Notices. Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for proposals for these funds

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BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-899] Notice of Amended Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Artist Canvas from the People's Republic of China AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 15, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Freed or Michael Holton, AD/CVD Operations, Office 8, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, 20230; telephone:

(202)482-3818 or 482-1324, respectively. SUMMARY: On November 7, 2005, the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) published its affirmative preliminary determination in this proceeding. *See Notice of Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Artist Canvas from the People's Republic of China* , 70 FR 67412 (November 7, 2005) (“ *Preliminary Determination* ”). While the Department did not receive any allegations of ministerial errors in the *Preliminary Determination* , the Department inadvertently stated an inaccurate manufacturer/producer name in the provided combination rate, and inadvertently failed to include one combination rate. In the *Preliminary Determination* , the Department stated it would calculate combination rates for certain respondents that are eligible for a separate rate in this investigation. Thus, we granted Jiangsu Animal By-products Import & Export Group Corp. (“Jiangsu By-products”) ( *i.e.* , a separate rate applicant) a separate rate and calculated a combination rate for Jiangsu By-products. However, in our Weighted-Average Dumping Margins section, the Department inadvertently stated an inaccurate manufacturer/producer name in the provided combination rate for Jiangsu By-products, and inadvertently failed to include one combination rate for Jiangsu By-products. Therefore, we are correcting the Weighted-Average Dumping Margins section to include the additional combination rate and to correct the manufacturer/producer name. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Scope The products covered by this investigation are artist canvases regardless of dimension and/or size, whether assembled or unassembled, that have been primed/coated, whether or not made from cotton, whether or not archival, whether bleached or unbleached, and whether or not containing an ink receptive top coat. Priming/coating includes the application of a solution, designed to promote the adherence of artist materials, such as paint or ink, to the fabric. Artist canvases ( *i.e.* , pre-stretched canvases, canvas panels, canvas pads, canvas rolls (including bulk rolls that have been primed), printable canvases, floor cloths, and placemats) are tightly woven prepared painting and/or printing surfaces. Artist canvas and stretcher strips (whether or not made of wood and whether or not assembled) included within a kit or set are covered by this proceeding. Artist canvases subject to this investigation are currently classifiable under subheadings 5901.90.20.00 and 5901.90.40.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”). Specifically excluded from the scope of this investigation are tracing cloths, “paint-by-number” or “paint-it-yourself” artist canvases with a copyrighted preprinted outline, pattern, or design, whether or not included in a painting set or kit. 1 Also excluded are stretcher strips, whether or not made from wood, so long as they are not incorporated into artist canvases or sold as part of an artist canvas kit or set. While HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, our written description of the scope of this proceeding is dispositive. 1 Artist canvases with a non-copyrighted preprinted outline, pattern, or design are included in the scope, whether or not included in a painting set or kit. Amended Preliminary Determination As a result of our correction to the *Preliminary Determination* , we have determined that the following weighted-average percentage dumping margins apply to imports of certain artist canvas from the PRC exported by Jiangsu By-products. Artist Canvas from the PRC - Weighted-average Dumping Margins Exporter Producer Weighted-Average Deposit Rate Jiangsu Animal By-products Import & Export Group Corp. Wuxi Yinying Stationery and Sports Products Co. Ltd. Corp. 70.28 Jiangsu Animal By-products Import & Export Group Corp. Su Yang Yinying Stationery and Sports Products Co., Ltd. Corp. 70.28 China-Wide Rate 264.09 The collection of bonds or cash deposits and suspension of liquidation will be revised accordingly in accordance with section 733(d) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”). For all other imports of certain artist canvas from the PRC, the cash deposit rates remain as listed in the Preliminary Determination. International Trade Commission Notification In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, we have notified the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) of our amended preliminary determination. If our final determination is affirmative, the ITC will determine before the later of 120 days after the date of the original preliminary determination or 45 days after our final determination whether the domestic industry in the United States is materially injured, or threatened with material injury, by reason of imports, or sales (or the likelihood of sales) for importation, of the subject merchandise. This determination is issued and published in accordance with sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.224(e). Dated: December 9, 2005. Joseph A. Spetrini, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E5-7400 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-357-809] Small Diameter Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe from Argentina: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On September 28, 2005, the U.S. Department of Commerce (“the Department”) published a notice of initiation of an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on small diameter seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line and pressure pipe (“seamless line and pressure pipe”) from Argentina. The review covers one manufacturer/exporter, Siderca S.A.I.C. The period of review (“POR”) is August 1, 2004, through July 31, 2005. Following the receipt of a certification of no shipments by Siderca S.A.I.C., we notified interested parties of the Department's intent to rescind this review and provided an opportunity for parties to comment on the rescission. We received no comments. Therefore, we are rescinding this administrative review. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 15, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Edwards or Abdelali Elouaradia; AD/CVD Operations, Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone:

