National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, 35439-35442 [2017-15984]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 145 / Monday, July 31, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
The Rule
This amendment to Title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71
establishes Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
at Dixon Airport, Dixon, WY. Controlled
airspace is established within a 7-mile
radius of Dixon Airport with a segment
8 miles wide (4 miles each side of a 045°
bearing from the airport) extending to
15.5 miles northeast of the airport to
support new RNAV (GPS) instrument
approach procedures for IFR operations
at the airport. This action ensures the
safety and management of aircraft
within the national airspace system as
we transition from ground-based
navigation aids to a satellite-based
Global Navigation Satellite System.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this
regulation only involves an established
body of technical regulations for which
frequent and routine amendments are
necessary to keep them operationally
current, is non-controversial and
unlikely to result in adverse or negative
comments. It, therefore: (1) Is not a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
does not warrant preparation of a
Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated
impact is so minimal. Since this is a
routine matter that only affects air traffic
procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this rule, when
promulgated, will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities under the
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,
B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND
REPORTING POINTS
1. The authority citation for part 71
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.
§ 71.1
[Amended]
2. The incorporation by reference in
14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11A,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, dated August 3, 2016, and
effective September 15, 2016, is
amended as follows:
■
Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas
Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More
Above the Surface of the Earth.
*
*
*
*
*
ANM WY E5 Dixon, WY [New]
Dixon Airport, WY
(Lat. 41°02′15″ N., long. 107°29′33″ W.)
That airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface within a 7-mile radius
of Dixon Airport, and within 4 miles each
side of a 045° bearing from the airport
extending from the 7-mile radius to 15.5
miles northeast of the airport.
Issued in Seattle, Washington, on July 20,
2017.
Sam S.L. Shrimpton,
Acting Group Manager, Operations Support
Group, Western Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2017–15864 Filed 7–28–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
14 CFR Part 1259
RIN 2700–AE00
The FAA has determined that this
action qualifies for categorical exclusion
under the National Environmental
Policy Act in accordance with FAA
Order 1050.1F, ‘‘Environmental
Impacts: Policies and Procedures,’’
paragraph 5–6.5a. This airspace action
is not expected to cause any potentially
significant environmental impacts, and
no extraordinary circumstances exist
that warrant preparation of an
environmental assessment.
[Document Number NASA–17–055]
sradovich on DSKBCFCHB2PROD with RULES
Airspace, Incorporation by reference,
Navigation (air).
Adoption of the Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the
Federal Aviation Administration
amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:19 Jul 28, 2017
Jkt 241001
Rulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Please note that NASA will post all
comments on the Internet with changes,
including any personal information
provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lenell Allen, Office of Education, NASA
Headquarters, telephone (202) 358–
1762.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Direct Final Rule
NASA has determined this
rulemaking meets the criteria for a
direct final rule because it makes
nonsubstantive changes to correct
citations and office titles. No opposition
to the changes and no significant
adverse comments are expected.
However, if the Agency receives a
significant adverse comment, it will
withdraw this direct final rule by
publishing a notice in the Federal
Register. A significant adverse comment
is one that explains: (1) Why the direct
final rule is inappropriate, including
challenges to the rule’s underlying
premise or approach; or (2) why the
direct final rule will be ineffective or
unacceptable without a change. In
determining whether a comment
necessitates withdrawal of this direct
final rule, NASA will consider whether
it warrants a substantive response in a
notice and comment process.
Statutory Authority
Environmental Review
Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
35439
National Space Grant College and
Fellowship Program
The National Aeronautics and Space
Act (the Space Act), 51 U.S.C. 20113(a),
authorizes the Administrator of NASA
to make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and
amend rules and regulations governing
the manner of its operations and the
exercise of the powers vested in it by
law.
Regulatory Analysis
AGENCY:
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
ACTION: Direct final rule.
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563, Improvement Regulation
and Regulation Review
This direct final rule makes
nonsubstantive changes to Agency
regulations to correct citations and
office titles.
DATES: This direct final rule is effective
September 29, 2017. Comments due on
or before August 30, 2017. If adverse
comments are received, NASA will
publish a timely withdrawal of the rule
in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Comments must be
identified with RIN 2700–AE00 and
may be sent to NASA via the Federal E-
Executive Orders 13563 and 12866
direct agencies to assess all costs and
benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and
equity). Executive Order 13563
emphasizes the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits, of
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,
and of promoting flexibility. This final
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\31JYR1.SGM
31JYR1
35440
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 145 / Monday, July 31, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
rule has been designated as ‘‘not
significant.’’
