Meetings To Implement Pandemic Response Voluntary Agreement Under Section 708 of the Defense Production Act, 56284-56286 [2021-22069]

Download as PDF 56284 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 193 / Friday, October 8, 2021 / Notices provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Special Emphasis Panel; (NIH/NCCIH) Mind and Body Special Emphasis Panel. Date: November 5, 2021. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Center for Complementary and Integrative, Democracy II, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Sushmita Purkayastha, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Scientific Review, Division of Extramural Activities, NCCIH/NIH, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 401, Bethesda, MD 20892– 5475, sushmita.purkayastha@nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.213, Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: October 4, 2021. Victoria E. Townsend, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–22014 Filed 10–7–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2007–0008] National Advisory Council; Meeting FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Committee Management; Notice of open Federal Advisory Committee meeting. AGENCY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Advisory Council (NAC) will meet November 2 and 3, 2021. The meeting will be open to the public through virtual means. DATES: The NAC will meet 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 and Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Please note that the meeting may close early if the NAC has completed its business. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Oct 07, 2021 Jkt 256001 Anyone who wishes to participate must register with FEMA in advance by providing their name, official title, organization, telephone number, and email address to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT caption below by 5 p.m. ET Friday, October 29, 2021. Members of the public are urged to provide written comments on the issues to be considered by the NAC. The topic areas are indicated in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION caption below. Any written comments must be submitted and received by 5 p.m. ET on October 29, 2021, identified by Docket ID FEMA–2007–0008, and submitted by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions for Submitting Comments: All submissions must include the words ‘‘Federal Emergency Management Agency’’ and the docket number (Docket ID FEMA–2007–0008) for this action. Comments received, including any personal information provided, will be posted without alteration at https://www.regulations.gov. For access to the docket or to read comments received by the NAC, go to https://www.regulations.gov, and search for Docket ID FEMA–2007–0008. Public comment periods will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; and Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET. All speakers must register in advance of the meeting to make remarks during the public comment period and must limit their comments to three minutes. Comments should be addressed to the NAC. Any comments not related to the agenda topics will not be considered. To register to make remarks during the public comment period, contact the person listed in the ADDRESSES: caption below by 5 p.m. ET, Friday, October 29, 2021. Please note that the public comment period may end before the time indicated, following the last call for comments. Reasonable accommodations are available for people with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT caption below as soon as possible. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Long, Designated Federal Officer, Office of the National Advisory Council, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472–3184, 202–709–0783, and PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 email FEMA-NAC@fema.dhs.gov. The NAC website is https://www.fema.gov/ national-advisory-council. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix. The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management. The NAC incorporates input from State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and the private sector in the development and revision of FEMA plans and strategies. The NAC includes a crosssection of officials, emergency managers, and emergency response providers from State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations. Agenda: On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, NAC subcommittees will present to the full NAC their recommendations on the topics of equity, potential improvements to the public and individual assistance programs, workforce support, risk-informed decision making, and ideas of restructuring FEMA. On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, the NAC will discuss and consider with selected experts and leadership how to approach considering issues of equity, climate adaptation and readiness in 2022. The full agenda and any related documents for this meeting will be available by Friday, October 29, 2021, by contacting the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT caption above. Deanne Criswell, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2021–22058 Filed 10–7–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–48–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2020–0016] Meetings To Implement Pandemic Response Voluntary Agreement Under Section 708 of the Defense Production Act Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Announcement of meetings. AGENCY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) held two meetings to implement the Voluntary SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 193 / Friday, October 8, 2021 / Notices Agreement for the Manufacture and Distribution of Critical Healthcare Resources Necessary to Respond to a Pandemic. DATES: The first meeting took place on Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The second meeting took place on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Glenn, Office of Business, Industry, Infrastructure Integration, via email at OB3I@fema.dhs.gov or via phone at (202) 212–1666. