Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Concessions, 123-126 [2020-29074]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 1 / Monday, January 4, 2021 / Notices
on-the-ground as of the close of the
comment period (see DATES, above).
Request for Comments
Section 4 of the 2006 CBRRA requires
the Secretary to provide an opportunity
for the submission of public comments.
We invite the public to review and
comment on the proposed CBRS
boundaries for CBRS Units P32/P32P,
M06/M06P, M11, M12/M12P, and SC–
09P. The Service is specifically
notifying the following stakeholders
concerning the availability of the
proposed boundaries: The Chair and
Ranking Member of the House of
Representatives Committee on Natural
Resources; the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works; the
members of the Senate and House of
Representatives for the affected areas;
the Governors of Florida and South
Carolina; organizations that own (or
manage) land held for conservation and/
or recreation within the existing and
proposed units (where such ownership
information and mailing addresses were
publicly available); other appropriate
Federal, State, and local officials; and
appropriate nongovernmental
organizations.
The Service is generally not notifying
individual private property owners
concerning the availability of the
proposed boundaries (except for
individuals who have specifically
contacted us in the past concerning a
technical correction request). However,
the Service encourages local officials to
distribute the ‘‘Dear Interested Party’’
notification letter included in the
stakeholder outreach toolkit, described
below under Availability of Proposed
Coastal Barrier Resources System
Boundaries and Related Information, to
affected property owners in their
communities.
Interested parties may submit written
comments and accompanying data as
described in ADDRESSES, above.
Comments regarding specific CBRS
unit(s) should reference the appropriate
unit number(s) and unit name(s). We
must receive comments on or before the
date listed above in DATES.
Following the close of the comment
period, we will review all comments we
receive on the proposed boundaries and
make adjustments to the boundaries, as
appropriate, based on information
received through public comments,
updated aerial imagery, CBRA criteria,
and objective mapping protocols. We
will then prepare final recommended
maps to be submitted to Congress. The
final recommended maps will become
effective only if they are adopted by
Congress through legislation.
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Availability of Proposed Coastal
Barrier Resources System Boundaries
and Related Information
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
The CBRS Projects Mapper (an online
interface for the public to view the
proposed boundaries and obtain
information about the proposed
changes) and unit summaries
(containing historical changes and
proposed changes to the individual
units) can be accessed from the
Service’s website at https://
www.fws.gov/cbra. A shapefile of the
proposed CBRS boundaries, which can
be used with GIS software, is also
available for download. The shapefile is
best viewed using the base imagery to
which the boundaries were drawn; the
base imagery sources and dates are
included in the metadata for the
shapefile. The Service is not responsible
for any misuse or misinterpretation of
the shapefile. You may submit a public
comment using one of the methods
listed above in ADDRESSES.
Additionally, a stakeholder outreach
toolkit (comprising unit summaries, a
shapefile of the draft revised
boundaries, and a ‘‘Dear Interested
Party’’ notification letter) will be made
available to local officials upon request.
Local officials may use this toolkit to
increase awareness of the project within
their communities. Local officials may
contact the individual identified in FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above,
for more information regarding the
toolkit. We recommend that any local
community officials who want to use
the outreach toolkit request it as soon as
possible to allow outreach activities to
occur in time for the public to submit
comments before the comment period
closes (see DATES).
Interested parties who are unable to
access the proposed boundaries or other
information online may contact the
individual identified in FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT, above, and
reasonable accommodations will be
made.
[FWS–HQ–NWRS–2020–N155;
FXRS12630900000/FF09R81000; OMB
Control Number 1018–New]
123
Fish and Wildlife Service
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget for Review
and Approval; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Concessions
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
Gary Frazer,
Assistant Director for Ecological Services,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service), are proposing a new
information collection in use without an
OMB Control Number.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before February
3, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under Review—Open for
Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function. Please provide a copy
of your comments to the Service
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO/3W), 5275
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–
3803 (mail); or by email to Info_Coll@
fws.gov. Please reference OMB Control
Number 1018—Concessions in the
subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Madonna L. Baucum, Service
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, by email at Info_Coll@fws.gov,
or by telephone at (703) 358–2503.
Individuals who are hearing or speech
impaired may call the Federal Relay
Service at 1–800–877–8339 for TTY
assistance. You may also view the
information collection request (ICR) at
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain.
