Subpart 160.043--[Removed and Reserved]

0
8. Remove and reserve subpart 160.043.

Subpart 160.044--[Removed and Reserved]

0
9. Remove and reserve subpart 160.044.
0
10. Add subpart 160.046 to read as follows:

Subpart 160.046--Emergency Provisions

Sec.
160.046-1 Scope.
160.046-3 Incorporation by reference.
160.046-5 General requirements for emergency provisions.
160.046-7 Independent laboratory.
160.046-9 Manufacturer certification and labeling.
160.046-11 Manufacturer notification.

Sec.  160.046 -1  Scope.

    Emergency provisions approved to be carried in lifeboats and
liferafts.

Sec.  160.046-3  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for
inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-
4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20593-7501, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>It is also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. All
approved material is available from the sources listed in this section.
    (b) International Standard Organization (ISO), BIBC II, Chemin de
Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org, telephone +41 22 749 01 11, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (1) ISO 18813:2006 Ships and marine technology--Survival equipment
for survival craft and rescue boats, 2006, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
160.046-5, 160.046-7, and 160.046-11.
    (2) [Reserved]

Sec.  160.046-5  General requirements for emergency provisions.

    Emergency provisions must meet the requirements found in ISO
18813:2006 paragraph 4.31 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.046-3).

Sec.  160.046-7   Independent laboratory.

    Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory
accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR 159.010 must perform or
witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by
ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.31 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.046-3). Approval and production tests of emergency provisions must
be carried out in accordance with the procedures for

independent laboratory inspections in 46 CFR 159.007 and in this
section unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and
inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests
and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor
compliance with the requirements of this subpart.

Sec.  160.046-9  Manufacturer certification and labeling.

    (a) Each emergency provision must be certified by the manufacturer
as complying with the requirements of this subpart.
    (b) The container should be clearly and permanently marked with:
    (1) The name and address of the approval holder;
    (2) The U.S. Coast Guard Approval number;
    (3) The total food energy value of provisions in the container in
Calories and kiloJoules;
    (4) The lot number;
    (5) The month and year the provision was packed; and
    (6) The month and year of expiration (5 years after the date of
packing).
    (c) The emergency provision must include waterproof instructions
for use, assuming consumption of 3350 kiloJoules per person per day.

Sec.  160.046-11  Manufacturer notification.

    Each manufacturer of emergency provisions approved in accordance
with the specifications of this subpart must send a test report
required by ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.31.2 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  160.046-3) to the Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard
Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-
7509 or email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (a) With the application for approval;
    (b) Every year as long as the manufacturer continues to produce
provisions; and
    (c) Each time the contents of the emergency provisions change.
0
11. Revise Sec.  160.051-11(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  160.051-11   Equipment required for Coastal Service inflatable
liferafts.

* * * * *
    (b) Knife. One knife, of a type designed to minimize the chance of
damage to the inflatable liferaft and secured with a lanyard. In
addition, an inflatable liferaft which is permitted to accommodate 13
persons or more must be provided with a second knife that is of the
non-folding type. Any knife may be replaced with a jackknife meeting
the requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(16).
* * * * *

Subpart 160.054--[Removed and Reserved]

0
12. Remove and reserve subpart 160.054.

Subpart 160.061--[Removed and Reserved]

0
13. Remove and reserve subpart 160.061.
0
14. Revise Sec.  160.135-7(b)(23) to read as follows:

Sec.  160.135-7  Design, construction, and performance of lifeboats.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (23) Bilge pump. Each lifeboat that is not automatically self-
bailing must be fitted with a manual bilge pump that meets the
requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(2). Each such lifeboat with a
capacity of 100 persons or more must carry an additional manual bilge
pump or an engine-powered bilge pump.
* * * * *
0
15. Revise Sec.  160.151-21(b), (h), (o), and (q) through (s) to read
as follows:

Sec.  160.151-21   Equipment required for SOLAS A and SOLAS B
inflatable liferafts.

* * * * *
    (b) Jackknife (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87),
Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.2). Each folding knife must be a jackknife meeting
the requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(16).
* * * * *
    (h) First-aid kit (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution
MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.8). Each first-aid kit must meet the
requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(10).
* * * * *
    (o) Signalling mirror (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution
MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.15). Each signalling mirror must meet
the requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(19).
* * * * *
    (q) Fishing tackle (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution
MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.17). The fishing tackle must meet the
requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(11).
    (r) Food rations (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution
MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.18). The food rations must meet the
requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(22).
    (s) Drinking water (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution
MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.19). Emergency drinking water must meet
the requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(40). The desalting apparatus or
reverse osmosis desalinator must be approved by the Commandant under
subpart 160.058 of this part.
* * * * *
0
16. Revise Sec.  160.156-7(b)(22) to read as follows:

Sec.  160.156-7  Design, construction and performance of rescue boats
and fast rescue boats.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (22) Manual bilge pump. Each rescue boat that is not automatically
self-bailing must be fitted with a manual bilge pump that meets the
requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(2), or an engine-powered bilge pump.
* * * * *

PART 169--SAILING SCHOOL VESSELS

0
17. The authority citation for part 169 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101; E.O. 11735,
38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; Department of Homeland
Security Delegation No. 0170.1; Sec.  169.117 also issued under the
authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

0
18. Revise Sec.  169.527 to read as follows:

Sec.  169.527   Required equipment for lifeboats.

    (a) All lifeboats must be equipped in accordance with Table 1 to
Sec.  199.175 of this chapter except as provided in paragraphs (b) and
(c) of this section.
    (b) The following equipment must be carried in addition to the
equipment required under Sec.  199.175 of this chapter:
    (1) Cover;
    (2) Ditty bag; and
    (3) Mast and sail.
    (c) If operating on protected waters, lifeboat equipment need only
to consist of the following:
    (1) Boathook--(1);
    (2) Bucket--(1);
    (3) Fire extinguisher--(2) U.S Coast Guard approved Type B-C (motor
propelled lifeboats only);
    (4) Hatch--(1);
    (5) Lifeline--(1);
    (6) Oar unit--(1);
    (7) Painter--(1);
    (8) Plug--(1);
    (9) Oarlock unit--(1); and
    (10) Toolkit (motor propelled lifeboats only).
0
19. Revise Sec.  169.529 to read as follows:

Sec.  169.529   Description of lifeboat equipment.

    (a) All lifeboat equipment must meet the requirements under Sec.
199.175 of this chapter, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this
section.