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of these meetings is provided as required by section 708(h)(8) of the Defense Production Act (DPA), 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(8), and consistent with 44 CFR part 332. The DPA authorizes the making of ‘‘voluntary agreements and plans of action’’ with representatives of industry, business, and other interests to help provide for the national defense.1 The President’s authority to facilitate voluntary agreements with respect to responding to the spread of COVID–19 within the United States was delegated to the Secretary of Homeland Security in Executive Order 13911.2 The Secretary of Homeland Security further delegated this authority to the FEMA Administrator.3 On August 17, 2020, after the appropriate consultations with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, FEMA completed and published in the Federal Register a ‘‘Voluntary Agreement, Manufacture and Distribution of Critical Healthcare Resources Necessary to Respond to a Pandemic’’ (Voluntary Agreement).4 Unless terminated earlier, the Voluntary Agreement is effective until August 17, 2025, and may be extended subject to additional approval by the Attorney General after consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. The Agreement may be used to prepare for or respond to any pandemic, including COVID–19, during that time. On December 7, 2020, the first plan of action under the Voluntary 1 50 U.S.C. 4558(c)(1). FR 18403 (Apr. 1, 2020). 3 DHS Delegation 09052, Rev. 00.1 (Apr. 1, 2020); DHS Delegation Number 09052 Rev. 00 (Jan. 3, 2017). 4 85 FR 50035 (Aug. 17, 2020). The Attorney General, in consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, made the required finding that the purpose of the voluntary agreement may not reasonably be achieved through an agreement having less anticompetitive effects or without any voluntary agreement and published the finding in the Federal Register on the same day. 85 FR 50049 (Aug. 17, 2020). jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 2 85 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Oct 07, 2021 Jkt 256001 Agreement—the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Respond to COVID– 19 (PPE Plan of Action)—was finalized.5 The PPE Plan of Action established several sub-committees under the Voluntary Agreement, focusing on different aspects of the PPE Plan of Action. On May 24, 2021, four additional plans of action under the Voluntary Agreement—the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Diagnostic Test Kits and other Testing Components to respond to COVID–19, the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Drug Products, Drug Substances, and Associated Medical Devices to respond to COVID–19, the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Medical Devices to respond to COVID–19, and the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Medical Gases to respond to COVID–19—were finalized.6 These plans of action established several sub-committees under the Voluntary Agreement, focusing on different aspects of each plan of action. The meetings were chaired by the FEMA Administrator or her delegate and attended by the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission or their delegates. In implementing the Voluntary Agreement, FEMA adheres to all procedural requirements of 50 U.S.C. 4558 and 44 CFR part 332. Meeting Objectives: The objectives of the meetings were as follows: 1. Gather committee Participants and Attendees to ask targeted questions for situational awareness related to the active Plans of Action (PPE, Drug Products and Drug Substances, Diagnostic Test Kits, Medical Devices, and Medical Gases). 2. Establish priorities for COVID–19 response under the Voluntary Agreement. 3. Identify tasks that should be completed under the appropriate SubCommittee. 4. Identify information gaps and areas that merit sharing (both from FEMA to the private sector and vice versa). 5 See 85 FR 78869 (Dec. 7, 2020). See also 85 FR 79020 (Dec. 8, 2020). 6 See 86 FR 27894 (May 24, 2021). See also 86 FR 28851 (May 28, 2021). PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56285 Meetings Closed to the Public: By default, the DPA requires meetings held to implement a voluntary agreement or plan of action be open to the public.7 However, attendance may be limited if the Sponsor 8 of the voluntary agreement finds that the matter to be discussed at a meeting falls within the purview of matters described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial information. The Sponsor of the Voluntary Agreement, the FEMA Administrator, found that these meetings to implement the Voluntary Agreement involved matters which fall within the purview of matters described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) and the meetings were therefore closed to the public. Meetings Closed to the Public: By default, the DPA requires meetings held to implement a voluntary agreement or plan of action be open to the public.9 However, attendance may be limited if the Sponsor 10 of the voluntary agreement finds that the matter to be discussed at a meeting falls within the purview of matters described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial information. The Sponsor of the Voluntary Agreement, the FEMA Administrator, found that these meetings to implement the Voluntary Agreement involved matters which fall within the purview of matters described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) and the meetings were therefore closed to the public. Specifically, these meetings may have required participants to disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential. Disclosure of such information allows for meetings to be closed to the public pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4). The success of the Voluntary Agreement depends wholly on the willing participation of the private sector participants. Failure to close these meetings to the public could reduce active participation by the signatories due to a perceived risk that sensitive company information could be prematurely released to the public. A premature public disclosure of a private sector participant’s information could reduce trust and support for the Voluntary Agreement. 