(202)482-8029 and

(202)482-1374, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On August 1, 2005, the Department published a notice of opportunity to request an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on seamless line and pressure pipe from Argentina for the period August 1, 2004, through July 31, 2005. *See Notice of Opportunity to Request Administrative Review of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding or Suspended Investigation* , 70 FR 44085 (August 1, 2005). On August 31, 2005, United States Steel Corporation (“U.S. Steel”), a domestic producer of the subject merchandise, made a timely request that the Department conduct an administrative review of Siderca S.A.I.C. (“Siderca”). On September 28, 2005, in accordance with section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”), the Department published in the **Federal Register** a notice of initiation of this antidumping duty administrative review. *See Notice of Initiation of Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Request for Revocation in Part* , 70 FR 56631 (September 28, 2005). On October 13, 2005, the Department issued its antidumping duty questionnaire to Siderca. On November 7, 2005, Siderca submitted a letter to the Department, certifying that the company made no shipments or entries for consumption in the United States of the subject merchandise during the POR. Additionally, Siderca also provided certification to the Department that the company's U.S. affiliate, Tenaris Global Services U.S.A. Corporation (“Tenaris”), also did not sell, enter, or import subject merchandise for consumption into the United States during the POR. Scope of the Order The antidumping duty order on imports from Argentina, covers small diameter seamless carbon and alloy standard, line, and pressure pipes (“seamless pipes”) produced to the American Standard for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) standards A-335, A-106, A-53, and American Petroleum Institute (“API”) standard API 5L specifications and meeting the physical parameters described below, regardless of application. The scope of this order also includes all products used in standard, line, or pressure pipe applications and meeting the physical parameters described below, regardless of specification. For purposes of this order, seamless pipes are seamless carbon and alloy (other than stainless) steel pipes, of circular cross-section, not more than 114.3 mm (4.5 inches) in outside diameter, regardless of wall thickness, manufacturing process (hot-finished or cold-drawn), end finish (plain end, beveled end, upset end, threaded, or threaded and coupled), or surface finish. These pipes are commonly known as standard pipe, line pipe, or pressure pipe, depending upon the application. They may also be used in structural applications. Pipes produced in non-standard wall thicknesses are commonly referred to as tubes. The seamless pipes subject to this order are currently classifiable under subheadings 7304.10.10.20, 7304.10.50.20, 7304.31.60.50, 7304.39.00.16, 7304.39.00.20, 7304.39.00.24, 7304.39.00.28, 7304.39.00.32, 7304.51.50.05, 7304.51.50.60, 7304.59.60.00, 7304.59.80.10, 7304.59.80.15, 7304.59.80.20, and 7304.59.80.25 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”). The following information further defines the scope of this order, which covers pipes meeting the physical parameters described above: Specifications, Characteristics and Uses Seamless pressure pipes are intended for the conveyance of water, steam, petrochemicals, chemicals, oil products, natural gas and other liquids and gasses in industrial piping systems. They may carry these substances at elevated pressures and temperatures and may be subject to the application of external heat. Seamless carbon steel pressure pipe meeting the ASTM standard A-106 may be used in temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, at various American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”) code stress levels. Alloy pipes made to ASTM standard A-335 must be used if temperatures and stress levels exceed those allowed for A-106 and the ASME codes. Seamless pressure pipes sold in the United States are commonly produced to the ASTM A-106 standard. Seamless standard pipes are most commonly produced to the ASTM A-53 specification and generally are not intended for high temperature service. They are intended for the low temperature and pressure conveyance of water, steam, natural gas, air and other liquids and gasses in plumbing and heating systems, air conditioning units, automatic sprinkler systems, and other related uses. Standard pipes (depending on type and code) may carry liquids at elevated temperatures but must not exceed relevant ASME code requirements. Seamless line pipes are intended for the conveyance of oil and natural gas or other fluids in pipe lines. Seamless line pipes are produced to the API 5L specification. Seamless pipes are commonly produced and certified to meet ASTM A-106, ASTM A-53 and API 5L specifications. Such triple certification of pipes is common because all pipes meeting the stringent A-106 specification necessarily meet the API 5L and ASTM A-53 specifications. Pipes meeting the API 5L specification necessarily meet the ASTM A-53 specification. However, pipes meeting the A-53 or API 5L specifications do not necessarily meet the A-106 specification. To avoid maintaining separate production runs and separate inventories, manufacturers triple certify the pipes. Since distributors sell the vast majority of this product, they can thereby maintain a single inventory to service all customers. The primary application of ASTM A-106 pressure pipes and triple certified pipes is in pressure piping systems by refineries, petrochemical plants and chemical plants. Other applications are in power generation plants (electrical-fossil fuel or nuclear), and in some oil field uses (on shore and off shore) such as for separator lines, gathering lines and metering runs. A minor application of this product is for use as oil and gas distribution lines for commercial applications. These applications constitute the majority of the market for the subject seamless pipes. However, A-106 pipes may be used in some boiler applications. The scope of this order includes all seamless pipe meeting the physical parameters described above and produced to one of the specifications listed above, regardless of application, and whether or not also certified to a non-covered specification. Standard, line and pressure applications and the above-listed specifications are defining characteristics of the scope of this order. Therefore, seamless pipes meeting the physical description above, but not produced to the A-335, A-106, A-53, or API 5L standards shall be covered if used in a standard, line or pressure application. For example, there are certain other ASTM specifications of pipe which, because of overlapping characteristics, could potentially be used in A-106 applications. These specifications generally include A-162, A-192, A-210, A-333, and A-524. When such pipes are used in a standard, line or pressure pipe application, such products are covered by the scope of this order. Specifically excluded from the scope of this order are boiler tubing and mechanical tubing, if such products are not produced to A-335, A-106, A-53 or API 5L specifications and are not used in standard, line or pressure applications. In addition, finished and unfinished OCTG are excluded from this order, if covered by the scope of another antidumping duty order from the same country. If not covered by such an OCTG order, finished and unfinished OCTG are included in this order when used in standard, line or pressure applications. Finally, also excluded from this order are redraw hollows for cold-drawing when used in the production of cold-drawn pipe or tube. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, our written description of the scope of this order is dispositive. Rescission of the Administrative Review As noted above, on November 7, 2005, Siderca submitted a letter to the Department indicating that it did not have any shipments or entries of subject merchandise during the POR. The Department conducted an internal customs data query to confirm that Siderca did not export or produce subject merchandise entered for consumption into the United States during the POR. The customs data showed no entries during the POR of subject merchandise manufactured/exported by Siderca. On November 9, 2005, the Department notified the interested domestic parties of its intent to rescind this administrative review and requested that parties submit comments by November 21, 2005, on the intended rescission. *See* Memorandum to the File from Patrick Edwards, Case Analyst, dated November 9, 2005. We received no comments from outside parties. Based upon Siderca's explanation and the evidence on the record, we are satisfied that Siderca made no exports of subject merchandise that were entered for consumption during the POR. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.213(d)(3), the Department may rescind an administrative review, in whole or with respect to a particular exporter or producer, if the Secretary concludes that, during the period covered by the review, there were no entries, exports, or sales of the subject merchandise. Therefore, the Department is rescinding this review in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(d)(3). We are issuing and publishing this notice in accordance with section 751(a)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.213(d)(4). Dated: December 8, 2005. Joseph A. Spetrini, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E5-7399 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 030602141-5303-32] Financial Assistance To Establish New Cooperative Science Centers Under NOAA's Educational Partnership Program

(EPP)With Minority Serving Institutions in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Environmental Sciences, Living Marine Resources Science and Management, and Remote Sensing Technology at Minority Serving Institutions AGENCY: Office of Education, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for proposals for these funds. SUMMARY: The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA's Educational Partnership Program is soliciting new accredited post secondary minority serving institutions (MSI)—Cooperative Science Center proposals. These Centers are to establish partnerships between the accredited post secondary MSIs and NOAA. The partnership goal is to expand the institution's training and research capabilities and supporting program development. The developed programs will support NOAA's mission. The Cooperative Centers must establish in the NOAA core science areas: Atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences; living marine resources science and management; and remote sensing technology. The EPP/MSI is a competitive program designed to strengthen and enhance the research and training capabilities and to support the development of programs directly related to NOAA's mission at MSIs. The EPP is designed to enhance NOAA's capability to increase environmental literacy by establishing partnerships with academia, the private sector, and other Federal, State, Tribal and local agencies. Thus, the funding opportunity is intended to engage the MSI academic community in training and collaborative research across the spectrum of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences, living marine resources science and management, and remote sensing technology in support of NOAA's mission. DATES: Applications must be received by NOAA Educational Partnership Program

(EPP)no later than 2 p.m. (eastern standard time), February 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: Applications submitted in response to this announcement are strongly encouraged to submit through the Grants.gov Web site. Electronic access to the Full Funding Opportunity Announcement for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov.* The announcement will also be available at the NOAA EPP Web site *http://epp.noaa.gov* or by contacting the program officials identified below. Applicants must comply with all requirements contained in the full funding opportunity announcement. If Internet access is unavailable, paper applications (a signed original and two copies) may be submitted to the Educational Partnership Program at the following address: NOAA/OAR/EPP, 1315 East West Highway, Room 10600, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. No facsimile applications will be accepted. Institutions are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent to NOAA/EPP within 30 days of this announcement to aid in planning the review processes. Letters of Intent may be submitted via e-mail to *Jacqueline.J.Rousseau@noaa.gov* or *Meka.Laster@noaa.gov.* Information should include a general description of the Center proposal and participating institutions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacqueline J. Rousseau, Program Director at 301-713-9437 ext. 124 or *Jacqueline.J.Rousseau@noaa.gov.* The alternative contact is Meka E. Laster at 301-713-9437 ext. 147 or *Meka.laster@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Summary Description NOAA is committed to recruiting and retaining underrepresented community employees. NOAA is committed to training students in NOAA related sciences and conduct the ongoing mission of the agency. Therefore, the agency established a program aimed at MSI partnering that train and graduate students in the areas of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences, fisheries sciences, and management, and remote sensing technology. Since approximately 40% of minority students receive their undergraduate degrees at MSIs, direct collaboration with MSIs is an effective way to increase the number of minority students trained and graduated. The MSI students receive NOAA-related science degrees and may engage in research and pursue careers compatible with the Agency's mission. The National Science Foundation

(NSF)Science and Engineering Indicators 2004 Report furnishes the doctoral and master's degree statistics for selected years, 1994-2003. The sciences include earth, atmospheric, and ocean sciences. The minority student statistics are below the national average. For example, the 2004 NSF report lists 26,413 U.S. citizen, science and engineering doctoral degrees. However, the number of minority student graduates awarded doctoral degrees includes: • 1708 African Americans; • 1270 Hispanics; • 133 American Indian/Alaskan Natives; • 1417 Asian/Pacific Islanders. The 474 earth, atmospheric and ocean sciences doctoral degrees were awarded to: • 15 African Americans; • 13 Hispanics; • 2 American Indians and Alaskan Natives; • 10 to Asian/Pacific Islanders. Additionally, minority group master's degrees statistics are disproportionately low. With such a limited pool of potential employees from underrepresented communities trained in NOAA-related sciences, it is important that NOAA seek new ways to make students aware of the mission of the agency and to support activities that increase opportunities for students trained in NOAA-related sciences. Proposals for the Cooperative Science Centers shall support NOAA's mission as defined in NOAA's Strategic Plan—located at *http://www.noaa.gov—.* The Educational Partnership Program supports the • NOAA Strategic Plan. • U.S. Ocean Action Plan. • NOAA Education Plan. • DOC/NOAA Succession Planning and Management Program Plan. Institutions may compete for an award to establish a Cooperative Science Center based on the following criteria: Atmospheric Cooperative Science Center: Atmospheric Cooperative Science Center proposals should address the ability to conduct collaborative research in numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, climate modeling, climate analysis and prediction, water resources, and/or studies that lead to improvements in warning and forecast operations. Atmospheric Center graduates should meet the National Weather Service's course requirements for meteorologists which include: 1. Twenty four

