One time.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 400.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01746 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0749] Agency Information Collection Activity: (Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960A-1), Hairy Cell and Other B-Cell Leukemias Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960B-1), and Parkinson's Disease Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960C-1)). Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-21), this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and it includes the actual data collection instrument.

    DATES:

    Comments must be submitted on or before February 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov, or to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attn: VA Desk Officer; 725 17th St. NW., Washington, DC 20503 or sent through electronic mail to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0749” in any correspondence.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461-5870 or email [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0749” in any correspondence.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: (Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960A-1), Hairy Cell and Other B-Cell Leukemias Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960B-1), and Parkinson's Disease Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960C-1)).

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0749.

    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

    Abstract:

    VA Forms 21-0960A-1, 21-0960B-1, and 21-0960C-1 are used to gather necessary information from a claimant's treating physician regarding the results of medical examinations.

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published at 81 FR No. 221, on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, pages 80720 and 80721.

    Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 15,500.

    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 15 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: One time.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 62,000.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Department Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01744 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-NEW] Proposed Information Collection Activity: (PACT: Veteran's Health and Well-Being) AGENCY:

    Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including this new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to identify areas for improvement in clinical training programs.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov; or to Brian McCarthy, Office of Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email: [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-NEW” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Brian McCarthy at (202) 461-6345.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Titles:

    1. PACT: Veteran's Health and Well-Being.

    2. OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW.

    Type of Review: New collection.

    Abstracts: The purpose of the study, which is funded by the PACT Demonstration Lab Coordinating Center, is to conduct a survey of Veterans to capture novel predictors of hospital admission and identify clusters of complex patients based on survey- and claims-based covariates. This study provides the first empirical application of the Cycle of Complexity conceptual model that the study team developed and recently published, which postulates that patient complexity represents more than having multiple chronic conditions. It is critical to evaluate whether complexity defined on the basis of survey-based and claims-based covariates is more predictive than diagnosis of multiple chronic conditions based on claims data alone.

    The proposed patient survey is designed to measure a broad range of self-reported patient factors that increase Veterans' risk for being admitted to hospital, including life stressors, perceived locus of control, grit, resilience, functional status, social support and loneliness, sleep problems, symptoms, food insecurity, and patient activation. This survey will help us understand, for the first time, the extent to which self-reported factors can markedly improve prediction of patient risk for hospital admission, which may help the PACT Demonstration Lab Coordinating Center Intelligence improve its risk prediction models. This project may also identify patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that can be effectively integrated into routine VA clinical practice, as the VA begins to explore inclusion of PROs into the VA electronic health record. We are requesting approval to conduct this survey to a nationally representative sample of 10,000 patients who obtain primary care in VA because there are no extant VA surveys that capture the range of patient factors that we propose to collect, which are not available in VA administrative databases. If we did not capture these patient factors, our risk prediction analysis might be incorrect or biased.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Estimated Annual Burden:

    PACT: Veteran's Health and Well-Being Survey—2500.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:

    PACT: Veteran's Health and Well-Being Survey—30 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: Annually.

    Estimated Annual Responses:

    PACT: Veteran's Health and Well-Being Survey—5,000.

    By direction of the Secretary:

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Program Specialist, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01752 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0253] Agency Information Collection Activity: (Nonsupervised Lender's Nomination and Recommendation of Credit Underwriter (VA Form 26-8736a)) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461-5870 or email [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0253” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor at (202) 461-5870.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: Nonsupervised Lender's Nomination and Recommendation of Credit Underwriter

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0253.

    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

    Abstract: Internet based. The standards established by the Secretary require that a lender have a qualified underwriter review all loans to be closed on an automatic basis to determine that the loan meets VA's credit underwriting standards. To determine if the lender's nominee is qualified to make such a determination, VA has developed VA Form 26-8736a which contains information that VA considers crucial to the evaluation of the underwriter's experience. This form will be completed by the lender and the lender's nominee for underwriter and then submitted to VA for approval.

    Affected Public: Private Sector.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 500 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 20 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: On occasion.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,500.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, VA Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01747 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0045] Agency Information Collection Activity: (VA Request for Determination of Reasonable Value (26-1805 & 26-1805-1)) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461-5870 or email [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0045” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor at (202) 461-5870.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: VA Request for Determination of Reasonable Value

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0045.

