Agencies and Commissions 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, May 22, 1995), this notice announces that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review of an extension, without change, of a currently approved information collection. SF 2823, Designation of Beneficiary: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance, is used by any Federal employee or retiree covered by the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program to instruct the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance how to distribute the proceeds of his or her life insurance when the statutory order of precedence does not meet his or her needs. Approximately 47,000 SF 2823 forms are completed annually by annuitants and 1,000 forms are completed by assignees. Each form takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The annual estimated burden is 12,000 hours. For copies of this proposal, contact Mary Beth Smith-Toomey on (202) 606-8358, FAX (202) 418-3251 or via e-mail to MaryBeth.Smith- Toomey@opm.gov. Please include a mailing address with your request.

This document makes amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in order to make editorial changes.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a second interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement amendments to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act). The Local Community Recovery Act of 2006 amended the Stafford Act to authorize set-asides for major disaster or emergency assistance acquisitions to businesses that reside or primarily do business in the geographic area affected by the disaster or emergency. Section 694 of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act of 2007, Pub. L 109-295, enacted requirements for transitioning work under existing contracts.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to delete references to FACNET.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations on the SAFETY Act.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify, streamline, and update text and clauses on Patents, Data, and Copyrights (FAR Part 27).

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is pleased to announce that, in 2008; the agency will develop and implement a Beta test of a web service which will allow the submission of Initial-level claims, including Disability applications and Adult Disability Reports, from companies who assist the public with filing for benefits. In 2008, SSA plans to develop the web service to initially collect data on the Internet Social Security Benefit Application and Disability Report. Note that when a third party submits an application, SSA must contact the claimant before it is considered valid. In the initial phase, organizations will be able to submit claims data in bulk and receive a confirmation of receipt of the submitted data. In subsequent phases, the systems interface will also include the ability for organizations to check on the status of previously submitted claims information. SSA would like to extend an invitation to companies who assist individuals with their Social Security benefit applications, to participate in this web service claims data exchange Beta test. The Beta test is structured to use the ``consolidator'' model, where the participating company serves as a conduit to receive claims data from their client base and electronically transfer the data to SSA. After the initial disability claims data collection effort in 2008 is evaluated, SSA will add functional capabilities in future years to collect data on electronic appeal forms and integrated claims applications. This multi-year initiative will provide a comprehensive systems interface for companies to send claims data (including Title II Retirement and Spouse application data, disability data, and medical evidence) to SSA on behalf of their clients. The envisioned long-range solution beyond 2008 is a web service that will facilitate the collection of data through the entire life-cycle of Internet applications, including Title II and Title XVI initial claims and appeals.

Virginia has scheduled a special general election on December 11, 2007, to fill the U.S. House of Representatives seat in the First Congressional District vacated by the late Representative Jo Ann Davis. Committees participating in the Virginia Special General Election on December 11, 2007, shall file a 12-day Pre-General Report, and a 30- day Post-General Report.

This gives notice of OPM decisions granting authority to make appointments under Schedules A, B, and C in the excepted service as required by 5 CFR 6.6 and 213.103.

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined not to review an initial determination (``ID'') (Order No. 19) of the presiding administrative law judge (``ALJ'') granting complainant's motion to amend the complaint in the above-captioned investigation.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44.U.S.C. 3508(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is soliciting comments on a proposed study to assess the effectiveness of various methods used to distribute funds to the nation's museums.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b(e)(3)), of the regular meeting of the Farm Credit Administration Board (Board). Date and Time: The regular meeting of the Board will be held at the offices of the Farm Credit Administration in McLean, Virginia, on November 8, 2007, from 9 a.m. until such time as the Board concludes its business.