Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”), 352-353 [2023-28876]

Download as PDF 352 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Notices Authority Board members or executives in making its recommendation. Board candidates will be vetted through the Department of Commerce and are subject to an appropriate background check for security clearance. Stephanie Weiner, Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. [FR Doc. 2023–28702 Filed 1–2–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–WL–P COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’) The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. ACTION: Determination to add a product in unrestricted quantities to Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR. AGENCY: DATES: Applicable Date: January 3, 2024. The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (‘‘CITA’’) has determined that certain two-way stretch polyester/spandex woven fabric (the ‘‘subject product’’), as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA–DR countries. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR in unrestricted quantities. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Mease, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482–2043 or Laurie.Mease@ trade.gov. For Further Information Online: https://otexaprod.trade.gov/ otexacapublicsite/requests/cafta under ‘‘Approved Requests,’’ File Number: CA2023001. SUMMARY: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: The CAFTA–DR; section 203(o)(4) of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (‘‘CAFTA–DR Implementation Act’’), Public Law 109–53; the Statement of Administrative Action accompanying the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act; and Presidential Proclamation 7987 (February 28, 2006). Background: The CAFTA–DR provides a list in Annex 3.25 for fabrics, yarns, and fibers that the Parties to the CAFTA–DR have determined are not VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Jan 02, 2024 Jkt 262001 available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. The CAFTA–DR provides that this list may be modified pursuant to Article 3.25.4 and 3.25.5, when the United States determines that a fabric, yarn, or fiber is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. See Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR; see also section 203(o)(4)(C) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act. The CAFTA–DR Implementation Act requires the President to establish procedures governing the submission of a request and providing opportunity for interested entities to submit comments and supporting evidence before a commercial availability determination is made. In Presidential Proclamation 7987, the President delegated to CITA the authority under section 203(o)(4) of CAFTA–DR Implementation Act for modifying the Annex 3.25 list. Pursuant to this authority, on September 15, 2008, CITA published modified procedures it would follow in considering requests to modify the Annex 3.25 list of products determined to be not commercially available in the territory of any Party to the CAFTA–DR (Modifications to Procedures for Considering Requests Under the Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, 73 FR 53200) (‘‘CITA’s procedures’’). On October 31, 2023, CITA received a commercial availability request from Konffetty S.A. de C.V. (‘‘Konffetty’’) for certain two-way stretch polyester/ spandex woven fabric, as specified below. On November 2, 2023, in accordance with CITA’s procedures, CITA notified interested parties of the Request, which was posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA–DR commercial availability proceedings. In its notification, CITA advised that any Response with an Offer to Supply (‘‘response’’) must be submitted by November 15, 2023, and any Rebuttal to a Response (‘‘rebuttal’’) must be submitted by November 21, 2023, in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of CITA’s procedures. Based on a request from an interested entity, and in accordance with section 6(a) of CITA’s procedures, CITA extended the response deadline by two business days, through November 17, 2023. Correspondingly, the rebuttal deadline was extended by two business days, through November 24, 2023. On November 17, 2023, Summitex Woven Textiles (‘‘Summitex’’) submitted a response to the pending request. On November 24, 2023, PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Konffetty submitted a rebuttal to Summitex’s response. In accordance with section 203(o)(4) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act, Article 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR, and section 8(c)(4) of CITA’s procedures, because there was insufficient information on the record to make a determination within 30 business days, CITA extended the period to make a determination by 14 U.S. business days. Further, in accordance with section 8(c)(4)(i) of its procedures, CITA called for a public meeting on December 6, 2023 with representatives of Konffetty and Summitex to provide the companies with an opportunity to submit additional evidence to substantiate their claims regarding Summitex’s capability to supply the subject product in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Section 203(o)(4)(C)(ii) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act provides that after receiving a request, a determination will be made as to whether the subject product is available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA–DR countries. In the instant case, the information on the record indicates that Konffetty made significant efforts to source the fabric in the CAFTA–DR region, specifically from Summitex. However, Summitex has not demonstrated its ability to supply the subject product in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Therefore, in accordance with section 203(o) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act and CITA’s procedures, as no interested entity has substantiated its ability to supply the subject product in commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA has determined to add the specified fabric to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA– DR. The subject product has been added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA– DR in unrestricted quantities. A revised list has been posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA–DR Commercial Availability proceedings, at https:// otexaprod.trade.gov/otexacapublicsite/ shortsupply/cafta. Specifications: Certain Two-Way Stretch Polyester/Spandex Woven Fabric HTS: 5407.51, 5407.52, or 5407.53 Fiber Content (AATCC 20A): 95% (94%–96%) polyester and 5% (4%– 6%) spandex Yarn Size: Warp: 100D +40D polyester/spandex textured filament Weft: (100D + 40D SP)*2 polyester/ spandex textured filament Thread Count (ASTM D3775): E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Notices English (yarns/inch2): 118 (116–120) warp x 82 (81–83) weft Metric (yarns/cm2): 300 (296–305) warp x 209 (206–212) weft Fabric Weight (ASTM D3776): English: 3.72 (3.65–3.78) oz/yd2 Metric: 126 (124–128) g/m2 Weave Type: Woven Plain and Twill Weave Fabric Width (ASTM D3774): English: 61.25 (60.50–62.50) inches Metric: 153 (151–155) cm Stretch (ASTM D3107): Warp: 15% (14%–16%) Weft: 17% (16%–18%) Finish: Optical white Prepared for printing/piece dyed/yarn dyed/with soft hand (no chemistry finish) Jennifer Knight, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. 