Notices. Notice and request for proposals

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BILLING CODE 8230-01-M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration [991215339-6001-19] Solicitation of Proposals for the University Center Economic Development Program AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Commerce

(DOC)ACTION: Notice and request for proposals. SUMMARY: EDA is soliciting proposals for FY 2006 University Center Program funding in the areas served by its Atlanta and Seattle regional offices. EDA's mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Institutions of higher education have many assets, such as faculty, staff, libraries, laboratories, and computer systems, which can help to address local economic problems and opportunities. With funding from EDA, institutions of higher education establish and operate University Centers, which provide technical assistance to public and private sector organizations with the goal of enhancing local economic development. EDA has traditionally renewed an award to a University Center on an annual basis, as long as it maintained a satisfactory level of performance and Congress appropriated funds for EDA's Local and National Technical Assistance Programs. In FY 2004, EDA began a phased implementation of a three-year competitive grant cycle for all University Center projects, beginning with those in its Austin and Denver regional offices. In FY 2005, with the competition announced in this notice for University Center projects in the areas served by EDA's Atlanta and Seattle regional offices, EDA is completing the phased implementation of competition for University Center Program funding. DATES: Proposals must be received by the appropriate EDA regional office by February 21, 2006 at 4 p.m. local time. EDA's Atlanta and Seattle regional offices will each hold a teleconference to answer questions about the FY 2006 competition for University Center funding on January 19, 2006 and January 23, 2006, respectively. For further information and instructions regarding these teleconferences, please see the information provided below under “Teleconferences.” ADDRESSES: From proponents in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee: University Center Program Competition, Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1820, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. From proponents in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau and Washington: University Center Program Competition, Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office, Federal Jackson Building, Room 1856, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98174. For a copy of the Federal Funding Opportunity

(FFO)announcement for this request for proposals, please see the Web site listed below under “Electronic Access.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or for a paper copy of the FFO announcement, contact the appropriate EDA regional office listed above. EDA's Internet Web site at *http://www.eda.gov* contains additional information on EDA and its University Center Program. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Electronic Access:* EDA is not currently able to accept electronic submissions of proposal packages. However, the FFO announcement for the FY 2006 University Center Program competition is available through Grants.gov at *http://www.grants.gov.* Additional information is available through EDA's Internet Web site at *http://www.eda.gov.* *Funding Availability:* Funding appropriated under the FY 2006 Science, State, Justice, Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 109-108) (2006 Appropriations Act) is available for technical assistance programs authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 *et seq.* ), as amended by the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-373) (PWEDA). Funds in the amount of $8,215,711 have been appropriated for FY 2006 and shall remain available until expended. EDA expects to allocate approximately $6,839,529 to the University Center Program and the remaining funds to EDA's Local and National Technical Assistance Programs. The amount of University Center funding available for competition in FY 2006 is expected to be approximately $1,426,223 in the Atlanta regional office and approximately $1,324,444 in the Seattle regional office. Anticipated annual awards for University Centers under the FY 2006 competition are in the $125,000 to $150,000 range in the Atlanta regional office, and in the $100,000 to $215,000 range in the Seattle regional office. Regional offices may, however, choose to fund proposals under this competition outside these ranges. The remaining FY 2006 program funds will be used to continue support for current University Centers. Subject to the availability of funding, the funds made available under the University Center Program are anticipated to be available until expended. *Statutory Authority:* The authority for the University Center Program is PWEDA. On August 11, 2005, EDA published an interim final rule (70 FR 47002) to reflect the amendments made to EDA's authorizing statute by the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-373). The interim final rule became effective on October 1, 2005. You may access the interim final rule and PWEDA on EDA's Internet Web site at *http://www.eda.gov.* EDA's public comment period for the interim final rule ran from August 11, 2005 to November 14, 2005. On December 15, 2005, EDA published an interim final rule (70 FR 74193; 70 FR 74196) to effect only those changes to the August 11, 2005 interim final rule specified in the Conference Report accompanying the 2006 Appropriations Act. EDA will consider and respond to comments received during the public comment period and will make additional revisions to the August 11, 2005 interim final rule in publishing a final rule during 2006. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA)Number:* 11.303, Economic Development—Technical Assistance. *Eligibility:* For the University Center Program, EDA considers all accredited institutions of higher education as eligible applicants. For FY 2006, the University Center competition is open to eligible applicants in areas served by EDA's Atlanta and Seattle regional offices. The Atlanta regional office serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Seattle regional office serves Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau and Washington. *Cost Sharing Requirements:* Generally, the amount of the EDA grant may not exceed fifty