    (b) The following equipment, carried in addition to the equipment
required under Sec.  199.175 of this chapter, must meet the following
requirements:
    (1) Cover, protecting. The cover must be of highly visible color
and capable of protecting the occupants against exposure. A cover is
not required for fully enclosed lifeboats.
    (2) Ditty bag. The ditty bag must consist of a canvas bag or
equivalent and must contain a sailmaker's palm, needles, sail twine,
marline, and marlin spike, except that motor-propelled lifeboats need
not carry a ditty bag.
    (3) Mast and sail. A unit, consisting of a standing lug sail
together with the necessary spars and rigging, must be provided in
accordance with Table 1 to this section, except that motor-propelled
lifeboats need not carry a mast or sails. The sails must be of good
quality canvas, or other material acceptable to the Commandant, colored
Indian Orange (Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of America).
Rigging must consist of galvanized wire rope not less than three-
sixteenths inch in diameter. The mast and sail must be protected by a
suitable cover.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.064

PART 184--VESSEL CONTROL AND MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

0
20. The authority citation for part 184 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3
CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation
No. 0170.1.

0
21. Revise Sec.  184.710 to read as follows:

Sec.  184.710  First-aid kits.

    A vessel must carry either a first-aid kit that meets the
requirements in 46 CFR 199.175(b)(10) or a kit with equivalent contents
and instructions. For equivalent kits, the contents must be stowed in a
suitable, watertight container that is marked ``First-Aid Kit''. A
first-aid kit must be easily visible and readily available to the crew.

PART 199--LIFESAVING SYSTEMS FOR CERTAIN INSPECTED VESSELS

0
22. The authority citation for part 199 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3103, 3306, 3703; and Department of
Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, para. II, (92)(b).

0
23. Revise Sec.  199.05 to read as follows:

Sec.  199.05   Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference in this part with
the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for
inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-
4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20593-7501, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER> or email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>It is also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. All
approved material is available from the sources indicated in paragraph
(b) of this section.
    (b) The material approved for incorporation by reference (IBR) in
this part and the sections affected are as follows:
    (1) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,<PHONE_NUMBER>, http://www.astm.org, telephone +1<PHONE_NUMBER>, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (i) ASTM D 93-97, Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-
Martens Closed Cup Tester, 1997, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  199.261
and 199.290.
    (ii) ASTM F 1003-02, Standard Specification for Searchlights on
Motor Lifeboats, 2007, IBR approved for Sec.  199.175.
    (iii) ASTM F 1014-02, Standard Specification for Flashlights on
Vessels, 2002, IBR approved for Sec.  199.175.
    (2) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications
Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, http://www.imo.org, telephone +44 (0)20 7735 7611, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (i) MSC Circular 699, Revised Guidelines for Passenger Safety
Instructions, 17 July 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  199.217.
    (ii) Resolution A.520(13), Code of Practice for the Evaluation,
Testing and Acceptance of Prototype Novel Life-saving Appliances and
Arrangements, 17 November 1983, IBR approved for Sec.  199.40.
    (iii) Resolution A.657(16), Instructions for Action in Survival
Craft, 19 November 1989, IBR approved for Sec.  199.175.
    (iv) Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-reflective
Materials on Life-saving Appliances, 20 November 1989, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  199.70 and 199.176.
    (v) Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-saving Appliances
and Arrangements, 17 November 1993, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  199.70
and 199.90.
    (vi) International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships
carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), 2016, Chapter 17, IBR
approved for Sec.  199.30 and Chapter 2 approved for Sec.  199.280.
    (vii) International Code for the Construction and Equipment of
Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, (IGC Code), 2016, Chapter 19,
IBR approved for Sec.  199.30, and Chapter 2, IBR approved for Sec.
199.280.
    (3) International Standard Organization (ISO), BIBC II, Chemin de
Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org/, telephone +41 22 749 01 11, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (i) ISO 18813:2006 Ships and marine technology--Survival equipment
for survival craft and rescue boats, 2006, IBR approved for Sec.
199.175.
    (ii) ISO 25862:2009 Ships and marine technology--Marine magnetic
compasses, binnacles and azimuth reading devices, 2009, IBR approved
for Sec.  199.175.
    (iii) ISO 17339:2018 Ships and marine technology--Life saving and
fire protection-- Sea anchors for survival craft and rescue boats,
2018, IBR approved for Sec.  199.175.
0
24. Amend Sec.  199.175 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a)(4);
0
b. Redesignate paragraph (a)(5) as paragraph (a)(6);
0
c. Add a new paragraph (a)(5);
0
d. Revise paragraphs (b) introductory text, (b)(2), (5), (6), (9),
(10), (11), (13), and (16) and (b)(17)(i) and (ii);
0
e. Adding paragraph (b)(17)(iii);
0
f. Revise paragraphs (b)(19), (b)(27)(i), and (b)(40);
0
g. Add paragraph (c); and
0
h. Revise the heading for the table to Sec.  199.175 and entries 5 and
17 of the table and add note 11 to the table.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

Sec.  199.175   Survival craft and rescue boat equipment.

    (a) * * *
    (4) Must be packed in a suitable and compact form;
    (5) Must be marked with either the Coast Guard approval number or
the standard that the product meets, as applicable; and
* * * * *
    (b) Each lifeboat, rigid liferaft, and rescue boat, unless
otherwise stated in this paragraph (b), must carry the equipment listed
in this paragraph (b) and specified for it in Table 1 to this section
under the vessel's category of service. A lifeboat that is also a
rescue boat must carry the equipment in the table column marked for a
lifeboat.
* * * * *
    (2) Bilge pump. The bilge pump must meet the requirements in ISO
18813:2006 paragraph 4.3 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  199.05)
and must be installed in a ready-to-use condition.
* * * * *
    (5) Can opener. A can opener must meet the requirements in ISO
18813:2006 paragraph 4.43 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
199.05). A can opener may be in a jackknife meeting the requirements in
paragraph (b)(16) of this section.
    (6) Compass. The compass and its mounting arrangement must meet the
requirements in ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.6 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  199.05).
    (i) In a totally enclosed lifeboat, the compass must be permanently
fitted at the steering position; in any other boat it must be provided
with a binnacle, if necessary, to protect it from the weather, and with
suitable mounting arrangements.
    (ii) The compass must be tested in accordance with the provisions
in ISO 25862:2009 Annex H (incorporated by

