[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27159-27164]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10481]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2016-0008]

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; Fire Prevention and
Safety Grants

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS

ACTION: Notice of guidance.

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SUMMARY: This Notice provides guidelines that describe the application
process for grants and the criteria for awarding Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) grants in the fiscal year (FY) 2015 Assistance to
Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program year. It explains the differences, if
any, between these guidelines and those recommended by representatives
of the Nation's fire service leadership during the annual Criteria
Development meeting, which was held October 27-28, 2014. The
application period for the FY 2015 FP&S Grant Program year will be held
April 4-May 6, 2016, and will be announced on the AFG Web site
(www.fema.gov/firegrants), www.grants.gov, and U.S. Fire Administration
Web site (www.usfa.fema.gov).
    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229.

DATES: Grant applications for the FP&S Grant Program will be accepted
electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, from April 4-May 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, Stop 3620, DHS/
FEMA, 400 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance
to Firefighters Grants Branch, 1-866-274-0960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the AFG Program is to enhance
the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and
fire-related hazards. The FEMA Grant Programs Directorate administers
the FP&S Grant Program as part of the AFG Program.
    FP&S Grants are offered to support projects in two activities:

    1. Activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and
mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-
related hazards (``FP&S Activity'').
    2. Projects aimed at improving firefighter safety, health and
wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter
fatalities and injuries (``R&D Activity'').
    The grant program's authorizing statute requires that each year DHS
publish in the Federal Register the guidelines that describe the
application process and the criteria for grant awards. Approximately
1,000 applications for FP&S Grant Program funding are anticipated to be
submitted electronically, using the application submission form and
process available at the AFG e-Grant application portal: https://portal.fema.gov. Specific information about the submission of grant
applications can be found in the ``FY 2015 Fire Prevention and Safety
Program Notice of Funding Opportunity,'' which will be available for
download at www.fema.gov/firegrants and at www.regulations.gov under
Docket ID FEMA-2016-0008.

Appropriations

    Congress appropriated $340,000,000 for AFG in FY 2015 pursuant to
the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015, Public
Law 114-4. From this amount, $34,000,000 will be made available for
FP&S Grant awards, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 2229(h)(5), which states that
not less than 10 percent of available grant funds each year are awarded
under the FP&S Grant Program. Funds appropriated for all FY 2015 AFG
awards, pursuant to Public Law 114-4, will be available for obligation
and award until September 30, 2016.
    From the approximately 1,000 applications that will be requesting
assistance, FEMA anticipates that it will award approximately 100 FP&S
Grants from available grant funding.

Background of the AFG Program

    DHS awards grants on a competitive basis to the applicants that
best address the FP&S Grant Program's priorities and provide the most
compelling justification. Applications that best address the Program's
priorities will be reviewed by a panel composed of fire service
personnel.

Award Criteria

    All applications for grants will be prepared and submitted through
the AFG e-Grant application portal (https://portal.fema.gov).
    The FP&S Grant Program panels will review the applications and
score them using the following criteria areas:
     Vulnerability
     Implementation
     Evaluation Plan
     Cost Benefit
     Financial Need
     Funding Priorities
     Experience and Expertise
    The applications submitted under the R&D Activity will be reviewed
first by a panel of fire service members to identify those applications
most relevant to the fire service. The following evaluation criteria
will be used for this review:
     Purpose
     Potential Impact
     Implementation by the fire service
     Partners
     Barriers
    The applications that are determined most likely to be implemented
to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or wellness will
be deemed to be in the ``competitive range'' and will be forwarded to
the second level of application review, which is the scientific panel
review process. This panel will be comprised of scientists and
technology experts who have expertise pertaining to the subject matter
of the proposal.
    The Scientific Technical Evaluation Panel for the R&D Activity will
review the application and evaluate it using the following criteria:
     Project purpose(s), goals and objectives, and specific
aims
     Literature Review
     Project Methods
     Project Measurements
     Project Analysis
     Dissemination and Implementation
     Cost vs. Benefit (additional consideration)
     Financial Need (additional consideration)

Eligible Applicants

    The following entities are eligible to apply directly to FEMA under
this solicitation:
    1. Fire Prevention and Safety (FP &S) Activity: Eligible applicants
for this activity include fire departments, national, regional, state,
local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations that are recognized for
their experience and expertise in fire prevention and safety programs
and activities. Both private and public non-profit organizations are
eligible to apply for funding in this activity. For-profit
organizations, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to
receive a FP &S Grant Award under the FP &S Activity.
    2. Firefighter Safety Research and Development (R&D) Activity:
Eligible applicants for this activity include national, state, local,
tribal, and nonprofit organizations, such as academic (e.g.,
universities), public health, occupational health, and injury
prevention institutions. Both private and public non-profit
organizations are eligible to apply for funding in this activity.
    The aforementioned entities are encouraged to apply, especially
those that are recognized for their experience and expertise in
firefighter safety, health, and wellness research and development
activities. Fire departments are not eligible to apply for funding in
the R &D activity. Additionally, for-profit organizations, federal
agencies, and individuals are not eligible to receive a grant award
under the R &D Activity.

Statutory Limits to Funding

    Applications and awards are limited to a maximum federal share of
$1.5 million dollars, regardless of applicant type.

Cost Sharing

    Grant recipients must share in the costs of the projects funded
under this grant program as required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(1) and in
accordance with 2 CFR 200.101(b)(1), but they are not required to have
the cost-share at the time of application nor at the time of award.
However, before a grant is awarded, FEMA will contact potential
awardees to determine whether the grant recipient has the funding in
hand or if the grant recipient has a viable plan to obtain the funding
necessary to fulfill the cost-sharing requirement.
    In general, an eligible applicant seeking an FP&S grant to carry
out an activity shall agree to make available non-federal funds to
carry out such activity in an amount equal to, and not less than, five
percent of the grant awarded. Cash match and in-kind matches are both
allowable in the FP &S Grant Program. Cash (hard) matches include non-
federal cash spent for project-related costs. In-kind (soft) matches
include, but are not limited to, the valuation of in-kind services. In-
kind is the value of something received or provided that does not have
a cost associated with it. For example, where an in-kind match (other
than cash payments) is permitted, then the value of donated services
could be used to comply with the match requirement. Also, third party
in-kind contributions may count toward satisfying match requirements
provided the grant recipient receiving the contributions expends them
as allowable costs in