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
E.O. 13132, ‘‘Federalism,’’ 64 FR
43255 (August 4, 1999) requires
regulations be reviewed for Federalism
effects on the institutional interest of
states and local governments, and if the
effects are sufficiently substantial,
preparation of the Federal assessment is
required to assist senior policy makers.
The amendments will not have any
substantial direct effects on state and
local governments within the meaning
of the E.O. Therefore, no Federalism
assessment is required.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
This final rule does not contain an
information collection requirement that
is subject to the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires an agency to
prepare an initial regulatory flexibility
analysis to be published at the time the
proposed rule is published. This
requirement does not apply if the
agency ‘‘certifies that the rule will not,
if promulgated, have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities’’ (5 U.S.C. 603).
This rule makes corrections to citations
and titles of NASA officials; therefore, it
does not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 1259
Colleges and universities.
Accordingly, under the authority of
the National Aeronautics and Space Act,
as amended, NASA amends part 1259 as
follows:
PART 1259—NATIONAL SPACE
GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP
PROGRAM
1. The authority citation for part 1259
is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: Pub. L. 100–147, 101 Stat. 869–
875; Sec. 3, Pub. L. 111–314, 124 Stat. 3382;
51 U.S.C. 40301–40311.
Subpart 1259.1—Basic Policy
2. In § 1259.100, paragraph (a) is
revised to read as follows:
sradovich on DSKBCFCHB2PROD with RULES
■
§ 1259.100
Scope of part.
(a) This part 1259 establishes the
policies, responsibilities, and
procedures relative to the National
Space Grant College and Fellowship
Program established by Title II of the
National Aeronautics and Space
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:19 Jul 28, 2017
Jkt 241001
Administration (NASA) Authorization
Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100–147, 101 Stat.
869–875, now codified at 51 U.S.C.
40301–40311 as a result of Sec. 3, Pub.
L. 111–314, 124 Stat. 3382). This statute
authorizes the Administrator of NASA,
in order to carry out the purposes of the
National Space Grant College and
Fellowship Act (the Act), to accept
conditional or unconditional gifts and
donations; to accept and use funds from
other Federal departments, agencies,
and instrumentalities; to make awards
with respect to such needs or problems;
and to designate Space Grant colleges. It
further directs the Administrator to
establish a graduate fellowship program
to provide educational assistance to
qualified individuals in fields related to
space and to establish an independent
committee known as the Space Grant
Review Panel to review and advise the
Administrator with respect to Space
Grant programs.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 3. Amend § 1259.101 by revising
paragraphs (b) introductory text, (f), (g),
(h), and (n) to read as follows:
§ 1259.101
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Institution of higher education
means any college or university in any
state that:
*
*
*
*
*
(f) Space means aeronautical and
space activities which has the meaning
given to such term in section 103(1) of
the National Aeronautics and Space Act
of 1958, as amended (51 U.S.C. 20103).
(g) Space Grant college means any
public or private institution of higher
education that is designated as such by
the Administrator or designee pursuant
to section 208 of the Act.
(h) Space Grant regional consortium
means any association or other alliance
that is designated as such by the
Administrator or designee pursuant to
section 208 of the Act.
*
*
*
*
*
(n) State Space Grant cooperating
institution means any institution of
higher education in a state that does not
have a designated Space Grant college,
and that is named by the Administrator
or designee to provide selected Space
Grant program functions within that
state.
■ 4. Revise § 1259.102 to read as
follows:
§ 1259.102
General policy.
(a) In compliance with the National
Space Grant College and Fellowship Act
(51 U.S.C. 40301–40311), it shall be
NASA’s purpose to:
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(1) Increase the understanding,
assessment, development, and
utilization of space resources by
promoting a strong educational base,
responsive research and training
activities, and broad and prompt
dissemination of knowledge and
techniques;
(2) Utilize the abilities and talents of
the universities of the Nation to support
and contribute to the exploration and
development of the resources and
opportunities afforded by the space
environment;
(3) Encourage and support the
existence of interdisciplinary and
multidisciplinary programs of space
research to engage in activities of
training (including teacher education),
research, and public service and to have
cooperative programs with industry;
(4) Encourage and support the
existence of consortia, composed of
university and industry members, to
advance the exploration and
development of space resources in cases
in which national objectives can be
better fulfilled than through the
programs of single universities;
(5) Encourage and support Federal
funding for graduate fellowships in
fields related to space;
(6) Support activities in colleges and
universities generally for the purpose of
creating and operating a network of
institutional programs that will enhance
achievements resulting from efforts
under this Act; and
(7) Encourage cooperation and
coordination among Federal agencies
and Federal programs concerned with
space issues.
