Notices. Notice and request for comments

8,696 words·~40 min read·/register/2006/02/08/06-1110

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

BILLING CODE 3410-11-M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Chemical Weapons Convention

(CWC)Declaration and Report Forms ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 10, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, DOC Paperwork Clearance Officer,

(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via Internet at *dhynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Larry Hall, BIS ICB Liaison,

(202)482-4895, Department of Commerce, Room 6703, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Chemical Weapons Convention

(CWC)bans the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention and direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons. Under the CWC, companies that produce, process, consume, utilize, or transfer certain chemicals must file initial and annual declarations. This information will be submitted to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the treaty's international body. The collection of this information is required to comply with the treaty. II. Method of Collection Submitted on BIS Declaration forms. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0694-0091. *Form Number:* Certification Form, Form A, Form B, Form 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, UDOC, et al. *Type of Review:* Regular submission for extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals, businesses or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions, federal government. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 929. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 10 minutes—31 hours per response. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 20,608. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $49,000. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: February 2, 2006. Madeleine Clayton, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-1652 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-33-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-122-822, A-428-815] Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Reviews And Notice of Intent to Revoke Orders in Part: Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Canada and Germany AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On December 28, 2005, the U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department) published a notice of initiation of changed circumstances reviews with the intent to revoke, in part, the antidumping duty orders on certain corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products (corrosion-resistant steel) from Canada and Germany, as described below. *See Initiation of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Reviews: Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Canada and Germany* , 70 FR 76763 (December 28, 2005) ( *Initiation Notice* ). In our *Initiation Notice* , the Department invited interested parties to comment on the request to exclude “wear plate” (described below) from the scope of these orders. The Department received no comments. Absent any comments, the Department preliminarily concludes that producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which these orders pertain, lack interest in the relief provided by these orders with respect to wear plate. Therefore, the Department preliminarily concludes that it is appropriate to revoke these orders, in part, with respect to unliquidated entries of wear plate, not subject to the final results of an administrative review, that have been entered for consumption on or after August 1, 2005, based on the fact that domestic parties have made an affirmative statement of no interest in the continuation of the orders with respect to that merchandise. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 8, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angelica Mendoza or Abdelali Elouaradia, AD/CVD Operations, Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14 th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone:

(202)482-3019 and

(202)482-1374, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Department published the antidumping duty orders on corrosion-resistant steel from Canada and Germany on August 19, 1993. *See Notice of Antidumping Duty Order: Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Canada* , 58 FR 44162. *See also Notice of Antidumping Duty Order: Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Germany* , 58 FR 44170. On November 7, 2005, Eutectic, a U.S. importer, requested that the Department exclude a product commonly known as wear plate and marketed under the name of “CastoDur Diamond Plate” from the scope of these orders. *See* Eutectic's submissions to the Secretary, dated November 7, 2005 (Eutectic Requests). In those submissions, Eutectic included letters from petitioners and domestic interested parties in these cases stating that they had no interest in retaining this product in the scope of these orders. On December 28, 2005, the Department published a notice of initiation of changed circumstances reviews of the antidumping duty orders on corrosion-resistant steel from Canada and Germany. *See Initiation Notice* . In the *Initiation Notice* , the Department indicated that interested parties could submit comments for consideration in the Department's preliminary results no later than 15 days after publication of the initiation of these reviews, and submit responses to those comments no later than 7 days following the submission of comments. The Department received no comments from interested parties. Scope of the Orders The products covered by each of these orders are corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products (corrosion-resistant steel) from Canada and Germany, respectively. This scope includes flat-rolled carbon steel products, of rectangular shape, either clad, plated, or coated with corrosion-resistant metals such as zinc, aluminum, or zinc-, aluminum-, nickel- or iron-based alloys, whether or not corrugated or painted, varnished or coated with plastics or other nonmetallic substances in addition to the metallic coating, in coils (whether or not in successively superimposed layers) and of a width of 0.5 inch or greater, or in straight lengths which, if of a thickness less than 4.75 millimeters, are of a width of 0.5 inch or greater and which measures at least 10 times the thickness or if of a thickness of 4.75 millimeters or more are of a width which exceeds 150 millimeters and measures at least twice the thickness, as currently classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under item numbers: 7210.30.0030, 7210.30.0060, 7210.41.0000, 7210.49.0030, 7210.49.0090, 7210.61.0000, 7210.69.0000, 7210.70.6030, 7210.70.6060, 7210.70.6090, 7210.90.1000, 7210.90.6000, 7210.90.9000, 7212.20.0000, 7212.30.1030, 7212.30.1090, 7212.30.3000, 7212.30.5000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000, 7212.60.0000, 7215.90.1000, 7215.90.3000, 7215.90.5000, 7217.20.1500, 7217.30.1530, 7217.30.1560, 7217.90.1000, 7217.90.5030, 7217.90.5060, 7217.90.5090. Included in these orders are flat-rolled products of non-rectangular cross-section where such cross-section is achieved subsequent to the rolling process ( *i.e.* , products which have been “worked after rolling”) for example, products which have been beveled or rounded at the edges. Excluded from these orders are flat-rolled steel products either plated or coated with tin, lead, chromium, chromium oxides, both tin and lead (“terne plate”), or both chromium and chromium oxides (“tin-free steel”), whether or not painted, varnished or coated with plastics or other nonmetallic substances in addition to the metallic coating. Also excluded from these orders are clad products in straight lengths of 0.1875 inch or more in composite thickness and of a width which exceeds 150 millimeters and measures at least twice the thickness. Also excluded from these orders are certain clad stainless flat-rolled products, which are three-layered corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat-rolled products less than 4.75 millimeters in composite thickness that consist of a carbon steel flat-rolled product clad on both sides with stainless steel in a 20%%-60%%-20%% ratio. On September 22, 1999, the Department issued the final results of a changed circumstances review partially revoking the order with respect to certain corrosion-resistant steel from Germany. 1 This partial revocation applies to certain corrosion-resistant deep-drawing carbon steel strip, roll-clad on both sides with aluminum