compliance with provisions listed above.
    Grant recipients under this grant program must also agree to a
maintenance of effort requirement as required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(3)
(referred to as a ``maintenance of expenditure'' requirement in that
statute). Per this requirement, a grant recipient shall agree to
maintain during the term of the grant, the grant recipient's aggregate
expenditures relating to the activities allowable under the FP&S
Funding Opportunity Announcement at not less than 80 percent (80%) of
the average amount of such expenditures in the two (2) fiscal years
preceding the fiscal year in which the grant amounts are received.
    In cases of demonstrated economic hardship, and on the application
of the grant recipient, the Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce
certain grant recipient's cost share or maintenance of expenditure
requirements. This policy applies to FP &S per Sec.  33 of the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-498, as amended)
(15 U.S.C 2229). For complete requirements concerning these waivers,
including a description of how a grant recipient may demonstrate
economic hardship and apply for a waiver, please refer to FEMA Policy
FP 207-088-01, dated April 8, 2014, at: http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1398109239435-ec23997d8351382710896fa77d02bc7d/AFG+Economic+Hardship+Waiver+Policy.pdf. Per 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(4)(C),
FP&S grant recipientsthat are not fire departments are not eligible to
receive a waiver of their cost share or economic hardship requirements.

System for Award Management (SAM)

    On July 29, 2010, the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) was
moved into the System for Award Management (SAM). The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance to federal agencies
requiring all prime recipients of federal grants to register in SAM.
SAM is the primary vendor database for the Federal Government to
collect, validate, store, and disseminate data from a secure
centralized system. SAM consolidated the capabilities found in CCR and
other federal procurement systems into one new system.
    There is no charge to register in SAM.gov. Registrations must be
completed on-line at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. The
applicant organization is responsibile for having a valid Dun and
Bradstreet (DUNS) number at the time of registration. Organizations
with an active record in CCR have an active record in SAM, but may need
to validate their information. For registration, go to https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.

Application Process

    Applicants may only submit one (1) application, but may submit for
up to three (3) projects under each activity (FP&S and R&D). Any
applicant that submits more than one (1) application may have all
applications for any duplicated request(s) deemed ineligible.
    Under the FP &S Activity, applicants may apply under the following
categories:
     General Education/Awareness
     Fire & Arson Investigation
     Code Enforcement/Awareness
     National/State/Regional Programs and Studies
    Under the R&D Activity, applicants may apply under the following
categories:
     Clinical Studies
     Technology and Product Development
     Database System Development
     Dissemination and Implementation Research
     Preliminary Studies
    Prior to the start of the FY 2015 FP&S Grant Program application
period, FEMA will provide applicants with technical assistance tools
(available at the AFG Web site: www.fema.gov/firegrants) and other
online information to help them prepare quality grant applications. AFG
will also staff a Help Desk throughout the application period to assist
applicants with navigation through the automated application as well as
assistance with any questions they have. Applicants can reach the AFG
Help Desk through a toll-free telephone number (1-866-274-0960) or
electronic mail (firegrants@dhs.gov).
    Applicants are advised to access the application electronically at
https://portal.fema.gov. The application also will be accessible from
the grants.gov Web site (http://www.grants.gov). New applicants are
required to register and establish a username and password for secure
access to their application. Applicants that applied to any previous
AFG or Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
funding opportunities were required to use their previously established
usernames and passwords.
    In completing an application under this funding opportunity,
applicants will be asked to provide relevant information on their
organization's characteristics and existing capabilities. Those
applicants are asked to answer questions about their grant request that
reflect the funding priorities, described below. In addition, each
applicant will complete narratives for each project or grant activity
requested.
    The following are the funding priorities for each category under
the FP&S Activity:
     General Education/Awareness--Under the General Education/
Awareness category there are two funding priorities:
    [cir] The first priority will be given to programs that target high
risk population to conduct both door-to-door smoke alarm installations
and provide home safety inspections (including sprinkler awareness), as
part of a comprehensive home fire safety campaign.
    [cir] The second priority will be given to programs that include
sprinkler awareness that affect the entire community, such as educating
the public about residential sprinklers, promoting residential
sprinklers, and demonstrating working models of residential sprinklers.
     Code Enforcement/Awareness--projects that focus on first
time or reinstatement of code adoption and code enforcement.
     Fire & Arson Investigation--projects that aim to
aggressively investigate every fire.
     National/State/Regional Programs and Studies--projects
that focus on residential fire issues and/or firefighter behavior and
decision-making.
    Under the R&D Activity, in order to identify and address the most
important elements of firefighter safety, FEMA looked to the fire
service for its input and recommendations. In June 2005, the National
Fallen Firefighters' Foundation (NFFF) hosted a working group to
facilitate the development of an agenda for the nation's fire service,
and in particular for firefighter safety. In November 2015, the NFFF
hosted their third working group to update the agenda with current
priorities. A copy of the research agenda is available on the NFFF Web
site at http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources/research-symposium-reports/.
    Projects that meet the intent of this research agenda with respect
to firefighter health and safety, as identified by the NFFF working
group, will be given consideration under the R&D Activity. However, the
applicant is not limited to these specific projects. All proposed
projects, regardless of whether they have been identified by this
working group, will be evaluated on their relevance to firefighter
health and safety, and scientific rigor.
    The electronic application process will permit the applicant to
enter and

save the application data. The system does not permit the submission of
incomplete applications. Except for the narrative textboxes, the
application will use a ``point-and-click'' selection process or require
the entry of data (e.g., name and address). Applicants will be
encouraged to read the FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcement for more
details.

Criteria Development Process

    Each year, DHS convenes a panel of fire service professionals to
develop the funding priorities and other implementation criteria for
AFG. The Criteria Development Panel is comprised of representatives
from nine major fire service organizations who are charged with making
recommendations to FEMA regarding the creation of new funding
priorities, the modification of existing funding priorities, and the
development of criteria for awarding grants. The nine major fire
service organizations represented on the panel are:

 Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI)
 International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
 International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
 International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI)
 National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
 National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
 North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD)
    The FY 2015 criteria development panel meeting occurred January 8-
9, 2014. The content of the FY 2015 FP&S Funding Opportunity
Announcement reflects the implementation of the Criteria Development
Panel's recommendations with respect to the priorities, direction, and
criteria for awards. All of the funding priorities for the FY 2015 FP&S
Grant Program are designed to address the following:

 First responder safety
 Enhancing national capabilities
 Risk
 Interoperability

Changes for FY 2015

FY 2015 FP&S Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement.

