Notice of Intent To Terminate Selected National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) Program Services, 21210-21211 [2014-08506]

Download as PDF 21210 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 72 / Tuesday, April 15, 2014 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket No.: 140311231–4231–01] Draft NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 3.0 National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks comments on the draft NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 3.0. This new document builds on two previously released Frameworks and Roadmaps, and incorporates advances in smart grid infrastructure, such as widespread deployment of wirelesscommunication power meters, the availability of customer energy usage data through the Green Button initiative, and remote sensing for determining realtime transmission and distribution status. Release 3.0 also includes protocols for electric vehicle charging. The entire draft version of the draft NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 3.0, is available online at: https:// www.nist.gov/smartgrid/ framework3.cfm. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 30, 2014. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent to the Cyber Physical Systems and Smart Grid Program Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8200 or by email at nistsgfwcmts@nist.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Chris L. Greer, Director, Cyber Physical Systems and Smart Grid Program Office, and National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8200; telephone 301–975– 5987, fax 301–948–5668; or via email at nistsgfwcmts@nist.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1305 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 (Pub. L. 110–140) directs NIST ‘‘to coordinate the development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for information management to achieve interoperability of smart grid devices and systems.’’ mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:06 Apr 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 To meet these statutory goals, in January 2010, NIST published the NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 1.0 (Release 1.0), and in February 2012, NIST published the NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 2.0 (Release 2.0), which updated the material discussed in Release 1.0. The Framework document discusses the NIST vision for an advanced smart grid as well as a high-level overview of smart grid architecture, cybersecurity, and testing and certification considerations. In addition, there is a discussion of the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) which is playing a key role in the development of interoperability standards. NIST now announces the publication of the draft NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 3.0 (Release 3.0 Draft) for public review and comment. The entire draft version of Release 3.0 Draft is available online at: https:// www.nist.gov/smartgrid/ framework3.cfm. Release 3.0 Draft builds upon the work in previous releases with an update on the progress since Release 2.0; a description of the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP); updated architecture, cybersecurity, and testing and certification chapters; and a new chapter on cross-cutting issues and future directions. Since the release of the last edition of the NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards (Release 2.0), advances in smart grid infrastructure have been implemented. Examples include the widespread deployment of wireless-communication power meters, the availability of customer energy usage data through the Green Button initiative, remote sensing for determining real-time transmission and distribution status, and protocols for electric vehicle charging, supported by standards development across the entire smart grid arena. This release updates NIST’s ongoing efforts to facilitate and coordinate smart grid interoperability standards development and smart grid-related measurement science and technology, including the evolving and continuing NIST relationship with the SGIP. Request for comments: NIST seeks comments on the draft NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 3.0. In particular, the agency requests that comments be categorized as (1) technical; (2) editorial; or (3) general. If a comment is not a general comment, please identify the relevant PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 page, line number, and section that is addressed by the comment. NIST will also accept proposed solutions along with the comments. Comments should be submitted in accordance with instructions in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections of this notice. Dated: April 9, 2014. Kevin A. Kimball, Chief of Staff. [FR Doc. 2014–08513 Filed 4–14–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket Number: 140305199–4199–01] Notice of Intent To Terminate Selected National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) Program Services National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces its intent to terminate the Organic Production and Processing subprogram offered by NIST’s National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) program, effective January 1, 2016. NIST requests written comments on the intended termination of the Organic Production and Processing sub-program offered by NVCASE, and announces a 30-day comment period for that purpose. Persons desiring to comment on the proposed termination must submit their comments in writing to the address provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. DATES: Comments regarding the proposed January 1, 2016, termination of the NVCASE Organic Production and Processing sub-program must be received no later than May 15, 2014. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to NVCASE Program Manager, National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2100, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2100, or by email to ramona.saar@nist.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ramona Saar, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2100, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2100, email to ramona.saar@ nist.gov, or phone 301–975–5521. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Institute of Standards and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 72 / Tuesday, April 15, 2014 / Notices Technology (NIST) administers the National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) program under regulations found in Part 286 of Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Under the NVCASE program NIST evaluates U.S.-based conformity assessment bodies in order to be able to provide assurances to a foreign government that qualifying bodies meet that government’s requirements and can provide results that are acceptable to that government. The program is intended to provide a technically-based U.S. approval process for U.S. industry to gain foreign market access. On December 6, 2002, NIST received a request from a U.S. accreditation body to establish a sub-program, under the NVCASE program, for Organic Production and Processing. The stated objectives of the request were to provide confidence in the quality of this accreditation body’s work, and to provide assurance that this accreditation body complied with the requirements of some foreign governments, thus facilitating the export of U.S. products. NIST, having determined that there was no satisfactory recognition alternative available and that there was evidence that significant public disadvantage would result from the absence of any alternative, established the NVCASE sub-program for Organic Production and Processing on November 4, 2003, following a public workshop held on May 9, 2003. See, 68 FR 62434 (November 4, 2003). In the decade since the establishment of the sub-program, the United States has made numerous trade arrangements to facilitate the international trade of organic products. The resulting changes in the international requirements have increased international market access for U.S. producers. NIST considers that there are now suitable alternative paths to foreign market access, and that there would be no significant public disadvantage to terminating the Organic Production and Processing sub-program. Accordingly, the NIST NVCASE program announces its intent to cease to grant or renew recognition under the Organic Production and Processing subprogram, effective January 1, 2016. Conformity assessment bodies currently recognized under the sub-program will remain recognized until January 1, 2016, provided they continue to meet program requirements. The NVCASE program is inviting the submission of written comments on its announcement as set forth in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections of this notice. Following the comment period, NVCASE will make a final VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:06 Apr 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 determination on terminating the subprogram, which will be published in the Federal Register. Dated: April 9, 2014. Kevin A. Kimball, Chief of Staff. [FR Doc. 2014–08506 Filed 4–14–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Greater Atlantic Region Observer Providers Requirements National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: 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 June 16, 2014. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at JJessup@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Travis Ford, (978) 281–9233 or Travis.Ford@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for extension of a current information collection. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) has the responsibility for the conservation and management of marine fishery resources. Much of this responsibility has been delegated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Under this stewardship role, the Secretary was given certain regulatory authorities to ensure the most beneficial uses of these resources. One of the PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21211 regulatory steps taken to carry out the conservation and management objectives is to collect data from users of the resource. Regulations at 50 CFR 648.11(g) require observer service providers to comply with specific requirements in order to operate as an approved provider in the Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) fishery. Observer service providers must comply with the following requirements: submit applications for approval as an observer service provider; formally request observer training by the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP); submit observer deployment reports and biological samples; give notification of whether a vessel must carry an observer within 24 hours of the vessel owner’s notification of a prospective trip; and maintain an updated contact list of all observers that includes the observer’s identification number, name, mailing address, email address, phone numbers, homeports or fisheries/trip types assigned, and whether or not the observer is ‘‘in service.’’ The regulations also require observer service providers submit any outreach materials, such as informational pamphlets, payment notification, and descriptions of observer duties as well as all contracts between the service provider and entities requiring observer services for review to NMFS/NEFOP. Observer service providers also have the option to respond to application denials, and submit a rebuttal in response to a pending removal from the list of approved observer providers. These requirements allow NMFS/NEFOP to effectively administer the scallop observer program. II. Method of Collection The approved observer service providers submit information to NMFS/ NEFOP via email, fax, or postal service. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0546. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a current information collection). Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 631. Estimated Time per Response: Application for approval of observer service provider, 10 hours; applicant response to denial of application for approval of observer service provider, 10 hours; observer service provider request for observer training, 30 minutes; observer deployment report, 10 minutes; observer availability report, 10 E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 15, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21210-21211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08506]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Docket Number: 140305199-4199-01]


