Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders Regarding the Smith-Lever 3(d) Extension Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program, 12108-12109 [E9-6193]

Download as PDF 12108 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 54 / Monday, March 23, 2009 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Research Service Notice of Intent To Request an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 04–13) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) intention to seek approval to collect information in support of research and related activities. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received within 65 days of publication to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Address all comments concerning this notice to Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, (301) 504–5683. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Web Forms for Research Data, Models, Materials, and Publications as well as Study and Event Registration. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. OMB Number: 0518–0032. Expiration Date: June 30, 2009. Abstract: Sections 1703 and 1705 of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), Public Law 105–277, Title XVII, require agencies, by October 21, 2003, to provide for the option of electronic submission of information by the public. To advance GPEA goals, online forms are needed to allow the public to request from ARS research data, models, materials, and publications as well as registration for scientific studies and events. For the convenience of the public, the forms itemize the information we need to provide a timely response. Information from forms will only be used by the Agency for the purposes identified. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 minutes per response (range: 1–5 minutes). Respondents: Agricultural researchers, students and teachers, business people, members of service organizations, community groups, other Federal and local government agencies, and the general public. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:28 Mar 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 Estimated Number Respondents: 25,000. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1250 hours. Copies of forms used in this information collection can be obtained from Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, at (301) 504–5683. The information collection extension requested by ARS is for a period of three years. 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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Dated: March 5, 2009. Edward B. Knipling, ARS Administrator. [FR Doc. E9–6257 Filed 3–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders Regarding the Smith-Lever 3(d) Extension Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for stakeholder input. SUMMARY: Section 7403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246) (FCEA) amended section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(d)) to provide the opportunity for 1862 and 1890 LandGrant Institutions, including Tuskegee University and West Virginia State University to compete for section 3(d) funds. Section 7417 of FCEA also provided the University of the District PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of Columbia the opportunity to compete for section 3(d) funds. The Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordination and Support Program (EIPM–CS) is among the Extension programs funded under this authority. By this notice, CSREES is designated to act on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture in soliciting public comment from interested persons regarding the future design and implementation of this program. DATES: The public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific time. All comments not otherwise presented or submitted for the record at the meeting must be submitted by close of business Wednesday, April 29, 2009, to be considered. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the St. Helens Meeting Room, Doubletree Hotel Portland, 1000 N.E. Multnomah, Portland, Oregon 97232, phone—800–996–0510 (toll-free in USA); 503–281–6111 (outside USA). You may submit comments, identified by CSREES–2008–0005, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: newEIPM@csrees.usda.gov. Include CSREES–2008–0005 in the subject line of the message. Fax: (202) 401–4888. Mail: Paper, disk or CD–ROM submissions should be submitted to newEIPM; Plant and Animal Systems Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2220, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–2220. Hand Delivery/Courier: EIPM; Plant and Animal Systems Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 3472, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and the identifier CSREES–2008–0005. All comments received will be posted to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Ley, (202) 401–6195 (phone), (202) 401–4888 (fax), or newEIPM@csrees.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Additional Meeting and Comment Procedures Because of the diversity of subjects, and to aid participants in scheduling their attendance, the following schedule E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM 23MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 54 / Monday, March 23, 2009 / Notices dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES is anticipated for the March 26, 2009, meeting: 1:30–2:30 p.m. Introduction to the Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordination and Support Competitive Grant Program (EIPM). 