    (1) The ``Guidance and Application Kit'' has been reformatted from
the Funding Opportunity (FOA) Announcement template to match the DHS
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Announcement template.
    (2) Sustainability is no longer a scored evaluation criteria under
the Fire Prevention and Safety Activity, thus the evaluation criteria
weights have changed for the other criteria components.
    (3) The Narrative Statement for the R&D Activity increased in page
limitation from 20 pages to 25 pages per project.
    (4) Micro Grants are now eligible for the Fire Prevention and
Safety Activity. The cumulative Federal total of the request must be
$25,000 or less.

Application Review Process and Considerations

    The program's authorizing statute requires that each year DHS
publish in the Federal Register a description of the grant application
process and the criteria for grant awards. This information is provided
below.
    DHS will review and evaluate all FP&S applications submitted using
the funding priorities and evaluation criteria described in this
document, which are based on recommendations from the AFG Criteria
Development Panel.

Peer Review Process

Technical Evaluation Process--Fire Prevention and Safety Activity

    All eligible applications will be evaluated by a Technical
Evaluation Panel (TEP). The TEP is comprised of a panel of Peer
Reviewers. The TEP will assess each application's merits with respect
to the detail provided in the Narrative Statement on the activity,
including the evaluation elements listed in the Evaluation Criteria
identified above.
    The panel of Peer Reviewers will independently score each project
within the application, discuss the merits and/or shortcomings of the
application, and document the findings. A consensus is not required.
The highest ranked applications will receive further technical review
to assess strengths and weaknesses, how readily weaknesses may be
resolved, and the likely impact of the proposed activities on the
safety of the target audience.

Technical Evaluation Process--Research and Development Activity

    R&D applications will go through a two-phase review process. First,
all applications will be reviewed by a panel of fire service experts to
assess relevance, meaning the likely impact of the proposed R&D
application to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or
wellness. They will also assess the need for the research results and
the likelihood that the results would be implemented by the fire
service in the U.S. Applications that are deemed likely to be
implemented to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or
wellness will then receive further consideration by a science review
panel. This panel will be comprised of scientists and technology
experts who have expertise pertaining to the subject matter of the
proposal.
    Reviewers will independently score applications and, if necessary,
discuss the merits or shortcomings of the application in order to
reconcile any major discrepancies identified by the reviewers. A
consensus is not required.
    With input from these panels, for the highest ranked applications,
FEMA will review each application's strengths and weaknesses, how best
the strengths fit the priorities of the FP&S Program, and how readily
the weaknesses may be resolved to support likely impact of the project
to improve firefighter safety, heath, or wellness.

Technical Review Process

    Projects receiving the highest scores then will undergo a technical
review by a subject matter specialist to assess the technical
feasibility of the project and a programmatic review to assess
eligibility and other factors.
    After the completion of the technical reviews, DHS will select a
sufficient number of awardees from this application period to obligate
all of the available grant funding. It will evaluate and act on
applications within 90 days following the close of the application
period. Award announcements will be made on a rolling basis until all
available grant funds have been committed. Awards will not be made in
any specified order. DHS will notify unsuccessful applicants as soon as
it is feasible.

Evaluation Criteria for Projects--Fire Prevention and Safety Activity

    Funding decisions will be informed by an assessment of how well the
application addresses the criteria and considerations listed below.
Applications will be reviewed by the TEP using weighted evaluation
criteria to score the project. These scores will impact the ranking of
a project for funding.
    The relative weight of the evaluation criteria in the determination
of the grant award is listed below.
     Financial Need (10%): Applicants should provide details on
the need for financial assistance to carry out the proposed project(s).
Included in the

description might be other unsuccessful attempts to acquire financial
assistance or specific examples of the applicant's operational budget.
     Vulnerability Statement (25%): The assessment of fire risk
is essential in the development of an effective project goal, as well
as meeting FEMA's goal to reduce risk by conducting a risk analysis as
a basis for action. Vulnerability is a ``weak link'' demonstrating high
risk behavior, living conditions or any type of high risk situation or
behavior. The Vulnerability Statement should include a description of
the steps taken to determine the vulnerability (weak link) and identify
the target audience. The methodology for determination of vulnerability
(how you found the weak link) should be discussed in-depth in the
application's Narrative Statement.
    [cir] The specific vulnerability (weak link) that will be addressed
with the proposed project can be established through a formal or
informal risk assessment. FEMA encourages the use of local statistics,
rather than national statistics, when discussing the vulnerability.
    [cir] The applicant should summarize the vulnerability (weakness)
the project will address in a clear, to-the-point statement that
addresses who is at risk, what the risks are, where the risks are, and
how the risks can be prevented.
    [cir] For the purpose of the FY 2015 FP&S NOFO, formal risk
assessments consist of the use of software programs or recognized
expert analysis that assess risk trends.
    [cir] Informal risk assessments could include an in-house review of
available data (e.g., National Fire Incident Reporting System) to
determine fire loss, burn injuries or loss of life over a period of
time, and the factors that are the cause and origin for each
occurrence.
     Implementation Plan (25%): Projects should provide details
on the implementation plan which discusses the proposed project's goals
and objectives. The following information should be included to support
the implementation plan:
    [cir] Goals and objectives.
    [cir] Details regarding the methods and specific steps that will be
used to achieve the goals and objectives.
    [cir] Timelines.
    [cir] Where applicable, examples of marketing efforts to promote
the project, who will deliver the project (e.g., effective
partnerships), and the manner in which materials or deliverables will
be distributed.
    [cir] Requests for props (i.e., tools used in educational or
awareness demonstrations), including specific goals, measurable
results, and details on the frequency for which the prop will be
utilized as part of the implementation plan. Applicants should include
information describing the efforts that will be used to reach the high
risk audience and/or the number of people reached through the proposed
project.
     Evaluation Plan (25%): Projects should include an
evaluation of effectiveness and should identify measurable goals.
Applicants seeking to carry out awareness and educational projects, for
example, should identify how they intend to determine that there has
been an increase in knowledge about fire hazards, or measure a change
in the safety behaviors of the audience. Applicants should demonstrate
how they will measure risk at the outset of the project in comparison
to how much the risk decreased after the project is finished. There are
various ways to measure the knowledge gained including the use of
surveys, pre- and post-tests or documented observations.
     Cost-Benefit (10%): Projects will be evaluated based on
how well the applicant addresses the fire prevention needs of the
department or organization in an economic and efficient manner. It
should show how to maximize the level of funding that goes directly
into the delivery of the project. The costs associated with the project
must also be reasonable for the target audience that will be reached,
and a description of how the anticipated benefit(s) of their projects
outweighs the cost(s) of the requested item(s) should be included.
Providing justification for costs assists the Technical Evaluation
Panel with this review.
     Funding Priorities (5%): Applicants will be evaluated on
whether or not the proposed project meets the stated funding priority
(listed below) for the applicable category.
    [cir] General Education/Awareness Priority: Comprehensive home fire
safety campaign with door-to-door smoke alarm installations or
residential sprinkler awareness projects/activities.
    [cir] Fire/Arson Investigation Priority: Projects that aim to
aggressively investigate every fire.
    [cir] Code Enforcement/Awareness Priority: Projects that focus on
first time or reinstatement of code adoption and code enforcement.
    [cir] National/State/Regional Programs and Studies Priority:
Projects that focus on residential fire issues, and/or firefighter
safety projects or strategies that are designed to measureably change
firefighter behavior and decision-making.
     Experience and Expertise (additional consideration):
Applicants that demonstrate their experience and ability to conduct
fire prevention and safety activities, and to execute the proposed or
similar project(s), will receive additional consideration.

