Federal Register Vol. 83, No.182,

Interested members of the public may listen to the discussion by calling the following toll-free conference call-in number: 1-877-260-1479 and conference ID: 9379995. Please be advised that before placing them into the conference call, the conference call operator will ask callers to provide their names, their organizational affiliations (if any), and email addresses (so that callers may be notified of future meetings). Callers can expect to incur charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, and the Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Callers will incur no charge for calls they initiate over land-line connections to the toll-free conference call-in number.

Persons with hearing impairments may also follow the discussion by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 and providing the operator with the toll-free conference call-in number: 1-877-260-1479 and conference ID: 9379995.

Members of the public are invited to make statements during the open comment period of the meeting or submit written comments. The comments must be received in the regional office approximately 30 days after each scheduled meeting. Written comments may be mailed to the Eastern Regional Office, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20425, faxed to (202) 376-7548, or emailed to Evelyn Bohor at [email protected]. Persons who desire additional information may contact the Eastern Regional Office at (202) 376-7533.

Records and documents discussed during the meeting will be available for public viewing as they become available at https://facadatabase.gov/committee/meetings.aspx?cid=253, click the “Meeting Details” and “Documents” links.Records generated from this meeting may also be inspected and reproduced at the Eastern Regional Office, as they become available, both before and after the meetings. Persons interested in the work of this advisory committee are advised to go to the Commission's website, www.usccr.gov, or to contact the Eastern Regional Office at the above phone numbers, email or street address.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App., notice is hereby given that the Judges Panel will meet on Monday, November 5, 2018 through Friday, November 9, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time each day. The Judges Panel is composed of twelve members, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, with balanced representation from U.S. service, manufacturing, small business, nonprofit, education, and health care industries. Members are selected for their familiarity with quality improvement operations and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service companies, small businesses, nonprofits, health care providers, and educational institutions. The purpose of this meeting is to review recommendations from site visits and recommend 2018 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (Award) recipients. The meeting is closed to the public in order to protect the proprietary data to be examined and discussed at the meeting.

The Acting Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Secretary for Administration and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, with the concurrence of the Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Litigation, and Information, formally determined on March 7, 2018, pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended by Section 5(c) of the Government in Sunshine Act, Public Law 94-409, that the meeting of the Judges Panel may be closed to the public in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4), because the meeting is likely to disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person which is privileged or confidential; and 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B) because for a government agency the meeting is likely to disclose information that could significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed agency action. The meeting, which involves examination of current Award applicant data from U.S. organizations and a discussion of these data as compared to the Award criteria in order to recommend Award recipients, will be closed to the public.

I. Abstract

This request is for a new collection of information.

The Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) is undertaking an economic data collection effort for the West Coast Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) fleet to improve the SWFSC's capability to do the following: (1) Describe and monitor economic performance (e.g., profitability, capacity utilization, efficiency, and productivity) and impacts (e.g., sector, community, or region-specific employment and income); (2) determine the quantity and distribution of net benefits derived from living marine resources; (3) understand and predict the behavior of participants in Federally managed commercial fisheries; (4) predict the economic, biological, and ecological impacts of existing management measures and alternative proposed management actions; and, (5) in general, more effectively conduct the analyses required under the MSA, the Endangered Species ACT (ESA), and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPDA), the National Environmental Policy Act(NEP), and Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), Executive Order 12866, and other applicable law.

Coastal pelagic species (CPS) fishery participants are defined as U.S. west-coast vessels participating in CPS fisheries for species including: Jack mackerel, market squid, northern anchovy, Pacific mackerel, and/or Pacific sardine, using gears including but not limited to: Purse seine, drum seine, lampara, and dip net. We intend to survey all Washington-Oregon-California CPS coastal vessels in any year between 2015 and the initiation of the survey. This includes vessels fishing off California in the limited entry program under the CPS Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and State permitted vessels fishing off Washington and Oregon.

CPS fishery participants will be contacted and screened to participate in the data collection. An economic survey will be scheduled and administered to eligible respondents as appropriate. Screener, scheduling and survey modes may include in-person, internet, phone, or mail.

OMB Control Number: 0648-xxxx.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (new information collection).

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organization.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.

Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes for screener; 5 minutes to schedule survey for qualified and interested respondents; 90 minutes for the survey.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 111.

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

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

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

The committee meeting is being held under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), 41 CFR 102-3.140(c), and 41 CFR 102-3.150.

Purpose of the Meeting: The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) Board of Visitors (BoV) is a non-discretionary Federal Advisory Committee chartered to provide the Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Army, independent advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to the curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, and academic methods of the institute; other matters relating to the institute that the board decides to consider; and other items that the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate. The board reviews curriculum to determine whether it adheres to current U.S. doctrine, complies with applicable U.S. laws and regulations, and is consistent with U.S. policy goals toward Latin America and the Caribbean. The board also determines whether the instruction under the curriculum of the institute appropriately emphasizes human rights, the rule of law, due process, civilian control of the military, and the role of the military in a democratic society. The Secretary of Defense may act on the committee's advice and recommendations.

Agenda: Status briefing from the institute's commandant; update briefings from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy); Department of State; U.S. Northern Command; U.S. Southern Command; a public comments period; and presentation of other information appropriate to the board's interests.

Public Accessibility to the Meeting: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165, and subject to the availability of space, this meeting is open to the public. A 15-minute period between 9:30 to 9:45 will be available for verbal public comments. Seating is on a first to arrive basis. Attendees are requested to submit their name, affiliation, and daytime phone number seven business days prior to the meeting to Mr. Procell, via electronic mail, the preferred mode of submission, at the address listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Because the meeting of the committee will be held in a Federal Government facility on a military base, security screening is required. A photo ID is required to enter base. Please note that security and gate guards have the right to inspect vehicles and persons seeking to enter and exit the installation. Bradley Hall is fully handicap accessible. Wheelchair access is available in front at the main entrance of the building. For additional information about public access procedures, contact Mr. Procell at the email address or telephone number listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

Written Comments and Statements: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140 and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the public or interested organizations may submit written comments or statements to the committee, in response to the stated agenda of the open meeting or in regard to the committee's mission in general. Written comments or statements should be submitted to Mr. Procell, via electronic mail, the preferred mode of submission, at the address listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Each page of the comment or statement must include the author's name, title or affiliation, address, and daytime phone number. Written comments or statements being submitted in response to the agenda set forth in this notice must be received at least two business days prior to the meeting to be considered by the committee. The Designated Federal Officer will review all timely submitted written comments or statements with the committee chairperson, and ensure the comments are provided to all members of the committee before the meeting. Written comments or statements received after this date will be filed and presented to the committee during its next meeting.

The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department's information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.

Title of Collection: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 Main Study.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0695.

Type of Review: A revision of an existing information collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 91,765.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 43,181.

Abstract: The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an international assessment of fourth and eighth grade students' achievement in mathematics and science. Since its inception in 1995, TIMSS has continued to assess students every 4 years, with the next TIMSS assessment, TIMSS 2019, being the seventh iteration of the study. TIMSS provides a comparison of U.S. student performance with those of their international peers in mathematics and science at grades 4 and 8. TIMSS is coordinated by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), an international collective of research organizations and government agencies that creates the assessment framework, assessments, and background questionnaires and provides procedures and technical standards which all countries must follow. In the U.S., the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducts TIMSS. In preparation for the TIMSS 2019 main study, NCES conducted a field test in 2018 to evaluate new assessment items and background questions, to ensure practices that promote low exclusion rates, and to ensure that classroom and student sampling procedures proposed for the main study are successful. The request for the TIMSS 2019 Main Study recruitment & Field Test was approved in July 2017 with the latest change request approved in July 2018 (OMB# 1850-0695 v.10-13). The U.S. TIMSS 2019 main study recruitment began in May 2018, and data collection is scheduled to take place from April through May 2019. This request is to conduct the TIMSS 2019 Main Study. TIMSS 2019 results will be posted on NCES website.

The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department's information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.

Title of Collection: National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2019 and 2020 Update.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0928.

Type of Review: A revision of a previously approved information collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 379,934.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 371,166.

Abstract: The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), is a federally authorized survey of student achievement at grades 4, 8, and 12 in various subject areas, such as mathematics, reading, writing, science, U.S. history, civics, geography, economics, technology and engineering literacy (TEL), and the arts. The National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (Public Law 107-279 Title III, section 303) requires the assessment to collect data on specified student groups and characteristics, including information organized by race/ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, disability, and limited English proficiency. It requires fair and accurate presentation of achievement data and permits the collection of background, noncognitive, or descriptive information that is related to academic achievement and aids in fair reporting of results. The intent of the law is to provide representative sample data on student achievement for the nation, the states, and subpopulations of students and to monitor progress over time. The nature of NAEP is that burden alternates from a relatively low burden in national-level administration years to a substantial burden increase in state-level administration years when the sample has to allow for estimates for individual states and some of the large urban districts. The request to conduct NAEP 2019 and 2020 was approved in September 2018 (OMB# 1850-0928 v.10) including operational assessments, pilot tests, and special studies. NAEP 2019 will include operational, national-level, Digitally Based Assessments (DBA) in mathematics, reading, and science at grades 4, 8, and 12; operational, state-level DBA in mathematics and reading at grades 4 and 8; pilot DBA for 2021 reading and mathematics at grades 4 and 8; a paper-based assessment (PBA) to DBA bridge studies in mathematics and reading at grade 12, and science at grades 4, 8, and 12; National Indian Education Study (NIES); Computer Access and Familiarity Study (CAFS); Socioeconomic Status (SES) Questionnaire Study; High School Transcript Study (HSTS); and Middle School Transcript Study (MSTS). This request updates the confidentiality pledges cited in NAEP and provides the final NAEP 2019 data collection and communication materials, including their Spanish-language translations where used. The NAEP results will be reported to the public through the Nation's Report Card as well as other online NAEP tools.

Exports of electricity from the United States to a foreign country are regulated by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) pursuant to sections 301(b) and 402(f) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7151(b) and 7172(f)) and require authorization under section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824a(e)).

On September 10, 2018, DOE received an application from Saavi Energy Solutions for authority to transmit electric energy from the United States to Mexico as a power marketer for a five-year term using existing international transmission facilities.

In its application, Saavi Energy Solutions states that it “does not own any electric generation or transmission facilities and . . . does not hold a franchise or service territory or native load obligation.” The electric energy that Saavi Energy Solutions proposes to export to Mexico would be surplus energy purchased from third parties such as electric utilities and Federal power marketing agencies pursuant to voluntary agreements. The existing international transmission facilities to be utilized by the Applicant have previously been authorized by Presidential permits issued pursuant to Executive Order No. 10,485, as amended by Executive Order No. 12,038, and are appropriate for open access transmission by third parties.

Procedural Matters: Any person desiring to be heard in this proceeding should file a comment or protest to the application at the address provided above. Protests should be filed in accordance with Rule 211 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC's) Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211). Any person desiring to become a party to these proceedings should file a motion to intervene at the above address in accordance with FERC Rule 214 (18 CFR 385.214). Five (5) copies of such comments, protests, or motions to intervene should be sent to the address provided above on or before the date listed above.

Comments and other filings concerning Saavi Energy Solutions' application to export electric energy to Mexico should be clearly marked with OE Docket No. EA-461. An additional copy is to be provided to both Esmeralda Viramontes Mayorga, Saavi Energy Solutions, LLC, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 301, Torre Norte, Piso 11, Colonia Granada, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, México C.P. 11520 and Tracey L. Bradley, Bracewell LLP, 2001 M Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036.

A final decision will be made on this application after the environmental impacts have been evaluated pursuant to DOE's National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures (10 CFR part 1021) and after a determination is made by DOE that the proposed action will not have an adverse impact on the sufficiency of supply or reliability of the U.S. electric power supply system.

Copies of this application will be made available, upon request, for public inspection and copying at the address provided above, by accessing the program website at http://energy.gov/node/11845, or by emailing Angela Troy at [email protected].

Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: This ICR covers the usage of TANAs with members of the impacted community in order to determine how the community is receiving technical information about a Superfund remedial or removal site; whether the community requires additional assistance in order to understand and respond to site-related technical information; and whether there are organizations in the community that are interested or involved in site-related issues and capable of acting as an appropriate conduit for technical assistance services to the affected community. Given the specific nature of the TANA, 8 to 10 persons will be interviewed per site, with an estimated total of 80 persons being interviewed per year (8 sites). Responses to the collection of information are voluntary and the names of respondents will be protected by the Privacy Act. The TANA will help ensure the community's needs for technical information assistance are defined as early in the remedial/removal process as possible and enable meaningful community involvement in the Superfund decision-making process. Additionally, the TANA process produces a blueprint for designing a coordinated effort to meet the community's needs for additional technical assistance while minimizing the overlap of services provided.