[FR Doc. 2020–29043 Filed 12–31–20; 8:45 am]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
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SUMMARY:
In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we
provide the general public and other
Federal agencies with an opportunity to
comment on new, proposed, revised,
and continuing collections of
information. This helps us assess the
impact of our information collection
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 1 / Monday, January 4, 2021 / Notices
requirements and minimize the public’s
reporting burden. It also helps the
public understand our information
collection requirements and provide the
requested data in the desired format.
On June 1, 2020, we published in the
Federal Register (85 FR 33193) a notice
of our intent to request that OMB
approve this information collection. In
that notice, we solicited comments for
60 days, ending on July 31, 2020. We
received one comment in response to
that notice, but it did not address the
information collection requirements. No
response to that comment is required.
As part of our continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again soliciting
comments from the public and other
Federal agencies on the proposed ICR
that is described below. We are
especially interested in public comment
addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether or not the
information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the
burden for this collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize
the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to
respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology, e.g., permitting
electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in
response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your
address, phone number, email address,
or other personal identifying
information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire
comment—including your personal
identifying information—may be made
publicly available at any time. While
you can ask us in your comment to
withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Abstract: The Secretary of the Interior
is authorized to ensure that we provide
opportunities within the Service for
compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses across the National
Wildlife Refuge System (System).
Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized
to award concessions contracts under
the following Acts:
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• The National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act of 1966
(Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd–
668ee), as amended by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement
Act of 1997, authorizes the Secretary of
the Interior to negotiate and award
contracts and issue regulations to carry
out the Act.
• The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962
(16 U.S.C. 460k–460k–3) allows the use
of refuges for public recreation when
such use is not inconsistent with or
does not interfere with the primary
purpose(s) of the refuge.
• The Refuge Revenue Sharing Act
(16 U.S.C. 715s) authorizes the Secretary
to grant privileges and collect revenues
from leases for public accommodations
or facilities established for the System.
Specifically, the Administration Act
provides that, with respect to the Refuge
System, it is the policy of the United
States that—
a. Each refuge shall be managed to
fulfill the mission of the System, as well
as the specific purposes for which that
refuge was established;
b. Compatible wildlife-dependent
recreation is a legitimate and
appropriate general public use of the
System, directly related to the mission
of the System and the purposes of many
refuges, and which generally fosters
refuge management and through which
the American public can develop an
appreciation for fish and wildlife;
c. Compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses are the priority general
public uses of the System and shall
receive priority consideration in refuge
planning and management; and
d. When the Secretary determines that
a proposed wildlife-dependent
recreational use is a compatible use
within a refuge, that activity should be
facilitated, subject to such restrictions or
regulations as may be necessary,
reasonable, and appropriate.
The Administration Act also provides
that, in administering the Refuge
System, the Secretary shall—
a. Recognize compatible wildlifedependent recreational uses as the
priority general public uses of the
System, through which the American
public can develop an appreciation for
fish and wildlife;
b. Ensure that opportunities are
provided within the System for
compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses;
c. Ensure that priority general public
uses of the System receive enhanced
consideration over other general public
uses in planning and management
within the System; and
d. Provide increased opportunities for
families to experience compatible
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wildlife-dependent recreation,
particularly opportunities for parents
and their children to safely engage in
traditional outdoor activities, such as
fishing and hunting.
Private businesses and non-profit
organization under contract to the
Service provide recreational,
educational, and interpretive enjoyment
of our lands and waters by managing
lodging, food, transportation, and
supplies and equipment for the
enjoyment of the visiting public. These
services gross approximately $3,000,000
every year and provide jobs for more
than 100 people annually.
The regulations at 50 CFR subpart F
(§ 25.61) primarily implement the
authorities governing public use
facilities operated by concessionaires or
cooperators under appropriate contact
or legal agreement on national wildlife
refuges where there is a demonstrated
justified need for services or facilities,
including but not limited to boat rentals,
swimming facilities, conducted tours of
special natural attractions, shelters,
tables, trailer lots, food, lodging, and
related service.
Service Manual chapters 630 FW 6–8
discuss the Service’s current policy for
concession management and provide
guidance for permitting and
administering concession operations on
Service lands. We use concession
contracts to assist us in providing
wildlife-dependent recreation activities
to the visiting public by using contracts
between the Service and a private
entity, where the private entity is
allowed to charge a fee for services
provided at a field station to the visiting
public.
