Barriers Facing Small Firms and Businesses Providing Halal, Kosher and Organic Products in Commodity Contracting With the Agricultural Marketing Service, 65185-65186 [2022-23513]
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65185
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 87, No. 208
Friday, October 28, 2022
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains documents other than rules or
proposed rules that are applicable to the
public. Notices of hearings and investigations,
committee meetings, agency decisions and
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are
examples of documents appearing in this
section.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc No. AMS–CP–22–0014]
Barriers Facing Small Firms and
Businesses Providing Halal, Kosher
and Organic Products in Commodity
Contracting With the Agricultural
Marketing Service
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice of request for public
comments.
AGENCY:
In keeping with ongoing
efforts to increase the number of small
and underserved businesses
participating in the USDA food
procurement program, as well as
increasing access to culturally
appropriate foods, the Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking
public input on perceived barriers that
small businesses, those owned by
underserved businesses, and providers
of organic, kosher, and halal agricultural
products face in working with AMS’
Commodity Procurement Program
(CPP). This input will be used to update
CPP’s Small Business and New Vendor
Strategy as appropriate.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before December 27, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
invited to submit written comments
concerning this notice. All comments
must be submitted through the Federal
e-rulemaking portal at https://
www.regulations.gov and should
reference the document number and the
date and page number of this issue of
the Federal Register. Instructions for
submitting and reading comments are
detailed on the site. All comments
submitted in response to this notice will
be included in the record and will be
made available to the public. Please be
advised that the identity of the
individuals or entities submitting
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
22:30 Oct 27, 2022
Jkt 259001
comments will be made public on the
internet at the address provided above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrea Lang, or Diana Dau David, New
Vendor Coordinators, USDA, AMS,
Commodity Procurement Program, at
NewVendor@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each year
the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) collaborates
with the Food and Nutrition Service,
Foreign Agricultural Service and the
U.S. Agency for International
Development to purchase and distribute
over $4 billion of U.S. agricultural
products for distribution to schools,
food banks, Tribal organizations, and
international food aid operations,
among others. AMS solicits for a large
variety of products from vendors
qualified to do business with the
Agency. It is AMS’s ongoing goal to
increase the number of small and
underserved businesses participating in
the USDA food procurement program,
as well as to increase the availability of
culturally appropriate foods.
President Biden issued Executive
Order (E.O.) E.O. 14017, ‘‘America’s
Supply Chains’’; E.O. 13985,
‘‘Advancing Racial Equity and Support
for Underserved Communities Through
the Federal Government’’; and E.O.
14036, ‘‘Promoting Competition in the
American Economy.’’ E.O. 14017
focuses on the need for resilient,
diverse, and secure supply chains to
ensure U.S. economic prosperity and
national security. E.O. 13985 focuses on
identifying potential barriers that
underserved communities and
individuals may face in taking
advantage of agency contracting
opportunities. E.O. 14036 focuses on
reviewing the state of competition
within the agricultural market,
including areas where a lack of
competition may be of concern. In
support of these executive orders, AMS
is focusing on identifying and reducing
barriers to becoming an approved
vendor in order to increase competition
and the availability of vital agricultural
commodities for use in the USDA’s
nutrition assistance programs.
Commodity food products are
purchased and delivered to schools,
food banks, and households in
communities on a domestic and global
scale. Small and underserved
companies play a crucial role in
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
supplying food to the USDA. Last year,
AMS awarded a record $1.4 billion
dollars to small businesses through
prime contracts, of which 13.73% of the
contracts were awarded to small,
underserved businesses; yet there is a
need for more participation in the
commodity procurement program. In
addition to increasing the participation
of small and underserved businesses,
AMS is interested in purchasing larger
volumes of halal, kosher, organic, and
other culturally appropriate products.
This notice requests comments and
information from the public to assist
AMS in updating CPP’s Small Business
and New Vendor Strategy as
appropriate.
AMS is particularly interested in
comments and information directed to
the policy objectives listed in E.O.
14017, E.O. 14036, and E.O. 13985 as
they affect the U.S. and global supply
chains. AMS is seeking input on the
following topics:
i. Government business practices that
might inhibit or deter small or
underserved businesses, as well as
halal, kosher, and organic providers,
from participating in the USDA
commodity procurement program, i.e.,
by producing and/or providing goods,
services, and materials for CPP
contracts;
ii. Regulations and business practices
which may strain rather than strengthen
the relationship between CPP and these
providers;
iii. The use of past performance
information during the vendor
qualification process, source selection,
contract performance, and the collection
of such information;
iv. Increasing the CPP’s utilization of
small and underserved businesses, as
well as halal, kosher, and organic
providers;
v. CPP’s efforts to assist businesses
that seek to do business with the
government, including experiences in
working with CPP’s contracting
workforce;
vi. Contracting timelines (e.g., annual
procurement schedule, length of
advertising of opportunities, time
between bid opening and contract
award, delivery lead times, etc.) and the
impact of those timelines;
vii. The availability of skilled labor
and other personnel to sustain a
competitive ecosystem;
viii. Policy recommendations or
suggested executive, legislative,
E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM
28OCN1
65186
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 208 / Friday, October 28, 2022 / Notices
regulatory action to foster more resilient
supply chains, greater competition in
the agricultural market, and/or more
small or underserved business
participation in the procurement
process;
ix. Any additional comments
concerning small or underserved
businesses and halal, kosher, organic, or
others relevant to the assessment of
supply chain resilience.