(24)semester hours in meteorology including six semester hours in weather analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics; three semester hours of physical meteorology; and two semester hours of remote sensing technology of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation; 2. Six semester hours of physics with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions; 3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations; and, 4. Nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: Physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, computer science. There is a prerequisite or co-requisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major. The Center's proposal should address how its graduates will meet these course requirements. Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center: Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) proposals should address the ability to support education and research in marine science including an emphasis on the following: Biological assessments; stock assessment; marine chemical assessments; habitat quality, coastal ecology—including ecosystem monitoring; remote sensing technology and GIS mapping; biodiversity; essential fish habitat; fishery economics; fishery-related social sciences and fishery biology, to include reproduction and food habitats; systematics and taxonomy; biotechnology; aquaculture; and enhancement. LMRCSC graduates should meet the course requirements with a major studies in biology, zoology, or biological oceanography that include at least 30 semester hours in biological, marine, and aquatic science and 15 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences. The course work must include: 1. At least 15 semester hours in zoology beyond introductory biology or zoology in such course as invertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, advanced vertebrate zoology, genetics, entomology, and parasitology. 2. At least 6 semester hours of training applicable to fishery biology in such subjects as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, oceanography, algology, planktonology, marine or fresh water ecology, invertebrate ecology, principles of fishery population dynamics, or related course work in the field of fishery biology. 3. At least 15 semester hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following chemistry, physics, mathematics, or statistics. Graduates must be able to carry out a variety of tasks including: predicting population trends of living marine resources (LMR); developing harvest strategies that maintain sustainable yields of renewable resources; analyzing the social and economic impacts of various management decisions on communities by decisions related to LMR. In addition, graduates must be able to design and carry out projects for LMR. Environmental Cooperative Science Center: Environmental Cooperative Science Center

(ECSC)proposals should address the ability to respond to coastal and ocean threats, restore damaged areas, manage coastal and ocean resources and support maritime commerce. Key areas of focus could include: 1. Understanding, predicting, assessing, managing, and communicating the impacts of human and natural stresses on coastal ocean ecosystems, including impacts from climate change, pollution, land and resource use, invasive species, and extreme natural events; 2. Developing science-based support and guidance for integrated coastal and ocean management, including full integration of biophysical sciences, ecology, and human dimensions; and, 3. Increased understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that both impact and support coastal navigation and ports, as well as an integration of this biophysical understanding with human dimensions to increase navigation safety and decrease potential negative impacts to ecosystems and coastal resources. ECSC graduates should have at least 24 semester hours that include coursework in each of the areas of physical, chemical, biological, and ecological sciences. Supporting coursework in engineering (civil, marine, electrical, chemical, environmental, mechanical, ocean, as applicable to Center focus areas) would be an asset. Knowledge of pertinent research and analytical methodology, as well as the ability to apply the aforementioned sciences and disciplines to policy and management issues, is required. Remote Sensing Technology Cooperative Science Center: Remote Sensing Technology Cooperative Science Center must have particular emphasis in environmental satellite-related research activities directed toward helping to sustain healthy coasts, to build sustainable fisheries, to recover protected species, to help improve weather forecasts and warnings, to provide improved environmental forecasts or analyses, and to prepare for future NOAA operational environmental satellite missions. The Center will be expected to: 1. Provide an organizational setting to promote and establish programs and related research relating to remote sensing technology by drawing upon multiple disciplines and involving collaboration with multiple performing and research-sponsoring partners; 2. Serve as a model for outreach, input, and collaboration that help ensure that research can be applied to solving priority NOAA remote sensing technology, current satellite system optimization, and future satellite system development and planning; 3. Expand research in remote sensing technology, satellite data management, and user access technologies; and, 4. Support multi-disciplinary research projects aimed at NOAA's remote sensing technology mission responsibilities, to include:

(a)Passive radiometric remote sensing technology;

(b)Passive multi-spectral remote sensing technology;

(c)High spectral resolution (hyperspectral) remote sensing technology;

(d)Active and passive microwave remote sensing technology;

(e)Satellite sensor development and demonstration in the categories above;

(f)technologies relating to satellite data acquisition, data distribution, mission operations, and mission planning; and, g) Technologies relating to improved user data access and data management. Through such multi-disciplinary research, explore new approaches to enhance the use of present and future environmental satellites to meet the rapidly changing environmental needs of the Nation. The Cooperative Science Centers's principal academic institution must be an accredited MSI with a Ph.D. program in one of the NOAA core science areas in atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences, living marine resources science and management, and remote sensing technology. A Cooperative Science Center Distinguished Scientist position must be created—within one year— to develop significant research projects for their respective Center and other EPP Centers, MSIs, NOAA science and research facilities and relevant agencies. Faculty and staff exchanges are an integral part of this program and opportunities for faculty and staff exchanges are available for collaborative research or other agreed upon activities. A postdoctoral program supported by NOAA EPP funds must be established at each of the Science Centers. During the two-year fellowship the postdoctoral research should be collaborative between the postdoctoral fellow and NOAA scientist and address a NOAA core science area. The candidates do not become NOAA employees. NOAA expects the Center to develop mechanisms and approaches that increase Center student course and seminar offerings not only at the Center MSI but at other MSIs and partner institutions. A K-12 science education program must be established at each of the Science Centers. The K-12 science education program purpose is increasing the basic science and math skilled student pipeline. A thirty percent (30%) award minimum is required for student support, that includes—but is not limited to— scholarships, fellowships, travel expenses to professional meetings and for conducting site research. While the Centers are established at MSIs, non-minority serving institutions consortia are not restricted. Also, private and public sector partnerships are encouraged. Electronic Access Applicants can access download and submit electronic grant applications, including the Full Funding Opportunity Announcement, for NOAA programs at the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov.* The announcement will also be available at the NOAA EPP Web site *http://epp.noaa.gov* or by contacting the program officials identified above. The closing date will be the same as for the paper submissions noted in this announcement. NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. If Internet access is unavailable, hard copies of proposals will also be accepted-a signed original and two copies at time of submission. This includes color or high-resolution graphics, unusually sized materials, or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. For color graphics, submit either color originals or color copies. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full proposals will not be accepted. Funding Availability Subject to Congressional appropriations, this solicitation announces that funding at a maximum of $50 million will be available for the Cooperative Science Centers over a five-year period. Proposals are limited to a total of $12.5 million for a maximum of five years and four proposals will be funded. The funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement since NOAA will be substantially involved in developing research priorities, conducting cooperative activities with recipients, exchanging staff and providing internship opportunities for students at MSIs. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540, 49 U.S.C. 44720, 33 U.S.C. 883d, 33 U.S.C. 1442, 16 U.S.C. 1854(e), 16 U.S.C. 661, 16 U.S.C. 753(a), 16 U.S.C. 1451 *et seq.* , 16 U.S.C. 1431, 33 U.S.C. 883a and Executive Orders 13230, 13256, 13270, 13336, and 13339. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.481—Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions. *Eligibility:* For the purposes of this program, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, as identified on the 2004 United States Department of Education, Accredited Postsecondary Minority Institution list at *http://epp.noaa.gov,* are eligible to apply. Proposals will not be accepted from non-profit organizations, foundations, auxiliary services or any other entity submitted on behalf of MSIs. *Cost Sharing Requirements:* None. *Intergovernmental Review:* Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Evaluation and Selection Criteria and Procedures: NOAA published its agency-wide solicitation entitled “Omnibus Notice Announcing the Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006” for projects for Fiscal Year 2006 in the **Federal Register** on June 30, 2005 (70 FR 37766). The evaluation and selection criteria and procedures for projects contained in that omnibus notice are applicable to this notice. Copies of this notice are available on the Internet at *http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Eamd/SOLINDEX.HTML.* Further details on evaluation and selection criteria and procedures applicable to this notice can be found in the full funding opportunity announcement. National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA Web site: *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/,* including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf,* and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm.* Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist ( *e.g.* , the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for the denial of an application. In some cases if additional information is required after application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment. Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are applicable to this solicitation. Limitation of Liability Funding for the Cooperative Science Centers listed in this notice is contingent upon availability of Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for the Cooperative Science Centers. In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all Federal laws and agency policies, regulations and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards. Paperwork Reduction Act This notification involves collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)under control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040 and 0348-0046 and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866 It has been determined that this notice is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comments are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared, and none has been prepared. Mark Brown, Chief Financial Officer, NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. [FR Doc. E5-7395 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-KD-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 030602141-5301-30] Request for Proposals for Fiscal Year 2006-NOAA Educational Partnership Program With Minority Serving Institutions: Environmental Entrepreneurship Program AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of availability of funds. SUMMARY: NOAA's Environmental Entrepreneurship Program is soliciting proposals that support environmental revitalization projects. Projects should engage students at MSIs in hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities in the application of NOAA science and business acumen. The program's objective is to increase the number of students proficient in environmental business enterprises. For the purposes of this program, Environmental Business Enterprises is defined as applying skills and techniques in the development and operations of businesses that resolve environmental degradation in local communities. The process involves engaging students in the application of business skills and best management science techniques that will enable students to gain practical experience in resolving environmental degradation in their local communities. Students are expected to learn how to transform business concepts into innovative products or services that support environmental business enterprises. This is achieved through community-based collaborative processes. It is expected that three cooperative agreement awards will be funded in fiscal year 2006. Eligible MSIs may apply for a maximum of $200,000, on a competitive basis, to support environmental revitalization projects, for a two or three-year period. The total funding available is $600,000, subject to Congressional appropriations. The program's vision is an increased number of students at MSIs proficient in environmental business enterprises that advance DOC/NOAA's mission. Successful programs will build the institution's capacity to train students in developing and operating businesses in local communities where there is a need to sustain or revitalize naturally depleted environments. DATES: Full Proposals must be received by 2 p.m. (eastern standard time) February 13, 2006. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of proposals will not be accepted. ADDRESSES: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications through the Grants.gov Web site. Electronic access to the full funding opportunity announcement for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov* . The announcement will also be available at the NOAA Web site *http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Eamd/solindex.html* or by contacting the program official identified below. Applicants must comply with all requirements contained in the full funding opportunity announcement. If Internet access is unavailable, paper applications (a signed original and two copies) should be submitted by postal mail, commercial delivery service, or hand-delivery to the Educational Partnership Program at the following address: NOAA/EPP, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC III, Room 10600, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Facsimile and electronic mail submission of applications will not be accepted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacqueline Rousseau, Program Director at

