Agencies and Commissions January 30, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action adds to the Procurement List a product to be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is requesting stakeholder input on Section 7033 of the America COMPETES Act, which authorizes the NSF Director to establish a new program to award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to Hispanic-serving institutions to enhance the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at such institutions and to increase the retention and graduation rates of students pursuing associate or baccalaureate degrees in STEM.

The Board is requesting public comment on proposed amendments to Regulation D, Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions, to authorize the establishment of limited-purpose accounts at Federal Reserve Banks (``Reserve Banks'') for the maintenance of excess balances of eligible institutions (both as defined in Regulation D). These excess balance accounts (``EBAs'') would contain only the excess balances of the eligible institutions participating in such accounts, although the participating eligible institutions (``EBA Participants'') would authorize another institution (``EBA Agent'') to manage the EBA on their behalf. The authorization of EBAs is intended to allow eligible institutions to earn interest on their excess balances at the excess balance rate in an account relationship directly with the Federal Reserve Bank as counterparty without disrupting established business relationships with their correspondents. Continuing strains in financial markets and the configuration of interest rates support the implementation of EBAs; however, the Board will evaluate the continuing need for EBAs when more normal market functioning is restored. The Board seeks comment on all aspects of the proposal.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the ``Corporation''), has submitted a public information collection request (ICR) entitled ``AmeriCorps Application Instructions: State Competitive, State Education Award Program, National Direct, National Direct Education Award Program, National Professional Corps, Indian Tribes, States and Territories without Commissions, and National Planning'' to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of this ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Ms. Amy Borgstrom at (202) 606-6930. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY-TDD) may call (202) 565- 2799 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday.

The Board is amending regulations concerning the procedures for filing documents with the Agency electronically. The revisions provide that when the document being filed electronically is required to be served on another party to the proceeding, the other party shall be served by electronic mail (e- mail), if possible. If electronic service is not possible, the other party shall be notified by telephone of the substance of the transmitted document and a copy of the document shall be served personally, or by registered mail, certified mail, regular mail, or private delivery service, or, with the consent of the other party, by facsimile transmission.