Form numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Respondents to this ICR are local/state government officials, potentially-responsible party (PRP) representatives, community organizations, businesses and individuals who may be impacted by a Superfund site or a removal action lasting 120 days or longer. These community members voluntarily participate in community involvement activities throughout the remedial phase of the Superfund process. SIC Codes are OSHA's Standard Industrial Classification System used to identify different groups. Local/state governments are categorized as Division J: Public Administration, Major Group 95: Administration of Environmental Quality, subgroup 9511: Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management. The other respondents, community members, do not have a SIC Code as they do not constitute an industry.

Respondent's obligation to respond: voluntary.

Estimated number of respondents: 80 (per year).

Frequency of response: Once during the remediation of the Site. Each TANA interview is expected to last approximately one hour in duration.

Total estimated burden: 80 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $1,860 (per year), includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in Estimates: A reduction in the total estimated respondent burden is expected when compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB.

This is a summary of the Public Notice, MB Docket MB Docket No. 16-306 and GN Docket No. 12-268, DA 18-884, adopted and released August 27, 2018, by the Chief of the Media Bureau pursuant to delegated authority. The full text of the Order is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC's Reference Information Center at Portals II, CY-A257, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. The full text is also available online at http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ and https://www.fcc.gov/edocs.

1. The Incentive Auction Task Force and the Media Bureau (Bureau) herein remind repacked stations of upcoming deadlines, application filing obligations, and notice requirements, and provide additional guidance concerning transition matters, including permissible station operations during the phase testing periods, when a station is expected to cease pre-auction operations, and the need to coordinate with other linked-stations. For purposes of this Public Notice, a “repacked station” means a full power or Class A broadcast television station that was assigned both a new channel and to a post-auction transition phase in the Incentive Auction Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice. This includes stations that submitted a winning bid to move from the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band to the very-high frequency (VHF) band, or from the high VHF band to the low VHF band (i.e., band changers). Unless otherwise specified, “repacked station” also includes channel sharee stations that are channel sharing with a repacked station. Infra, para. 19. This Public Notice does not address the obligations of displaced low power television and translator stations, non-repacked full power or Class A television stations with unbuilt construction permits, or the small number of Class A television stations that were not protected during the repacking process.

2. Transition Timetable. Each repacked station is assigned to one of 10 transition phases, each with specific dates on which the station, subject to any required coordination, can commence testing and operation on its post-auction channel (testing period start date) and must cease operating on its pre-auction channel (phase completion date). A repacked station's phase completion date is also the date listed on its construction permit as its construction expiration date. Below is the current phase transition schedule with each phase's applicable testing period start date and phase completion date.

3. Repacked Station Transition Data. Information on repacked stations' post-auction channel assignments, phase assignments, and linked-station sets, including changes made during the transition, can be found at the following website: https://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Current_Transition_Files/ (Transition Data website). The date of any update is noted next to each file. All modifications to the Transition Data website can be viewed by clicking on the link entitled “Change Log.” Individual station's phase assignments and deadlines, including changes, can also be found on each repacked station's “facility page” in the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) under the “Transition Data” tab. To access a station's “facility page,” perform a “Facility Search” by call sign in LMS and then click on the station's Facility ID number.

4. Testing/Commencing Post-Auction Operations. Repacked stations may not commence testing or operation on their post-auction channel until 12:01 a.m. (local time) on their testing period start date. To be clear, transmitting any signal (a test signal or otherwise) on a repacked station's post-auction channel prior to its testing period start date without express authority from the Commission to do so would be a violation of the Commission's regulations concerning the post-auction transition and amount to unauthorized operation. Unless expressly stated in a repacked station's construction permit or necessitated by being part of a linked-station set, Commission consent is not required to commence testing or post-auction operation starting at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on a repacked station's testing period start date. During the testing period stations are permitted to transmit a signal using their post-auction channel in order to: (1) Conduct testing of a station's equipment/signal to ensure proper functionality, see 47 CFR 73.1610; and (2) permanently commence operation on their post-auction channel upon ceasing operation on their pre-auction channel, see 47 CFR 73.1620. The purpose of the testing period is not for stations to simulcast signals to viewers on two channels. Stations must file an application for license to cover (FCC Form 2100, Schedule B (full power) or Schedule F (Class A)) within 10 days following commencement of program test authority, see 47 CFR 73.1620.

5. Some stations are required to receive authority to commence operation under program test authority, notably stations that will be operating on channel 14, see 47 CFR 73.687(e)(4)(ii). Stations should carefully check the terms of their construction permits for any special conditions and any required documentation that must accompany a request for program test authority. In order to avoid going silent, a station that requires advance permission to commence program test authority should request Commission authority to do so in advance of its phase completion date.

6. Coordination Among Linked-Stations. Stations that are part of a linked-station set must coordinate both testing and commencement of operation on their post-auction channel with all other stations to which they are directly linked in that linked-station set. Stations in a linked station-set are linked through direct dependencies. An “upstream” station in a linked-station set is one that must transition to its post-auction channel prior to another station(s) in the set (the “downstream” station) in order to avoid interference. If a “downstream” station was to test or operate on its post-auction channel while the “upstream” station continued to operate on its pre-auction channel, one or both of the stations would receive interference from the other. In most cases, coordination will require more than notice of a station's individual plans. Coordination should result in an agreed upon designated time and date on which all linked-stations will conduct testing on their post-auction channels and which all such stations will commence operation on their new channels. Failure to closely coordinate will result, in many cases, in substantial interference. An increase of pairwise interference in excess of 2%, unless expressly authorized by the Commission or agreed to among the affected stations, is a violation of Commission rules. As noted above, complete information on linked-station sets and direct dependencies can be found on the Transition Data website, as well as on each repacked station's “facility page” in LMS under the “Transition Data” tab.

7. Requests for Additional Flexibility Using Special Temporary Authority. As we have recognized, in order for some repacked stations to construct their post-auction facility they may need to operate with temporary facilities on either their pre-auction or post-auction channel for a period of time. If a station must operate on its pre-auction or post-auction channel at variance from its authorized parameters, a station must file an application for special temporary authority (STA) and receive a grant of such authority prior to commencing operations. A station could also conduct such operations without an STA if it were commencing operation using a licensed auxiliary facility. There are several additional tools at a repacked station's disposal to remain on the air if it is unable to commence operation on its post-auction channel by its phase completion date. Repacked stations may seek an STA to individually use a temporary channel or engage in temporary joint use of a channel. Authorization of use of an individual temporary channel will be restricted to replicating a station's pre-auction coverage area and population served. While we will consider requests to temporarily operate in the new wireless band, we will require broadcasters to demonstrate that there is no reasonable alternative available and provide consent from potentially impacted wireless licensee(s). In the case of a request for temporary joint use of a channel, the applicant (joint user) must include with its request a written authorization from the licensee of the host station. Commercial and noncommercial educational (NCE) stations as well as full power and Class A stations may request to engage in temporary joint use of a channel. Stations also may request an STA to continue to operate on their pre-auction channel beyond their phase completion deadlines. We clarify that STA requests to continue operating on a station's pre-auction channel should not be made in lieu of filing for a phase change. See infra, para. 14. We envision such requests would be filed when a station discovers at the last-minute that, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control, it will be unable to commence operation on its post-auction channel by its phase completion date and is left with no reasonable alternative other than going silent. Authority for a station to continue to operate on its pre-auction channel after its phase completion date may only be possible at reduced power.

8. As we have previously announced, the Bureau will evaluate all STA requests to determine whether grant would delay or disrupt the post-auction transition schedule. We will not grant an STA that would authorize a station to operate on its pre-auction channel beyond the end of the 39-month transition period. While we have provided several tools to provide relief to stations that are unable to satisfy certain transition deadlines, failure to timely initiate a construction project or undertake necessary steps to meet transition deadlines, including due to a pending application, or the amount of any reimbursement allocation, will not be weighed favorably as a factor in considering such grants of relief. See Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau Announce the Initial Reimbursement Allocation for Eligible Broadcasters and MVPDs, Public Notice, 32 FCC Rcd 7556, 7559-60 (IATF/MB 2017); Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau Announce a Further Reimbursement Allocation for Eligible Broadcasters and MVPDs, Public Notice, DA 18-372, 5 (rel. Apr. 16, 2018). All STAs for temporary facilities granted in connection with the post-auction transition will be for a maximum of 180 days. We recommend that repacked stations, if possible, file such STA requests at least 30 days prior to the date they plan to commence STA operations. In addition, the Bureau may modify or cancel an STA at any time, without prior notice or right to hearing, see 47 CFR 73.1635.

9. Silent Authority. Commission rules provide that a station may suspend operations for a period of not more than 30 days absent specific authority from the Commission. Stations that remain silent for more than 10 days must notify the Commission not later than the tenth day of their suspended operations by filing a Suspension of Operations Notification in LMS, 47 CFR 73.1740(a)(4). Stations that need to remain silent for more than 30 days must file for a Silent STA. Id. We remind stations that the license of any station that remains silent for any consecutive 12-month period expires automatically at the end of that period, by operation of law, except that the Commission can extend or reinstate such a license “to promote equity and fairness.” 47 U.S.C. 312(g). In considering requests to extend or reinstate a license, we will examine whether the station has demonstrated that its silence is the result of compelling reasons beyond the station's control, including facts that relate to the post-auction transition process.

10. In the unlikely circumstance where a station believes it will need to temporarily go silent because it will be unable to commence operation on its post-auction channel by its phase completion date, the station should notify its regional coordinator and send an email to [email protected] as soon as that fact is known. An up-to-date list is available at: https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/incentive-auctions/transition-schedule, select the “Regions” tab.

11. Ceasing Pre-Auction Channel Operation. In order to accommodate a smooth transition and prevent viewer confusion, repacked stations are expected to cease operation on their pre-auction channel upon whichever of the following occurs first: (1) The filing of a license to cover; (2) the commencement of operation on the station's post-auction channel pursuant to a grant of STA to operate at variance from its authorized post-auction parameters; (3) the date a station has informed viewers it will be ceasing pre-auction operations or commencing post-auction operations; or (4) no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on the station's assigned phase completion date. As discussed in greater detail below, a station that cannot complete construction of its post-auction facility by the construction permit expiration date (i.e. the station's phase completion date), may seek a single extension of the construction permit expiration date of up to 180 days. However, absent express authority from the Commission to the contrary, a repacked station must cease operation on its pre-auction channel no later than the station's phase completion date.

12. Extension of Construction Permit Expiration Date. A station may seek a single extension of the construction permit expiration date of up to 180 days by submitting an extension application using Schedule 2100, FCC Form 337 (Construction Permit Extension). Such application must be filed 90 days before a station's construction permit deadline. See 47 CFR 73.3700(b)(5). The deadline for filing a Construction Permit Extension application, by phase and based on the current transition schedule, are as follows:

A Construction Permit Extension application must include an exhibit demonstrating that, despite all reasonable efforts, the station is unable to complete construction of its new facility on time due to circumstances that were either unforeseeable or beyond its control. The following circumstances might justify grant of an extension of a station's construction deadline: (1) Weather related delays; (2) delays in construction due to the unavailability of equipment or a tower crew; (3) tower lease disputes; (4) unusual technical challenges; or (5) delays caused by the need to obtain government approvals, such as land use or zoning approvals, or to observe competitive bidding requirements prior to purchasing equipment or services. In limited circumstances and with appropriate supporting documentation, stations may rely on “financial hardship” as a criterion for seeking an extension of time. Such circumstances may, for example, include a situation in which a station is subject to an active bankruptcy or receivership proceeding. 47 CFR 73.3700(b)(5)(ii) and (iii).

13. Grant of a Construction Permit Extension does not modify the requirement that the station cease operation on its pre-auction channel by 11:59 p.m. (local time) on its phase completion date. The Bureau has also announced that, prior to grant, it will evaluate all extension applications to determine whether grant will delay or disrupt the post-auction transition schedule. Additional time beyond the initial 180-day extension will be subject to the Commission's stricter “tolling” rule. See 47 CFR 73.3700(b)(5)(i) and 73.3598(b).