(b) It shall be NASA’s policy to
designate Space Grant colleges, State
Space Grant cooperating institutions,
and Space Grant regional consortia and
award fellowships, grants, contracts,
and other transactions competitively in
a merit-based review process.
(c) It shall be NASA’s policy to
designate and make awards without
regard to age, color, disability, national
origin, race, religion, or sex.
■ 5. Amend § 1259.103 by revising the
section heading and paragraphs (a)(1)
and (b)(1) to read as follows:
§ 1259.103
special.
Space authorities—regular and
(a) * * *
(1) In order to carry out the provisions
of the Act, the Administrator is
authorized to accept conditional or
unconditional gifts or donations of
services, money, or property; real,
personal, or mixed; tangible or
intangible. This authority is delegated to
E:\FR\FM\31JYR1.SGM
31JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 145 / Monday, July 31, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
the Director, NASA Space Grant
Program.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(1) To carry out the provisions of the
Act, the Administrator is authorized to
accept and use funds from other Federal
departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities to pay for awards
under this program. This authority is
delegated to the Director, NASA Space
Grant Program.
*
*
*
*
*
Subpart 2—Space Grant Program and
Project Awards
6. Amend § 1259.201 by revising
paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (b) introductory
text, and (b)(2) to read as follows:
■
§ 1259.201 Types of Space Grant program
and project awards—regular and special.
(a) * * *
(1) Be funded by NASA in an amount
not to exceed 66 percent of the total cost
of the Space Grant award and/or
fellowship program involved; or
(2) Be funded in an amount not to
exceed 100 percent of its cost if the
project award is funded by another
Federal entity.
(b) A special Space Grant program or
project award may be funded in an
amount not to exceed 100 percent of the
total cost of the special project if the
Administrator or designee, the Director,
NASA Space Grant Program, determines
that:
*
*
*
*
*
(2) The probable benefit of such
program or project outweighs the public
interest in such matching requirement;
and
*
*
*
*
*
■ 7. Amend § 1259.202 by revising
paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:
§ 1259.202
Application procedures.
sradovich on DSKBCFCHB2PROD with RULES
(a) The opportunity to apply shall be
announced by the Director, NASA
Space Grant Program.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) The applications will be reviewed
by a peer review merit selection panel
appointed by the Director, NASA Space
Grant Program.
■ 8. Amend § 1259.203 by revising the
introductory text and paragraph (b) to
read as follows:
§ 1259.203
Limitations.
The Act at Public Law 100–147,
Section 206(d)(2) and (3), states that:
*
*
*
*
*
(b) However, funds may be used to
lease any of the items listed in
paragraph (a) of this section provided
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:19 Jul 28, 2017
Jkt 241001
prior written approval is obtained from
the Administrator or designee.
Subpart 3—National Needs Grants
35441
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Washington, DC 20546.
*
*
*
*
*
12. Amend § 1259.401 by revising
paragraphs (d) and (e) to read as follows:
■
9. Revise § 1259.300 to read as
follows:
§ 1259.401
§ 1259.300
*
■
Description.
National needs awards may be
awarded by the Administrator or
designee, Director, NASA Space Grant
Program, to meet such needs or
problems relating to aerospace
identified by the Space Grant Review
Panel, by NASA officials, or by any
person. NASA may fund such awards in
an amount not to exceed 100 percent of
the total cost of the program or project.
10. Amend § 1259.302 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 1259.302
Application procedures.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) The Director, NASA Space Grant
Program shall establish a competitive,
merit-based review process to examine
unsolicited national needs proposals.
Subpart 4—Space Grant College and
Consortium Designation
11. Amend § 1259.400 by revising
paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 1259.400
Description.
(a) The Administrator may designate
Space Grant colleges, Space Grant
college consortia, and Space Grant
regional consortia in order to establish
Federal/university partnerships to
promote a strong educational base in the
space and aeronautical sciences. These
designated colleges and consortia will
provide leadership for a network of
American colleges and universities,
industry, and state and local
governments in space-related fields. The
Administrator hereby delegates this
authority to the Director, NASA Space
Grant Program.
(b) Designation of Space Grant
colleges, Space Grant college consortia,
and Space Grant regional consortia shall
be for five years. Designation of Space
Grant colleges and consortia may be
continued for more than five years
based on the results of a merit review at
the beginning of the fifth year. A claim
arising in the United States should be
submitted to the Chief Counsel of the
NASA installation whose activities are
believed to have given rise to the
claimed injury, loss, or death. If the
identity of such installation is not
known, or if the claim arose in a foreign
country, the claim should be submitted
to the General Counsel, Headquarters,
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Responsibilities.