(50)percent of the total cost of the project. Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty

(30)percent, based on the relative needs of the region in which the project will be located, as determined by EDA. *See* Section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and Section 301.4(b)(1) of the interim final rule. For projects of a national scope under part 306 of the interim final rule (Training, Research and Technical Assistance), and for all other projects under part 306 of the interim final rule, after the application of the first two

(2)sentences of this paragraph, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to one-hundred

(100)percent where the project

(i)merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or

(ii)will be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient. *See* Section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and Section 301.4(b)(4) of the interim final rule. Potential applicants should contact the appropriate EDA regional office to make this determination. While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind contributions, fairly evaluated by EDA, may include assumptions of debt and contributions of space, equipment, and services and may provide the non-Federal share of the total project cost. *See* Section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144). In-kind contributions must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards are not considered matching share funds. The nature of contribution (cash or in-kind) and the amount of matching share funds will be taken into consideration in the proposal review process. Cash contributions are preferred. *Intergovernmental Review:* Applications under the University Center Program are subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” *Evaluation and Selection Procedures:* EDA's Atlanta and Seattle regional offices will conduct an initial administrative and technical review of each proposal package to determine its completeness and compliance with the requirements of this solicitation. EDA's Atlanta and Seattle regional offices will then conduct an internal review of each proposal meeting the requirements of this solicitation. This review will be conducted by a minimum of three

(3)EDA staff using the criteria provided under “Evaluation Criteria” below. Successful proponents under this competition solicitation will be invited to submit a complete application by the Atlanta regional office or the Seattle regional office. *Evaluation Criteria:* The following University Center-specific investment policy guidelines have been adapted from the investment policy guidelines set forth in Section 301.8 of the interim final rule. EDA investments in proposed University Centers will be competitively rated and ranked on their ability to satisfy one or more of these University Center-specific investment policy guidelines (each criterion will be given equivalent weight). 1. *Be market-based and results driven.* An investment in an EDA University Center will capitalize on the university's competitive strengths and will bolster regional economic competitiveness, resulting in tangible, quantifiable improvements in regional economic health, such as increased numbers of higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, increased tax revenue or increased private sector investment. 2. *Have strong organizational leadership.* An investment will have strong leadership, relevant project management experience, and a significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure a high-performing University Center. Specifically for University Center investments, this includes:

(a)The extent to which the proposed University Center will maximize coordination with other relevant organizations and avoid duplication of services offered by other organizations;

(b)the extent to which the University Center will access, take advantage of, and be supported by the other resources present at the sponsoring institution, especially the institution's economic development activities; and

(c)the degree of evidence demonstrating the support and commitment (both financial and non-financial) of the highest management levels of the proposed University Center's sponsoring institution. 3. *Advance productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship.* An investment in a proposed University Center will embrace the principles of entrepreneurship; enhance regional industry clusters, and leverage and link technology innovators (university research) with the private sector to create the conditions for greater productivity, innovation and higher-skill, higher-wage job creation. 4. *Look beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipate economic changes, and diversify the local and regional economy.* A University Center's activities will be part of an overarching, long-term comprehensive economic development strategy that enhances a region's success in achieving a rising standard of living. 5. *Demonstrate a high degree of local commitment by exhibiting:* • High levels of local government or non-profit matching funds and private sector leverage; • Clear and unified leadership and support by local elected officials; and • Strong cooperation between the business sector, relevant regional partners and local, State and Federal governments. In making its recommendations on which institutions should be invited to submit a full application, the EDA review team will strive to avoid the concentration of program funding in a single or very limited number of geographic areas. For that reason, EDA cannot predict a minimum ranking of a successful proposal. *Selection Factors:* EDA expects to fund the highest ranking proposals submitted under this competition solicitation. However, EDA may select proposals out of order for several reasons, including:

(1)Availability of funding;

(2)geographic balance in distribution of funds;

(3)program priorities and policy factors as set forth in the FFO announcement; or

