Notices. Notice

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

BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development.

Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing. ADDRESSES: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent applications listed below may be obtained by writing to the indicated licensing contact at the Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852-3804; telephone: 301/496-7057; fax: 301/402-0220. A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive copies of the patent applications.

Methodology for Large Scale Manufacture of Stable Disulfide-Conjugated Antibody-Ribonuclease David F. Nellis, Dianne L. Newton, Susanna M. Rybak

(NCI)U.S. Provisional Application filed 30 Sep 2005 (HHS Reference No. E-218-2005/0-US-01) *Licensing Contact:* David A. Lambertson; 301/435-4632; *lambertsond@mail.nih.gov* Large scale clinical production of disulfide-conjugated antibody-RNase therapeutics using previously reported technologies usually results in an unstable product that forms undesired multimeric antibody/RNase species. This invention describes improved methods for the large scale manufacture of stable disulfide-conjugated antibody therapeutics. Antibody-RNase conjugates produced by this method were specific and highly active in vitro in killing selected carcinoma, and also showed in vivo activity in the treatment of disseminated B-cell lymphoma. These methods are broadly applicable to disulfide-linked conjugation of cytotoxic proteins. The claims for this invention encompass methods for preparing a protein for disulfide conjugation with another molecule, such as an RNase to an antibody. In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors. Identification of Biomarkers by Serum Protein Profiling Thomas Ried and Jens Habermann

(NCI)U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/664,681 filed 22 Mar 2005 (HHS Reference No. E-106-2005/0-US-01) *Licensing Contact:* Thomas P. Clouse; 301/435-4076; *clouset@mail.nih.gov* This invention describes serum features that distinguish colorectal carcinoma malignant patient samples versus healthy samples using surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. By comparing healthy versus malignant samples, the investigators were able to identify thirteen

(13)serum features that have been validated using an independently collected, blinded validation set of 55 sera samples. The features are characterized by the mass to charge ratio (m/z ratio). The investigators have shown that SELDI-TOF based serum marker protein profiling enables minimally invasive detection of colon cancer with 96.7 percent sensitivity and 100 percent specificity. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Current diagnostic methods for colorectal cancer have a large non-compliance rate because of discomfort, e.g., sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or have a high rate of false positive results, e.g., fecal occult blood tests. The claimed invention has the potential to be a widely used, easy-to-use, and inexpensive diagnostic. In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors. Novel Form of Interleukin-15, Fc-IL-15, and Methods of Use Morihiro Watanabe *et al.*

(NCI)U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/670,862 filed 12 Apr 2005 (HHS Reference No. E-296-2004/0-US-01) *Licensing Contact:* Thomas P. Clouse, J.D.; 301/435-4076; *clouset@mail.nih.gov* Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a potent cytokine that enhances host immune system function by proliferating and activating leukocytes. IL-15 increases innate immunity and CD8 memory. The investigators fused IL-15 with protein Fc, a fragment of immunoglobulin. The new fused moiety, Fc-IL-15, has a longer half life in vivo than naturally occurring IL-15 in a gene therapy setting and has more potent anti-tumor effects than IL-15 in some mouse tumor models. The new moiety can serve as an alternative to IL-15, particularly if long term delivery is essential for a therapy. The moiety can serve as a therapeutic for both tumors and viral infections. The moiety can include peptide linkers such as, for example, a T cell inert sequence or a non-immunogenic sequence. In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors. ELISA Assay of Serum Soluble CD22 To Assess Tumor Burden/Relapse in Subjects with Leukemia and Lymphoma Robert J. Kreitman *et al.*