7 See 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7). individual designated by the President in subsection (c)(2) [of section 708 of the DPA] to administer the voluntary agreement, or plan of action.’’ 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7). 9 See 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7). 10 ‘‘[T]he individual designated by the President in subsection (c)(2) [of section 708 of the DPA] to administer the voluntary agreement, or plan of action.’’ 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7). 8 ‘‘[T]he E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1 56286 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 193 / Friday, October 8, 2021 / Notices A resulting loss of support by the participants for the Voluntary Agreement would significantly frustrate the implementation of the Agency’s objectives. Thus, these meeting closures are permitted pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B). Deanne Criswell, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2021–22069 Filed 10–7–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–19–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey [GX22EB00A181100; OMB Control Number 1028–0085] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; National Land Remote Sensing Education, Outreach and Research Activity U.S. Geological Survey, Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 we, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are proposing to renew an information collection. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before November 8, 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 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Written comments may also be submitted by mail to U.S. Geological Survey, Information Collections Officer, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 159, Reston, VA 20192, or by email to gsinfo_collections@usgs.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1028– 0085 in the subject line of your mail or email. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this Information Collection Request (ICR), contact Sarah Cook by email at scook@usgs.gov or by telephone at 703– 648–6136. You may also view the ICR at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Oct 07, 2021 Jkt 256001 In accordance with the PRA 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 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. A Federal Register notice with a 60day public comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on May 18, 2021 (86 FR 26934). No comments were received. 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 this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the USGS, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Whether your estimate of the burden for this collection of information is accurate (3) Whether the methodology and assumptions used are valid; (4) how we might enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) How the USGS might minimize the burden of this collection of information on those asked 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 personally identifiable information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your PII—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Abstract: The National Land Remote Sensing Education, Outreach and Research Activity (NLRSEORA) is an effort to develop a U.S. nationwide consortium to build the capability to receive, process, and archive remotely- SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 sensed data for the purpose of providing access to university and state organizations in a ready-to-use format and to expand the science of remote sensing through education, research/ applications development, and outreach in areas such as environmental monitoring to include the effects of climate variability on water availability and phenology, natural resource management, and disaster analysis. Respondents are submitting proposals to acquire funding for a national (U.S.) program to promote the uses of spacebased land remote-sensing data and technologies through education and outreach at the State and local level and through university-based and collaborative research projects. The information collected will ensure that sufficient and relevant information is available to evaluate and select a proposal for funding. A panel of USGS Core Science Systems Mission Area managers and scientists will review each proposal to evaluate the technical merit, requirements, and priorities identified. This notice concerns the collection of information that is sufficient and relevant to evaluate and select proposals for funding. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and under regulations at 30 CFR 250.197, ‘‘Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection.’’ Responses are voluntary. No questions of a ‘‘sensitive’’ nature are asked. We intend to release the project abstracts and primary investigators for awarded/funded projects only. Title of Collection: National Land Remote Sensing Education, Outreach and Research Activity. OMB Control Number: 1028–0085. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Public or private institutions of higher education including universities; State and local governments (including county, city, township or special district governments); independent school districts, Tribal governments or organizations, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status). Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 5. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 5. Estimated Completion Time per Response: 2 hours. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 10. E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 193 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56284-56286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22069]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2020-0016]


