Digital Equity RFC Listening Sessions, 20502-20503 [2023-07133]

Download as PDF 20502 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 66 / Thursday, April 6, 2023 / Notices 2. Initiate consultations with the Secretary of the Interior, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, covered states, covered Native entities, and the Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, pursuant to the reauthorized CRCA. 3. Engage stakeholders, including covered states, coral reef stewardship partnerships, reef research coordination institutes, coral reef research centers, and recipients of grants awarded pursuant to Section 211 of the reauthorized CRCA. 4. Identify information that may be helpful in developing the elements listed above and in Section 204 of the reauthorized CRCA. The official scoping period is from April 6, 2023 to May 8, 2023. Please visit the CRCP web page for additional information regarding the program: https://coralreef.noaa.gov/. The preparation of the National Strategy for the CRCP will be conducted under the authority and in accordance with the requirements of the reauthorized CRCA. Authority: Public Law 117–263, 136 Stat 2395. Nicole R. LeBoeuf, Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2023–07195 Filed 4–5–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JE–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration Digital Equity RFC Listening Sessions National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meetings. AGENCY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene four virtual listening sessions on the Digital Equity Act Request for Comment. The listening sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform the development and administration of the State Digital Equity Capacity and State Digital Equity Competitive grant programs. DATES: The listening sessions will be held on April 10, 17, 24, and 29, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. ADDRESSES: The session will be held virtually, with online slide share and dial-in information to be posted at https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:13 Apr 05, 2023 Jkt 259001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding this Notice to digitalequity@ntia.gov, indicating ‘‘DE RFC Listening Session’’ in the subject line, or if by mail, addressed to National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202–482–3806. Please direct media inquiries to Virginia Bring, (202) 594– 6254, or NTIA’s Office of Public Affairs, press@ntia.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Authority: Recognizing the internet’s fundamental role in today’s society and its centrality to our nation’s continued health and prosperity, the Biden-Harris Administration will work to ensure that every community in America has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 1 into law, also known (and referred to subsequently herein) as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a historic investment of $65 billion to help close the digital divide and ensure that everyone in America has access to affordable, reliable, highspeed internet service. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is responsible for distributing more than $48 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through several different programs, including the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act of 2021 Program. The COVID–19 pandemic highlighted what many have known for a very long time: High-speed internet access is not a luxury, but a basic necessity for all Americans. Since the pandemic, telehealth access and use has expanded and the workplace is changing as more workers are choosing to work from home. Passed on a bipartisan basis in both chambers of Congress, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $42.45 billion to create the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), $1 billion to create the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, $2 billion to help tribal communities expand highspeed internet access and adoption on tribal lands, and $2.75 billion (through the Digital Equity Act of 2021 (Digital Equity Act), also passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to advance federal goals relating to digital 1 Public Law 117–58, 135 Stat. 429 (November 15, 2021). PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 equity 2 and digital inclusion.3 These programs administered by NTIA are designed to work in tandem with other high-speed internet programs, including the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides up to $30 per month toward internet service for qualifying households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress took a significant step forward in achieving the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of ensuring that all Americans not only have access to affordable, reliable, highspeed internet service but also the skills and resources needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States. To help inform development and administration of the Digital Equity Act grant programs, NTIA has established multiple avenues for the public to offer input, including through a Request for Comment, published March 2nd, 2023, as well as these four public virtual listening sessions. This Notice is part of NTIA’s strategy to engage with partners, stakeholders, and most importantly, individuals with lived experiences who faced challenges of having access to and/or the skills and devices to fully utilize affordable, reliable, high-speed internet, to help meet the President’s goal to close the digital divide and transform the lives of all Americans. This is America’s opportunity to harness the talents and strengths of all parts of our country and remove systemic barriers and provide equal access to opportunities and benefits, so that everyone has a chance to reach their full potential. But in order to achieve this objective, we need to hear from you. This Notice provides an opportunity to provide direct responses to NTIA’s Request for Comment via public listening sessions, and to inform how NTIA designs a program that works to achieve this national and community driven opportunity for change. 2 Section 60302(10) of the IIJA defines ‘‘digital equity’’ as ‘‘the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States.’’ 