Public Telecommunications Facilities Program: Closing Date; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, 63120-63122 [E9-28738]

Download as PDF 63120 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 230 / Wednesday, December 2, 2009 / Notices 93–C–0069, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 59). In addition to determining whether the applicant meets the three public display criteria, NMFS must determine whether the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed activity is humane and does not represent any unnecessary risks to the health and welfare of marine mammals; that the proposed activity by itself, or in combination with other activities, will not likely have a significant adverse impact on the species or stock; and that the applicant’s expertise, facilities and resources are adequate to accomplish successfully the objectives and activities stated in the application. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: November 24, 2009. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–28835 Filed 12–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XT16 Marine Mammals; File No. 15153 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Dolphin Quest Hawaii, 69–425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI 96738, has applied in due form for a permit to import two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for the purposes of public display. DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before January 4, 2010. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:28 Dec 01, 2009 Jkt 220001 upon written request or by appointment in the following offices: Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713–2289; fax (301)713–0376; and Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814–4700; phone (808)944–2200; fax (808)973–2941. Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301)713–0376, or by email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. 15153 in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Kristy Beard, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant requests authorization to import two male adult captive-born bottlenose dolphins from Dolphin Quest in Hamilton, HM FX, Bermuda to Dolphin Quest Hawaii, Waikoloa, HI. The applicant requests this import for the purpose of public display. The receiving facility, Dolphin Quest Hawaii, is: (1) open to the public on a regularly scheduled basis with access that is not limited or restricted other than by charging for an admission fee; (2) offers an educational program based on professionally accepted standards of the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums; and (3) holds an Exhibitor’s License, number 95–C–0037, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 – 59). In addition to determining whether the applicant meets the three public display criteria, NMFS must determine whether the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed activity is humane and does not represent any unnecessary risks to the health and welfare of marine mammals; that the proposed activity by itself, or in combination with other activities, will not likely have a significant adverse impact on the PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 species or stock; and that the applicant’s expertise, facilities, and resources are adequate to accomplish successfully the objectives and activities stated in the application. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: November 24, 2009. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–28833 Filed 12–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration [Docket No. 0911201414–91414-01] Public Telecommunications Facilities Program: Closing Date; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Closing Date for Solicitation of Applications. Pursuant to the Further Continuing Appropriations, 2010, Division B of Pub. L. No. 111–88, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce, announces the solicitation of applications for planning and construction grants for public telecommunications facilities under the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) for fiscal year (FY) 2010. SUMMARY: DATES: NTIA announces two Closing Dates for the FY 2010 grant round. All television and nonbroadcast applications must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on February 4, 2010. With the exception of applications for new FM stations filed during the February 2010 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) FM Window, discussed in the next paragraph, all E:\FR\FM\02DEN1.SGM 02DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 230 / Wednesday, December 2, 2009 / Notices radio applications also must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on February 4, 2010. Because the FCC will accept applications for new FM facilities only during the period February 19–26, 2010 (‘‘FM Window’’), NTIA will provide sufficient time for FM applicants participating in the FM Window to file their PTFP and FCC applications. Completed PTFP applications for projects filed at the FCC during this FM Window must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on February 26, 2010. Applications submitted by facsimile are not acceptable. If an application is received after the Closing Date due to (1) carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the Closing Date and Closing Time, (2) significant weather delays or natural disasters, or (3) delays due to national security issues, NTIA will, upon receipt of proper documentation, consider the application as having been received by the deadline. NTIA will not accept applications posted on the Closing Date or later and received after these deadlines. ADDRESSES: To obtain a printed application package, submit completed applications, or send any other correspondence, write to PTFP at the following address: NTIA/PTFP, Room H–4812, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. Application materials may be obtained electronically via the Internet at www.ntia.doc.gov/ ptfp or www.Grants.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Cooperman, Director, Public Broadcasting Division, telephone: (202) 482–5802; fax: (202) 482–2156. Information about the PTFP also can be obtained electronically via the Internet at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Electronic Access The Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement for the PTFP FY 2010 grant cycle is available through www.Grants.gov or by viewing the PTFP Internet site at www.ntia.doc.gov/ ptfp. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the FFO and the programmatic regulations at 15 CFR Part 2301 to obtain further information and instructions on the application requirements for the program. Statutory and Regulatory Authority The PTFP is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 390–393, 397– VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:28 Dec 01, 2009 Jkt 220001 399(b). The PTFP operates pursuant to rules (1996 Rules), which were published on November 8, 1996 (61 FR 57966). Copies of the 1996 Rules (15 CFR pt. 2301) are posted on the NTIA Internet site at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp/ Rules/currentrules.htm, and NTIA will make printed copies available to applicants upon request. Program Information The PTFP assists, through matching grants, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities in order to: (1) extend delivery of services to as many citizens as possible by the most cost-effective means, including use of broadcast and nonbroadcast technologies; (2) increase public telecommunications services and facilities available to, operated by, and controlled by minorities and women; and (3) strengthen the capability of existing public television and radio stations to provide public telecommunications services to the public. The PTFP funds the construction of new public radio and television stations and new nonbroadcast public telecommunications facilities; the digital conversion of public radio and television stations; and the replacement of equipment at public radio and television stations. A description of the 112 projects awarded during the FY 2009 PTFP grant round may be found on the Internet at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp/ Projects/2009/index.htm. Funding Availability Issuance of grants is subject to the availability of FY 2010 funds. At this time, the Congress has passed the Further Continuing Appropriations, 2010, to fund operations of the PTFP through December 18, 2009. Further notice will be made in the