(NCI)U.S. Patent Application No. 10/514,910 filed 16 Nov 2004 (HHS Reference No. E-065-2002/0-US-03), with priority to 20 May 2002 *Licensing Contact:* Jesse Kindra; 301/435-5559; *kindraj@mail.nih.gov* Disclosed are methods of using previously unknown soluble forms of CD22 (sCD22) present in the serum of subjects with B-cell leukemias and lymphomas to assess tumor burden in the subjects. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing or prognosing development or progression of a B-cell lymphoma or leukemia in a subject, including detecting sCD22 in a body fluid sample taken or derived from the subject, for instance serum. In some embodiments, soluble CD22 levels are quantified. By way of example, the B-cell lymphoma or leukemia can be hairy cell leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Soluble CD22 in some embodiments is detected by a specific binding agent, and optionally, the specific binding agent can be detectably labeled. Also disclosed are methods of selecting a B-cell lymphoma or leukemia therapy that include detecting an increase or decrease in sCD22 levels in a subject compared to a control, and, if such increase or decrease is identified, selecting a treatment to prevent or reduce B-cell lymphoma or leukemia or to delay the onset of B-cell lymphoma or leukemia. Other embodiments are kits for measuring a soluble CD22 level, which kits include a specific binding molecule that selectively binds to the CD22, e.g. an antibody or antibody fragment that selectively binds CD22. Further disclosed methods are methods for screening for a compound useful in treating, reducing, or preventing B-cell lymphomas or leukemias, or development or progression of B-cell lymphomas or leukemias, which methods include determining if application of a test compound lowers soluble CD22 levels in a subject, and selecting a compound that so lowers sCD22 levels. In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors. Dated: February 10, 2006. Steven M. Ferguson, Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health. [FR Doc. E6-2362 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing. ADDRESSES: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent applications listed below may be obtained by writing to the indicated licensing contact at the Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852-3804; telephone: 301/496-7057; fax: 301/402-0220. A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive copies of the patent applications. Human Sweet and Umami Taste Receptor Variants Dennis Drayna and Un-Kyung Kim (NIDCD) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/671,173 filed 13 Apr 2005 (HHS Reference No. E-099-2005/0-US-01) *Licensing Contact:* Susan Carson; 301/435-5020; *carsonsu@mail.nih.gov* The complexity of taste discrimination (salty, sour, sweet, umami and bitter) varies between human individuals and populations. Sweet and umami (the taste of glutamate) tastes play a major role in the perception of calorically-rich and essential nutrients and there are well-documented differences in individual perception of sweet and umami flavorings, many of which appear to be genetic in origin. Studies of individuals within and between populations that vary in any of the taste receptors should be of direct interest to the multi-billion dollar food and flavoring industry as the characterization of such variants could be used to aid in the development of a variety of taste improvements in foods and orally administered medications. NIH researchers previously characterized bitter taste receptor variants in world wide populations [Human Mutation 26, 199-204; HHS Ref. No. E-222-2003/0] and have now extended their studies to the sweet and umami receptors in global populations. The group of Dr. Dennis Drayna at NIDCD have now discovered novel coding sequence polymorphisms in the human TAS1R genes. These genes encode dimeric receptors that sense sweet taste (as TAS1R2+TAS1R3) and the taste of umami (as TAS1R1+TAS1R3). To achieve maximum genetic diversity, TAS1R receptors from a panel of 30 Europeans, 20 East Asian, 10 Native Americans, 8 South Asians and 20 sub-Saharan Africans were sequenced. Approximately 60% of the identified SNPs caused an amino acid substitution in the encoded receptor protein. This variation may account for individual preferences in sweet and umami tastes in foods and could be of use in the understanding and control of dietary preferences that lead to obesity and diabetes. These novel variants and methods of use are available for licensing and should be of particular use to those using sensorial analysis in the food and flavoring industry where the use of taster panels in the development of flavors and flavor enhancers for different foods is key to the development of new food products and taste masking compounds. The ability, for example, to genetically match taster individuals employed by industry with the target consumer populations can both guide improved formulations and marketing decisions as well as reducing the total sample size in the testing of new products in this highly competitive industry. The Human Taste Receptor Haplotype patent portfolio is also available for licensing and includes: HHS Ref No. E-169-2001/0-PCT-02, Phenylthiocarbamide Taste Receptor, International Publication No. WO 2003/008627, PCT filed 19 July 2002 and global IP and HHS Ref. No 222-2003/1: Variants of Human Taste Receptor Genes, International Publication No. WO 2005/007891, PCT filed 18 June 2004 and global IP. In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors. Genes for Niemann-Pick Type C Disease Eugene D. Carstea (NINDS) *et al.* U.S. Patent No. 6,426,198 issued 30 Jul 2002 (HHS Reference No. E-122-1997/0-US-03) U.S. Patent Application No. 10/208,731 filed 29 Jul 2002, allowed (HHS Reference No. E-122-1997/0-US-04) *Licensing Contact:* Marlene Astor; 301/435-4426; *shinnm@mail.nih.gov* Niemann-Pick disease is a class of inherited lipid storage diseases. Niemann-Pick Type C disease is an autosomal recessive neurovisceral lipid storage disorder which leads to systemic and neurological abnormalities including ataxia, seizures, and loss of speech. Patients with the disease typically die as children. The biochemical hallmark of Niemann-Pick Type C cells is the abnormal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in lysosomes, which results in the delayed homeostatic regulation of both uptake and esterification of low density lipoprotein