(4)the applicant's performance under previous awards. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the **Federal Register** on December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this solicitation. Teleconferences EDA's Atlanta and Seattle regional offices will each hold a teleconference to answer questions about the FY 2006 competition for University Center Program funding. *Atlanta:* The Atlanta regional office will hold its conference call on January 19, 2006 at 2 p.m. EST. In order to assure enough incoming lines are available, EDA requests colleges and universities planning to participate in the conference call to send an e-mail to *tpellegrino@eda.doc.gov* with “Conference Call Registration” in the subject line no later than 2 p.m. EST on January 17, 2006. The number for the conference call is 1-800-988-0490. The pass code for this conference call is “46468.” The lead contact for the conference call is Tom Pellegrino. *Seattle:* The Seattle regional office will hold its conference call on January 23, 2006 at 11 a.m. PST. In order to assure enough incoming lines are available, EDA requests colleges and universities planning to participate in the conference call to send an e-mail to *batkinson@eda.doc.gov* with “Conference Call Registration” in the subject line no later than 2 p.m. PST on January 19, 2006. The number for the conference call is 1-800-857-7001. The pass code for this conference call is “12458.” The lead contact for the conference call is Bettye Atkinson. Paperwork Reduction Act This document contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Form ED-900P has been approved by OMB under the control number 0610-0094. 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 This notice has been determined to be 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 comments are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment 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. Dated: January 4, 2006. Sandy K. Baruah, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. [FR Doc. E6-65 Filed 1-6-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-24-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket No.: 051222346-5346-01] Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

(SURF)Gaithersburg and Boulder Programs; Availability of Funds AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology

(NIST)announces that the following programs are soliciting applications for financial assistance for FY 2006:

(1)The Gaithersburg Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, and

(2)the Boulder Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. Each program will only consider applications that are within the scientific scope of the program as described in this notice and in the detailed program descriptions found in the Federal Funding Opportunity

(FFO)announcement for these programs. *Dates:* See below. *Addresses:* See below. *Supplementary Information:* *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number:* Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards—11.609. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

(SURF)Gaithersburg and Boulder Programs *Program Description:* The SURF Gaithersburg program is soliciting applications in the areas of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Science and Technology, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Building and Fire Research, and Information Technology. The SURF Boulder program is soliciting applications in the areas of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Chemical Science and Technology, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Information Technology. Applications for the Gaithersburg and Boulder programs are separate. Application to one program does not constitute application to the other, and applications will not be exchanged between the Gaithersburg and Boulder programs. If applicants wish to be considered at both sites, two separate applications must be submitted. Both SURF programs will provide an opportunity for the NIST laboratories and the National Science Foundation

(NSF)to join in a partnership to encourage outstanding undergraduate students to pursue careers in science and engineering. The programs will provide research opportunities for students to work with internationally known NIST scientists, to expose them to cutting-edge research and promote the pursuit of graduate degrees in science and engineering. The NIST SURF Gaithersburg and Boulder Program Directors will work with appropriate department chairs, outreach coordinators, and directors of multi-disciplinary academic organizations to identify outstanding undergraduates (including graduating seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer research in a world-class scientific environment. EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF Gaithersburg Programs DATES: All SURF Gaithersburg Program applications, paper and electronic, must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 15, 2006. ADDRESSES: For all SURF Gaithersburg Programs, paper applications must be submitted to: Ms. Anita Sweigert, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8400; Tel:

(301)975-4200; E-mail: *anita.sweigert@nist.gov* ; Web site: *http://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For complete information about this program and instructions for applying by paper or electronically, read the Federal Funding Opportunity Notice

(FFO)at *http://www.grants.gov.* A paper copy of the FFO may be obtained by calling

(301)975-6328. The Gaithersburg and Boulder SURF programs will publish separate FFOs on *www.grants.gov.* Program questions should be addressed to Ms. Anita Sweigert, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8400, Tel:

(301)975-4200, E-mail: *anita.sweigert@nist.gov.* The SURF Gaithersburg program Web site is: *http://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.* All grants related administration questions concerning this program should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants and Agreements Management Division at