(AlSi)foils in accordance with St3 LG as to EN 10139/10140. The merchandise's chemical composition encompasses a core material of U St 23 (continuous casting) in which carbon is less than 0.08; manganese is less than 0.30; phosphorous is less than 0.20; sulfur is less than 0.015; aluminum is less than 0.01; and the cladding material is a minimum of 99%% aluminum with silicon/copper/iron of less than 1%%. The products are in strips with thicknesses of 0.07mm to 4.0mm (inclusive) and widths of 5mm to 800mm (inclusive). The thickness ratio of aluminum on either side of steel may range from 3%%/94%%/3%% to 10%%/80%%/10%%. 1 *See Final Results of Changed Circumstances Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Reviews and Revocation of Orders in Part: Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Germany* , 64 FR 51292 (September 22, 1999). The Department noted that the affirmative statement of no interest by petitioners, combined with the lack of comments from interested parties, is sufficient to warrant partial revocation. The HTSUS item numbers are provided for convenience and Customs purposes. The written description remains dispositive. Scope of Changed Circumstances Reviews The products subject to these changed circumstances reviews are certain corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products from Canada and Germany meeting the following description: certain flat-rolled wear plate ranging from 30 inches to 50 inches in width, from 45 inches to 110 inches in length and from 0.187 inch to 0.875 inch in total thickness, having a layer on one side composed principally of a combination of boron carbides, chromium carbides, nickel carbides, silicon carbides, manganese carbides, niobium carbides, iron carbides, tungsten carbides, vanadium carbides, titanium carbides and/or molybdenum carbides fused to a non-alloy flat-rolled steel substrate. The carbides are in the form of M x C x where “M” stands for the metal and “x” for the atomic ratio. An example of a common carbide would be (Cr 7 C 3 ). The carbide layer is a visually distinct layer ranging in thickness from 0.062 inch to 0.312 inch with hardness at the surface of the carbide layer in excess of 55 HRC. *See* Eutectic Requests at 1. Preliminary Results of Reviews and Intent to Revoke in Part the Antidumping Duty Orders Pursuant to sections 751(d)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), the Department may revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, in whole or in part, based on a review under section 751(b) of the Act ( *i.e.* , a changed circumstances review). Section 751(b)(1) of the Act requires a changed circumstances review to be conducted upon receipt of a request which shows changed circumstances sufficient to warrant a review. Section 782(h)(1) of the Act gives the Department the authority to revoke if producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product have expressed a lack of interest in the continuation of relief. Section 351.222(g) of the Department's regulations provides that the Department will conduct a changed circumstances administrative review under 19 CFR 351.216, and may revoke an order (in whole or in part), if it concludes that

(i)producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which the order pertains have expressed a lack of interest in the relief provided by the order, in whole or in part, or