14. Request for Waiver and Modification of Assigned Transition Phase. The Bureau has stated that it will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, requests for waiver and modification of a station's transition phase under the Commission's general waiver standard, 47 CFR 1.3, and by assessing the impact of the request on the transition schedule, including the impact on other broadcasters and viewers. In order to facilitate a timely and orderly transition, the Bureau determined that it will view favorably requests that are compliant with the Commission's rules and have little or no impact on the transition schedule. We will evaluate factors such as the impact on viewers, the impact on other repacked stations' access to resources, how modification to the transition schedule may disrupt deployment of new 600 MHz broadband services, and if the phase change would inhibit broadcasters' ability to complete the transition within the 39-month post-auction transition period. Requests that the staff determine would be likely to delay or disrupt the transition schedule will be viewed unfavorably. See Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau Adopt Post-Incentive Auction Transition Scheduling Plan, Public Notice, 32 FCC Rcd 890, 912-14, paras. 49-52 (MB 2017). During the 10-phase transition period, the testing period start dates and phase completion dates occur in quick succession, especially as the transition progresses. Therefore, we must undertake a detailed review of each request based on the unique facts and circumstances presented in order to determine whether the benefits of a phase change outweigh the burdens and is in the public interest. In particular, we must do all that is possible to ensure limited resources (for instance structural engineers, tower crews, and equipment manufacturers, among others) are available to repacked stations and must be mindful of the additional burdens on viewers that some phase changes impose when the change would increase the number of rescan periods in an area. That is why we limited the number of rescan periods per DMA to a maximum of two when we established the phased transition schedule. Furthermore, when setting the testing period start date and phase completion date for each phase, we took into account time and resource estimates based on information collected through notice and comment, to estimate how long it would take all the stations in each phase to obtain access to limited resources and complete their transitions. We note that a vast majority of phase changes to date have involved stations receiving authority to transition to their post-auction channel in the period prior to Phase 1. These “early” transition cases in particular presented facts and circumstances that may no longer be applicable or have the same benefit after the testing period start date for Phase 1 commences on September 14, 2018.

15. Required Transition Notifications. Repacked stations are required to provide notices to viewers and certain third-party entities prior to transitioning to their post-auction channel. Precisely when these notifications are made will be unique to each station's individual transition plans. With regard to viewer notifications, at least 30 days prior to ceasing operation on a station's pre-auction channel all stations must air at least 60-seconds per day of on-air consumer education public service announcements (PSAs) or crawls, see 47 CFR 73.3700(c)(3). If a station's anticipated transition date changes, licensees are expected to promptly provide updated notifications to viewers reflecting the date change. To the extent a station is not able to comply with its consumer education requirements, it must file a request for waiver of 47 CFR 73.3700(c) as a Legal STA in LMS. All waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Commission waiver standard, 47 CFR 1.3, and must include the following information: (1) An explanation describing why the station is unable to comply with the existing consumer education requirements; (2) an alternative but comparable means the station will use to notify viewers of the station's new channel; and (3) why grant of the waiver request complies with the Commission's general waiver standard. A station may propose to provide alternative notification to viewers through, for example, local newspaper, radio, other in-market television stations, and/or digital and social media. Depending on the proposal, the Bureau may require a combination of alternative notification efforts. The required substance of a station's viewer notifications are set forth in 47 CFR 73.3700(c)(4) and (5) of the Rules. Within 30 days following completion of a station's transition to its post-auction channel, stations must place in their online local public inspection file a certification of compliance with its viewer notification obligations. 47 CFR 73.3700(c)(6). Stations should upload a copy of this certification into the folder in their online local public inspection file entitled “Auction Transition Consumer Certification.” Instructions for accessing and uploading documents to a station's online local public inspection file can be found at: https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/faq/.

16. Stations must also provide notice to Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) not less than 90 days prior to the date on which the station will begin operations on its post-auction channel. The requirements of the written notice and where the notice must be sent are provided in 47 CFR 73.3700(d). If a station's anticipated transition date changes, the licensee must send a further notice to the affected MVPD informing them of the new anticipated date. 47 CFR 73.3700(d)(5)(v). We strongly encourage stations also to reach out to their regular contacts with local MVPDs in addition to the points of contact identified in the rule in order to ensure a smooth transition.

17. Notifications must also be provided based on individual conditions placed on stations construction permits. Some of these notifications include providing notice to health care facilities, 47 CFR 15.242(a)(1), such as hospitals and nursing homes, and AM radio stations. Stations should review their construction permit for such conditions and make arrangements now to ensure that they are met prior to the filing of a license to cover.

18. Post-Auction Transition Progress Reports. Repacked stations are required to file Post-Auction Transition Progress Reports using FCC Form 2100, Schedule 387, electronically in LMS at various times during the transition process. See 47 CFR 73.3700(e)(5). Transition Progress Report obligations were established for both reimbursable repacked stations and non-reimbursable repacked stations (i.e., band changers). Reports much be filed quarterly (Quarterly Report) no later than January 10, April 10, July 10, and October 10. Each report reflects information for the preceding quarter: January 10 for the fourth quarter of the previous year (October-December), April 10 for the first quarter (January-March), July 10 for the second quarter (April-June), and October 10 for the third quarter (July-September). Reports must also be filed (1) 10 weeks before the end of their assigned construction deadline (10-Week Report); (2) 10 days after they complete all work related to construction of their post-auction facilities (Construction Completion Report); and (3) five days after they cease broadcasting on their pre-auction channel (Pre-Auction Termination Report). See The Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau Release Transition Progress Report Form and Filing Requirements for Stations Eligible for Reimbursement from the TV Broadcast Relocation Fund and Seek Comment on the Filing of the Report by Non-Reimbursable Stations, Public Notice, 32 FCC Rcd 256 (MB 2017); The Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau Adopt Filing Requirements For the Transition Progress Report Form By Stations that are Not Eligible for Reimbursement from the TV Broadcast Relocation Fund, Public Notice, 32 FCC Rcd 4029 (MB 2017). The 10-Week Report filing dates based on the current transition schedule is as follows:

The timing of the Construction Completion Report and Pre-Auction Termination Report will be based on each station's unique situation and transition timing. The Construction Completion Report should only be filed when the post-auction facility authorized in a station's construction permit has been completed and the station could file an application for license to cover if it were permitted to commence program test authority on its post-auction channel. The filing of a station's Construction Completion Report does not necessarily require the filing of a license to cover. Such filing is only required once the station commences program test authority, which the station is only able to do on or after its testing period start date, subject to any required coordination if the station is in a linked-station set. A station may file its Construction Completion Report in advance of its testing period start date assuming that construction of its post-auction facility is complete, but making such a filing does not permit a station to commence post-auction operation prior to its testing period start date. If a station will be commencing operation on its post-auction channel under an STA, it must wait to file its Construction Completion Report until after it has filed its Pre-Auction Termination Report and completed construction of the post-auction facility authorized in its construction permit. Each category of Transition Progress Report are individual reports that must be filed separately. A station must continue to file Quarterly Reports until it has filed its 10-Week Report, Pre-Auction Termination Report, and Construction Completion Report.

19. Channel Sharing Repacked Station. In the event that a channel sharee station (sharee station) is channel sharing with another station (host station) that is repacked, the sharee station must comply with all notification requirements, including but not limited to consumer and MVPD notice requirements as discussed above. In addition, not less than 60 days prior to the host station's phase construction deadline, the host station must file a minor change application to its current channel sharing license for a construction permit (FCC Form 2100 -Schedule A (full power) and Schedule E (Class A)) specifying the host station's post-auction channel and parameters previously authorized in its post-auction construction permit. Such applications will be considered minor changes and will be subject to filing fees. Please note, these filing instructions differ from those previously provided. Failure to follow the instructions set forth in this Public Notice could result in application processing delays and the need to file additional applications. So long as the sharee station is licensed to operate on the same channel as the host station and a minor change application has been filed by the host station, LMS is designed so that a license application for a post-auction channel filed by the host station will be filed on behalf of all licensed sharee stations. LMS requires that the filer certify that all channel sharing stations consent to the filing of the application. Because sharee stations will be operating from the same post-auction facility as the repacked host station, sharee stations are not required to file Transition Progress Reports. Furthermore, only the host station needs to file a request for waiver and modification of assigned phase change so long as a signed letter of consent from each licensee that is a party to the channel sharing arrangement is included with the request. All other applications and filings discussed in this Public Notice, including but not limited to requests for an engineering STA, STA for silent authority, and a request for Construction Permit Extension, must be individually filed by both the host station and any sharee station.

20. Informal Request for Transition Dates and Outreach Information. In order to assist the Commission with answering viewer inquiries and evaluating ways to further support repacked stations' transition efforts, we informally request that a repacked station notify us via email at [email protected] once it knows the specific date that it intends to cease operations on its pre-auction channel and commence operations on its post-auction channel. We would also welcome additional information concerning places the Commission can direct viewers to obtain information about a repacked station's transition plans, such as a viewer email inquiry box, website, or hotline. While this is not an official information collection and you are not required to provide us with this information, voluntarily doing so will help the Commission support repacked stations transition efforts and help facilitate a smooth transition process for viewers.

21. Contacts. Additional questions concerning the post-incentive auction transition or this Public Notice may be referred to the contact persons listed in the Public Notice.

22. Filings. All applications and reports referenced in this Public Notice must be filed in LMS, including but not limited to Transition Progress Reports, Applications for License to Cover, STAs (technical and legal), and Construction Permit Extensions. LMS filing instructions are provided in Appendix A of the Public Notice. Stations are also asked to send an electronic copy of certain transition-related filings, as indicated in Appendix A, via email to: [email protected].

23. Additional Resources. Repacked stations and other interested parties may want to visit the Commission's broadcast transition website and/or review the following additional resources listed in the Public Notice and available on the Commission's EDOCS database (https://www.fcc.gov/edocs) for guidance concerning the post-incentive auction broadcast television transition.

24. This action is taken by the Chief, Media Bureau, pursuant to authority delegated by 47 CFR 0.61.

A. Purpose

Federal Acquisition Regulation 42.1203 and 42.1204 provide requirements for contractors to request novation/change of name agreements and supporting documents when a firm performing under Government contracts wishes the Government to recognize (1) a successor in interest to these contracts, or (2) a name change, it must submit certain documentation to the Government.

Estimates are based on data available in the Federal Procurement Data System for fiscal years 2015 through 2017, which accounts for the decrease from 1,178 estimated respondents to 547 estimated respondents. This has resulted in the public burden hours being reduced to 1,094 from 2,356 for the information collection.

Respondents: 547.

Responses Per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 547.

Hours Per Response: 2.0.

Total Burden Hours: 1,094.

A 60-day notice was published in the Federal Register at 83 FR 25457 on June 1, 2018. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary; whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Obtaining Copies Of Proposals: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat Division (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, telephone 202-501-4755.

Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0076, Novation/Change of Name Requirements, in all correspondence.

A. Overview of Information Collection Description of the Information Collection

1. Type of Information Collection: Revision/Renewal of a currently approved collection.

2. Title of the Collection—Identification of Predecessors.

3. Agency form number, if any:— None.

Written comments and suggestions from the public should address one or more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror, requires each offeror to identify if the offeror is, within the last three years, a successor to another entity that received a Federal Government award and, if so, to provide the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and legal name of the predecessor. The information on predecessors is used to identify such entities in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) to allow retrieval of integrity and performance data on the most recent predecessor of an apparent successful offeror to whom award is anticipated. FAR 9.104-6 requires contracting officers to consult FAPIIS before awarding a contract in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. The information on predecessors is collected on an annual basis for inclusion in the annual representations and certifications in the System for Award Management (SAM) for offerors required to register in SAM. Offerors not required to register in SAM but required to provide the information in the provision at FAR 52.204-20 will do so as specified in the solicitation or instructed by the contracting officer.

The burden to provide the information required by the FAR provision at 52.204-20 when an offeror is registered in SAM is already covered by OMB Control Number 9000-0159, System for Award Management Registration (SAM). OMB Control Number 9000-0189 now will cover the burden for providing the required information when the offeror is not required to register in SAM in accordance with the exceptions in FAR 4.1102(a). The Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) for FY 2017 was used to develop the estimated burden hours as shown below:

Respondents: 974.

Responses Per Respondent: 1.

Total Annual Responses: 974.

Hours Per Response: 0.1.