reference, see Sec.  199.05) by an independent laboratory accepted by
the Coast Guard in accordance with part 159, subpart 159.010, of this
chapter.
* * * * *
    (9) Fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher must be approved under
part 162, subpart 162.028, of this chapter. The fire extinguisher must
have a rating of a 40-B:C. Two 10-B:C extinguishers may be carried in
place of a 40-B:C extinguisher. Extinguishers with larger numerical
ratings or multiple letter designations may be used instead of the
requirements in the preceding sentences.
    (10) First-aid kit. Each first-aid kit must meet the requirements
in ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.12 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
199.05).
    (i) A first-aid kit may be considered acceptable if it meets all of
the requirements of ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.12, except that it does
not contain the burn preparation. It must be clearly marked on the
first-aid kit that it does not include the burn preparations.
    (ii) Medicinal products must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
    (11) Fishing kit. The fishing kit must meet the requirements in ISO
18813:2006 paragraph 4.13 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
199.05).
* * * * *
    (13) Hatchet. The hatchet must be suitable for cutting a rope
towline or painter in an emergency and must not require assembly or
unfolding.
    (i) The hatchet must be at least 14 inches in length and have a
cutting edge of approximately 3-\1/4\ inches in length, with a hardened
steel or equivalent alloy head.
    (ii) The hatchet must be provided a lanyard at least 3 feet in
length.
    (iii) The hatchet must be stowed in brackets near the release
mechanism and, if more than one hatchet is carried, the hatchets must
be stowed at opposite ends of the boat.
* * * * *
    (16) Jackknife. The jackknife must consist of a one-bladed knife
fitted with a can opener and attached to the boat by its lanyard. The
jackknife must meet the requirements in ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.19
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  199.05).
    (17) * * *
    (i) The knife for a rigid liferaft must be secured to the raft by a
lanyard and stowed in a pocket on the exterior of the canopy near the
point where the painter is attached to the liferaft. If an approved
jackknife is substituted for the second knife required on a liferaft
equipped for 13 or more persons, the jackknife must also be secured to
the liferaft by a lanyard.
    (ii) The knife in an inflatable or rigid-inflatable rescue boat
must be of a type designed to minimize the possibility of damage to the
fabric portions of the hull.
    (iii) Any knife may be replaced with a jackknife meeting the
requirements in paragraph (b)(16) of this section.
* * * * *
    (19) Mirror. The signalling mirror must meet the requirements in
ISO 18813:2006 paragraph 4.23 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
199.05).
* * * * *
    (27) * * *
    (i) The sea anchor for a lifeboat, rescue boat, and rigid liferaft
must meet the requirements in ISO 17339:2018 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  199.05).
* * * * *
    (40) Water. The water must meet the requirements in ISO 18813:2006
paragraph 4.46 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  199.05).
    (i) The water must meet the U.S. Public Health Service ``Drinking
Water Standards'' in 40 CFR part 141 to suitably protect the container
against corrosion. After treatment and packing, the water must be free
from organic matter, sediment and odor. It must have a pH between 7.0
and 9.0 as determined by means of a standard pH meter using glass
electrodes. Water quality must be verified by the local municipality or
independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard in accordance with
part 159, subpart 159.010, of this chapter.
    (ii) Containers of emergency drinking water must be tested in
accordance with the provisions in ISO 18813:2006 by an independent
laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard in accordance with part 159,
subpart 159.010, of this chapter.
    (iii) Up to one-third of the emergency drinking water may be
replaced by a desalting apparatus approved under part 160, subpart
160.058, of this chapter that is capable of producing the substituted
amount of water in 2 days.
    (iv) Up to two-thirds of the emergency drinking water may be
replaced by a manually powered, reverse osmosis desalinator approved
under part 160, subpart 160.058, of this chapter that is capable of
producing the substituted amount of water in 2 days.
* * * * *
    (c) Any Coast Guard approved equipment on board before [EFFECTIVE
DATE OF FINAL RULE] may remain on board as long as it remains in good
and serviceable condition.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.065

    Dated: September 18, 2020.
R.V. Timme,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention
Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-21032 Filed 10-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16500-16502]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07046]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2000-7006; FMCSA-2000-7918; FMCSA-2002-12844; FMCSA-
2003-14223; FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066;
FMCSA-2008-0398; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2010-0287; FMCSA-2010-0372;
FMCSA-2011-0010; FMCSA-2013-0022]

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for
22 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these
exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to
or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions
for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective April 21, 2015. Comments must be
received on or before April 27, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) numbers: Docket No. [Docket No. FMCSA-2000-
7006; FMCSA-2000-7918; FMCSA-2002-12844; FMCSA-2003-14223; FMCSA-2005-
20027; FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0398; FMCSA-2010-
0187; FMCSA-2010-0287; FMCSA-2010-0372; FMCSA-2011-0010; FMCSA-2013-
0022], using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the
docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments
received without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act
heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) is
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want
acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-
addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement
page that appears after submitting comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles A. Horan, III, Director,
Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards,<PHONE_NUMBER>,
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office
hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption
from

the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to
drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it
finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is
equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent
such exemption.'' The procedures for requesting an exemption (including
renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381.

II. Exemption Decision

    This notice addresses 22 individuals who have requested renewal of
their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has
evaluated these 22 applications for renewal on their merits and decided
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Roger B. Anders (MD)
John D. Bolding, Jr. (OK)
David B. Bowman (PA)
Benny J. Burke (AL)
Michael P. Curtin (IL)
Elias Gomez, Jr. (TX)
James G. Etheridge (TX)
Michael E. Herrera, Jr. (NM)
Michael R. Holmes (SD)
Mark C. Jeffrey (MT)
James R. Petre (MD)
Gary W. Pope (AK)
Zeljko Popovac (VT)
Jerald W. Rehnke (MN)
Wayne G. Resch (WI)
James R. Rieck (CA)
Raymond E. Royer (SD)
Richie J. Schwendy (IL)
Bill J. Thierolf (NE)
Janusz Tyrpien (FL)
James H. Wallace, Sr. (FL)
Charles F. Wotring (OH)

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions:
(1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the
better eye continues to meet the requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10),
and (b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is
otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each
individual provides a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's
report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical
examination; and (3) that each individual provide a copy of the annual
medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver's
qualification file and retains a copy of the certification on his/her
person while driving for presentation to a duly authorized Federal,
State, or local enforcement official. Each exemption will be valid for
two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be
rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower
level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3)
continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals
and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon
application for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 22 applicants has satisfied the
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision
requirements (57 FR 57266; 65 FR 57230; 65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 67 FR
68719; 68 FR 2629; 68 FR 10300; 68 FR 10301; 68 FR 13360; 68 FR 19596;
69 FR 62741; 70 FR 12265; 70 FR 14747; 70 FR 16886; 70 FR 16887; 70 FR
2701; 70 FR 7546; 71 FR 62147; 71 FR 63379; 72 FR 180; 72 FR 1050; 72
FR 7111; 72 FR 9397; 72 FR 11425; 72 FR 11426; 72 FR 18726; 73 FR
20245; 73 FR 75806; 73 FR 78422; 74 FR 7097; 74 FR 8302; 74 FR 11991;
74 FR 15584; 75 FR 47883; 75 FR 63257; 75 FR 69737; 76 FR 1499; 76 FR
7894; 76 FR 8809; 76 FR 9856; 76 FR 11215; 76 FR 12216; 76 FR 15361; 76
FR 17483; 76 FR 20076; 76 FR 20078; 77 FR 60010; 78 FR 12815; 78 FR
16761; 78 FR 16762; 78 FR 18667; 78 FR 22602). Each of these 22
applicants has requested renewal of the exemption and has submitted
evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet
the requirement specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision
impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety
while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two
years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption
requirements.
    These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each
driver's ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce.
Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each
renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a
level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.