(301)975-6328 or *joyce.brigham@nist.gov* , or for assistance with using Grants.gov contact *support@grants.gov.* Funding Availability Funds budgeted for payment to students under these programs are stipends, not salary. The stipend is an amount that is expected to be provided to the participating student to help defray the cost of living, for the duration of the program, in the Washington National Capital Region. The SURF Gaithersburg Programs will not authorize funds for indirect costs or fringe benefits. The table below summarizes the anticipated annual funding levels from the NSF to operate our REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs, subject to program renewals and availability of funds. In some programs, anticipated NIST co-funding will supplement the number of awards supported. Program funding will be available to provide for the costs of stipends ($333.33 per week per student), travel, and lodging (up to $3400 per student). Program Anticipated NSF funding Anticipated NIST funding Total program funding Anticipated number of awards EEEL $73,000 $0 $73,000 ~11 MEL 82,000 0 82,000 ~12 CSTL 71,000 36,000 107,000 ~15 PL 105,000 60,000 165,000 ~27 MSEL 80,000 0 80,000 ~12 BFRL 65,000 30,000 95,000 ~14 ITL 60,000 40,000 100,000 ~17 The actual number of awards made under this announcement will depend on the proposed budgets and the availability of funding. For all SURF Gaithersburg Programs described in this notice, it is expected that individual awards to institutions will range from approximately $3,000 to $70,000. Funding for student housing will be included in cooperative agreements awarded as a result of this notice. The SURF Gaithersburg Programs are anticipated to run from May 22, 2006 through August 11, 2006; adjustments may be made to accommodate specific academic schedules ( *e.g.* , a limited number of 9-week cooperative agreements). *Statutory Authority:* 15 U.S.C. 278g-1 authorizes NIST to fund financial assistance awards to students at institutions of higher learning within the United States. These students must show promise as present or future contributors to the missions of NIST. *Eligibility:* NIST's SURF Gaithersburg Programs are open to colleges and universities in the United States and its territories with degree granting programs in materials science, chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics. Participating students must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. The SURF Gaithersburg Programs do not require any matching funds. *Review and Selection Process:* All SURF Gaithersburg Program proposals are submitted to the Administrative Coordinator. Each proposal is examined for completeness and responsiveness. Incomplete or non-responsive proposals will not be considered for funding, and the applicant will be notified in writing. The Program will retain one copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. Proposals should include the following:

(A)Student Information:

(1)Student application information cover sheet;

(2)Academic transcript for each student nominated for participation (it is recommended that students have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, out of a possible 4.0);

(3)A statement of motivation and commitment from each student to participate in the 2006 SURF program, including a description of the student's prioritized research interests;

(4)A resume for each student;

(5)Two letters of recommendation for each student; and

(6)Confirmation of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident status for each student.

(B)Information About the Applicant Institution:

(1)Description of the institution's education and research programs; and

(2)A summary list of the student(s) being nominated. Institution proposals will be separated into student/institution packets. Each student/institution packet will be comprised of the required application forms, including a complete copy of the student information and a complete copy of the institution information. The student/institution packets will be directed to the SURF Gaithersburg Program designated by the student as his/her first choice. Each SURF Gaithersburg Program will have three independent, objective NIST employees, who are knowledgeable in the scientific areas of the program, conduct a technical review of each student/institution packet based on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF Gaithersburg Programs described in this notice. Each technical reviewer will recommend that each student/institution packet be placed into one of three categories: Priority Funding; Fund if Possible; and Do Not Fund. Each student/institution packet will then be placed into one of the three categories by the Program's Director, who will take into consideration the reviewers' recommendations, the relevance of the student's course of study to the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which that SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program Description section of the FFO, the relevance of the student's statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF Gaithersburg Program, and the availability of funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Priority Funding category will be selected for funding in that SURF Gaithersburg Program. Student/institution packets placed in the Do Not Fund category will not be considered for funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible Category will be considered for funding by the SURF Gaithersburg Program designated by the student as his/her second choice. In making selections for funding, the Director of the student's second choice SURF Gaithersburg Program will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews for the student's first choice SURF Gaithersburg Program, the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which the student's second choice SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program Description section of the FFO, the relevance of the student's statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF Gaithersburg Program, and the availability of funding. Students not selected for funding by their first or second choice SURF Gaithersburg Program, and students who did not designate a second choice, will then be considered for funding from all SURF Gaithersburg Programs that still have slots available. In making selections for funding, the SURF Gaithersburg Program Directors will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews for the student's first choice SURF Gaithersburg Program, the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which their SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program Description section of the FFO, the relevance to the goals of the SURF Gaithersburg Program, and the availability of funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible category, but not selected through the process described above, will not be funded. The final approval of selected applications and award of cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final. The SURF Gaithersburg Program will retain one copy of each unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes, and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The remaining copies will be destroyed. *Evaluation Criteria:* For the SURF Gaithersburg Programs, the evaluation criteria are:

(A)*Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to Program Goals:* Includes evaluation of completed course work; expressed research interest; compatibility of the expressed research interest with SURF Gaithersburg Program research areas; research skills; grade point average in courses relevant to the SURF Gaithersburg Program; career goals; honors and activities.

