Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, 58300-58310 [2023-18342]

Download as PDF 58300 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Nominations submitted by State or Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: Key: State, County, Property Name, Multiple Name (if applicable), Address/ Boundary, City, Vicinity, Reference Number. WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA Summit County Akron Soap Company (Additional Documentation), 237–243 Furnace St., Akron, AD14000811 Nomination submitted by Federal Preservation Officer: The State Historic Preservation Officer reviewed the following nomination and responded to the Federal Preservation Officer within 45 days of receipt of the nomination and supports listing the property in the National Register of Historic Places. Alameda County Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Alameda, 1420 Lafayette St., Alameda, SG100009369 Los Angeles County Higgins Building, 108 West 2nd St., Los Angeles, SG100009358 Doctors House, 1601 West Mountain St., Glendale, SG100009362 ILLINOIS Cook County Pioneer Trust and Savings Bank, 4000 West North Ave., Chicago, SG100009372 Will County Illinois State Penitentiary-Joliet Historic District, 1125 Collins St., Joliet, SG100009371 ARIZONA Pima County Blenman-Elm Historic District (Additional Documentation), 2820 East Adams St., Tucson, AD03000318 OHIO CALIFORNIA Humboldt County U.S Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay, (U.S. Government Lifesaving Stations MPS), 200 New Navy Base Rd. Samoa vicinity, MP100009370 Authority: Section 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60. MAINE Cumberland County Franklin Towers, 211 Cumberland Ave. (Tax ID address 61 Wilmot St.), Portland, SG100009363 Dated: August 16, 2023. Sherry A. Frear, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ National Historic Landmarks Program. [FR Doc. 2023–18329 Filed 8–24–23; 8:45 am] Penobscot County Great Northern Paper Company Administration Historic District, 1 Katahdin Ave., Millinocket, SG100009368 BILLING CODE 4312–52–P Piscataquis County Genthner, Ernest and Louise, House, 24 Elm St., Guilford, SG100009364 First Universalist Church of Sangerville, 11 Church St., Sangerville, SG100009367 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Sagadahoc County Malaga Island, Malaga Island, Phippsburg, SG100009365 Medina County Wadsworth Downtown Historic District, Roughly bounded by 101–161 and 102–146 High, 117–129 Broad, 111–273, 102–156 and 246–258 Main, 188 South Lyman, 105 Garfield, and 107–155 and 112–116 College Sts., 110–122, Watrusa Ave., Wadsworth, SG100009356 Jkt 259001 Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261), in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) requires BOEM to hold GOM Lease Sale 261 by September 30, SUMMARY: OHIO 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 [Docket No. BOEM–2023–0013] Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior. ACTION: Final notice of sale. Worcester County Showell House, 11206 Worcester Hwy., Showell vicinity, SG100009376 VerDate Sep<11>2014 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AGENCY: MARYLAND ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Brown County Lenfestey, Agnes and Ruth Lenfestey Mark, House, 1336 Ridgeway Blvd., De Pere, SG100009375 Additional documentation has been received for the following resources: PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2023. The GOM Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale (Final NOS) package contains information essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, Information to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations. DATES: BOEM will hold GOM Lease Sale 261 at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. All times referred to in this document are Central time, unless otherwise specified. Bid submission deadline: BOEM must receive all sealed bids prior to the Bid Submission Deadline of 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the day before the lease sale. For more information on bid submission, see Section VII of this document, ‘‘Bidding Instructions.’’ ADDRESSES: Bids will be accepted by MAIL ONLY through any parcel delivery service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, U.S. Postal Service, DHL), prior to the bid submission deadline, at 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123. Public bid reading for GOM Lease Sale 261 will be held at 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. The venue will not be open to the general public, media, or industry during bid opening or reading. Bid opening will be available for public viewing on BOEM’s website at https:// www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ via livestreaming video beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the date of the sale. The results will be posted on BOEM’s website upon completion of bid opening and reading. Interested parties may download the Final NOS package from BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale261/. Copies of the sale maps can be obtained by contacting the BOEM GOM Region: Gulf of Mexico Region Public Information Office, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2394, (504) 736–2519 or (800) 200–GULF. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The New Orleans Office Lease Sale Coordinator, Bridgette Duplantis, at BOEMGOMRLeaseSales@boem.gov or 504–736–1729. Authority: This notice of sale is published pursuant to 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. (Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended) and 30 CFR 556.308(a). Table of Contents I. Lease Sale Area II. Statutes and Regulations III. Lease Terms and Economic Conditions IV. Lease Stipulations V. Information to Lessees VI. Maps VII. Bidding Instructions VIII. Bidding Rules and Restrictions IX. Forms E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices X. The Lease Sale XI. Delay of Sale I. Lease Sale Area Blocks Offered for Leasing: BOEM will offer for bid in this lease sale all of the available unleased acreage in the GOM OCS as identified on the map, ‘‘Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, online at https://www.boem.gov/oil-gasenergy/mapping-and-data. • Whole and Partial Blocks withdrawn from leasing by Presidential Withdrawal in the September 8, 2020, Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition: GOM protraction areas Block Pensacola (Leasing Map NH 16–05) .................. Destin Dome (Leasing Map NH 16–08) .............. Whole Blocks: 751–754, 793–798, 837–842, 881–886, 925–930, 969–975. Whole Blocks: 1–7, 45–51, 89–96, 133–140, 177–184, 221–228, 265–273, 309–317, 353– 361, 397–405, 441–450, 485–494, 529–538, 573–582, 617–627, 661–671, 705–715, 749– 759, 793–804, 837–848, 881–892, 925–936, 969–981. Whole Blocks: 1–15, 45–59, 92–102. Partial Blocks: 16, 60, 61, 89–91, 103–105, 135–147. Partial Blocks: 114, 158, 202, 246, 290, 334, 335, 378, 379, 422, 423. DeSoto Canyon (Leasing Map NH 16–11) ......... Henderson (Leasing Map NG 16–05) ................. • Whole and Partial Blocks within the boundary of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (East and West Flower Garden Banks and the Stetson Bank) as of the July 14, 2008, Memorandum on Modification of the Withdrawal of Areas of United States Outer Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition: GOM protraction areas Block High Island, East Addition, South Extension (Leasing Map TX7C). Whole Block: A–398. Partial Blocks: A–366, A–367, A–374, A–375, A–383, A–384, A–385, A–388, A–389, A–397, A–399, A–401. Partial Blocks: A–502, A–513. High Island, South Addition (Leasing Map TX7B). • Whole and Partial Blocks that are adjacent to or beyond the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the area known as the northern portion of the Eastern Gap: GOM protraction areas Block Lund South (Leasing Map NG 16–07) ................ Henderson (Leasing Map NG 16–05) ................. Whole Blocks: 128, 129, 169–173, 208–217, 248–261, 293–305, 349. Whole Blocks: 466, 508–510, 551–554, 594–599, 637–643, 679–687, 722–731, 764–775, 807–819, 849–862, 891–905, 933–949, 975–992. Partial Blocks: 335, 379, 423, 467, 511, 555, 556, 600, 644, 688, 732, 776, 777, 820, 821, 863, 864, 906, 907, 950, 993, 994. Whole Blocks: 5–24, 46–67, 89–110, 133–154, 177–197, 221–240, 265–283, 309–327, 363– 370. Florida Plain (Leasing Map NG 16–08) .............. • Depth-restricted, segregated block portion(s). The current block meeting this criterion is: Block 299, Main Pass Area, South and East Addition (as shown on Louisiana Leasing Map LA10A), containing 1,125 acres from the surface of the earth down to a subsea depth of 1,900 feet with respect to the following described portions: SW1⁄4NE1⁄4; NW1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; W1⁄2NE1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; S1⁄2S1⁄2NW1⁄4NE1⁄4; S1⁄2SW1⁄4NE1⁄4NE1⁄4; ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 September 2023, Final Sale Area’’ (https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/), except those blocks listed below in ‘‘Blocks Not Offered for Leasing.’’ Blocks Not Offered for Leasing: BOEM will exclude the following whole and partial blocks from this sale. The BOEM Official Protraction Diagrams (OPDs) and Supplemental OPDs are available 58301 S1⁄2SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4NE1⁄4; N1⁄2SW1⁄4SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4; SW1⁄4SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; NW1⁄4SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4; N1⁄2NW1⁄4SW1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; N1⁄2SE1⁄4SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; N1⁄2S1⁄2SE1⁄4SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; S1⁄2NE1⁄4NW1⁄4; S1⁄2S1⁄2N1⁄2NE1⁄4NW1⁄4; N1⁄2SE1⁄4NW1⁄4;S1⁄2SE1⁄4NW1⁄4NW1⁄4; NE1⁄4SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4NW1⁄4; E1⁄2NE1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4; N1⁄2SE1⁄4SE1⁄4NW1⁄4; NE1⁄4SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NW1⁄4; GOM protraction areas Block Mobile (Leasing Map NH16–04) ......................... Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH 16–07) ............... VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 N1⁄2NW1⁄4SW1⁄4SE1⁄4NW1⁄4; SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4NW1⁄4; E1⁄2SW1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4NW1⁄4; N1⁄2NW1⁄4NE1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4; N1⁄2S1⁄2NW1⁄4NE1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4; N1⁄2N1⁄2NE1⁄4NE1⁄4NE1⁄4SW1⁄4; N1⁄2N1⁄2N1⁄2NW1⁄4NW1⁄4SE1⁄4; N1⁄2N1⁄2NW1⁄4NE1⁄4NW1⁄4SE1⁄4. • Whole and Partial Blocks that were previously subject to the Blocks South of Baldwin County, Alabama, Stipulation: 826–830, 869–874, 913–918, 957–962, 1001–1006. 33–35. PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 58302 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices • Whole and Partial Blocks that were previously subject to the Topographic Features Stipulation: GOM protraction areas Block East Breaks (Leasing Map NG 15–01) ............... East Cameron Area (Leasing Map LA2) ............. Eugene Island Area (Leasing Map LA4) ............. Ewing Bank (Leasing Map NH 15–12) ............... Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG 15–02) ........... 121–124, 165–168, 173, 217. 361–363, 377–379. 335, 355–356, 381–383, 390–391, 397. 903, 932–933, 944–945, 947, 975–977. 26–31, 33, 61–63, 70–77, 81–85, 95–98, 102–110, 119–121, 126–128, 133–136, 138–146, 148–155, 177–180, 192–198, 237–239. 4–7, 49–50, 90. A311–312, A 327–A 332, A 340, A 346–A403, A446–A448, A463–A465, A486–A488, A501– A503, A512–A514, A527–A529, A534–A535, A573, A578–A580, A589–A591, A596. 316. A3–4, A9, A16, A54, A61–A62, A86–A87, A95, A117–A118, A136–A137. PN A30–A31, A40–A41, A72, A83–A84. 161–163, 169–173, 176–180, 185–188, 193–197, 200–204. Green Canyon (Leasing Map NG 15–03) ........... High Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX7A). Mississippi Canyon (Leasing Map NH 16–10) .... Mustang Island Area (Leasing Map TX3) ........... North Padre Island Area (Leasing Map TX2) ..... South Marsh Island Area, North Addition (Leasing Map LA3D). Ship Shoal Area (Leasing Map LA5) .................. South Timbalier Area (Leasing Map LA6) .......... Vermilion Area (Leasing Map LA3) ..................... West Cameron Area (Leasing Map LA1) ............ West Delta Area (Leasing Map LA8) .................. • Whole blocks that contain banks that are adjacent to blocks previously 325–329, 334–339, 348–353, 356–359. 314–317. 284–286, 297–300, 303–306, 317–320, 361–363, 369–372, 382–396, 403–412. 569–570, 589–592, 611–614, 633–638, 645–646, 648–663. 147–148. included in the Topographic Features Stipulation: GOM protraction area Blocks Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG 15–02) ........... 181. • Whole and Partial Blocks that were previously subject to the Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation: GOM protraction area Blocks Main Pass Area, South and East Addition (Leasing Map LA10A). Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH 16–07) ............... • Whole and partial blocks identified as either Wind Energy Area Options (Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, and 473–476, 521–522, 564–566, 610, 654, 692–698, 734, 778. N) or final Wind Energy Areas (Areas I and M): GOM protraction area Blocks Brazos Area (Leasing Map TX5) ........................ 430, 457–459, 466–468, 572–575, 580–584, 609–614, A22, A28–A29, A3, A30–A35, A42– A43. A102–A105, A46–A48, A55–A58, A60–A61, A73–A74. Brazos Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX5B). East Cameron Area (Leasing Map LA2) ............. Galveston Area (Leasing Map TX6) ................... Galveston Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX6A). High Island Area (Leasing Map TX7) ................. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 190, 194, 198, 219–226, 244–266, 276–290. High Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX7A). High Island Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX7B). Matagorda Island Area (Leasing Map TX4) ........ Mustang Island Area (Leasing Map TX3) ........... South Padre Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX1A). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 96–106, 113–124. 237, 258–259, 265–268, 286–291, 293–299, 317–327, 350–356, 386–387, 427–429, 460– 462, 464–465, A1–A9, A10–A35, A40–A49, A62–A77, A84–A86, A91–A94, A97–A99, A103–A105, A110–A113. A114–A119, A138–A139, A140–A148, A169–A174, A203. 235–236, 260–261, 263–264, 292, A2–A4, A11–A15, A27–A31, A62–A64, A66–A68, A70– A90, A92–A99, A100–A111, A113–A116, A118–A142, A144–A152, A156–A163, A165– A166. A170–A174, A177–A182, A187–A193, A195–A199, A202–A209, A211–A213, A216–217, A220–A228, A233–A241, A250–A251. A404–A405, A408–A413, A420–A425, A428–A431, A434–A439, A454–A457, A480–A481. 639–642, 646–649, 673–678, A1, A3, A4. 803–804, 810–812, 826–828, 832–834, 847–849, 853–854. 1078, 1097–1098, 1117–1119, A35–A36, A46–A52, A59–A64. PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices GOM protraction area 58303 Blocks West Cameron Area (Leasing Map LA1) ............ West Cameron Area, West Addition (Leasing Map LA1A). 188–190, 195–196, 205–213, 224–230, 241–245, 256. 302–303, 314–318, 328–334, 343–352, 359–360, 362–364, 372–379, 393–396, 398–400. • Whole and Partial BOEMdesignated Significant Sediment Resource Area Blocks: GOM protraction area Blocks Bay Marchand Area (Leasing Map LA6C) .......... Breton Sound Area (Leasing Map LA10B) ......... Chandeleur Area (Leasing Map LA11) ............... Eugene Island Area (Leasing Map LA4) ............. Galveston Area (Leasing Map TX6) ................... Galveston Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX6A). Grand Isle Area (Leasing Map LA7) ................... High Island Area (Leasing Map TX7) ................. High Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX7A). Mobile (Leasing Map NH 16–04) ........................ Main Pass Area (Leasing Map LA10) ................. Main Pass, South and East Addition (Leasing Map LA10A). South Pelto Area (Leasing Map LA6B) ............... Sabine Pass Area (LA) (Leasing Map LA12) ..... South Marsh Island Area, North Addition (Leasing Map LA3D). Ship Shoal Area (Leasing Map LA5) .................. South Timbalier Area (Leasing Map LA6) .......... Sabine Pass Area (TX) (Leasing Map TX8) ....... Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH 16–07) ............... Vermilion Area (Leasing Map LA3) ..................... West Cameron Area (Leasing Map LA1) ............ West Cameron Area, West Addition (Leasing Map LA1A). West Delta Area (Leasing Map LA8) .................. • Whole and Partial Blocks between the 100 m and 400 m isobaths across the 2–5. 