IV. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and
related materials.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
notice (FMCSA-2000-7006; FMCSA-2000-7918; FMCSA-2002-12844; FMCSA-2003-
14223; FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-
2008-0398; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2010-0287; FMCSA-2010-0372; FMCSA-
2011-0010; FMCSA-2013-0022), indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material
online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of
these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing
address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your
document so the Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding
your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov and
put the docket number, ``FMCSA-2000-7006; FMCSA-2000-7918; FMCSA-2002-
12844; FMCSA-2003-14223; FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-
2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0398; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2010-0287; FMCSA-
2010-0372; FMCSA-2011-0010; FMCSA-2013-0022'' in the ``Keyword'' box,
and click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on ``Comment
Now!'' button and type your comment into the text box in the following
screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual
or on behalf of a third party and then submit. If you submit your
comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no
larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic
filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they
reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard
or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received
during the comment period and may change this notice based on your
comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this
preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number,
``FMCSA-2000-7006; FMCSA-2000-7918; FMCSA-2002-12844; FMCSA-2003-14223;
FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0398;
FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2010-0287; FMCSA-2010-0372; FMCSA-2011-

0010; FMCSA-2013-0022'' in the ``Keyword'' box and click ``Search.''
Next, click ``Open Docket Folder'' button choose the document listed to
review. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the
docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-
140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

    Issued on: March 19, 2015.
 Larry W. Minor,
 Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015-07046 Filed 3-26-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 56051]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19668]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10194-01-OA]

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Notice of Charter
Renewal

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of charter renewal.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has determined that, in accordance with the provisions of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the National Environmental
Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) is necessary and in the public
interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the
agency by law. Accordingly, NEJAC will be renewed for an additional
two-year period. The purpose of the NEJAC is to provide advice and
recommendations to the Administrator about issues associated with
integrating environmental justice concerns into EPA's outreach
activities, public policies, science, regulatory, enforcement, and
compliance decisions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inquiries may be directed to Paula
Flores-Gregg, NEJAC Designated Federal Officer, U.S. EPA, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue NW (Mail Code 2202A), Washington, DC 20460; by
telephone at<PHONE_NUMBER>; via email at [email protected].

Matthew Tejada,
Director for the Office of Environmental Justice.
[FR Doc. 2022-19668 Filed 9-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


[Federal Register: February 14, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 30)]
[Notices]
[Page 7025-7026]
[DOCID:fr14fe07-45]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. RP04-98-002]

Columbia Gulf Transmission Company; Notice of Technical
Conference

February 7, 2007.
    Take notice that the Commission will convene a technical conference
on Thursday, February 15, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Room 3M3 at
the offices of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First
Street NE., Washington DC 20426.
    The technical conference will provide a forum to discuss Columbia
Gulf Transmission Company's (Columbia Gulf) compliance filing of
January 5, 2007 which proposes a 15[deg] F cricondentherm hydrocarbon
dewpoint (CHDP) safe harbor and related provisions. The Commission
required Columbia Gulf to make this filing and established a technical
conference for the filing in an order issued August 1, 2006.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Indicated Shippers v. Columbia Gulf Transmission Company,
116 FERC ] 61,112 (2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FERC conferences are accessible under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please
send an e-mail

to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call toll free<PHONE_NUMBER> (voice) or
202-502-8659 (TTY), or send a FAX to<PHONE_NUMBER> with the required
accommodations.
    All interested persons are permitted to attend. For further
information please contact Keith Pierce at<PHONE_NUMBER> or e-mail
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7-2482 Filed 2-13-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 140 (Friday, July 20, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42790-42796]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17767]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary of Transportation

Notice of Funding Availability for the Small Business
Transportation Resource Center Program

AGENCY: Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU),
Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the
Secretary (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
(OSDBU) announces the opportunity for business centered community-based
organizations, transportation-related trade associations, colleges and
universities, community colleges, or chambers of commerce registered
with the Internal Revenue Service as 501C(6) or 501C(3) tax-exempt
organizations, to compete for participation in OSDBU's Small Business
Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) program in the Mid-Atlantic
Region.
    OSDBU will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with an organization
to provide outreach to the small business community in a designated
region and provide financial and technical assistance, business
training programs, business assessment, management training,
counseling, marketing and outreach, and the dissemination of
information, to encourage and assist small businesses to become better
prepared to compete for, obtain, and manage DOT funded transportation-
related contracts and subcontracts at the federal, state and local
levels. Throughout this notice, the term ``small business'' will refer
to: 8(a), small disadvantaged businesses (SDB), disadvantaged business
enterprises (DBE), women owned small businesses (WOSB), HubZone,
service disabled veteran owned businesses (SDVOB), and veteran owned
small businesses (VOSB). Throughout this notice, ``transportation-
related'' is defined as the maintenance, rehabilitation, restructuring,
improvement, or revitalization of any of the nation's modes of
transportation.
    Funding Opportunity Number: USDOT-OST-OSDBU-SBTRC2012-11.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 20.910
Assistance to small and disadvantaged businesses.

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement Grant.
    Award Ceiling: $183,000.
    Award Floor: $140,000.
    Program Authority: DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 332(b)(4), (5)
& (7) to design and carry out programs to assist small disadvantaged
businesses in getting transportation-related contracts and
subcontracts; develop support mechanisms, including management and
technical services, that will enable small disadvantaged businesses to
take advantage of those business opportunities; and to make
arrangements to carry out the above purposes.

