Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) hereby announces the submission of the following public information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review and approval of a Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery (Generic Clearance).

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public to take this opportunity to comment on the ``Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery'' for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This collection was developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection to OMB for approval and solicits comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is proposing to revise the current arbitration regulation to clarify existing provisions; eliminate redundancies and provisions that are never used in practice; consolidate sections; update contact information; reduce award submission requirements and reference an apprenticeship alternative for joining the Roster after completion of specified training; implement a modest increase in user fees that have remained unchanged for more than 8 years, and remove section 1404.20.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce the paperwork burden of grant applicants and awardees in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. The information collection requests are FMCS forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (LM-3), Request for Advance or Reimbursement SF-270 (LM- 6), Financial Status Report SF-269a (LM-7), Project Performance (LM-8), and Grants Program Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire (LM-9). This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is requesting a reinstatement without change to the collection. This collection was assigned the control number 3076-0006.

Section 743 of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, Public Law 111-117, requires civilian agencies to prepare an annual inventory of their service contracts and to analyze the inventory to determine if the mix of Federal employees and contractors is effective or if rebalancing may be required. In accordance with Section 743, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is publishing this notice to instruct the public of the availability of its FY 2014 Service Contract Analysis and Inventory. The Inventory provides information on service contract actions over $25,000 that were made in FY 2014. These documents are available on the FMCS Web site at https://www.fmcs.gov/resources/documents-and-data/. Please see section under Reports for Service Contract information.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden of arbitrators and parties that request arbitration services in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection requests. The information collection requests are FMCS forms: Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement (Agency Form R- 19), Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire (Agency Form R-22), and Request for Arbitration Panel (Agency Form R-43). These information collection requests were previously approved by the Office of Management Budget (OMB), and we are requesting a reinstatement without change to the collections. These information collection requests were assigned the OMB control numbers 3076-0001, 3076-0002, and 3076-0003.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce the paperwork burden of grant applicants and awardees in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. The information collection requests are FMCS forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (LM-3), Request for Advance or Reimbursement SF-270 (LM- 6), Financial Status Report SF-269a (LM-7), Project Performance (LM-8), and Grants Program Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire (LM-9). This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is requesting a reinstatement without change to the collection. This collection was assigned the control number 3076-0006.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) hereby announces the submission of the following public information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13). The information collection request is the Notice to Mediation Agencies (Agency Form F-7), OMB control number 3076-0004. No comments were received pursuant to FMCS's prior 60-day notice in the Federal Register on June 26, 2012. However, we would like to make a correction to that notice. The collection is actually being submitted to OMB as a reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection. The changes include modest streamlining and improvements for clarity. OMB is interested in comments on specific aspects of the collection. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that: (1) 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; (2) Evaluates the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the proposed collection information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic collection technologies or other forms of information technology. Burden: FMCS receives approximately 21,000 responses to the form Notice to Mediation Agencies (OMB No. 3076-004). Affected Entities: Private sector employers and labor unions involved in interstate commerce that file notices for mediation services to the FMCS and state, local and territorial agencies.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) hereby announces the submission of the following public information collection requests (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13). The information collection requests are FMCS forms: Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement (Agency Form R-19), Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire (Agency Form R-22), and Request for Arbitration Services (Agency Form R-43). These information collection requests were assigned the OMB control numbers 3076-0001, 3076-0002, and 3076-0003. These information collections will be used to collect information to determine applicant suitability for the arbitration roster, to monitor the work of arbitrators, and to collect information that facilitates the processing of arbitration requests. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that: (1) 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; (2) Evaluates the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic collection technologies or other forms of information technology. Burden: FMCS receives approximately 150 responses per year to the Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire (OMB No. 3076-001); 3,000 responses per year to the Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement (OMB No. 3076-0003); and 16,000 responses per year to the Request for Arbitration Panel form (OMB No. 3076-0002). Affected Entities: Individuals who apply for admission to the FMCS Roster of Arbitrators; arbitrators who render decisions under FMCS arbitration policies and procedures; and employers, labor unions, and their representatives who request arbitration services.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) hereby announces the submission of the following public information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13). This information collection, ``Labor-Management Cooperation Grant Program Information Collection Request'' (OMB Control No. 3076-0006) will be used to collect information to determine applicant suitability, to monitor grant project status and for grant program evaluation. The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary forthe proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whetherthe information will have practical utility; (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of theproposed collection of information; (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated electronic collection technologies or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic and fax submission of responses. Approximately 40 respondents will complete the grant kit annually. The estimated burden per respondent is 4.5 hours. The estimated total annual burden is 180 hours. Affected Entities: Potential applicants and/or grantees who received our grant application kit. Also applicants who have received a grant from FMCS.

This final rule amends the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) rules pertaining to arbitration services. It revises

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) published a 30-day notice in the Federal Register [on March 23, 2009, (Volume 74, Number 54) Pages 12131-12132] for public comment on seven information collection requests contained among the (FMCS) Labor Management Cooperation Program which was up for renewal of currently approved collection by Office of Management and Budget (OMB). FMCS submitted to the Office of Management Budget a request for review of these seven forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Request for Advance or Reimbursement SF-270 (LM-6), Project Performance (LM-8), Financial Status Report SF-269a (LM-7), Grants Program Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire (agency form LM-9), and Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (LM-3). The request seeks OMB approval for an emergency extension with an expiration date of March 12, 2012, for forms SF-424, SF-270 (LM-6), (LM-8), SF-269a, (LM-7), (LM-9) and (LM-3).