24, 25, 39, 41–44, 53–56. 1, 4, 5, 8, 16, 28, 30–34. 10, 18–35, 37–96, 111, 112. 265, 290, 291, 293, 294, 295, 322. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A. 15, 25. 19–21, 35–39, 45–49, 60–65, 69–76, 83–91, 111–119, 131–137, 158–164, 171–175, 196– 205, 230–234, 261–264, 292, A6–A10, A16–A22, A37–A42, A60–A65. 6, 10, 38–42, 45, 46, 60–65, 74–76, 83, 84, 85. 765–767, 778, 779, 809–824, 826–830, 853–874, 897–918, 942, 946, 947, 954–962, 991, 999–1006. 6, 39–44, 58–60, 86–90, 92–120, 125–129, 139. 161, 162, 180, 181. 1–20, 23–25. 8–16. 207–237, 241–249, 259–261, 267, 268. 24–26, 37, 38, 63–75, 84–100, 107–114, 119, 120. 9–11, 16–18, 34, 51, 52, 54, 55, 66, 67, 72. 9, 17, 18, 40, 44. 23, 34–38, 67, 78–82, 111, 155. 11, 30, 49, 51–54, 68–77, 86–96, 108–111. 20–22, 41–45, 56–60, 78–83, 90–95, 113–118, 128–134, 146–150, 153–157, 160, 161, 162, 168–172, 181. 154–157, 160–162, 287. 20–31, 32, 43–50, 56–61. northern Gulf of Mexico on the OCS, eastward from the Mexican border with ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 GOM protraction areas Blocks Main Pass Area (Leasing Map LA10A) .............. West Cameron Area South Addition (Leasing Map LA1B). East Cameron Area South Addition (Leasing Map LA2A). Vermilion Area South Addition (Leasing Map LA3B). South Marsh Island Area, South Addition (Leasing Map LA3C). Eugene Island Area, South Addition (Leasing Map LA4A). Ship Shoal Area, South Addition (Leasing Map LA5A). South Timbalier Area, South Addition (Leasing Map LA6A). Grand Isle Area (Leasing Map LA7) ................... Grand Isle Area, South Addition (Leasing Map LA7A). West Delta Area, South Addition (Leasing Map LA8A). South Pass Area (Leasing Map LA9) ................. South Pass Area, south and East Addition (Leasing Map LA9A). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 Texas and westward from the eastern edge of the Central Planning Area. 249–260, 280–291, 306–308, 315, 316. 620, 621, 624–663. 344, 345, 353–381. 367, 368, 373. 378–413. 177–206. 346–349, 361–397. 320–368. 258, 259, 280–294, 300–320. 80–83. 86–88, 90–92, 97,103–106, 110–121. 126–130, 137–154. 33, 47–55, 61. 62–65, 67–76, 79–96. PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 58304 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices GOM protraction areas Blocks Corpus Christi (Leasing Map NG14–03) ............. 350, 351, 392–395, 435–439, 478–483, 521–527, 565–571, 608–615, 651–657, 694–700, 738–743, 781–786, 825–830, 868–873, 912–917, 956–960, 1000–1004. 30–34, 74–77, 118–121, 162–165, 207–210, 251–254, 295–298, 340–342, 384–387, 429– 431, 473–475, 517–519, 562–563, 606–608, 650–652, 694–696, 738–740, 782, 783, 826– 828, 869–872, 914–916, 958–960. 61–65, 73–75, 102–129, 144–173, 185–202, 204–217, 223–234, 239–245, 247–252, 254– 261, 265–274, 284, 285. 287–296, 298–305, 309–313, 315, 316, 332, 333, 335, 336, 338– 340, 342, 343, 347, 348, 353–356, 397, 398, 441, 442, 485, 486. 21–31, 33–35, 60–85, 95–98, 102–129, 133–136, 138–173, 177–217, 221–244, 247–252, 261, 265–287, 295–300, 309–328, 330, 339 340, 342, 343, 358–372, 404–413, 453, 454. 3–27, 45–69, 89–105, 110, 133–149, 177–183. 304–306, 347–350, 393, 394, 447, 448, 481, 482, 525, 526, 570, 614, 658, 701, 702, 743– 746, 781–791, 824–834, 867–877, 903–921, 932, 933, 937, 940, 944, 961, 975–1000. 654, 692–698, 734–742, 772–785, 813–825, 856–864, 898–907, 940–947, 983–990. 20–27, 63–70, 103, 104, 107–110, 147–153, 190–196, 234–238, 265–269, 277–281, 309– 313, 316–325, 353–369, 363A, 397, 398, 400–412, 441, 442, 449–455, 485–487, 529–532, 573–576, 617–619, 661–663, 705–707, 749, 750, 793, 794. A1–A3, A11–A15, A27–29A, A41, A42, A55, A56, A78, A79, A89, A90. Port Isabel (Leasing Map NG14–06) .................. East Break (Leasing Map NG15–01) .................. Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG15–02) ............ Green Canyon (Leasing Map NG15–03) ............ Ewing Bank (Leasing Map NH15–12) ................. Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH16–07) ................ Mississippi Canyon (Leasing Map NH16–10) ..... South Padre Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX1A). North Padre Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX2A). Mustang Island Area (Leasing Map TX3) ........... Mustang Island Area, East Addition (Leasing Map TX3A). Brazos Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX5B). Galveston Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX6A). High Island Area, South Addition (Leasing Map TX7B). High Island Area, East Addition, South Extension (Leasing Map TX7C). The final list of blocks available for bid is posted on BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ under the Final NOS tab. II. Statutes and Regulations The IRA directs BOEM to hold GOM Lease Sale 261 by September 30, 2023. Each lease is issued pursuant to OCSLA, 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., as amended, and is subject to OCSLA implementing regulations promulgated pursuant thereto in 30 CFR part 556, and other applicable statutes and regulations in existence upon the effective date of the lease, as well as those applicable statutes enacted and regulations promulgated thereafter, except to the extent that the after-enacted statutes and A27, A38. A39–A42, A73–A80, A98–A111, A121–A133, A139–A149, A153–A162, A164–A175. A117–A121. A219–A228, A234–A253, A561–A566. A561–A566, A573–A596. A365–A403. regulations explicitly conflict with an express provision of the lease. Each lease is subject to amendments to statutes and regulations, including but not limited to OCSLA, that do not explicitly conflict with an express provision of the lease. The lessee expressly bears the risk that such new or amended statutes and regulations (i.e., those that do not explicitly conflict with an express provision of the lease) may increase or decrease the lessee’s obligations under the lease. BOEM reserves the right to reject any and all bids received, regardless of the amount offered (see 30 CFR 556.516). III. Lease Terms and Economic Conditions OCS Lease Form BOEM will use Form BOEM–2005 (February 2017) to convey leases resulting from this sale. This lease form can be viewed on BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2005. The lease form will be amended to include specific terms, conditions, and stipulations applicable to the individual lease. The final terms, conditions, and stipulations applicable to this sale are below. Primary Terms Primary terms are summarized in the following table: Water depth (meters) Primary term 0 to <400 ......................................... The primary term is 5 years; the lessee may earn an additional 3 years (i.e., for an 8-year extended primary term) if a well is spudded targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet True Vertical Depth Subsea (TVDSS) during the first 5 years of the lease. The primary term is 5 years; the lessee will earn an additional 3 years (i.e., for an 8-year extended primary term) if a well is spudded during the first 5 years of the lease. 10 years. 400 to <800 ..................................... ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 A1–A4, A15–A22, A33–A38, A48–A55, A64–A68, A77–A81, A89–A93, A102–A104. 800+ ................................................ (1) The primary term for a lease in water depths less than 400 meters issued as a result of this sale is 5 years. If the lessee spuds a well targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet TVDSS VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 within the first 5 years of the lease, then the lessee may earn an additional 3 years, resulting in an 8-year primary term. The lessee will earn the 8-year primary term when the well is drilled to PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a target below 25,000 feet TVDSS; or the lessee may earn the 8-year primary term in cases where the well targets, but does not reach, a depth below 25,000 feet TVDSS due to mechanical or safety E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 58305 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices reasons that are beyond the lessee’s control, and that are supported by sufficient evidence from the lessee. To earn the 8-year primary term, the lessee is required to submit a letter to the BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor, Office of Leasing and Plans, as soon as practicable, but no more than 30 days after completion of the drilling operation, providing the well number, spud date, information demonstrating a target below 25,000 feet TVDSS and whether that target was reached, and if applicable, any safety or mechanical reasons encountered that prevented the well from reaching a depth below 25,000 feet TVDSS. In the letter, the lessee must request confirmation from BOEM that the lessee earned the 8-year primary term. The BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor for Leasing and Plans will confirm in writing, within 30 days of receiving the lessee’s letter, whether the lessee has earned the extended primary term and accordingly update BOEM’s records. The extended primary term is not effective unless and until the lessee receives confirmation from BOEM. A lessee that has earned the 8-year primary term by spudding a well with a hydrocarbon target below 25,000 feet TVDSS during the standard 5-year primary term of the lease will not be granted a suspension for that same period under the regulations at 30 CFR 250.175 because the lease is not at risk of expiring. (2) The primary term for a lease in water depths ranging from 400 to less than 800 meters issued as a result of this sale is 5 years. If the lessee spuds a well within the 5-year primary term of the lease, the lessee may earn an additional 3 years, resulting in an 8-year primary term. To earn the 8-year primary term, the lessee is required to submit a letter to the BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor, Office of Leasing and Plans, as soon as practicable, but no more than 30 days after spudding a well, providing the well number and spud date, and requesting confirmation from BOEM that the lessee earned the 8-year extended primary term. Within 30 days of receipt of the request, the BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor for Leasing Water depth (meters) Years 1–5 0 to <200 .......................................................................................................... 200 to <400 ...................................................................................................... 400+ ................................................................................................................. Escalating Rental Rates for Leases With an 8-Year Primary Term in Water Depths Less Than 400 Meters Any lessee with a lease in less than 400 meters water depth who earns an 8year primary term will pay an escalating rental rate as shown above. The rental rates after the fifth year for blocks in less than 400 meters water depth will become fixed and no longer escalate if another well is spudded targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet TVDSS after the fifth year of the lease, and BOEM concurs that such a well has been spudded. In this case, the rental rate will become fixed at the rental rate in effect during the lease year in which the additional well was spudded. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Royalty Rate • 183⁄4 percent for all leases. Minimum Royalty Rate • $10 per acre or fraction thereof per year for blocks in water depths less than 200 meters; and • $16 per acre or fraction thereof per year for blocks in water depths 200 meters or deeper. Royalty Suspension Provisions The Department may issue leases with Royalty Suspension Volumes (RSVs) VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 Royalty Suspension Volumes on Gas Production From Ultra-Deep Wells Pursuant to 30 CFR part 203, certain leases issued as a result of this sale may be eligible for RSV incentives on gas produced from ultra-deep wells. Under this program, wells on leases in less than 400 meters water depth and completed to a drilling depth of 20,000 feet TVDSS or deeper receive an RSV of 35 billion cubic feet on the production of natural gas. This RSV incentive is subject to applicable price thresholds set forth in the regulations at 30 CFR part 203. These regulations implement the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109–58, 119 Stat. 594 (2005)). Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Minimum Bonus Bid Amounts BOEM will not accept a bonus bid unless it provides for a cash bonus in an amount equal to or exceeding the specified minimum bid, as described below. • $25 per acre or fraction thereof for blocks in water depths less than 400 meters; and • $100 per acre or fraction thereof for blocks in water depths 400 meters or deeper. Rental Rates Annual rental rates, per acre or fraction thereof, are summarized in the following table: Year 6 $10 16 16 and other forms of royalty relief under 30 CFR part 560, which BOEM administers. The specific details relating to eligibility and implementation of RSVs and other royalty relief programs are found at 30 CFR part 203, which the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement administers. In this sale, the only royalty relief program being offered involves RSVs for the drilling of ultra-deep wells in water depths of less than 400 meters, as described in the following section. PO 00000 and Plans will provide written confirmation of whether the lessee has earned the extended primary term and accordingly update BOEM’s records. The extended primary term is not effective unless and until the lessee receives confirmation from BOEM. (3) The primary term for a lease in water depths 800 meters or deeper issued as a result of this sale is 10 years. Year 7 $20 32 22 Year 8+ $30 48 22 $40 64 22 IV. Lease Stipulations One or more of the stipulations below may be applied to leases issued as a result of this sale. The applicable blocks for each stipulation are identified on the map ‘‘Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Stipulations and Deferred Blocks’’ included in the Final NOS package. The full text of the following stipulations is contained in the ‘‘Lease Stipulations’’ section of the Final NOS package. BOEM has posted the final list of blocks available for bid and the applicable stipulations that apply to those blocks on its website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ under the Final NOS tab. (1) Military Areas (2) Evacuation (3) Coordination (4) Protected Species (5) United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Royalty Payment (6) Agreement between the United States of America and the United Mexican States Concerning Transboundary Hydrocarbon Reservoirs in the Gulf of Mexico (7) Restrictions due to Rights-of-Use and Easement for Floating Production Facilities E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 58306 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices (8) Royalties on All Produced Gas V. Information to Lessees Information to Lessees (ITLs) provide detailed information on certain issues pertaining to specific oil and gas lease sales. The full text of the ITLs for this sale is contained in the ‘‘Information to Lessees’’ section of the Final NOS package and covers the following topics. (1) Navigation Safety (2) Ordnance Disposal Areas (3) Existing and Proposed Artificial Reefs/Rigs-to-Reefs (4) Lightering Zones (5) Indicated Hydrocarbons List (6) Military Areas (7) Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Inspection and Enforcement of Certain U.S. Coast Guard Regulations (8) Significant Outer Continental Shelf Sediment Resource Areas (9) Notice of Arrival on the Outer Continental Shelf (10) Bidder/Lessee Notice of Obligations Related to Criminal/Civil Charges and Offenses, Suspension, or Debarment; Disqualification Due to a Conviction under the Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act (11) Protected Species (12) Expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (13) Communication Towers (14) Deepwater Port Applications (DWP) for Offshore Oil and Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities (15) Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites (16) Rights-of-Use and Easement (17) Industrial Waste Disposal Areas (18) Gulf Islands National Seashore (19) Air Quality Permit/Plan Approvals (20) Provisions Pertaining to Certain Transactions by Foreign Persons Involving Real Estate in the United States (21) Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 VI. Maps The maps pertaining to this lease sale can be viewed on BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. The following maps also are included in the Final NOS package: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Sale Area Map The sale area is shown on the map entitled, ‘‘Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Final Sale Area.’’ Lease Terms and Economic Conditions Map The lease terms and economic conditions associated with leases of certain blocks are shown on the map entitled, ‘‘Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Lease Terms and Economic Conditions.’’ Stipulations and Deferred Blocks Map The lease stipulations and the blocks to which they apply are shown on the map entitled, ‘‘Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Stipulations and Deferred Blocks.’’ VII. Bidding Instructions Bids may be submitted BY MAIL ONLY through any parcel delivery service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL) at the address below in the ‘‘Mailed Bids’’ section. Bidders should be aware that BOEM has eliminated in-person bidding for GOM Lease Sale 261. Instructions on how to submit a bid, secure payment of the advance bonus bid deposit (if applicable), and the information to be included with the bid are as follows: Bid Form For each block bid upon, a separate sealed bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope (as described below) and include the following items: • Total amount of the bid in whole dollars only; • Sale number; • Sale date; • Each bidder’s exact name; • Each bidder’s proportionate interest, stated as a percentage, using a maximum of five decimal places (e.g., 33.33333 percent); • Typed name and title, and signature of each bidder’s authorized officer. Electronic signatures are acceptable. The typed name, title, and signature must agree exactly with the name and title on file in the BOEM Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Adjudication Section; • Each bidder’s BOEM qualification number; • Map name and number or OPD name and number; • Block number; and • Statement acknowledging that the bidder(s) understands that this bid legally binds the bidder(s) to comply with all applicable regulations, including the requirement to post a deposit in the amount of one-fifth of the bonus bid amount for any tract bid upon and make payment of the balance of the bonus bid and first year’s rental upon BOEM’s acceptance of high bids. The information required for each bid is specified in the document ‘‘Bid Form’’ that is available in the Final NOS package, which can be found at https:// www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. A blank bid form is provided in the Final NOS package for convenience and can be copied and completed with the necessary information described above. PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Bid Envelope Each bid must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope labeled as follows: • ‘‘Sealed Bid for GOM Lease Sale 261, not to be opened until 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023’’; • Map name and number or OPD name and number; • Block number for block bid upon; • Acreage, if the bid is for a block that is split between the Central and Eastern Planning Areas; and • The exact name and qualification number of the submitting bidder only. The Final NOS package includes a sample bid envelope for reference. Mailed Bids Please address the envelope containing the sealed bid envelope(s) as follows: Attention: Leasing and Financial Responsibility Section, BOEM New Orleans Office, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard MS–266A, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2394. Contains Sealed Bids for GOM Lease Sale 261. Please Deliver to Mr. Greg Purvis, 2nd Floor, Immediately. Please Note: Bidders are advised to inform BOEM by email at BOEMGOMRLeaseSales@boem.gov immediately after placing bid(s) in the mail. This provides advance notice to BOEM regarding pending bids prior to the bid submission deadline. In the email, please state the tracking number of the bid package, the number of bids being submitted, and the email address of the person who should receive the bid receipt for signature. If BOEM receives bids later than the bid submission deadline, the BOEM GOM Regional Director (RD) will return those bids unopened to bidders. Please see Section XI, ‘‘Delay of Sale,’’ regarding BOEM’s discretion to extend the Bid Submission Deadline in the case of an unexpected event (e.g., flooding) and how bidders can obtain more information on such extensions. Advance Bonus Bid Deposit Guarantee Bidders that are not currently an OCS oil and gas lease record title holder or designated operator, or those that have ever defaulted on a one-fifth bonus bid deposit, must guarantee (secure) the payment of the one-fifth bonus bid deposit, by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or otherwise, prior to bid submission using one of the following four methods: • Provide a third-party guarantee; • Amend a development stage areawide bond via bond rider; • Provide a letter of credit; or • Provide a lump sum payment in advance via EFT. E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices Please provide, at the time of bid submittal, a confirmation or tracking number for the payment, the name of the company submitting the payment as it appears on the payment, and the date the payment was submitted so that BOEM can confirm payment with the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR). Bidders should submit payments to their financial institution at least 5 business days prior to bid submittal to ensure that the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (U.S. Treasury) have time to screen and process payments and that payments are posted to ONRR prior to placing the bid. ONRR cannot confirm payment until the monies have been moved into settlement status by the U.S. Treasury. Bids will not be accepted if BOEM cannot confirm payment with ONRR before 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. If providing a third-party guarantee, amending a development stage areawide bond via bond rider, or providing a letter of credit to secure your one-fifth bonus bid deposit, bidders are urged to file these documents with BOEM well in advance of submitting the bid. This allows processing time and ensures bidders have time to take any necessary curative actions prior to bid submission. For more information on EFT procedures, see Section X, ‘‘The Lease Sale.’’ ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Affirmative Action Prior to bidding, each bidder should file the Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Representation Form BOEM– 2032 (February 2020, available on BOEM’s website at https:// www.boem.gov/BOEM-2032/) and Equal Opportunity Compliance Report Certification Form BOEM–2033 (February 2020, available on BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/BOEM2033/) with the BOEM GOM Adjudication Section. This certification is required by 41 CFR part 60 and Executive Order (E.O.) 11246, issued September 24, 1965, as amended by E.O. 11375, issued October 13, 1967, and by E.O. 13672, issued July 21, 2014. Both forms must be on file for the bidder(s) in the GOM Adjudication Section prior to the execution of any lease contract. Geophysical Data and Information Statement (GDIS) The GDIS is composed of three parts: (1) A ‘‘Statement’’ page that includes the company representatives’ information and separate lists of blocks bid on that used proprietary data and those blocks bid upon that did not use proprietary data; VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 (2) A ‘‘Table’’ listing the required data about each proprietary survey used (see below); and (3) ‘‘Maps’’ that contain the live trace maps for each proprietary survey that is identified in the GDIS statement and table. Every bidder submitting a bid on a block in GOM Lease Sale 261 or participating as a joint bidder in such a bid must submit at the time of bid submission all three parts of the GDIS. A bidder must submit the GDIS even if a joint bidder or bidders on a specific block also have submitted a GDIS. Please specify on the outside of the GDIS envelope if the information provided is for a joint bid, and if so, include the block number and primary bidder (company submitting the bid). Any speculative data that has been reprocessed externally or ‘‘in-house’’ is considered proprietary due to the proprietary processing and is no longer considered to be speculative. The bidder and joint bidder must submit the GDIS in a separate and sealed envelope and must identify all proprietary data; reprocessed speculative data, and/or any Controlled Source Electromagnetic surveys, Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) data, gravity data, and/or magnetic data; or other information used as part of the decision to bid or participate in a bid on the block. The bidder and joint bidder must also include a live trace map (e.g., .pdf and ArcGIS shapefile) for each proprietary survey identified in the GDIS illustrating the actual areal extent of the proprietary geophysical data in the survey (see the ‘‘Example of Preferred Format’’ that is included in the Final NOS package for additional information). The shape file must not include cultural resources information; only the live trace map of the survey itself. The GDIS statement must include the name, phone number, and full address for a contact person and an alternate who are both knowledgeable about the geophysical information and data listed and who are available for 30 days after the sale date. The GDIS statement must also include a list of all blocks bid upon, including those blocks where no proprietary or reprocessed geophysical data and/or proprietary information was used, as a basis for the bidder’s decision to bid or to participate as a joint bidder in the bid. All GDIS statements must be included with any submitted bids in a separate envelope identified as GDIS. All bidders must submit the GDIS statement, even if no proprietary geophysical data or information was used in its bid preparation for the block. PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58307 An example of the preferred format of the table is included in the Final NOS package, and a blank digital version of the preferred table can be accessed on the GOM Lease Sale 261 website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. The GDIS table should have columns that clearly state the following: • The sale number; • The bidder company’s name; • The joint bidder’s company’s name (if applicable); • The company that will provide the proprietary geophysical survey data to BOEM; • The block area and block number bid upon; • The owner of the original data set (e.g, TGS, PGS, WGC, CGG, etc.); • The industry’s original name of the survey (e.g., E Octopus); • The BOEM permit number for the survey; • Whether the data set is a fast-track version (intermediate product that is not final); • Whether the data is speculative or proprietary; • The data type (e.g., 2–D, 3–D, or 4– D; pre-stack or post-stack; time or depth); • The migration algorithm (e.g., Kirchhoff migration, wave equation migration, reverse migration, reverse time migration) of the data and areal extent of bidder survey (i.e., number of line miles for 2–D or number of blocks for 3–D); • The live proprietary survey coverage (2–D miles 3–D blocks); • The computer storage size, to the nearest gigabyte, of each seismic data and velocity volume used to evaluate the lease block; • Who reprocessed the data; • The date on which the final reprocessing was completed (month and year); • If the data was previously sent to BOEM, list the sale number and date of the sale for which it was used; • Whether proprietary or speculative AVO/AVA (PROP/SPEC) was used; • The date on which AVO or AVA was sent to BOEM, if sent prior to the sale; • Whether AVO/AVA is time or depth (PSTM or PSDM); • Which angled stacks were used (e.g., NEAR, MID, FAR, ULTRAFAR); • Whether the company used Gathers to evaluate the block in question; and • Whether the company used Vector Offset Output (VOO) or Vector Image Partitions (VIP) to evaluate the block in question. BOEM will use the computer storage size information to estimate the reproduction costs for each data set, if E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 58308 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices applicable. BOEM will determine the availability of reimbursement of production costs consistent with 30 CFR 551.13. BOEM reserves the right to inquire about alternate data sets, to perform quality checks, and to compare the listed and alternative data sets to determine which data set most closely meets the needs of the fair market value determination process. See the ‘‘Example of Preferred Format’’ that is included in the Final NOS package. The GDIS maps are live trace maps (e.g., .pdf and ArcGIS shapefiles) that bidders should submit for each proprietary survey identified in the GDIS table. The maps should illustrate the actual areal extent of the proprietary geophysical data in the survey (see the ‘‘Example of Preferred Format’’ that is included in the Final NOS package for additional information). As previously stated, the shapefile must not include cultural resources information, only the live trace map of the survey itself. Pursuant to 30 CFR 551.12 and 556.501, as a condition of the sale, the BOEM GOM Regional Director requests that all bidders and joint bidders submit the proprietary data identified on their GDIS within 30 days after the lease sale (unless notified after the lease sale that BOEM has withdrawn the request). This request only pertains to proprietary data that is not commercially available. Commercially available data should not be submitted to BOEM unless specifically requested by BOEM. No reimbursement will be provided for unsolicited data sent to BOEM. The BOEM GOM RD will notify bidders and joint bidders of any withdrawal of the request, for all or some of the proprietary data identified on the GDIS, within 15 calendar days of the lease sale. Where the BOEM GOM RD has notified bidders and joint bidders that the request for such proprietary data has been withdrawn, reimbursement will not be provided. Pursuant to 30 CFR part 551 and 30 CFR 556.501, as a condition of this sale, all bidders that are required to submit data must ensure that the data are received by BOEM no later than the 30th day following the lease sale, or the next business day if the submission deadline falls on a weekend or Federal holiday. Please do not submit proprietary geophysical survey data in the GDIS envelope. The proprietary geophysical survey data must be submitted to BOEM at the following address within 30 days of the sale as stated above: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Resource Studies, GM 881A, 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2304. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 The GDIS must be submitted along with your bid envelope to: Leasing and Financial Responsibility Section, BOEM New Orleans Office, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, MS–266A, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123–2394. Contains Sealed Bids for GOM Lease Sale 261. Please Deliver to Mr. Greg Purvis 2nd Floor, Immediately. BOEM recommends that bidders mark the GDIS submission’s external envelope as ‘‘Deliver Immediately to DASPU.’’ BOEM also recommends that bidders submit the GDIS in an internal envelope, or otherwise marked, with the following designation: ‘‘Geophysical Data and Information Statement for Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261’’, Company Name, GOM Company Qualification Number, and ‘‘Proprietary Data.’’ In the event a person supplies any type of data to BOEM, that person must meet the following requirements to qualify for reimbursement: (1) Must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), formerly known as the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). CCR usernames will not work in SAM. A new SAM user account is needed to register or update an entity’s records. The website for registering is https://usfcr.com/registerrenew/. (2) Must be enrolled in the U.S. Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for electronic invoicing; to enroll go to https://www.ipp.gov/. Access then will be granted to use the IPP for submitting requests for payment. When submitting a request for payment, the assigned Purchase Order Number must be included. (3) Must have a current On-line Representations and Certifications Application at https://usfcr.com/. Please Note: Digital copies and duplicate hardcopies should be submitted for the GDIS Statement, Table and Maps. The GDIS Statement should be sent as a digital PDF. The GDIS Information Table must be submitted digitally as an Excel spreadsheet. The Proprietary Maps should be sent as PDF files and the live trace outline of each proprietary survey should also be submitted as a shapefile. Please flatten all layered PDF files, since layered PDFs can have many objects. Layered PDFs can cause problems opening or printing the file correctly. Bidders may submit the digital files on a CD, DVD, or any USB external drive (formatted for Windows). If bidders have any questions, please contact Ms. Dee Smith at (504) 736–2706 or Ms. Teree Campbell at (504) 736–3231. Bidders should refer to the ‘‘Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of Bids’’ heading under Section X, ‘‘The PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Lease Sale,’’ regarding a bidder’s failure to comply with the requirements of the Final NOS, including any failure to submit information required in the Final NOS package. Telephone Numbers/Addresses of Bidders BOEM requests that bidders provide this information in the suggested format prior to or at the time of bid submission. The suggested format is included in the Final NOS package. The form must not be enclosed inside the sealed bid envelope. Additional Documentation BOEM may require bidders to submit other documents in accordance with 30 CFR 556.107, 556.401, 556.501, and 556.513. VIII. Bidding Rules and Restrictions Restricted Joint Bidders On May 4, 2023, BOEM published the most recent List of Restricted Joint Bidders in the Federal Register at 88 FR 28610. Potential bidders are advised to refer to the Federal Register prior to bidding for the most current list in place at the time of the lease sale. Please refer to the joint bidding provisions at 30 CFR 556.511–556.515. Authorized Signatures All signatories executing documents on behalf of the bidder(s) must execute the same in conformance with the BOEM qualification records. Bidders are advised that BOEM considers the signed bid to be a legally binding obligation on the part of the bidder(s) to comply with all applicable regulations, including that requiring payment of one-fifth of the bonus bid on all high bids. A statement to this effect is included on each bid form (see the document ‘‘Bid Form’’ that is included in the Final NOS package). Unlawful Combination or Intimidation BOEM warns bidders against violation of 18 U.S.C. 1860, which prohibits unlawful combination or intimidation of bidders. Bid Withdrawal Bids may be withdrawn only by written request delivered to BOEM prior to the bid submission deadline via any parcel delivery service. Withdrawals will not be accepted in person or via email. The withdrawal request must be on company letterhead and must contain the bidder’s name, its BOEM qualification number, the map name/ number, and the block number(s) of the bid(s) to be withdrawn. The withdrawal request must be executed by one or more of the representatives named in E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices the BOEM qualification records. The name and title of the authorized signatory must be typed under the signature block on the withdrawal request. The BOEM GOM RD, or the RD’s designee, will indicate approval by signing and dating the withdrawal request. Bid Rounding Minimum bonus bid calculations, including rounding, for all blocks are shown in the document ‘‘List of Blocks Available for Leasing’’ that is included in the Final NOS package. The bonus bid amount must be stated in whole dollars. If the acreage of a block contains a decimal figure, then prior to calculating the minimum bonus bid, BOEM will round up to the next whole acre. The appropriate minimum rate per acre will be applied to the whole (rounded up) acreage. The bonus bid amount must be greater than or equal to the minimum bonus bid, as calculated and stated in the Final NOS package. IX. Forms The Final NOS package includes instructions, samples, and/or the preferred format for the items listed below. BOEM strongly encourages bidders to use the recommended formats. If bidders use another format, they are responsible for including all the information specified for each item in the Final NOS package. (1) Bid Form (2) Sample Completed Bid (3) Sample Bid Envelope (4) Sample Bid Mailing Envelope (5) Telephone Numbers/Addresses of Bidders Form (6) GDIS Form (7) GDIS Envelope Form X. The Lease Sale ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Bid Opening and Reading Sealed bids received in response to the Final NOS will be opened at the place, date, and hour specified under the DATES and ADDRESSES sections of the Final NOS. The venue will not be open to the public. Instead, the bid opening will be available for the public to view on BOEM’s website at https:// www.boem.gov via live streaming. The opening of the bids is for the sole purpose of publicly announcing and recording the bids received; no bids will be accepted or rejected at that time. Bonus Bid Deposit for Apparent High Bids Each bidder submitting an apparent high bid must submit a bonus bid deposit to ONRR equal to one-fifth of the bonus bid amount for each such bid. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 A copy of the notification of the high bidder’s one-fifth bonus bid amount can be obtained on the BOEM website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ under the heading ‘‘Notification of EFT 1/5 Bonus Liability’’ after 1:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. All payments must be electronically deposited into an interestbearing account in the U.S. Treasury by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time the day following the bid reading (no exceptions). Account information is provided in the ‘‘Instructions for Making Electronic Funds Transfer Bonus Payments’’ found on the BOEM website identified above. Bidders must submit payment to their financial institution as soon as possible on the day of bid reading and no later than 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the day of bid reading. This will help ensure that deposits have time to process through the U.S. Treasury and post to ONRR. ONRR cannot confirm payment until the monies have been moved into settlement status by the U.S. Treasury. BOEM requires bidders to use EFT procedures for payment of one-fifth bonus bid deposits for GOM Lease Sale 261, following the detailed instructions contained on the ONRR Payment Information web page at https:// www.onrr.gov/paying. Acceptance of a deposit does not constitute, and will not be construed as, acceptance of any bid on behalf of the United States. Withdrawal of Blocks The United States reserves the right to withdraw any block from this lease sale prior to issuance of a written acceptance of a bid for the block. Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of Bids The United States reserves the right to reject any and all bids, regardless of the amount offered. Furthermore, no bid will be accepted, and no lease for any block will be awarded to any bidder, unless: (1) The bidder has complied with all applicable regulations and requirements of the Final NOS, including those set forth in the documents contained in the Final NOS package; (2) The bid is the highest valid bid; and (3) The amount of the bid has been determined to be adequate by the authorized officer. Any bid submitted that does not conform to the requirements of the Final NOS, OCSLA, or other applicable statutes or regulations will be rejected and returned to the bidder. The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will review the results of the lease sale for any antitrust PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58309 issues prior to the acceptance of bids and issuance of leases. Bid Adequacy Review Procedures for GOM Lease Sale 261 To ensure that the U.S. Government receives fair market value for the conveyance of leases from this sale, BOEM will evaluate high bids in accordance with the bid adequacy procedures that are effective on the date of the sale. The bid adequacy procedures are available on BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/Oiland-Gas-Energy-Program/Leasing/ Regional-Leasing/Gulf-of-MexicoRegion/Bid-Adequacy-Procedures.aspx. Lease Award Leases issued as a result of GOM Lease Sale 261 are expressly limited to oil and gas exploration and development. As noted in Section 19 of the lease form, all rights in the leased area not expressly granted to the Lessee by the Act, the regulations, or this lease are hereby reserved to the Lessor. BOEM requires each bidder that is awarded a lease to complete the following: (1) Execute all copies of the lease (Form BOEM–2005 [February 2017], as amended); (2) Pay by EFT the balance of the bonus bid amount and the first year’s rental for each lease issued in accordance with the requirements of 30 CFR 1218.155 and 556.520(a); and (3) Satisfy the bonding requirements of 30 CFR part 556, subpart I, as amended. ONRR requests that bidders use only one transaction for payment of the balance of the bonus bid amount and the first year’s rental. Once ONRR receives such payment, the bidder awarded the lease may not request a refund of the balance of the bonus bid amount or first year’s rental payment. XI. Delay of Sale The BOEM GOM RD has the discretion to change any date, time, and/or location specified in the Final NOS package if the RD deems that an emergent event could interfere with a fair and orderly lease sale. Such events could include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), wars, riots, acts of terrorism, fires, strikes, civil disorder, or other events of a similar nature. In case of such events, bidders should call (504) 736–0557 or access the BOEM website E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 58310 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 164 / Friday, August 25, 2023 / Notices at https://www.boem.gov/ for information regarding any changes. Elizabeth A. Klein, Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. [FR Doc. 2023–18342 Filed 8–24–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4340–98–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management [Docket No. BOEM–2023–0045] Gulf of Mexico, Outer Continental Shelf, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of a record of decision. AGENCY: BOEM announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261). This ROD identifies the selected alternative for GOM Lease Sale 261, which is analyzed in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 259 and 261: Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS). ADDRESSES: The ROD and associated information are available on BOEM’s website at https://www.boem.gov/oilgas-energy/leasing/lease-sale-261. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Helen Rucker, Supervisor, Environmental Assessment Section Unit 1, Office of Environment, BOEM New Orleans Office, by telephone at 504– 736–2421, or by email at helen.rucker@ boem.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BOEM must hold GOM Lease Sale 261 on or before September 30, 2023, pursuant to section 50264(e) of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, Pub. L. 117–169), which was signed into law on August 16, 2022. However, the IRA does not affect BOEM’s discretion regarding other aspects of its normal leasing process, including decisions regarding the scope of the lease sale and the terms of the resulting leases. GOM Lease Sale 261 will provide qualified bidders the opportunity to bid on unleased blocks in the Gulf of Mexico OCS in order to explore for, develop, and produce oil and natural gas. BOEM evaluated five alternatives in the GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS, which BOEM completed as part of its normal leasing process to inform the decisionmaker on possible lease sale impacts, ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Aug 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 mitigations, and other action alternatives. The ROD for Lease Sale 261 is the second ROD that relies on the analysis in the GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS. BOEM reviewed new and relevant information since the GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS was issued and verified that the GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS adequately addresses the potential environmental effects of the proposed lease sale. There are no new circumstances, information, or changes in the proposed lease sale or its potential impacts that require supplementation of the GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS. After careful consideration, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) decided to offer for lease a subset of the OCS blocks analyzed as Alternative D in the GOM Lease Sales 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS. Therefore, BOEM will hold GOM Lease Sale 261 as a GOM regionwide lease sale encompassing all three planning areas, i.e., the Western Planning Area, Central Planning Area, and a small portion of the Eastern Planning Area, with the following exclusions: (1) whole and portions of blocks made unavailable for leasing by Presidential withdrawal in the September 8, 2020, Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition; (2) blocks that are adjacent to or beyond the United States Exclusive Economic Zone in the area known as the northern portion of the Eastern Gap; (3) whole and partial blocks within the boundary of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary as of the July 14, 2008, Memorandum on Modification of the Withdrawal of Areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition; (4) whole and partial blocks that were previously subject to the Topographic Features Stipulation; (5) whole and partial blocks that were previously subject to the Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation; (6) whole and partial blocks that were previously subject to the Blocks South of Baldwin County, Alabama, Stipulation; (7) whole blocks that contain banks that are adjacent to blocks previously included in the Topographic Features Stipulation (currently Garden Banks 181); (8) whole and partial blocks identified as either Wind Energy Area Options (Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, and N) or final Wind Energy PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Areas (Areas I and M); 1 (9) depthrestricted, segregated block portions (Block 299, Main Pass Area, South and East Addition); (10) whole and partial BOEM-designated Significant Sediment Resource Area blocks; and (11) whole and partial blocks between the 100meter and 400-meter isobaths across the northern GOM on the OCS, eastward from the Mexican border with Texas and westward from the eastern edge of the Central Planning Area. The excluded blocks are identified by their block number in the Final Notice of Sale for GOM Lease Sale 261. The lease sale area encompasses approximately 12,395 OCS blocks covering approximately 67.3 million acres. The unleased OCS blocks that BOEM will offer for lease are listed in the document entitled ‘‘Lease Sale Area,’’ which is included in the Final Notice of Sale package for GOM Lease Sale 261 available on BOEM’s website. See ADDRESSES caption above. As part of the decision to hold GOM Lease Sale 261, BOEM adopted all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm at the lease sale stage. In addition, any subsequent postlease activities (e.g., exploration and development plans), which may be expected as a result of GOM Lease Sale 261, will undergo additional environmental review and may include additional project-specific mitigation measures applied as conditions of individual plan approvals. The various mitigation measures adopted for the lease sale, and those that may be applied during post-lease reviews, are summarized below. Lease Stipulations—Because the OCS blocks that otherwise were previously subject to the Topographic Features Stipulation; Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation; and Blocks South of Baldwin County, Alabama, Stipulation have all been removed from leasing under the chosen alternative, these stipulations will not be applied to any leases issued as a result of GOM Lease Sale 261. Eight lease stipulations have been adopted as lease terms where applicable, and they will be enforceable as part of the leases issued. The GOM Lease Sale 259 and 261 Supplemental EIS describes these lease stipulations, which are included in the Final Notice of Sale Package. These lease stipulations include the following: Military Areas; Evacuation; Coordination; Protected Species; United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Royalty Payment; Agreement between the United States of 1 https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/ documents//Draft%20Area%20ID%20 Memo%20GOM%20508.pdf. E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 164 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58300-58310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18342]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[Docket No. BOEM-2023-0013]


Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final notice of sale.

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

SUMMARY: On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy 
Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for 
blocks offered in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf 
(OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261), in accordance 
with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its 
implementing regulations. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) 
requires BOEM to hold GOM Lease Sale 261 by September 30, 2023. The GOM 
Lease Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale (Final NOS) package contains 
information essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, 
Information to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations.

DATES: BOEM will hold GOM Lease Sale 261 at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 
September 27, 2023. All times referred to in this document are Central 
time, unless otherwise specified.
    Bid submission deadline: BOEM must receive all sealed bids prior to 
the Bid Submission Deadline of 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 
2023, the day before the lease sale. For more information on bid 
submission, see Section VII of this document, ``Bidding Instructions.''

ADDRESSES: Bids will be accepted by MAIL ONLY through any parcel 
delivery service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, U.S. Postal Service, DHL), prior to 
the bid submission deadline, at 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New 
Orleans, Louisiana 70123. Public bid reading for GOM Lease Sale 261 
will be held at 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. 
The venue will not be open to the general public, media, or industry 
during bid opening or reading. Bid opening will be available for public 
viewing on BOEM's website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ via live-
streaming video beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the date of the sale. The 
results will be posted on BOEM's website upon completion of bid opening 
and reading. Interested parties may download the Final NOS package from 
BOEM's website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. Copies of the sale 
maps can be obtained by contacting the BOEM GOM Region: Gulf of Mexico 
Region Public Information Office, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 
1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394, (504) 
736-2519 or (800) 200-GULF.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The New Orleans Office Lease Sale 
Coordinator, Bridgette Duplantis, at [email protected] or 
504-736-1729.
    Authority: This notice of sale is published pursuant to 43 U.S.C. 
1331 et seq. (Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended) and 30 CFR 
556.308(a).

Table of Contents

I. Lease Sale Area
II. Statutes and Regulations
III. Lease Terms and Economic Conditions
IV. Lease Stipulations
V. Information to Lessees
VI. Maps
VII. Bidding Instructions
VIII. Bidding Rules and Restrictions
IX. Forms

[[Page 58301]]

X. The Lease Sale
XI. Delay of Sale

I. Lease Sale Area

    Blocks Offered for Leasing: BOEM will offer for bid in this lease 
sale all of the available unleased acreage in the GOM OCS as identified 
on the map, ``Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas 
Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Final Sale Area'' (https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/), except those blocks listed below in ``Blocks 
Not Offered for Leasing.''
    Blocks Not Offered for Leasing: BOEM will exclude the following 
whole and partial blocks from this sale. The BOEM Official Protraction 
Diagrams (OPDs) and Supplemental OPDs are available online at https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/mapping-and-data.
     Whole and Partial Blocks withdrawn from leasing by 
Presidential Withdrawal in the September 8, 2020, Memorandum on the 
Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental 
Shelf from Leasing Disposition:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction areas                        Block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pensacola (Leasing Map NH 16-05)..  Whole Blocks: 751-754, 793-798, 837-
                                     842, 881-886, 925-930, 969-975.
Destin Dome (Leasing Map NH 16-08)  Whole Blocks: 1-7, 45-51, 89-96, 133-
                                     140, 177-184, 221-228, 265-273, 309-
                                     317, 353-361, 397-405, 441-450, 485-
                                     494, 529-538, 573-582, 617-627, 661-
                                     671, 705-715, 749-759, 793-804, 837-
                                     848, 881-892, 925-936, 969-981.
DeSoto Canyon (Leasing Map NH 16-   Whole Blocks: 1-15, 45-59, 92-102.
 11).                               Partial Blocks: 16, 60, 61, 89-91,
                                     103-105, 135-147.
Henderson (Leasing Map NG 16-05)..  Partial Blocks: 114, 158, 202, 246,
                                     290, 334, 335, 378, 379, 422, 423.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole and Partial Blocks within the boundary of the Flower 
Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (East and West Flower Garden 
Banks and the Stetson Bank) as of the July 14, 2008, Memorandum on 
Modification of the Withdrawal of Areas of United States Outer 
Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction areas                        Block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Island, East Addition, South   Whole Block: A-398.
 Extension (Leasing Map TX7C).      Partial Blocks: A-366, A-367, A-374,
                                     A-375, A-383, A-384, A-385, A-388,
                                     A-389, A-397, A-399, A-401.
High Island, South Addition         Partial Blocks: A-502, A-513.
 (Leasing Map TX7B).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole and Partial Blocks that are adjacent to or beyond 
the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the area known as the northern 
portion of the Eastern Gap:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction areas                        Block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lund South (Leasing Map NG 16-07).  Whole Blocks: 128, 129, 169-173, 208-
                                     217, 248-261, 293-305, 349.
Henderson (Leasing Map NG 16-05)..  Whole Blocks: 466, 508-510, 551-554,
                                     594-599, 637-643, 679-687, 722-731,
                                     764-775, 807-819, 849-862, 891-905,
                                     933-949, 975-992.
                                    Partial Blocks: 335, 379, 423, 467,
                                     511, 555, 556, 600, 644, 688, 732,
                                     776, 777, 820, 821, 863, 864, 906,
                                     907, 950, 993, 994.
Florida Plain (Leasing Map NG 16-   Whole Blocks: 5-24, 46-67, 89-110,
 08).                                133-154, 177-197, 221-240, 265-283,
                                     309-327, 363-370.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Depth-restricted, segregated block portion(s). The current 
block meeting this criterion is: Block 299, Main Pass Area, South and 
East Addition (as shown on Louisiana Leasing Map LA10A), containing 
1,125 acres from the surface of the earth down to a subsea depth of 
1,900 feet with respect to the following described portions: SW\1/
4\NE\1/4\; NW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; W\1/2\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/
2\S\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\SW\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/
4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\ NE\1/4\; SW\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/
4\NE\1/4\; NW\1/4\SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ NE\1/4\; N\1/2\NW\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/
4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\S\1/2\SE\1/
4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\; S\1/2\S\1/2\N\1/2\NE\1/
4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\;S\1/2\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\; NE\1/
4\SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\NW\1/4\; E\1/2\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/
4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; NE\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\NW\1/4\SW\1/
4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; SE\1/4\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; E\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/
4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\S\1/2\NW\1/
4\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\N\1/2\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\; N\1/
2\N\1/2\N\1/2\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\SE\1/4\; N\1/2\N\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\NW\1/
4\SE\1/4\.
     Whole and Partial Blocks that were previously subject to 
the Blocks South of Baldwin County, Alabama, Stipulation:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction areas                        Block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile (Leasing Map NH16-04)......  826-830, 869-874, 913-918, 957-962,
                                     1001-1006.
Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH 16-    33-35.
 07).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 58302]]

     Whole and Partial Blocks that were previously subject to 
the Topographic Features Stipulation:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction areas                        Block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Breaks (Leasing Map NG 15-01)  121-124, 165-168, 173, 217.
East Cameron Area (Leasing Map      361-363, 377-379.
 LA2).
Eugene Island Area (Leasing Map     335, 355-356, 381-383, 390-391, 397.
 LA4).
Ewing Bank (Leasing Map NH 15-12).  903, 932-933, 944-945, 947, 975-977.
Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG 15-    26-31, 33, 61-63, 70-77, 81-85, 95-
 02).                                98, 102-110, 119-121, 126-128, 133-
                                     136, 138-146, 148-155, 177-180, 192-
                                     198, 237-239.
Green Canyon (Leasing Map NG 15-    4-7, 49-50, 90.
 03).
High Island Area, East Addition     A311-312, A 327-A 332, A 340, A 346-
 (Leasing Map TX7A).                 A403, A446-A448, A463-A465, A486-
                                     A488, A501-A503, A512-A514, A527-
                                     A529, A534-A535, A573, A578-A580,
                                     A589-A591, A596.
Mississippi Canyon (Leasing Map NH  316.
 16-10).
Mustang Island Area (Leasing Map    A3-4, A9, A16, A54, A61-A62, A86-
 TX3).                               A87, A95, A117-A118, A136-A137.
North Padre Island Area (Leasing    PN A30-A31, A40-A41, A72, A83-A84.
 Map TX2).
South Marsh Island Area, North      161-163, 169-173, 176-180, 185-188,
 Addition (Leasing Map LA3D).        193-197, 200-204.
Ship Shoal Area (Leasing Map LA5).  325-329, 334-339, 348-353, 356-359.
South Timbalier Area (Leasing Map   314-317.
 LA6).
Vermilion Area (Leasing Map LA3)..  284-286, 297-300, 303-306, 317-320,
                                     361-363, 369-372, 382-396, 403-412.
West Cameron Area (Leasing Map      569-570, 589-592, 611-614, 633-638,
 LA1).                               645-646, 648-663.
West Delta Area (Leasing Map LA8).  147-148.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole blocks that contain banks that are adjacent to 
blocks previously included in the Topographic Features Stipulation:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction area                        Blocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG 15-    181.
 02).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole and Partial Blocks that were previously subject to 
the Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction area                        Blocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Pass Area, South and East      190, 194, 198, 219-226, 244-266, 276-
 Addition (Leasing Map LA10A).       290.
Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH 16-    473-476, 521-522, 564-566, 610, 654,
 07).                                692-698, 734, 778.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole and partial blocks identified as either Wind Energy 
Area Options (Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, and N) or final 
Wind Energy Areas (Areas I and M):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction area                        Blocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brazos Area (Leasing Map TX5).....  430, 457-459, 466-468, 572-575, 580-
                                     584, 609-614, A22, A28-A29, A3, A30-
                                     A35, A42-A43.
Brazos Area, South Addition         A102-A105, A46-A48, A55-A58, A60-
 (Leasing Map TX5B).                 A61, A73-A74.
East Cameron Area (Leasing Map      96-106, 113-124.
 LA2).
Galveston Area (Leasing Map TX6)..  237, 258-259, 265-268, 286-291, 293-
                                     299, 317-327, 350-356, 386-387, 427-
                                     429, 460-462, 464-465, A1-A9, A10-
                                     A35, A40-A49, A62-A77, A84-A86, A91-
                                     A94, A97-A99, A103-A105, A110-A113.
Galveston Area, South Addition      A114-A119, A138-A139, A140-A148,
 (Leasing Map TX6A).                 A169-A174, A203.
High Island Area (Leasing Map TX7)  235-236, 260-261, 263-264, 292, A2-
                                     A4, A11-A15, A27-A31, A62-A64, A66-
                                     A68, A70-A90, A92-A99, A100-A111,
                                     A113-A116, A118-A142, A144-A152,
                                     A156-A163, A165-A166.
High Island Area, East Addition     A170-A174, A177-A182, A187-A193,
 (Leasing Map TX7A).                 A195-A199, A202-A209, A211-A213,
                                     A216-217, A220-A228, A233-A241,
                                     A250-A251.
High Island Area, South Addition    A404-A405, A408-A413, A420-A425,
 (Leasing Map TX7B).                 A428-A431, A434-A439, A454-A457,
                                     A480-A481.
Matagorda Island Area (Leasing Map  639-642, 646-649, 673-678, A1, A3,
 TX4).                               A4.
Mustang Island Area (Leasing Map    803-804, 810-812, 826-828, 832-834,
 TX3).                               847-849, 853-854.
South Padre Island Area, East       1078, 1097-1098, 1117-1119, A35-A36,
 Addition (Leasing Map TX1A).        A46-A52, A59-A64.