    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

    Abstract: Internet based. WebLGY automatically generates an appraisal request on VA Form 26-1805-1 for the requester. The requester, usually a lender or agent, following the prompts in the computer system inputs the required information. Upon completion, the requester enters “submit” and VA Form 26-1805-1 is generated which contains the case number, appraiser assignment, and property information which is automatically emailed to the appraiser and requester.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 51,400 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 12 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: One-time.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 257,000.

    By direction of the Secretary:

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01745 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0706] Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee (VA Form 22-0810) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine a claimant's entitlement to reimbursement of national exam fee.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0706” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 or FAX (202) 632-8925.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-21), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee, VA Form 22-0810.

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0706.

    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

    Abstract: Service members, veterans, and eligible dependents applying for reimbursement of national exam fees will use this form to provide information necessary to process their claim.

    Affected Public: Individuals or household.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 79 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 15 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: One and one half times.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 210.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01750 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0847] Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Submission of School Catalog to the State Approving Agency AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), this notice announces that the Office of Policy and Planning (OPP), Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden; it includes the actual data collection instrument. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on November 3, 2016, Vol. 81, page 76699.

    DATES:

    Comments must be submitted on or before February 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov, or to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attn: VA Desk Officer; 725 17th St. NW., Washington, DC 20503 or sent through electronic mail to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0847” in any correspondence.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461-5870 or email [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0847.”

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Veterans Employment Pay For Success (VEPFS), Grant Program Application.

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0847.

    Type of Review: Extension of an approved collection.

    Abstract: Section 3119 of title 38, United States Code, authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to or contract with public or nonprofit agencies, including institutions of higher learning, to advance “the knowledge, methods, techniques, and resources available for use in rehabilitation programs for veterans.” Section 3119 specifically authorizes the Secretary to make grants to such agencies to conduct or provide support for projects which are “designed to increase the resources and potential for accomplishing the rehabilitation of disabled veterans.” VA has codified these provisions in its regulations at 38 CFR 21.390 Rehabilitation research and special projects. The purpose of the VEPFS program is to provide one or more grants to fund Outcomes Payments for one or more PFS projects that seek to improve employment outcomes for Veterans with a Service-connected Mental Health Disability.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 2000 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 80 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: On occasion.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, VA Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01743 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-NEW] Proposed Information Collection Activity: (Income Verification) AGENCY:

    Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including this new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to identify areas for improvement in clinical training programs.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov; or to Brian McCarthy, Office of Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email: [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-NEW” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Brian McCarthy at (202) 461-6345.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Titles:

    a. Mailed with Veterans' Initial Letters—HEC Form 200-1A

    b. Mailed with Spouses' Initial Letters—HEC Form 220-1

    c. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—HEC Form 340-1

    d. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—Checklist.

    OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW.

    Type of Review: New collection.

    Abstract: The HEC, IVD uses HEC Form 200-1A (Veteran's Income Verification Response) to collect income verification information, as applicable, from the Veteran by requesting the Veteran to verify the listed income on the form as reported to IVD by IRS/SSA, to select the appropriate option on the form relating to the household income, attest to out of pocket medical expenses, attest to sale of primary home real estate and attest to separation from spouse for the income year under the Income Verification Division's review. The Veteran's signature is required on page 2 of HEC Form 200-1A. If the Veteran has medical/health limitations that does not enable the Veteran to physically sign the form with a wet signature, the Veteran must mark an “X” to designate a signature; two witnesses must verify the “X” as the Veteran's signature. HEC, IVD will use the completed HEC Form 200-1A to assist in verifying the Veteran's correct gross household income to ensure the Veteran is placed in the correct priority group for health care.

    The HEC, IVD uses HEC Form 220-1 (Spouse's Income Verification Response) to collect income verification information, as applicable, from the Veteran's spouse by requesting the spouse to verify the listed income on the form as reported to IVD by IRS/SSA, report any additional income not reported by IRS/SSA and sign and date the form. If the spouse has medical/health limitations that does not enable the spouse to physically sign the form with a wet signature, the spouse must mark an “X” to designate a signature; two witnesses must verify the “X” as the Veteran's signature. HEC, IVD will use the completed HEC Form 220-1 to assist in verifying the Veteran's correct gross household income to ensure the Veteran is placed in the correct priority group for health care.

