Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, 55515-55516 [2021-21783]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 6, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Start. The consultations are held in four geographic areas across the country: Southwest, Northwest, Midwest (Northern and Southern), and Eastern. The consultations are often held in conjunction with other tribal meetings or conferences, to ensure the opportunity for most of the 150 tribes that operate Head Start and Early Head Start programs to be able to attend and voice their concerns about issues regarding service delivery. ACF completes a report after each consultation and then compiles a final report that summarizes the consultations and submits the report to the Secretary at the end of the year. List of Subjects in 45 CFR Part 1304 Designation Renewal System, Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), COVID–19, Education of disadvantaged, Grant programs—social programs, Head Start, Monitoring. ■ Therefore, for the reasons discussed in the preamble, ACF adopts as final the interim rule that amended 45 CFR part 1304 on December 7, 2020 at 85 FR 78792. Dated: September 2, 2021. JooYeun Chang, Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. Xavier Becerra, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–19786 Filed 10–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4184–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 54 [WC Docket Nos. 18–89; FCC 20–176; FR ID 50685] Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. AGENCY: jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 Synopsis In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, an information collection associated with the rules for the Connect America Fund contained in the Commission’s Second Report and Order, FCC 20–176. This document is consistent with the Second Report and Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:21 Oct 05, 2021 Jkt 256001 effective date of the new information collection requirements. DATES: Amendatory instruction 3 adding § 1.50004(c), (d)(1), (g), (h)(2), and (j) through (n) and amendatory instruction 5 adding § 1.50007 published at 86 FR 2904, January 13, 2021, are effective October 6, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Koves, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418–7400 or TTY (202) 418–0484. For additional information concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act information collection requirements contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418–2991 or via email: Nicole.Ongele@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission submitted revised information collection requirements for review and approval by OMB, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, on August 3, 2021, which were approved by OMB on September 8, 2021. The information collection requirements are contained in the Commission’s Second Report and Order, FCC 20–176 published at 86 FR 2904, January 13, 2021. The OMB Control Number is 3060–1270. If you have any comments on the burden estimates listed in the following, or how the Commission can improve the collections and reduce any burdens caused thereby, please contact Nicole Ongele, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. Please include the OMB Control Number, 3060–1270, in your correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments via email at PRA@fcc.gov. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@ fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (TTY). As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the Commission is notifying the public that it received OMB approval on September 8, 2021, for the information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR amendatory §§ instruction 3 adding 1.50004(c), (d)(1), (g), (h)(2), (j) through (n), and amendatory instruction 5 adding § 1.50007 published at 86 FR 2904, January 13, 2021. Under 5 CFR part 1320, an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a current, valid OMB Control Number. PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 55515 No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number is 3060–1270. The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507. The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents are as follows: OMB Control Number: 3060–1270. OMB Approval Date: September 8, 2021. OMB Expiration Date: September 30, 2024. Title: Protecting National Security Through FCC Programs. Form Number: FCC Form 5640 and FCC Form 5641. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Business or other forprofit. Number of Respondents and Responses: 3,500 respondents; 10,250 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.5–12 hours. Frequency of Response: Annual, semiannual and recordkeeping requirements. Obligation to Respond: Mandatory and required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 1603–1604. Total Annual Burden: 27,400 hours. Total Annual Cost: 1,125,000. Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s). Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: The Commission is not requesting that respondents submit confidential information to the FCC. However, respondents may request confidential treatment of their information under 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission’s rules. Needs and Uses: On November 22, 2019, the Commission adopted the Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18–89, Report and Order, Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 34 FCC Rcd 11423 (2019) (Report and Order). The Report and Order prohibits future use of Universal Service Fund (USF) monies to purchase, maintain, improve, modify, obtain, or otherwise support any equipment or services produced or provided by a company that poses a national security threat to the integrity of communications networks or the communications supply chain. On March 12, 2020, the President signed into law the Secure and Trusted E:\FR\FM\06OCR1.SGM 06OCR1 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 55516 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 6, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Secure Networks Act), Public Law 116– 124, 133 Stat. 158 (2020) (codified as amended at 47 U.S.C. 1601–1609), which among other measures, directs the FCC to establish the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program). This program is intended to provide funding to providers of advanced communications service for the removal, replacement and disposal of certain communications equipment and services that pose an unacceptable national security risk (i.e., covered equipment and services) from their networks. The Commission has designated two entities—Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE Corporation (ZTE), along with their affiliates, subsidiaries, and parents—as covered companies posing such a national security threat. See Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs—Huawei Designation, PS Docket No. 19–351, Memorandum Opinion and Order, 35 FCC Rcd 14435 (2020); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs— ZTE Designation, PS Docket No. 19–352, Memorandum Opinion and Order, DA 20–1399 (PSHSB rel. Nov. 24, 2020). On December 10, 2020, the Commission adopted the Second Report and Order implementing the Secure Networks Act, which contained certain new information collection requirements. See Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18–89, Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd 14284 (2020) (Second Report and Order). These requirements will allow the Commission to receive, review and make eligibility determinations and funding decisions on applications to participate in the Reimbursement Program that are filed by certain providers of advanced communications service. These new information collection requirements will also assist the Commission in processing funding disbursement requests and in monitoring and furthering compliance with applicable program requirements to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, appropriating $1.9 billion to ‘‘carry out’’ the Reimbursement Program and amending the Reimbursement Program eligibility requirements to expand eligibility to include providers of advanced VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:05 Oct 05, 2021 Jkt 256001 communications service with 10 million or fewer subscribers. See Public Law 116–260, Division N—Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, Title IX—Broadband internet Access Service, §§ 901, 906, 134 Stat. 1182 (2020). The Commission has interpreted the term ‘‘provider of advanced communications service’’ to mean ‘‘facilities-based providers, whether fixed or mobile, with a broadband connection to end users with at least 200 kbps in one direction.’’ Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd at 14332, para. 111. Participation in the Reimbursement Program is voluntary but compliance with the new information collection requirements is required to obtain Reimbursement Program support. The Secure Networks Act requires all providers of advanced communications service to annually report, with exception, on whether they have purchased, rented, leased or otherwise obtained covered communications equipment or service on or after certain dates. 47 U.S.C. 1603(d)(2)(B). The Second Report and Order adopted a new information collection requirement to implement this statutory mandate. See Secure Networks Act section 5. If the provider certifies it does not have any covered equipment and services, then the provider is not required to subsequently file an annual report, unless it later obtains covered equipment and services. Second Report and Order at para. 215. The Commission therefore revises this information collection contained in the Second Report and Order adopted by the Commission on December 10, 2020. A previously approved information collection requirement was also eliminated as it was no longer necessary. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–21783 Filed 10–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P PO 00000 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Parts 503, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 517, 519, 522, 523, 527, 528, 529, 532, 536, 537, 538, 539, 541, 542, 543, 546, 549, 552, and 570 [GSAR Case 2017–G506; Docket No. GSA– GSAR 2021–0016; Sequence No. 1] RIN 3090–AJ90 General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); Clause and Provision Designation Corrections Office of Acquisition Policy, General Services Administration (GSA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: GSA is issuing a final rule to amend the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) to correct clause and provision designation and prescription errors, correct deviations and alternate identification issues, and to make other updates to the GSAR related to identification and incorporation of GSAR provisions and clauses. DATES: Effective November 5, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas O’Linn, Procurement Analyst, at 202–445–0390 or gsarpolicy@gsa.gov, for clarification of content. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202– 501–4755 or GSARegSec@gsa.gov. Please cite GSAR Case 2017–G506. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Background As part of GSA’s regulatory reform efforts, GSA has been performing a comprehensive review of the regulatory requirements in the GSAR. GSA identified designation and prescription errors related to clauses and provisions. Additionally, GSA identified GSAR clause and provision identification and incorporation issues as well as inconsistencies among deviation citations within GSAR part 552. The amendments in this case will result in conformance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and GSAR drafting guidelines. II. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 40 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 121 authorizes GSA to issue regulations, including the GSAR, to control the relationship between GSA and contractors. III. Discussion and Analysis The amendments to the GSAR are minor and reflect only technical edits Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\06OCR1.SGM 06OCR1