(LDL)cholesterol. Niemann-Pick Type C is characterized by phenotypic variability. The disease appears at random in families that have no history of the disorder, making diagnosis problematic. This invention provides the human gene for Niemann-Pick Type C disease and the nucleic acid sequences corresponding to the human gene for Niemann-Pick Type C disease. Also provided is the mouse homolog of the human gene. The invention could lead to improved diagnosis and the design of therapies for the disease and improved means of detection of carriers of the gene. In addition, this invention may contribute to the understanding and development of treatments for atherosclerosis, a more common disorder associated with cholesterol buildup that involves the accumulation of fatty tissue inside arteries that blocks blood flow, leading to heart disease and stroke. The invention may also lead to additional discoveries concerning how cholesterol is processed in the body. This invention is described, in part, in: S.K. Loftus et al., “Murine model of Niemann-Pick C disease: Mutation in a cholesterol homeostasis gene,” Science 277(5323):232-235, 1997; S.K. Loftus et al., “Rescue of neurodegeneration in Niemann Pick-C mice by a prion-promoter driven Npc1 cDNA transgene,” Human Molec. Genet. 11(24):3107-14, 2002. The NHGRI Genetic Disease Research Branch is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate or commercialize Niemann-Pick Type C disease diagnostics and therapies as well as potential applications of the Niemann-Pick Type C gene related to atherosclerosis and cholesterol processing. Please contact Claire T. Driscoll for more information (telephone: 301/594-2235; e-mail: *cdriscol@mail.nih.gov* ). Dated: February 10, 2006. Steven M. Ferguson, Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health. [FR Doc. E6-2363 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Prospective Grant of Exclusive License: Device for Cell Culturing, Monitoring and Containment AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is notice, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209(c)(1) and 37 CFR 404.7(a)(1)(i), that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, is contemplating the grant of an exclusive worldwide license to practice the invention embodied in: E-171-2002, “Cell Culturing and Storage Systems, Devices and Methods” U.S. Patent Application 10/334,565 filed December 30, 2002; European Patent Application 03808601.3; rights are also pending in Canada and Australia; to KW Company, LLC, a New York company having its headquarters in Woodstock, New York. The United States of America is the assignee of the patent rights of the above invention. The contemplated exclusive license may be granted in the field of sales of devices for cell culturing, monitoring and containment. DATES: Only written comments and/or applications for a license received by the NIH Office of Technology Transfer on or before April 24, 2006 will be considered. ADDRESSES: Requests for a copy of the patent application, inquiries, comments and other materials relating to the contemplated license should be directed to: Michael A. Shmilovich, Esq., Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852-3804; Telephone:

(301)435-5019; Facsimile:

(301)402-0220; E-mail: *shmilovm@mail.nih.gov.* A signed confidentiality nondisclosure agreement will be required to receive copies of the patent applications. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The patent applications intended for licensure disclose and/or cover the following: E-171-2002/0, “Cell Culturing and Storage Systems, Devices and Methods;” The invention pertains to a closed chamber that provides an environment for long-term culture of cells such as stems cells of central nervous system

(CNS)origin, embryonic stem cells, and other cells. The chamber is designed with top and bottom mounted cover slips that permit the observation of cells in culture under an optical microscope. This chamber has the ability to control volume and pressure of liquids and gases by an inlet tube and outlet tubes at two different vertical positions. The chamber also includes a ball joint assembly that allows for the manipulation of a glass microcapillary/microelectrode to come in close contact with the developing cells. This microcapillary/microelectrode assembly can be used to either administer growth factors (e.g., monitoring growth factor levels such as BMP and CNTF) and also for electrical recording from the cells. The prospective exclusive license will be royalty bearing and will comply with the terms and conditions of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. The prospective exclusive license may be granted unless, within sixty

(60)days from the date of this published notice, NIH receives written evidence and argument that establishes that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. Properly filed competing applications for a license filed in response to this notice will be treated as objections to the contemplated license. Comments and objections submitted in response to this notice will not be made available for public inspection, and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be released under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Dated: February 10, 2006. Steven M. Ferguson, Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer. [FR Doc. E6-2360 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5037-N-08] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships: Community Design Program AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. Information provided will allow public or private accredited nonprofit institutions of higher education granting associate degrees or higher in architecture, urban planning and design, or construction to establish and operate partnerships with and for communities affect by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita or both. Information will enable HUD to select a grantee under a competitive selection process. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* March 23, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2528-0241) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Reports Management Officer, AYO, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail Lillian Deitzer at *Lillian_L_Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone

