Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Conflict of Interest Disclosure for Nonfederal Government Individuals Who Are Candidates To Conduct Peer Reviews, 39914-39915 [2010-16970]

Download as PDF jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES 39914 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 13, 2010 / Notices appropriate documents, and submit the information in this collection to the USPTO. Needs and Uses: The patent term restoration portion of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (Pub. L. 98– 417), which is codified at 35 U.S.C. 156, permits the USPTO to extend the term of protection under a patent to compensate for delay during regulatory review and approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Department of Agriculture. Only patents for drug products, medical devices, food additives, or color additives are potentially eligible for extension. The maximum length that a patent may be extended under 35 U.S.C. 156 is five years. The USPTO administers 35 U.S.C. 156 through 37 CFR 1.710–1.791. Separate from the extension provisions of 35 U.S.C. 156, the USPTO may in some cases extend the term of an original patent due to certain delays in the prosecution of the patent application, including delays caused by interference proceedings, secrecy orders, or appellate review by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences or a Federal court in which the patent is issued pursuant to a decision reversing an adverse determination of patentability. The patent term provisions of 35 U.S.C. 154(b), as amended by Title IV, Subtitle D of the Intellectual Property and Communications Omnibus Reform Act of 1999, require the USPTO to notify the applicant of the patent term adjustment in the notice of allowance and give the applicant an opportunity to request reconsideration of the USPTO’s patent term adjustment determination. The USPTO administers 35 U.S.C. 154 through 37 CFR 1.701–1.705. The public uses this information collection to file requests related to patent term extensions and reconsideration or reinstatement of patent term adjustments. The information in this collection is used by the USPTO to consider whether an applicant is eligible for a patent term extension or reconsideration of a patent term adjustment and, if so, to determine the length of the patent term extension or adjustment. Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profits; and not-for-profit institutions. Frequency: On occasion. Respondent’s Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits. OMB Desk Officer: Nicholas A. Fraser, e-mail: Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov. Once submitted, the request will be publicly available in electronic format VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:44 Jul 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 through the Information Collection Review page at https://www.reginfo.gov. Paper copies can be obtained by: • E-mail: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include ‘‘0651–0020 copy request’’ in the subject line of the message. • Fax: 571–273–0112, marked to the attention of Susan K. Fawcett. • Mail: Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–1450. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent on or before August 12, 2010 to Nicholas A. Fraser, OMB Desk Officer, via e-mail to Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov, or by fax to 202–395–5167, marked to the attention of Nicholas A. Fraser. Dated: July 8, 2010. Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2010–16975 Filed 7–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–16–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Conflict of Interest Disclosure for Nonfederal Government Individuals Who Are Candidates To Conduct Peer Reviews AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 13, 2010. Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 directed to Karl Moline, (301) 713–2328 or Karl.Moline@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued government-wide guidance to enhance the practice of peer review of government science documents. OMB’s Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review (‘‘Peer Review Bulletin’’ or PRB) (available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ memoranda/fy2005/m05–03.pdf) establishes minimum peer review standards for influential scientific information that Federal agencies intend to disseminate. The Peer Review Bulletin also directs Federal agencies to adopt or adapt the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) policy for evaluating conflicts of interest when selecting peer reviewers who are not Federal government employees (federal employees are subject to Federal ethics requirements). For peer review purposes, the term ‘‘conflicts of interest’’ means any financial or other interest which conflicts with the service of the individual because it could: (1) Significantly impair the individual’s objectivity; or (2) create an unfair competitive advantage for any person or organization. NOAA has adapted the NAS policy and developed two confidential conflict disclosure forms which the agency will use to examine prospective reviewers’ potential financial conflicts and other interests that could impair objectivity or create an unfair advantage. One form is for peer reviewers of studies related to government regulation and the other form is for all other influential scientific information subject to the Peer Review Bulletin. In addition, the latter form has been adapted by NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research for potential reviewers of scientific laboratories. The forms include questions about employment as well as investment and property interests and research funding. Both forms also require the submission of curriculum vitae. NOAA is seeking to collect this information from potential peer reviewers who are not government employees when conducting a peer review pursuant to the PRB. The information collected in the conflict of interest disclosure is essential to NOAA’s compliance with the OMB PRB, and helps to ensure that government studies are reviewed by independent, impartial peer reviewers. II. Method of Collection Forms may be downloaded from the Internet and are fillable and signable E:\FR\FM\13JYN1.SGM 13JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 13, 2010 / Notices electronically or manually. They may be submitted, along with the Curriculum Vitae, via e-mail or regular mail. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0567. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved collection). Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 320. Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 160. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: July 8, 2010. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2010–16970 Filed 7–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XX23 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Marine Mammals; File No. 15483 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Bruce Mate, Ph.D., Oregon State SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:44 Jul 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before August 12, 2010. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review by selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public Comment’’ from the Features box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 15483 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): 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 Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115–0700; phone (206)526–6150; fax (206)526–6426. 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. 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: Tammy Adams 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 (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222–226). The applicant requests a five-year permit to test the effectiveness of an acoustic deterrent at keeping gray whales (Eschrictius robustus) migrating past the coast of central Oregon between January and mid-April away from wave energy buoys, which may pose a collision or entanglement risk to the PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 39915 whales. During the experiment, gray whales and other marine mammals may be taken by Level B harassment as researchers attempt to provoke an avoidance response through sound transmission into their environment. The sound source consists of a transmitter and projector connected to a 12V 1000AHr battery. The sound will have peak efficiency in the 1–3 kHz (1,000–3,000 Hz) range and a maximum source level of 170 dB re: 1 μPa at 1 m. The signal will consist of a pulse up to 1 second in duration with a pulse rate of 3 pulses per minute. The acoustic device will operate during daylight hours only. Animals will be tracked and monitored by shore-based observers. The source level used in this study is not expected to cause injury to gray whales or other animals in the study area. Researchers expect short-term, short-distance deflection of migratory trajectories as gray whales adjust their bearing to avoid received sound pressure levels greater than 120 dB, which would occur within 750 m from the source. The applicant requests authorization to harass up to 2260 gray whales annually. The applicant also requests authorization to incidentally harass up 364 harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), 14 each of Southern Resident and West Coast Transient killer whales (Orcinus orca), 508 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 8 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), 4 Eastern Distinct Population Segment Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and 4 Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) annually during the experiment. 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 the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: July 7, 2010. Tammy C. Adams, Acting Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2010–17053 Filed 7–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE S E:\FR\FM\13JYN1.SGM 13JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 13, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39914-39915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-16970]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Conflict of 
Interest Disclosure for Nonfederal Government Individuals Who Are 
Candidates To Conduct Peer Reviews