(ii)other changed circumstances sufficient to warrant revocation exist. As stated in the *Initiation Notice* , petitioners and domestic interested parties attested to their lack of interest in having the merchandise commonly referred to as CastoDur Diamond Plate or certain wear plate, and fully described above in the “Scope of the Changed Circumstances Reviews” section, continue to be subject to the AD orders on corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products from Canada and Germany. 2 *See* Eutectic Requests at Attachments 1-4 and Memorandum to the File, from Angelica L. Mendoza, Senior Case Analyst, Office 7, “Confirmation of Interested Parties' Lack of Interest for 'Wear Plate' (marketed as 'CastoDur Diamond Plate') to Be Subject to the Above-Captioned Antidumping Duty Orders,” dated December 7, 2005. Since the Department received no comments during the comment period opposing the partial revocation of the orders as to certain wear plate products from these antidumping duty orders, the Department preliminarily concludes that producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which these orders pertain, lack interest in the relief provided by these orders with respect to certain wear plate products. If these results become final, the Department will revoke the orders, in part, for all unliquidated entries, not subject to the final results of an administrative review, of products that meet the specifications set forth above, and that were entered for consumption on or after August 1, 2005, the beginning of the most recent review period. The Department will also instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to end the suspension of liquidation for certain wear plate products covered by these orders, and to release any cash deposits or bonds pursuant to 19 CFR 351.222(g)(4). 2 Petitioners include: United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and Mittal Steel USA ISG Inc. (formerly Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Ispat Inland Steel, and LTV Steel Company, Inc.). Domestic interested parties include: Nucor Plate Group of Nucor Corporation and Ipsco Inc. Interested parties wishing to comment on these preliminary results may submit briefs to the Department no later than 16 days after the publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . 3 Parties will have five days subsequent to this due date to submit rebuttal comments, limited to the issues raised in those briefs. Parties who submit briefs or rebuttal comments in this proceeding are requested to submit with each argument

(1)a statement of the issue and

(2)a brief summary of the argument (no longer than five pages, including footnotes). Any requests for hearing must be filed within 30 days of the publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . 3 All the interested parties presently known have stated that they no longer are seeking relief for this product and no longer are interested in its inclusion in scope of these orders, and therefore, we are using our discretion to alter the time period for comments. All written comments must be submitted in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303, with the exception that only three

(3)copies for each case need be served on the Department. Any comments must also be served on all interested parties on the Department's service list, which is available on our website (http://ia.ita.doc.gov/apo/index.html). The Department will issue its final results in these changed circumstances reviews as soon as practicable following the above comment period, but not later than 270 days after the date on which the changed circumstances reviews were initiated, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.216(e), and will publish these results in the **Federal Register** . While the changed circumstances reviews are underway, the current requirement for a cash deposit of estimated antidumping duties on all subject merchandise, including the merchandise that is the subject of these changed circumstances reviews, will continue unless and until these orders are revoked, in part, pursuant to the final results of these changed circumstances reviews or an administrative review. This notice is published in accordance with sections 751(b)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216 and 351.222. Dated: February 1, 2006. David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-1725 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-583-816] Certain Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Taiwan: Notice of Extension of Time Limit for Preliminary Results in Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 8, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Helen Kramer or Judy Lao, AD/CVD Operations, Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14 th Street and Constitution, NW, Washington DC 20230; telephone:

(202)482-0405 and

(202)482-7924, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On June 1, 2005, the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) published a notice of opportunity to request an administrative review of the antidumping order on stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Taiwan for the period of review (“POR”) of June 1, 2004, through May 31, 2005. *See Notice of Opportunity to Request Administrative Review of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation* , 70 FR 31422 (June 1, 2005). On June 27, 2005, Flowline Division of Markovitz Enterprises, Inc. (Flowline Division), Gerlin, Inc., Shaw Alloy Piping Products, Inc., and Taylor Forge Stainless, Inc. (collectively “petitioners”) requested an antidumping duty administrative review for Ta Chen Stainless Pipe Co., Ltd. (Ta Chen), Liang Feng Stainless Steel Fitting Co., Ltd., Tru-Flow Industrial Co., Ltd., Censor International Corporation, and PFP Taiwan Co., Ltd. On June 30, 2005 Ta Chen requested an administrative review of its sales to the United States during the POR. On July 21, 2005, the Department published the notice initiating this administrative review. *See Notice of Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Request for Revocation In Part* , 70 FR 42028 (July 21, 2005). The preliminary results are currently due not later than March 2, 2006. Extension of Time Limits for Preliminary Results Pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”), and 19 CFR 351.213(h)(2), the Department may extend the deadline for completion of the preliminary results of a review if it determines that it is not practicable to complete the preliminary results within 245 days after the last day of the anniversary month of the date of publication of the order for which the administrative review was requested. The Department has determined it is not practicable to complete this review within the originally anticipated time limit, in accordance with section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.213(h)(2), because more time is needed to analyze Ta Chen's responses to supplemental questionnaires. Therefore, the Department is extending the time limit for the preliminary results by 120 days, to not later than June 30, 2006. The deadline for the final results of this review will continue to be 120 days after publication of the preliminary results. Dated: February 2, 2006. Stephen Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-1723 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Minority Business Development Agency [Docket No: 980901228-6023-06] Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Opportunity Center