(B)*Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program Goals:* Includes evaluation of the institution's academic department(s) relevant to the discipline(s) of the student(s). Each of these factors is given equal weight in the evaluation process. SURF NIST Boulder Program DATES: All SURF NIST Boulder Program applications, paper and electronic, must be received no later than 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on February 15, 2006. ADDRESSES: Paper applications for the SURF NIST Boulder Program must be submitted to: Ms. Phyllis Wright, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop 104, Boulder, CO 80305-3328. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For complete information about this program and instructions for applying by paper or electronically, read the Federal Funding Opportunity Notice

(FFO)at *http://www.grants.gov* . A paper copy of the FFO may be obtained by calling

(301)975-6328. The Gaithersburg and Boulder SURF programs will publish separate FFOs on *www.grants.gov.* Program questions should be addressed to Ms. Phyllis Wright, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop 104, Boulder, CO 80305-3328, Tel:

(303)497-3244, E-mail: *pkwright@boulder.nist.gov* , Web site: *http://surf.boulder.nist.gov/* . All grants related administration questions concerning this program should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants and Agreements Management Division at

(301)975-6328 or *joyce.brigham@nist.gov* , or for assistance with using Grants.gov contact *support@grants.gov* . Additional Information Funding Availability Funds budgeted for payment to students under these programs are stipends, not salary. The stipend is an amount that is expected to be provided to the participating student to help defray the cost of living, for the duration of the program, in the Boulder area. The SURF NIST Boulder Program will not authorize funds for indirect costs or fringe benefits. The table below summarizes the anticipated annual funding levels from the NSF to operate the SURF NIST Boulder program, broken out by Laboratory, subject to program approval and availability of funds. In some Laboratories, anticipated NIST co-funding will supplement the number of awards supported. Program funding will be available to provide for the costs of stipends ($4000 per student for 12 weeks), travel, and lodging (approximately $1890 per student for 12 weeks). Laboratory Anticipated NSF funding Anticipated NIST funding Total program funding Anticipated number of awards EEEL $29,560 $29,560 $59,120 8 PL 18,475 18,475 36,950 5 CSTL 11,085 11,085 22,170 3 MSEL 7,390 7,390 14,780 2 ITL 7,390 7,390 14,780 2 The actual number of awards made under this announcement will depend on the proposed budgets and the availability of funding. For the SURF NIST Boulder Program described in this notice, it is expected that individual awards to institutions will range from approximately $4,000 to $70,000. Funding for student housing will be included in cooperative agreements awarded as a result of this notice. The SURF NIST Boulder Program is anticipated to run from May 22, 2006 through August 11, 2006; adjustments may be made to accommodate specific academic schedules ( *e.g.* , a limited number of 12 week cooperative agreements shifted to begin 3 weeks after the regular start in order to accommodate institutions operating on quarter systems). *Statutory Authority:* 15 U.S.C. 278g-1. *Eligibility:* The SURF NIST Boulder Program is open to colleges and universities in the United States and its territories with degree granting programs in materials science, chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics. Participating students must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. The SURF NIST Boulder Programs do not require any matching funds. *Review and Selection Process:* All SURF NIST Boulder Program proposals are submitted to the Administrative Coordinator. Each proposal is examined for completeness and responsiveness. Incomplete or non-responsive proposals will not be considered for funding, and the applicant will be so notified. The Program will retain one copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. Proposals should include the following:

(A)Student Information:

(1)Student application information cover sheet;

(2)Academic transcript for each student nominated for participation (it is recommended that students have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, out of a possible 4.0);

(3)A statement of motivation and commitment from each student to participate in the SURF NIST Boulder program, including a description of the student's prioritized research interests;

(4)A resume for each student;

(5)Two letters of recommendation for each student; and

(6)Confirmation of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident status for each student.

