National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is amending NASA regulations on release of information to news and information media. These amendments will establish NASA policy, responsibility, and procedure for providing information to news media on NASA activities.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the acquisition of products and services for personal identity verification that comply with requirements in Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12, ``Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors,'' and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) 201, ``Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors''.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announces a meeting of the Planetary Science Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). This Subcommittee reports to the Science Committee of the NAC. The Meeting will be held for the purpose of soliciting from the scientific community and other persons scientific and technical information relevant to program planning.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announces a meeting of the Earth Science Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). This Subcommittee reports to the Science Committee of the NAC. The Meeting will be held for the purpose of soliciting from the scientific community and other persons scientific and technical information relevant to program planning.

This notice is issued in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2451 (314) (d). The 2007 Astronaut Glove Challenge registration is open for teams that wish to compete. The NASA Centennial Challenges Program is a program of prize contests to stimulate innovation and competition in space exploration and ongoing NASA mission areas. The 2007 Astronaut Glove Challenge is a prize contest designed to promote the development of glove joint technology, resulting in a highly dexterous and flexible glove that can be used by astronauts over long periods of time for space or planetary surface excursions. The 2007 Astronaut Glove Challenge is being administered for NASA by Volanz Aerospace/ Spaceflight America in a format that brings all competitors to a single location for a ``head to head'' competition. Each team will be required to perform a variety of tasks with their gloves and will be scored on the glove performance. The 2007 Astronaut Glove Challenge Web site is https://www.astronaut-glove.us. The Centennial Challenges Web site is https://centennialchallenges.nasa.gov.

This notice is issued in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2451 (314)(d). The 2006 Tether Challenge is now scheduled and teams that wish to compete may now register. The NASA Centennial Challenges Program is a program of prize contests to stimulate innovation and competition in space exploration and ongoing NASA mission areas. The 2006 Tether Challenge is a prize contest designed to develop very strong tether material for use in various structural applications. The 2006 Tether Challenge is being administered for NASA by the Spaceward Foundation. Their Web site is: https://www.spaceward.org. The Centennial Challenges Web site is centennialchallenges.nasa.gov.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration proposes to revise an existing system of records titled ''Security Records System'' (NASA 10SECR), last published on December 13, 1999, (64 FR 69556). This system of records is being revised to describe the additional types of information being collected by NASA required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors) and FIPS 201 (Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors). Additionally, this system of records is being revised to reflect that NASA now collects and maintains emergency contact information for employees and contractors in order for notification of an employee or contractor's next-of-kin in the event of a mishap involving the individual. The purposes of this system of records are to: 1. Document security violations and supervisory actions taken. 2. Ensure the safety and security of NASA facilities, systems, or information, and Agency occupants and users. 3. Notify an employee's next-of-kin or contractor in the event of a mishap involving the NASA or contractor employee. 4. Complete the NASA identity proofing and registration process. 5. Create data records in the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Identity Management System (IDMS). 6. Issue PIV cards to verify that individuals entering Federal facilities, using Federal information resources, or accessing classified information are authorized to do so. 7. Track and control issued PIV cards.

This document is issued under the joint authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This Small Entity Compliance Guide has been prepared in accordance with Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. It consists of a summary of rule appearing in Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-12 which amends the FAR. An asterisk (*) next to a rule indicates that a regulatory flexibility analysis has been prepared. Interested parties may obtain further information regarding this rule by referring to FAC 2005-12 which precedes this document. These documents are also available via the Internet at http:/ /acquisition.gov/far.

This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rule agreed to by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-12. A companion document, the Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is available via the Internet at https://acquisition.gov/far.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration announces an open meeting of the NASA International Space Station Advisory Committee.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement regarding authorized negotiators. A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 71 FR 28856, May 18, 2006. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and NASA policy and procedures (14 CFR part 1216 subpart 1216.3), NASA has prepared and issued a Draft EA for the Development of the CEV. The Proposed Action is to develop a new human- rated space vehicle, the CEV, which would be the U.S. vehicle to transport humans to Low-Earth Orbit and to the International Space Station, Moon, Mars, and to destinations beyond. The Draft EA addresses the potential environmental impacts associated with the development of the CEV, including its design, component fabrication, and assembly. However, it does not cover flight testing and operation of the CEV, which will be the subject of future NEPA documentation. The only alternative to the Proposed Action discussed in detail is the No Action Alternative where NASA would not develop the CEV. The CEV would be able to transport up to six humans and cargo to space after the Space Shuttle is retired, which is currently scheduled to occur no later than 2010. First human flight involving the CEV is planned for no later than 2014 with initial access to Low-Earth Orbit and to the International Space Station. Human missions to the Moon are planned for no later than 2020 with missions to Mars and other destinations in the following decades. The CEV would likely be launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning cost accounting standards administration. The clearance currently expires on October 31, 2006. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the issues of contractor personnel that are providing support to the mission of the United States Government in the theater of operations or at a diplomatic or consular mission outside the United States, but are not covered by the DoD clause for contractor personnel authorized to accompany the U.S. Armed Forces.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning preaward survey forms (Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408.) The clearance currently expires on October 31, 2006. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning Defense Production Act Amendments. The clearance currently expires on October 31, 2006. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning rights of first refusal of employment. The clearance currently expires on October 31, 2006. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

This document is issued under the joint authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This Small Entity Compliance Guide has been prepared in accordance with Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. It consists of a summary of rules appearing in Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-11 which amend the FAR. An asterisk (*) next to a rule indicates that a regulatory flexibility analysis has been prepared. Interested parties may obtain further information regarding these rules by referring to FAC 2005-11 which precedes this document. These documents are also available via the Internet at http:/ /www.acquisition.gov/far.

This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules agreed to by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-11. A companion document, the Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is available via the Internet at https://www.acquisition.gov/far.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announces a forthcoming meeting of the International Space Station Independent Safety Task Force (IISTF).

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 include the process of validating a Central Contractor Registration (CCR) registrant's taxpayer identification number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to improve the quality of data in the Federal procurement system. Additionally, the amendment removes outdated language requiring modifications of contracts prior to December 31, 2003, regarding CCR.

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 provide internal procedures to cover situations when the FAR requires interaction with a procurement center representative and one has not been assigned to the procuring activity or contract administration office.

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 Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement with respect to El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.