*
*
*
*
(d) Develop and implement programs
of public service, interdisciplinary
space-related programs, advisory
activities, and cooperation with
industry, research laboratories, state and
local governments, and other colleges
and universities, particularly
institutions in their state and/or region
with significantly large enrollments of
minority students who are underrepresented in science and technology;
and
(e) Provide non-Federal matching
funds (exclusive of in-kind
contributions) for the Space Grant
program equal to those provided by
NASA.
13. Amend § 1259.402 by revising
paragraphs (a), (b) introductory text, and
(c) to read as follows:
■
§ 1259.402 Basic criteria and application
procedures.
(a) Any institution of higher
education may be designated a Space
Grant college if the Administrator or
designee, Director, NASA Space Grant
Program, determines that it has a
balanced program of research,
education, training, and advisory
services in fields related to space, as
further defined in the program
announcement.
(b) Any association or other alliance
of two or more persons may be
designated a Space Grant regional
consortium, if the Administrator or
designee, Director, National Space Grant
Program, determines that such
association or alliance:
*
*
*
*
*
(c) The opportunity to apply for
designation shall be announced by the
Director, NASA Space Grant Program.
The application procedures and
evaluation guidelines for designation
shall be included in the designation
announcement.
*
*
*
*
*
14. Revise § 1259.403 to read as
follows:
■
§ 1259.403
Limitations.
The same limitations shall apply as
stated in § 1259.203.
15. Revise § 1259.404 to read as
follows:
■
E:\FR\FM\31JYR1.SGM
31JYR1
35442
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 145 / Monday, July 31, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
§ 1259.404 Suspension or termination of
designation.
The Administrator or designee,
Director, NASA Space Grant Program,
may, for cause, after an opportunity for
a hearing before a Federal
administrative judge appointed by the
Deputy Administrator, suspend or
terminate the Space Grant designation
of any institution or consortium.
Subpart 5—Space Grant Fellowships
16. Revise § 1259.500 to read as
follows:
■
§ 1259.500
Description.
The Space Grant fellowship program
will provide educational and training
assistance to qualified individuals at the
graduate level in fields related to space.
Awards will be made to institutions of
higher education for fellowships. The
student recipients shall be referred to as
NASA Space Grant Fellows.
■ 17. Revise § 1259.501 to read as
follows:
■
§ 1259.601 Establishment and
composition.
[FR Doc. 2017–15984 Filed 7–28–17; 8:45 am]
20. Revise § 1259.600 to read as
follows:
§ 1259.600
§ 1259.602
Responsibilities.
(a) All institutions that receive Space
Grant fellowships shall use the awards
to increase the pool of graduate students
in fields related to space.
(b) The overall fellowship program
shall be cognizant of the importance of
achieving institutional and geographical
diversity.
■ 18. Amend § 1259.502 by revising
paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:
§ 1259.502
Application procedures.
(a) All applicants for designation as
Space Grant colleges and consortia shall
apply for Space Grant fellowships.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) There shall be a merit review
selection for Space Grant fellowship
awards.
■ 19. Amend § 1259.503 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 1259.503
Limitations.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Any students supported under this
fellowship program shall not be funded
for more than four years unless the
Director, NASA Space Grant Program,
makes an exception in writing.
Subpart 6—Space Grant Review Panel
■
Panel description.
An independent committee, the Space
Grant Review Panel (Panel), which is
not subject to the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, shall be established to
advise the Administrator with respect to
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:19 Jul 28, 2017
Jkt 241001
Conflict of interest.
Any member of the Panel who has a
personal or financial interest in an issue
for consideration before the Panel shall
abstain from all discussion and voting
on such issue.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
23. Amend § 1259.603 by revising
paragraphs (a) introductory text, (c), and
(d) to read as follows:
§ 1259.603
Responsibilities.
(a) The Panel shall advise the
Administrator and designee, Director,
NASA Space Grant Program, with
respect to:
*
*
*
*
*
(c) The Panel may exercise such
powers as reasonably necessary in order
to carry out the duties enumerated in
paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) The Director, NASA Space Grant
Program, shall appoint an Executive
Secretary who shall perform
administrative duties for the Panel.
*
*
*
*
*
Nanette J. Smith,
NASA Federal Register Liaison Officer.