We collect information in a narrative
(non-form) format. Details concerning
the specific information required are
contained in 50 CFR 25.61 and the
recently updated Service Manual
chapters available to the public on the
Service’s website at https://
www.fws.gov/policy/manuals/
part.cfm?series=600&seriestitle=
LAND%20USE%20
AND%20MANAGEMENT%20SERIES.
The amount of information or degree of
detail requested varies widely,
depending upon the size and scope of
the business opportunity. For example,
a much greater amount of detailed
information would be required for a
multi-unit camping and food service
operation than would be required for a
small bait sales operation. We use the
information provided by prospective
concessionaires to objectively evaluate
offers received for a particular business
opportunity, assure adequate protection
of refuge resources, and to determine
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 1 / Monday, January 4, 2021 / Notices
which offeror will provide the best
service to visitors.
Below are examples of types of
information the Service collects from a
potential or current concessionaire.
General Concessionaire Information
• Description of how the respondent
will conduct operations to minimize
disturbance to wildlife; protect refuge
resources; and provide visitors with a
high-quality, safe, and enjoyable visitor
experience.
• Proposal to protect, conserve, and
preserve resources of the refuge. The
proposal must respond to specific
resource management objectives and
issues at the refuge and regarding the
contract in question.
• Proposal to provide necessary and
appropriate visitor services at
reasonable rates. This proposal must
respond to specific visitor service
questions at the refuge and regarding the
contract in question.
• Experience and related background
of the offeror, including past
performance and expertise of the offeror
in providing the same or similar visitor
services as those to be provided under
the draft concession contract.
• Financial capability of the offeror to
carry out its proposal. In particular, we
require projected financials, including
initial investments, startup expenses,
income statement, operating
assumptions, cash flow statement,
recapture of investments, and all
associated assumptions.
• The amount of the proposed
minimum franchise fee and other forms
of financial consideration.
Proposal for Concession Opportunity
• Offeror’s transmittal letter,
including the name and contact
information of the entity offering a
proposal to operate a concession
contract.
• Business type of the offeror, such as
corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, etc.
• Business history information,
including adverse history that could
impact future operations under a
concession contract.
• Credit report, so that we can
understand the offeror’s credit history
and any risks of contracting with the
entity.
• Proposed staffing/management
operation information, including
organization charts and delegations of
authority, to ensure adequate staffing.
• Proof of indemnification, including
public liability insurance that co-names
the Government as co-insured.
Reporting Requirements
• Annual financial reports providing
concessioner financial information, as
required by each concession contract.
• Quarterly and annual progress
reports to monitor performance.
• Inspections and inspection reports
conducted in concert with the on-site
concession manager.
Approval To Sell or Transfer
Concession Operation
• Information to assess the
transferee’s ability to manage the
business successfully and fulfill the
terms of the concession contract, in
order for the Regional Director to grant
approval.
Recordkeeping Requirements
• In accordance with Service Manual
chapter 630 FW 8.3, a concessioner (and
any subconcessioner) must keep and
make available to the Service records for
the term of the concession contract.
Title of Collection: U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Concessions.
OMB Control Number: 1018–New.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Existing collection in
use without an OMB control number.
Respondents/Affected Public:
Businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion
for proposals, amendments, and
appeals; annually for financial reports;
quarterly for progress reports; and
ongoing for recordkeeping.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: $69,900 (associated with
administrative overhead, as well as
costs associated with the development
of proposals in response to concessions
opportunities).
General Concessionaire Information:
Inspection form .....................................................................................................................
Proposal for Concessions Opportunities:
Large Concessions ...............................................................................................................
Small Concessions ...............................................................................................................
Reporting Requirements:
Annual Financial Report .......................................................................................................
Quarterly Progress Report ...................................................................................................
Annual Progress Report .......................................................................................................
Approval to Sell/Transfer A Concession Operation ....................................................................
Recordkeeping Requirements:
Large Concessions ...............................................................................................................
Small Concessions ...............................................................................................................
Totals .............................................................................................................................
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Completion
time per
response
(hours)
Total annual
responses
Activity
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Total annual
burden
hours *
80
3
240
6
3
40
16
240
48
10
12
10
1
16
4
16
8
160
48
160
8
5
5
40
20
200
100
132
........................
1,204
04JAN1
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 1 / Monday, January 4, 2021 / Notices
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Dated: December 29, 2020.