2023–28876 Filed 1–2–24; 8:45 am] application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/documents/ 2022/12/07/2022-26554/commoninstructions-for-applicants-todepartment-of-education-discretionarygrant-programs. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Celia Rosenquist, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 4A10, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: 202–245–7373. Email: Celia.Rosenquist@ed.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7–1–1. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P Full Text of Announcement DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities—Doctoral Training Consortia Associated With HighIntensity Needs Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2024 for Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities— Doctoral Training Consortia Associated with High-Intensity Needs, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325H. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1820–0028. DATES: Applications Available: January 3, 2024. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 4, 2024. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: May 2, 2024. Pre-Application Webinar Information: No later than January 8, 2024, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will post pre-recorded informational webinars designed to provide technical assistance to interested applicants. The webinars may be found at www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/ apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html. ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Jan 02, 2024 Jkt 262001 I. Funding Opportunity Description Purposes of Program: The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for personnel preparation in special education, early intervention, related services, and regular education to work with children, including infants and toddlers, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children. Priority: This competition includes one absolute priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), the absolute priority is from allowable activities specified in the statute (see sections 662 and 681 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); 20 U.S.C. 1462 and 1481). Absolute Priority: For FY 2024 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this priority. This priority is: Doctoral Training Consortia Associated with High-Intensity Needs. Background: The Department is committed to equitable access to educational resources and opportunities for children with disabilities with highintensity needs.1 Leadership personnel 1 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘high-intensity needs’’ refers to a complex array of disabilities (e.g., multiple disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant physical disabilities, significant sensory disabilities, significant autism, significant emotional disabilities, or significant PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 353 play an essential role providing, or preparing others to provide, evidencebased interventions and services that improve opportunities and outcomes for children, including infants, toddlers, and youth (referred to as ‘‘children’’ hereafter) with disabilities with highintensity needs. The Department also places a high priority on increasing the number of leadership personnel, including increasing the number of multilingual leadership personnel and leadership personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who provide, or prepare others to provide, services to children with disabilities with high-intensity needs. To support these goals, under this absolute priority, the Department will fund three cooperative agreements to support three doctoral training consortia to prepare and increase the number of personnel who are well qualified for, and can act effectively in, leadership positions as researchers and special education/early intervention/related services personnel preparers in institutions of higher education (IHEs), or as leaders in State educational agencies (SEAs), lead agencies (LAs) under Part C of IDEA, local educational agencies (LEAs), early intervention services programs (EIS programs), or schools. There continues to be the need to advance the knowledge base of evidence-based interventions that meet the developmental, learning, and academic needs of children with highintensity needs (e.g., Chen et al., 2021; Grzadzinski et al., 2020; Kuntz and Carter, 2019; Miciak et al., 2018; Nelson & Bruce, 2019). This need has been compounded due to the disproportionate negative impact on educational outcomes for children with disabilities related to the COVID–19 pandemic (e.g., Stelitano et al., 2022) and the significant shortages of educators with specialized preparation providing services to children with high-intensity needs (e.g., DarlingHammond et al., 2023). Leadership personnel who have the knowledge, skills, and expertise are needed to effectively address the complexity of issues that children with disabilities with high-intensity needs may have; prepare and support educators with the specialized knowledge and skills to learning disabilities, including dyslexia) or the needs of children with these disabilities requiring intensive, individualized intervention(s) (i.e., that are specifically designed to address persistent learning or behavior difficulties, implemented with greater frequency and for an extended duration than is commonly available in a typical classroom or early intervention setting, or which require personnel to have knowledge and skills in identifying and implementing multiple evidencebased interventions). E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1