Total Burden Hours: 97.4.

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

Obtaining Copies: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat Division (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, telephone 202-501-4755. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0189, Identification of Predecessors, in all correspondence.

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. The term “collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: New Collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Medicare Advantage Qualifying Payment Arrangement Incentive (MAQI) Demonstration; Use: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may test a demonstration, under Section 402 of the Social Security Amendments of 1968 (as amended), entitled the Medicare Advantage Qualifying Payment Arrangement Incentive (MAQI) Demonstration (“the Demonstration”). If it goes forward, the MAQI demonstration could test whether exempting, through the use of waiver authority, clinicians who participate to a sufficient degree in certain payment arrangements with Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) (combined with participation, if any, in Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) with Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS)) from the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting requirements and payment adjustment will increase or maintain participation in payment arrangements with MAOs similar to Advanced APMs and change the manner in which clinicians deliver care.

Clinicians may currently participate in one of two paths of the Quality Payment Program (QPP): (1) MIPS, which adjusts Medicare payments based on combined performance on measures of quality, cost, improvement activities, and advancing care information, or (2) Advanced Alternative Payment Models with Medicare (Advanced APMs), under which eligible clinicians may earn an incentive payment for sufficient participation in certain payment arrangements with Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) and other payers, and starting in the 2019 performance period, with other payers such as Medicare Advantage, commercial payers, and Medicaid managed care. To participate in the Advanced APM path of QPP for a given year, eligible clinicians must meet the criteria of Qualifying APM Participants (QPs); in addition to earning an APM incentive payment, QPs are excluded from the MIPS reporting requirements and payment adjustment.

An eligible clinician that does not meet the criteria to be a QP for a given year will be subject to MIPS for that year unless the clinician meets certain other MIPS exclusion criteria, such as being newly enrolled in Medicare or meeting the low volume threshold for Medicare FFS patients. The MAQI Demonstration could allow participating clinicians to have the opportunity to be exempt from MIPS reporting and payment consequences for a given year if they participate to a sufficient degree in certain Qualifying Payment Arrangements with MAOs (and Advanced APMs with Medicare FFS) during the performance period for that year, without requiring them to be QPs or otherwise meet the MIPS exclusion criteria of QPP. Under a possible Demonstration, clinicians might not be required to have a minimum amount of participation in an Advanced APM with Medicare FFS in order to be exempt from MIPS reporting requirements and payment adjustments for a year, but if they did have participation in Advanced APMs with Medicare FFS, that participation could also be counted towards the thresholds that trigger the waiver from MIPS reporting and payment consequences. In addition, the Demonstration could permit consideration of participation in “Qualifying Payment Arrangements” with Medicare Advantage plans that meet the criteria to be Other Payer Advanced APMs a year before the All-Payer Combination Option is available.

In the Calendar Year 2018 Quality Payment Program Final Rule, CMS noted its intention “to develop a demonstration project to test the effects of expanding incentives for eligible clinicians to participate in innovative alternative payment arrangements under Medicare Advantage that qualify as Advanced APMs, by allowing credit for participation in such Medicare Advantage arrangements prior to 2019 and incentivizing participation in such arrangements in 2018 through 2024.” (92 FR 53865).

The first performance period for the Demonstration is tentatively planned for 2018 and the Demonstration would last up to five years. Clinicians who meet the definition of MIPS eligible clinician under QPP as defined under 42 CFR 414.1305 would be eligible to participate in the MAQI Demonstration. Currently, MIPS eligible clinicians include physicians (including doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, osteopathic practitioners, doctors of dental surgery, doctors of dental medicine, doctors of podiatric medicine, doctors of optometry, and chiropractors), physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. If the definition of MIPS eligible clinician changes under future rulemaking, the Demonstration would use the updated definition to define Demonstration eligibility.

Participation could last the duration of the Demonstration, unless participation is voluntarily or involuntarily terminated under the terms and conditions of the Demonstration. Participants would have the opportunity to submit the required documentation and be evaluated for MIPS waivers through the Demonstration each year.

Should this demonstration move forward, and in order to conduct an evaluation and effectively implement the MAQI Demonstration, CMS would need to collect information from Demonstration participants on (a) payment arrangements with MAOs and (b) Medicare Advantage (MA) payments and patient counts. CMS would require a new collection of this information as this information is not already available through other sources and/or has not been previously approved for use under the MAQI Demonstration. The information collected in these forms would allow CMS to evaluate whether the payment arrangement that clinicians have with MAOs meet the Qualifying Payment Arrangement criteria, and determine whether a clinician's MAO and FFS APM patient population or payments meet demonstration thresholds. Both of these areas are also requirements for review and data collection under QPP (i.e. the Eligible Clinician-Initiated Other Payer Advanced APM Determination form and All-Payer QP Submission form), and therefore similar to forms have been prepared and reviewed under the QPP.

Given these similarities in forms, burden estimates for the MAQI Demonstration PRA package were derived from burden analyses and formulation done in conjunction with the QPP forms; more specifically the estimated burden associated with the submission of payment arrangement information for Other Payer Advanced APM Determinations: Eligible Clinician-Initiated Process, and the estimated burden associated with the submission of data for All-Payer QP determinations. CMS estimates the total hour burden per respondent for the MAQI demonstration to be 15 hours, to match the hours listed in the equivalent QPP forms. Full detail of how these estimates were derived can be found in the forthcoming Calendar Year 2019 Proposed QPP rule.

If Demonstration participants submitted information, but did not meet these conditions of the Demonstration, their participation in the Demonstration would not be terminated, but they would not receive the waivers from MIPS reporting requirements and payment adjustments. Therefore, unless they become QPs or are excluded from MIPS for other reasons, the participating clinicians would be subject to MIPS and would face the MIPS payment adjustments for the applicable year. We are requesting approval of 2 information collections associated with the MAQI Demonstration: (a) A Qualifying Payment Arrangement Submission Form and (b) a Threshold Data Submission Form. Subsequent to publishing the 60-day Federal Register notice (83 FR 31150), there have been minor revisions made to the collection instrument to clarify information. There is no increase in the burden hours. Form Number: CMS-10673 (OMB control number: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: Private sector—Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 100,000; Total Annual Responses: 100,000; Total Annual Hours: 1,500,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact John Amoh at [email protected].)

In the Federal Register of Tuesday, September 11, 2018 (83 FR 45944), in FR Doc. 2018-19666, on page 45944, the following correction is made:

On page 45944, in the first column, in the header of the document, and also in the third column under Instructions, “Docket No. FDA-2018-D-3151” is corrected to read “Docket No. FDA-2018-D-3152”.

CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (Volume 83 FR Page 23286) on May 18, 2018, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) suggestions to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) suggestions to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. The comments that are submitted will be summarized and included in the request for approval. All comments will become a matter of public record.

Title: Application for Foreign-Trade Zone Admission and/or Status Designation, and Application for Foreign-Trade Zone Activity Permit.

OMB Number: 1651-0029.

Form Numbers: 214, 214A, 214B, 214C, and 216.

Type of Review: Extension (without change).

Action: CBP proposes to extend the expiration date of this information collection with no change to the burden hours or to CBP Forms 214, 214A, 214B, 214C, and 216.

Affected Public: Businesses.

Abstract: Foreign trade zones (FTZs) are geographical enclaves located within the geographical limits of the United States but for tariff purposes are considered to be outside the United States. Imported merchandise may be brought into FTZs for storage, manipulation, manufacture or other processing and subsequent removal for exportation, consumption in the United States, or destruction. A company bringing goods into an FTZ has a choice of zone status (privileged/non-privileged foreign, domestic, or zone-restricted), which affects the way such goods are treated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and treated for tariff purposes upon entry into the customs territory of the U.S.

CBP Forms 214, 214A, 214B, and 214C, which make up the Application for Foreign-Trade Zone Admission and/or Status Designation, are used by companies that bring merchandise into an FTZ to register the admission of such merchandise into FTZs and to apply for the appropriate zone status. CBP Form 216, Foreign-Trade Zone Activity Permit, is used by companies to request approval to manipulate, manufacture, exhibit, or destroy merchandise in an FTZ.

These FTZ forms are authorized by 19 U.S.C. 81 and provided for by 19 CFR 146.22, 146.32, 146.39, 146.40, 146.41, 146.44, 146.52, 146.53, and 146.66. These forms are accessible at: http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/publications/forms.

Form 214, Application for Foreign-Trade Zone Admission and/or Status Designation

Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,749.

Estimated Number of Annual Responses per Respondent: 25.

Estimated Total Annual Responses: 168,725.

Estimated Time per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 42,181.

Form 216, Application for Foreign-Trade Zone Activity Permit

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,500.

Estimated Number of Annual Responses per Respondent: 10.

Estimated Total Annual Responses: 25,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,167.

Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated August 17, 2018, the President issued a major disaster declaration under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the “Stafford Act”), as follows:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Timothy B. Manner, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this major disaster.

The following areas have been designated as adversely affected by this major disaster:

Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated August 20, 2018, the President issued a major disaster declaration under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the “Stafford Act”), as follows:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, James N. Russo, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this major disaster.

The following areas of the State of Connecticut have been designated as adversely affected by this major disaster:

Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated December 20, 2017, the President issued a major disaster declaration under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the “Stafford Act”), as follows:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Thomas J. Dargan, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this major disaster.

The following areas of the State of Alaska have been designated as adversely affected by this major disaster:

The North Slope Borough for Public Assistance.

Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated August 22, 2018, the President issued an emergency declaration under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the Stafford Act), as follows:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, Department of Homeland Security, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, William Roche, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this declared emergency.

The following areas of the State of Hawaii have been designated as adversely affected by this declared emergency:

Notice is hereby given that the incident period for this disaster is closed effective January 31, 2018.

This proposed information collection previously published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2018 at 83 FR 23702 with a 60 day public comment period. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to notify the public that FEMA will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

Title: National Fire Department Registry.

Type of Information Collection: Extension, without change, of a currently approved information collection.

OMB Number: 1660-0070.

FEMA Forms: FEMA Form 070-0-0-1, National Fire Department Registry.

Abstract: This collection seeks to identify fire departments in the United States to compile a database related to their demographics, capabilities, and activities. The database is used to guide programmatic decisions and provide information to the public and the fire service.

Affected Public: State, local, or Tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,223.

Estimated Number of Responses: 8,223.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,067 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $11,558.

Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: $0.

Estimated Respondents' Capital and Start-Up Costs: $0.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $91,847.

Comments may be submitted as indicated in the ADDRESSES caption above. Comments are solicited to (a) evaluate whether the proposed data collection is necessary for the proper performance of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Introduction

Under the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on an ITP application to take the Federally-listed American Burying-beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) during oil and gas well field infrastructure geophysical exploration (seismic) and construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and decommissioning, as well as oil and gas gathering, transmission, and distribution pipeline infrastructure construction, maintenance, operation, repair, decommissioning, and reclamation in Oklahoma.

If approved, the permit would be issued to the applicant under the American Burying Beetle Amended Oil and Gas Industry Conservation Plan (ICP) Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permit Issuance in Oklahoma. The original ICP was approved on May 21, 2014, and the “no significant impact” finding notice was published in the Federal Register on July 25, 2014 (79 FR 43504). The draft amended ICP was made available for comment on March 8, 2016 (81 FR 12113), and approved on April 13, 2016. The ICP and the associated environmental assessment/finding of no significant impact are available on our website at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/oklahoma/ABBICP. However, we are no longer taking comments on these finalized, approved documents.

We invite local, state, Tribal, and Federal agencies, and the public to comment on the following application under the ICP, for incidentally taking the Federally-listed American Burying-beetle. Please refer to the proposed permit number (TE98456C) when requesting application documents and when submitting comments. Documents and other information the applicant submitted are available for review, subject to Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) and Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) requirements.

Applicant requests a permit for oil and gas upstream and midstream production, including oil and gas well field infrastructure geophysical exploration (seismic) and construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and decommissioning, as well as oil and gas gathering, transmission, and distribution pipeline infrastructure construction, maintenance, operation, repair, decommissioning, and reclamation in Oklahoma.

Written comments we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can request in your comment that we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety.