(MBOC)Program (Baton Rouge/New Orleans, LA) AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, DOC. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section 1512, the Minority Business Development Agency

(MBDA)is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority Business Opportunity Center

(MBOC)(formerly Minority Business Opportunity Committees) in Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana. The Minority Business Opportunity Centers through their staff will provide brokering services and assistance to minority business enterprises

(MBEs)that

(a)generate $500,000 or more in annual gross revenues or

(b)are capable of creating significant employment and long-term economic impact (commonly referred to as “rapid growth-potential” MBEs). In addition, MBOCs provide access to buyers of goods and services and procurement and financing opportunities within the public and private sectors. MBOC operators and executive directors should have experience in and knowledge of the local minority business sector and established working relationships with buying organizations. MBOCs are supported by a volunteer advisory committee that assists the MBOC in implementing program requirements and providing contract and financing opportunities to MBEs. The program is primarily evaluated by MBDA based on the number and dollar value of contracts and financial transactions awarded to minority business enterprises. DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is March 10, 2006. Completed applications must be received by MBDA no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at the address below for paper submission or at *http://www.Grants.gov* for electronic submission. The due date and time is the same for electronic submissions as it is for paper submissions. The date the applications will be deemed to have been submitted electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov. Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Anticipated time for processing is approximately sixty

(60)days from the date of publication of this notice. MBDA anticipates that awards for the MBOC program will be made with a start date of April 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: (1)(a) *Paper Submission—If Mailed:* If the application is mailed/shipped overnight by the applicant or its representative, one

(1)signed original plus two

(2)copies of the application must be submitted. Completed application packages must be mailed to: Office of Business Development—MBOC Program, Office of Executive Secretariat, HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. U.S. Department of Commerce delivery policies for Federal Express, UPS, and DHL overnight services require the packages to be sent to the address above. (1)(b) *Paper Submission—If Hand-Delivered:* If the application is hand-delivered by the applicant or his/her representative, one

(1)signed original plus two

(2)copies of the application must be delivered to: U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, Office of Business Development—MBOC Program (extension 1940), HCHB, Room 1874, Entrance #10, 15th Street, NW., Washington, DC (Between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues). U.S. Department of Commerce “hand-delivery” policies state that Federal Express, UPS, and DHL overnight services submitted to the address listed above (Entrance #10) cannot be accepted. These policies should be taken into consideration when utilizing their services. MBDA will not accept applications that are submitted by the deadline but rejected due to Departmental hand-delivery policies. The applicant must adhere to these policies for its application to be considered for award.

(2)*Electronic Submission:* Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposal electronically at *http://www.Grants.gov.* Electronic submissions should be made in accordance with the instructions available at Grants.gov ( *see http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants* for detailed information). MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please visit MBDA's Minority Business Internet Portal at *http://www.mbda.gov.* Paper applications and Standard Forms may be obtained by contacting the MBDA National Enterprise Center

(NEC)for the area in which the Applicant is located (See Agency Contacts section) or visiting MBDA's Portal at *http://www.mbda.gov.* Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL can also be obtained at *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants, or http://www.Grants.gov.* Forms CD-511, and CD-346 may be obtained at *http://www.doc.gov/forms.* Responsibility for ensuring that applications are complete and received by MBDA on time is the sole responsibility of the Applicant. Agency Contacts 1. Office of Business Development, 14th and Constitution Avenues, Room 5073, Washington, DC 20230. *Contact:* Efrain Gonzalez, Program Manager at 202-482-1940. 2. Dallas National Enterprise Center