Evaluation Criteria for Projects--Firefighter Safety Research and
Development Activity

    Funding decisions will be informed by an assessment of how well the
application addresses the criteria and considerations listed below.
    All applications will reviewed by a fire service expert panel using
weighted evaluation criteria, and those applications deemed to be in
the ``competitive range'' will then be reviewed by a scientific peer
review panel evaluation using weighted evaluation criteria to score the
project. Scientific evaluations will impact the ranking of the project
for funding.
    In addition, other Science Panel considerations are indicated in
the list below:
Fire Service Evaluation Criteria
     Purpose (25%): Applicants should clearly identify the
benefits of the proposed research project to improve firefighter
safety, health, or wellness, and identify specific gaps in knowledge
that will be addressed.
     Implementation by Fire Service (25%): Applicants should
discuss how the outcomes/products of this research, if successful, are
likely to be widely/nationally adopted and accepted by the fire service
as changes that enhance firefighter safety, health, or wellness.
     Potential Impact (15%): Applicants should discuss the
potential impact of the research outcome/product on firefighter safety
by quantifying the possible reduction in the number of fatal or non-
fatal injuries, or on wellness by significantly improving the overall
health of firefighters.
     Barriers (15%): Applicants should recognize that all
research contains some level of risk and that the proposed outcomes may
not be realized. The applicant needs to identify and discuss potential
fire service and other barriers to successfully complete the study on
schedule, including contingencies and strategies to deal with barriers
if they materialize. This may include barriers that could inhibit the
proposed fire service participation in the study or the adoption of
successful results by the fire service when the project is completed.
     Partners (20%): Applicants should recognize that
participation of the fire service as a partner in the research, from
development to dissemination, is

regarded as an essential part of all projects. Applicants should
describe the fire service partners and contractors that will support
the project to accomplish the objectives of the study. The specific
roles and contributions of the partners should be described.
Partnerships may be formed with local and regional fire departments,
and also with national fire-related organizations. Letters of support
and letters of commitment to actively participate in the project should
be included in the appendix of the application. Generally, participants
of a diverse population, including both career and volunteer
firefighters, are expected to facilitate acceptance of results
nationally. In cases where this is not practical, due to the nature of
the study or other limitations, these circumstances should clearly be
explained.
Science Panel Evaluation Criteria
     Project goals, objectives, and specific aims (15%):
Applicants should address how the purpose, goals, objectives, and aims
of the proposal will lead to results that will improve firefighter
safety, health, or wellness. For multi-year projects, greater detail
should be given for the first year.
     Literature Review (10%): Applicants should provide a
literature review that is relevant to the project's goals, objectives,
and specific aims. The citations should be placed in the text of the
narrative statement, with references listed at the end of the Narrative
Statement (and not in the Appendix) of the application. The review
should be in sufficient depth to make it clear that the proposed
project is necessary, adds to an existing body of knowledge, is
different from current and previous studies, and offers a unique
contribution.
     Project Methods (20%): Applicants should provide a
description of how the project will be carried out, including
demonstration of the overall scientific and technical rigor and merit
of the project. This includes the operations to accomplish the purpose,
goals and objectives, and the specific aims of the project. Plans to
recruit and retain human subjects, where applicable, should be
described. Where human subjects are involved in the project, the
applicant should describe plans for submission to the Institutional
Review Board (IRB) (for further guidance and requirements, see Appendix
B--Programmatic Information and Priorities, Section IV. Other Eligible
Project and Ineligible Projects and Costs, Section B. Research and
Development Project Eligibility Information, Section i. Human Subject
Research).
     Project Measurements (20%): Applicants should provide
evidence of the technical rigor and merit of the project, such as data
pertaining to validity, reliability, and sensitivity (where
established) of the facilities, equipment, instruments, standards, and
procedures that will be used to carry out the research. The applicant
should discuss the data to be collected to evaluate the performance
methods, technologies, and products proposed to enhance firefighter
safety, health, or wellness. The applicant should demonstrate that the
measurement methods and equipment selected for use are appropriate and
sufficient to successfully deliver the proposed project objectives.
     Project Analysis (20%): The applicant should indicate the
planned approach for analysis of the data obtained from measurements,
questionnaires, or computations. The applicant should specify within
the plan what will be analyzed, the statistical methods that will be
used, the sequence of steps, and interactions as appropriate. It should
be clear that the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team have
the expertise to perform the planned analysis and defend the results in
a peer review process.
     Dissemination and Implementation (15%): Applicants should
indicate dissemination plans for scientific audiences (such as plans
for submissions to specific peer review publications) and for
firefighter audiences (such as Web sites, magazines, and conferences).
Also, assuming positive results, the applicant should indicate future
steps that would support dissemination and implementation throughout
the fire service, where applicable. These steps are likely to be beyond
the current study, so those features of the research activity that will
facilitate future dissemination and implementation should be discussed.
All applicants should specify how the results of the project, if
successful, might be disseminated and implemented in the fire service
to improve firefighter safety, health, or wellness. It is expected that
successful R&D Activity Projects may give rise to future programs
including FP&S Activity Projects.
     Cost vs. Benefit (additional consideration): Cost vs.
benefit in this evaluation element refers to the costs of the grant for
the research and development project as it relates to the benefits that
are projected for firefighters who would have improved safety, health,
or wellness. Applicants should demonstrate a high benefit for the cost
incurred, and effective utilization of federal funds for research
activities.
     Financial Need (additional consideration): In the
Applicant Information section of the application, applicants should
provide details on the need for federal financial assistance to carry
out the proposed project(s). Applicants may include a description of
unsuccessful attempts to acquire financial assistance. Applicants
should provide detail about the organization's operating budget,
including a high-level breakdown of the budget; describe the
department's inability to address financial needs without federal
assistance; and discuss other actions the department has taken to meet
their staffing needs (e.g., state assistance programs, other grant
programs, etc.).