BILLING CODE P
(a) The Panel, to be located at NASA
Headquarters in Washington, DC, will
be composed of ten (10) voting members
who are not current NASA employees.
(b) The Panel shall include four
representatives from Federal
departments, agencies, or entities that
have an interest in space programs or
science and education, as well as six
representatives from non-Federal
entities.
(c) The non-Federal representatives
shall include two persons who are
directly involved with the Space Grant
program at a Space Grant college or
consortium, one person who is involved
with the Space Grant program at a
university that is not a designated Space
Grant college, a university president or
chancellor, one representative from a
space-related industry, and the last
person to be from whatever field the
Administrator determines to be of
greatest concern.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) The Administrator or designee,
Director, NASA Space Grant Program,
shall select a Chair and a Vice Chair for
the Panel. The Vice Chair shall act as
Chair in the absence or incapacity of the
Chair.
(g) The Administrator or designee,
Director, NASA Space Grant Program,
may select NASA officials to serve as ex
officio, non-voting members of the
Panel.
■ 22. Revise § 1259.602 to read as
follows:
§ 1259.501
sradovich on DSKBCFCHB2PROD with RULES
Space Grant program and project
awards, the Space Grant fellowship
program, and the designation and
operation of Space Grant colleges and
consortia. A majority of the voting
members shall be individuals who, by
reason of their knowledge, experience,
or training, are especially qualified in
one or more of the fields related to
space. The other voting members shall
be individuals who, by reason of their
knowledge, experience, or training, are
especially qualified in, or representative
of, education, extension services, state
government, industry, economics,
planning, or any other activity related to
the purposes of the Space Grant
program.
■ 21. Amend § 1259.601 by revising
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (f), and (g) to
read as follows:
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN
COMMISSION
18 CFR Parts 806 and 808
Review and Approval of Projects;
Hearings and Enforcement Actions
Correction
In rule document 2017–13324,
appearing on pages 29387–29397 in the
Issue of Thursday, June 29, make the
following correction:
§ 806.1
[Corrected]
1. On page 29390, the first column,
the fifth line down ‘‘§ 806.1806.1
Scope.’’, should read as ‘‘806.1 Scope.’’
■
§ 806.3
[Corrected]
2. On page 29390, the first column,
the twenty-seventh line from the bottom
‘‘§ 806.3806.3 Definitions.’’, should read
as ‘‘§ 806.3 Definitions.’’
■
§ 806.4
[Corrected]
3. On page 29390, the first column,
the eleventh line from the bottom
‘‘§ 806.4806.4 Projects requiring review
and approval.’’, should read as ‘‘§ 806.4
Projects requiring review and approval.’’
■
§ 806.6
[Corrected]
4. On page 29390, the third column,
the fourteenth line from the top
‘‘§ 806.6806.6 Transfer of approvals.’’,
should read as ‘‘§ 806.6 Transfer of
approvals.’’
■
§ 808.1
[Corrected]
5. On page 29395, the second column,
the eighth line from the top
‘‘§ 808.1808.1 Public hearings.’’, should
read as ‘‘§ 808.1 Public hearings.’’
■
E:\FR\FM\31JYR1.SGM
31JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 145 (Monday, July 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35439-35442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15984]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
14 CFR Part 1259
RIN 2700-AE00
[Document Number NASA-17-055]
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program
AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
ACTION: Direct final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This direct final rule makes nonsubstantive changes to Agency
regulations to correct citations and office titles.
DATES: This direct final rule is effective September 29, 2017. Comments
due on or before August 30, 2017. If adverse comments are received,
NASA will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal
Register.
ADDRESSES: Comments must be identified with RIN 2700-AE00 and may be
sent to NASA via the Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments. Please note that NASA will post all comments on the Internet
with changes, including any personal information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lenell Allen, Office of Education,
NASA Headquarters, telephone (202) 358-1762.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Direct Final Rule
NASA has determined this rulemaking meets the criteria for a direct
final rule because it makes nonsubstantive changes to correct citations
and office titles. No opposition to the changes and no significant
adverse comments are expected. However, if the Agency receives a
significant adverse comment, it will withdraw this direct final rule by
publishing a notice in the Federal Register. A significant adverse
comment is one that explains: (1) Why the direct final rule is
inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or
approach; or (2) why the direct final rule will be ineffective or
unacceptable without a change. In determining whether a comment
necessitates withdrawal of this direct final rule, NASA will consider
whether it warrants a substantive response in a notice and comment
process.
Statutory Authority
The National Aeronautics and Space Act (the Space Act), 51 U.S.C.