Meetings To Implement Pandemic Response Voluntary Agreement Under 
Section 708 of the Defense Production Act

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland 
Security.

ACTION: Announcement of meetings.

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) held two 
meetings to implement the Voluntary

[[Page 56285]]

Agreement for the Manufacture and Distribution of Critical Healthcare 
Resources Necessary to Respond to a Pandemic.

DATES: The first meeting took place on Thursday, September 30, 2021, 
from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The second meeting took 
place on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Glenn, Office of Business, 
Industry, Infrastructure Integration, via email at [email protected] or 
via phone at (202) 212-1666.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of these meetings is provided as 
required by section 708(h)(8) of the Defense Production Act (DPA), 50 
U.S.C. 4558(h)(8), and consistent with 44 CFR part 332.
    The DPA authorizes the making of ``voluntary agreements and plans 
of action'' with representatives of industry, business, and other 
interests to help provide for the national defense.\1\ The President's 
authority to facilitate voluntary agreements with respect to responding 
to the spread of COVID-19 within the United States was delegated to the 
Secretary of Homeland Security in Executive Order 13911.\2\ The 
Secretary of Homeland Security further delegated this authority to the 
FEMA Administrator.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 50 U.S.C. 4558(c)(1).
    \2\ 85 FR 18403 (Apr. 1, 2020).
    \3\ DHS Delegation 09052, Rev. 00.1 (Apr. 1, 2020); DHS 
Delegation Number 09052 Rev. 00 (Jan. 3, 2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On August 17, 2020, after the appropriate consultations with the 
Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, FEMA 
completed and published in the Federal Register a ``Voluntary 
Agreement, Manufacture and Distribution of Critical Healthcare 
Resources Necessary to Respond to a Pandemic'' (Voluntary 
Agreement).\4\ Unless terminated earlier, the Voluntary Agreement is 
effective until August 17, 2025, and may be extended subject to 
additional approval by the Attorney General after consultation with the 
Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. The Agreement may be used to 
prepare for or respond to any pandemic, including COVID-19, during that 
time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ 85 FR 50035 (Aug. 17, 2020). The Attorney General, in 
consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, made 
the required finding that the purpose of the voluntary agreement may 
not reasonably be achieved through an agreement having less 
anticompetitive effects or without any voluntary agreement and 
published the finding in the Federal Register on the same day. 85 FR 
50049 (Aug. 17, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On December 7, 2020, the first plan of action under the Voluntary 
Agreement--the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the 
Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Personal Protective 
Equipment (PPE) to Respond to COVID-19 (PPE Plan of Action)--was 
finalized.\5\ The PPE Plan of Action established several sub-committees 
under the Voluntary Agreement, focusing on different aspects of the PPE 
Plan of Action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See 85 FR 78869 (Dec. 7, 2020). See also 85 FR 79020 (Dec. 
8, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 24, 2021, four additional plans of action under the 
Voluntary Agreement--the Plan of Action to Establish a National 
Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of 
Diagnostic Test Kits and other Testing Components to respond to COVID-
19, the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the 
Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Drug Products, Drug 
Substances, and Associated Medical Devices to respond to COVID-19, the 
Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture, 
Allocation, and Distribution of Medical Devices to respond to COVID-19, 
and the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the 
Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Medical Gases to respond 
to COVID-19--were finalized.\6\ These plans of action established 
several sub-committees under the Voluntary Agreement, focusing on 
different aspects of each plan of action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See 86 FR 27894 (May 24, 2021). See also 86 FR 28851 (May 
28, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The meetings were chaired by the FEMA Administrator or her delegate 
and attended by the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal 
Trade Commission or their delegates. In implementing the Voluntary 
Agreement, FEMA adheres to all procedural requirements of 50 U.S.C. 
4558 and 44 CFR part 332.
    Meeting Objectives: The objectives of the meetings were as follows:
    1. Gather committee Participants and Attendees to ask targeted 
questions for situational awareness related to the active Plans of 
Action (PPE, Drug Products and Drug Substances, Diagnostic Test Kits, 
Medical Devices, and Medical Gases).
    2. Establish priorities for COVID-19 response under the Voluntary 
Agreement.
    3. Identify tasks that should be completed under the appropriate 
Sub-Committee.
    4. Identify information gaps and areas that merit sharing (both 
from FEMA to the private sector and vice versa).
    Meetings Closed to the Public: By default, the DPA requires 
meetings held to implement a voluntary agreement or plan of action be 
open to the public.\7\ However, attendance may be limited if the 
Sponsor \8\ of the voluntary agreement finds that the matter to be 
discussed at a meeting falls within the purview of matters described in 
5 U.S.C. 552b(c), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial 
information. The Sponsor of the Voluntary Agreement, the FEMA 
Administrator, found that these meetings to implement the Voluntary 
Agreement involved matters which fall within the purview of matters 
described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) and the meetings were therefore closed to 
the public.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
    \8\ ``[T]he individual designated by the President in subsection 
(c)(2) [of section 708 of the DPA] to administer the voluntary 
agreement, or plan of action.'' 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Meetings Closed to the Public: By default, the DPA requires 
meetings held to implement a voluntary agreement or plan of action be 
open to the public.\9\ However, attendance may be limited if the 
Sponsor \10\ of the voluntary agreement finds that the matter to be 
discussed at a meeting falls within the purview of matters described in 
5 U.S.C. 552b(c), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial 
information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
    \10\ ``[T]he individual designated by the President in 
subsection (c)(2) [of section 708 of the DPA] to administer the 
voluntary agreement, or plan of action.'' 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Sponsor of the Voluntary Agreement, the FEMA Administrator, 
found that these meetings to implement the Voluntary Agreement involved 
matters which fall within the purview of matters described in 5 U.S.C. 
552b(c) and the meetings were therefore closed to the public.
    Specifically, these meetings may have required participants to 
disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is 
privileged or confidential. Disclosure of such information allows for 
meetings to be closed to the public pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4).
    The success of the Voluntary Agreement depends wholly on the 
willing participation of the private sector participants. Failure to 
close these meetings to the public could reduce active participation by 
the signatories due to a perceived risk that sensitive company 
information could be prematurely released to the public. A premature 
public disclosure of a private sector participant's information could 
reduce trust and support for the Voluntary Agreement.

[[Page 56286]]

    A resulting loss of support by the participants for the Voluntary 
Agreement would significantly frustrate the implementation of the 
Agency's objectives. Thus, these meeting closures are permitted 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B).

Deanne Criswell,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2021-22069 Filed 10-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-19-P


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