3 Section 60302(11) of the IIJA Law defines ‘‘digital inclusion’’ as ‘‘(A) . . . the activities that are necessary to ensure that all individuals in the United States have access to, and the use of, affordable information and communication technologies, such as—(i) reliable fixed and wireless broadband internet service; (ii) internetenabled devices that meet the needs of the user; and (iii) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration; and (B) includes—(i) obtaining access to digital literacy training; (ii) the provision of quality technical support; and (iii) obtaining basic awareness of measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity.’’ E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 66 / Thursday, April 6, 2023 / Notices Time and Date: The listening sessions will be held on April 10, 17, 24, and 29, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. The exact time of the meeting is subject to change. Please refer to NTIA’s website, https:// www.internetforall.gov/calendar., for the most current information. Place: The meeting will be held virtually, with online slide share and dial-in information to be posted at https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar. Please refer to NTIA’s website, https:// www.internetforall.gov/calendar., for the most current information. Other Information: The meeting is open to the public and the press on a first-come, first-served basis. The virtual meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Sign language interpretation and virtual real-time captioning will be available. Individuals requiring other ancillary aids should notify the Department at digitalequity@ntia.gov at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting. Access details for the meeting are subject to change. Please refer to NTIA’s website, https://www.internet forall.gov/calendar., for the most current information. Josephine Arnold, Senior Attorney Advisor, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. [FR Doc. 2023–07133 Filed 4–5–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket No.: ED–2023–SCC–0060] Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; School Pulse Panel 2023–24 Data Collection National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Department of Education (ED). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Department is proposing a revision of a currently approved information collection request (ICR). DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before June 5, 2023. ADDRESSES: To access and review all the documents related to the information collection listed in this notice, please use https://www.regulations.gov by searching the Docket ID number ED– 2023–SCC–0060. Comments submitted in response to this notice should be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov by selecting the ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:13 Apr 05, 2023 Jkt 259001 Docket ID number or via postal mail, commercial delivery, or hand delivery. If the regulations.gov site is not available to the public for any reason, the Department will temporarily accept comments at ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Please include the docket ID number and the title of the information collection request when requesting documents or submitting comments. Please note that comments submitted after the comment period will not be accepted. Written requests for information or comments submitted by postal mail or delivery should be addressed to the Manager of the Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, LBJ, Room 6W203, Washington, DC 20202–8240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific questions related to collection activities, please contact Carrie Clarady, 202–245–6347. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. The Department is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: School Pulse Panel 2023–24 Data Collection. OMB Control Number: 1850–0975. Type of Review: A revision of a currently approved ICR. Respondents/Affected Public: State, local, and Tribal governments. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20503 Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 70,455. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 9,647. Abstract: The School Pulse Panel (SPP) is a data collection originally designed to collect voluntary responses from a nationally representative sample of public schools to better understand how schools, students, and educators are responding to the ongoing stressors of the coronavirus pandemic. It is conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), within the United States Department of Education, in cooperation with the U.S. Census Bureau. Due to the immediate need to collect information from schools during the pandemic to satisfy the requirement of Executive Order 14000, an emergency clearance was issued to develop and field the first several monthly collections of the SPP in 2021, and a full review of the SPP data collection was completed in 2022 (OMB #1850–0969). SPP’s innovative design and timely dissemination of findings have been used and cited frequently among Department of Education senior leadership, the White House Domestic Policy Counsel, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Congressional deliberations, and the media. The ongoing, growing interest by stakeholders has resulted in the request for dedicated funding to create an established NCES quick-turnaround data collection vehicle, with the goal of standing up a post-pandemic panel to begin with the 2023–24 school year. One notable difference for the next SPP study will be the potential addition of a district-level survey. The purpose of the district component is two-fold: (1) to collect data on topics that schools cannot report about such as facilities, supply chain issues and finances; and (2) to reduce burden on schools by allowing district staff to report on district policies and school level data tracked at the district. The district component will enhance the breadth of data that can be collected in SPP. For the 23–24 school year, the survey may ask school and district staff about a range of topics, including but not limited to instructional mode offered; enrollment counts of subgroups of students for various subject interests; strategies to address learning recovery; safe and healthy school mitigation strategies; mental health services; use of technology; information on staffing, nutrition services, absenteeism, usage of federal funds, facilities, and overall principal and district staff experiences. E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 66 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20502-20503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07133]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Digital Equity RFC Listening Sessions

