Department of State 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with Sections 3 and 6 of the Clean Diamond Trade Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-19) and Section 2 of Executive Order 13312 of July 29, 2003, the Department of State is identifying all the Participants eligible for trade in rough diamonds under the Act, and their respective Importing and Exporting Authorities, and revising the previously published list of September 8, 2008 (73 FR 52073) to add Mexico and delete Cote d`Ivoire.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Inventing Marcel Duchamp: The Dynamics of Portraiture,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC, from on or about March 27, 2009, until on or about August 2, 2009, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.

As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, the Department of State gives notice of the fourth meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services. This Committee has been formed in fulfillment of the provisions of the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Pub. L. 109-435) and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Public input: Any member of the public interested in providing public input to the meeting should contact Mr. Chris Wood, whose contact information is listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Each individual providing oral input is requested to limit his or her comments to five minutes. Requests to be added to the speaker list must be received in writing (letter, e-mail or fax) prior to the close of business on February 6, 2009; written comments from members of the public for distribution at this meeting must reach Mr. Wood by letter, e-mail or fax by this same date. Meeting agenda: The agenda of the meeting will include a review of the results of the October-November 2008 sessions of the UPU Postal Operations Council and Council of Administration as well as other subjects related to international postal and delivery services of interest to Advisory Committee members and the public.

The Department of State is seeking applications and nominations for the renewal of the General Advisory Committee to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) as well as to a Scientific Advisory Subcommittee of the General Advisory Committee. The purpose of the General Advisory Committee and the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee is to provide public input and advice to the United States Section to the IATTC in the formulation of U.S. policy and positions at meetings of the IATTC and its subsidiary bodies. The Scientific Advisory Subcommittee shall also function as the National Scientific Advisory Committee (NATSAC) provided for in the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP). The United States Section to the IATTC is composed of the Commissioners to the IATTC, appointed by the President, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Fisheries or his or her designated representative. Authority to establish the General Advisory Committee and Scientific Advisory Subcommittee is provided under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, as amended by the International Dolphin Conservation Program Act (IDCPA) of 1997.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs Branch (ECA/A/E/EUR) announces an open competition for three (3) Summer Institutes for European undergraduate students to take place during the summer of 2009. The Institutes vary in focus, the number of participants, length, timing, and funding. Accredited, post-secondary educational institutions in the United States may submit proposals to administer one or more of the Institute programs. Institutions must submit separate proposals for each Institute. All Institutes will be funded in FY2009 pending the availability of funds.

On December 10, 2008, the State Department published in the Federal Register a proposed rule titled Exchange Visitor Program. The Department amended the General Provisions of the existing Exchange Visitor Program regulations set forth at 22 CFR Part 62. This proposed rule is being withdrawn because it was submitted prior to a formal significance designation being made by OMB. The proposed rule is withdrawn in its entirety.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Tales in Sprinkled Gold: Japanese Lacquer for European Collectors,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, CA, from on or about March 3, 2009, until on or about May 24, 2009, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.

The Department of State issued a Presidential permit, effective December 8, 2008, authorizing the General Services Administration to construct, operate, and maintain a vehicular and pedestrian border crossing called ``Otay Mesa East'' near San Diego, California, at the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. In making this determination, the Department consulted with other federal agencies, as required by Executive Order 11423, as amended.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the management of the Disability Components for two Academic Year programs. This includes conducting a five-day summer Preparatory Workshop and a two-day spring Leadership and Reentry Workshop for Students with Disabilities from Eurasia participating in the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program and from countries with significant Muslim populations participating in the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, as well as providing support services to these students throughout the year by assisting grantee placement organizations and maintaining regular communication with each student, as needed. Approximately 30 high school-aged students will participate in the Disability Component Program.