(NEC)is located at 1100 Commerce Street, Suite 7B-23, Dallas, TX 75242. This region covers the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. *Contact:* John Iglehart, Regional Director, Dallas NEC at 214-767-8001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Electronic Access:* A link to the full text of the Federal Funding Opportunity

(FFO)Announcement for the MBOC Program can be found at *http://www.Grants.gov* or by contacting the appropriate MBDA representative identified above. The FFO is also available at *http://www.mbda.gov.* The FFO contains a full and complete description of the MBOC program requirements. In order to receive proper consideration, applicants must comply with all information and requirements contained in the FFO. Applicants will be able to access, download and submit electronic grant applications for the MBOC Program in this announcement at Grants.gov. MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. *Funding Availability:* The total award period is one year, nine months. The Federal funding share in year 1 (April 1-December 31, 2006) is $195,000. MBDA anticipates the Federal funding share in year 2 (January 1-December 31, 2007) will be $260,000 (subject to the availability of FY 2007 appropriations). MBDA anticipates funding only one

(1)MBOC from this competitive Announcement. MBDA anticipates that 75 percent of the Federal funding share must be allocated to key staff, such as the Executive Director and Senior Business Development person(s). Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the two funding periods. Projects will be funded for no more than one year at a time. Awardees will be eligible for one continuation period, for a total of one year, nine months. Project proposals accepted for funding will not compete for funding in the subsequent second budget period. Second year funding will depend upon satisfactory performance, availability of funds to support continuation of the project, Department of Commerce and MBDA priorities, and will be at the sole discretion of MBDA and the Department of Commerce. MBDA is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate one MBOC in the geographic area identified below. The maximum Federal Funding Amounts for each year are also shown. Applicant location Federal amount year 1 (April 1-Dec. 31, 2006) Federal amount year 2 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2007) 1. Baton Rouge/New Orleans, LA* $195,000 $260,000 * Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). These areas are defined in OMB Bulletin 06-01 at *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins/index.html.* MBOC Operators should have an established presence in either Baton Rouge or New Orleans or both. Established presence is defined to mean that the applicant has had an office in the location for approximately three

(3)years preceding the date of this Announcement and has established working relationships with buying organizations. In light of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the definition for established presence is amended to include entities in operation since the beginning of 2003 (minimum) through August 2005. Applicants are encouraged to propose as large a service area as possible, which may extend beyond the defined areas noted above. Applicants will be required to operate one MBOC office (at a minimum) in either Baton Rouge or New Orleans, but not necessarily both. The service area includes both Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Authority: Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. 1512. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA):* 11.803 Minority Business Opportunity Center Program. *Eligibility:* For-profit entities (including sole-proprietorships, partnership, and corporations), and non-profit organizations, State and local government entities, American Indian Tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to operate MBOCs. *Program Description:* In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. 1512, the Minority Business Development Agency

(MBDA)is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate Minority Business Opportunity Centers

(MBOC)(formerly Minority Business Opportunity Committees). The Minority Business Opportunity Centers through their staff will provide brokering services and assistance to MBEs that

(a)generate $500,000 or more in annual gross revenues or

(b)are capable of creating significant employment and long-term economic impact (commonly referred to as “rapid growth-potential” MBEs). In addition, MBOCs provide access to buyers of goods and services and procurement and financing opportunities within the public and private sectors. The MBOC program's primary objective is to match pre-qualified MBEs with private and public sector contracting and financing entities. MBOC operators and executive directors should have experience in and knowledge of the local minority business sector and demonstrated ability to gain access to key decision-makers. MBOCs are supported by a volunteer advisory committee that assists the MBOC in implementing program requirements and providing contract and financing opportunities to MBEs. The program is primarily evaluated by MBDA based on the number and dollar value of contracts and financial transactions awarded to MBEs. *Match Requirements:* Cost sharing of at least 30% is required. Cost sharing is the portion of the project cost not borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must meet this requirement in

(1)Cash contributions;