(B)Information About the Applicant Institution:

(1)Description of the institution's education and research programs; and

(2)A summary list of the student(s) being nominated. Institution proposals will be separated into student/institution packets. Each student/institution packet will be comprised of the required application forms, including a complete copy of the student information and a complete copy of the institution information. The student/institution packets will be directed to a review committee of NIST staff appointed by the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors. Each SURF Program packet will be reviewed by three independent, objective NIST employees, who are knowledgeable in the scientific areas of the program and are able to conduct a technical review of each student/institution packet based on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF NIST Boulder Program described in the FFO. Each technical reviewer will recommend that each student/institution packet be placed into one of three categories: Priority Funding; Fund if Possible; and Do Not Fund. Each student/institution packet will then be placed into one of the three categories by the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors, who will take into consideration the reviewers' recommendations, the relevance of the student's course of study to the program objectives of the NIST Boulder Laboratories as described in the Program Description section of the FFO, the relevance of the student's statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF NIST Boulder Program, and the availability of funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Priority Funding category will be selected for funding in the SURF NIST Boulder Program. Student/institution packets placed in the Do Not Fund category will not be considered for funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible Category will be considered for funding by the SURF NIST Boulder Program when possible. For example, when an award has been declined by another applicant, a back-up will be selected from student/institution packets in this category. In this case, it is likely that either the student's second or third choice of research opportunity would be assigned. In making selections for funding, the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews, the program objectives of the NIST Boulder laboratory in which the student's requested research opportunity resides as described in the Program Description and Objectives section of the FFO, the relevance of the student's statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF NIST Boulder Program, and the availability of funding. Students not selected for funding for either their first, second or third choice of research opportunities, and students who did not designate a second or third choice, will then be considered for funding from all Boulder Laboratories that still have slots available. In making selections for funding, the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews, the program objectives of the NIST Laboratory in which their SURF NIST Boulder SURF Program research opportunity resides as described in the Program Description section of the FFO, the relevance to the goals of the SURF NIST Boulder Program, and the availability of funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible category, but not selected through the process described above, will not be funded. The final approval of selected applications and award of cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of the Department of Commerce. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final. The SURF NIST Boulder Program will retain one copy of each unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes, and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The remaining copies will be destroyed. *Evaluation Criteria:* For the SURF NIST Boulder Program, the evaluation criteria are:

(A)*Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to Program Goals:* Includes evaluation of completed course work; expressed research interest; compatibility of the expressed research interest with SURF NIST Boulder Program research areas; research skills; grade point average in courses relevant to the SURF NIST Boulder Program; career goals; honors and activities;

(B)*Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program Goals:* Includes evaluation of the institution's academic department(s) relevant to the discipline(s) of the student(s). Each of these factors is given equal weight in the evaluation process. The following information applies to all programs announced in this notice: *The Department of Commerce 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). On the form SF-424, the applicant's 9-digit Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)number must be entered in the Applicant Identifier block (68 FR 38402). *Collaborations with NIST Employees:* All applications should include a description of any work proposed to be performed by an entity other than the applicant, and the cost of such work should ordinarily be included in the budget. If an applicant proposes collaboration with NIST, the statement of work should include a statement of this intention, a description of the collaboration, and prominently identify the NIST employee(s) involved, if known. Any collaboration by a NIST employee must be approved by appropriate NIST management and is at the sole discretion of NIST. Prior to beginning the merit review process, NIST will verify the approval of the proposed collaboration. Any unapproved collaboration will be stricken from the proposal prior to the merit review. *Use of NIST Intellectual Property:* If the applicant anticipates using any NIST-owned intellectual property to carry out the work proposed, the applicant should identify such intellectual property. This information will be used to ensure that no NIST employee involved in the development of the intellectual property will participate in the review process for that competition. In addition, if the applicant intends to use NIST-owned intellectual property, the applicant must comply with all statutes and regulations governing the licensing of Federal government patents and inventions, described at 35 U.S.C. sec. 200-212, 37 CFR part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in section 20 of the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements, published on December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389). Questions about these requirements may be directed to the Counsel for NIST, 301-975-2803. Any use of NIST-owned intellectual property by a proposer is at the sole discretion of NIST and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis if a project is deemed meritorious. The applicant should indicate within the statement of work whether it already has a license to use such intellectual property or whether it intends to seek one. If any inventions made in whole or in part by a NIST employee arise in the course of an award made pursuant to this notice, the United States government may retain its ownership rights in any such invention. Licensing or other disposition of NIST's rights in such inventions will be determined solely by NIST, and include the possibility of NIST putting the intellectual property into the public domain. *Initial Screening of all Applications:* All applications received in response to this announcement will be reviewed to determine whether or not they are complete and responsive to the scope of the stated objectives for each program. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will not be reviewed for technical merit. The Program will retain one copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. *Paperwork Reduction Act:* The standard forms in the application kit involve a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been approved by OMB under the respective Control Numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. *Research Projects Involving Human Subjects, Human Tissue, Data or Recordings Involving Human Subjects:* Any proposal that includes research involving human subjects, human tissue, data or recordings involving human subjects must meet the requirements of the Common Rule for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified for the Department of Commerce at 15 CFR part 27. In addition, any proposal that includes research on these topics must be in compliance with any statutory requirements imposed upon the Department of Health and Human Services

