Agencies and Commissions December 19, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Museum and Library Services Board, which advises the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services in awarding national awards and medals, will meet by teleconference on February 23, 2015, to review nominations for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

This notice is hereby given of the appointment of members of the updated U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General's Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the purpose of this notice is to announce that a Federal Advisory Committee, known as the ``Downloadable Security Technology Advisory Committee,'' is being established. This committee will report to the Commission about downloadable security for devices that access multichannel video programming services, as required by the STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: 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; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; 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; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC 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 PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking public comment on emergency preparedness (EP) frequently asked question (EPFAQ) No. 2014-002, EPFAQ No. 2014-003, and EPFAQ No. 2014-007. These EPFAQs will be used to provide clarification of guidance documents related to the development and maintenance of EP program elements. The NRC is publishing these preliminary results to inform the public and solicit comments.

This action adds products to the Procurement List that will be furnished by the nonprofit agency employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

This notice announces a change in the membership of the Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).

The Commission is noticing a recent Postal Service filing concerning the addition of Priority Mail Contract 104 negotiated service agreement to the competitive product list. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps.

The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration in WC Docket No. 13-184 and a Report and Order in WC Docket No. 10-90 to close the school and library connectivity gap by adjusting program rules and support levels in order to meet long- term program goals for high-speed connectivity to and within all eligible schools and libraries. 2..................... WIRELINE COMPETITION. TITLE: Connect America Fund (WC Docket No. 10- 90); ETC Annual Reports and Certifications (WC Docket No. 14-58); Petition of USTelecom for Forbearance Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 160(c) from Obsolete ILEC Regulatory Obligations that Inhibit Deployment of Next- Generation Networks (WC Docket No. 14-192). SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Report and Order finalizing decisions necessary to proceed to Phase II of the Connect America Fund. 3..................... WIRELESS TITLE: Broadcast TELECOMMUNICATIONS. Incentive Auction Public Notice Auction 1000, 1001 and 1222 (GN Docket No. 12-268). SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Public Notice that asks for comment on the detailed procedures necessary to carry out the Broadcast Incentive Auction. The Public Notice includes specific proposals on auction design issues such as determination of the initial clearing target, opening bid prices, and the final television channel assignment process.

As part of NCUA's Regulatory Modernization Initiative, the NCUA Board (Board) is revising two of NCUA's regulations regarding appraisals. In response to a recent amendment to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Regulation B, the Board is eliminating from NCUA's regulations the now duplicative requirement that federal credit unions (FCUs) make available, to any requesting member, a copy of the appraisal used in connection with that member's application for a loan secured by a first lien on a dwelling. Also, the Board is amending NCUA's appraisal regulations by expanding the current exemption for certain transactions involving an existing extension of credit. More specifically, under the expanded exemption, a federally insured credit union (FICU) will be permitted to refinance or modify a real estate- related loan held by the FICU, without having to obtain another appraisal, if there is no advancement of new monies or if there is adequate collateral protection even with the advancement of new monies. Lastly, the Board is making a minor technical amendment to the definition of the term ``application.''

The NCUA Board (Board) is continuing its comprehensive review of its regulations to identify outdated, unnecessary, or burdensome regulatory requirements imposed on federally insured credit unions, as contemplated by section 2222 of the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 (EGRPRA). This second decennial review of regulations began when the Board issued its first EGRPRA notice on May 22, 2014, covering the two categories of ``Applications and Reporting'' and ``Powers and Activities.'' \1\ Today, the Board continues the review process with the publication of this second notice, covering the next three categories of rules: ``Agency Programs,'' ``Capital,'' and ``Consumer Protection.'' This review presents a significant opportunity to consider the possibilities for burden reduction in groups of similar regulations. The Board welcomes comment on the categories, the order of review, and all other aspects of this initiative in order to maximize the review's effectiveness.

This joint interim final rule implements for all Federal award-making agencies the final guidance Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 26, 2013. This rule is necessary in order to incorporate into regulation and thus bring into effect the Uniform Guidance as required by OMB. Implementation of this guidance will reduce administrative burden and risk of waste, fraud, and abuse for the approximately $600 billion per year awarded in Federal financial assistance. The result will be more Federal dollars reprogrammed to support the mission, new entities able to compete and win awards, and ultimately a stronger framework to provide key services to American citizens and support the basic research that underpins the United States economy.