[[Page 58303]]

 
West Cameron Area (Leasing Map      188-190, 195-196, 205-213, 224-230,
 LA1).                               241-245, 256.
West Cameron Area, West Addition    302-303, 314-318, 328-334, 343-352,
 (Leasing Map LA1A).                 359-360, 362-364, 372-379, 393-396,
                                     398-400.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole and Partial BOEM-designated Significant Sediment 
Resource Area Blocks:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction area                        Blocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Marchand Area (Leasing Map      2-5.
 LA6C).
Breton Sound Area (Leasing Map      24, 25, 39, 41-44, 53-56.
 LA10B).
Chandeleur Area (Leasing Map LA11)  1, 4, 5, 8, 16, 28, 30-34.
Eugene Island Area (Leasing Map     10, 18-35, 37-96, 111, 112.
 LA4).
Galveston Area (Leasing Map TX6)..  265, 290, 291, 293, 294, 295, 322.
Galveston Area, South Addition      1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A.
 (Leasing Map TX6A).
Grand Isle Area (Leasing Map LA7).  15, 25.
High Island Area (Leasing Map TX7)  19-21, 35-39, 45-49, 60-65, 69-76,
                                     83-91, 111-119, 131-137, 158-164,
                                     171-175, 196-205, 230-234, 261-264,
                                     292, A6-A10, A16-A22, A37-A42, A60-
                                     A65.
High Island Area, East Addition     6, 10, 38-42, 45, 46, 60-65, 74-76,
 (Leasing Map TX7A).                 83, 84, 85.
Mobile (Leasing Map NH 16-04).....  765-767, 778, 779, 809-824, 826-830,
                                     853-874, 897-918, 942, 946, 947,
                                     954-962, 991, 999-1006.
Main Pass Area (Leasing Map LA10).  6, 39-44, 58-60, 86-90, 92-120, 125-
                                     129, 139.
Main Pass, South and East Addition  161, 162, 180, 181.
 (Leasing Map LA10A).
South Pelto Area (Leasing Map       1-20, 23-25.
 LA6B).
Sabine Pass Area (LA) (Leasing Map  8-16.
 LA12).
South Marsh Island Area, North      207-237, 241-249, 259-261, 267, 268.
 Addition (Leasing Map LA3D).
Ship Shoal Area (Leasing Map LA5).  24-26, 37, 38, 63-75, 84-100, 107-
                                     114, 119, 120.
South Timbalier Area (Leasing Map   9-11, 16-18, 34, 51, 52, 54, 55, 66,
 LA6).                               67, 72.
Sabine Pass Area (TX) (Leasing Map  9, 17, 18, 40, 44.
 TX8).
Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH 16-    23, 34-38, 67, 78-82, 111, 155.
 07).
Vermilion Area (Leasing Map LA3)..  11, 30, 49, 51-54, 68-77, 86-96, 108-
                                     111.
West Cameron Area (Leasing Map      20-22, 41-45, 56-60, 78-83, 90-95,
 LA1).                               113-118, 128-134, 146-150, 153-157,
                                     160, 161, 162, 168-172, 181.
West Cameron Area, West Addition    154-157, 160-162, 287.
 (Leasing Map LA1A).
West Delta Area (Leasing Map LA8).  20-31, 32, 43-50, 56-61.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Whole and Partial Blocks between the 100 m and 400 m 
isobaths across the northern Gulf of Mexico on the OCS, eastward from 
the Mexican border with Texas and westward from the eastern edge of the 
Central Planning Area.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       GOM protraction areas                       Blocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Pass Area (Leasing Map LA10A)  249-260, 280-291, 306-308, 315, 316.
West Cameron Area South Addition    620, 621, 624-663.
 (Leasing Map LA1B).
East Cameron Area South Addition    344, 345, 353-381.
 (Leasing Map LA2A).
Vermilion Area South Addition       367, 368, 373. 378-413.
 (Leasing Map LA3B).
South Marsh Island Area, South      177-206.
 Addition (Leasing Map LA3C).
Eugene Island Area, South Addition  346-349, 361-397.
 (Leasing Map LA4A).
Ship Shoal Area, South Addition     320-368.
 (Leasing Map LA5A).
South Timbalier Area, South         258, 259, 280-294, 300-320.
 Addition (Leasing Map LA6A).
Grand Isle Area (Leasing Map LA7).  80-83.
Grand Isle Area, South Addition     86-88, 90-92, 97,103-106, 110-121.
 (Leasing Map LA7A).
West Delta Area, South Addition     126-130, 137-154.
 (Leasing Map LA8A).
South Pass Area (Leasing Map LA9).  33, 47-55, 61.
South Pass Area, south and East     62-65, 67-76, 79-96.
 Addition (Leasing Map LA9A).

[[Page 58304]]

 
Corpus Christi (Leasing Map NG14-   350, 351, 392-395, 435-439, 478-483,
 03).                                521-527, 565-571, 608-615, 651-657,
                                     694-700, 738-743, 781-786, 825-830,
                                     868-873, 912-917, 956-960, 1000-
                                     1004.
Port Isabel (Leasing Map NG14-06).  30-34, 74-77, 118-121, 162-165, 207-
                                     210, 251-254, 295-298, 340-342, 384-
                                     387, 429-431, 473-475, 517-519, 562-
                                     563, 606-608, 650-652, 694-696, 738-
                                     740, 782, 783, 826-828, 869-872,
                                     914-916, 958-960.
East Break (Leasing Map NG15-01)..  61-65, 73-75, 102-129, 144-173, 185-
                                     202, 204-217, 223-234, 239-245, 247-
                                     252, 254-261, 265-274, 284, 285.
                                     287-296, 298-305, 309-313, 315,
                                     316, 332, 333, 335, 336, 338-340,
                                     342, 343, 347, 348, 353-356, 397,
                                     398, 441, 442, 485, 486.
Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG15-02)  21-31, 33-35, 60-85, 95-98, 102-129,
                                     133-136, 138-173, 177-217, 221-244,
                                     247-252, 261, 265-287, 295-300, 309-
                                     328, 330, 339 340, 342, 343, 358-
                                     372, 404-413, 453, 454.
Green Canyon (Leasing Map NG15-03)  3-27, 45-69, 89-105, 110, 133-149,
                                     177-183.
Ewing Bank (Leasing Map NH15-12)..  304-306, 347-350, 393, 394, 447,
                                     448, 481, 482, 525, 526, 570, 614,
                                     658, 701, 702, 743-746, 781-791,
                                     824-834, 867-877, 903-921, 932,
                                     933, 937, 940, 944, 961, 975-1000.
Viosca Knoll (Leasing Map NH16-07)  654, 692-698, 734-742, 772-785, 813-
                                     825, 856-864, 898-907, 940-947, 983-
                                     990.
Mississippi Canyon (Leasing Map     20-27, 63-70, 103, 104, 107-110, 147-
 NH16-10).                           153, 190-196, 234-238, 265-269, 277-
                                     281, 309-313, 316-325, 353-369,
                                     363A, 397, 398, 400-412, 441, 442,
                                     449-455, 485-487, 529-532, 573-576,
                                     617-619, 661-663, 705-707, 749,
                                     750, 793, 794.
South Padre Island Area, East       A1-A3, A11-A15, A27-29A, A41, A42,
 Addition (Leasing Map TX1A).        A55, A56, A78, A79, A89, A90.
North Padre Island Area, East       A1-A4, A15-A22, A33-A38, A48-A55,
 Addition (Leasing Map TX2A).        A64-A68, A77-A81, A89-A93, A102-
                                     A104.
Mustang Island Area (Leasing Map    A27, A38.
 TX3).
Mustang Island Area, East Addition  A39-A42, A73-A80, A98-A111, A121-
 (Leasing Map TX3A).                 A133, A139-A149, A153-A162, A164-
                                     A175.
Brazos Area, South Addition         A117-A121.
 (Leasing Map TX5B).
Galveston Area, South Addition      A219-A228, A234-A253, A561-A566.
 (Leasing Map TX6A).
High Island Area, South Addition    A561-A566, A573-A596.
 (Leasing Map TX7B).
High Island Area, East Addition,    A365-A403.
 South Extension (Leasing Map
 TX7C).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The final list of blocks available for bid is posted on BOEM's 
website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ under the Final NOS tab.

II. Statutes and Regulations

    The IRA directs BOEM to hold GOM Lease Sale 261 by September 30, 
2023. Each lease is issued pursuant to OCSLA, 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., 
as amended, and is subject to OCSLA implementing regulations 
promulgated pursuant thereto in 30 CFR part 556, and other applicable 
statutes and regulations in existence upon the effective date of the 
lease, as well as those applicable statutes enacted and regulations 
promulgated thereafter, except to the extent that the after-enacted 
statutes and regulations explicitly conflict with an express provision 
of the lease. Each lease is subject to amendments to statutes and 
regulations, including but not limited to OCSLA, that do not explicitly 
conflict with an express provision of the lease. The lessee expressly 
bears the risk that such new or amended statutes and regulations (i.e., 
those that do not explicitly conflict with an express provision of the 
lease) may increase or decrease the lessee's obligations under the 
lease. BOEM reserves the right to reject any and all bids received, 
regardless of the amount offered (see 30 CFR 556.516).

III. Lease Terms and Economic Conditions

OCS Lease Form

    BOEM will use Form BOEM-2005 (February 2017) to convey leases 
resulting from this sale. This lease form can be viewed on BOEM's 
website at https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2005. The lease form will be 
amended to include specific terms, conditions, and stipulations 
applicable to the individual lease. The final terms, conditions, and 
stipulations applicable to this sale are below.

Primary Terms

    Primary terms are summarized in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Water depth (meters)                     Primary term
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to <400.........................  The primary term is 5 years; the
                                     lessee may earn an additional 3
                                     years (i.e., for an 8-year extended
                                     primary term) if a well is spudded
                                     targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000
                                     feet True Vertical Depth Subsea
                                     (TVDSS) during the first 5 years of
                                     the lease.
400 to <800.......................  The primary term is 5 years; the
                                     lessee will earn an additional 3
                                     years (i.e., for an 8-year extended
                                     primary term) if a well is spudded
                                     during the first 5 years of the
                                     lease.
800+..............................  10 years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The primary term for a lease in water depths less than 400 
meters issued as a result of this sale is 5 years. If the lessee spuds 
a well targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet TVDSS within the first 
5 years of the lease, then the lessee may earn an additional 3 years, 
resulting in an 8-year primary term. The lessee will earn the 8-year 
primary term when the well is drilled to a target below 25,000 feet 
TVDSS; or the lessee may earn the 8-year primary term in cases where 
the well targets, but does not reach, a depth below 25,000 feet TVDSS 
due to mechanical or safety

[[Page 58305]]

reasons that are beyond the lessee's control, and that are supported by 
sufficient evidence from the lessee. To earn the 8-year primary term, 
the lessee is required to submit a letter to the BOEM GOM Regional 
Supervisor, Office of Leasing and Plans, as soon as practicable, but no 
more than 30 days after completion of the drilling operation, providing 
the well number, spud date, information demonstrating a target below 
25,000 feet TVDSS and whether that target was reached, and if 
applicable, any safety or mechanical reasons encountered that prevented 
the well from reaching a depth below 25,000 feet TVDSS. In the letter, 
the lessee must request confirmation from BOEM that the lessee earned 
the 8-year primary term. The BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor for Leasing 
and Plans will confirm in writing, within 30 days of receiving the 
lessee's letter, whether the lessee has earned the extended primary 
term and accordingly update BOEM's records. The extended primary term 
is not effective unless and until the lessee receives confirmation from 
BOEM. A lessee that has earned the 8-year primary term by spudding a 
well with a hydrocarbon target below 25,000 feet TVDSS during the 
standard 5-year primary term of the lease will not be granted a 
suspension for that same period under the regulations at 30 CFR 250.175 
because the lease is not at risk of expiring.
    (2) The primary term for a lease in water depths ranging from 400 
to less than 800 meters issued as a result of this sale is 5 years. If 
the lessee spuds a well within the 5-year primary term of the lease, 
the lessee may earn an additional 3 years, resulting in an 8-year 
primary term. To earn the 8-year primary term, the lessee is required 
to submit a letter to the BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor, Office of 
Leasing and Plans, as soon as practicable, but no more than 30 days 
after spudding a well, providing the well number and spud date, and 
requesting confirmation from BOEM that the lessee earned the 8-year 
extended primary term. Within 30 days of receipt of the request, the 
BOEM GOM Regional Supervisor for Leasing and Plans will provide written 
confirmation of whether the lessee has earned the extended primary term 
and accordingly update BOEM's records. The extended primary term is not 
effective unless and until the lessee receives confirmation from BOEM.
    (3) The primary term for a lease in water depths 800 meters or 
deeper issued as a result of this sale is 10 years.

Minimum Bonus Bid Amounts

    BOEM will not accept a bonus bid unless it provides for a cash 
bonus in an amount equal to or exceeding the specified minimum bid, as 
described below.
     $25 per acre or fraction thereof for blocks in water 
depths less than 400 meters; and
     $100 per acre or fraction thereof for blocks in water 
depths 400 meters or deeper.