Other Selection Information

    Awards will be made using the results of peer-reviewed applications
as the primary basis for decisions, regardless of activity. However,
there are some exceptions to strictly using the peer review results.
The applicant's prior AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant management performance
will also be taken into consideration when making recommendations for
award. All final funding determinations will be made by the
Administrator of FEMA, or the Administrator's delegate.
    Fire departments and other eligible applicants that have received
funding under the FP&S program in previous years are eligible to apply
for funding in the current year. However, DHS may take into account an
applicant's performance on prior grants when making funding decisions
on current applications.
    Once every application in the competitive range has been through
the technical evaluation phase, the applications will be ranked
according to the average score awarded by the panel.
    The ranking will be summarized in a Technical Report prepared by
the AFG Program Office. A Grants Management Specialist will contact the
applicant to discuss and/or negotiate the content of the application
and SAM.gov registration before making final award decisions.

    Dated: April 5, 2016.
W. Craig Fugate,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2016-10481 Filed 5-4-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-12-P


[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 204 (Wednesday, October 22, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 63062]
[FR Doc No: 2014-25089]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FDA-2014-C-1552]

Colorcon, Inc.; Filing of Color Additive Petition

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of petition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing
that we have filed a petition, submitted by Colorcon, Inc., proposing
that the color additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe
use of spirulina extract as a color additive in coating formulations
applied to dietary supplement and drug tablets and capsules.

DATES: The color additive petition was filed on September 22, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Molly A. Harry, Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition (HFS-265), Food and Drug Administration, 5100
Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740-3835,<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under section 721(d)(1) of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379e(d)(1)), we are giving notice
that we have filed a color additive petition (CAP 4C0300), submitted by
Colorcon, Inc., 275 Ruth Rd., Harleysville, PA 19438. The petition
proposes to amend the color additive regulations in 21 CFR part 73
Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification to provide for the
safe use of spirulina extract as a color additive in coating
formulations applied to dietary supplement and drug tablets and
capsules.
    We have determined under 21 CFR 25.32(r) that this action is of a
type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant
effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an environmental
assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

    Dated: October 16, 2014.
Dennis M. Keefe,
Director, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition.
[FR Doc. 2014-25089 Filed 10-21-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80790-80792]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25544]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-98930; File No. SR-NSCC-2023-007]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing
Corporation; Notice of Filing of Partial Amendment No. 1 and Order
Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a
Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Partial Amendment No. 1,
Concerning Modifications to the Amended and Restated Stock Options and
Futures Settlement Agreement Between The Options Clearing Corporation
and the National Securities Clearing Corporation

November 14, 2023.

I. Introduction

    On August 10, 2023, the National Securities Clearing Corporation
(``NSCC'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change SR-NSCC-2023-007 (``Proposed
Rule Change'') pursuant to section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (``Exchange Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 \2\ thereunder to modify
the Amended and Restated Stock Options and Futures Settlement Agreement
dated August 5, 2017, between OCC and National Securities Clearing
Corporation, NSCC's related rules.\3\ The Proposed Rule Change was
published for public comment in the Federal Register on August 30,
2023.\4\ The Commission has received no comments regarding the Proposed
Rule Change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Notice of Filing infra note 4, at 88 FR 59976.
    \4\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 98213 (Aug. 24, 2023),
88 FR 59968 (Aug. 30, 2023) (File No. SR-NSCC-2023-007) (``Notice of
Filing'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On September 25, 2023, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Exchange
Act,\5\ the Commission designated a longer period within which to
approve, disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to
approve or disapprove the Proposed Rule Change.\6\ On November 8, 2023,
NSCC filed a Partial Amendment No. 1 to the Proposed Rule Change.\7\
The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on Partial
Amendment No. 1 from interested persons and is instituting proceedings,
pursuant to section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act,\8\ to determine
whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, as modified
by the Partial Amendment No. 1 (hereinafter defined as ``Proposed Rule
Change'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \6\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 98508 (Sep. 25, 2023),
88 FR 67407 (Sep. 29, 2023) (File No. SR-NSCC-2023-007).
    \7\ Partial Amendment No. 1 delays implementation of the
proposed change. As amended, NSCC would implement the proposed rule
change within 90 days of receiving all necessary regulatory
approvals and would announce the specific date of implementation on
its public website at least 14 days prior to implementation. The
delay is proposed in light of the technical system changes that are
required to implement the liquidity stress testing enhancements and
to be able to provide sufficient notice to Clearing Members
following receipt of approval.
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Summary of the Proposed Rule Change

    NSCC is a clearing agency that provides clearing, settlement, risk
management, and central counterparty services for trades involving
equity securities. OCC is the sole clearing agency for standardized
equity options listed on national securities exchanges registered with
the Commission, including options that contemplate the physical
delivery of equities cleared by NSCC in exchange for cash (``physically
settled'' options).\9\ OCC also clears certain futures contracts that,
at maturity, require the delivery of equity securities cleared by NSCC
in exchange for cash. As a result, the exercise and assignment of
certain options or maturation of certain futures cleared by OCC
effectively results in stock settlement obligations to be cleared by
NSCC (``E&A Activity''). NSCC and OCC maintain a legal agreement,
generally referred to by the parties as the ``Accord'' agreement, that
governs the processing of such E&A Activity for firms that are members
of both OCC and NSCC (``Common Members'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The term ``physically-settled'' refers to cleared contracts
that settle into their underlying interest (i.e., options or futures
contracts that are not cash-settled). When a contract settles into
its underlying interest, shares of stock are sent (i.e., delivered)
to contract holders who have the right to receive the shares from
contract holders who are obligated to deliver the shares at the time
of exercise/assignment in the case of an option and maturity in the
case of a future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under certain circumstances, the Accord currently allows NSCC not
to guaranty the settlement of securities arising out of E&A Activity
for a defaulted Common Member. To the extent NSCC chooses not to
guaranty such transactions, OCC would have to engage in an alternate
method of settlement outside of NSCC to manage the default of the
Common Member, which presents two issues. First, based on historical
data, the cash required for such alternative settlement could be as
much as $300 billion.\10\ Second, settlement outside of NSCC introduces
significant operational complexities.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See Notice of Filing, 88 FR at 59969.
    \11\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NSCC proposes to revise the Accord to address the liquidity and
operational issues that arise under the current Accord. Specifically,
the proposed changes to the Accord would require NSCC to guaranty the
positions of a defaulting Common Member if OCC makes a payment to cover
the incremental risk posed by such positions (the ``Guaranty
Substitution Payment'' or ``GSP''). Based on historical data, the GSP
could be as much as $6 billion (in contrast with the potential $300
billion required for alternative settlement).\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total amount owed by the Common Member would be a combination
of the member's unpaid deposit to the NSCC Clearing Fund (``Required
Fund Deposit'') \13\ and Supplemental Liquidity Deposit.\14\ The SLD
portion of the GSP would be the unpaid SLD associated with any E&A
Activity. The Required Fund Deposit portion of the GSP, however, would
be estimated by reference to the day-over-day change in gross market
value of the Common Member's positions at NSCC