20113(a), authorizes the Administrator of NASA to make, promulgate,
issue, rescind, and amend rules and regulations governing the manner of
its operations and the exercise of the powers vested in it by law.
Regulatory Analysis
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563, Improvement Regulation and Regulation Review
Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This final
[[Page 35440]]
rule has been designated as ``not significant.''
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
E.O. 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999) requires
regulations be reviewed for Federalism effects on the institutional
interest of states and local governments, and if the effects are
sufficiently substantial, preparation of the Federal assessment is
required to assist senior policy makers. The amendments will not have
any substantial direct effects on state and local governments within
the meaning of the E.O. Therefore, no Federalism assessment is
required.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
This final rule does not contain an information collection
requirement that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires an
agency to prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis to be
published at the time the proposed rule is published. This requirement
does not apply if the agency ``certifies that the rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number
of small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 603). This rule makes corrections to
citations and titles of NASA officials; therefore, it does not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 1259
Colleges and universities.
Accordingly, under the authority of the National Aeronautics and
Space Act, as amended, NASA amends part 1259 as follows:
PART 1259--NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
0
1. The authority citation for part 1259 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Pub. L. 100-147, 101 Stat. 869-875; Sec. 3, Pub. L.
111-314, 124 Stat. 3382; 51 U.S.C. 40301-40311.
Subpart 1259.1--Basic Policy
0
2. In Sec. 1259.100, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.100 Scope of part.
(a) This part 1259 establishes the policies, responsibilities, and
procedures relative to the National Space Grant College and Fellowship
Program established by Title II of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-147, 101
Stat. 869-875, now codified at 51 U.S.C. 40301-40311 as a result of
Sec. 3, Pub. L. 111-314, 124 Stat. 3382). This statute authorizes the
Administrator of NASA, in order to carry out the purposes of the
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act (the Act), to accept
conditional or unconditional gifts and donations; to accept and use
funds from other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities;
to make awards with respect to such needs or problems; and to designate
Space Grant colleges. It further directs the Administrator to establish
a graduate fellowship program to provide educational assistance to
qualified individuals in fields related to space and to establish an
independent committee known as the Space Grant Review Panel to review
and advise the Administrator with respect to Space Grant programs.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec. 1259.101 by revising paragraphs (b) introductory text,
(f), (g), (h), and (n) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.101 Definitions.
* * * * *
(b) Institution of higher education means any college or university
in any state that:
* * * * *
(f) Space means aeronautical and space activities which has the
meaning given to such term in section 103(1) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended (51 U.S.C. 20103).
(g) Space Grant college means any public or private institution of
higher education that is designated as such by the Administrator or
designee pursuant to section 208 of the Act.
(h) Space Grant regional consortium means any association or other
alliance that is designated as such by the Administrator or designee
pursuant to section 208 of the Act.
* * * * *
(n) State Space Grant cooperating institution means any institution
of higher education in a state that does not have a designated Space
Grant college, and that is named by the Administrator or designee to
provide selected Space Grant program functions within that state.
0
4. Revise Sec. 1259.102 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.102 General policy.
(a) In compliance with the National Space Grant College and
Fellowship Act (51 U.S.C. 40301-40311), it shall be NASA's purpose to:
(1) Increase the understanding, assessment, development, and
utilization of space resources by promoting a strong educational base,
responsive research and training activities, and broad and prompt
dissemination of knowledge and techniques;
(2) Utilize the abilities and talents of the universities of the
Nation to support and contribute to the exploration and development of
the resources and opportunities afforded by the space environment;
(3) Encourage and support the existence of interdisciplinary and
multidisciplinary programs of space research to engage in activities of
training (including teacher education), research, and public service
and to have cooperative programs with industry;
(4) Encourage and support the existence of consortia, composed of
university and industry members, to advance the exploration and
development of space resources in cases in which national objectives
can be better fulfilled than through the programs of single
universities;
(5) Encourage and support Federal funding for graduate fellowships
in fields related to space;
(6) Support activities in colleges and universities generally for
the purpose of creating and operating a network of institutional
programs that will enhance achievements resulting from efforts under
this Act; and
(7) Encourage cooperation and coordination among Federal agencies
and Federal programs concerned with space issues.
(b) It shall be NASA's policy to designate Space Grant colleges,
State Space Grant cooperating institutions, and Space Grant regional
consortia and award fellowships, grants, contracts, and other
transactions competitively in a merit-based review process.
(c) It shall be NASA's policy to designate and make awards without
regard to age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, or
sex.