Rental Rates

    Annual rental rates, per acre or fraction thereof, are summarized 
in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Water depth (meters)                   Years 1-5        Year 6          Year 7          Year 8+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to <200.......................................             $10             $20             $30             $40
200 to <400.....................................              16              32              48              64
400+............................................              16              22              22              22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Escalating Rental Rates for Leases With an 8-Year Primary Term in Water 
Depths Less Than 400 Meters

    Any lessee with a lease in less than 400 meters water depth who 
earns an 8-year primary term will pay an escalating rental rate as 
shown above. The rental rates after the fifth year for blocks in less 
than 400 meters water depth will become fixed and no longer escalate if 
another well is spudded targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet TVDSS 
after the fifth year of the lease, and BOEM concurs that such a well 
has been spudded. In this case, the rental rate will become fixed at 
the rental rate in effect during the lease year in which the additional 
well was spudded.

Royalty Rate

     18\3/4\ percent for all leases.

Minimum Royalty Rate

     $10 per acre or fraction thereof per year for blocks in 
water depths less than 200 meters; and
     $16 per acre or fraction thereof per year for blocks in 
water depths 200 meters or deeper.

Royalty Suspension Provisions

    The Department may issue leases with Royalty Suspension Volumes 
(RSVs) and other forms of royalty relief under 30 CFR part 560, which 
BOEM administers. The specific details relating to eligibility and 
implementation of RSVs and other royalty relief programs are found at 
30 CFR part 203, which the Bureau of Safety and Environmental 
Enforcement administers. In this sale, the only royalty relief program 
being offered involves RSVs for the drilling of ultra-deep wells in 
water depths of less than 400 meters, as described in the following 
section.

Royalty Suspension Volumes on Gas Production From Ultra-Deep Wells

    Pursuant to 30 CFR part 203, certain leases issued as a result of 
this sale may be eligible for RSV incentives on gas produced from 
ultra-deep wells. Under this program, wells on leases in less than 400 
meters water depth and completed to a drilling depth of 20,000 feet 
TVDSS or deeper receive an RSV of 35 billion cubic feet on the 
production of natural gas. This RSV incentive is subject to applicable 
price thresholds set forth in the regulations at 30 CFR part 203. These 
regulations implement the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 
(Pub. L. 109-58, 119 Stat. 594 (2005)).

IV. Lease Stipulations

    One or more of the stipulations below may be applied to leases 
issued as a result of this sale. The applicable blocks for each 
stipulation are identified on the map ``Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of 
Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Stipulations and 
Deferred Blocks'' included in the Final NOS package. The full text of 
the following stipulations is contained in the ``Lease Stipulations'' 
section of the Final NOS package. BOEM has posted the final list of 
blocks available for bid and the applicable stipulations that apply to 
those blocks on its website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ under the 
Final NOS tab.

(1) Military Areas
(2) Evacuation
(3) Coordination
(4) Protected Species
(5) United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Royalty Payment
(6) Agreement between the United States of America and the United 
Mexican States Concerning Transboundary Hydrocarbon Reservoirs in the 
Gulf of Mexico
(7) Restrictions due to Rights-of-Use and Easement for Floating 
Production Facilities

[[Page 58306]]

(8) Royalties on All Produced Gas

V. Information to Lessees

    Information to Lessees (ITLs) provide detailed information on 
certain issues pertaining to specific oil and gas lease sales. The full 
text of the ITLs for this sale is contained in the ``Information to 
Lessees'' section of the Final NOS package and covers the following 
topics.

(1) Navigation Safety
(2) Ordnance Disposal Areas
(3) Existing and Proposed Artificial Reefs/Rigs-to-Reefs
(4) Lightering Zones
(5) Indicated Hydrocarbons List
(6) Military Areas
(7) Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Inspection and 
Enforcement of Certain U.S. Coast Guard Regulations
(8) Significant Outer Continental Shelf Sediment Resource Areas
(9) Notice of Arrival on the Outer Continental Shelf
(10) Bidder/Lessee Notice of Obligations Related to Criminal/Civil 
Charges and Offenses, Suspension, or Debarment; Disqualification Due to 
a Conviction under the Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act
(11) Protected Species
(12) Expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
(13) Communication Towers
(14) Deepwater Port Applications (DWP) for Offshore Oil and Liquefied 
Natural Gas Facilities
(15) Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
(16) Rights-of-Use and Easement
(17) Industrial Waste Disposal Areas
(18) Gulf Islands National Seashore
(19) Air Quality Permit/Plan Approvals
(20) Provisions Pertaining to Certain Transactions by Foreign Persons 
Involving Real Estate in the United States
(21) Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

VI. Maps

    The maps pertaining to this lease sale can be viewed on BOEM's 
website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. The following maps also are 
included in the Final NOS package:

Sale Area Map

    The sale area is shown on the map entitled, ``Final Notice of Sale, 
Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Final 
Sale Area.''

Lease Terms and Economic Conditions Map

    The lease terms and economic conditions associated with leases of 
certain blocks are shown on the map entitled, ``Final Notice of Sale, 
Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Lease Terms 
and Economic Conditions.''

Stipulations and Deferred Blocks Map

    The lease stipulations and the blocks to which they apply are shown 
on the map entitled, ``Final Notice of Sale, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and 
Gas Lease Sale 261, September 2023, Stipulations and Deferred Blocks.''

VII. Bidding Instructions

    Bids may be submitted BY MAIL ONLY through any parcel delivery 
service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL) at the address below in the 
``Mailed Bids'' section. Bidders should be aware that BOEM has 
eliminated in-person bidding for GOM Lease Sale 261. Instructions on 
how to submit a bid, secure payment of the advance bonus bid deposit 
(if applicable), and the information to be included with the bid are as 
follows:

Bid Form

    For each block bid upon, a separate sealed bid must be submitted in 
a sealed envelope (as described below) and include the following items:
     Total amount of the bid in whole dollars only;
     Sale number;
     Sale date;
     Each bidder's exact name;
     Each bidder's proportionate interest, stated as a 
percentage, using a maximum of five decimal places (e.g., 33.33333 
percent);
     Typed name and title, and signature of each bidder's 
authorized officer. Electronic signatures are acceptable. The typed 
name, title, and signature must agree exactly with the name and title 
on file in the BOEM Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Adjudication Section;
     Each bidder's BOEM qualification number;
     Map name and number or OPD name and number;
     Block number; and
     Statement acknowledging that the bidder(s) understands 
that this bid legally binds the bidder(s) to comply with all applicable 
regulations, including the requirement to post a deposit in the amount 
of one-fifth of the bonus bid amount for any tract bid upon and make 
payment of the balance of the bonus bid and first year's rental upon 
BOEM's acceptance of high bids.
    The information required for each bid is specified in the document 
``Bid Form'' that is available in the Final NOS package, which can be 
found at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. A blank bid form is provided 
in the Final NOS package for convenience and can be copied and 
completed with the necessary information described above.

Bid Envelope

    Each bid must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope labeled as 
follows:
     ``Sealed Bid for GOM Lease Sale 261, not to be opened 
until 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023'';
     Map name and number or OPD name and number;
     Block number for block bid upon;
     Acreage, if the bid is for a block that is split between 
the Central and Eastern Planning Areas; and
     The exact name and qualification number of the submitting 
bidder only.
    The Final NOS package includes a sample bid envelope for reference.

Mailed Bids

    Please address the envelope containing the sealed bid envelope(s) 
as follows: Attention: Leasing and Financial Responsibility Section, 
BOEM New Orleans Office, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard MS-266A, New 
Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394. Contains Sealed Bids for GOM Lease Sale 
261. Please Deliver to Mr. Greg Purvis, 2nd Floor, Immediately.
    Please Note: Bidders are advised to inform BOEM by email at 
[email protected] immediately after placing bid(s) in the 
mail. This provides advance notice to BOEM regarding pending bids prior 
to the bid submission deadline. In the email, please state the tracking 
number of the bid package, the number of bids being submitted, and the 
email address of the person who should receive the bid receipt for 
signature. If BOEM receives bids later than the bid submission 
deadline, the BOEM GOM Regional Director (RD) will return those bids 
unopened to bidders. Please see Section XI, ``Delay of Sale,'' 
regarding BOEM's discretion to extend the Bid Submission Deadline in 
the case of an unexpected event (e.g., flooding) and how bidders can 
obtain more information on such extensions.

Advance Bonus Bid Deposit Guarantee

    Bidders that are not currently an OCS oil and gas lease record 
title holder or designated operator, or those that have ever defaulted 
on a one-fifth bonus bid deposit, must guarantee (secure) the payment 
of the one-fifth bonus bid deposit, by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 
or otherwise, prior to bid submission using one of the following four 
methods:
     Provide a third-party guarantee;
     Amend a development stage area-wide bond via bond rider;
     Provide a letter of credit; or
     Provide a lump sum payment in advance via EFT.

[[Page 58307]]

    Please provide, at the time of bid submittal, a confirmation or 
tracking number for the payment, the name of the company submitting the 
payment as it appears on the payment, and the date the payment was 
submitted so that BOEM can confirm payment with the Office of Natural 
Resources Revenue (ONRR). Bidders should submit payments to their 
financial institution at least 5 business days prior to bid submittal 
to ensure that the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. 
Department of the Treasury (U.S. Treasury) have time to screen and 
process payments and that payments are posted to ONRR prior to placing 
the bid. ONRR cannot confirm payment until the monies have been moved 
into settlement status by the U.S. Treasury. Bids will not be accepted 
if BOEM cannot confirm payment with ONRR before 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 
September 26, 2023.
    If providing a third-party guarantee, amending a development stage 
area-wide bond via bond rider, or providing a letter of credit to 
secure your one-fifth bonus bid deposit, bidders are urged to file 
these documents with BOEM well in advance of submitting the bid. This 
allows processing time and ensures bidders have time to take any 
necessary curative actions prior to bid submission. For more 
information on EFT procedures, see Section X, ``The Lease Sale.''

Affirmative Action

    Prior to bidding, each bidder should file the Equal Opportunity 
Affirmative Action Representation Form BOEM-2032 (February 2020, 
available on BOEM's website at https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2032/) and 
Equal Opportunity Compliance Report Certification Form BOEM-2033 
(February 2020, available on BOEM's website at https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2033/) with the BOEM GOM Adjudication Section. This certification 
is required by 41 CFR part 60 and Executive Order (E.O.) 11246, issued 
September 24, 1965, as amended by E.O. 11375, issued October 13, 1967, 
and by E.O. 13672, issued July 21, 2014. Both forms must be on file for 
the bidder(s) in the GOM Adjudication Section prior to the execution of 
any lease contract.

Geophysical Data and Information Statement (GDIS)

    The GDIS is composed of three parts:
    (1) A ``Statement'' page that includes the company representatives' 
information and separate lists of blocks bid on that used proprietary 
data and those blocks bid upon that did not use proprietary data;
    (2) A ``Table'' listing the required data about each proprietary 
survey used (see below); and
    (3) ``Maps'' that contain the live trace maps for each proprietary 
survey that is identified in the GDIS statement and table.
    Every bidder submitting a bid on a block in GOM Lease Sale 261 or 
participating as a joint bidder in such a bid must submit at the time 
of bid submission all three parts of the GDIS. A bidder must submit the 
GDIS even if a joint bidder or bidders on a specific block also have 
submitted a GDIS. Please specify on the outside of the GDIS envelope if 
the information provided is for a joint bid, and if so, include the 
block number and primary bidder (company submitting the bid). Any 
speculative data that has been reprocessed externally or ``in-house'' 
is considered proprietary due to the proprietary processing and is no 
longer considered to be speculative.
    The bidder and joint bidder must submit the GDIS in a separate and 
sealed envelope and must identify all proprietary data; reprocessed 
speculative data, and/or any Controlled Source Electromagnetic surveys, 
Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) data, gravity data, and/or magnetic data; 
or other information used as part of the decision to bid or participate 
in a bid on the block. The bidder and joint bidder must also include a 
live trace map (e.g., .pdf and ArcGIS shapefile) for each proprietary 
survey identified in the GDIS illustrating the actual areal extent of 
the proprietary geophysical data in the survey (see the ``Example of 
Preferred Format'' that is included in the Final NOS package for 
additional information). The shape file must not include cultural 
resources information; only the live trace map of the survey itself.
    The GDIS statement must include the name, phone number, and full 
address for a contact person and an alternate who are both 
knowledgeable about the geophysical information and data listed and who 
are available for 30 days after the sale date. The GDIS statement must 
also include a list of all blocks bid upon, including those blocks 
where no proprietary or reprocessed geophysical data and/or proprietary 
information was used, as a basis for the bidder's decision to bid or to 
participate as a joint bidder in the bid. All GDIS statements must be 
included with any submitted bids in a separate envelope identified as 
GDIS. All bidders must submit the GDIS statement, even if no 
proprietary geophysical data or information was used in its bid 
preparation for the block.
    An example of the preferred format of the table is included in the 
Final NOS package, and a blank digital version of the preferred table 
can be accessed on the GOM Lease Sale 261 website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/. The GDIS table should have columns that clearly 
state the following:
     The sale number;
     The bidder company's name;
     The joint bidder's company's name (if applicable);
     The company that will provide the proprietary geophysical 
survey data to BOEM;
     The block area and block number bid upon;
     The owner of the original data set (e.g, TGS, PGS, WGC, 
CGG, etc.);
     The industry's original name of the survey (e.g., E 
Octopus);
     The BOEM permit number for the survey;
     Whether the data set is a fast-track version (intermediate 
product that is not final);
     Whether the data is speculative or proprietary;
     The data type (e.g., 2-D, 3-D, or 4-D; pre-stack or post-
stack; time or depth);
     The migration algorithm (e.g., Kirchhoff migration, wave 
equation migration, reverse migration, reverse time migration) of the 
data and areal extent of bidder survey (i.e., number of line miles for 
2-D or number of blocks for 3-D);
     The live proprietary survey coverage (2-D miles 3-D 
blocks);
     The computer storage size, to the nearest gigabyte, of 
each seismic data and velocity volume used to evaluate the lease block;
     Who reprocessed the data;
     The date on which the final reprocessing was completed 
(month and year);
     If the data was previously sent to BOEM, list the sale 
number and date of the sale for which it was used;
     Whether proprietary or speculative AVO/AVA (PROP/SPEC) was 
used;
     The date on which AVO or AVA was sent to BOEM, if sent 
prior to the sale;
     Whether AVO/AVA is time or depth (PSTM or PSDM);
     Which angled stacks were used (e.g., NEAR, MID, FAR, 
ULTRAFAR);
     Whether the company used Gathers to evaluate the block in 
question; and
     Whether the company used Vector Offset Output (VOO) or 
Vector Image Partitions (VIP) to evaluate the block in question.
    BOEM will use the computer storage size information to estimate the 
reproduction costs for each data set, if