We provide this notice under the ESA, section 10(c) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

The Commission instituted this investigation on January 27, 2015, based on a Complaint filed by Cisco. 80 FR 4313-14 (Jan. 27, 2015). The Complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (“section 337”), by reason of infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,023,853 (“the '853 patent”); 6,377,577 (“the '577 patent”); 7,460,492 (“the '492 patent”); 7,061,875 (“the '875 patent”); 7,224,668 (“the '668 patent”); and 8,051,211 (“the '211 patent”). The Complaint further alleges the existence of a domestic industry. The Commission's Notice of Investigation named Arista as the respondent. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations (“OUII”) was also named as a party to the investigation. The Commission terminated the investigation in part as to certain claims of the asserted patents. Notice (Nov. 18, 2015) (see Order No. 38 (Oct. 27, 2015)); Notice (Dec. 1, 2015) (see Order No. 47 (Nov. 9, 2015)).

On June 11, 2016, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office instituted separate inter partes review (“IPR”) proceedings concerning the '577 and '668 patents. Arista Networks, Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc., Case IPR2016-00303 (regarding the '577 patent); Arista Networks, Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc., Case IPR2016-00309 (regarding the '668 patent).

On May 4, 2017, the Commission found a violation of section 337 with respect to certain of the asserted claims of the '577 and '668 patents. Notice (May 4, 2017); 82 FR 21827-29 (May 10, 2017); see also Notice of Correction (May 30, 2017); 82 FR 25811 (June 5, 2017). The Commission issued a limited exclusion order (“LEO”) and a cease and desist order (“CDO”) against Arista. Id. The Commission did not find a violation with respect to the '853, '875, '492, and '211 patents. Id.

On May 25, 2017, the PTAB issued its final written decision finding certain claims of the '577 patent unpatentable based on prior art not presented in the Commission investigation. On June 1, 2017, the PTAB issued its final written decision finding certain claims of the '668 patent unpatentable based on certain combinations of prior art not presented in the Commission investigation. Both decisions affected the claims upon which the Commission found a violation of section 337.

On June 30, 2017, Cisco filed a notice of appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”), seeking review of the Commission's finding of no violation as to the '853, '875, '492, and '211 patents. Cisco Sys., Inc. v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, Appeal No. 17-2289. On July 21, 2017, Arista filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Circuit, seeking review of the Commission's finding of violation as to the '577 and '668 patents. Arista Networks, Inc. v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, Appeal No. 17-2336. On August 3, 2017, the Federal Circuit consolidated the Arista and Cisco appeals. Cisco Sys., Inc. v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, Appeal No. 17-2289, Dkt. No. 20.

On August 25, 2017, Arista filed a motion with the Federal Circuit seeking to stay the Commission's remedial orders pending resolution of the appeal on the merits. On September 22, 2017, the Federal Circuit denied this request “subject to the condition that the product redesign on which Cisco relies to deny irreparable harm must be permitted to enter the country, without being blocked by the Commission order under review in this case, unless and until Commission proceedings are initiated and completed to produce an enforceable determination that such a redesign is barred by the order here under review or by a new or amended order.” Cisco Sys, Inc. v. ITC; Arista Networks, Inc. v. ITC, Appeal Nos. 2017-2289, -2351, Order at 3 (Fed. Cir. Sept. 22, 2017).

On September 27, 2017, Cisco petitioned for a modification proceeding to determine whether Arista's redesigned switches infringe the patent claims that are the subject of the LEO and CDO issued in this investigation and for modification of the remedial orders to specify the status of these redesigned products.

On November 1, 2017, the Commission instituted the modification proceeding. 82 FR 50678 (Nov. 1, 2017). On November 7, 2018, the Commission issued a notice clarifying that OUII is not named as a party in the modification proceeding. 82 FR 52318 (Nov. 13, 2017).

On February 14, 2018, the Federal Circuit summarily affirmed the PTAB's decision finding the claims of the '668 patent unpatentable. Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Arista Networks, Inc., Appeal No. 17-2384, Order (Feb. 14, 2018). The Court issued the mandate on March 23, 2018. Id., Dkt. No. 54.

On March 23, 2018, the ALJ issued a recommended determination in the modification proceeding (“MRD”), finding that Arista's redesigned products infringe the relevant claims of the '668 patent but do not infringe the relevant claims of the '577 patent. MRD (Mar. 23, 2018). Also on March 23, 2018, the ALJ issued an order denying Arista's motion to stay the modification proceedings or to stay the remedial orders with respect to the '668 patent. Order No. 20 (Mar. 23, 2018).

On April 5, 2018, the Commission determined to modify the remedial orders to suspend enforcement of those orders with respect to the '668 patent. Notice (Apr. 5, 2018); Comm'n Order (Apr. 5, 2018).

On June 26, 2018, the Commission accepted the ALJ's recommended determination finding no infringement with respect to the '577 patent and determined to modify the remedial orders to exempt Arista's redesigned products that were the subject of the modification proceeding. The Commission also determined to suspend the modification proceeding as to the '668 patent. The '577 patent expired on June 30, 2018.

On August 27, 2018, the Federal Circuit granted a motion of the parties to voluntarily dismiss the consolidated appeal from the Commission's final determination on violation. Cisco Sys., Inc., Appeal No. 17-2289, Dkt. No. 121 (Aug. 27, 2018).

On August 27, 2018, Cisco and Arista filed a joint motion to terminate the modification proceeding in its entirety pursuant to Commission Rule 210.21(b)(1) (19 CFR 210.21(b)(1)) based on a settlement agreement between the parties. The motion indicates that the Agreement fully resolves the disputed issues in the modification proceeding, that there are no other agreements, written or oral, express or implied, between them concerning the subject matter of this proceeding, and that the motion includes a public version of this Motion along with an accompanying public version of the Agreement. The motion also contends that termination of the modification proceeding will not adversely affect the public interest.

The Commission has determined to grant the joint motion and terminate the modification proceeding in its entirety. We note that only the '668 patent remains in the modification proceeding.

The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part 210).

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

(1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.

(2) The Title of the Form/Collection: National Corrections Reporting Program. The collection includes the following parts: Prisoner Admission Report, Prisoner Release Report, Prisoners in Custody at Year-end Report, Post-Custody Community Supervision Entry Report, Post-Custody Community Supervision Exit Report.

(3) The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: Form number(s): NCRP-1A, NCRP-1B, NCRP-1D, NCRP-1E, NCRP-1F. The applicable component within the Department of Justice is the Bureau of Justice Statistics (Corrections Unit), in the Office of Justice Programs.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: 50 state departments of corrections (DOCs) and 7 parole supervising agencies (in six states and the District of Columbia). The National Corrections Reporting Program (NCRP) is the only national data collection furnishing annual individual-level information for state prisoners at five points in the incarceration process: Prison admission, prison release, annual year-end prison custody census, entry to post-custody community corrections supervision, and exits from post-custody community corrections supervision. BJS, the U.S. Congress, researchers, and criminal justice practitioners use these data to describe annual movements of adult offenders through state correctional systems, as well as to examine long-term trends in time served in prison, demographic and offense characteristics of inmates, sentencing practices in the states that submit data, transitions between incarceration and community corrections, and recidivism. Providers of the data are personnel in the states' Departments of Corrections and Parole, and all data are submitted on a voluntary basis. The NCRP collects the following administrative data on each inmate in participating states' custody:

For consideration, BJS is proposing to add the following items to the NCRP collection, all of which are likely available from the same databases as existing data elements and should likely pose minimal additional burden to the respondents, while enhancing BJS' ability to characterize the corrections systems and populations it serves:

Finally, BJS is proposing to remove the following 7 items from the NCRP collection, based on a combination of low response rates (less than 50% of states) and/or high levels of missing data (30% or higher missing) among states that do respond:

BJS uses the information gathered in NCRP in published reports and statistics. The reports will be made available to the U.S. Congress, Executive Office of the President, practitioners, researchers, students, the media, others interested in criminal justice statistics, and the general public via the BJS website.

BJS received 3 comments to its 60-day Federal Register Notice (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/07/09/2018-14599/agency-information-collection-activities-proposed-ecollection-ecomments-requested-extension-of-a). Responses to these comments will be included in the final clearance package submitted to OMB and available at the NCRP page on www.reginfo.gov (https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAOMBHistory?ombControlNumber=1121-0065).

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: BJS anticipates 57 respondents to NCRP by 2021: 50 state DOC respondents and seven separate parole supervising agencies (in six states and the District of Columbia). Burden hours for the three collection years (2019-2021) differ based on whether a state has previously submitted NCRP prison and PCCS data in recent years. All 50 DOCs have recently submitted NCRP prison data, but currently, only 32 DOCs have submitted PCCS data in the last four years.

All 50 DOCs have recently submitted NCRP prison data, so the average time needed to continue providing prison data is expected to be 8 hours per respondent for both prisoner admissions and releases (NCRP-1A and NCRP-1B) and 8 hours for data on persons in prison at year-end (NCRP-1D). For 2019, the total burden estimate of 16 hours per DOC for these three record types is increased by 45 minutes from the previous NCRP OMB submission, to account for the addition and removal of variables from states' extract programs (a 30 minute increase to add citizenship questions to NCRP-1A and NCRP-1D, and a 15 minute increase to remove the 7 variables). The total amount of time estimated for 50 DOCs to submit NCRP-A, -B, and -D records in 2019 is 837.5 hours (16.75 hours * 50 = 837.5 hours).

In 2020 and 2021, BJS expects to have all 50 DOCs providing NCRP prison data. The burden for provision of the NCRP prison data will decrease to 14 hours per respondent due to the removal of the 7 items (7 hours for the prison admission and release records combined, and 7 hours for the year-end custody records), for a total of 700 hours annually for the 50 DOCs in 2020 and 2021 (14 hours * 50 = 700 hours).

There are currently 37 jurisdictions submitting PCCS data (32 DOCs and 5 parole boards), and BJS estimates that extraction and submission of both the PCCS entries and exits takes an average of 8 hours per jurisdiction. In 2019, BJS anticipates that 8 additional DOCs and one parole supervising agency (likely the District of Columbia) will submit data, with the burden for each new jurisdiction being 24 hours to set up extraction programs and make the submission. Thus, the burden for PCCS records is 296 hours for those already submitting (8 hours * 37 = 296 hours), and 216 hours for new submissions (24 hours * 9 = 216). The total amount of time for all PCCS submissions in 2019 is 512 hours.

In 2020, BJS hope to recruit an additional 2 DOCs and the remaining parole supervising agency to submit NCRP PCCS data. The total estimate for submission of PCCS for new jurisdictions in 2020 is 72 hours (24 hours * 3 = 72 hours). For those 40 DOCs and 6 parole boards currently responding, provision of the PCCS data in 2020 will total 368 hours (8 hours * 46 = 368 hours). The total amount of time for all PCCS submissions in 2020 is 440 hours.

Similarly, BJS hopes that the remaining 2 DOCs will submit PCCS data for the first time in 2021. The remaining non-reporting DOCs would need a total of 48 hours to create data extraction programs and begin data submission (24 hours * 2 = 48 hours). Those jurisdictions (42 DOCs and 7 parole supervising agencies) who provided NCRP PCCS data in 2020 will require 392 hours total to do the same in 2021 (8 hours * 49 = 392 hours). The total amount of time for all PCCS submissions in 2021 is 440 hours.

Follow-up consultations with respondents are usually necessary while processing the data to obtain further information regarding the definition, completeness and accuracy of their report. The duration of these follow-up consultations will vary based on the number of record types submitted, so BJS has estimated an average of 3 hours per jurisdiction to cover all of the records (prison and/or PCCS) submitted. In 2019, BJS anticipates that one of the two parole supervising agencies not currently submitting PCCS data will begin to submit, so the number of jurisdictions requiring follow-up consultations is 51 (50 DOCs submitting at least the prison data, and one parole supervising agency submitting only PCCS data). This yields a total of 153 hours of follow-up consultation after submission (3 hours * 51 = 153 hours).

This total estimate of 153 hours for data review/follow-up consultations remains the same for 2020 and 2021.

BJS anticipates that the total burden for provision and data follow-up of all NCRP data across the participating jurisdictions in 2019 is 1,502.5 hours (837.5 hours for prison records, 512 hours for PCCS records, and 153 hours for follow-up consultation). This is equivalent to roughly 29 hours per respondent. The total annual burden for provision and follow-up of NCRP data in 2020 and 2021 is anticipated to be 1,293 hours (700 hours for prison records, 440 hours for PCCS records, and 153 hours for follow-up consultation).

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: There are an estimated 1,502.5 total burden hours associated with this collection in 2019, and 1,293 hours in both 2020 and 2021.