0
5. Amend Sec. 1259.103 by revising the section heading and paragraphs
(a)(1) and (b)(1) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.103 Space authorities--regular and special.
(a) * * *
(1) In order to carry out the provisions of the Act, the
Administrator is authorized to accept conditional or unconditional
gifts or donations of services, money, or property; real, personal, or
mixed; tangible or intangible. This authority is delegated to
[[Page 35441]]
the Director, NASA Space Grant Program.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(1) To carry out the provisions of the Act, the Administrator is
authorized to accept and use funds from other Federal departments,
agencies, and instrumentalities to pay for awards under this program.
This authority is delegated to the Director, NASA Space Grant Program.
* * * * *
Subpart 2--Space Grant Program and Project Awards
0
6. Amend Sec. 1259.201 by revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (b)
introductory text, and (b)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.201 Types of Space Grant program and project awards--
regular and special.
(a) * * *
(1) Be funded by NASA in an amount not to exceed 66 percent of the
total cost of the Space Grant award and/or fellowship program involved;
or
(2) Be funded in an amount not to exceed 100 percent of its cost if
the project award is funded by another Federal entity.
(b) A special Space Grant program or project award may be funded in
an amount not to exceed 100 percent of the total cost of the special
project if the Administrator or designee, the Director, NASA Space
Grant Program, determines that:
* * * * *
(2) The probable benefit of such program or project outweighs the
public interest in such matching requirement; and
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec. 1259.202 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 1259.202 Application procedures.
(a) The opportunity to apply shall be announced by the Director,
NASA Space Grant Program.
* * * * *
(c) The applications will be reviewed by a peer review merit
selection panel appointed by the Director, NASA Space Grant Program.
0
8. Amend Sec. 1259.203 by revising the introductory text and paragraph
(b) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.203 Limitations.
The Act at Public Law 100-147, Section 206(d)(2) and (3), states
that:
* * * * *
(b) However, funds may be used to lease any of the items listed in
paragraph (a) of this section provided prior written approval is
obtained from the Administrator or designee.
Subpart 3--National Needs Grants
0
9. Revise Sec. 1259.300 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.300 Description.
National needs awards may be awarded by the Administrator or
designee, Director, NASA Space Grant Program, to meet such needs or
problems relating to aerospace identified by the Space Grant Review
Panel, by NASA officials, or by any person. NASA may fund such awards
in an amount not to exceed 100 percent of the total cost of the program
or project.
0
10. Amend Sec. 1259.302 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.302 Application procedures.
* * * * *
(b) The Director, NASA Space Grant Program shall establish a
competitive, merit-based review process to examine unsolicited national
needs proposals.
Subpart 4--Space Grant College and Consortium Designation
0
11. Amend Sec. 1259.400 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as
follows:
Sec. 1259.400 Description.
(a) The Administrator may designate Space Grant colleges, Space
Grant college consortia, and Space Grant regional consortia in order to
establish Federal/university partnerships to promote a strong
educational base in the space and aeronautical sciences. These
designated colleges and consortia will provide leadership for a network
of American colleges and universities, industry, and state and local
governments in space-related fields. The Administrator hereby delegates
this authority to the Director, NASA Space Grant Program.
(b) Designation of Space Grant colleges, Space Grant college
consortia, and Space Grant regional consortia shall be for five years.
Designation of Space Grant colleges and consortia may be continued for
more than five years based on the results of a merit review at the
beginning of the fifth year. A claim arising in the United States
should be submitted to the Chief Counsel of the NASA installation whose
activities are believed to have given rise to the claimed injury, loss,
or death. If the identity of such installation is not known, or if the
claim arose in a foreign country, the claim should be submitted to the
General Counsel, Headquarters, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Washington, DC 20546.
* * * * *
0
12. Amend Sec. 1259.401 by revising paragraphs (d) and (e) to read as
follows:
Sec. 1259.401 Responsibilities.
* * * * *
(d) Develop and implement programs of public service,
interdisciplinary space-related programs, advisory activities, and
cooperation with industry, research laboratories, state and local
governments, and other colleges and universities, particularly
institutions in their state and/or region with significantly large
enrollments of minority students who are under-represented in science
and technology; and
(e) Provide non-Federal matching funds (exclusive of in-kind
contributions) for the Space Grant program equal to those provided by
NASA.
0
13. Amend Sec. 1259.402 by revising paragraphs (a), (b) introductory
text, and (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.402 Basic criteria and application procedures.
(a) Any institution of higher education may be designated a Space
Grant college if the Administrator or designee, Director, NASA Space
Grant Program, determines that it has a balanced program of research,
education, training, and advisory services in fields related to space,
as further defined in the program announcement.