(301)713-9437 extension 124 or *Jacqueline.J.Rousseau@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Summary Description NOAA's Environmental Entrepreneurship Program supports projects aimed at increasing opportunities for students at MSIs to become proficient in environmental business enterprises. According to the U.S. DOC Census Bureau, 2002 Economic Statistics Report, under represented groups comprise only fourteen percent of the total U.S. businesses. These include: • 5% of the U.S. businesses are owned by Blacks; • 6.85% of the U.S. businesses are owned by Hispanic or Latinos; • 0.89% (less than one percent) of U.S. businesses are owned by American Indian and Alaska Natives and; • (0.14%) (less than one percent) of U.S. businesses are owned by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. The EEP advances the U.S. Department of Commerce mission “to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, competitiveness and stewardship”. In addition, the EEP supports NOAA's efforts to foster environmental literacy. Minority Serving Institutions are expected to design Environmental Revitalization Projects that train students in becoming proficient in environmental business enterprises. The projects must engage students in resolving environmental degradation in local communities where there is a need to sustain or revitalize naturally depleted environments. The projects must be undertaken through community-based collaborative efforts among MSIs, NOAA, and the private sector. Business incubators serve as a learning environment for training aspiring entrepreneurs; therefore, MSIs that collaborate with business incubators are highly encouraged. MSIs are also encouraged to pursue collaboration with campus or local community-based minority business development centers, small business development centers, and community and economic development organizations. Strong linkages or collaborations with NOAA programs, laboratories and facilities and the private sector are required. Innovative approaches to training students are sought that take maximum advantage of synergies and partnerships with Business Incubators, Minority Business Development Centers, Small Business Development Centers and Community and Economic Development organizations. MSIs, and their partners, must train a minimum of ten students each year of the project in a combination of science and business skills under this program. Partnerships should enable students to become proficient in businesses that resolve environmental degradation in support of NOAA's science mission areas. These include assisting students to become proficient in businesses that would:

(1)Protect, restore, and manage coastal and ocean resources through ecosystem management;

(2)Increase the number and use of climate information, products and services that would enable local communities to plan and respond to climate variability and change;

(3)Improve weather and water information, products and services to improve the understanding, observation, forecasting and warning of environmental events; and

(4)Support the nation's commerce with information, products and services for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation. MSIs should ensure students obtain the necessary knowledge, skills, tools and technology training that are applied outside the classroom. The projects should allow students to gain practical, real-world experiences to understand the nature and extent of environmental degradation within local communities. Students should be trained in testing and monitoring methods to prevent, control, and reduce the degradation of natural environments. The intention is for students to apply skills and techniques, business concepts, and products and services for the expansion of commerce and economic development. At the end of the project, participating students will be proficient in environmental business enterprises. Students and faculty will contribute to promoting environmental sustainability and revitalizing local communities in support of NOAA's science mission areas. Electronic Access Applicants can access, download, and submit electronic grant applications, including the full funding opportunity announcement, for NOAA programs at the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov* . The announcement will also be available at the NOAA Web site *http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Eamd/SOLINDEX.HTML* or by contacting the program official identified above. The closing date will be the same as for the paper submissions noted in this announcement. NOAA strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. If Internet access is unavailable, a signed original and two paper copies of proposals will also be accepted by the submission deadline. This includes color or high-resolution graphics, unusually sized materials, or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. For color graphics, submit either color originals or color copies. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full proposals will not be accepted. Funding Availability This solicitation announces that funding up to $600,000 will be available in FY 2006, with a maximum of $200,000 per award for a two

(2)or three

(3)year period, subject to Congressional appropriations. Applications for awards in access of $200,000 will not be considered. It is anticipated that the funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement since NOAA will be substantially involved in collaborative student training and experiential learning activities. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.481—Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions. Eligibility Minority Serving Institutions eligible to submit proposals include institutions of higher education identified by the Department of Education as:

(1)Historically Black Colleges and Universities,

(2)Hispanic-Serving Institutions,

(3)Tribal Colleges and Universities,

(4)Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions. on the most recent “United States Department of Education Accredited Postsecondary Minority Institutions” list (at the date of publication of this notice). The most recent list can be found on the NOAA EPP Web site at: *http://epp.noaa.gov/.* *Proposals submitted by non-profit organizations, foundations, auxiliary services or any other entity on behalf of MSIs will not be accepted.* Cost Sharing Requirements Matching requirements include 10 percent match of the total grant project in direct student support. Matching funds must be from non-Federal sources (in the private sector) and may include in-kind contributions in support of students working and using equipment for the purposes of training. The nature of the contribution (cash versus in-kind) and the amount of matching funds will be taken into consideration in the review process. The Director of NOAA's Office of Education may waive all or part of the matching requirement if the Director determines that the project meets the following two requirements:

(1)No reasonable means are available through which an applicant can meet the matching requirement; and

(2)The probable benefit of such project outweighs the public interest in such matching requirement. In the case of a waiver request, the applicant must provide a detailed justification explaining the need for the waiver. The program shall waive any requirement for local matching funds to the governments of Insular Areas, defined as the jurisdictions of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Intergovernmental Review Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Evaluation and Selection Criteria and Procedures NOAA published its agency-wide solicitation entitled “Omnibus Notice Announcing the Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006” for projects for Fiscal Year 2006 in the **Federal Register** on June 30, 2005 (70 FR 37766). The evaluation and selection criteria and procedures for projects contained in that omnibus notice are applicable to this notice. Copies of this notice are available on the Internet at *http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Eamd/SOLINDEX.HTML.* Further details on evaluation and selection criteria and procedures applicable to this notice can be found in the full funding opportunity announcement. National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA Web site: *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/,* including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf,* and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm.* Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for not selecting an application. In some cases if additional information is required after an application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment. Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are applicable to this solicitation. Limitation of Liability In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all Federal laws and agency policies, regulations and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards. Paperwork Reduction Act This notification involves collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(EPP)With Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Graduate Sciences Program AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of criteria to administer the EPP/MSI Graduate Sciences Program; and notice of availability of funds and solicitation for proposals for these funds. SUMMARY: The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA's Educational Partnership Program is soliciting not-for-profit organizations to administer its EPP Graduate Sciences Program. The goal of the Graduate Sciences Program is to provide college graduates who have received at least a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, science, economics, law, and engineering, entry-level employment and hands-on research and work experience at NOAA. The program's objective is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in the targeted areas integral to NOAA's mission. The goal of the NOAA EPP/MSI Graduate Sciences Program