Federal Register about the final status of funding for this program at the appropriate time. For FY 2009, NTIA awarded $19.4 million in PTFP funds to 111 projects, including 63 radio awards, 47 television awards, and one nonbroadcast award. The radio awards ranged from $7,556 to $322,364. The television awards ranged from $5,122 to $731,924. One nonbroadcast award was made for $50,142. Supplemental Policies The following supplemental policies are discussed in the FFO and will be in effect during the FY 2010 grant cycle: A) Section 2301.10 of the PTFP Final Rules provides for submission of applications resulting from catastrophic damage or emergency situations. NTIA would like to clarify its implementation PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63121 of this provision. For FY 2010 PTFP applicants, when an eligible broadcast applicant suffers catastrophic damage to the basic equipment essential to its continued operation as a result of a natural or manmade disaster, or as the result of significant equipment failure, and is in dire need of assistance in funding replacement of the damaged equipment, it may file an emergency application for PTFP funding at any time. B) For FY 2010 PTFP applications, since there is no potential for terrestrial interference with Ku-band satellite uplinks, applicants may submit applications to the FCC for Ku-band satellite uplinks after a PTFP award is made. Grant recipients for Ku-band satellite uplinks will be required to document receipt of FCC authorizations to operate the uplink prior to the release of Federal funds. NTIA may accept FCC authorizations that are in the name of an organization other than the PTFP applicant. C) PTFP applicants are not required to submit copies of their PTFP applications to the FCC, nor are they required to submit copies of the FCC transmittal cover letters as part of their PTFP applications. Many distance learning applications propose projects that are nationwide in nature. NTIA, therefore, believes that the requirement to provide a summary copy of the application to every state telecommunications agency in a potential service area is unduly burdensome to applicants. PTFP applicants for distance learning projects must notify the state telecommunications agencies in the states in which they are located, but they are not required to notify every state telecommunications agency in a potential service area. D) For digital television conversion projects, NTIA has created two new Subpriorities — Subpriority A (Transmission Equipment) and Subpriority B, (Master Control and Production Equipment; Translators) in the Broadcast Other category. E) For digital radio conversion projects, NTIA has created a new Subpriority — Subpriority C, Radio Digital Conversion, in the Broadcast Other category. Catalog of Domestic Federal Assistance 11.550, Public Telecommunications Facilities Program. Eligibility To apply for and receive a PTFP Construction Grant or Planning Grant, an applicant must be: (a) a public or noncommercial educational broadcast E:\FR\FM\02DEN1.SGM 02DEN1 63122 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 230 / Wednesday, December 2, 2009 / Notices station; (b) a noncommercial telecommunications entity; (c) a system of public telecommunications entities; (d) a non-profit foundation, corporation, institution, or association organized primarily for educational or cultural purposes; or (e) a state, local, or Indian tribal government (or agency thereof), or a political or special purpose subdivision of a state. Evaluation and Selection Process See 15 CFR § 2301.16 for a description of the Technical Evaluation and 15 CFR § 2301.18 for the Selection Process. Evaluation Criteria See 15 CFR § 2301.17 for a full description of the Evaluation Criteria. The six evaluation criteria are: 1) Applicant Qualifications; 2) Financial Qualifications; 3) Project Objectives; 4) Urgency; 5) Technical Qualifications (construction applicants only) or Planning Qualifications (planning applicants only); and 6) Special Consideration. Funding Priorities and Selection Factors See 15 CFR § 2301.4 and the supplemental policies above for a description of the PTFP Priorities and 15 CFR § 2301.18 for the Selection Factors. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Intergovernmental Review PTFP applications are subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,’’ if the state in which the applicant organization is located participates in the process. Usually, submission to the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) needs to be only the SF 424 and PTFP–2 pages of the application, but applicants should contact their own SPOC offices to find out about and comply with its 18:28 Dec 01, 2009 Jkt 220001 Universal Identifier All applicants (nonprofit, state, local government, universities, and tribal organizations) will be required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during the application process. See the October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66177), and April 8, 2003 (68 FR 17000), Federal Register notices for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line 1–866–705–5711 or via the Internet at www.fedgov.dnb.com/ webform. The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification of Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696) is applicable to this solicitation. Cost Sharing Requirements PTFP requires cost sharing. By statute, PTFP cannot fund a construction project for more than 75 percent of the eligible project costs. NTIA has established a policy of funding most new public broadcasting station activation projects at a 75 percent Federal share, and most other television, radio and nonbroadcast projects at a 50 percent Federal share. NTIA can fund planning applications up to 100 percent of the eligible project costs, but has established a policy of funding planning applications at a 75 percent Federal share. Any applicant can request Federal funding greater than PTFP’s policy, up to the statutory maximum, and provide justification for the request. VerDate Nov<24>2008 requirements. The PTFP Internet site has a link to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) home page that has the names and addresses of the SPOC offices. Applicants may directly access the OMB Internet site at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/ spoc.html. Limitation of Liability In no event will the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not obligate the agency to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Paperwork Reduction Act Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. The PTFP application form has been cleared under OMB Control No. 0660–0003. Executive Order 13132 It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required by the PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this rule concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. § 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. § 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Dated: November 24, 2009. Anthony G. Wilhelm, Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications. [FR Doc. E9–28738 Filed 12–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–S COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Notice; Information Collection 3038–0031, Procurement Contracts. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected costs and burden; it includes the actual data collection instruments [if any]. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 4, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR A COPY CONTACT: Steven A. Grossman at CFTC, (202) 418–5192; FAX: (202) 418–5529; e-mail: sgrossman@cftc.gov; mailto: gwalker@cftc.gov and refer to OMB Control No. 3038–0031. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Procurement Contracts, OMB Control No. 3038–0031. This is a request for extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: This information collection consists of procurement activities relating to solicitations, amendments to solicitations, requests for quotations, construction contracts, awards of contracts, performance bonds, and payment information for individuals (vendors) or contractors engaged in providing supplies or services. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information E:\FR\FM\02DEN1.SGM 02DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 230 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63120-63122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28738]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No. 0911201414-91414-01]