(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:

(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This Notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships: Community Design Program. *OMB Approval Number:* 2528-0241. *Form Numbers:* SF-424, SF-424-Supplement, HUD-424-CB, SF-LLL, HUD-27300, HUD-2880, HUD-96010. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* Information provided will allow public or private accredited nonprofit institutions of higher education granting associate degrees or higher in architecture, urban planning and design, or construction to establish and operate partnerships will and for communities affect by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita or both. Information will enable HUD to select a grantee under a competitive selection process. *Frequency of Submission:* Semi-annually, Annually. Reporting Burden Number of respondents × Annual responses × Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 20 2.5 44.8 2,240 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 2,240. *Status:* Extension of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: February 13, 2006. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-2358 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Safe Harbor Agreement and Application for an Enhancement of Survival Permit for the Ocelot in South Texas AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; receipt of application. SUMMARY: Environmental Defense, Inc.

(ED)(Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act

(Act)of 1973, as amended. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize the Applicant to issue certificates of inclusion under a Safe Harbor Agreement

(SHA)to private landowners who would voluntarily agree to carry out habitat improvements for the Texas ocelot subspecies ( *Leopardus pardalis albescens* ). We invite the public to review and comment on the permit application and the associated draft SHA. DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received on or before March 23, 2006. ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application, draft SHA, or other related documents may obtain a copy by written or telephone request to Robyn Cobb, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, c/o TAMU-CC, 6300 Ocean Drive, USFWS-Unit 5837, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5837 (361/994-9005). The application will also be available for public inspection, by appointment only, during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Service's Corpus Christi Office. Comments concerning the application, draft SHA, or other related documents should be submitted in writing to the Field Supervisor at the above address. Please refer to permit number TE-117030-0 when submitting comments. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become a part of the official administrative record and may be made available to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robyn Cobb at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Corpus Christi Office, c/o TAMU-CC, 6300 Ocean Drive, USFWS-Unit 5837, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5837 (361/994-9005). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ocelot was listed as endangered throughout its entire range in 1982. However, this action is proposed for the Texas ocelot subspecies, whose range included much of south, central, and east Texas, and into western Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as much of northern Mexico east of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Habitat can be characterized by dense thornscrub, including a variety of thorny, scrubby vegetation. Currently, the U.S. population of ocelots is known only from two populations in three counties. The two largest remaining habitat “islands,” Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) and a private ranch in Willacy County, support a combined total of approximately 50 to 100 ocelots. On-going threats to the ocelot include conversion of habitat to agricultural and residential development uses, vehicle strikes, disease, and genetic inbreeding. The future existence of the ocelot in south Texas will require a system of interconnected habitat blocks that support sub-populations by enabling interbreeding. The majority of land within the current range of the ocelot in South Texas is privately owned. Therefore, the participation of private landowners is critical to the recovery of this subspecies. Habitat enhancement activities could cover all, or portions of the following Texas counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Starr, and Willacy. Habitat enhancement activities could include, but are not limited to, site preparation to facilitate planting and survival of native thornscrub seedlings; planting of native thornscrub seedlings; designing, installing, and maintaining water systems to enhance seedling and sapling survival; and post-planting shredding, prescribed fire, and/or application of herbicides to enhance seedling and sapling survival. All properties to be enrolled will have a zero baseline. Zero baseline will be any property with less than 50 percent shrub and tree (combined) canopy cover. Properties that exceed 50 percent shrub and tree (combined) canopy cover that are dominated by one species (e.g., huisache ( *Acacia smalli* ) or honey mesquite ( *Prosopis glandulosa* )) may also be enrolled as zero baseline. Enrolled properties that exceed 20 acres in extent can include no more than 10 contiguous acres of optimal habitat. Tewes and Everett

(1986)classified optimal habitat as 95 percent or greater canopy cover of the shrub layer (Class A); suboptimal habitat as 75 percent to 95 percent canopy cover (Class B); and inadequate cover was 75 percent or less (Class C). We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4371 *et seq.* ), and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Geoffrey L. Haskett, Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. E6-2394 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK964-1410-HY-P; F-14844-A] Alaska Native Claims Selection AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, DOI. ACTION: Notice of decision approving lands for conveyance. SUMMARY: As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to AHTNA, Incorporated (Successor in Interest to Cantwell Yedatene Na Corporation). The lands are located in T. 18 S., R. 7 W., Fairbanks Meridian, in the vicinity of Cantwell, Alaska, and contain approximately 160 acres. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the *Fairbanks Daily News-Miner* . DATES: The time limits for filing an appeal are: 1. Any party claiming a property interest which is adversely affected by the decision shall have until March 23, 2006 to file an appeal. 2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal. Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4, subpart E, shall be deemed to have waived their rights. ADDRESSES: A copy of this decision may be obtained from: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 West Seventh Avenue, #13, Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7599. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dina Torres, by phone at