If additional information is required contact: Melody Braswell, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Policy and Planning Staff, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE, 3E.405B, Washington, DC 20530.

NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (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 those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to the points of contact in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

Title of Collection: Evaluation of the Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program Surveys and Interviews.

OMB Number: 3145-NEW.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval for a new information collection.

Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation established the Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program (formerly known as Chemical Bonding Centers) in 2004 to support research centers focused on major, long-term fundamental chemical research challenges. The goals that NSF set forth for the CCI Program include that Centers will (a) produce transformative research, leading to innovation, and attract broad scientific and public interest; (b) be agile structures that can respond rapidly to emerging opportunities through enhanced collaborations; and (c) integrate research, innovation, education, broaden participation, and informal science communication.

The NSF Division of Chemistry has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) program—with specific focus on its investment in Phase II Centers—toward achieving its stated goals. As this is the first assessment of the CCI program, new data collection is necessary to provide critical evidence for this assessment.

The new data collection consists of the following four new data collection activities:

1. CCI Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) Survey. Administration of a survey to CCI Phase I and Phase II PIs and Co-Investigators is necessary to understand the role of the Center in research, collaboration, and broader impacts; to assess grantee satisfaction with the center structure, management, and a two-phase funding model; to document outcomes; and to describe the challenges encountered.

2. CCI Phase II Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) Interview. Interviews with CCI Phase II PIs and a sample of Phase II Co-Investigators are necessary to further explore the data that emerge from the survey of CCI Phase II Center PIs and Co-Investigators.

3. CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey. Administration of a survey to CCI Phase I and Phase II graduate students and postdoctoral researchers are needed to understand the role of CCI in education, training, and career development.

4. CCI Center Industry Partners Interview. Interviews with CCI Center industry partners are necessary to explore innovation-related knowledge exchange with Centers, perspectives on CCI contributions to industry and other benefits and challenges of partnership.

Use of the Information: The NSF Division of Chemistry will use the collection of information to assess the CCI Program's progress in achieving its goals, to communicate the outcomes of the program, and to inform improvements in CCI Program and Center-level design and operation. Across the NSF, the evaluation will also inform planning decisions about the center concept and funding mechanisms. Additionally, the evaluation findings will be used to communicate the outcomes of the CCI program to the wider chemistry community.

Burden on the Public: It has been estimated that respondents will expend an average of 20 minutes to complete the CCI Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) Survey; 60 minutes on average to complete the CCI Phase II Center PIs and Co-Investigators Interview; 15 minutes on average to complete the CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey; and 20 minutes to complete the CCI Center Industry Partners Interview. The Foundation has based its reporting burden on the review of actual times required for each information collection during pilot tests under Fast Track Clearance 3145-0215.

The total burden for new data collection for this ICR should not exceed 317 hours. A sample of 211 individuals will complete the 20-minute CCI Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) Survey (70 hours). A sample of 27 individuals will complete the 60-minute CCI Phase II Center PIs and Co-Investigators Interview (27 hours). A sample of 859 individuals will complete the 15-minute CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey (215 hours). A sample of 15 individuals will complete the 20-minute CCI Center Industry Partners Interview (5 hours). Only 27 CCI Phase II Center PIs and Co-Investigators will receive requests to complete both a survey and an interview.

I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments A. Obtaining Information

Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2008-0252 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly-available information related to this action by any of the following methods:

• Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2008-0252.

• 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 “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 application for amendment is dated August 30, 2018, is available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18242A039.

• 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.

Please include Docket ID NRC-2008-0252 in your comment submission.

The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC posts all comment submissions at http://www.regulations.gov as well as entering the comment submissions into ADAMS. 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.

The NRC is considering issuance of an amendment to facility Combined License Nos. NPF-91 and NPF-92, issued to SNC for operation of the VEGP Units 3 and 4, located in Burke County, Georgia.

The proposed changes would revise the Combined Licenses to revise the description and scope of the Initial Test Program (ITP) to remove component testing as a separately identified program or phase of the ITP, i.e., the Component Test Program. The requested amendment requires changes to the VEGP Updated Final Safety Analysis Report in the form of departures from the incorporated plant-specific Design Control Document (DCD) Tier 2 information and involves changes to related plant-specific Tier 1 information with corresponding changes to the associated Combined License information. Because, this proposed changes require a departure from Tier 1 information in the Westinghouse Electric Company's AP1000 DCD, the licensee also requested an exemption from the requirements of the Generic DCD Tier 1 in accordance with section 52.63(b)(1) of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR).

Before any issuance of the proposed license amendment, the NRC will need to make the findings required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and NRC's regulations.

The NRC has made a proposed determination that the license amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration. Under the NRC's regulations in 10 CFR 50.92, this means that operation of the facility in accordance with the proposed amendment would not (1) involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated; or (2) create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated; or (3) involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below.

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the license amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

The NRC is seeking public comments on this proposed determination that the license amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration. Any comments received within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice will be considered in making any final determination.

Normally, the Commission will not issue the amendment until the expiration of 60 days after the date of publication of this notice. The Commission may issue the license amendment before expiration of the 60-day notice period if the Commission concludes the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. In addition, the Commission may issue the amendment prior to the expiration of the 30-day comment period should circumstances change during the 30-day comment period such that failure to act in a timely way would result, for example, in derating or shutdown of the facility. Should the Commission take action prior to the expiration of either the comment period or the notice period, the Commission will publish a notice of issuance in the Federal Register. Should the Commission make a final no significant hazards consideration determination, any hearing will take place after issuance. The Commission expects that the need to take this action will occur very infrequently.

Within 60 days after the date of publication of this notice, any persons (petitioner) whose interest may be affected by this action may file a request for a hearing and a petition to intervene (petition) with respect to the action. Petitions shall be filed in accordance with the Commission's “Agency Rules of Practice and Procedure” in 10 CFR part 2. Interested persons should consult a current copy of 10 CFR 2.309, which is available at the NRC's PDR, located at One White Flint North, Room O1-F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland 20852. The NRC's regulations are accessible electronically from the NRC Library on the NRC's website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/. If a petition is filed within 60 days, the Commission or a presiding officer designated by the Commission or by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, will rule on the petition; and the Secretary or the Chief Administrative Judge of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel will issue a notice of a hearing or an appropriate order.

As required by 10 CFR 2.309, a petition shall set forth with particularity the interest of the petitioner in the proceeding, and how that interest may be affected by the results of the proceeding. The petition should specifically explain the reasons why intervention should be permitted with particular reference to the following general requirements: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner; (2) the nature of the petitioner's right under the Act to be made a party to the proceeding; (3) the nature and extent of the petitioner's property, financial, or other interest in the proceeding; and (4) the possible effect of any decision or order which may be entered in the proceeding on the petitioner's interest. The petition must also set forth the specific contentions which the petitioner seeks to have litigated at the proceeding.

Each contention must consist of a specific statement of the issue of law or fact to be raised or controverted. In addition, the petitioner shall provide a brief explanation of the bases for the contention and a concise statement of the alleged facts or expert opinion which support the contention and on which the petitioner intends to rely in proving the contention at the hearing. The petitioner must also provide references to those specific sources and documents of which the petitioner is aware and on which the petitioner intends to rely to establish those facts or expert opinion to support its position on the issue. The petition must include sufficient information to show that a genuine dispute exists with the applicant on a material issue of law or fact. Contentions shall be limited to matters within the scope of the proceeding. The contention must be one which, if proven, would entitle the petitioner to relief. A petitioner who fails to satisfy these requirements with respect to at least one contention will not be permitted to participate as a party.

Those permitted to intervene become parties to the proceeding, subject to any limitations in the order granting leave to intervene, and have the opportunity to participate fully in the conduct of the hearing with respect to resolution of that person's admitted contentions consistent with the NRC's regulations, policies, and procedures.

Petitions for leave to intervene must be filed no later than 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. Requests for hearing, petitions for leave to intervene, and motions for leave to file new or amended contentions that are filed after the 60-day deadline will not be entertained absent a determination by the presiding officer that the filing demonstrates good cause by satisfying the three factors in 10 CFR 2.309(c)(1)(i) through (iii).

If a hearing is requested, and the Commission has not made a final determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration, the Commission will make a final determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration. The final determination will serve to decide when the hearing is held. If the final determination is that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration, the Commission may issue the amendment and make it immediately effective, notwithstanding the request for a hearing. Any hearing held would take place after issuance of the amendment. If the final determination is that the amendment request involves a significant hazards consideration, then any hearing held would take place before the issuance of any amendment unless the Commission finds an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public, in which case it will issue an appropriate order or rule under 10 CFR part 2.

A State, local governmental body, Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof, may submit a petition to the Commission to participate as a party under 10 CFR 2.309(h)(1).

The petition should state the nature and extent of the petitioner's interest in the proceeding. The petition should be submitted to the Commission by November 19, 2018. The petition must be filed in accordance with the filing instructions in the “Electronic Submissions (E-Filing)” section of this document, and should meet the requirements for petitions set forth in this section, except that under 10 CFR 2.309(h)(2) a State, local governmental body, or Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof does not need to address the standing requirements in 10 CFR 2.309(d) if the facility is located within its boundaries. A State, local governmental body, Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof may also have the opportunity to participate under 10 CFR 2.315(c).

If a hearing is granted, any person who does not wish, or is not qualified, to become a party to the proceeding may, in the discretion of the presiding officer, be permitted to make a limited appearance pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR 2.315(a). A person making a limited appearance may make an oral or written statement of position on the issues, but may not otherwise participate in the proceeding. A limited appearance may be made at any session of the hearing or at any prehearing conference, subject to the limits and conditions as may be imposed by the presiding officer. Details regarding the opportunity to make a limited appearance will be provided by the presiding officer if such sessions are scheduled.

All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a request for hearing, a petition for leave to intervene, any motion or other document filed in the proceeding prior to the submission of a request for hearing or petition to intervene (hereinafter “petition”), and documents filed by interested governmental entities participating under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance with the NRC's E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007, as amended at 77 FR 46562, August 3, 2012). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases to mail copies on electronic storage media. Participants may not submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an exemption in accordance with the procedures described below.

To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 10 days prior to the filing deadline, the participant should contact the Office of the Secretary by email at [email protected], or by telephone at 301-415-1677, to request (1) a digital identification (ID) certificate, which allows the participant (or its counsel or representative) to digitally sign documents and access the E-Submittal server for any proceeding in which it is participating; and (2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a petition (even in instances in which the participant, or its counsel or representative, already holds an NRC-issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the Secretary will establish an electronic docket for the hearing in this proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an electronic docket.

Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/getting-started.html. System requirements for accessing the E-Submittal server are available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/adjudicatory-sub.html. Participants may attempt to use other software not listed on the website, but should note that the NRC's E-Filing system does not support unlisted software, and the NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk will not be able to offer assistance in using unlisted software.

Once a participant has obtained a digital ID certificate and a docket has been created, the participant can then submit a petition. Submissions should be in Portable Document Format (PDF). Additional guidance on PDF submissions is available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. A filing is considered complete at the time the documents are submitted through the NRC's E-Filing system. To be timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Upon receipt of a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document and sends the submitter an email notice confirming receipt of the document. The E-Filing system also distributes an email notice that provides access to the document to the NRC's Office of the General Counsel and any others who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the documents on those participants separately. Therefore, applicants and other participants (or their counsel or representative) must apply for and receive a digital ID certificate before a hearing petition to intervene is filed so that they can obtain access to the document via the E-Filing system.

A person filing electronically using the NRC's adjudicatory E-Filing system may seek assistance by contacting the NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk through the “Contact Us” link located on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email to [email protected], or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. The NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk is available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays.

Participants who believe that they have a good cause for not submitting documents electronically must file an exemption request, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their initial paper filing stating why there is good cause for not filing electronically and requesting authorization to continue to submit documents in paper format. Such filings must be submitted by: (1) First class mail addressed to the Office of the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff; or (2) courier, express mail, or expedited delivery service to the Office of the Secretary, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff. Participants filing a document in this manner are responsible for serving the document on all other participants. Filing is considered complete by first-class mail as of the time of deposit in the mail, or by courier, express mail, or expedited delivery service upon depositing the document with the provider of the service. A presiding officer, having granted an exemption request from using E-Filing, may require a participant or party to use E-Filing if the presiding officer subsequently determines that the reason for granting the exemption from use of E-Filing no longer exists.

Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRC's electronic hearing docket which is available to the public at https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd/, unless excluded pursuant to an order of the Commission, or the presiding officer. Participants are requested not to include personal privacy information, such as social security numbers, home addresses, or home phone numbers in their filings, unless an NRC regulation or other law requires submission of such information. However, in some instances, a request to intervene will require including information on local residence in order to demonstrate a proximity assertion of interest in the proceeding. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would constitute a Fair Use application, participants are requested not to include copyrighted materials in their submission.

For further details with respect to this action, see the application for license amendment dated August 30, 2018.

Attorney for licensee: Mr. M. Stanford Blanton, Balch & Bingham LLP, 1710 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203-2015.

NRC Branch Chief: Jennifer Dixon-Herrity.

Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2008-0252 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly-available information related to this action by any of the following methods:

• Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2008-0252.

• 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 application for amendment is dated August 10, 2018, is available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML18222A599.

• 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.

Please include Docket ID NRC-2008-0252 in your comment submission.

The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC posts all comment submissions at http://www.regulations.gov as well as entering the comment submissions into ADAMS. 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.

The NRC is considering issuance of an amendment to facility Combined License Nos. NPF-91 and NPF-92, issued to SNC for operation of the VEGP Units 3 and 4, located in Burke County, Georgia.

The proposed changes would revise the Combined Licenses to relocate the power operated relief valve (PORV) branch lines upstream of the main steam safety valves in Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria (ITAAC) Figure 2.2.4-1 (Sheets 1 of 2) of the COL Appendix C. In addition to the relocation of the PORV branch lines, the PORV block valves would be changed from gate valves to globe valves in the VEGP Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR). The requested amendment proposes changes to the UFSAR in the form of departures from the incorporated plant-specific Design Control Document (DCD) Tier 2 information in the UFSAR and involves changes to COL Appendix C, and corresponding changes to plant-specific Tier 1 information. Because, these proposed changes require a departure from Tier 1 information in the Westinghouse Electric Company's AP1000 Design Control Document (DCD), the licensee also requested an exemption from the requirements of the Generic DCD Tier 1 in accordance with section 52.63(b)(1) of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR).

Before any issuance of the proposed license amendment, the NRC will need to make the findings required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and NRC's regulations.

The NRC has made a proposed determination that the license amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration. Under the NRC's regulations in 10 CFR 50.92, this means that operation of the facility in accordance with the proposed amendment would not (1) involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated; or (2) create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated; or (3) involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the license amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.

The NRC is seeking public comments on this proposed determination that the license amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration. Any comments received within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice will be considered in making any final determination.

Normally, the Commission will not issue the amendment until the expiration of 60 days after the date of publication of this notice. The Commission may issue the license amendment before expiration of the 60-day notice period if the Commission concludes the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. In addition, the Commission may issue the amendment prior to the expiration of the 30-day comment period should circumstances change during the 30-day comment period such that failure to act in a timely way would result, for example, in derating or shutdown of the facility. Should the Commission take action prior to the expiration of either the comment period or the notice period, the Commission will publish a notice of issuance in the Federal Register. Should the Commission make a final no significant hazards consideration determination, any hearing will take place after issuance. The Commission expects that the need to take this action will occur very infrequently.

Within 60 days after the date of publication of this notice, any persons (petitioner) whose interest may be affected by this action may file a request for a hearing and a petition to intervene (petition) with respect to the action. Petitions shall be filed in accordance with the Commission's “Agency Rules of Practice and Procedure” in 10 CFR part 2. Interested persons should consult a current copy of 10 CFR 2.309, which is available at the NRC's PDR, located at One White Flint North, Room O1-F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland 20852. The NRC's regulations are accessible electronically from the NRC Library on the NRC's website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/. If a petition is filed within 60 days, the Commission or a presiding officer designated by the Commission or by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, will rule on the petition; and the Secretary or the Chief Administrative Judge of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel will issue a notice of a hearing or an appropriate order.

As required by 10 CFR 2.309, a petition shall set forth with particularity the interest of the petitioner in the proceeding, and how that interest may be affected by the results of the proceeding. The petition should specifically explain the reasons why intervention should be permitted with particular reference to the following general requirements: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner; (2) the nature of the petitioner's right under the Act to be made a party to the proceeding; (3) the nature and extent of the petitioner's property, financial, or other interest in the proceeding; and (4) the possible effect of any decision or order which may be entered in the proceeding on the petitioner's interest. The petition must also set forth the specific contentions which the petitioner seeks to have litigated at the proceeding.

Each contention must consist of a specific statement of the issue of law or fact to be raised or controverted. In addition, the petitioner shall provide a brief explanation of the bases for the contention and a concise statement of the alleged facts or expert opinion which support the contention and on which the petitioner intends to rely in proving the contention at the hearing. The petitioner must also provide references to those specific sources and documents of which the petitioner is aware and on which the petitioner intends to rely to establish those facts or expert opinion to support its position on the issue. The petition must include sufficient information to show that a genuine dispute exists with the applicant on a material issue of law or fact. Contentions shall be limited to matters within the scope of the proceeding. The contention must be one which, if proven, would entitle the petitioner to relief. A petitioner who fails to satisfy these requirements with respect to at least one contention will not be permitted to participate as a party.

Those permitted to intervene become parties to the proceeding, subject to any limitations in the order granting leave to intervene, and have the opportunity to participate fully in the conduct of the hearing with respect to resolution of that person's admitted contentions consistent with the NRC's regulations, policies, and procedures.

Petitions for leave to intervene must be filed no later than 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. Requests for hearing, petitions for leave to intervene, and motions for leave to file new or amended contentions that are filed after the 60-day deadline will not be entertained absent a determination by the presiding officer that the filing demonstrates good cause by satisfying the three factors in 10 CFR 2.309(c)(1)(i) through (iii).

If a hearing is requested, and the Commission has not made a final determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration, the Commission will make a final determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration. The final determination will serve to decide when the hearing is held. If the final determination is that the amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration, the Commission may issue the amendment and make it immediately effective, notwithstanding the request for a hearing. Any hearing held would take place after issuance of the amendment. If the final determination is that the amendment request involves a significant hazards consideration, then any hearing held would take place before the issuance of any amendment unless the Commission finds an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public, in which case it will issue an appropriate order or rule under 10 CFR part 2.

A State, local governmental body, Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof, may submit a petition to the Commission to participate as a party under 10 CFR 2.309(h)(1).

The petition should state the nature and extent of the petitioner's interest in the proceeding. The petition should be submitted to the Commission by November 19, 2018. The petition must be filed in accordance with the filing instructions in the “Electronic Submissions (E-Filing)” section of this document, and should meet the requirements for petitions set forth in this section, except that under 10 CFR 2.309(h)(2) a State, local governmental body, or Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof does not need to address the standing requirements in 10 CFR 2.309(d) if the facility is located within its boundaries. A State, local governmental body, Federally-recognized Indian Tribe, or agency thereof may also have the opportunity to participate under 10 CFR 2.315(c).

If a hearing is granted, any person who does not wish, or is not qualified, to become a party to the proceeding may, in the discretion of the presiding officer, be permitted to make a limited appearance pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR 2.315(a). A person making a limited appearance may make an oral or written statement of position on the issues, but may not otherwise participate in the proceeding. A limited appearance may be made at any session of the hearing or at any prehearing conference, subject to the limits and conditions as may be imposed by the presiding officer. Details regarding the opportunity to make a limited appearance will be provided by the presiding officer if such sessions are scheduled.

All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a request for hearing, a petition for leave to intervene, any motion or other document filed in the proceeding prior to the submission of a request for hearing or petition to intervene (hereinafter “petition”), and documents filed by interested governmental entities participating under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance with the NRC's E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007, as amended at 77 FR 46562, August 3, 2012). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases to mail copies on electronic storage media. Participants may not submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an exemption in accordance with the procedures described below.

To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 10 days prior to the filing deadline, the participant should contact the Office of the Secretary by email at [email protected], or by telephone at 301-415-1677, to request (1) a digital identification (ID) certificate, which allows the participant (or its counsel or representative) to digitally sign documents and access the E-Submittal server for any proceeding in which it is participating; and (2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a petition (even in instances in which the participant, or its counsel or representative, already holds an NRC-issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the Secretary will establish an electronic docket for the hearing in this proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an electronic docket.

Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/getting-started.html. System requirements for accessing the E-Submittal server are available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/adjudicatory-sub.html. Participants may attempt to use other software not listed on the website, but should note that the NRC's E-Filing system does not support unlisted software, and the NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk will not be able to offer assistance in using unlisted software.

Once a participant has obtained a digital ID certificate and a docket has been created, the participant can then submit a petition. Submissions should be in Portable Document Format (PDF). Additional guidance on PDF submissions is available on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. A filing is considered complete at the time the documents are submitted through the NRC's E-Filing system. To be timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Upon receipt of a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document and sends the submitter an email notice confirming receipt of the document. The E-Filing system also distributes an email notice that provides access to the document to the NRC's Office of the General Counsel and any others who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the documents on those participants separately. Therefore, applicants and other participants (or their counsel or representative) must apply for and receive a digital ID certificate before a hearing petition to intervene is filed so that they can obtain access to the document via the E-Filing system.

A person filing electronically using the NRC's adjudicatory E-Filing system may seek assistance by contacting the NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk through the “Contact Us” link located on the NRC's public website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email to [email protected], or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. The NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk is available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays.

Participants who believe that they have a good cause for not submitting documents electronically must file an exemption request, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their initial paper filing stating why there is good cause for not filing electronically and requesting authorization to continue to submit documents in paper format. Such filings must be submitted by: (1) First class mail addressed to the Office of the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff; or (2) courier, express mail, or expedited delivery service to the Office of the Secretary, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff. Participants filing a document in this manner are responsible for serving the document on all other participants. Filing is considered complete by first-class mail as of the time of deposit in the mail, or by courier, express mail, or expedited delivery service upon depositing the document with the provider of the service. A presiding officer, having granted an exemption request from using E-Filing, may require a participant or party to use E-Filing if the presiding officer subsequently determines that the reason for granting the exemption from use of E-Filing no longer exists.

Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRC's electronic hearing docket which is available to the public at https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd/, unless excluded pursuant to an order of the Commission, or the presiding officer. Participants are requested not to include personal privacy information, such as social security numbers, home addresses, or home phone numbers in their filings, unless an NRC regulation or other law requires submission of such information. However, in some instances, a request to intervene will require including information on local residence in order to demonstrate a proximity assertion of interest in the proceeding. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would constitute a Fair Use application, participants are requested not to include copyrighted materials in their submission.

For further details with respect to this action, see the application for license amendment dated August 10, 2018.

Attorney for licensee: Mr. M. Stanford Blanton, Balch & Bingham LLP, 1710 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203-2015.

NRC Branch Chief: Jennifer Dixon-Herrity.

The September 21, 2018 comment due date applies to Docket Nos. CP2017-251; CP2017-255; CP2018-302; CP2018-303; and CP2018-304.

The September 24, 2018 comment due date applies to Docket Nos. MC2018-219 and CP2018-305; MC2018-220 and CP2018-306.

The Commission gives notice that the Postal Service filed request(s) for the Commission to consider matters related to negotiated service agreement(s). The request(s) may propose the addition or removal of a negotiated service agreement from the market dominant or the competitive product list, or the modification of an existing product currently appearing on the market dominant or the competitive product list.

Section II identifies the docket number(s) associated with each Postal Service request, the title of each Postal Service request, the request's acceptance date, and the authority cited by the Postal Service for each request. For each request, the Commission appoints an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in the proceeding, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505 (Public Representative). Section II also establishes comment deadline(s) pertaining to each request.

The public portions of the Postal Service's request(s) can be accessed via the Commission's website (http://www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of the Postal Service's request(s), if any, can be accessed through compliance with the requirements of 39 CFR 3007.301.1

The Commission invites comments on whether the Postal Service's request(s) in the captioned docket(s) are consistent with the policies of title 39. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern market dominant product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3622, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3010, and 39 CFR part 3020, subpart B. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern competitive product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3015, and 39 CFR part 3020, subpart B. Comment deadline(s) for each request appear in section II.

1. Docket No(s).: CP2017-251; Filing Title: Notice of the United States Postal Service of Filing Modification Three to a Global Plus 1D Negotiated Service Agreement; Filing Acceptance Date: September 13, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Kenneth R. Moeller; Comments Due: September 21, 2018.