This notice announces that seven information collection requests contained among the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), Labor Management Corporation Program have come up for renewal. FMCS will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review of these seven forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Request for Advance or Reimbursement SF-270 (LM-6), Project Performance (LM-8), Financial Status Report SF-269a (LM-7), Grants Program Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire (agency form LM-9), and Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (LM-3). The request seeks OMB approval for a three-year extension with an expiration date of March 12, 2012, for forms SF-424, SF-270 (LM-6), (LM-8), SF-269a, (LM-7), (LM-9) and (LM-3). FMCS is soliciting comments on aspects of the collection as described below.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) proposes to amend its rules relating to arbitrators' inactive status, removal, appointment, referral and obligation to provide FMCS with information. The proposed rules also address the appointment of arbitrators where a party has failed to pay fees in previous cases. In addition, the proposed rules raise the annual listing fee for arbitrators on the FMCS Roster. The changes will promote more efficient and effective procedures involving arbitrator retention and arbitration services. The increased cost of listing arbitrator biographical data more accurately reflects FMCS' costs of maintaining and administering this information.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s). The information collection requests are FMCS forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Request for Advance or Reimbursement SF-270 (LM-6), Project Performance (LM-8), Financial Status Report SF-269a (LM-7), Grants Program Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire (agency form LM-9), and Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (LM-3). The request seeks Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a three-year expiration date of Forms SF-424, SF-270 (LM-6), (LM-8), SF-269a (LM-7), (LM-9) and (LM- 3) until October 2010. FMCS is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the collection as described below.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) proposes to amend its rules under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) primarily to effectuate various provisions under the 1996 Electronic FOIA Amendments. Previously, FMCS had issued a proposed rule on November 3, 1999. 64 FR 59697, Nov. 3, 1999. FMCS received no comments when the proposed rule was published in 1999. FMCS is now withdrawing that proposed rule and issuing a new revised proposed rule. The proposed revisions include a new response time for FOIA requests, procedures for requesting expedited processing, the availability of certain public information on FMCS's Web site, and express inclusion of electronic records and automated searches along with paper records and manual searches. In addition, FMCS's proposed amendments would update its fee schedule. FMCS is also updating the names and addresses of the various offices within the agency responsible for FOIA related activities.

This notice announces that four information collection requests contained among the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) agency forms have come up for renewal. Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCS has submitted to OMB requests for review of these four FMCS forms: Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement (Agency Form R-19), Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire (Agency Form R- 22), Request for Arbitration Services (Agency Form R-43) and Notice to Mediation Agencies (Agency Form F-7). These requests seek reinstatement of Forms R-19, R-22, and F-7, which expired January 31, 2006, and Form R-43, which expired February 28, 2006, with new expiration dates of three years from the date of OMB approval. FMCS also is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the collections as described below.

This notice announces that four information collection requests contained among the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) agency forms have come up for renewal. FMCS will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review of these four FMCS forms: Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement (Agency Form R- 19), Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire (Agency Form R-22), Request for Arbitration Services (Agency Form R-43) and Notice to Mediation Agencies (Agency Form F-7). The request will seek OMB approval for a three-year extension with an expiration date of January 31, 2010, for Forms R-19, R-22, R-43 and F-7. FMCS is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the collections as described below.

This notice announces that six information collection requests contained in the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) agency forms are coming up for renewal. FMCS submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review of six FMCS forms: SF424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF270 (LM-6)Request for Advance or Reimbursement, (LM-8)Project Performance, SF269a (LM-7) Financial Status Report, (LM-9)FMCS Grants Program Grantee Evaluation Questionnaire, and (LM-3)Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire. The request seeks OMB approval for a three-year expiration date of Forms SF424, SF270 (LM-6), (LM-8), SF269a (LM-7), (LM-9) and (LM-3) until March 2009. FMCS is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the collection as described below.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is publishing a draft Fiscal Year 2006 Program Guidelines/Application Solicitation for the Labor-Management Cooperation Program for comment. The program is supported by Federal funds authorized by the Labor- Management Cooperation Act of 1978, subject to annual appropriations. This solicitation contains a change in the length of grants and the deadline for accepting applications. FMCS reserves the right under special conditions to award supplemental (continuation) grants and will accept applications beginning August 1, 2006 and continue to do so until July 31, 2007 or until all Fiscal Year 2006 grant funds are obligated.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance, a proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed online customer survey will evaluate the impact of FMCS's relationship-development and training programs (RDTs), the impact of the training program on the relationship between labor and management, and the impact of the training on the workplace.

This document corrects Sec. 1404.5(b) and to add revisions to Sec. 1404.5(d)(7) in a proposed rule published in the Federal Register of July 7, 2005 (70 FR 39209), regarding Arbitration Policies, Functions and Procedures. The corrections clarify the Proof of Qualification needed to be on the Roster in Sec. 1404.5(b) and adds the non-payment of the annual listing fee in Sec. 1404.5(d)(7).

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) published a document in the Federal Register on April 13, 2005, concerning the Application Solicitation for the Labor Management Cooperation Program. The document contained an inadvertent omission of the date upon which applications would be accepted and also changes the term ``Director, Labor-Management Grants Program'' to the ``Director or their designee''.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is publishing the final Fiscal Year 2005 Program Guidelines/Application Solicitation for the Labor-Management Cooperation Program to inform the public. The program is supported by Federal funds authorized by the Labor-Management Cooperation Act of 1978, subject to annual appropriations. This solicitation contains a change in the application process in an effort to maximize participation under current budget constraints. In the past, applicants were required to submit applications by a fixed date. In Fiscal Year 2005, the date for application submission will be open, contingent upon fund availability. Applications will be accepted for consideration after May 15, 2005 and all funds will be awarded by September 30, 2006. Comments: No comments have been received in response to the Federal Register notice advising that application solicitations may be submitted any time after May 15, 2005 and will be considered for funding pending funds availability.