DATES: Complete Proposals must be electronically submitted to OSDBU via
email on or before September 3, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Proposals received after the deadline will be considered non-responsive
and will not be reviewed. The applicant is advised to request delivery
receipt notification for email submissions. DOT plans to give notice of
award for the competed region on or before September 17, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be electronically submitted to OSDBU via
email at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning
this notice, contact Ms. Patricia Martin, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W56-462, Washington, DC, 20590. Telephone:
1-800-532-1169. Email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
    1.1 Background
    1.2 Program Description and Goals
    1.3 Description of Competition
    1.4 Duration of Agreements
    1.5 Authority
    1.6 Eligibility Requirements
2. Program Requirements
    2.1 Recipient Responsibilities
    2.2 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Responsibilities
3. Submission of Proposals
    3.1 Format for Proposals
    3.2 Address, Number of Copies, Deadline for Submission
4. Selection Criteria
    4.1 General Criteria
    4.2 Scoring of Applications
    4.3 Conflicts of Interest
Format for Proposals--Appendix A

Full Text of Announcement

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

    The DOT established OSDBU in accordance with Public Law 95-507, an
amendment to the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment
Act of 1958.
    The mission of OSDBU at DOT is to ensure that the small and
disadvantaged business policies and goals of the Secretary of
Transportation are developed and implemented in a fair, efficient and
effective manner to serve small and disadvantaged businesses throughout
the country. The OSDBU also administers the provisions of Title 49,
Section 332, the Minority Resource Center (MRC) which includes the
duties of advocacy, outreach and financial services on behalf of small
and disadvantaged business and those certified under CFR 49 parts 23
and or 26 as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and the
development of programs to encourage, stimulate, promote and assist
small businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain and
manage transportation-related contracts and subcontracts.
    The Regional Partnerships Division of OSDBU, through the SBTRC
program, allows OSDBU to partner with local organizations to offer a
comprehensive delivery system of business training, technical
assistance and dissemination of information, targeted towards small
business transportation enterprises in their regions.

1.2 Program Description and Goals

    The national SBTRC program utilizes Cooperative Agreements with
chambers of commerce, trade associations, educational institutions and
business-centered community based organizations to establish SBTRCs to
provide business training, technical assistance and information to DOT
grantees and recipients, prime contractors and subcontractors. In order
to be effective and serve their target audience, the SBTRCs must be
active in the local transportation community in order to identify and
communicate opportunities and provide the required technical
assistance. SBTRCs must already have, or demonstrate the ability to,
establish working relationships with the state and local transportation
agencies and technical assistance agencies (i.e., The U.S. Department
of Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Small
Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Procurement Technical Assistance
Centers (PTACs)), SCORE and State DOT highway supportive services
contractors in their region. Utilizing these relationships and their
own expertise, the SBTRCs are involved in activities such as
information dissemination, small business counseling, and technical
assistance with small businesses currently doing business with public
and private entities in the transportation industry.
    Effective outreach is critical to the success of the SBTRC program.
In order for their outreach efforts to be effective, SBTRCs must be
familiar with DOT's Operating Administrations, its funding sources, and
how funding is awarded to DOT grantees, recipients, contractors,
subcontractors, and its financial assistance programs. SBTRCs must
provide outreach to the regional small business transportation
community to disseminate information and distribute DOT-published
marketing materials, such as Short Term Lending Program (STLP)
Information, Bonding Education Program (BEP) information, SBTRC
brochures and literature, Procurement Forecasts; Contracting with DOT
booklets, Women and Girls Entrepreneurial Training and Technical
Assistance Internship Program (WGP), and any other materials or
resources that DOT or OSDBU may develop for this purpose. To maximize
outreach, the SBTRC may be called upon to participate in regional and
national conferences and seminars. Quantities of DOT publications for
on-hand inventory and dissemination at conferences and seminars will be
available upon request from the OSDBU office.

1.3 Description of Competition

    The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to solicit
proposals from transportation-related trade associations, chambers of
commerce, community based entities, colleges and universities,
community colleges, and any other qualifying transportation-related
non-profit organizations with the desire and ability to partner with
OSDBU to establish and maintain an SBTRC.
    It is OSDBU's intent to award a Cooperative Agreement to one
organization in the designated geographical area ``Washington DC'' from
herein referred to as ``region'', competed in this solicitation.
However, if warranted, OSDBU reserves the option to make multiple
awards to selected partners. Proposals submitted for the region must
contain a plan to service the entire region, not just the SBTRC state
or local geographical area. The region's SBTRC headquarters must be
established in the designated state set forth below. Submitted
proposals must also contain justification for the establishment of the
SBTRC headquarters in a particular city within the designated state.
    SBTRC Region Competed in This Solicitation:
    Mid-Atlantic Region: Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Delaware.
    Program requirements and selection criteria, set forth in Sections
2 and 4 respectively, indicate that the OSDBU intends for the SBTRC to
be multidimensional; that is, the selected organization must have the
capacity to effectively access and provide supportive services to the
broad range of small businesses within the respective geographical
region. To this end, the SBTRC must be able to demonstrate that they
currently have established relationships within the geographic region
with whom they may coordinate and establish effective networks with DOT
grant recipients and local/regional technical assistance agencies to
maximize resources.
    Cooperative agreement awards will be distributed to the region(s)
as follows:

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic Region....................  Ceiling: $183,000 per year.
                                         Floor: $140,000 per year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cooperative agreement awards by region are based upon an analysis
of DBEs, Certified Small Businesses, and US DOT transportation dollars
in each region.
    It is OSDBU's intent to maximize the benefits received by the small
business transportation community through the SBTRC. Funding may be
utilized to reimburse an on-site Project Director up to 100% of salary
plus fringe benefits, an on-site Executive Director up to 20% of salary
plus fringe benefits, up to 100% of a Project Coordinator's salary

plus fringe benefit, the cost of designated SBTRC space, other direct
costs, and all other general and administrative expenses. Selected
SBTRC partners will be expected to provide in-kind administrative
support. Submitted proposals must contain an alternative funding source
with which the SBTRC will fund administrative support costs. Preference
will be given to proposals containing in-kind contributions for the
Project Director, the Executive Director, the Project Coordinator, cost
of designated SBTRC space, other direct costs, and all other general
and administrative expenses.

1.4 Duration of Agreements

    The cooperative agreement will be awarded for a period of 12 months
(one year) with options for two (2) additional one year periods. OSDBU
will notify the SBTRC of our intention to exercise an option year or
not to exercise an option year 30 days in advance of expiration of the
current year.

1.5 Authority

    DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 332 (b) (4), (5) & (7) to design
and carry out programs to assist small disadvantaged businesses in
getting transportation-related contracts and subcontracts; develop
support mechanisms, including management and technical services, that
will enable small disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of those
business opportunities; and to make arrangements to carry out the above
purposes.