(GSP)is aimed primarily at increasing opportunities and available programs for students in NOAA related fields to pursue research and graduate level educational training in atmospheric, environmental, and oceanic sciences at Minority Serving Institutions

(MSI)when possible. All students are competitively selected for positions in NOAA offices and facilities. Participants must be U.S. citizens, have a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, science, law, or engineering, and have, and maintain, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher prior to and for the duration of their training. Prior to acceptance into the program, students must be enrolled in an accredited graduate school and obtain a letter of recommendation by a school official. This two-year program provides for formal periods of work, study, and structured classroom training programs in meteorology, hydrology, cartography, oceanography, ecology, remote sensing technology, environmental science and planning, marine science, fisheries biology, computer science, and environmental law. GSP pays for tuition, books, lab fees, campus housing allowance, travel expenses, and salary during 16 weeks of NOAA work experience per year at a NOAA research facility. NOAA scientists are assigned as mentors to graduate scientists during the training period. The progress of the students is monitored throughout the academic year and during the intermittent career work experiences. Under the program, graduate students are required to present their research at conferences, scientific meetings and workshops, education and science forums, etc. The program requires that students participate in an orientation program at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the beginning of their appointment. DATES: Applications must be received by NOAA Educational Partnership Program

(301)713-9437 ext. 125 or *Chantell.Haskins@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background NOAA is committed to recruiting and retaining individuals from underrepresented communities as part of its workforce. The agency established EPP to provide financial assistance to train students in NOAA-related sciences and to conduct hands-on research related to the ongoing mission of the agency. Therefore, the agency established a program aimed at partnering with MSIs that train and graduate students in the areas of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences, fisheries sciences, and management, and remote sensing technology. Since approximately 40% of minority students receive their undergraduate degrees at MSIs, direct collaboration with MSIs is an effective way to increase the number of students from under-represented communities trained and graduated in NOAA-related sciences. With such a limited pool of potential minority employees trained in NOAA-related sciences, it is important that NOAA seek new ways to make students aware of the mission of the agency and to support activities that increase opportunities for students trained in NOAA-related sciences. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA)Educational Partnership Program

(EPP)with Minority Serving Institutions

(MSIs)is a competitive program designed to develop and/or enhance the collaboration between NOAA and the MSI community to increase the number of students who pursue coursework and graduate with degrees in NOAA-related sciences. The program is designed to improve NOAA's outreach and recruitment efforts of under-represented individuals in the scientific mission-related occupational fields, *i.e.* , fishery biology, environmental law, meteorology, cartography, oceanography, hydrology, computer science, ecology, environmental economics, and engineering. The program requires graduate student's participation in research projects that will promote in-depth knowledge and understanding of NOAA sciences in their academic institutions. For the purposes of this announcement, MSIs are defined as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions as defined by the Department of Education and the most recent list can be found on the NOAA EPP Web site at *http://epp.noaa.gov.* Electronic Access Applicants can access, download, and submit electronic grant applications, including the full funding opportunity announcement, for NOAA programs at the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov.* The announcement will also be available at the NOAA EPP Web site *http://epp.noaa.gov* or by contacting the program official identified above. The closing date will be the same as for paper submissions noted in this announcement. NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. If Internet access is unavailable, hard copies of proposals will also be accepted—a signed original and two copies—at time of submission. The project description (including relevant results from prior training programs) should not exceed 15 pages. Page limits are inclusive of figures, and other visual materials, but are exclusive of references, milestone charts, letters of collaboration from unfounded collaborators, letters of endorsement, and curriculum vitae which may not exceed 2 pages for each principal, program administrator/coordinator. This includes color or high-resolution graphics, unusually sized materials, or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. For color graphics, submit either color originals or color copies. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full proposals will not be accepted. Funding Availability Subject to appropriations, this solicitation announces that funding at a maximum of $350,000 will be available for program administration of the Graduate Sciences Program over a two-year period. The proposal is limited to a total of $350,000 for a maximum of two years and one proposal will be funded. Up to 18% of $350,000 is allowed for administrative overhead and at least 82% of $350,000 is for student support. It is anticipated that the funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement since NOAA will be substantially involved in identifying NOAA facilities to place students during the two summer internships, and with collaboration, participation, or intervention in project performance. Authorities: 15 U.S.C. 1540, 49 U.S.C. 44720, 33 U.S.C. 883d, 33 U.S.C. 1442, 16 U.S.C. 1854(e), 16 U.S.C. 661, 16 U.S.C. 753(a), 16 U.S.C. 1451 *et seq.* , 16 U.S.C. 1431, 33 U.S.C. 883a and Executive Orders 12876, 12900, 13021, 13336, and 13339. **Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:** 11.481—Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions. *Eligibility:* Proposals will only be accepted from non-profit organizations. *Cost Sharing Requirements:* None. *Intergovernmental Review:* Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” *Evaluation and Selection Procedures:* Once an application is received by NOAA, an initial administrative review is conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness of the application. The initial administrative review will be based on: 1. Eligibility—Proposals will only be accepted and reviewed from not-for-profit organizations (as defined in Section IIIA of the full funding opportunity announcement); 2. Submission date—Proposals will only be accepted and reviewed if they are received in the NOAA EPP office by the designated deadline; 3. Project cost—Proposals will only be accepted and reviewed if the administrative overhead costs are no more than 18% of the total award. Each application that meets the requirements and is complete will be evaluated and scored individually in accordance with the assigned weights of the evaluation criteria by an independent peer review panel. Each peer panel reviewer will score proposals on a scale of five to one, where scores represent respectively: Excellent (5), Very Good (4), Good (3), Fair (2), Poor (1). Each peer review panel will be comprised of 3 to 5 individuals, having expertise in the program management of student fellowship, scholarship, or internship programs in the areas of science and technology. The individual peer review panelist scores shall be averaged for each application and presented to the Program Officer. No consensus advice will be given by the independent peer to the review panel. The Program Officer will neither vote nor score proposals as part of the independent peer review panel nor participate in discussion of the merits of the proposal. Those proposals receiving an average panel score of “Good,” “Fair,” or “Poor” will not be given further consideration, and applicants will be notified of non-selection. For the proposals rated by the panel as either “Excellent” or “Very Good,” the Program Officer will

(a)rank the proposals by average panel ratings, and/or by applying the project selection factors listed below;

(b)determine the total duration of funding for the selected proposal; and

(c)determine the amount of funds available for the selected proposal subject to the availability of fiscal year funds. A recommendation for funding is then forwarded to the selecting official, the Director, NOAA Office of Education, for the final funding decision. In making the final selection, the Director will award to the highest scoring applicant unless the selected proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based on the selection factors listed below. Investigators may be asked to modify objectives, work plans or budgets, and provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to the award. When a decision has been made (whether an award or declination), verbatim anonymous copies of reviews and summaries of review panel deliberations, if any, will be made available to the applicant upon applicant request. Declined applications will be held in the NOAA EPP for the required 3 years in accordance with the current retention requirements, and then destroyed. *Evaluation Criteria:* Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the following evaluation criteria at the indicated weights:

(1)Importance and/or relevance and applicability of proposed project to the program goals. This ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, Federal, regional, state, or local activities.

(2)Technical/scientific merit: This assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear project goals and objectives.

(3)Overall qualifications of applicants: This ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training, facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project.

(4)Project costs: The Budget is evaluated to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-frame.