as a proxy for estimating what percentage of the member's Required Fund
Deposit is attributable to E&A Activity. NSCC acknowledges that this
methodology overestimates or underestimates the Required Fund Deposit
attributable to a Common Member's E&A activity, but states that current
technology constraints prohibit NSCC from performing a precise
calculation of the GSP on a daily basis for every Common Member.\15\ In
addition to revising the Accord, NSCC also proposes changes to its
rules in connection with the proposed changes to the Accord. For
example, NSCC would amend its rules to clarify that NSCC's guaranty
would attach when NSCC receives both the Required Fund Deposit and
Supplemental Liquidity Deposit.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ The Required Fund Deposit is calculated pursuant to Rule 4
(Clearing Fund) and Procedure XV (Clearing Fund Formula and Other
Matters) of the NSCC Rules. See Notice of Filing, 88 FR at 59971,
n.26.
    \14\ Under the NSCC Rules, NSCC collects additional cash
deposits from those Members who would generate the largest
settlement debits in stressed market conditions, referred to as
``Supplemental Liquidity Deposits'' or ``SLD.'' See Rule 4A of the
NSCC Rules. See also Notice of Filing, 88 FR at 59971, n.27.
    \15\ See Notice of Filing, 88 FR at 59971. OCC and NSCC have
agreed that performing the necessary technology build at this time
would delay the implementation of this proposal. Therefore, NSCC
would consider incorporating those technology updates into future
revisions to the Accord, for example in connection with a move to a
shorter settlement cycle in the U.S. equities markets. See Notice of
Filing, 88 FR at 59971, n.30.
    \16\ See Notice of Filing, 88 FR at 59975.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove the
Proposed Rule Change and Grounds for Disapproval Under Consideration

    The Commission is instituting proceedings pursuant to section
19(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act to determine whether the Proposed Rule
Change should be approved or disapproved.\17\ Institution of
proceedings is appropriate at this time in view of the legal and policy
issues raised by the Proposed Rule Change. Institution of proceedings
does not indicate that the Commission has reached any conclusions with
respect to any of the issues involved. Rather, the Commission seeks and
encourages interested persons to comment on the Proposed Rule Change,
which would provide the Commission with arguments to support the
Commission's analysis as to whether to approve or disapprove the
Proposed Rule Change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act,\18\ the
Commission is providing notice of the grounds for disapproval under
consideration. The Commission is instituting proceedings to allow for
additional analysis of, and input from commenters with respect to, the
Proposed Rule Change's consistency with Section 17A of the Exchange
Act,\19\ and the rules thereunder, including the following provisions:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Id.
    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Exchange Act,\20\ which
requires, among other things, that the rules of a clearing agency are
designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of
securities transactions and derivative agreements, contracts, and
transactions; to assure the safeguarding of securities and funds which
are in the custody or control of the clearing agency or for which it is
responsible; to foster cooperation and coordination with persons
engaged in the clearance and settlement of securities transactions;
and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rule 17Ad-22(e)(1) under the Exchange Act,\21\ which
requires that a covered clearing agency establish, implement, maintain,
and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to
provide for a well-founded, clear, transparent, and enforceable legal
basis for each aspect of its activities in all relevant jurisdictions;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rule 17Ad-22(e)(7) under the Exchange Act,\22\ which
requires, in part, that a covered clearing agency establish, implement,
maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably
designed to effectively measure, monitor, and manage the liquidity risk
that arises in or is borne by the covered clearing agency, including
measuring, monitoring, and managing its settlement and funding flows on
an ongoing and timely basis, and its use of intraday liquidity; and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rule 17Ad-22(e)(20) under the Exchange Act,\23\ which
requires that a covered clearing agency establish, implement, maintain,
and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to
identify, monitor, and manage risks related to any link the covered
clearing agency establishes with one or more other clearing agencies,
financial market utilities, or trading markets.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(17)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Procedure: Request for Written Comments

    The Commission requests that interested persons provide written
submissions of their views, data, and arguments with respect to the
issues identified above, as well as any other concerns they may have
with the Proposed Rule Change. In particular, the Commission invites
the written views of interested persons concerning whether the Proposed
Rule Change is consistent with section 17A(b)(3)(F) \24\ and Rules
17Ad-22(e)(1), (e)(7), and (e)(20) \25\ of the Exchange Act, or any
other provision of the Exchange Act, or the rules and regulations
thereunder. Although there do not appear to be any issues relevant to
approval or disapproval that would be facilitated by an oral
presentation of views, data, and arguments, the Commission will
consider, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(g) under the Exchange Act,\26\ any
request for an opportunity to make an oral presentation.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \25\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(1), 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(7), and 17
CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(20).
    \26\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(g).
    \27\ Section 19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act grants to the
Commission flexibility to determine what type of proceeding--either
oral or notice and opportunity for written comments--is appropriate
for consideration of a particular proposal by a self-regulatory
organization. See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Senate Comm. on
Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, S. Rep. No. 75, 94th Cong., 1st
Sess. 30 (1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission asks that commenters address the sufficiency of
OCC's statements in support of the Proposed Rule Change, which are set
forth in the Notice of Filing \28\ in addition to any other comments
they may wish to submit about the Proposed Rule Change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ See Notice of Filing, supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include
file number SR-NSCC-2023-007 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to file number SR-NSCC-2023-007. This file
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently,
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on
the Commission's internet website (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all
written statements with respect to the Proposed Rule Change that are
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to
the Proposed Rule Change between the Commission and any person, other
than

those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE,
Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal office of NSCC and on the
Depository Trust Company's website (http://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rule-filings.aspx).
    Do not include personal identifiable information in submissions;
you should submit only information that you wish to make available
publicly. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication
submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection.
    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NSCC-2023-007 and
should be submitted on or before December 11, 2023. Rebuttal comments
should be submitted by December 26, 2023.
    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(31).

Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-25544 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 11, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27310-27311]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11499]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Project No. 13629-002]

Coleman Hydro LLC; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With
the Commission and Soliciting Additional Study Requests

    Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been
filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection.
    a. Type of Application: Original minor water power project.
    b. Project No.: 13629-002.
    c. Date filed: April 22, 2011.
    d. Applicant: Coleman Hydro LLC.
    e. Name of Project: Coleman Hydroelectric Project.
    f. Location: On Little Timber Creek in Lemhi County near Leadore,
Idaho. The project does not affect Federal lands.
    g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act 16 U.S.C. 791 (a)-825(r.)
    h. Applicant Contact: Nick Josten, Geosense, 2742 Saint Charles
Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83404.<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    i. FERC Contact: Joseph Hassell,<PHONE_NUMBER>,
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    j. Cooperating agencies: Federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies
with jurisdiction and/or special expertise

with respect to environmental issues that wish to cooperate in the
preparation of the environmental document should follow the
instructions for filing such requests described in item l below.
Cooperating agencies should note the Commission's policy that agencies
that cooperate in the preparation of the environmental document cannot
also intervene. See, 94 FERC ] 61,076 (2001).
    k. Pursuant to section 4.32(b)(7) of 18 CFR of the Commission's
regulations, if any resource agency, Indian Tribe, or person believes
that an additional scientific study should be conducted in order to
form an adequate factual basis for a complete analysis of the
application on its merit, the resource agency, Indian Tribe, or person
must file a request for a study with the Commission not later than 60
days from the date of filing of the application, and serve a copy of
the request on the applicant.
    l. Deadline for filing additional study requests and requests for
cooperating agency status: June 22, 2011.
    All documents may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18
CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web
site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit
brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration,
using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the
end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online
Support at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or toll free at 1-866-208-3676,
or for TTY,<PHONE_NUMBER>. Although the Commission strongly encourages
electronic filing, documents may also be paper-filed. To paper-file,
mail an original and seven copies to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20426.
    m. The application is not ready for environmental analysis at this
time.
    n. The proposed Coleman Hydroelectric Project would consist of: (1)
A new screened intake structure on Little Timber Creek that
consolidates the withdrawals of the existing second and third ditches;
(2) a 26,700-foot-long penstock; (3) a powerhouse with an installed
capacity of 750 kilowatts; (4) a 6.7-mile-long, 12.5-kv transmission
line; and (5) appurtenant facilities. The applicant estimates that the
total average annual generation would be 2,200 megawatt hours.
    o. A copy of the application is available for review at the
Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the
Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary''
link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the
docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact
FERC Online Support. A copy is also available for inspection and
reproduction at the address in item h above.
    You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via e-mail of new filings and
issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance,
contact FERC Online Support.
    p. With this notice, we are initiating consultation with the Idaho
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), as required by 106,
National Historic Preservation Act, and the regulations of the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation, 36 CFR 800.4.
    q. Procedural schedule: The application will be processed according
to the following preliminary Hydro Licensing Schedule. Revisions to the
schedule will be made as appropriate.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue Notice of Acceptance.............  July 2011.
Issue Scoping Document 1 for comments..  August 2011.
Comments on Scoping Document 1.........  September 2011.
Issue Scoping Document 2...............  December 2011.
Issue notice of ready for environmental  December 2011.
 analysis.
Commission issues EA or draft EA.......  May 2012.
Comments on EA or draft EA.............  June 2012.
Commission issues final EA.............  July 2012.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: May 4, 2011.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-11499 Filed 5-10-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 14, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 11194]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05111]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. RP18-276-000]

Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Technical
Conference

    Take notice that a technical conference will be held on Wednesday,
March 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time), in a room to be
determined at the offices of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426.
    At the technical conference, the Commission Staff and the parties
to the proceeding should be prepared to discuss all issues set for
technical conference as established in the January 30, 2018 Order,
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc., 162 FERC 61,070. All
interested persons are permitted to attend.
    Commission conferences are accessible under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please
send an email to [email protected] or call toll free 1-866-208-
3372 (voice) or<PHONE_NUMBER> (TTY); or send a fax to<PHONE_NUMBER> with
the required accommodations.
    For more information about this technical conference, please
contact Richard Wartchow,<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Dated: March 7, 2018.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-05111 Filed 3-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8965-8967]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03226]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Notice of Commission or Commission Staff Attendance at MISO
Meetings

    The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) hereby gives
notice that members of the Commission and Commission staff may attend
the following MISO-related meetings:

 Advisory Committee (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Local Time)

[cir] February 26 (Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier Street, New
Orleans, LA)
[cir] March 26
[cir] April 23
[cir] May 21
[cir] July 23
[cir] August 27 (St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN)
[cir] September 24
[cir] October 22
[cir] November 19
[cir] December 10

 Board of Directors Audit & Finance Committee

[cir] February 26 (Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier Street, New
Orleans, LA) [ssquf] 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
[cir] April 21 (9:00a.m.-11:00a.m.)
[cir] August 27 (St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN, 2:00
p.m.-3:00 p.m.)
[cir] October 22 (3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.)
[cir] November 19 (10:30a.m.-12:30a.m.)

 Board of Directors (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Local Time)

[cir] February 27 (Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier Street, New
Orleans, LA)
[cir] April 24
[cir] June 19 (Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, MO)
[cir] August 28 (St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN)
[cir] October 23
[cir] December 11

 Board of Directors Markets Committee (8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.,
Local Time)

[cir] February 26 (Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier Street, New
Orleans, LA)
[cir] March 26
[cir] April 23
[cir] May 28
[cir] June 18 (Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, MO)
[cir] July 23
[cir] August 27 (St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN)
[cir] September 23
[cir] October 22
[cir] November 19
[cir] December 10

 Board of Directors System Planning Committee

[cir] February 19 (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) (Windsor Court Hotel, 300
Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA)
[cir] April 23 (3:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.)
[cir] June 17 (9:00 a.m.-11:00a.m.) (Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet
Plaza, St. Louis, MO)
[cir] August 26 (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) (St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St.,
St. Paul, MN)
[cir] October 15 (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
[cir] November 19 (2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.)
[cir] December 10 (3:30-5:30 p.m.)