1.6 Eligibility Requirements

    To be eligible, an organization must be an established, nonprofit,
community-based organization, transportation-related trade association,
chamber of commerce, college or university, community college, and any
other qualifying transportation-related non-profit organization which
has the documented experience and capacity necessary to successfully
operate and administer a coordinated delivery system that provides
access for small businesses to prepare and compete for transportation-
related contracts. In addition, to be eligible, the applicant
organization must:
    (A) Be an established 501C(3) or 501C(6) tax-exempt organization
and provide documentation as verification. No application will be
accepted without proof of tax-exempt status;
    (B) Have at least one year of documented and continuous experience
prior to the date of application in providing advocacy, outreach, and
technical assistance to small businesses within the region in which
proposed services will be provided. Prior performance providing
services to the transportation community is preferable, but not
required; and
    (C) Have an office physically located within the proposed city in
the designated headquarters state in the region for which they are
submitting the proposal that is readily accessible to the public.

2. Program Requirements

2.1 Recipient Responsibilities

(A) Assessments, Business Analyses
    1. Conduct an assessment of small businesses in the SBTRC region to
determine their training and technical assistance needs, and use
information that is available at no cost to structure programs and
services that will enable small businesses to become better prepared to
compete for and receive transportation-related contract awards.
    2. Contact other federal, state and local government agencies, such
as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local
highway agencies, state and local airport authorities, and transit
authorities to identify relevant and current information that may
support the assessment of the regional small business transportation
community needs.
(B) General Management & Technical Training and Assistance
    1. Utilize OSDBU's Intake Form to document each small business
assisted by the SBTRC and type of service(s) provided. The completed
form must be transmitted electronically to the SBTRC Program Analyst on
a monthly basis, accompanied by a narrative report on the activities
and performance results for that period. The data gathered must be
supportive by the narrative and must relate to the numerical data on
the monthly reports.
    2. Ensure that an array of information is made available for
distribution to the small business transportation community that is
designed to inform and educate the community on DOT/OSDBU services and
opportunities.
    3. Coordinate efforts with OSDBU's National Information
Clearinghouse in order to maintain an on-hand inventory of DOT/OSDBU
informational materials for general dissemination and for distribution
at transportation-related conferences and other events.
(C) Business Counseling
    1. Collaborate with agencies, such as the SBA, U.S. Department of
Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Service Corps
of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
(PTACs), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), to offer a
broad range of counseling services to transportation-related small
business enterprises.
    2. Create a technical assistance plan that will provide each
counseled participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to
improve the management of their own small business to expand their
transportation-related contracts and subcontracts portfolio.
    3. Provide a minimum of 20 hours of individual or group counseling
sessions to small businesses per month.
(D) Planning Committee
    1. Establish a Regional Planning Committee consisting of at least 7
members that includes representatives from the regional community and
federal, state, and local agencies. The highway, airport, and transit
authorities for the SBTRC's headquarters state must have representation
on the planning committee. This committee shall be established no later
than 60 days after the execution of the Cooperative agreement between
the OSDBU and the selected SBRTC.
    2. Provide a forum for the federal, state, and local agencies to
disseminate information about upcoming procurements.
    3. Hold either monthly or quarterly meetings at a time and place
agreed upon by SBTRC and planning committee members.
    4. Use the initial session (teleconference call) by the SBTRC
explain the mission of the committee and identify roles of the staff
and the members of the group.
    5. Responsibility for the agenda and direction of the Planning
Committee should be handled by the SBTRC Executive Director or his/her
designee.
(E) Outreach Services/Conference Participation
    1. Utilize the services of the Central Contractor Registration
(CCR) and other sources to construct a database of regional small
businesses that currently or may in the future participate in DOT
direct and DOT funded transportation related contracts, and make this
database available to OSDBU, upon request.
    2. Utilize the database of regional transportation-related small
businesses to match opportunities identified through the planning
committee forum, FedBiz Opps (a Web-based system for posting
solicitations and other Federal procurement-related documents on the

Internet), and other sources to eligible small businesses and inform
the small business community about those opportunities.
    3. Develop a ``targeted'' database of firms (100-150) that have the
capacity and capabilities, and are ready, willing and able to
participate in DOT contracts and subcontracts immediately. This control
group will receive ample resources from the SBTRC, i.e., access to
working capital, bonding assistance, business counseling, management
assistance and direct referrals to DOT agencies at the state and local
levels, and to prime contractors as effective subcontractor firms.
    4. Identify regional, state and local conferences where a
significant number of small businesses, with transportation related
capabilities, are expected to be in attendance. Maintain and submit a
list of those events to the SBTRC Program Analyst for review and
posting on the OSDBU Web site on a monthly basis. Clearly identify the
events designated for SBTRC participation and include recommendations
for OSDBU participation.
    5. Conduct outreach and disseminate information to small businesses
at regional transportation-related conferences, seminars, and
workshops. In the event that the SBTRC is requested to participate in
an event, the SBTRC will send DOT materials, the OSDBU banner and other
information that is deemed necessary for the event.
    6. Submit a conference summary report to OSDBU no later than 5
business days after participation in the event or conference. The
conference summary report must summarize activities, contacts, outreach
results, and recommendations for continued or discontinued
participation in future similar events sponsored by that organization.
    7. Upon request by OSDBU, coordinate efforts with DOT's grantees
and recipients at the state and/or local levels to sponsor or cosponsor
an OSDBU transportation related conference in the region.
(F) Short Term Lending Program
    1. Work with STLP participating banks and if not available, other
lending institutions, to deliver a minimum of five (5) seminars/
workshops per year on the STLP financial assistance program to the
transportation-related small business community. The seminar/workshop
must cover the entire STLP process, from completion of STLP loan
applications and preparation of the loan package to graduation from the
STLP.
    2. Provide direct support, technical support, and advocacy services
to potential STLP applicants to increase the probability of STLP loan
approval and generate a minimum of 5 approved STLP applications per
year.
(G) Bonding Education Program
    1. Work with OSDBU, bonding industry partners, local small business
transportation stakeholders, and local bond producers/agents in your
region to deliver the Bonding Education Program (BEP). The BEP consists
of the following components; (1) the stakeholder's meeting; (2) the
educational workshops component; (3) the bond readiness component; and
(4) follow-on assistance to BEP participants via technical and
procurement assistance based on the prescriptive plan determined by the
BEP.
    2. For each BEP event, work with the local bond producers/agents in
your region and the disadvantaged business participants to deliver
minimum of 10 disadvantaged business participants in the BEP event with
either access to bonding or an increase in bonding capacity.
(H) Furnish all labor, facilities and equipment to perform the services
described in this announcement.
(I) Women and Girls Internship Program
    1. Pursuant to Executive Order 13506, and 49 U.S.C. 332(b)(4) &
(7), the SBTRC shall administer the Women & Girls Internship Program in
their geographical region. The SBTRC shall design and establish an
internship program within the overall parameters of the program defined
by USDOT/OSDBU. The program must be designed to engage female students
from a variety of disciplines in the transportation industry. The SBTRC
shall also be responsible for outreach activities in the implementation
of this program and advertising the internship program to all colleges
and universities and transportation entities in their region.
Internships shall be developed in conjunction with the skill needs of
the USDOT, state and local transportation agencies and appropriate
private sector transportation-related participants including, S/WOBs/
DBEs, and women organizations involved in transportation. Emphasis
shall be placed on establishing internships with transportation-related
WOBs. The SBTRC shall also develop a student mentorship program in
conjunction with the internship program.
    The student interns and the SBTRC shall follow the participating
institution's required policies and procedures to submit and acquire
academic credit for students participating in the internship program.
In the event academic credit is not awarded to the student intern by
the participating institution, the SBTRC may provide a stipend to the
student from the amount awarded for stipends under a separate amendment
to the Cooperative Agreement, to students placed in US DOT, the public
sector and S/WOBs/DBEs. Stipends may also be provided in cases of
financial hardship. All stipends must be pre-approved by the USDOT/
OSDBU Budget Analyst. The stipend may be paid at the rate negotiated by
the SBTRC and the USDOT/OSDBU Program Manager.
    In advance of student selection, the SBTRC shall submit to the
Program Analyst the criteria developed to select student interns;
describe an individual student formative goal; estimate student
participation, provisions for academic credit, the duration of the
internships in weeks, the names of the collaborating transportation-
related public or private entity, the names of contact persons and
their related contact information. In the event a stipend is requested,
the SBTRC shall also submit to the Program Analyst the amount of the
stipend requested and the basis of the request. Criteria for selecting
interns may include, but is not limited to, vocational interest in
transportation-related careers, academic success, work experience and
recommendations from professors.

