No FEAR Act Notice, 57917-57918 [E6-16186]

Download as PDF 57917 Notices Federal Register Vol. 71, No. 190 Monday, October 2, 2006 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY No FEAR Act Notice U.S. Trade and Development Agency. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s notification of employee rights and protections under Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws (No FEAR Act). ADDRESSES: U.S. Trade and Development Agency, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Hum, Administrative Officer, (703) 875–4357. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 5 CFR part 724, implementing the notice provisions of the Notification and Federal Employees Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), requires that each agency provide public notification of its initial No FEAR Act Notice to employees. This notice provides employees, former employees and applicants notification of their rights and applicable remedies available to them under the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 No FEAR Act Notice On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the ‘‘Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002,’’ which is now known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to ‘‘require that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.’’ Public Law 107–174, Summary. In support of this purpose, Congress found that ‘‘agencies cannot be run effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.’’ Public Law VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:07 Sep 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 107–174, Title I, General Provisions, section 101(1). The Act also requires this agency to provide this notice to Federal employees, former Federal employees and applicants for Federal employment to inform you of the rights and protections available to you under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws. Antidiscrimination Laws A Federal agency cannot discriminate against an employee or applicant with respect to the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or political affiliation. Discrimination on these bases is prohibited by one or more of the following statutes: 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 29 U.S.C. 631, 29 U.S.C. 633a, 29 U.S.C. 791 and 42 U.S.C. 2000e–16. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability, you must contact an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action, or, in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the action, before you can file a formal complaint of discrimination with this agency. See, e.g. 29 CFR 1614. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, you must either contact an EEO counselor as noted above or give notice of intent to sue to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action. If you are alleging discrimination based on marital status or political affiliation, you may file a written complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) (see contact information below). In the alternative (or in some cases, in addition), you may pursue a discrimination complaint by filing a grievance through your agency’s administrative or negotiated grievance procedures, if such procedures apply and are available. Whistleblower Protection Laws A Federal employee with authority to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action must not use that authority to take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a personnel action against an employee or applicant because of disclosure of information by that individual that is reasonably believed to evidence violations of law, rule or regulation; gross mismanagement; gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, unless disclosure of such information is specifically prohibited by law and such information is specifically required by Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs. Retaliation against an employee or applicant for making a protected disclosure is prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8). If you believe that you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may file a written complaint (Form OSC–11) with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel at 1730 M Street, NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036–4505 or online through the OSC Web site—https://www.osc.gov. Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity A Federal agency cannot retaliate against an employee or applicant because that individual exercises his or her rights under any of the Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws listed above. If you believe that you are the victim of retaliation for engaging in protected activity, you must follow, as appropriate, the procedures described in the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws sections or, if applicable, the administrative or negotiated grievance procedures in order to pursue any legal remedy. Disciplinary Actions Under the existing laws, each agency retains the right, where appropriate, to discipline a Federal employee for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws up to and including removal. If OSC has initiated an investigation under 5 U.S.C. 1214, however, according to 5 U.S.C. 1214(f), agencies must seek approval from the Special Counsel to discipline employees for, among other activities, engaging in prohibited retaliation. Nothing in the No FEAR Act alters existing laws or permits an agency to take unfounded disciplinary action against a Federal employee or to violate E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 57918 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 190 / Monday, October 2, 2006 / Notices the procedural rights of a Federal employee who has been accused of discrimination Additional Information For further information regarding the No FEAR Act regulations, refer to 5 CFR part 724, as well as the appropriate offices within your agency (e.g., EEO office, human resources office or legal office). Additional information regarding Federal antidiscrimination, whistleblower protection and retaliation laws can be found at the EEOC Web site—https://www.eeoc.gov and the OSC Web site—https://www.osc.gov. Existing Rights Unchanged Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither the Act nor this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 2302(d). Dated: September 27, 2006. Carolyn Hum, Administrative Officer. [FR Doc. E6–16186 Filed 9–29–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8040–01–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 September 26, 2006. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. 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: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:07 Sep 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. An agency 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. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Title: Swine 2006 Large and Small Enterprises. OMB Control Number: 0579–NEW. Summary of Collection: 7 U.S.C. 391, the Animal Industry Act of 1884, which established the precursor of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services, the Bureau of Animal Industry, mandates collection and dissemination of animal health data and information. APHIS operates the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), which collects, on a national basis, statistically valid and scientifically sound data on the prevalence and economic importance of livestock and poultry diseases and associated risk factors. NAHMS will initiate the fourth national data collection of swine through the Swine 2006 Study. The Swine 2006 Study is a part of an ongoing series of NAHMS studies on the U.S. Swine population. The swine study will consist of two components: A largeenterprise survey and a small-enterprise survey. Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will use the information collected from both surveys to prepare descriptive reports and information sheets that will be disseminated to animal health officials, swine producers, stakeholders, and academia. Without this type of national data, the U.S. ability to detect trends in management, production, and health status that increases/decreases farm economy either directly or indirectly would be reduced to nonexistent. Description of Respondents: Farms. Number of Respondents: 6,503. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (once pre questionnaire). Total Burden Hours: 11,769. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Title: Animal Welfare Act, Part 3. OMB Control Number: 0579–0093. Summary of Collection: The Laboratory Animal Welfare Act (AWA) (Pub. L. 89–544) enacted August 24, 1966, and amended December 24, 1970 (Pub. L. 91–579); April 22, 1976 (Pub. L. 94–279); and December 23, 1985 (Pub. L. 99–198) required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to regulate the humane care and handling of most warm-blooded animals, including marine mammals, used for research or exhibition purposes, sold as pets, or transported in commerce. The legislation and its amendments were the result of extensive demand by organized animal welfare groups and private citizens requesting a Federal law to protect such animals. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care (AC) has the responsibility to enforce the AWA and the provisions of 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, which implements the AWA. Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information to insure that animals used in research facilities or for exhibition purposes are provided humane care and treatment. The information is used to ensure those dealers, exhibitors, research facilities, carriers, etc., are in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and regulations and standards promulgated under this authority of the Act. Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not for-profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 10,217. Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 47,591. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6–16192 Filed 9–29–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. TM–06–11] Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 190 (Monday, October 2, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57917-57918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16186]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 190 / Monday, October 2, 2006 / 
Notices