(2)non-cash applicant contributions; and/or

(3)third party in-kind contributions. Bonus points will be awarded for cost sharing exceeding 30 percent that is applied to MBOC staff. Applicants must provide a detailed explanation of how the cost-sharing requirement will be met. While not a program requirement, the MBOC may charge client fees for brokering services rendered. Client fees may be used towards meeting cost share requirements. Client fees applied directly to the award's cost sharing requirement must be used in furtherance of the program objectives. *Selection Procedures:* Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and documentation are present. Each application will receive an independent, objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. MBDA anticipates that the review panel will be made up of at least three independent reviewers (Federal employees) who will review all applications based on the below evaluation criteria. Each reviewer will evaluate and provide a score for each proposal. The National Director of MBDA makes the final recommendation to the Department of Commerce Grants Officer regarding the funding of applications, taking into account the following selection criteria: 1. The evaluations and rankings of the independent review panel; 2. Size of proposed service area. Applicants are encouraged to propose as large a service area as possible, which may extend beyond the defined service area of Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana. 3. The following funding priorities: a. Having an existing or recent client base that can be utilized for brokering contract and financial transactions; b. Ability to establish an MBOC that has an Industry specific(s) focus and that demonstrates the utility of economic clusters including, but not limited to, aerospace, manufacturing, construction, financial services, IT and/or automotive industries; c. The ability to assist in economic recovery following natural disasters through available economic opportunities; and, 4. The availability of funding. *Evaluation Criteria:* Proposals will be evaluated and applicants will be selected based on the following criteria. An application must receive at least 70% of the total points available for *each* evaluation criterion, in order for the application to be considered for funding. The Maximum total points that can be earned is 105 including the bonus points for staff related non federal cost sharing as described below. 1. Applicant Capability (30 Points) The applicant's proposal will be evaluated with respect to the applicant's experience and expertise in providing the work requirements listed. Specifically, the proposals will be evaluated as follows: • MBE Community—Experience and knowledge of the local minority business sector and established working relationships with buying organizations. This factor will be evaluated on whether or not the applicant has an established presence in the proposed geographic service area. Established presence is defined to mean that the applicant has had an office in the geographic service area for a minimum of three

(3)years preceding this announcement and has established relationships with buying organizations. (10 points); • Business Acumen—experience in and knowledge of coaching and mentoring techniques related to serving rapid growth-potential minority firms (3 points); • Financing—experience in and knowledge of brokering techniques and facilitating large financial transactions (5 points); • Procurements and Contracting—experience in and knowledge of the public and private sector contracting opportunities and gaining access to the buyers to facilitate and broker large deals (5 points); • Financing Networks—Knowledge of the resources and professional relationships within the corporate, banking and investment community that can be beneficial to minority-owned firms (2 points); • Experience and knowledge of particular industries and ability to gain access to industry leaders within the geographic service area (5 points). 2. Resources (25 Points) The applicant's proposal will be evaluated according to the following criteria: • *Key Staff* —Discuss the experience of the staff that will operate the MBOC. In particular, an assessment will be made to determine whether key staff has the experience in working with high level key decisionmakers as relates to brokering and facilitating large dollar contracts and financial transactions, and coaching and mentoring. Proposed staff will be assessed to determine if they possess the expertise in utilizing information systems (10 points); • Resources—discuss what resources will be utilized to accomplish the work requirements (not included as part of the cost-sharing arrangement). An assessment will be made to evaluate how well the plan establishes and maintains a network of resources. Discuss how the Advisory Committee and subcommittees will be recruited and what their role will be. Discuss how the committees will contribute to the performance measures as outlined in the FFO (10 points); • *Equipment* —An assessment will be conducted to evaluate how well the plan fulfills the computer hardware and software requirements stated in the FFO (5 points). 3. Techniques and Methodologies (25 Points) The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows: • *Performance Measures* —relate each performance measure to the financial, information and market resources available in the applicant's defined service area and how the goals will be met. Specific attention should be placed on the Dollar Value of Contract Awards and Financial Transactions (as described under Definitions in the FFO). Minimum goals should be based on the availability of Federal procurement dollars in the service area. The applicant should also consider existing market conditions and its strategy to achieve the goal (10 points); • *Plan of Action* —provide specific detail on how the applicant will start operations, including how the Advisory Committees and Subcommittees will be formed. The plan should include a detailed discussion of the nature of the advisory role and how the committee will work with Center staff to accomplish program objectives. Program Operators have thirty