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–29074 Filed 12–31–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation Nos. 701–TA–468 and 731–
TA–1166–1167 (Second Review)]
Magnesia Carbon Bricks From China
and Mexico; Institution of Five-Year
Reviews
International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Commission hereby gives
notice that it has instituted reviews
pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (‘‘the
Act’’), as amended, to determine
whether revocation of the
countervailing duty order on certain
magnesia carbon bricks from China and
the antidumping duty orders on certain
magnesia carbon bricks from China and
Mexico would be likely to lead to
continuation or recurrence of material
injury. Pursuant to the Act, interested
parties are requested to respond to this
notice by submitting the information
specified below to the Commission.
DATES: Instituted January 4, 2021. To be
assured of consideration, the deadline
for responses is February 3, 2021.
Comments on the adequacy of responses
may be filed with the Commission by
March 18, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mary Messer (202–205–3193), Office of
Investigations, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436. Hearingimpaired persons can obtain
information on this matter by contacting
the Commission’s TDD terminal on 202–
205–1810. Persons with mobility
impairments who will need special
assistance in gaining access to the
Commission should contact the Office
of the Secretary at 202–205–2000.
General information concerning the
Commission may also be obtained by
accessing its internet server (https://
www.usitc.gov). The public record for
this proceeding may be viewed on the
SUMMARY:
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17:28 Dec 31, 2020
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Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS)
at https://edis.usitc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background.—On September 20,
2010, the Department of Commerce
(‘‘Commerce’’) issued antidumping duty
orders on imports of certain magnesia
carbon bricks from China and Mexico
(75 FR 57257). On September 21, 2010,
Commerce issued a countervailing duty
order on imports of certain magnesia
carbon bricks from China (75 FR 57442).
Following the first five-year reviews by
Commerce and the Commission,
effective February 12, 2016, Commerce
issued a continuation of the
countervailing duty order on imports of
certain magnesia carbon bricks from
China and the antidumping duty orders
on imports of certain magnesia carbon
bricks from China and Mexico (81 FR
7502). The Commission is now
conducting second reviews pursuant to
section 751(c) of the Act, as amended
(19 U.S.C. 1675(c)), to determine
whether revocation of the orders would
be likely to lead to continuation or
recurrence of material injury to the
domestic industry within a reasonably
foreseeable time. Provisions concerning
the conduct of this proceeding may be
found in the Commission’s Rules of
Practice and Procedure at 19 CFR part
201, subparts A and B, and 19 CFR part
207, subparts A and F. The Commission
will assess the adequacy of interested
party responses to this notice of
institution to determine whether to
conduct full or expedited reviews. The
Commission’s determinations in any
expedited reviews will be based on the
facts available, which may include
information provided in response to this
notice.
Definitions.—The following
definitions apply to these reviews:
(1) Subject Merchandise is the class or
kind of merchandise that is within the
scope of the five-year reviews, as
defined by Commerce.
(2) The Subject Countries in these
reviews are China and Mexico.
(3) The Domestic Like Product is the
domestically produced product or
products which are like, or in the
absence of like, most similar in
characteristics and uses with, the
Subject Merchandise. In its original
determinations and its expedited first
five-year review determinations, the
Commission defined a single Domestic
Like Product consisting of magnesia
carbon bricks that are within
Commerce’s scope.
(4) The Domestic Industry is the U.S.
producers as a whole of the Domestic
Like Product, or those producers whose
collective output of the Domestic Like
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Product constitutes a major proportion
of the total domestic production of the
product. In its original determinations,
the Commission defined the Domestic
Industry as all producers of the
Domestic Like Product, certain magnesia
carbon bricks.
(5) An Importer is any person or firm
engaged, either directly or through a
parent company or subsidiary, in
importing the Subject Merchandise into
the United States from a foreign
manufacturer or through its selling
agent.
Participation in the proceeding and
public service list.—Persons, including
industrial users of the Subject
Merchandise and, if the merchandise is
sold at the retail level, representative
consumer organizations, wishing to
participate in the proceeding as parties
must file an entry of appearance with
the Secretary to the Commission, as
provided in § 201.11(b)(4) of the
Commission’s rules, no later than 21
days after publication of this notice in
the Federal Register. The Secretary will
maintain a public service list containing
the names and addresses of all persons,
or their representatives, who are parties
to the proceeding.