Agencies

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55515-55516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21783]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 54

[WC Docket Nos. 18-89; FCC 20-176; FR ID 50685]


Protecting Against National Security Threats to the 
Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date.

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

SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
has approved, for a period of three years, an information collection 
associated with the rules for the Connect America Fund contained in the 
Commission's Second Report and Order, FCC 20-176. This document is 
consistent with the Second Report and Order, which stated that the 
Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing 
the effective date of the new information collection requirements.

DATES: Amendatory instruction 3 adding Sec.  1.50004(c), (d)(1), (g), 
(h)(2), and (j) through (n) and amendatory instruction 5 adding Sec.  
1.50007 published at 86 FR 2904, January 13, 2021, are effective 
October 6, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Koves, Wireline 
Competition Bureau at (202) 418-7400 or TTY (202) 418-0484. For 
additional information concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act 
information collection requirements contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418-
2991 or via email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission submitted revised information 
collection requirements for review and approval by OMB, as required by 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, on August 3, 2021, which 
were approved by OMB on September 8, 2021. The information collection 
requirements are contained in the Commission's Second Report and Order, 
FCC 20-176 published at 86 FR 2904, January 13, 2021. The OMB Control 
Number is 3060-1270. If you have any comments on the burden estimates 
listed in the following, or how the Commission can improve the 
collections and reduce any burdens caused thereby, please contact 
Nicole Ongele, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554. Please include the OMB Control Number, 3060-1270, 
in your correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments 
via email at [email protected].
    To request materials in accessible formats for people with 
disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), 
send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Synopsis