AMS plans to hold a listening session
open to the public so that interested
parties can provide verbal as well as
written input. A date and time will be
provided.
AMS encourages respondents to
structure their comments using the same
text above as identifiers for the areas of
inquiry to which they are responding.
This will assist the AMS in more easily
reviewing and summarizing the
comments received in response to these
specific areas. For example, a
commenter submitting comments
responsive to (i), ‘‘Government business
practices that might inhibit or deter
small or underserved businesses, as well
as halal, kosher, and organic providers,
from participating in the USDA
commodity procurement program, i.e.,
by producing and/or providing goods,
services, and materials for CPP
contracts’’ would use that same text as
a heading in the public comment
followed by the commenter’s specific
comments in this area. AMS encourages
the use of an executive summary at the
beginning of all comments and
information to assist AMS in a more
efficient review of the submitted
documents.
Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–23513 Filed 10–27–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service
[Docket No. APHIS–2022–0054]
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Notice of Request for Extension of
Approval of an Information Collection;
Case-Control Study on Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry
Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Extension of approval of an
information collection; comment
request.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
22:30 Oct 27, 2022
Jkt 259001
notice announces the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service’s intention to
request an extension of approval of an
information collection associated with
the case-control study on highly
pathogenic avian influenza in U.S.
commercial poultry flocks.
DATES: We will consider all comments
that we receive on or before December
27, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by either of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS–
2022–0054 in the Search field. Select
the Documents tab, then select the
Comment button in the list of
documents.
• Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:
Send your comment to Docket No.
APHIS–2022–0054, Regulatory Analysis
and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station
3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118,
Riverdale, MD 20737–1238.
Supporting documents and any
comments we receive on this docket
may be viewed at regulations.gov or in
our reading room, which is located in
Room 1620 of the USDA South
Building, 14th Street and Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal
reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
holidays. To be sure someone is there to
help you, please call (202) 799–7039
before coming.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
information on this HPAI in poultry
study, contact Dr. Alice Green,
Veterinary Medical Officer, Center for
Epidemiology and Animal Health, VS,
APHIS, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building
B, Fort Collins, CO 80526; (970) 494–
7528. For more detailed information on
the information collection, contact Mr.
Joseph Moxey, APHIS’ Paperwork
Reduction Act Coordinator, at (301)
851–2483.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Case-Control Study on Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry.
OMB Control Number: 0579–0483.
Type of Request: Extension of
approval of an information collection.
Abstract: Under the Animal Health
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.),
the Secretary of Agriculture is
authorized to protect the health of
livestock, poultry, and aquaculture
populations in the United States by
preventing the introduction and
interstate spread of serious diseases and
pests of livestock, poultry, and
aquaculture, and for eradicating such
diseases within the United States when
feasible. This authority has been
delegated to the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Highly pathogenic avian influenza
(HPAI) is an infectious and fatal disease
of poultry. Between February and June
2022, APHIS mobilized over 1,125
employees to respond to outbreaks of
HPAI within the United States. As of the
end of May 2022, nearly $800 million in
Federal expenditures has been
authorized to support emergency
response work in relation to HPAI,
which affected over 40 million birds.
Avian influenza viruses vary in
transmissibility and ability to cause
disease symptoms. Evidence suggests
that the predominance of infections in
2022 have been due to independent
wild bird introductions. As the risk of
a resurgence of new infections
increases, it is critical to identify current
risk factors to mitigate future outbreaks.
APHIS initiated an HPAI study in
2022 and will continue the study as
needed to generate up-to-date
information for determining current risk
factors for infection with this
environmentally hardy foreign animal
disease pathogen. Current information
on risk factors is critical for sciencebased updates to prevention and control
recommendations.
The information collection activity
associated with this study consists of a
multi-question survey administered to
commercial poultry producers.
APHIS requested and was granted
emergency approval to use this
information collection activity for 6
months. We are asking the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) to
approve our use of this information
collection activity for an additional 3
years in the event the study needs to be
extended because of unanticipated
outbreaks.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit
comments from the public (as well as
affected agencies) concerning our
information collection. These comments
will help us:
(1) Evaluate whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Agency, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our
estimate of the burden of the collection
of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
(4) Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, through use, as
appropriate, of automated, electronic,
mechanical, and other collection
technologies; e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses.