Public Telecommunications Facilities Program: Closing Date; 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of Closing Date for Solicitation of Applications.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Further Continuing Appropriations, 2010, 
Division B of Pub. L. No. 111-88, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce, 
announces the solicitation of applications for planning and 
construction grants for public telecommunications facilities under the 
Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) for fiscal year 
(FY) 2010.

DATES: NTIA announces two Closing Dates for the FY 2010 grant round.
    All television and nonbroadcast applications must be received at 
the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on 
February 4, 2010. With the exception of applications for new FM 
stations filed during the February 2010 Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) FM Window, discussed in the next paragraph, all

[[Page 63121]]

radio applications also must be received at the PTFP office no later 
than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on February 4, 2010.
    Because the FCC will accept applications for new FM facilities only 
during the period February 19-26, 2010 (``FM Window''), NTIA will 
provide sufficient time for FM applicants participating in the FM 
Window to file their PTFP and FCC applications. Completed PTFP 
applications for projects filed at the FCC during this FM Window must 
be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern 
Standard Time, on February 26, 2010.
    Applications submitted by facsimile are not acceptable. If an 
application is received after the Closing Date due to (1) carrier 
error, when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for 
delivery by the Closing Date and Closing Time, (2) significant weather 
delays or natural disasters, or (3) delays due to national security 
issues, NTIA will, upon receipt of proper documentation, consider the 
application as having been received by the deadline. NTIA will not 
accept applications posted on the Closing Date or later and received 
after these deadlines.