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of open meetings.

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

SUMMARY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA) will convene four virtual listening sessions on the Digital 
Equity Act Request for Comment. The listening sessions are designed to 
collect stakeholder input to help inform the development and 
administration of the State Digital Equity Capacity and State Digital 
Equity Competitive grant programs.

DATES: The listening sessions will be held on April 10, 17, 24, and 29, 
2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

ADDRESSES: The session will be held virtually, with online slide share 
and dial-in information to be posted at https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding this 
Notice to [email protected], indicating ``DE RFC Listening 
Session'' in the subject line, or if by mail, addressed to National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 
202-482-3806. Please direct media inquiries to Virginia Bring, (202) 
594-6254, or NTIA's Office of Public Affairs, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background and Authority: Recognizing the internet's fundamental 
role in today's society and its centrality to our nation's continued 
health and prosperity, the Biden-Harris Administration will work to 
ensure that every community in America has access to affordable, 
reliable, high-speed internet service. On November 15, 2021, President 
Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 \1\ 
into law, also known (and referred to subsequently herein) as the 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a historic investment of 
$65 billion to help close the digital divide and ensure that everyone 
in America has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet 
service. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA), is responsible for distributing more than $48 billion in 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through several different 
programs, including the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act of 2021 
Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (November 15, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted what many have known for a very 
long time: High-speed internet access is not a luxury, but a basic 
necessity for all Americans. Since the pandemic, telehealth access and 
use has expanded and the workplace is changing as more workers are 
choosing to work from home. Passed on a bipartisan basis in both 
chambers of Congress, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated 
$42.45 billion to create the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment 
Program (BEAD), $1 billion to create the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband 
Infrastructure Program, $2 billion to help tribal communities expand 
high-speed internet access and adoption on tribal lands, and $2.75 
billion (through the Digital Equity Act of 2021 (Digital Equity Act), 
also passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to advance 
federal goals relating to digital equity \2\ and digital inclusion.\3\ 
These programs administered by NTIA are designed to work in tandem with 
other high-speed internet programs, including the Affordable 
Connectivity Program, which provides up to $30 per month toward 
internet service for qualifying households and up to $75 per month for 
households on qualifying Tribal lands. With the passage of the 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress took a significant step forward 
in achieving the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of ensuring that 
all Americans not only have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed 
internet service but also the skills and resources needed for full 
participation in the society and economy of the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Section 60302(10) of the IIJA defines ``digital equity'' as 
``the condition in which individuals and communities have the 
information technology capacity that is needed for full 
participation in the society and economy of the United States.''
    \3\ Section 60302(11) of the IIJA Law defines ``digital 
inclusion'' as ``(A) . . . the activities that are necessary to 
ensure that all individuals in the United States have access to, and 
the use of, affordable information and communication technologies, 
such as--(i) reliable fixed and wireless broadband internet service; 
(ii) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; and 
(iii) applications and online content designed to enable and 
encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration; and 
(B) includes--(i) obtaining access to digital literacy training; 
(ii) the provision of quality technical support; and (iii) obtaining 
basic awareness of measures to ensure online privacy and 
cybersecurity.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To help inform development and administration of the Digital Equity 
Act grant programs, NTIA has established multiple avenues for the 
public to offer input, including through a Request for Comment, 
published March 2nd, 2023, as well as these four public virtual 
listening sessions. This Notice is part of NTIA's strategy to engage 
with partners, stakeholders, and most importantly, individuals with 
lived experiences who faced challenges of having access to and/or the 
skills and devices to fully utilize affordable, reliable, high-speed 
internet, to help meet the President's goal to close the digital divide 
and transform the lives of all Americans. This is America's opportunity 
to harness the talents and strengths of all parts of our country and 
remove systemic barriers and provide equal access to opportunities and 
benefits, so that everyone has a chance to reach their full potential. 
But in order to achieve this objective, we need to hear from you. This 
Notice provides an opportunity to provide direct responses to NTIA's 
Request for Comment via public listening sessions, and to inform how 
NTIA designs a program that works to achieve this national and 
community driven opportunity for change.

[[Page 20503]]

    Time and Date: The listening sessions will be held on April 10, 17, 
24, and 29, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. 
The exact time of the meeting is subject to change. Please refer to 
NTIA's website, https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar., for the most 
current information.
    Place: The meeting will be held virtually, with online slide share 
and dial-in information to be posted at https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar. Please refer to NTIA's website, https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar., for the most current information.
    Other Information: The meeting is open to the public and the press 
on a first-come, first-served basis. The virtual meeting is accessible 
to people with disabilities. Sign language interpretation and virtual 
real-time captioning will be available. Individuals requiring other 
ancillary aids should notify the Department at [email protected] 
at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting. Access details 
for the meeting are subject to change. Please refer to NTIA's website, 
https://www.internetforall.gov/calendar., for the most current 
information.

Josephine Arnold,
Senior Attorney Advisor, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-07133 Filed 4-5-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P

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