2.2 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
Responsibilities

    (A) Provide consultation and technical assistance in planning,
implementing and evaluating activities under this announcement.
    (B) Provide orientation and training to the applicant organization.
    (C) Monitor SBTRC activities, cooperative agreement compliance, and
overall SBTRC performance.
    (D) Assist SBTRC to develop or strengthen its relationships with
federal, state, and local transportation authorities, other technical
assistance organizations, and DOT grantees.
    (E) Facilitate the exchange and transfer of successful program
activities and information among all SBTRC regions.
    (F) Provide the SBTRC with DOT/OSDBU materials and other relevant
transportation-related information for dissemination.
    (G) Maintain effective communication with the SBTRC and inform them
of transportation news and contracting opportunities to share with
small businesses in their region.

    (H) Provide all required forms to be used by the SBTRC for
reporting purposes under the program.
    (I) Perform an annual performance evaluation of the SBTRC.
Satisfactory performance is a condition of continued participation of
the organization as an SBTRC and execution of all option years.

3. Submission of Proposals

3.1 Format for Proposals

    Each proposal must be submitted to DOT's OSDBU in the format set
forth in the application form attached as Appendix A to this
announcement.

3.2 Address; Number of Copies; Deadlines for Submission

    Any eligible organization, as defined in Section 1.6 of this
announcement, will submit only one proposal per region for
consideration by OSDBU.
    Applications must be double spaced, and printed in a font size not
smaller than 12 points. Applications will not exceed 35 single-sided
pages, not including any requested attachments.
    All pages should be numbered at the top of each page. All
documentation, attachments, or other information pertinent to the
application must be included in a single submission.
    Grant application packages must be submitted electronically to
OSDBU at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>The applicant is advised to turn on request
delivery receipt notification for email submissions.
    Proposals must be received by DOT/OSDBU no later than September 3,
2012, 5:00 p.m., EST.

4. Selection Criteria

4.1 General Criteria

    OSDBU will award the cooperative agreement on a best value basis,
using the following criteria to rate and rank applications:
    Applications will be evaluated using a point system (maximum number
of points = 100);
     Approach and strategy (25 points)
     Linkages (25 points)
     Organizational Capability (25 points)
     Staff Capabilities and Experience (15 points)
     Cost Proposal (10 points)
(A) Approach and Strategy (25 Points)
    The applicant must describe their strategy to achieve the overall
mission of the SBTRC as described in this solicitation and service the
small business community in their entire geographic regional area. The
applicant must also describe how the specific activities outlined in
Section 2.1 will be implemented and executed in the organization's
regional area. OSDBU will consider the extent to which the proposed
objectives are specific, measurable, time-specific, and consistent with
OSDBU goals and the applicant organization's overall mission. OSDBU
will give priority consideration to applicants that demonstrate
innovation and creativity in their approach to assist small businesses
to become successful transportation contractors and increase their
ability to access DOT contracting opportunities and financial
assistance programs. Applicants must also submit the estimated direct
costs, other than labor, to execute their proposed strategy. OSDBU will
consider the quality of the applicant's plan for conducting program
activities and the likelihood that the proposed methods will be
successful in achieving proposed objectives at the proposed cost.
(B) Linkages (25 Points)
    The applicant must describe their established relationships within
their geographic region and demonstrate their ability to coordinate and
establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/
regional technical assistance agencies to maximize resources. OSDBU
will consider innovative aspects of the applicant's approach and
strategy to build upon their existing relationships and established
networks with existing resources in their geographical area. The
applicant should describe their strategy to obtain support and
collaboration on SBTRC activities from DOT grantees and recipients,
transportation prime contractors and subcontractors, the SBA, U.S.
Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs),
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical
Assistance Centers (PTACs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs),
State DOTs, and State highway supportive services contractors. In
rating this factor, OSDBU will consider the extent to which the
applicant demonstrates ability to be multidimensional. The applicant
must demonstrate that they have the ability to access a broad range of
supportive services to effectively serve a broad range of
transportation-related small businesses within their respective
geographical region.
    Emphasis will also be placed on the extent to which the applicant
identifies a clear outreach strategy related to the identified needs
that can be successfully carried out within the period of this
agreement and a plan for involving the Planning Committee in the
execution of that strategy.
(C) Organizational Capability (25 Points)
    The applicant must demonstrate that they have the organizational
capability to meet the program requirements set forth in Section 2. The
applicant organization must have sufficient resources and past
performance experience to successfully provide outreach to the small
business transportation resources in their geographical area and carry
out the mission of the SBTRC. In rating this factor, OSDBU will
consider the extent to which the applicant's organization has recent,
relevant and successful experience in advocating for and addressing the
needs of small businesses. Applicants will be given points for
demonstrated past transportation-related performance. The applicant
must also describe technical and administrative resources it plans to
use in achieving proposed objectives. In their description, the
applicant must describe their facilities, computer and technical
facilities, ability to tap into volunteer staff time, and a plan for
sufficient matching alternative financial resources to fund the general
and administrative costs of the SBTRC. The applicant must also describe
their administrative and financial management staff. OSDBU will place
an emphasis on capabilities of the applicant's financial management
staff.
(D) Staff Capability and Experience (15 Points)
    The applicant organization must provide a list of proposed
personnel for the project, with salaries, fringe benefit burden
factors, educational levels and previous experience clearly delineated.
The applicant's project team must be well-qualified, knowledgeable, and
able to effectively serve the diverse and broad range of small
businesses in their geographical region. The Executive Director and the
Project Director shall be deemed key personnel. Detailed resumes must
be submitted for all proposed key personnel and outside consultants and
subcontractors. Proposed key personnel must have detailed demonstrated
experience providing services similar in scope and nature to the
proposed effort. The proposed Project Director will serve as the
responsible individual for the program. 100% of the Project Director's
time must be dedicated to the SBTRC. Both the Executive Director and
the Project Director must be located on-site. In this element, OSDBU
will consider the extent to which the applicant's proposed Staffing
Plan; (a) clearly meets