2:30–5:30 p.m. Stakeholder input on general administration of EIPM, including: Solicitation of proposals; types of projects and awards; length of awards; evaluation criteria; protocols to ensure the widest program participation; allocation of funds, including protocols to solicit and consider stakeholder input; determination of priority areas; and determination of activities to be supported. A break is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Adjourn Persons wishing to present oral comments at the March 26, 2009, meeting are requested to pre-register by contacting Ms. Juli Obudzinski at (202) 401–5136, by fax at (202) 401–4888, or by e-mail to newEIPM@csrees.usda.gov. Participants may reserve one 5-minute comment period. More time may be available, depending on the number of people wishing to make a presentation and the time needed for questions following presentations. Reservations for oral comments will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. All other attendees may register at the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted for the record at the meeting. All comments not presented or submitted for the record at the meeting must be received by close of business Wednesday, April 29, 2009, to be considered. All comments and the official transcript of the meeting, when they become available, may be reviewed on the CSREES Web page for six months. Participants who require a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations should contact Ms. Obudzinski as directed above. Background and Purpose On October 6, 2008, CSREES held a stakeholder listening session on SmithLever 3(d) IPM restructuring due to changes found in section 7403 of the FCEA (see https://www.csrees.usda.gov/ business/reporting/stakeholder/ eipm_stakeholder.html). Changes to Smith-Lever 3(d) funding include: (1) The requirement for a competitive program delivery model as opposed to a long-standing formula-based delivery model; and (2) the inclusion of 1890 Institutions and the University of the District of Columbia as eligible entities to receive 3(d) funds. The primary intent of the listening session was to gather stakeholder input on program focus and design. Prior to the listening VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:28 Mar 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 12109 session, National Program Leaders presented stakeholders with the following questions: 1. What should be the primary goals and objectives of the program? 2. How can CSREES funding be optimized? 3. Should there be a limit on the number of proposals that can be submitted by each eligible institution? 4. What criteria should be used in the proposal review and selection process? 5. Should regional, multi-institutional or multi-state proposals be encouraged? 6. Should proposals addressing gaps in current program coverage (organic, small farms, etc.) be given greater emphasis in the evaluative process? 7. What limits should be set on funding and project duration? The written comment period ran from October 6 through November 15, 2008. Over 400 written comments were received. A written summary of the comments is available at https:// www.csrees.usda.gov/business/ reporting/stakeholder/ eipm_stakeholder.html. Contained in the comments are many areas with broad agreement among stakeholders. For instance, from both verbal and written comments, it was clear that stakeholders felt the most critical issue was making the fiscal year 2009 funds available as soon as possible, which the Agency responded to by promptly issuing the EIPM–CS RFA and proceeding with the competition on a compressed schedule. Efforts were made to incorporate suggestions from the October 6, 2008, Listening Session into the FY 2009 EIPM–CS program as allowable by law. It was felt, however, that additional input could help structure the program for future years. The March 2009, Listening Session is scheduled to assist CSREES leadership in more fully addressing stakeholder needs. SUMMARY: The Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting in Clovis, California on April 2nd. The purpose of the meeting on April 2nd will be to approve and vote on projects that have been submitted for funding. DATES: The meeting will be held on April 2, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Clovis, CA. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Sierra National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA. Send written comments to Robbin Ekman, Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator, c/o Sierra National Forest, High Sierra Ranger District, 29688 Auberry Road, Prather, CA 93651 or electronically to rekman@fs.fed.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robbin Ekman, Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator, (559) 855–5355, ext. 3341. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. Committee discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Committee members. However, persons who wish to bring Payments to States Fresno County Title II project matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. Implementation Plans Forest Service CSREES plans to consider stakeholder input received from this public meeting as well as other written comments in developing the FY 2010 program guidelines. CSREES anticipates releasing the FY 2010 Request for Applications (RFA) by mid July 2009. Ouachita-Ozark Resource Advisory Committee Done at Washington, DC, this 17th day of March 2009. Colien Hefferan, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. [FR Doc. E9–6193 Filed 3–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: March 16, 2009. Ray Porter, District Ranger. [FR Doc. E9–6101 Filed 3–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service, USDA. Meeting notice for the OuachitaOzark Resource Advisory Committee under Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106– 393). AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: This notice is published in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Meeting notice is hereby given for the E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM 23MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 54 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12108-12109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-6193]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders Regarding the Smith-Lever 
3(d) Extension Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program

AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 
USDA.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for stakeholder input.

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

SUMMARY: Section 7403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Pub. L. 110-246) (FCEA) amended section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
U.S.C. 343(d)) to provide the opportunity for 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant 
Institutions, including Tuskegee University and West Virginia State 
University to compete for section 3(d) funds. Section 7417 of FCEA also 
provided the University of the District of Columbia the opportunity to 
compete for section 3(d) funds. The Extension Integrated Pest 
Management Coordination and Support Program (EIPM-CS) is among the 
Extension programs funded under this authority. By this notice, CSREES 
is designated to act on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture in 
soliciting public comment from interested persons regarding the future 
design and implementation of this program.

DATES: The public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2009, 
from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific time. All comments not otherwise 
presented or submitted for the record at the meeting must be submitted 
by close of business Wednesday, April 29, 2009, to be considered.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the St. Helens Meeting Room, 
Doubletree Hotel Portland, 1000 N.E. Multnomah, Portland, Oregon 97232, 
phone--800-996-0510 (toll-free in USA); 503-281-6111 (outside USA).
    You may submit comments, identified by CSREES-2008-0005, by any of 
the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    E-mail: newEIPM@csrees.usda.gov. Include CSREES-2008-0005 in the 
subject line of the message.
    Fax: (202) 401-4888.
    Mail: Paper, disk or CD-ROM submissions should be submitted to 
newEIPM; Plant and Animal Systems Unit, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 
2220, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2220.
    Hand Delivery/Courier: EIPM; Plant and Animal Systems Unit, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 3472, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and the identifier CSREES-2008-0005. All comments received will be 
posted to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Ley, (202) 401-6195 
(phone), (202) 401-4888 (fax), or newEIPM@csrees.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Additional Meeting and Comment Procedures

    Because of the diversity of subjects, and to aid participants in 
scheduling their attendance, the following schedule

[[Page 12109]]

is anticipated for the March 26, 2009, meeting:
    1:30-2:30 p.m. Introduction to the Extension Integrated Pest 
Management Coordination and Support Competitive Grant Program (EIPM).
    2:30-5:30 p.m. Stakeholder input on general administration of EIPM, 
including: Solicitation of proposals; types of projects and awards; 
length of awards; evaluation criteria; protocols to ensure the widest 
program participation; allocation of funds, including protocols to 
solicit and consider stakeholder input; determination of priority 
areas; and determination of activities to be supported. A break is 
scheduled for 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    5:30 p.m. Adjourn
    Persons wishing to present oral comments at the March 26, 2009, 
meeting are requested to pre-register by contacting Ms. Juli Obudzinski 
at (202) 401-5136, by fax at (202) 401-4888, or by e-mail to 
newEIPM@csrees.usda.gov. Participants may reserve one 5-minute comment 
period. More time may be available, depending on the number of people 
wishing to make a presentation and the time needed for questions 
following presentations. Reservations for oral comments will be 
confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. All other attendees may 
register at the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted for the 
record at the meeting. All comments not presented or submitted for the 
record at the meeting must be received by close of business Wednesday, 
April 29, 2009, to be considered. All comments and the official 
transcript of the meeting, when they become available, may be reviewed 
on the CSREES Web page for six months. Participants who require a sign 
language interpreter or other special accommodations should contact Ms. 
Obudzinski as directed above.

Background and Purpose

    On October 6, 2008, CSREES held a stakeholder listening session on 
Smith-Lever 3(d) IPM restructuring due to changes found in section 7403 
of the FCEA (see https://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/reporting/stakeholder/eipm_stakeholder.html). Changes to Smith-Lever 3(d) 
funding include: (1) The requirement for a competitive program delivery 
model as opposed to a long-standing formula-based delivery model; and 
(2) the inclusion of 1890 Institutions and the University of the 
District of Columbia as eligible entities to receive 3(d) funds. The 
primary intent of the listening session was to gather stakeholder input 
on program focus and design. Prior to the listening session, National 
Program Leaders presented stakeholders with the following questions:
    1. What should be the primary goals and objectives of the program?
    2. How can CSREES funding be optimized?
    3. Should there be a limit on the number of proposals that can be 
submitted by each eligible institution?
    4. What criteria should be used in the proposal review and 
selection process?
    5. Should regional, multi-institutional or multi-state proposals be 
encouraged?
    6. Should proposals addressing gaps in current program coverage 
(organic, small farms, etc.) be given greater emphasis in the 
evaluative process?
    7. What limits should be set on funding and project duration?
    The written comment period ran from October 6 through November 15, 
2008. Over 400 written comments were received. A written summary of the 
comments is available at https://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/reporting/stakeholder/eipm_stakeholder.html. Contained in the comments are many 
areas with broad agreement among stakeholders. For instance, from both 
verbal and written comments, it was clear that stakeholders felt the 
most critical issue was making the fiscal year 2009 funds available as 
soon as possible, which the Agency responded to by promptly issuing the 
EIPM-CS RFA and proceeding with the competition on a compressed 
schedule.
    Efforts were made to incorporate suggestions from the October 6, 
2008, Listening Session into the FY 2009 EIPM-CS program as allowable 
by law. It was felt, however, that additional input could help 
structure the program for future years. The March 2009, Listening 
Session is scheduled to assist CSREES leadership in more fully 
addressing stakeholder needs.

Implementation Plans

    CSREES plans to consider stakeholder input received from this 
public meeting as well as other written comments in developing the FY 
2010 program guidelines. CSREES anticipates releasing the FY 2010 
Request for Applications (RFA) by mid July 2009.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 17th day of March 2009.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E9-6193 Filed 3-20-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
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