Agencies

Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 352-353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28876]


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COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS


Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial 
Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United 
States Free Trade Agreement (``CAFTA-DR'')

AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.

ACTION: Determination to add a product in unrestricted quantities to 
Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR.

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

DATES: Applicable Date: January 3, 2024.

SUMMARY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements 
(``CITA'') has determined that certain two-way stretch polyester/
spandex woven fabric (the ``subject product''), as specified below, is 
not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA-
DR countries. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 of 
the CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Mease, Office of Textiles and 
Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-2043 or 
[email protected].
    For Further Information Online: https://otexaprod.trade.gov/otexacapublicsite/requests/cafta under ``Approved Requests,'' File 
Number: CA2023001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Authority: The CAFTA-DR; section 203(o)(4) of the Dominican 
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement 
Implementation Act (``CAFTA-DR Implementation Act''), Public Law 109-
53; the Statement of Administrative Action accompanying the CAFTA-DR 
Implementation Act; and Presidential Proclamation 7987 (February 28, 
2006).
    Background: The CAFTA-DR provides a list in Annex 3.25 for fabrics, 
yarns, and fibers that the Parties to the CAFTA-DR have determined are 
not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the 
territory of any Party. The CAFTA-DR provides that this list may be 
modified pursuant to Article 3.25.4 and 3.25.5, when the United States 
determines that a fabric, yarn, or fiber is not available in commercial 
quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. See Annex 
3.25 of the CAFTA-DR; see also section 203(o)(4)(C) of the CAFTA-DR 
Implementation Act.
    The CAFTA-DR Implementation Act requires the President to establish 
procedures governing the submission of a request and providing 
opportunity for interested entities to submit comments and supporting 
evidence before a commercial availability determination is made. In 
Presidential Proclamation 7987, the President delegated to CITA the 
authority under section 203(o)(4) of CAFTA-DR Implementation Act for 
modifying the Annex 3.25 list. Pursuant to this authority, on September 
15, 2008, CITA published modified procedures it would follow in 
considering requests to modify the Annex 3.25 list of products 
determined to be not commercially available in the territory of any 
Party to the CAFTA-DR (Modifications to Procedures for Considering 
Requests Under the Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican 
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, 73 FR 
53200) (``CITA's procedures'').
    On October 31, 2023, CITA received a commercial availability 
request from Konffetty S.A. de C.V. (``Konffetty'') for certain two-way 
stretch polyester/spandex woven fabric, as specified below. On November 
2, 2023, in accordance with CITA's procedures, CITA notified interested 
parties of the Request, which was posted on the dedicated website for 
CAFTA-DR commercial availability proceedings. In its notification, CITA 
advised that any Response with an Offer to Supply (``response'') must 
be submitted by November 15, 2023, and any Rebuttal to a Response 
(``rebuttal'') must be submitted by November 21, 2023, in accordance 
with sections 6 and 7 of CITA's procedures.
    Based on a request from an interested entity, and in accordance 
with section 6(a) of CITA's procedures, CITA extended the response 
deadline by two business days, through November 17, 2023. 
Correspondingly, the rebuttal deadline was extended by two business 
days, through November 24, 2023.
    On November 17, 2023, Summitex Woven Textiles (``Summitex'') 
submitted a response to the pending request. On November 24, 2023, 
Konffetty submitted a rebuttal to Summitex's response. In accordance 
with section 203(o)(4) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act, Article 3.25 
of the CAFTA-DR, and section 8(c)(4) of CITA's procedures, because 
there was insufficient information on the record to make a 
determination within 30 business days, CITA extended the period to make 
a determination by 14 U.S. business days. Further, in accordance with 
section 8(c)(4)(i) of its procedures, CITA called for a public meeting 
on December 6, 2023 with representatives of Konffetty and Summitex to 
provide the companies with an opportunity to submit additional evidence 
to substantiate their claims regarding Summitex's capability to supply 
the subject product in commercial quantities in a timely manner.
    Section 203(o)(4)(C)(ii) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act 
provides that after receiving a request, a determination will be made 
as to whether the subject product is available in commercial quantities 
in a timely manner in the CAFTA-DR countries. In the instant case, the 
information on the record indicates that Konffetty made significant 
efforts to source the fabric in the CAFTA-DR region, specifically from 
Summitex. However, Summitex has not demonstrated its ability to supply 
the subject product in commercial quantities in a timely manner. 
Therefore, in accordance with section 203(o) of the CAFTA-DR 
Implementation Act and CITA's procedures, as no interested entity has 
substantiated its ability to supply the subject product in commercial 
quantities in a timely manner, CITA has determined to add the specified 
fabric to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR.
    The subject product has been added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the 
CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities. A revised list has been posted on 
the dedicated website for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability proceedings, 
at https://otexaprod.trade.gov/otexacapublicsite/shortsupply/cafta.

Specifications: Certain Two-Way Stretch Polyester/Spandex Woven Fabric

HTS: 5407.51, 5407.52, or 5407.53
Fiber Content (AATCC 20A): 95% (94%-96%) polyester and 5% (4%-6%) 
spandex
Yarn Size:
    Warp: 100D +40D polyester/spandex textured filament
    Weft: (100D + 40D SP)*2 polyester/spandex textured filament
Thread Count (ASTM D3775):

[[Page 353]]

    English (yarns/inch2): 118 (116-120) warp x 82 (81-83) weft
    Metric (yarns/cm2): 300 (296-305) warp x 209 (206-212) weft
Fabric Weight (ASTM D3776):
    English: 3.72 (3.65-3.78) oz/yd2
    Metric: 126 (124-128) g/m2
Weave Type: Woven Plain and Twill Weave
Fabric Width (ASTM D3774):
    English: 61.25 (60.50-62.50) inches
    Metric: 153 (151-155) cm
Stretch (ASTM D3107):
    Warp: 15% (14%-16%)
    Weft: 17% (16%-18%)
Finish: Optical white Prepared for printing/piece dyed/yarn dyed/with 
soft hand (no chemistry finish)

Jennifer Knight,
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.
[FR Doc. 2023-28876 Filed 1-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P

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