the education and experience requirements to accomplish the objectives
of the cooperative agreement; (b) delineates staff responsibilities and
accountability for all work required and; (c) presents a clear and
feasible ability to execute the applicant's proposed approach and
strategy.
 (E) Cost Proposal (10 Points)
    Applicants must submit the total proposed cost of establishing and
administering the SBTRC in the applicant's geographical region for a 12
month period, inclusive of costs funded through alternative matching
resources. The applicant's budget must be adequate to support the
proposed strategy and costs must be reasonable in relation to project
objectives. The portion of the submitted budget funded by OSDBU cannot
exceed the ceiling outlined in Section 1.3: Description of Competition
of this RFP per fiscal year. Applicants are encouraged to provide in-
kind costs and other innovative cost approaches.

4.2 Scoring of Applications

    A review panel will score each application based upon the
evaluation criteria listed above. Points will be given for each
evaluation criteria category, not to exceed the maximum number of
points allowed for each category. Proposals which are deemed non-
responsive, do not meet the established criteria, or incomplete at the
time of submission will be disqualified.
    OSDBU will perform a responsibility determination of the
prospective awardee in the region, which may include a site visit,
before awarding the cooperative agreement.

4.3 Conflicts of Interest

    Applicants must submit signed statements by key personnel and all
organization principals indicating that they, or members of their
immediate families, do not have a personal, business or financial
interest in any DOT-funded transportation project, nor any
relationships with local or state transportation agencies that may have
the appearance of a conflict of interest.

APPENDIX A

FORMAT FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF
SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION'S SMALL BUSINESS
TRANSPORTATION RESOURCE CENTER (SBTRC) PROGRAM

    Submitted proposals for the DOT, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization's Small Business Transportation
Resource Center Program must contain the following 12 sections and
be organized in the following order:

1. TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Identify all parts, sections and attachments of the application.

2. APPLICATION SUMMARY

    Provide a summary overview of the following:
     The applicant's proposed SBTRC region and city and key
elements of the plan of action/strategy to achieve the SBTRC
objectives.
     The applicant's relevant organizational experience and
capabilities.

3. UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK

    Provide a narrative which contains specific project information
as follows:
     The applicant will describe its understanding of the
OSDBU's SBTRC program mission and the role of the applicant's
proposed SBTRC in advancing the program goals.
     The applicant will describe specific outreach needs of
transportation-related small businesses in the applicant's region
and how the SBTRC will address the identified needs.

4. APPROACH AND STRATEGY

     Describe the applicant's plan of action/strategy for
conducting the program in terms of the tasks to be performed.
     Describe the specific services or activities to be
performed and how these services/activities will be implemented.
     Describe innovative and creative approaches to assist
small businesses to become successful transportation contractors and
increase their ability to access DOT contracting opportunities and
financial assistance programs.
     Estimated direct costs, other than labor, to execute
the proposed strategy.

5. LINKAGES

     Describe established relationships within the
geographic region and demonstrate the ability to coordinate and
establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/
regional technical assistance agencies.
     Describe the strategy to obtain support and
collaboration on SBTRC activities from DOT grantees and recipients,
transportation prime contractors and subcontractors, the SBA, U.S.
Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers
(MBDCs), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement
Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), Small Business Development
Centers (SBDCs), State DOTs, and State highway supportive services
contractors.
     Describe the outreach strategy related to the
identified needs that can be successfully carried out within the
period of this agreement and a plan for involving the Planning
Committee in the execution of that strategy.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY

     Describe recent and relevant past successful
performance in addressing the needs of small businesses,
particularly with respect to transportation-related small
businesses.
     Describe internal technical, financial management, and
administrative resources.
     Propose a plan for sufficient matching alternative
financial resources to fund the general and administrative costs of
the SBTRC.

7. STAFF CAPABILITY AND EXPERIENCE

     List proposed key personnel, their salaries and
proposed fringe benefit factors.
     Describe the education, qualifications and relevant
experience of key personnel. Attach detailed resumes.
     Proposed staffing plan. Describe how personnel are to
be organized for the program and how they will be used to accomplish
program objectives. Outline staff responsibilities, accountability
and a schedule for conducting program tasks.

8. COST PROPOSAL

     Outline the total proposed cost of establishing and
administering the SBTRC in the applicant's geographical region for a
12 month period, inclusive of costs funded through alternative
matching resources. Clearly identify the portion of the costs funded
by OSDBU.
     Provide a brief narrative linking the cost proposal to
the proposed strategy.

9. PROOF OF TAX EXEMPT STATUS

10. ASSURANCES SIGNATURE FORM

    Complete Standard Form 424B ASSURANCES-NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
identified as Attachment 1. SF424B may be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov/techlib/SF424B-V1.1.pdf.

11. CERTIFICATION SIGNATURE FORMS

    Complete form DOTF2307-1 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT CERTIFICATION
FOR A GRANTEE OTHER THAN AN INDIVIDUAL and Form DOTF2308-1
CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS identified as Attachment 2. The forms may be
downloaded from http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/docs/CertDrug-FreeDOTF2307-1.pdf and http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/docs/CertLobbyingDOTF2308-1.pdf.

12. SIGNED CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENTS

    The statements must say that they, or members of their immediate
families, do not have a personal, business or financial interest in
any DOT-funded transportation projects, nor any relationships with
local or state transportation agencies that may have the appearance
of a conflict of interest.

13. STANDARD FORM 424

    Complete Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance
identified as Attachment 3. SF424 can be downloaded from http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf.
    PLEASE BE SURE THAT ALL FORMS HAVE BEEN SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED
OFFICIAL WHO CAN LEGALLY REPRESENT THE ORGANIZATION.

    Issued in Washington, DC on July 12, 2012.
Brandon Neal,
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization,
Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation.

[FR Doc. 2012-17767 Filed 7-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P