E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM
28OCN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 208 (Friday, October 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65185-65186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23513]
========================================================================
Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 208 / Friday, October 28, 2022 /
Notices
[[Page 65185]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc No. AMS-CP-22-0014]
Barriers Facing Small Firms and Businesses Providing Halal,
Kosher and Organic Products in Commodity Contracting With the
Agricultural Marketing Service
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In keeping with ongoing efforts to increase the number of
small and underserved businesses participating in the USDA food
procurement program, as well as increasing access to culturally
appropriate foods, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking
public input on perceived barriers that small businesses, those owned
by underserved businesses, and providers of organic, kosher, and halal
agricultural products face in working with AMS' Commodity Procurement
Program (CPP). This input will be used to update CPP's Small Business
and New Vendor Strategy as appropriate.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments
concerning this notice. All comments must be submitted through the
Federal e-rulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov and should
reference the document number and the date and page number of this
issue of the Federal Register. Instructions for submitting and reading
comments are detailed on the site. All comments submitted in response
to this notice will be included in the record and will be made
available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the
individuals or entities submitting comments will be made public on the
internet at the address provided above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Lang, or Diana Dau David, New
Vendor Coordinators, USDA, AMS, Commodity Procurement Program, at
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each year the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) collaborates
with the Food and Nutrition Service, Foreign Agricultural Service and
the U.S. Agency for International Development to purchase and
distribute over $4 billion of U.S. agricultural products for
distribution to schools, food banks, Tribal organizations, and
international food aid operations, among others. AMS solicits for a
large variety of products from vendors qualified to do business with
the Agency. It is AMS's ongoing goal to increase the number of small
and underserved businesses participating in the USDA food procurement
program, as well as to increase the availability of culturally
appropriate foods.
President Biden issued Executive Order (E.O.) E.O. 14017,
``America's Supply Chains''; E.O. 13985, ``Advancing Racial Equity and
Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government'';
and E.O. 14036, ``Promoting Competition in the American Economy.'' E.O.
14017 focuses on the need for resilient, diverse, and secure supply
chains to ensure U.S. economic prosperity and national security. E.O.
13985 focuses on identifying potential barriers that underserved
communities and individuals may face in taking advantage of agency
contracting opportunities. E.O. 14036 focuses on reviewing the state of
competition within the agricultural market, including areas where a
lack of competition may be of concern. In support of these executive
orders, AMS is focusing on identifying and reducing barriers to
becoming an approved vendor in order to increase competition and the
availability of vital agricultural commodities for use in the USDA's
nutrition assistance programs.
Commodity food products are purchased and delivered to schools,
food banks, and households in communities on a domestic and global
scale. Small and underserved companies play a crucial role in supplying
food to the USDA. Last year, AMS awarded a record $1.4 billion dollars
to small businesses through prime contracts, of which 13.73% of the
contracts were awarded to small, underserved businesses; yet there is a
need for more participation in the commodity procurement program. In
addition to increasing the participation of small and underserved
businesses, AMS is interested in purchasing larger volumes of halal,
kosher, organic, and other culturally appropriate products.
This notice requests comments and information from the public to
assist AMS in updating CPP's Small Business and New Vendor Strategy as
appropriate.
AMS is particularly interested in comments and information directed
to the policy objectives listed in E.O. 14017, E.O. 14036, and E.O.
13985 as they affect the U.S. and global supply chains. AMS is seeking
input on the following topics:
i. Government business practices that might inhibit or deter small
or underserved businesses, as well as halal, kosher, and organic
providers, from participating in the USDA commodity procurement
program, i.e., by producing and/or providing goods, services, and
materials for CPP contracts;
ii. Regulations and business practices which may strain rather than
strengthen the relationship between CPP and these providers;
iii. The use of past performance information during the vendor
qualification process, source selection, contract performance, and the
collection of such information;
iv. Increasing the CPP's utilization of small and underserved
businesses, as well as halal, kosher, and organic providers;
v. CPP's efforts to assist businesses that seek to do business with
the government, including experiences in working with CPP's contracting
workforce;
vi. Contracting timelines (e.g., annual procurement schedule,
length of advertising of opportunities, time between bid opening and
contract award, delivery lead times, etc.) and the impact of those
timelines;
vii. The availability of skilled labor and other personnel to
sustain a competitive ecosystem;
viii. Policy recommendations or suggested executive, legislative,
[[Page 65186]]
regulatory action to foster more resilient supply chains, greater
competition in the agricultural market, and/or more small or
underserved business participation in the procurement process;
ix. Any additional comments concerning small or underserved
businesses and halal, kosher, organic, or others relevant to the
assessment of supply chain resilience.
AMS plans to hold a listening session open to the public so that
interested parties can provide verbal as well as written input. A date
and time will be provided.
AMS encourages respondents to structure their comments using the
same text above as identifiers for the areas of inquiry to which they
are responding. This will assist the AMS in more easily reviewing and
summarizing the comments received in response to these specific areas.
For example, a commenter submitting comments responsive to (i),
``Government business practices that might inhibit or deter small or
underserved businesses, as well as halal, kosher, and organic
providers, from participating in the USDA commodity procurement
program, i.e., by producing and/or providing goods, services, and
materials for CPP contracts'' would use that same text as a heading in
the public comment followed by the commenter's specific comments in
this area. AMS encourages the use of an executive summary at the
beginning of all comments and information to assist AMS in a more
efficient review of the submitted documents.
Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-23513 Filed 10-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