(5)Outreach and education: NOAA assesses whether this project provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy regarding NOAA's mission to protect the Nation's natural resources. *Selection Factors:* The merit review ratings shall provide a rank order to the Selecting Official for final funding recommendation. A program officer may first make a recommendation to the Selecting Official applying the selection factors below. The Selecting Official shall award in the rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon numbers 1, 4, 5 and 6 of the following factors: 1. Availability of funding. 2. Balance/distribution of funds: a. Geographically b. By type of institutions c. By type of partners d. By research areas e. By project types 3. Whether this project duplicates other projects funded or considered for funding by NOAA or other federal agencies. 4. Program priorities and policy factors set forth in sections I.A. and B. and IV.B. of the Full Funding Opportunity. 5. Applicant's prior award performance. 6. Partnerships and/or Participation of targeted groups. 7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA to make a NEPA determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations for funding are made to the Grants Officer. National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA Web site: *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/* , including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf* , and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm* . Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist ( *e.g.* , the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for the denial of an application. In some cases if additional information is required after application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment. Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are applicable to this solicitation. Limitation of Liability Funding for the program administration listed in this notice is contingent upon availability of Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for the Graduate Sciences Program. In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce accept responsibility for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all Federal laws and agency policies, regulations and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards. Paperwork Reduction Act This notification involves collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(EPP)With Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Undergraduate Scholarship Program AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of criteria to administer the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program; and notice of availability of funds and solicitation for proposals for these funds. SUMMARY: The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA's Educational Partnership Program is soliciting not-for-profit organizations to administer its Undergraduate Scholarship Program. The goal of the Undergraduate Scholarship Program is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in the targeted areas integral to NOAA's mission. This program targets students who have completed their sophomore year; attend Minority Serving Institutions; majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering; and have recently declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, remote sensing technology, or environmental science disciplines. The Undergraduate Scholarship participants must be U.S. citizens and attend an MSI including Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal College and Universities, Alaska-Native Serving Institutions, and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions full-time, be pursuing studies in atmospheric science, biology, cartography, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geodesy, geography, marine science, mathematics, meteorology, physical science, oceanography, marine biology, photogrammetry, or physics. Participants must have, and maintain, a minimum 3.0 grade point average. DATES: Applications must be received by NOAA Educational Partnership Program

(EPP)no later than 2 p.m. ( *eastern standard time* ), February 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: Applications submitted in response to this announcement should be submitted through the Grants.gov Web site. Electronic access to the full funding opportunity announcement for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov.* The announcement will also be available at the NOAA EPP Web site *http://epp.noaa.gov* or by contacting the program official identified below. Applicants must comply with all requirements contained in the full funding opportunity announcement. Paper applications (a signed original and two copies) may also be submitted to the Educational Partnership Program at the following address: NOAA/EPP, 1315 East West Highway, Room 10703, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. No facsimile applications will be accepted. Institutions are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent to NOAA/EPP within 30 days of this announcement to aid in planning the review processes. Letters of Intent may be submitted via e-mail to *Chantell.Haskins@noaa.gov.* Information should include a general description of the program administration proposal. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chantell Haskins, Program Manager at

(301)713-9437 ext. 125 or *Chantell.Haskins@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background NOAA is committed to training students in NOAA related sciences to increase the number of trained and graduating students. Therefore, the agency established a program aimed at partnering with MSIs that train and graduate students in the areas of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences, fisheries sciences, and management, and remote sensing. Since approximately 40% of minority students receive their undergraduate degrees at MSIs, direct collaboration with MSIs is an effective way to increase the number of students from underrepresented communities who are trained and graduated in NOAA-related sciences. With such a limited pool of potential employees from underrepresented communities trained in NOAA-related sciences, it is important that NOAA seek new ways to make students aware of the mission of the agency and to support activities that increase opportunities for students trained in NOAA-related sciences. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA)Educational Partnership Program

(EPP)with Minority Serving Institutions

(MSIs)is a competitive program designed to develop and/or enhance the collaboration between NOAA and the MSI community to increase the number of students who pursue coursework and graduate with degrees in NOAA-related sciences. The program encourages undergraduate student's participation in research projects that will facilitate familiarity with NOAA sciences in their academic institutions. For the purposes of this announcement, MSIs are defined as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions as defined by the Department of Education and the most recent list can be found on the NOAA EPP Web site at *http://epp.nooaa.gov.* The goal of the NOAA EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in the targeted areas integral to NOAA's mission. This program targets students, attending Minority Serving Institutions, who have completed their sophomore year, and have declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, or environmental science disciplines (i.e., atmospheric science, biology, cartography, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geodesy, geography, marine science, mathematics, meteorology, photogrammetry, physical science, physics and remote sensing). Competitive appointments will be made to students attending MSIs at approved NOAA offices and facilities. This program provides travel to students to approved NOAA offices and facilities; have students participate in current research and development activities; and provides financial assistance for tuition and fee costs to students for two academic years and two summers. Progress of the students is monitored throughout the academic years and during the summer internships. The program requires that the first summer internship be spent at a NOAA facility in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The program requires that each student attend a roundtable discussion and give oral presentations on their research at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the conclusion of summer internships. The program requires that each second year student travel during their winter semester break to an approved NOAA site to make arrangements for the second summer internship. *Electronic Access:* Applicants can access download and submit electronic grant applications, including the full funding opportunity announcement, for NOAA programs at the Grants.gov Web site: *http://www.grants.gov.* The announcement will also be available at the NOAA EPP Web site *http://epp.noaa.gov* or by contacting the program official identified above. The closing date will be the same as for the paper submissions noted in this announcement. NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. If Internet access is unavailable, hard copies of proposals will also be accepted-a signed original and two copies at time of submission. The project description (including relevant results from prior training programs) should not exceed 15 pages. Page limits are inclusive of figures, and other visual materials, but are exclusive of references, milestone charts, letters of collaboration from unfounded collaborators, letters of endorsement, and curriculum vitae which may not exceed 2 pages for each principal, program administrator/coordinator. This includes color or high-resolution graphics, unusually sized materials, or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. For color graphics, submit either color originals or color copies. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full proposals will not be accepted. *Funding Availability:* Subject to appropriations, this solicitation announces that funding at a maximum of $500,000 will be available for program administration of the Undergraduate Scholarship Program over a two-year period. The proposal is limited to a total of $500,000 for a maximum of two years and one proposal will be funded. Up to 18% of $500,000 is allowed for administrative overhead and at least 82% of $500,000 is for student support. It is anticipated that the funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement since NOAA will be substantially involved in identifying NOAA facilities to place students during the two summer internships, and with collaboration, participation, or intervention in project performance. *Authorities:* 15 U.S.C. 1540; 49 U.S.C. 44720; 33 U.S.C. 883d; 33 U.S.C. 1442; 16 U.S.C. 1854(e); 16 U.S.C. 661; 16 U.S.C. 753(a); 16 U.S.C. 1451 *et seq.* ; 16 U.S.C. 1431; 33 U.S.C. 883a and Executive Orders 12876, 12900, 13021, 13336, and 13339. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:* 11.481—Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions. *Eligibility:* Proposals will only be accepted from non-profit organizations. *Cost Sharing Requirements:* None. *Intergovernmental Review:* Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” *Evaluation and Selection Procedures:* Once an application is received by NOAA, an initial administrative review is conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness of the application. The initial administrative review will be based on: 1. Eligibility—Proposals will only be accepted and reviewed from not-for-profit organizations (as defined in Section IIIA of the full funding opportunity announcement: 2. Submission date—Proposals will only be accepted and reviewed if they are received in the NOAA EPP office by the designated deadline; 3. Project cost—Proposals will only be accepted and reviewed if the administrative overhead costs are no more than 18% of the total award. Each application that meet the requirements and is complete will be evaluated and scored individually in accordance with the assigned weights of the evaluation criteria by an independent peer review panel. Each peer panel reviewer will score proposals on a scale of five to one, where scores represent respectively: Excellent (5), Very Good (4), Good (3), Fair (2), Poor (1). Each peer review panel will be comprised of 3 to 5 individuals, having expertise in the program management of student fellowship, scholarship, or internship programs in the areas of science and technology. The individual peer review panelist scores shall be averaged for each application and presented to the Program Officer. No consensus advice will be given by the independent peer to the review panel. The Program Officer will neither vote nor score proposals as part of the independent peer review panel nor participate in discussion of the merits of the proposal. Those proposals receiving an average panel score of “Good,” “Fair,” or “Poor” will not be given further consideration, and applicants will be notified of non-selection. For the proposals rated by the panel as either “Excellent” or “Very Good, the Program Officer will

(a)rank the proposals by average panel ratings, and/or by applying the project selection factors listed below;

(b)determine the total duration of funding for the selected proposal; and

(c)determine the amount of funds available for the selected proposal subject to the availability of fiscal year funds. A recommendation for funding is then forwarded to the selecting official, the Director, NOAA Office of Education, for the final funding decision. In making the final selection, the Director will award to the highest scoring applicant unless the selected proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based on the selection factors listed below. Investigator may be asked to modify objectives, work plans or budgets, and provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to the award. When a decision has been made (whether an award or declination), verbatim anonymous copies of reviews and summaries of review panel deliberations, if any, will be made available to the applicant upon applicant request. Declined applications will be held in the NOAA EPP for the required 3 years in accordance with the current retention requirements, and then destroyed. *Evaluation Criteria:* Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the following evaluation criteria at the indicated weights:

(2)Technical/scientific merit: This assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear project goals and objectives.