The Department of State is proposing to amend the General Provisions (Subpart A) of the existing Exchange Visitor Program regulations in order to provide greater specificity regarding program administration, sponsor obligations and participant eligibility in the Exchange Visitor Program. Certain definitions have been added or deleted. New requirements regarding applications for designation and redesignation, health insurance, the collection of employment authorization information on dependants and the successful completion of criminal background checks on all Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers are proposed. In addition, the requirements set forth in Subpart F (SEVIS reporting requirements) are consolidated into Subpart A.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Leonardo da Vinci's Horse and Rider? A Technical Investigation,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, from on or about May 3, 2009, until on or about September 7, 2009, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register. Following the exhibition at the Gallery, all objects but the principal statue will be returned to the lenders; the principal statue will travel to other U.S. museums to become part of new exhibitions for which new notices will be applied.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for grants that support exchanges and build relationships between U.S. non-profit organizations and civil society and cultural groups in Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Central Asia and the Western Hemisphere. Pending availability of funds, it is anticipated that approximately $5,600,000 or more will be available to support this competition. ECA/PE/C expects to fund approximately 10-15 projects under this competition in FY 2009. U.S. public and non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals that support the goals of The Professional Exchange Program. Projects should promote mutual understanding and partnerships between key professional and cultural groups in the United States and counterpart groups in other countries through multi-phased exchanges taking place over one to two years. Proposals should encourage citizen engagement in current issues and promote the development of democratic societies and institutions, with a view toward creating a more stable world. All programs should be two-way exchanges and involve participants from the U.S. and foreign countries. Proposed projects should transform institutional and individual understanding of key issues, foster dialogue, share expertise, and develop capacity. Through these people-to-people exchanges, the Bureau seeks to break down stereotypes that divide peoples, to promote good governance and economic growth, to contribute to conflict prevention and management, and to build respect for cultural expression and identity in the world. Projects should be structured to allow American professionals and their international counterparts in eligible countries to develop a common dialogue for dealing with shared challenges and concerns. Projects should include current or potential leaders who will effect positive change in their communities. Applicants may not submit more than one proposal per theme in this competition. Also, applicants may not include countries not eligible under a specific theme designated in the RFGP. Proposals that do so will be declared technically ineligible and will receive no further consideration in the review process. For the purposes of this competition, eligible regions are Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. No guarantee is made or implied that grants will be awarded in all themes and for all countries listed.

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Local American Citizen Skills/Resources Survey. OMB Control Number: NewOMB No. 1405-XXXX. Type of Request: New Collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS). Form Number: DS-5506. Respondents: United States Citizens. Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000. Estimated Number of Responses: 2,000. Average Hours per Response: 15 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 500 hours. Frequency: On Occasion. Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Pierre Bonnard: The Late Interiors,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, from on or about January 27, 2009, until on or about April 19, 2009, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.

Notice is hereby given that the Department of State has terminated the statutory debarment of Interaero, Inc. pursuant to section 38(g)(4) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) (22 U.S.C. 2778).