Former Commission employees who
are seeking to appear in Commission
five-year reviews are advised that they
may appear in a review even if they
participated personally and
substantially in the corresponding
underlying original investigation or an
earlier review of the same underlying
investigation. The Commission’s
designated agency ethics official has
advised that a five-year review is not the
same particular matter as the underlying
original investigation, and a five-year
review is not the same particular matter
as an earlier review of the same
underlying investigation for purposes of
18 U.S.C. 207, the post-employment
statute for Federal employees, and
Commission rule 201.15(b) (19 CFR
201.15(b)), 79 FR 3246 (Jan. 17, 2014),
73 FR 24609 (May 5, 2008).
Consequently, former employees are not
required to seek Commission approval
to appear in a review under Commission
rule 19 CFR 201.15, even if the
corresponding underlying original
investigation or an earlier review of the
same underlying investigation was
pending when they were Commission
employees. For further ethics advice on
this matter, contact Charles Smith,
Office of the General Counsel, at 202–
205–3408.
Limited disclosure of business
proprietary information (BPI) under an
administrative protective order (APO)
and APO service list.—Pursuant to
§ 207.7(a) of the Commission’s rules, the
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 1 (Monday, January 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 123-126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-29074]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-HQ-NWRS-2020-N155; FXRS12630900000/FF09R81000; OMB Control Number
1018-New]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Concessions
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new
information collection in use without an OMB Control Number.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
February 3, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under Review--Open for
Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Please provide a
copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO/3W), 5275
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or by email to
[email protected]. Please reference OMB Control Number 1018--
Concessions in the subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at [email protected], or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals who are hearing or speech
impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY
assistance. You may also view the information collection request (ICR)
at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we
provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing
collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our
information collection
[[Page 124]]
requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps
the public understand our information collection requirements and
provide the requested data in the desired format.
On June 1, 2020, we published in the Federal Register (85 FR 33193)
a notice of our intent to request that OMB approve this information
collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for 60 days, ending
on July 31, 2020. We received one comment in response to that notice,
but it did not address the information collection requirements. No
response to that comment is required.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other
Federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are
especially interested in public comment addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Abstract: The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to ensure
that we provide opportunities within the Service for compatible
wildlife-dependent recreational uses across the National Wildlife
Refuge System (System). Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to
award concessions contracts under the following Acts:
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of
1966 (Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior to negotiate and award contracts and issue
regulations to carry out the Act.
The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-3)
allows the use of refuges for public recreation when such use is not
inconsistent with or does not interfere with the primary purpose(s) of
the refuge.
The Refuge Revenue Sharing Act (16 U.S.C. 715s) authorizes
the Secretary to grant privileges and collect revenues from leases for
public accommodations or facilities established for the System.
Specifically, the Administration Act provides that, with respect to
the Refuge System, it is the policy of the United States that--
a. Each refuge shall be managed to fulfill the mission of the
System, as well as the specific purposes for which that refuge was
established;
b. Compatible wildlife-dependent recreation is a legitimate and
appropriate general public use of the System, directly related to the
mission of the System and the purposes of many refuges, and which
generally fosters refuge management and through which the American
public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;
c. Compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses are the priority
general public uses of the System and shall receive priority
consideration in refuge planning and management; and
d. When the Secretary determines that a proposed wildlife-dependent
recreational use is a compatible use within a refuge, that activity
should be facilitated, subject to such restrictions or regulations as
may be necessary, reasonable, and appropriate.
The Administration Act also provides that, in administering the
Refuge System, the Secretary shall--
a. Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the
priority general public uses of the System, through which the American
public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;
b. Ensure that opportunities are provided within the System for
compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses;
c. Ensure that priority general public uses of the System receive
enhanced consideration over other general public uses in planning and
management within the System; and
d. Provide increased opportunities for families to experience
compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, particularly opportunities
for parents and their children to safely engage in traditional outdoor
activities, such as fishing and hunting.
Private businesses and non-profit organization under contract to
the Service provide recreational, educational, and interpretive
enjoyment of our lands and waters by managing lodging, food,
transportation, and supplies and equipment for the enjoyment of the
visiting public. These services gross approximately $3,000,000 every
year and provide jobs for more than 100 people annually.
The regulations at 50 CFR subpart F (Sec. 25.61) primarily
implement the authorities governing public use facilities operated by
concessionaires or cooperators under appropriate contact or legal
agreement on national wildlife refuges where there is a demonstrated
justified need for services or facilities, including but not limited to
boat rentals, swimming facilities, conducted tours of special natural
attractions, shelters, tables, trailer lots, food, lodging, and related
service.