    The HEC, IVD uses the HEC Form 340-1 (Declaration of Representative) for the Veteran and the spouse (if applicable) to appoint a representative, authorizing HEC, IVD to release information to a designated appointee for a specific income year. Such information includes confidential federal tax information, other income, and medical benefits eligibility related information. The Veteran and spouse (if applicable) must sign and date the form.

    The HEC, IVD uses the HEC Income Verification—Additional Information Checklist to request from the Veteran any additional information needed to adjudicate the Income Verification case. The Veteran providing the requested information usually results in the best interest to the Veteran.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Estimated Annual Burden:

    a. Mailed with Veterans' Initial Letters—HEC Form 200-1A—89,001 hours

    b. Mailed with Spouses' Initial Letters—HEC Form 220-1—28,530 hours

    c. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—HEC Form 340-1—1,701 hours

    d. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—Checklist—761 hours

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:

    a. Mailed with Veterans' Initial Letters—HEC Form 200-1A—30 minutes

    b. Mailed with Spouses' Initial Letters—HEC Form 220-1—20 minutes

    c. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—HEC Form 340-1—15 minutes

    d. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—Checklist—761—15 minutes

    Frequency of Response: Annually.

    Estimated Annual Responses:

    a. Mailed with Veterans' Initial Letters—HEC Form 200-1A—178,002

    b. Mailed with Spouses' Initial Letters—HEC Form 220-1—85,590

    c. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—HEC Form 340-1—6,805

    d. Mailed to Veterans When Necessary—Checklist—761—3,044

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Program Specialist, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01753 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0342] Agency Information Collection Activity: (Application and Training Agreement for Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Programs) (VA Form 22-8864; 22-8865)) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine that training programs (Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training) and agreements meet the statutory requirements for approval.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0342” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 or FAX (202) 632-8925.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-21), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: Application and Training Agreement for Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Programs, VA Form 22-8864; 22-8865.

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0342.

    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

    Abstract: VA Forms 22-8864 and 22-8865 are used to collect information from employers and trainees to ensure that training programs (Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training) and agreements meet the statutory requirements for approval.

    Affected Public: Individuals or household or small businesses/other small entities.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 19,535 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 75 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: Once.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 15,628.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01748 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0802] Agency Information Collection Activity: Shoulder and Arm Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960M-12) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

    VA Forms 21-0960M-12 is used to gather necessary information from a claimant's treating physician regarding the results of medical examinations.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0802” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 or FAX (202) 632-8925.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-21), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: (Shoulder and Arm Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (VA Form 21-0960M-12).

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0802.

    Type of Review: Extension of an approved collection.

    Abstract: VA Forms 21-0960M-12 is used to gather necessary information from a claimant's treating physician regarding the results of medical examinations.

    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 25,000 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: One time.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000 per year.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Department Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01751 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0576] Agency Information Collection Activity: Certification of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement Correspondence Course (VA Form 22-1999c) AGENCY:

    Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    ACTION:

    Notice.

    SUMMARY:

    The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine a claimant's entitlement to educational assistance.

    DATES:

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 27, 2017.

    ADDRESSES:

    Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [email protected]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0576” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 or FAX (202) 632-8925.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-21), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

    Title: Certification of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement Correspondence Course (VA Form 22-1999c).

    OMB Control Number: 2900-0576.

    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

    Abstract: VA Form 22-1999c is used to pay education benefits for correspondence training. This information allows VA to determine if the claimant has been informed of the 5 day reflection period required by law.

    Affected Public: Institutions of Higher Learning.

    Estimated Annual Burden: 34 hours.

    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

    Frequency of Response: Occasionally.

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 202.

    By direction of the Secretary.

    Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Privacy and Records Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 2017-01749 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
    CategoryRegulatory Information
    CollectionFederal Register
    sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
    GS 4.107:
    AE 2.106:
    PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration

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