(30)days to become fully operational after an award is made. Fully operational means that all staff is hired, all signs are up, all items of furniture and equipment are in place and operational, all stationery forms are developed and the Center is ready to open its doors to the public. Failure to have all staff on board within 30 days after award will result in a deduction of 10 points on the first semi-annual performance assessment report and may jeopardize continuation of the award (5 points); • *Work Requirements Execution Plan* —The applicant will be evaluated on how it plans to execute the Work Requirements (including implementation timelines) and how effectively and efficiently all staff will be used. Applicants should include a description for using an intra and interstate approach, depending on the geographic service area, for accomplishing the work requirements contained in the FFO (5 points). • *Appropriateness of Applicant Defined Service Area* —The applicant will be evaluated based on the following: the size of the minority population and density of MBEs with revenues of $500,000 or rapid-growth potential in the applicant's defined service area. The presence of significant Federal and commercial contracting and financing opportunities, the size of the market, and the need for MBDA resources in the applicant's defined service area should also be discussed (5 points). 4. Proposed Budget and Supporting Budget Narrative (20 Points) The applicant's proposal will be evaluated on the following sub-criteria: • Reasonableness, allowability and allocability of costs (5 points). MBDA anticipates that 75% of the funding level will be allocated to key staff, such as the Executive Director and senior business development persons. • Proposed cost sharing of 30 percent is required and must be documented, including whether client fees for brokering will be charged and applied to the cost share. Applicants choosing to charge fees should set forth a fee schedule in their proposals (5 points). • Performance-based Budget. Discuss how the budget is related to the accomplishment of the work requirements and the Performance measures. Provide a budget narrative that clearly shows the connections (10 points). • Non Federal cost sharing exceeding 30 percent that is related to additional staff

(5)bonus points). Intergovernmental Review Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Limitation of Liability Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have been appropriated for this program for Fiscal Year 2006; however, funds have not yet been appropriated for FY 2007. In no event will MBDA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige MBDA or the Department of Commerce to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Universal Identifier Applicants should be aware that they will be required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering system

(DUNS)number during the application process. See the June 27, 2003 (68 FR 38402) **Federal Register** notice for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or on Grants.gov Web site at *http://www.Grants.gov* . 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) are applicable to this solicitation. Paperwork Reduction Act This document contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). 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 provisions 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 Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB control Number. Executive Order 12866 This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of E.O. 12866. Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice for an opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property, loans, grant, benefits and contracts (5 U.S.C. 533(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 533 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 is not required and has not been prepared. Dated: February 3, 2006. Ronald N. Langston, National Director, Minority Business Development Agency. [FR Doc. E6-1675 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-21-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Paperwork Submissions Under the Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Requirements AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), DOC. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 10, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to David Kaiser, 603-862-2719 or at *david.kaiser@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract A number of paperwork submissions are required by the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), 16 U.S.C. 1456, and by NOAA to provide a reasonable, efficient and predictable means of complying with the CZMA requirements. The requirements are detailed in 15 CFR part 930. The information will be used by coastal states with federally-approved Coastal Zone Management Programs to determine if Federal agency activities, Federal license or permit activities, and Federal assistance activities that affect a state's coastal zone are consistent with the states' programs. II. Method of Collection Paper submissions are made following regulatory guidance. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0648-0411. *Form Number:* None. Type of Review: Regular submission. *Affected Public:* State, Local, or Tribal Government; individuals or households; business or other for-profit organizations; and Federal government. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 4,111. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 8 hours for a State objection or concurrence letter for a consistency certification or determination; 4 hours for a State request for review of unlisted activities; 1 hour for public notice requirements for a project; 4 hours for a request for remedial action of a supplemental review; 1 hour for coordination of a listing notice; 2 hours for a request for Secretarial mediation; and 200 hours for an appeal. These are average estimates and burden can significantly vary based on the individual situation. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 20,535. *Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public:* $47,013. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(206)526-6115 or e-mail at *kevin.ford@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract NOAA Fisheries seeks comment on the renewal of permit information collections required to:

(1)Renew and transfer of Pacific Coast Groundfish limited entry permits;

(2)implement certain provisions of the sablefish permit stacking program as provided for by Amendment 14 of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; and

(3)issue and fulfill the terms and conditions of exempted fishing permits (EFPs). NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Region manages the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone

(EEZ)off Washington, Oregon, and California under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. The regulations implementing the Pacific Groundfish Fishery require that those individuals participating in the limited entry fishery have a valid limited entry permit. The participation in the fishery and access to a limited entry permit has been restricted to control the overall harvest capacity. Each year, permit owners are required to renew their permit by reviewing their current permit information, providing any updated information and certifying that the permit information is correct. Similarly, a permit owner is required to request a permit transfer in writing. Additional information may be requested from the permit owner to determine compliance with groundfish regulations. The regulations implementing the limited entry program are found at 50 CFR part 660, Subpart G. Also, NOAA Fisheries will require information collections to implement sablefish permit stacking program which will allow NOAA Fisheries to prevent excessive fleet consolidation, ensure processor access to sablefish, and maintain the character of the fleet through an owner on board provision. These information collections will include both one time collections and annual information collections. Specifically, the annual information collections will require a corporation or partnership that owns a sablefish endorsed permit to list all individuals with ownership interests in the entity; and as part of a permit transfer, a certification by the permit owner to report the remaining pounds (not yet harvested) on a sablefish permit at the time of transfer. Applicants for exempted fishing permit must submit written information that allows NOAA Fisheries to evaluate the exempted fishing activity and weigh the benefits and costs of the proposed activities. The information included in an application is specified at 50 CFR 600.745(b)(2). Permit holders are required to file reports on the results of the experiments and in some cases individual vessels are required to provide minimal data reports. There is also a requirement of a call-in notification prior to the fishing trip. This information allows NOAA fisheries to evaluate the techniques used and decide if management regulations should be approved as is, modified, or disapproved. II. Method of Collection The information collections for permit renewals and transfers and to implement sablefish permit stacking program are made on NOAA Fisheries forms. Also, the renewal of limited entry permits may be completed and submitted using online renewal form on the NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Region web site. Transfer forms and forms for the permit stacking program are available from the region's web site but must be submitted by mail or in person. Applications for an exempted fishing permit must be submitted in a written format. The exempted fishing permit data reports from individual vessels may be submitted in person, faxed, or submitted by telephone by the vessel owner or operator to NOAA Fisheries or the states of Washington, Oregon, or California. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0648-0203. *Form Number:* None. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions, states, individuals or households, and business or other for-profits organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 755. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 10 hours for an exempted fishing permit

(EFP)application; 1 hour for an EFP summary report; 10 minutes for an EFP data report; 2 minutes for EFP trip notification; 20 minutes for a limited entry permit transfer form; 20 minutes for a renewal form; 30 minutes for mid-season transfer of sablefish permit; 30 minutes for at sea processing vessel exemption application; 20 minutes for addition of spouse as co-owner of a sablefish permit application; and 30 minutes for an sablefish permit ownership interest form. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 723. *Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public:* $51,904. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: February 2, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-1649 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Groundfish Tagging Program AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), DOC. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 10, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Michael Gallagher or John Herring at 206-526-4009 or *Michael.S.Gallagher@noaa.gov* or *John.Herring@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The groundfish tagging program provides scientists with information necessary for effective conservation, management, and scientific understanding of the groundfish fishery off Alaska and the Northwest Pacific. The program area includes the Pacific Ocean off Alaska (the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area, and the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska), California, Oregon, and Washington. Fish movement information from recovered tags is used in population dynamics models for stock assessment. II. Method of Collection This is a volunteer program requiring the actual tag from the fish to be returned, along with recovery information. Reporting forms with pre-addressed and postage-free envelopes are distributed to processors and catcher vessels. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0648-0276. *Form Number:* None. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations, individuals or households. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 420. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 5 minutes for returning a regular tag; and 20 minutes for returning an internal archival tag. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 98. *Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public:* $0. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: February 2, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-1654 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Consistency Appeal by Villa Marina Yacht Harbour, Inc. From an Objection by the Puerto Rico Planning Board AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (Commerce). ACTION: Notice of closure—administrative appeal decision record. SUMMARY: This announcement provides notice that the decision record has been closed for an administrative appeal filed with the Department of Commerce by Villa Marina Yacht Harbour, Inc. (Villa Marina). DATES: The decision record for the Villa Marina administrative appeal closed on January 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Materials from the appeal record are available at the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Ocean Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Odin Smith, Attorney-Advisor, NOAA Office of the General Counsel, 301-713-7391. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Villa Marina has filed a notice of appeal with the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) pursuant to section 307(c)(3)(A) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), and implementing regulations found at 15 CFR part 930, subpart H. Villa Marina appeals an objection raised by the Puerto Rico Planning Board to a consistency certification contained within its permit application to the Army Corps of Engineers to expand an existing marina. Applicable provision of the CZMA require that a notice be published in the **Federal Register** indicating the date on which the decision record closed. Accordingly, notice is hereby provided that the decision record for this appeal closed on January 30, 2006. For additional information about this appeal contact Odin Smith, 301-713-7392. Dated: January 31, 2006. James R. Walpole, General Counsel. [FR Doc. 06-1110 Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am]

Connectionstraces to 11

Traces to 11 documents

U.S. Code

CFR