(4)Project costs: The Budget is evaluated to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-frame.

(5)Outreach and education: NOAA assesses whether this project provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy regarding NOAA's mission to protect the Nation's natural resources. *Selection Factors:* The merit review ratings shall provide a rank order to the Selecting Official for final funding recommendation. A program officer may first make a recommendation to the Selecting Official applying the selection factors below. The Selecting Official shall award in the rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon numbers 1, 4, 5 and 6 of the following factors: 1. Availability of funding. 2. Balance/distribution of funds: a. Geographically b. By type of institutions c. By type of partners d. By research areas e. By project types 3. Whether this project duplicates other projects funded or considered for funding by NOAA or other Federal agencies. 4. Program priorities and policy factors set forth in sections I.A. and B. and IV.B. of the Full Funding Opportunity. 5. Applicant's prior award performance. 6. Partnerships and/or Participation of targeted groups. 7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA to make a NEPA determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations for funding are made to the Grants Officer. National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA Web site: *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/* , including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, “Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act”, March 10,1983 is: *<http://www.osec.doc.gov/bmi/daos/216-6.htm>http://www.osec.doc.gov/bmi/daos/216-6.htm* , and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm.* Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for the denial of an application. In some cases if additional information is required after application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment. Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are applicable to this solicitation. Limitation of Liability Funding for the program administration listed in this notice is contingent upon availability of Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for the Undergraduate Scholarship Program. In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce accept responsibility for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all Federal laws and agency policies, regulations and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards. Paperwork Reduction Act This notification involves collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(LEAP)meeting via conference call. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will reconvene its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel

(LEAP)via Conference Call to approve the 2006 Operations Plan to the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan that outlines joint goals and objectives for state and federal marine resource enforcement activities. The call was originally scheduled for December 5, 2005 and had to be rescheduled. DATES: The Conference Call will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2006. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via conference call and listening stations will be available. For specific locations see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . *Council address:* Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard Leard, Deputy Executive Director, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; telephone:

(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel

(LEAP)by conference call on Monday, January 3, 2006 at 4 p.m. e.s.t. This call was originally scheduled for December 5, 2005. The purpose of the meeting is to approve the 2006 Operations Plan to the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan that outlines joint goals and objectives for state and federal marine resource enforcement activities. Once approved by the LEAP, the Operations Plan will be submitted to the Council for approval at its January 2006 meeting. Listening stations for members of the public to hear the LEAP discussions will be set up at the Council office-2203 N. Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607 and at the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission Office—2404 Government Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. A copy of the operations plan and related materials can be obtained by calling the Council office at

(813)348-1630. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Dawn Aring at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: December 12, 2005. Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5-7385 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121205B] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP). DATES: The Shrimp AP meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Spring Hill Suites Houston Hobby Airport, 7922 Mosley Road, Houston, Texas 77061. *Council address:* Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard Leard, Deputy Executive Director; telephone

(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Shrimp AP will receive reports from the National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS)on the status and health of the shrimp stocks as well as a report on the biological and economic aspects of the 2005 Cooperative Shrimp Closure with the state of Texas. The Shrimp AP may make recommendations for a cooperative closure with Texas for 2006. The Shrimp AP will review scoping documents for both Amendment 27 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP)/Amendment 14 to the Shrimp FMP and Amendment 28 to the Reef Fish FMP/Amendment 15 to the Shrimp FMP. Joint Reef Fish Amendment 27/Shrimp Amendment 14 proposes actions that deal with adjustments to the total allowable catch

(TAC)for red snapper; size limits; bag limits; recreational season dates; and the certification of new shrimp bycatch reduction devices (BRDs). The amendment will also look at shrimp limits on trawling gear, shrimp restrictions on the transfer of vessel permits, and possible area closures for shrimp. Joint Reef Fish Amendment 28/Shrimp Amendment 15 will consider such issues as gear restrictions for the reef fish fishery; establishing commercial fishing seasons; further reducing bycatch; as well as other management alternatives. The Shrimp AP consists principally of commercial shrimp fishermen, dealers, and association representatives. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the AP for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (M-SFCMA), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions of the AP will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. Copies of the agenda can be obtained by calling

(813)348-1630. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Dawn Aring at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: December 12, 2005. Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5-7386 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 13, 2006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:

(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)Title;

(3)Summary of the collection;

(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues:

(1)Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department;

(2)will this information be processed and used in a timely manner;

(3)is the estimate of burden accurate;

(4)how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(5)how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Dated: December 8, 2005. Angela C. Arrington, Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer. Office of Postsecondary Education *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Performance Report. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* *Responses:* 225. *Burden Hours:* 2,475. *Abstract:* GAANN grantees must submit a performance report annually. The reports are used to evaluate grantee performance. Further, the data from the reports will be aggregated to evaluate the accomplishments and impact of the GAANN Program as a whole. Results will be reported to the Secretary in order to respond to Government Performance and Results Act

(GPRA)requirements. Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2955. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to the Internet address *OCIO_RIMG@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6621. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be directed to Joseph Schubart at his e-mail address *Joe.Schubart@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E5-7347 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before January 17, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to

(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)Title;

(3)Summary of the collection;

(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: December 8, 2005. Angela C. Arrington, Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education *Type of Review:* Reinstatement. *Title:* FY 2006 Migrant Education Program

(MEP)Consortium Incentive Grants. *Frequency:* Biennially. *Affected Public:* State, Local, or Tribal Gov't, SEAs or LEAs. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* *Responses:* 100. *Burden Hours:* 380. *Abstract:* The FY 2006 Migrant Education Program

(MEP)Consortium Incentive Grant Program provides grants to State educational agencies

(SEAs)that participate in consortium arrangements with another SEA or other appropriate entity to improve the delivery of services to migratory children whose education is interrupted. This information collection is being submitted under the Streamlined Clearance Process for Discretionary Grant Information Collections (1890-0001). Therefore, the 30-day public comment period notice will be the only public comment notice published for this information collection. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2957. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to the Internet address *OCIO_RIMG@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be directed to Kathy Axt at her e-mail address *Kathy.Axt@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E5-7348 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP00-445-010] Alliance Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Negotiated Rates December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 30, 2005, Alliance Pipeline L.P. (Alliance) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, the following tariff sheets, proposed to become effective January 1, 2006: Original Volume No. 1; Fifth Revised Sheet No. 11; Fifth Revised Sheet No. 12; Fifth Revised Sheet No. 13; Fifth Revised Sheet No. 14. Alliance states that copies of its filing have been mailed to all customers, state commissions, and other interested parties. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7358 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR04-6-003] Cranberry Pipeline Corporation; Notice of Compliance Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 11, 2005, Cranberry Pipeline Corporation, filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a revised Statement of Operating Conditions in compliance with the Commission's “Order Rejecting Partial Settlement, Establishing Transportation and Storage Rates, and Directing Filing,” issued on September 13, 2005 in Docket Nos. PR04-6-000 and PR04-6-001. Any person desiring to protest this rate proceeding must file a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with section 385.211 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. All such protests must be filed with the Secretary of the Commission on or before the date as indicated below. Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceedings. This petition for rate approval 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 FERRIS link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call

(202)502-8222 or for TTY,

(202)502-8659. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under the e-Filing link. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. eastern time on December 28, 2005. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7355 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP05-437-001] Discovery Gas Transmission LLC; Notice of Compliance Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 30, 2005, Discovery Gas Transmission LLC (Discovery) tendered for filing in compliance with Commission's Letter Order issued November 8, 2005, as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Original Volume No. 1, Fourth Revised Sheet No. 124 and Substitute Ninth Revised Sheet No. 196, with an effective date of September 1, 2005. Discovery states that copies of the filing have been mailed to each of its customers, interested state commissions and other interested persons. Any person desiring to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211). Protests to this filing will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Such protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing a protest must serve a copy of that document on all the parties to the proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7359 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP96-383-070] Dominion Transmission, Inc.; Notice of Compliance Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 30, 2005, Dominion Transmission, Inc.