United States cities and major resort/hotel destinations are invited to present proposals to hold the concluding series of meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled for November 12-20, 2011. Over the course of nine days, the United States Government will organize various official and informal events, bilateral meetings, and media events that APEC member economies will attend. In total, up to 20,000 participants, including support staff, security, media, and businesspersons are expected to attend. Global media attention will focus on the APEC Leaders' Meetings and the city selected to host the event. The President of the United States, 18 other Heads of Government and representatives from Hong Kong and Taiwan are expected to attend. Each APEC delegation will likely come with its own advisors, security, and media. The APEC CEO Summit will also attract senior business executives from around the Asia-Pacific region. With this many high-profile visitors, security will be a major consideration for the selection of the city and conference venues. The following meetings are expected to be held from November 12-20, 2011: (1) Concluding Senior Officials Meeting (CSOM)2 days, approximately 200 delegates; (2) APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting (ABAC)4 days, approximately 200 delegates; (3) APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) 2 days, approximately 500 delegates; (4) APEC CEO Summit2 days, approximately 10,000 participants; (5) ABAC Dialogue with Leaders\1/ 2\ day, restricted attendance; (6) APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM)2 days, restricted attendance, 10,000 participants. The minimum requirements are as follows: An international airport with good connections to and from APEC economies (further information on APEC can be found at www.APEC.org); 20,000 hotel rooms of international standard including 80 suites for Heads of Government and cabinet-level Ministers; Conference facilities for multiple meetings; Political, business, and civic support; Local security capable of supporting delegates and VIPs. Preparation of Proposals. Deadline is December 15, 2008. The city selection will be made by the new Administration. Proposals must be in one (1) three-inch binder with no loose inserts. A professional video presentation of the city or resort/hotel must be included on a DVD. Three copies of the proposals must be mailed to: U.S. Department of State, Attn: APEC 2011 Leaders' Meeting, 2201 C. Street, Washington, DC 20520. Proposals should be postmarked by December 15, 2008. Questions about the proposal can be directed to APEC2011@state.gov. Questions will be responded to in a timely manner. All information in the proposal, including prices, must be valid for 60 days after the due date. Binders must have the following sections: (1) One-page executive summary of what the city offers. (2) General city description including the following: (a) Letter of support from the mayor or city's senior elected official; (b) letter of support from the state governor; (c) letter of support from local chamber of commerce; (d) a past performance statement which indicates the city's experience in putting on large meetings and events of this scale; (e) history of the city; (f) manufacturing and trade with the Asian-Pacific region; (g) description of the city's population groups from the APEC economies; (h) cultural attractions and shopping; and (i) availability of special places of interest that could be used for formal receptions, official dinners, or other events (e.g. museums, parks, monuments, theatres, etc.). (3) Airport: (a) Airline connections with APEC economies; (b) immigration and customs facilities; facilitated and expedited immigration for delegates, if any; (c) ability to receive private airplanes of heads of government and VIPs; (d) ground transportation to conference hotels; (e) arrival welcome for delegates, if any; and (f) traveler assistance services. (4) Hotel rooms and prices: (a) Hotels within one mile of the conference center including facilities, such as wireless internet (WIFI), and restaurants; (b) Hotels farther than one mile from the conference center including facilities, such as WIFI and restaurants; (c) hotel rooms suitable for VIPs; (d) up-to-date safety/security systems; and (e) ability to comply with security checks on employees. (5) Conference facilities: (a) Catering, audio-visual, perimeter security, on-site maintenance, management, medical, and WIFI; (b) dedicated entrance for APEC delegates, if any; (c) meeting rooms; (d) transportation between hotels and conference facilities; (e) spreadsheet with costs of conference facilities for dates indicated; (f) Statement that the facilities are available for conference dates plus four weeks before those dates and one week after; and (g) Lunch facilities within a 15- minute walk of the conference facilities. (6) Letters of support from civic and business groups. (7) Letter of support from conference bureau. (8) Description of local transportation. (9) Security should address the AELM Leaders' conference facilities and hotels only. Please address the following questions: How will the city provide security for the delegates and VIPs including the U.S. President? Only the U.S. President and other Heads of Government will have United States Secret Service (USSS) protective details. Each Head of Government will receive protection and a limousine. The Secretary of State has 24/7 Diplomatic Security Service (DS) protection. Heads of delegations that are not Heads of Government would NOT receive USSS protection but, based on threat, might receive DS protection. Local Police Departments (PD) normally provide route, motorcade, and intelligence support to the USSS. Local PDs historically have the lead responsibility for providing crowd control, demonstration control and riot response. If required, will the city block off streets around the conference venue and hotels for Heads of Government? The conference facility would have tight perimeter and access controls. Security arrangements for hotels are based on threat information relating to the Heads of Government and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the USSS and Local PD. Not every hotel would necessarily have total perimeter controls. Conversely, a central hotel might meet criteria for closed streets and public access. How will the city fund the extra security required for this conference? Cities that bid on such events must take into account and budget for the extensive costs of Security and Public Safety, as that responsibility lies solely with the host city. The USSS and DS do not reimburse local police for costs of supporting visiting foreign dignitaries. Some cities in the past have been able to obtain funding to offset security costs through Congress when requests for funding support have been initiated by their congressional representatives. This event would likely receive a Department of Homeland Security, Special Event Activity Report (SEAR) Level One. It could possibly receive designation as a National Security Special Event (NSSE) but that would not likely be determined until approximately one year or less prior to the event. The SEAR and NSSE designations are made based on certain criteria by either the DHS Special Event Working Group or the NSSE Working Group (Interagency Security groups that use methodology to determine an event's rating.) Neither designation provides funding to local public safety agencies, but the ultimate SEAR level and, if applicable, NSSE designation, does outline the level of support that Federal agencies can provide. What public safety infrastructure is available? Address the following: (1) Police: (a) Special operations capabilities; (b) VIP protection; (c) riot and crowd control response to incidents; (d) explosive detection and disposal; (e) traffic controls; (f) Intelligence Division; (g) mutual aid agreements/memorandum of understanding with surrounding jurisdictions/ state police; (h) communication center and procedures; and (i) current emergency plan. (2) Fire/emergency medical service: (a) Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear detection/procedures; (b) first responders; (c) equipment/training and trained staff on hand. (3) Emergency Management: (a) Mass casualty; (b) terrorist attack; and (c) natural disaster. (4) Emergency Facilities: (a) Hospital/Medical Centers; (b) emergency backup communications; (c) emergency supplies; and (d) evacuation plans.

The United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks to tap private sector ingenuity and capacity by partnering with the private sector to create an online English language learning and literacy series for economically disadvantaged youth outside the United States that will be made available without charge. Through English learning programs, traditionally underserved populations will gain access to diverse sources of information, the ability to participate in the global marketplace, and a better understanding of the values that shape responsible citizens of the world.

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Medical History and Examination for Foreign Service. OMB Control Number: 1405-0068. Type of Request: Revision of Currently Approved Collection. Originating Office: Office of Medical Services, M/MED/C/ MC. Form Number: DS-1622 and DS-1843. Respondents: Foreign Service Officers, State Department Employees, Other Government Employees and Family Members. Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,234 per year. Estimated Number of Responses: 7,234 per year. Average Hours per Response: 1.0 hours per response. Total Estimated Burden: 7,234 hours. Frequency: On occasion. Obligation to Respond: Mandatory.