[[Page 57917]]



TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY


No FEAR Act Notice

AGENCY: U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the U.S. Trade and Development 
Agency's notification of employee rights and protections under Federal 
Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws (No FEAR 
Act).

ADDRESSES: U.S. Trade and Development Agency, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, 
Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Hum, Administrative Officer, 
(703) 875-4357.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 5 CFR part 724, implementing the notice 
provisions of the Notification and Federal Employees Antidiscrimination 
and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), requires that each agency 
provide public notification of its initial No FEAR Act Notice to 
employees. This notice provides employees, former employees and 
applicants notification of their rights and applicable remedies 
available to them under the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower 
Protection Laws.

No FEAR Act Notice

    On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the ``Notification and Federal 
Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002,'' which is now 
known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to ``require that 
Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination 
and whistleblower protection laws.'' Public Law 107-174, Summary. In 
support of this purpose, Congress found that ``agencies cannot be run 
effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.'' 
Public Law 107-174, Title I, General Provisions, section 101(1).
    The Act also requires this agency to provide this notice to Federal 
employees, former Federal employees and applicants for Federal 
employment to inform you of the rights and protections available to you 
under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.

Antidiscrimination Laws

    A Federal agency cannot discriminate against an employee or 
applicant with respect to the terms, conditions or privileges of 
employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, 
age, disability, marital status or political affiliation. 
Discrimination on these bases is prohibited by one or more of the 
following statutes: 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 29 U.S.C. 
631, 29 U.S.C. 633a, 29 U.S.C. 791 and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16.
    If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful 
discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national 
origin or disability, you must contact an Equal Employment Opportunity 
(EEO) counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory 
action, or, in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days 
of the effective date of the action, before you can file a formal 
complaint of discrimination with this agency. See, e.g. 29 CFR 1614. If 
you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on 
the basis of age, you must either contact an EEO counselor as noted 
above or give notice of intent to sue to the Equal Employment 
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 calendar days of the alleged 
discriminatory action. If you are alleging discrimination based on 
marital status or political affiliation, you may file a written 
complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) (see contact 
information below). In the alternative (or in some cases, in addition), 
you may pursue a discrimination complaint by filing a grievance through 
your agency's administrative or negotiated grievance procedures, if 
such procedures apply and are available.

Whistleblower Protection Laws

    A Federal employee with authority to take, direct others to take, 
recommend or approve any personnel action must not use that authority 
to take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, a 
personnel action against an employee or applicant because of disclosure 
of information by that individual that is reasonably believed to 
evidence violations of law, rule or regulation; gross mismanagement; 
gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and 
specific danger to public health or safety, unless disclosure of such 
information is specifically prohibited by law and such information is 
specifically required by Executive Order to be kept secret in the 
interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.
    Retaliation against an employee or applicant for making a protected 
disclosure is prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8). If you believe that 
you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may file a 
written complaint (Form OSC-11) with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel 
at 1730 M Street, NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505 or online 
through the OSC Web site--https://www.osc.gov.

Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity

    A Federal agency cannot retaliate against an employee or applicant 
because that individual exercises his or her rights under any of the 
Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws listed 
above. If you believe that you are the victim of retaliation for 
engaging in protected activity, you must follow, as appropriate, the 
procedures described in the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower 
Protection Laws sections or, if applicable, the administrative or 
negotiated grievance procedures in order to pursue any legal remedy.

Disciplinary Actions

    Under the existing laws, each agency retains the right, where 
appropriate, to discipline a Federal employee for conduct that is 
inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower 
Protection Laws up to and including removal. If OSC has initiated an 
investigation under 5 U.S.C. 1214, however, according to 5 U.S.C. 
1214(f), agencies must seek approval from the Special Counsel to 
discipline employees for, among other activities, engaging in 
prohibited retaliation. Nothing in the No FEAR Act alters existing laws 
or permits an agency to take unfounded disciplinary action against a 
Federal employee or to violate

[[Page 57918]]

the procedural rights of a Federal employee who has been accused of 
discrimination

Additional Information

    For further information regarding the No FEAR Act regulations, 
refer to 5 CFR part 724, as well as the appropriate offices within your 
agency (e.g., EEO office, human resources office or legal office). 
Additional information regarding Federal antidiscrimination, 
whistleblower protection and retaliation laws can be found at the EEOC 
Web site--https://www.eeoc.gov and the OSC Web site--https://www.osc.gov.

Existing Rights Unchanged

    Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither the Act nor 
this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available 
to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the 
United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 
2302(d).

    Dated: September 27, 2006.
Carolyn Hum,
Administrative Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-16186 Filed 9-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8040-01-P
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