ADDRESSES: To obtain a printed application package, submit completed 
applications, or send any other correspondence, write to PTFP at the 
following address: NTIA/PTFP, Room H-4812, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. Application 
materials may be obtained electronically via the Internet at 
www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp or www.Grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Cooperman, Director, Public 
Broadcasting Division, telephone: (202) 482-5802; fax: (202) 482-2156. 
Information about the PTFP also can be obtained electronically via the 
Internet at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    The Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement for the PTFP FY 
2010 grant cycle is available through www.Grants.gov or by viewing the 
PTFP Internet site at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp. Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to read the FFO and the programmatic regulations at 15 CFR 
Part 2301 to obtain further information and instructions on the 
application requirements for the program.

Statutory and Regulatory Authority

    The PTFP is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, 47 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  390-393, 397-399(b). The PTFP operates 
pursuant to rules (1996 Rules), which were published on November 8, 
1996 (61 FR 57966). Copies of the 1996 Rules (15 CFR pt. 2301) are 
posted on the NTIA Internet site at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp/Rules/currentrules.htm, and NTIA will make printed copies available to 
applicants upon request.

Program Information

    The PTFP assists, through matching grants, in the planning and 
construction of public telecommunications facilities in order to: (1) 
extend delivery of services to as many citizens as possible by the most 
cost-effective means, including use of broadcast and nonbroadcast 
technologies; (2) increase public telecommunications services and 
facilities available to, operated by, and controlled by minorities and 
women; and (3) strengthen the capability of existing public television 
and radio stations to provide public telecommunications services to the 
public.
    The PTFP funds the construction of new public radio and television 
stations and new nonbroadcast public telecommunications facilities; the 
digital conversion of public radio and television stations; and the 
replacement of equipment at public radio and television stations. A 
description of the 112 projects awarded during the FY 2009 PTFP grant 
round may be found on the Internet at www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp/Projects/2009/index.htm.

Funding Availability

    Issuance of grants is subject to the availability of FY 2010 funds. 
At this time, the Congress has passed the Further Continuing 
Appropriations, 2010, to fund operations of the PTFP through December 
18, 2009. Further notice will be made in the Federal Register about the 
final status of funding for this program at the appropriate time. For 
FY 2009, NTIA awarded $19.4 million in PTFP funds to 111 projects, 
including 63 radio awards, 47 television awards, and one nonbroadcast 
award. The radio awards ranged from $7,556 to $322,364. The television 
awards ranged from $5,122 to $731,924. One nonbroadcast award was made 
for $50,142.

Supplemental Policies

    The following supplemental policies are discussed in the FFO and 
will be in effect during the FY 2010 grant cycle:
    A) Section 2301.10 of the PTFP Final Rules provides for submission 
of applications resulting from catastrophic damage or emergency 
situations. NTIA would like to clarify its implementation of this 
provision. For FY 2010 PTFP applicants, when an eligible broadcast 
applicant suffers catastrophic damage to the basic equipment essential 
to its continued operation as a result of a natural or manmade 
disaster, or as the result of significant equipment failure, and is in 
dire need of assistance in funding replacement of the damaged 
equipment, it may file an emergency application for PTFP funding at any 
time.
    B) For FY 2010 PTFP applications, since there is no potential for 
terrestrial interference with Ku-band satellite uplinks, applicants may 
submit applications to the FCC for Ku-band satellite uplinks after a 
PTFP award is made. Grant recipients for Ku-band satellite uplinks will 
be required to document receipt of FCC authorizations to operate the 
uplink prior to the release of Federal funds. NTIA may accept FCC 
authorizations that are in the name of an organization other than the 
PTFP applicant.
    C) PTFP applicants are not required to submit copies of their PTFP 
applications to the FCC, nor are they required to submit copies of the 
FCC transmittal cover letters as part of their PTFP applications. Many 
distance learning applications propose projects that are nationwide in 
nature. NTIA, therefore, believes that the requirement to provide a 
summary copy of the application to every state telecommunications 
agency in a potential service area is unduly burdensome to applicants. 
PTFP applicants for distance learning projects must notify the state 
telecommunications agencies in the states in which they are located, 
but they are not required to notify every state telecommunications 
agency in a potential service area.
    D) For digital television conversion projects, NTIA has created two 
new Subpriorities -- Subpriority A (Transmission Equipment) and 
Subpriority B, (Master Control and Production Equipment; Translators) 
in the Broadcast Other category.
    E) For digital radio conversion projects, NTIA has created a new 
Subpriority -- Subpriority C, Radio Digital Conversion, in the 
Broadcast Other category.