Service Manual chapters 630 FW 6-8 discuss the Service's current
policy for concession management and provide guidance for permitting
and administering concession operations on Service lands. We use
concession contracts to assist us in providing wildlife-dependent
recreation activities to the visiting public by using contracts between
the Service and a private entity, where the private entity is allowed
to charge a fee for services provided at a field station to the
visiting public.
We collect information in a narrative (non-form) format. Details
concerning the specific information required are contained in 50 CFR
25.61 and the recently updated Service Manual chapters available to the
public on the Service's website at https://www.fws.gov/policy/manuals/part.cfm?series=600&seriestitle=LAND%20USE%20AND%20MANAGEMENT%20SERIES.
The amount of information or degree of detail requested varies widely,
depending upon the size and scope of the business opportunity. For
example, a much greater amount of detailed information would be
required for a multi-unit camping and food service operation than would
be required for a small bait sales operation. We use the information
provided by prospective concessionaires to objectively evaluate offers
received for a particular business opportunity, assure adequate
protection of refuge resources, and to determine
[[Page 125]]
which offeror will provide the best service to visitors.
Below are examples of types of information the Service collects
from a potential or current concessionaire.
General Concessionaire Information
Description of how the respondent will conduct operations
to minimize disturbance to wildlife; protect refuge resources; and
provide visitors with a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable visitor
experience.
Proposal to protect, conserve, and preserve resources of
the refuge. The proposal must respond to specific resource management
objectives and issues at the refuge and regarding the contract in
question.
Proposal to provide necessary and appropriate visitor
services at reasonable rates. This proposal must respond to specific
visitor service questions at the refuge and regarding the contract in
question.
Experience and related background of the offeror,
including past performance and expertise of the offeror in providing
the same or similar visitor services as those to be provided under the
draft concession contract.
Financial capability of the offeror to carry out its
proposal. In particular, we require projected financials, including
initial investments, startup expenses, income statement, operating
assumptions, cash flow statement, recapture of investments, and all
associated assumptions.
The amount of the proposed minimum franchise fee and other
forms of financial consideration.
Proposal for Concession Opportunity
Offeror's transmittal letter, including the name and
contact information of the entity offering a proposal to operate a
concession contract.
Business type of the offeror, such as corporation, limited
liability company, partnership, etc.
Business history information, including adverse history
that could impact future operations under a concession contract.
Credit report, so that we can understand the offeror's
credit history and any risks of contracting with the entity.
Proposed staffing/management operation information,
including organization charts and delegations of authority, to ensure
adequate staffing.
Proof of indemnification, including public liability
insurance that co-names the Government as co-insured.
Reporting Requirements
Annual financial reports providing concessioner financial
information, as required by each concession contract.
Quarterly and annual progress reports to monitor
performance.
Inspections and inspection reports conducted in concert
with the on-site concession manager.
Approval To Sell or Transfer Concession Operation
Information to assess the transferee's ability to manage
the business successfully and fulfill the terms of the concession
contract, in order for the Regional Director to grant approval.
Recordkeeping Requirements
In accordance with Service Manual chapter 630 FW 8.3, a
concessioner (and any subconcessioner) must keep and make available to
the Service records for the term of the concession contract.
Title of Collection: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Concessions.
OMB Control Number: 1018-New.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Existing collection in use without an OMB control
number.
Respondents/Affected Public: Businesses and nonprofit
organizations.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for proposals, amendments, and
appeals; annually for financial reports; quarterly for progress
reports; and ongoing for recordkeeping.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $69,900 (associated
with administrative overhead, as well as costs associated with the
development of proposals in response to concessions opportunities).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Completion
Total annual time per Total annual
Activity responses response burden hours *
(hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Concessionaire Information:
Inspection form............................................. 80 3 240
Proposal for Concessions Opportunities:
Large Concessions........................................... 6 40 240
Small Concessions........................................... 3 16 48
Reporting Requirements:
Annual Financial Report..................................... 10 16 160
Quarterly Progress Report................................... 12 4 48
Annual Progress Report...................................... 10 16 160
Approval to Sell/Transfer A Concession Operation................ 1 8 8
Recordkeeping Requirements:
Large Concessions........................................... 5 40 200
Small Concessions........................................... 5 20 100
-----------------------------------------------
Totals.................................................. 132 .............. 1,204
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 126]]
An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Dated: December 29, 2020.
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-29074 Filed 12-31-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