(DTI)submitted a compliance filing to the Commission's Letter Order issued November 15, 2005, in Docket No. RP96-383-068. DTI states that copies of the filing were served on parties on the official service list in the above-captioned proceeding. Any person desiring to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211). Protests to this filing will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Such protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing a protest must serve a copy of that document on all the parties to the proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7360 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR06-3-000] Enogex Inc.; Notice of Petition for Rate Approval December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 21, 2005, Enogex Inc. (Enogex), filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission zonal fuel factors for the East and West Zones on its system for Fuel Year 2006 as calculated pursuant to the terms of Enogex's filed fuel tracker and pursuant to the terms of the settlement approved in Docket Nos. PR02-10-000, PR04-15-000, PR04-16-000 and PR05-3-000. Enogex states that pursuant to the settlement, it has established zonal fuel percentages, one for each of the two zones. Any person desiring to participate in this rate proceeding must file a motion to intervene or protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington DC 20426, in accordance with sections 385.214 or 385.211 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. All such motions or protests must be filed with the Secretary of the Commission on or before the date as indicated below. Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceedings. Any person wishing to become a party must file a motion to intervene. This petition for rate approval 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 FERRIS link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call

(202)502-8222 or for TTY,

(GTN)tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Third Revised Volume No. 1-A, the following tariff sheets, to become effective December 1, 2005: Twenty-Eighth Revised Sheet No. 15, Seventh Revised Sheet No. 17. GTN states that a copy of this filing has been served on GTN's jurisdictional customers and interested state regulatory agencies. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible online at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7351 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP99-220-019] Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership; Notice of Negotiated Rate Agreement December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 30, 2005, Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership (Great Lakes) filed for a disclosure, a transportation service agreement pursuant to Great Lakes' Rate Schedule FT entered into by Great Lakes and Tenaska Marketing Ventures (Tenaska) (FT Service Agreement). The FT Service Agreement filed reflects a negotiated rate arrangement commencing December 1, 2005. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7361 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL06-19-000] Illinois Municipal Electric Agency; Notice of Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on October 8, 2005, Illinois Municipal Electric Agency tendered for filing an initial Rate Schedule No. 1 and supporting cost data to establish its annual revenue requirements for providing Reactive Supply & Voltage Control from Generation Sources. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant and all the parties in this proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on December 16, 2005. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7362 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER06-291-000] New York Independent System Operator, Inc.; Notice of Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on December 5, 2005, the New York Independent System Operator, Inc. (NYISO) pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act amending its tariff to temporarily defer the expiration of tariff provisions governing the calculation of Voltage Support Service payments. NYISO states that it has electronically served a copy of this filing on the official representative of each of its customers, on each participant on its Market Participants committees, and on the New York State Public Service Commission. NYISO further states that copies of the filing were mailed to electric utility regulatory agencies of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant and all the parties in this proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. eastern time on December 15, 2005. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7354 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. ER05-1325-002, ER05-1319-002, ER05-1324-002] Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Notice of Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 25, 2005, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) tendered for filing its Wholesale Distribution Tariff Small Generator Interconnection Procedures and Small Generator Interconnection Agreement in compliance with Commission Order issued on October 11, 2005, 112 FERC ¶ 61,021. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant and all the parties in this proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Comment Date: 5 p.m. eastern time on December 16, 2005. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7353 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER05-1324-003] San Diego Gas & Electric Company; Notice of Compliance Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 28, 2005, tendered for filing revisions to its Wholesale Distribution Open Access Tariff, SDG&E FERC Electric Tariff, Original Volume No. 6 to reflect the directives of Commission Order issued on October 11, 2005, 113 FERC ¶ 61,027. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant and all the parties in this proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. eastern time on December 19, 2005. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7352 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP00-426-026] Texas Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Compliance Filing December 7, 2005. Take notice that on November 30, 2005, Texas Gas Transmission, LLC (Texas Gas), tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Second Revised Volume No. 1, the following tariff sheets, to become effective December 1, 2005: First Revised Sheet No. 55 Original Sheet No. 55A Sixth Revised Sheet No. 56 Any person desiring to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211). Protests to this filing will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Such protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing a protest must serve a copy of that document on all the parties to the proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call

(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-7357 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0073; FRL-8008-6] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices, EPA ICR Number 0152.08, OMB Control Number 2070-0020 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Collection Request

(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. This ICR is scheduled to expire on January 31, 2006. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. This ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before January 17, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2005-0073, to

(1)EPA online using *http://www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), by e-mail to *docket.oeca@epa.gov* , or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Enforcement and Compliance Docket, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, and

(2)OMB at: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Howie, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (2225A) , Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-564-4146; fax number: 202-564-0085; e-mail address: *howie.stephen@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On July 27, 2005 (70 FR 43405-43407), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). No comments were received. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OECA-2004-0053, which is available for public viewing at the Enforcement and Compliance Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is

(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the Enforcement and Compliance Docket is

(202)566-1927. An electronic version of the public docket is available at *http://www.regulations.gov.* Use *http://www.regulations.gov* to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Any comments related to this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing in *http://www.regulations.gov* as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in *http://www.regulations.gov* . The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket. Although identified as an item in the official docket, information claimed as CBI, or whose disclosure is otherwise restricted by statute, is not included in the official public docket, and will not be available for public viewing in *http://www.regulations.gov.* For further information about the electronic docket, go to *http://www.regulations.gov* . *Title:* Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices. *Abstract:* The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs) regulations at 19 CFR 12.112 require that an importer desiring to import pesticides into the United States shall, prior to the shipment's arrival, submit a Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices (EPA Form 3540-1) to EPA, who will determine the disposition of the shipment. After completing the form, EPA returns the form to the importer, or his agent, who must present the form to Customs upon arrival of the shipment at the port of entry. This is necessary to ensure that EPA is notified of the arrival of pesticides and devices as required by the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 17(c) and has the ability to examine such shipments to determine whether they are in compliance with FIFRA. The form requires identification and address information of the importer or his agent and information on the identity and location of the imported pesticide or device shipment. When the form is submitted to EPA regional personnel for review it is examined to determine whether the shipment should be released for entry upon arrival or alternatively whether it should be detained for examination. The responsible EPA official returns the form to the respondent with EPA instructions to Customs as to the disposition of the shipment. Upon the arrival of the shipment, the importer presents the completed NOA to the District Director of Customs at the port of entry. Customs compares entry documents for the shipment with the Notice of Arrival and notifies the EPA Regional Office of any discrepancies which the EPA will resolve with the importer or broker. At this point the shipment may be retained for examination. If there are no discrepancies, Customs follows instructions regarding release or detention. If EPA inspects the shipment and it appears from examination of a sample that it is adulterated, misbranded or otherwise violates the provisions of FIFRA, or is otherwise injurious to health or the environment, the pesticide or device may be refused admission into the United States. This reporting requirement is needed to inform EPA of pesticides arriving in the customs territory of the United States and to ensure compliance with FIFRA by the responsible party importing pesticides. This reporting requirement is needed to meet direct statutory requirements of FIFRA regarding notification of EPA of such arrivals. The information collected is used by EPA regional pesticide enforcement and compliance staff and the headquarters Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and Office of Pesticide Programs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Customs), the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal agencies may also make use of this information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and are identified on the form and/or instrument, if applicable. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.3 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* Pesticide importers. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 25,000. *Frequency of Response:* 1. *Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:* 7500. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $379,065, includes $0 annualized capital or O&M costs. *Changes in the Estimates:* There is an increase of 1950 hours in the total estimated burden currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved ICR Burdens. This increase is due to an adjustment in the estimate of the number of respondents. Dated: December 5, 2005. Oscar Morales, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. 05-24074 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am]

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