2. Docket No(s).: CP2017-255; Filing Title: Notice of the United States Postal Service of Filing Modification Two to a Global Plus 1D Negotiated Service Agreement; Filing Acceptance Date: September 13, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Kenneth R. Moeller; Comments Due: September 21, 2018.

3. Docket No(s).: CP2018-302; Filing Title: Notice of United States Postal Service of Filing a Functionally Equivalent Global Expedited Package Services 8 Negotiated Service Agreement and Application for Non-Public Treatment of Materials Filed Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: September 12, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due: September 21, 2018.

4. Docket No(s).: CP2018-303; Filing Title: Notice of United States Postal Service of Filing a Functionally Equivalent Global Reseller Expedited Package 2 Negotiated Service Agreement; Filing Acceptance Date: September 13, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due: September 21, 2018.

5. Docket No(s).: CP2018-304; Filing Title: Notice of United States Postal Service of Filing a Functionally Equivalent Global Expedited Package Services 8 Negotiated Service Agreement and Application for Non-Public Treatment of Materials Filed Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: September 13, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due: September 21, 2018.

6. Docket No(s).: MC2018-219 and CP2018-305; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & First-Class Package Service Contract 89 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: September 13, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3020.30 et seq., and 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Jennaca D. Upperman; Comments Due: September 24, 2018.

7. Docket No(s).: MC2018-220 and CP2018-306; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Contract 465 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: September 13, 2018; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3020.30 et seq., and 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Jennaca D. Upperman; Comments Due: September 24, 2018.

This Notice will be published in the Federal Register.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on September 13, 2018, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Contract 465 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2018-220, CP2018-306.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on September 13, 2018, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & First-Class Package Service Contract 89 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2018-219, CP2018-305.

The notice of the President's major disaster declaration for the State of California, dated 01/15/2018, is hereby amended to establish the incident period for this disaster as beginning 12/04/2017 through 01/31/2018.

All other information in the original declaration remains unchanged.

Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President's major disaster declaration on 09/12/2018, Private Non-Profit organizations that provide essential services of a governmental nature may file disaster loan applications at the address listed above or other locally announced locations.

The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster:

The Interest Rates are:

The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 15694C and for economic injury is 156950.

Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's disaster declaration, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations.

The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster:

The Interest Rates are:

The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 15682 6 and for economic injury is 15683 0.

The State which received an EIDL Declaration # is Michigan.

The notice of the President's major disaster declaration for Private Non-Profit organizations in the State of California, dated 01/02/2018, is hereby amended to establish the incident period for this disaster as beginning 12/04/2017 through 01/31/2018.

All other information in the original declaration remains unchanged.

• Title of Information Collection: Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR).

• OMB Control Number: 1405-0050.

• Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.

• Originating Office: Office of the Procurement Executive, A/OPE.

• Form Number: No form.

• Respondents: Entities seeking to do business with, or contractors of, the Department of State.

• Estimated Number of Respondents: 261.

• Estimated Number of Responses: 831.

• Average Time per Response: Approximately 4 hours.

• Total Estimated Burden Time: 3,370 annual hours.

• Frequency: On occasion.

• Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain a benefit.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.

• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

This information collection covers pre-award and post-award requirements of the DOSAR. During the pre-award phase, information is collected to determine which proposals offer the best value to the U.S. Government. Post-award actions include monitoring the contractor's performance; issuing modifications to the contract; dealing with unsatisfactory performance; and closing out the contract upon its completion. This program collects information pursuant to the Foreign Service Buildings Act of 1926, as amended (22 U.S.C. 302), the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act (22 U.S.C. 4852), and the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (22 U.S.C. 4864).

Information is collected from prospective offerors to evaluate their proposals. The responses provided by the public are part of the offeror's proposals in response to Department solicitations. This information may be submitted electronically (through fax or email), or may require a paper submission, depending upon complexity. After contract award, contractors are required to submit information, on an as-needed basis, and relate to the occurrence of specific circumstances.

Correction

In the Federal Register of August 27, 2018 in FR Doc. 2018-18503 on page 43724, in the first column, correct the “Wholly-Owned U.S. Subsidiaries” paragraph to read:

“WHOLLY-OWNED U.S. AND OTHER FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES: Exports and reexports of goods or technology pursuant to new licenses for exports and reexports to wholly-owned U.S. and other foreign subsidiaries in Russia, provided that such licenses shall be issued on a case-by-case basis, consistent with export licensing policy for Russia prior to enactment of these sanctions.”

• Title of Information Collection: Annual Brokering Report.

• OMB Control Number: 1405-0141.

• Type of Request: Extension.

• Originating Office: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

• Form Number: No form.

• Respondents: Respondents are any person/s who engages in the United States in the business of manufacturing or exporting or temporarily importing defense articles.

• Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,200.

• Estimated Number of Responses: 1,200.

• Average Time per Response: 2 hour.

• Total Estimated Burden Time: 2,400 hours.

• Frequency: Annually.

• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.

• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

In accordance with part 129 of the ITAR, U.S. and foreign persons required to register as a broker shall provide annually a report to DDTC enumerating and describing brokering activities by quantity, type, U.S. dollar value, purchaser/recipient, and license number for approved activities and any exemptions utilized for other covered activities. This information is currently used in the review of munitions export and brokering license applications and to ensure compliance with defense trade statutes and regulations. As appropriate, such information may be shared with other U.S. Government entities.

Brokering Reports are submitted annually with Statement of Registration renewals.

The foregoing determinations were made 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 Delegation of Authority No. 236-14 of September 10, 2018.

The foregoing determinations were made 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 Delegation of Authority No. 236-14 of September 10, 2018.

The Board, created in 1996 to take over many of the functions previously performed by the Interstate Commerce Commission, exercises broad authority over transportation by rail carriers, including regulation of railroad rates and service (49 U.S.C. 10701-47, 11101-24), the construction, acquisition, operation, and abandonment of rail lines (49 U.S.C. 10901-07), as well as railroad line sales, consolidations, mergers, and common control arrangements (49 U.S.C. 10902, 11323-27).

The ICC Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA), enacted on December 29, 1995, established RSTAC to advise the Board's Chairman, the Secretary of Transportation, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with respect to rail transportation policy issues RSTAC considers significant. RSTAC focuses on issues of importance to small shippers and small railroads, including car supply, rates, competition, and procedures for addressing claims. ICCTA instructs RSTAC to endeavor to develop private-sector mechanisms to prevent, or identify and address, obstacles to the most effective and efficient transportation system practicable. The members of RSTAC also prepare an annual report concerning RSTAC's activities. RSTAC is not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

RSTAC's 15 appointed members consist of representatives of small and large shippers, and small and large railroads. In addition, members of the Board and the Secretary of Transportation serve as ex officio members. Of the 15 appointed members, nine are voting members and are appointed from senior executive officers of organizations engaged in the railroad and rail shipping industries. At least four of the voting members must be representatives of small shippers as determined by the Chairman, and at least four of the voting members must be representatives of Class II or III railroads. The remaining six members to be appointed—three representing Class I railroads and three representing large shipper organizations—serve in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, but may participate in RSTAC deliberations.

Meetings of RSTAC are required by statute to be held at least semi-annually. In recent years, RSTAC has met four times a year. Meetings are generally held at the Board's headquarters in Washington, DC, although some meetings are held in other locations.

The members of RSTAC receive no compensation for their services and are required to provide for the expenses incidental to their service, including travel expenses, as the Board cannot provide for these expenses. RSTAC may solicit and use private funding for its activities, again subject to certain restrictions in ICCTA. Currently, RSTAC members have elected to submit annual dues to pay for RSTAC expenses.

RSTAC members must be citizens of the United States and represent as broadly as practicable the various segments of the railroad and rail shipper industries. They may not be full-time employees of the United States. According to revised guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, it is permissible for federally registered lobbyists to serve on advisory committees, such as RSTAC, as long as they do so in a representative capacity, rather than an individual capacity. See Revised Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to Fed. Advisory Comms., Bds., & Comm'ns., 79 FR 47,482 (Aug. 13, 2014). Members of RSTAC are appointed to serve in a representative capacity.

Each RSTAC member is appointed for a term of three-years. A member may serve after the expiration of his or her term until a successor has taken office. No member will be eligible to serve in excess of two consecutive terms.

Due to a recent departure of a small shipper representative, a vacancy exists on RSTAC. Upon appointment by the Board Chairman, the new small shipper representative will serve for the remainder of the three-year term of the original appointment, which began on January 29, 2018, and may be eligible to serve a second three-year term following the end of the first term.

Suggestions for candidates to fill the vacancy should be submitted in letter form, identifying the name of the candidate, providing a summary of why the candidate is qualified to serve on RSTAC, and containing a representation that the candidate is willing to serve as an RSTAC member effective immediately upon appointment. RSTAC candidate suggestions should be filed with the Board by October 17, 2018. Members selected to serve on RSTAC are chosen at the discretion of the Board Chairman. Please note that submissions will be posted on the Board's website under Docket No. EP 526 (Sub-No. 11) and can also be obtained by contacting the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at [email protected] or (202) 245-0238.

I. Background

On November 13, 2017, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) submitted a report to the President under section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2251), finding that crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and other CSPV products containing these cells are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry producing an article that is like or directly competitive with the imported products. The scope of this investigation did not cover:

• Thin film photovoltaic products produced from amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).

• CSPV cells, not exceeding 10,000 mm2 in surface area, that are permanently integrated into a consumer good whose primary function is other than power generation and that consumes the electricity generated by the integrated CSPV cell. Where more than one CSPV cell is permanently integrated into a consumer good, the surface area for purposes of this exclusion is the total combined surface area of all CSPV cells that are integrated into the consumer good.

• CSPV cells, whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products, if such CSPV cells were manufactured in the United States.

The President, taking into consideration the separate recommendations of the ITC Commissioners on remedy and the recommendation of the Trade Policy Staff Committee, determined to take action and issued Proclamation 9693 on January 23, 2018, to impose a safeguard measure with respect to the imported CSPV products. The President determined to implement the safeguard measure as: (1) A tariff-rate quota on imports of CSPV cells not partially or fully assembled into other products, imposed for a period of 4 years, with unchanging within-quota quantities and annual reductions in the rates of duty applicable to goods entered in excess of those quantities in the second, third, and fourth years, as provided in Annex I to the proclamation; and (2) an increase in duties on imports of CSPV products containing these cells, imposed for a period of 4 years, with annual reductions in the rates of duty in the second, third, and fourth years, as provided in Annex I to the proclamation.

The proclamation also excluded certain products from application of the safeguard measure. Specifically, the proclamation excluded the following:

• 10 to 60 watt, inclusive, rectangular solar panels, where the panels have the following characteristics: (A) Length of 250 mm or more but not over 482 mm or width of 400 mm or more but not over 635 mm, and (B) surface area of 1000 cm2 or more but not over 3,061 cm2, provided that no such panel with those characteristics shall contain an internal battery or external computer peripheral ports at the time of entry.

• 1 watt solar panels incorporated into nightlights that use rechargeable batteries and have the following dimensions: 58 mm or more but not over 64 mm by 126 mm or more but not over 140 mm.

• 2 watt solar panels incorporated into daylight dimmers that may use rechargeable batteries, such panels with the following dimensions: 75 mm or more but not over 82 mm by 139 mm or more but not over 143 mm.

• Off-grid and portable CSPV panels, whether in a foldable case or in rigid form containing a glass cover, where the panels have the following characteristics: (a) A total power output of 100 watts or less per panel; (b) a maximum surface area of 8,000 cm2 per panel; (c) does not include a built-in inverter; and where the panels have glass covers, such panels must be in individual retail packaging (in this context, retail packaging typically includes graphics, the product name, its description and/or features, and foam for transport).

• 3.19 watt or less solar panels, each with length of 75 mm or more but not over 266 mm and width of 46 mm or more but not over 127 mm, with surface area of 338 cm2 or less, with one black wire and one red wire (each of type 22 AWG or 24 AWG) not more than 206 mm in length when measured from panel edge, provided that no such panel shall contain an internal battery or external computer peripheral ports.

• 27.1 watt or less solar panels, each with surface area less than 3,000 cm2 and coated across the entire surface with a polyurethane doming resin, the foregoing joined to a battery charging and maintaining unit, such unit which is an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) box that incorporates a light emitting diode (LED) by coated wires that include a connector to permit the incorporation of an extension cable.