 MISO Informational Forum (3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Local Time)

[cir] February 25 (Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier Street, New
Orleans, LA)
[cir] March 25
[cir] April 22
[cir] May 20
[cir] July 22
[cir] August 26 (St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN)
[cir] September 23
[cir] October 21
[cir] November 18
[cir] December 6

 MISO Market Subcommittee (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Local Time)

[cir] March 4
[cir] April 1
[cir] April 29
[cir] June 3
[cir] July 8 (2985 Ames Crossing Road, Eagan, MN)
[cir] August 5
[cir] September 2
[cir] September 30
[cir] October 28
[cir] December 2

 MISO Supply Adequacy Working Group (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Local
Time)

[cir] March 6
[cir] April 3
[cir] May 1
[cir] June 5
[cir] July 10
[cir] August 7
[cir] September 4
[cir] October 2
[cir] October 30
[cir] December 4

 MISO Regional Expansion Criteria and Benefits Task Force (9:00
a.m.-5:00 p.m., Local Time)

[cir] February 20
[cir] March 20
[cir] April 17
[cir] May 15
[cir] June 26
[cir] July 31
[cir] August 21
[cir] September 18
[cir] October 16
[cir] November 13
[cir] December 18

 MISO Planning Advisory Committee (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Local
Time)

[cir] February 19
[cir] March 19
[cir] April 16
[cir] May 14
[cir] June 25
[cir] July 30
[cir] August 20
[cir] September 17
[cir] October 15
[cir] November 12
[cir] December 17
    Except as noted, all of the meetings above will be held at: MISO
Headquarters, 701 City Center Drive, 720 City Center Drive, and Carmel,
IN 46032.
    Further information may be found at www.misoenergy.org.
    The above-referenced meetings are open to the public.
    The discussions at each of the meetings described above may address
matters at issue in the following proceedings:
    Docket No. EL14-21, Southwest Power Pool, Inc. v. Midcontinent
Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-1174, Southwest Power Pool, Inc.
    Docket No. EL11-34, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc. v. Southwest Power Pool, Inc.
    Docket Nos. ER04-691, EL04-104 and ER04-106, et al., Midwest
Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., et al.
    Order No. 890, Preventing Undue Discrimination and Preference in
Transmission Service.
    Docket Nos. ER06-18, et al., Midwest Independent Transmission
System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER09-1431, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER10-1791, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc. and the Midwest ISO Transmission Owners.
    Docket No. ER10-2283, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. RM10-23 and Order No. 1000, Transmission Planning and
Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities.
    Docket No. ER11-2275, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER11-3279, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER11-4081, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-678, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-2302, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-2706, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. EL13-13, ITC Midwest, LLC.
    Docket No. ER13-187, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-186, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-101, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-89, MidAmerican Energy Company.
    Docket No. ER12-1266, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-1265, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-1564, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-1194, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-971, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER08-925, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-309, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-480, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER12-2682, Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-984, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-1923, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-1695, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-1924, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-1943, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-1944, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-1945, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-692, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2156, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.

    Docket No. ER13-2375, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2376, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2379, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-862, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-859, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2233, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-836, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-801, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-790, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-503, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-721, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-706, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-684, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-705, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-698, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-689, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-684, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-681, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-659, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-649, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-421, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-422, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-624, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-256, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2124, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-102, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2295, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-603, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-114, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-115, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2378, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER13-2337, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-542, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-170, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-516, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-206, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-202, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-83, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-960, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-698, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Docket No. EL13-88, Northern Indiana Public Service Corp. v
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., et al.
    Docket No. EL14-12, ABATE et al. v Midcontinent Independent System
Operator, Inc., et al.
    Docket No. AD12-16, Capacity Deliverability across the MISO/PJM
Seam.
    Docket No. AD14-3, Coordination of Energy and Capacity across the
MISO/PJM Seam.
    Docket No. ER13-1938, Midcontinent Independent System Operator,
Inc.
    Docket No. ER14-990, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    For more information, contact Patrick Clarey, Office of Energy
Markets Regulation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at (317) 249-
5937 or<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or Christopher Miller, Office of
Energy Markets Regulation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at
(317) 249-5936 or<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
    Dated: February 6, 2014.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-03226 Filed 2-13-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 117 (Friday, June 17, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 36555]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13048]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[SEC File No. 270-245, OMB Control No. 3235-0204]

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Extension: Rule 19d-3

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange
Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC
20549-2736

    Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (``PRA''), the Securities and Exchange
Commission (``Commission'') has submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget (``OMB'') a request for approval of extension of the
previously approved collection of information provided for in Rule 19d-
3 (17 CFR 240.19d-3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17
U.S.C. 78a et seq.).
    Rule 19d-3 prescribes the form and content of applications to the
Commission by persons seeking Commission review of final disciplinary
actions against them taken by self-regulatory organizations (``SROs'')
for which the Commission is the appropriate regulatory agency. The
Commission uses the information provided in the application filed
pursuant to Rule 19d-3 to review final actions taken by SROs including:
(1) final disciplinary sanctions; (2) denial or conditioning of
membership, participation or association; and (3) prohibitions or
limitations of access to services offered by a SRO or member thereof.
    The staff estimates that 32 respondents will file one application
pursuant to Rule 19b-3 each year. The staff estimates that the average
number of hours necessary to comply with the requirements of Rule 19d-3
is approximately eighteen hours. We estimate that approximately 16
firms or natural persons would draft the applications themselves, and
therefore incur an hour burden of 18 hours each (a total hour burden of
288), and that 16 would hire outside counsel, and therefore incur a
cost burden of $8,496 each (a total cost burden of $135,936).
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information under the PRA unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    The public may view background documentation for this information
collection at the following website: www.reginfo.gov. Find this
particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day
Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information
collection should be sent by July 18, 2022 to (i) www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain and (ii) David Bottom, Director/Chief Information
Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o John Pezzullo, 100 F
Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by sending an email to:
[email protected].

    Dated: June 13, 2022.
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-13048 Filed 6-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P