(b) Any association or other alliance of two or more persons may be
designated a Space Grant regional consortium, if the Administrator or
designee, Director, National Space Grant Program, determines that such
association or alliance:
* * * * *
(c) The opportunity to apply for designation shall be announced by
the Director, NASA Space Grant Program. The application procedures and
evaluation guidelines for designation shall be included in the
designation announcement.
* * * * *
0
14. Revise Sec. 1259.403 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.403 Limitations.
The same limitations shall apply as stated in Sec. 1259.203.
0
15. Revise Sec. 1259.404 to read as follows:
[[Page 35442]]
Sec. 1259.404 Suspension or termination of designation.
The Administrator or designee, Director, NASA Space Grant Program,
may, for cause, after an opportunity for a hearing before a Federal
administrative judge appointed by the Deputy Administrator, suspend or
terminate the Space Grant designation of any institution or consortium.
Subpart 5--Space Grant Fellowships
0
16. Revise Sec. 1259.500 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.500 Description.
The Space Grant fellowship program will provide educational and
training assistance to qualified individuals at the graduate level in
fields related to space. Awards will be made to institutions of higher
education for fellowships. The student recipients shall be referred to
as NASA Space Grant Fellows.
0
17. Revise Sec. 1259.501 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.501 Responsibilities.
(a) All institutions that receive Space Grant fellowships shall use
the awards to increase the pool of graduate students in fields related
to space.
(b) The overall fellowship program shall be cognizant of the
importance of achieving institutional and geographical diversity.
0
18. Amend Sec. 1259.502 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 1259.502 Application procedures.
(a) All applicants for designation as Space Grant colleges and
consortia shall apply for Space Grant fellowships.
* * * * *
(c) There shall be a merit review selection for Space Grant
fellowship awards.
0
19. Amend Sec. 1259.503 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.503 Limitations.
* * * * *
(b) Any students supported under this fellowship program shall not
be funded for more than four years unless the Director, NASA Space
Grant Program, makes an exception in writing.
Subpart 6--Space Grant Review Panel
0
20. Revise Sec. 1259.600 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.600 Panel description.
An independent committee, the Space Grant Review Panel (Panel),
which is not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, shall be
established to advise the Administrator with respect to Space Grant
program and project awards, the Space Grant fellowship program, and the
designation and operation of Space Grant colleges and consortia. A
majority of the voting members shall be individuals who, by reason of
their knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in
one or more of the fields related to space. The other voting members
shall be individuals who, by reason of their knowledge, experience, or
training, are especially qualified in, or representative of, education,
extension services, state government, industry, economics, planning, or
any other activity related to the purposes of the Space Grant program.
0
21. Amend Sec. 1259.601 by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (f), and
(g) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.601 Establishment and composition.
(a) The Panel, to be located at NASA Headquarters in Washington,
DC, will be composed of ten (10) voting members who are not current
NASA employees.
(b) The Panel shall include four representatives from Federal
departments, agencies, or entities that have an interest in space
programs or science and education, as well as six representatives from
non-Federal entities.
(c) The non-Federal representatives shall include two persons who
are directly involved with the Space Grant program at a Space Grant
college or consortium, one person who is involved with the Space Grant
program at a university that is not a designated Space Grant college, a
university president or chancellor, one representative from a space-
related industry, and the last person to be from whatever field the
Administrator determines to be of greatest concern.
* * * * *
(f) The Administrator or designee, Director, NASA Space Grant
Program, shall select a Chair and a Vice Chair for the Panel. The Vice
Chair shall act as Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair.
(g) The Administrator or designee, Director, NASA Space Grant
Program, may select NASA officials to serve as ex officio, non-voting
members of the Panel.
0
22. Revise Sec. 1259.602 to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.602 Conflict of interest.
Any member of the Panel who has a personal or financial interest in
an issue for consideration before the Panel shall abstain from all
discussion and voting on such issue.
0
23. Amend Sec. 1259.603 by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text,
(c), and (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 1259.603 Responsibilities.
(a) The Panel shall advise the Administrator and designee,
Director, NASA Space Grant Program, with respect to:
* * * * *
(c) The Panel may exercise such powers as reasonably necessary in
order to carry out the duties enumerated in paragraph (a) of this
section.
(d) The Director, NASA Space Grant Program, shall appoint an
Executive Secretary who shall perform administrative duties for the
Panel.
* * * * *
Nanette J. Smith,
NASA Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-15984 Filed 7-28-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