Notice of Intent To Terminate Selected National Voluntary 
Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) Program Services

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
announces its intent to terminate the Organic Production and Processing 
sub-program offered by NIST's National Voluntary Conformity Assessment 
Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) program, effective January 1, 2016.
    NIST requests written comments on the intended termination of the 
Organic Production and Processing sub-program offered by NVCASE, and 
announces a 30-day comment period for that purpose. Persons desiring to 
comment on the proposed termination must submit their comments in 
writing to the address provided in the ADDRESSES section of this 
notice.

DATES: Comments regarding the proposed January 1, 2016, termination of 
the NVCASE Organic Production and Processing sub-program must be 
received no later than May 15, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to NVCASE Program Manager, National 
Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation Program, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2100, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2100, or by email to ramona.saar@nist.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ramona Saar, National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2100, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-2100, email to ramona.saar@nist.gov, or phone 301-975-5521.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Institute of Standards and

[[Page 21211]]

Technology (NIST) administers the National Voluntary Conformity 
Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) program under regulations found 
in Part 286 of Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
    Under the NVCASE program NIST evaluates U.S.-based conformity 
assessment bodies in order to be able to provide assurances to a 
foreign government that qualifying bodies meet that government's 
requirements and can provide results that are acceptable to that 
government. The program is intended to provide a technically-based U.S. 
approval process for U.S. industry to gain foreign market access.
    On December 6, 2002, NIST received a request from a U.S. 
accreditation body to establish a sub-program, under the NVCASE 
program, for Organic Production and Processing. The stated objectives 
of the request were to provide confidence in the quality of this 
accreditation body's work, and to provide assurance that this 
accreditation body complied with the requirements of some foreign 
governments, thus facilitating the export of U.S. products.
    NIST, having determined that there was no satisfactory recognition 
alternative available and that there was evidence that significant 
public disadvantage would result from the absence of any alternative, 
established the NVCASE sub-program for Organic Production and 
Processing on November 4, 2003, following a public workshop held on May 
9, 2003. See, 68 FR 62434 (November 4, 2003).
    In the decade since the establishment of the sub-program, the 
United States has made numerous trade arrangements to facilitate the 
international trade of organic products. The resulting changes in the 
international requirements have increased international market access 
for U.S. producers. NIST considers that there are now suitable 
alternative paths to foreign market access, and that there would be no 
significant public disadvantage to terminating the Organic Production 
and Processing sub-program.
    Accordingly, the NIST NVCASE program announces its intent to cease 
to grant or renew recognition under the Organic Production and 
Processing sub-program, effective January 1, 2016. Conformity 
assessment bodies currently recognized under the sub-program will 
remain recognized until January 1, 2016, provided they continue to meet 
program requirements. The NVCASE program is inviting the submission of 
written comments on its announcement as set forth in the DATES and 
ADDRESSES sections of this notice.
    Following the comment period, NVCASE will make a final 
determination on terminating the sub-program, which will be published 
in the Federal Register.

    Dated: April 9, 2014.
Kevin A. Kimball,
Chief of Staff.
[FR Doc. 2014-08506 Filed 4-14-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
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