[[Page 58308]]

applicable. BOEM will determine the availability of reimbursement of 
production costs consistent with 30 CFR 551.13.
    BOEM reserves the right to inquire about alternate data sets, to 
perform quality checks, and to compare the listed and alternative data 
sets to determine which data set most closely meets the needs of the 
fair market value determination process. See the ``Example of Preferred 
Format'' that is included in the Final NOS package.
    The GDIS maps are live trace maps (e.g., .pdf and ArcGIS 
shapefiles) that bidders should submit for each proprietary survey 
identified in the GDIS table. The maps should illustrate the actual 
areal extent of the proprietary geophysical data in the survey (see the 
``Example of Preferred Format'' that is included in the Final NOS 
package for additional information). As previously stated, the 
shapefile must not include cultural resources information, only the 
live trace map of the survey itself.
    Pursuant to 30 CFR 551.12 and 556.501, as a condition of the sale, 
the BOEM GOM Regional Director requests that all bidders and joint 
bidders submit the proprietary data identified on their GDIS within 30 
days after the lease sale (unless notified after the lease sale that 
BOEM has withdrawn the request). This request only pertains to 
proprietary data that is not commercially available. Commercially 
available data should not be submitted to BOEM unless specifically 
requested by BOEM. No reimbursement will be provided for unsolicited 
data sent to BOEM. The BOEM GOM RD will notify bidders and joint 
bidders of any withdrawal of the request, for all or some of the 
proprietary data identified on the GDIS, within 15 calendar days of the 
lease sale. Where the BOEM GOM RD has notified bidders and joint 
bidders that the request for such proprietary data has been withdrawn, 
reimbursement will not be provided. Pursuant to 30 CFR part 551 and 30 
CFR 556.501, as a condition of this sale, all bidders that are required 
to submit data must ensure that the data are received by BOEM no later 
than the 30th day following the lease sale, or the next business day if 
the submission deadline falls on a weekend or Federal holiday. Please 
do not submit proprietary geophysical survey data in the GDIS envelope.
    The proprietary geophysical survey data must be submitted to BOEM 
at the following address within 30 days of the sale as stated above: 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Resource Studies, GM 881A, 1201 
Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2304.
    The GDIS must be submitted along with your bid envelope to: Leasing 
and Financial Responsibility Section, BOEM New Orleans Office, 1201 
Elmwood Park Boulevard, MS-266A, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394. 
Contains Sealed Bids for GOM Lease Sale 261. Please Deliver to Mr. Greg 
Purvis 2nd Floor, Immediately.
    BOEM recommends that bidders mark the GDIS submission's external 
envelope as ``Deliver Immediately to DASPU.'' BOEM also recommends that 
bidders submit the GDIS in an internal envelope, or otherwise marked, 
with the following designation: ``Geophysical Data and Information 
Statement for Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261'', Company Name, GOM Company 
Qualification Number, and ``Proprietary Data.''
    In the event a person supplies any type of data to BOEM, that 
person must meet the following requirements to qualify for 
reimbursement:
    (1) Must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), 
formerly known as the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). CCR 
usernames will not work in SAM. A new SAM user account is needed to 
register or update an entity's records. The website for registering is 
https://usfcr.com/register-renew/.
    (2) Must be enrolled in the U.S. Treasury's Invoice Processing 
Platform (IPP) for electronic invoicing; to enroll go to https://www.ipp.gov/. Access then will be granted to use the IPP for submitting 
requests for payment. When submitting a request for payment, the 
assigned Purchase Order Number must be included.
    (3) Must have a current On-line Representations and Certifications 
Application at https://usfcr.com/.
    Please Note: Digital copies and duplicate hardcopies should be 
submitted for the GDIS Statement, Table and Maps. The GDIS Statement 
should be sent as a digital PDF. The GDIS Information Table must be 
submitted digitally as an Excel spreadsheet. The Proprietary Maps 
should be sent as PDF files and the live trace outline of each 
proprietary survey should also be submitted as a shapefile. Please 
flatten all layered PDF files, since layered PDFs can have many 
objects. Layered PDFs can cause problems opening or printing the file 
correctly. Bidders may submit the digital files on a CD, DVD, or any 
USB external drive (formatted for Windows). If bidders have any 
questions, please contact Ms. Dee Smith at (504) 736-2706 or Ms. Teree 
Campbell at (504) 736-3231.
    Bidders should refer to the ``Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of 
Bids'' heading under Section X, ``The Lease Sale,'' regarding a 
bidder's failure to comply with the requirements of the Final NOS, 
including any failure to submit information required in the Final NOS 
package.

Telephone Numbers/Addresses of Bidders

    BOEM requests that bidders provide this information in the 
suggested format prior to or at the time of bid submission. The 
suggested format is included in the Final NOS package. The form must 
not be enclosed inside the sealed bid envelope.

Additional Documentation

    BOEM may require bidders to submit other documents in accordance 
with 30 CFR 556.107, 556.401, 556.501, and 556.513.

VIII. Bidding Rules and Restrictions

Restricted Joint Bidders

    On May 4, 2023, BOEM published the most recent List of Restricted 
Joint Bidders in the Federal Register at 88 FR 28610. Potential bidders 
are advised to refer to the Federal Register prior to bidding for the 
most current list in place at the time of the lease sale. Please refer 
to the joint bidding provisions at 30 CFR 556.511-556.515.

Authorized Signatures

    All signatories executing documents on behalf of the bidder(s) must 
execute the same in conformance with the BOEM qualification records. 
Bidders are advised that BOEM considers the signed bid to be a legally 
binding obligation on the part of the bidder(s) to comply with all 
applicable regulations, including that requiring payment of one-fifth 
of the bonus bid on all high bids. A statement to this effect is 
included on each bid form (see the document ``Bid Form'' that is 
included in the Final NOS package).

Unlawful Combination or Intimidation

    BOEM warns bidders against violation of 18 U.S.C. 1860, which 
prohibits unlawful combination or intimidation of bidders.

Bid Withdrawal

    Bids may be withdrawn only by written request delivered to BOEM 
prior to the bid submission deadline via any parcel delivery service. 
Withdrawals will not be accepted in person or via email. The withdrawal 
request must be on company letterhead and must contain the bidder's 
name, its BOEM qualification number, the map name/number, and the block 
number(s) of the bid(s) to be withdrawn. The withdrawal request must be 
executed by one or more of the representatives named in

[[Page 58309]]

the BOEM qualification records. The name and title of the authorized 
signatory must be typed under the signature block on the withdrawal 
request. The BOEM GOM RD, or the RD's designee, will indicate approval 
by signing and dating the withdrawal request.

Bid Rounding

    Minimum bonus bid calculations, including rounding, for all blocks 
are shown in the document ``List of Blocks Available for Leasing'' that 
is included in the Final NOS package. The bonus bid amount must be 
stated in whole dollars. If the acreage of a block contains a decimal 
figure, then prior to calculating the minimum bonus bid, BOEM will 
round up to the next whole acre. The appropriate minimum rate per acre 
will be applied to the whole (rounded up) acreage. The bonus bid amount 
must be greater than or equal to the minimum bonus bid, as calculated 
and stated in the Final NOS package.

IX. Forms

    The Final NOS package includes instructions, samples, and/or the 
preferred format for the items listed below. BOEM strongly encourages 
bidders to use the recommended formats. If bidders use another format, 
they are responsible for including all the information specified for 
each item in the Final NOS package.

(1) Bid Form
(2) Sample Completed Bid
(3) Sample Bid Envelope
(4) Sample Bid Mailing Envelope
(5) Telephone Numbers/Addresses of Bidders Form
(6) GDIS Form
(7) GDIS Envelope Form

X. The Lease Sale

Bid Opening and Reading

    Sealed bids received in response to the Final NOS will be opened at 
the place, date, and hour specified under the DATES and ADDRESSES 
sections of the Final NOS. The venue will not be open to the public. 
Instead, the bid opening will be available for the public to view on 
BOEM's website at https://www.boem.gov via live streaming. The opening 
of the bids is for the sole purpose of publicly announcing and 
recording the bids received; no bids will be accepted or rejected at 
that time.

Bonus Bid Deposit for Apparent High Bids

    Each bidder submitting an apparent high bid must submit a bonus bid 
deposit to ONRR equal to one-fifth of the bonus bid amount for each 
such bid. A copy of the notification of the high bidder's one-fifth 
bonus bid amount can be obtained on the BOEM website at https://www.boem.gov/Sale-261/ under the heading ``Notification of EFT 1/5 
Bonus Liability'' after 1:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. All payments 
must be electronically deposited into an interest-bearing account in 
the U.S. Treasury by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time the day following the bid 
reading (no exceptions). Account information is provided in the 
``Instructions for Making Electronic Funds Transfer Bonus Payments'' 
found on the BOEM website identified above.
    Bidders must submit payment to their financial institution as soon 
as possible on the day of bid reading and no later than 7:00 p.m. 
Eastern Time on the day of bid reading. This will help ensure that 
deposits have time to process through the U.S. Treasury and post to 
ONRR. ONRR cannot confirm payment until the monies have been moved into 
settlement status by the U.S. Treasury.
    BOEM requires bidders to use EFT procedures for payment of one-
fifth bonus bid deposits for GOM Lease Sale 261, following the detailed 
instructions contained on the ONRR Payment Information web page at 
https://www.onrr.gov/paying. Acceptance of a deposit does not 
constitute, and will not be construed as, acceptance of any bid on 
behalf of the United States.

Withdrawal of Blocks

    The United States reserves the right to withdraw any block from 
this lease sale prior to issuance of a written acceptance of a bid for 
the block.

Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of Bids

    The United States reserves the right to reject any and all bids, 
regardless of the amount offered. Furthermore, no bid will be accepted, 
and no lease for any block will be awarded to any bidder, unless:
    (1) The bidder has complied with all applicable regulations and 
requirements of the Final NOS, including those set forth in the 
documents contained in the Final NOS package;
    (2) The bid is the highest valid bid; and
    (3) The amount of the bid has been determined to be adequate by the 
authorized officer.
    Any bid submitted that does not conform to the requirements of the 
Final NOS, OCSLA, or other applicable statutes or regulations will be 
rejected and returned to the bidder. The U.S. Department of Justice and 
the Federal Trade Commission will review the results of the lease sale 
for any antitrust issues prior to the acceptance of bids and issuance 
of leases.

Bid Adequacy Review Procedures for GOM Lease Sale 261

    To ensure that the U.S. Government receives fair market value for 
the conveyance of leases from this sale, BOEM will evaluate high bids 
in accordance with the bid adequacy procedures that are effective on 
the date of the sale. The bid adequacy procedures are available on 
BOEM's website at https://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Leasing/Regional-Leasing/Gulf-of-Mexico-Region/Bid-Adequacy-Procedures.aspx.

Lease Award

    Leases issued as a result of GOM Lease Sale 261 are expressly 
limited to oil and gas exploration and development. As noted in Section 
19 of the lease form, all rights in the leased area not expressly 
granted to the Lessee by the Act, the regulations, or this lease are 
hereby reserved to the Lessor.
    BOEM requires each bidder that is awarded a lease to complete the 
following:
    (1) Execute all copies of the lease (Form BOEM-2005 [February 
2017], as amended);
    (2) Pay by EFT the balance of the bonus bid amount and the first 
year's rental for each lease issued in accordance with the requirements 
of 30 CFR 1218.155 and 556.520(a); and
    (3) Satisfy the bonding requirements of 30 CFR part 556, subpart I, 
as amended. ONRR requests that bidders use only one transaction for 
payment of the balance of the bonus bid amount and the first year's 
rental. Once ONRR receives such payment, the bidder awarded the lease 
may not request a refund of the balance of the bonus bid amount or 
first year's rental payment.

XI. Delay of Sale

    The BOEM GOM RD has the discretion to change any date, time, and/or 
location specified in the Final NOS package if the RD deems that an 
emergent event could interfere with a fair and orderly lease sale. Such 
events could include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (e.g., 
earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), wars, riots, acts of terrorism, 
fires, strikes, civil disorder, or other events of a similar nature. In 
case of such events, bidders should call (504) 736-0557 or access the 
BOEM website

[[Page 58310]]

at https://www.boem.gov/ for information regarding any changes.

Elizabeth A. Klein,
Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2023-18342 Filed 8-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4340-98-P

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