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507), the Commission is notifying the public that it received OMB 
approval on September 8, 2021, for the information collection 
requirements contained in 47 CFR amendatory Sec. Sec.  instruction 3 
adding 1.50004(c), (d)(1), (g), (h)(2), (j) through (n), and amendatory 
instruction 5 adding Sec.  1.50007 published at 86 FR 2904, January 13, 
2021. Under 5 CFR part 1320, an agency may not conduct or sponsor a 
collection of information unless it displays a current, valid OMB 
Control Number.
    No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply 
with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act 
that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number is 3060-1270.
    The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, Public Law 104-13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507.
    The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents 
are as follows:
    OMB Control Number: 3060-1270.
    OMB Approval Date: September 8, 2021.
    OMB Expiration Date: September 30, 2024.
    Title: Protecting National Security Through FCC Programs.
    Form Number: FCC Form 5640 and FCC Form 5641.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 3,500 respondents; 10,250 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.5-12 hours.
    Frequency of Response: Annual, semi-annual and recordkeeping 
requirements.
    Obligation to Respond: Mandatory and required to obtain or retain 
benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is 
contained in 47 U.S.C. 1603-1604.
    Total Annual Burden: 27,400 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: 1,125,000.
    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: The Commission is not 
requesting that respondents submit confidential information to the FCC. 
However, respondents may request confidential treatment of their 
information under 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission's rules.
    Needs and Uses: On November 22, 2019, the Commission adopted the 
Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications 
Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Report and 
Order, Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 34 FCC Rcd 
11423 (2019) (Report and Order). The Report and Order prohibits future 
use of Universal Service Fund (USF) monies to purchase, maintain, 
improve, modify, obtain, or otherwise support any equipment or services 
produced or provided by a company that poses a national security threat 
to the integrity of communications networks or the communications 
supply chain.
    On March 12, 2020, the President signed into law the Secure and 
Trusted

[[Page 55516]]

Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Secure Networks Act), Public Law 
116-124, 133 Stat. 158 (2020) (codified as amended at 47 U.S.C. 1601-
1609), which among other measures, directs the FCC to establish the 
Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program 
(Reimbursement Program). This program is intended to provide funding to 
providers of advanced communications service for the removal, 
replacement and disposal of certain communications equipment and 
services that pose an unacceptable national security risk (i.e., 
covered equipment and services) from their networks. The Commission has 
designated two entities--Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE 
Corporation (ZTE), along with their affiliates, subsidiaries, and 
parents--as covered companies posing such a national security threat. 
See Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications 
Supply Chain Through FCC Programs--Huawei Designation, PS Docket No. 
19-351, Memorandum Opinion and Order, 35 FCC Rcd 14435 (2020); 
Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications 
Supply Chain Through FCC Programs--ZTE Designation, PS Docket No. 19-
352, Memorandum Opinion and Order, DA 20-1399 (PSHSB rel. Nov. 24, 
2020).
    On December 10, 2020, the Commission adopted the Second Report and 
Order implementing the Secure Networks Act, which contained certain new 
information collection requirements. See Protecting Against National 
Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC 
Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd 
14284 (2020) (Second Report and Order). These requirements will allow 
the Commission to receive, review and make eligibility determinations 
and funding decisions on applications to participate in the 
Reimbursement Program that are filed by certain providers of advanced 
communications service. These new information collection requirements 
will also assist the Commission in processing funding disbursement 
requests and in monitoring and furthering compliance with applicable 
program requirements to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.
    On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, appropriating $1.9 billion to 
``carry out'' the Reimbursement Program and amending the Reimbursement 
Program eligibility requirements to expand eligibility to include 
providers of advanced communications service with 10 million or fewer 
subscribers. See Public Law 116-260, Division N--Additional Coronavirus 
Response and Relief, Title IX--Broadband internet Access Service, 
Sec. Sec.  901, 906, 134 Stat. 1182 (2020). The Commission has 
interpreted the term ``provider of advanced communications service'' to 
mean ``facilities-based providers, whether fixed or mobile, with a 
broadband connection to end users with at least 200 kbps in one 
direction.'' Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd at 14332, para. 111. 
Participation in the Reimbursement Program is voluntary but compliance 
with the new information collection requirements is required to obtain 
Reimbursement Program support.
    The Secure Networks Act requires all providers of advanced 
communications service to annually report, with exception, on whether 
they have purchased, rented, leased or otherwise obtained covered 
communications equipment or service on or after certain dates. 47 
U.S.C. 1603(d)(2)(B). The Second Report and Order adopted a new 
information collection requirement to implement this statutory mandate. 
See Secure Networks Act section 5. If the provider certifies it does 
not have any covered equipment and services, then the provider is not 
required to subsequently file an annual report, unless it later obtains 
covered equipment and services. Second Report and Order at para. 215.
    The Commission therefore revises this information collection 
contained in the Second Report and Order adopted by the Commission on 
December 10, 2020. A previously approved information collection 
requirement was also eliminated as it was no longer necessary.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-21783 Filed 10-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

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