Catalog of Domestic Federal Assistance

    11.550, Public Telecommunications Facilities Program.

Eligibility

    To apply for and receive a PTFP Construction Grant or Planning 
Grant, an applicant must be: (a) a public or noncommercial educational 
broadcast

[[Page 63122]]

station; (b) a noncommercial telecommunications entity; (c) a system of 
public telecommunications entities; (d) a non-profit foundation, 
corporation, institution, or association organized primarily for 
educational or cultural purposes; or (e) a state, local, or Indian 
tribal government (or agency thereof), or a political or special 
purpose subdivision of a state.

Evaluation and Selection Process

    See 15 CFR Sec.  2301.16 for a description of the Technical 
Evaluation and 15 CFR Sec.  2301.18 for the Selection Process.

Evaluation Criteria

    See 15 CFR Sec.  2301.17 for a full description of the Evaluation 
Criteria. The six evaluation criteria are: 1) Applicant Qualifications; 
2) Financial Qualifications; 3) Project Objectives; 4) Urgency; 5) 
Technical Qualifications (construction applicants only) or Planning 
Qualifications (planning applicants only); and 6) Special 
Consideration.

Funding Priorities and Selection Factors

    See 15 CFR Sec.  2301.4 and the supplemental policies above for a 
description of the PTFP Priorities and 15 CFR Sec.  2301.18 for the 
Selection Factors.

Cost Sharing Requirements

    PTFP requires cost sharing. By statute, PTFP cannot fund a 
construction project for more than 75 percent of the eligible project 
costs. NTIA has established a policy of funding most new public 
broadcasting station activation projects at a 75 percent Federal share, 
and most other television, radio and nonbroadcast projects at a 50 
percent Federal share. NTIA can fund planning applications up to 100 
percent of the eligible project costs, but has established a policy of 
funding planning applications at a 75 percent Federal share. Any 
applicant can request Federal funding greater than PTFP's policy, up to 
the statutory maximum, and provide justification for the request.

Intergovernmental Review

    PTFP applications are subject to Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' if the state in which 
the applicant organization is located participates in the process. 
Usually, submission to the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) needs 
to be only the SF 424 and PTFP-2 pages of the application, but 
applicants should contact their own SPOC offices to find out about and 
comply with its requirements. The PTFP Internet site has a link to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) home page that has the names and 
addresses of the SPOC offices. Applicants may directly access the OMB 
Internet site at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

Universal Identifier

    All applicants (nonprofit, state, local government, universities, 
and tribal organizations) will be required to provide a Dun and 
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during the 
application process. See the October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66177), and April 
8, 2003 (68 FR 17000), Federal Register notices for additional 
information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by 
calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line 1-866-705-5711 
or via the Internet at www.fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements

    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification of Requirements 
for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register 
notice of February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696) is applicable to this 
solicitation.

Limitation of Liability

    In no event will the Department of Commerce be responsible for 
proposal preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or 
is cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this 
announcement does not obligate the agency to award any specific project 
or to obligate any available funds.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), unless that 
collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. The PTFP 
application form has been cleared under OMB Control No. 0660-0003.

Executive Order 13132

    It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies 
with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 
13132.

Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required by 
the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this rule 
concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. Sec.  553(a)(2)). 
Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. Sec.  553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. Sec.  601 et seq.) are 
inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been 
prepared.

    Dated: November 24, 2009.
Anthony G. Wilhelm,
Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and 
Information Applications.
[FR Doc. E9-28738 Filed 12-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-S
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.