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 13, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Karl Moline, (301) 713-2328 or Karl.Moline@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued government-wide 
guidance to enhance the practice of peer review of government science 
documents. OMB's Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review 
(``Peer Review Bulletin'' or PRB) (available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-03.pdf) establishes minimum 
peer review standards for influential scientific information that 
Federal agencies intend to disseminate.
    The Peer Review Bulletin also directs Federal agencies to adopt or 
adapt the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) policy for evaluating 
conflicts of interest when selecting peer reviewers who are not Federal 
government employees (federal employees are subject to Federal ethics 
requirements). For peer review purposes, the term ``conflicts of 
interest'' means any financial or other interest which conflicts with 
the service of the individual because it could: (1) Significantly 
impair the individual's objectivity; or (2) create an unfair 
competitive advantage for any person or organization.
    NOAA has adapted the NAS policy and developed two confidential 
conflict disclosure forms which the agency will use to examine 
prospective reviewers' potential financial conflicts and other 
interests that could impair objectivity or create an unfair advantage. 
One form is for peer reviewers of studies related to government 
regulation and the other form is for all other influential scientific 
information subject to the Peer Review Bulletin. In addition, the 
latter form has been adapted by NOAA's Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research for potential reviewers of scientific 
laboratories.
    The forms include questions about employment as well as investment 
and property interests and research funding. Both forms also require 
the submission of curriculum vitae. NOAA is seeking to collect this 
information from potential peer reviewers who are not government 
employees when conducting a peer review pursuant to the PRB. The 
information collected in the conflict of interest disclosure is 
essential to NOAA's compliance with the OMB PRB, and helps to ensure 
that government studies are reviewed by independent, impartial peer 
reviewers.

II. Method of Collection

    Forms may be downloaded from the Internet and are fillable and 
signable

[[Page 39915]]

electronically or manually. They may be submitted, along with the 
Curriculum Vitae, via e-mail or regular mail.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0567.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently 
approved collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 320.
    Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 160.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: July 8, 2010.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2010-16970 Filed 7-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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