(DHHS)and other federal agencies regarding these topics, all regulatory policies and guidance adopted by DHHS, FDA, and other Federal agencies on these topics, and all Presidential statements of policy on these topics. NIST will accept the submission of human subjects protocols that have been approved by Institutional Review Boards

(IRBs)registered with DHHS and performed by entities possessing a current, valid Federal-wide Assurance

(FWA)from DHHS. NIST will not issue a single project assurance

(SPA)for any IRB reviewing any human subjects protocol proposed to NIST. On August 9, 2001, the President announced his decision to allow Federal funds to be used for research on existing human embryonic stem cell lines as long as prior to his announcement

(1)the derivation process (which commences with the removal of the inner cell mass from the blastocyst) had already been initiated and

(2)the embryo from which the stem cell line was derived no longer had the possibility of development as a human being. NIST will follow guidance issued by the National Institutes of Health at *http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/humansubjects/guidance/stemcell.pdf* for funding such research. *Research Projects Involving Vertebrate Animals:* Any proposal that includes research involving vertebrate animals must be in compliance with the National Research Council's “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” which can be obtained from National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20055. In addition, such proposals must meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 *et seq.* ), 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3, and if appropriate, 21 CFR part 58. These regulations do not apply to proposed research using pre-existing images of animals or to research plans that do not include live animals that are being cared for, euthanized, or used by the project participants to accomplish research goals, teaching, or testing. These regulations also do not apply to obtaining animal materials from commercial processors of animal products or to animal cell lines or tissues from tissue banks. *Limitation of Liability:* In no event will 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 the agency to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. *Executive Order 12866:* This funding notice was determined to be 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. *Executive Order 12372:* Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” *Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act:* Notice and comment are not required under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) or any other law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553 (a)). Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* Dated: December 23, 2005. William Jeffrey, Director, NIST. [FR Doc. E6-74 Filed 1-6-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-13-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Availability of Seats for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council AGENCY: National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of request for applications. SUMMARY: The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): tourism-alternate and Recreational Fishing member and alternate. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 2-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter. DATES: Applications are due by February 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained from Jacklyn Kelly, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2315. Completed applications should be sent to the same address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacklyn Kelly, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2315,

(805)966-7107 extension 371, *jacklyn.kelly@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CINMS Advisory Council was originally established in December 1998 and has a broad representation consisting of 21 members, including ten government agency representatives and eleven members from the general public. The Council functions in an advisory capacity to the Sanctuary Manager. The Council works in concert with the Sanctuary Manager by keeping him or her informed about issues of concern throughout the Sanctuary, offering recommendations on specific issues, and aiding the Manager in achieving the goals of the Sanctuary program. Specifically, the Council's objectives are to provide advice on:

(1)Protecting natural and cultural resources, and identifying and evaluating emergent or critical issues involving Sanctuary use or resources;

(2)Identifying and realizing the Sanctuary's research objectives;

(3)Identifying and realizing educational opportunities to increase the public knowledge of stewardship of the Sanctuary environment; and

(4)Assisting to develop an informed constituency to increase awareness and understanding of the purpose and value of the Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Program. Authority: 16 U.S.C. Sections 1431, *et seq.* (Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program) Dated: December 29, 2005. Daniel J. Basta, Director, National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 06-168 Filed 1-6-06; 8:45 am]

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