(907)271-3248, or by e-mail at *Dina_Torres@ak.blm.gov* . Persons who use a telecommunication device

(TTD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8330, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to contact Mrs. Torres. Dina L. Torres, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Adjudication II. [FR Doc. E6-2383 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK964-1410-HY-P; F-14893-B2.] Alaska Native Claims Selection AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, DOI ACTION: Notice of decision approving lands for conveyance SUMMARY: As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Mary's Igloo Native Corporation. The lands are located in T. 2 S., R. 29 W., and T. 5 S., R. 30 W., Kateel River Meridian, Alaska, in the vicinity of Mary's Igloo, Alaska, and containing 7,758.50 acres. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the *Nome Nugget.* DATES: The time limits for filing an appeal are: 1. Any party claiming a property interest which is adversely affected by the decision shall have until March 23, 2006 to file an appeal. 2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal. Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4, Subpart E, shall be deemed to have waived their rights. ADDRESSES: A copy of the decision may be obtained from: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 West Seventh Avenue, #13, Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7599. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: John Leaf, by phone at

(907)271-3283. Persons who use a telecommunication device

(TTD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8330, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to contact Mr. Leaf. John Leaf, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Adjudication II. [FR Doc. E6-2371 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK-910-1310-PP-ARAC] Notice of Call for Nominations, Elected Official for the BLM Alaska Resource Advisory Council

(RAC)AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to solicit nominations for the vacant elected official seat on the Bureau of Land Management's Alaska Resource Advisory Council. The council provides advice and recommendations to BLM on management of public lands in Alaska. DATES: Submit a completed nomination form to the address listed below no later than March 23, 2006. Nomination forms are available at *http://www.blm.gov/rac/ak/ak_index.htm* , click on “Alaska” or contact the BLM Alaska RAC coordinator listed below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danielle Allen, BLM Alaska RAC Coordinator, Office of Communications (912), Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 W. 7th Avenue #13, Anchorage, AK 99513; telephone 907-271-3335. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) (43 U.S.C. 1730) directs the Secretary of the Interior to involve the public in planning and issues related to management of lands administered by BLM. Section 309 of FLPMA directs the Secretary to select 10 to 15 member citizen-based advisory councils that are consistent with the requirements of Federal Advisory Committee Act

(FACA)(5 U.S.C. Appendix 1). Members serve without monetary compensation, but will be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses at current rates for Government employees. As required by the FACA, RAC membership must be balanced and representative of the various interests concerned with the management of the public lands. BLM regulations governing RACs are found at 43 CFR Subpart 1784. Section 309

(a)of FLPMA, which states that at least one member of the advisory council must be an elected official of general purpose government serving the people within the jurisdiction of the council. The vacant seat on the Alaska Resource Advisory Council falls in category three as described in the regulations at 43 CFR 1784.6-1

(c)(3). Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on the RAC. Nominees must be residents of Alaska. The BLM will evaluate nominees based on their education, training, and experience and their knowledge of the geographical area of the RAC. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative resource decision-making. The following must accompany all nominations: —Letters of reference from represented interests or organizations, —A completed background information nomination form, —Any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. Nomination forms are available from Danielle Allen, BLM Alaska RAC Coordinator, Office of Communications (912), Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 W. 7th Avenue #13, Anchorage, AK 99513; telephone 907-271-3335. Completed applications should be sent to the same address. Internet users may download the form from: *http://www.blm.gov/rac/ak/ak_index.htm* . Authority: 43 CFR 1784.4-1. Dated: December 27, 2005. Henri R. Bisson, State Director. [FR Doc. E6-2389 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JA-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [WO-260-09-1060-00-24 1A] Call for Nomination To Fill the Position of Public Interest for the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Call for a Nomination to fill the position of Public Interest. SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to solicit public nominations for the position representing the Public Interest (previously listed as Public at Large) on the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. The Board provides advice concerning management, protection, and control of wild free-roaming horses and burros on the public lands administered by the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, and the Department of Agriculture, through the Forest Service. DATES: Nominations should be submitted to the address listed below no later than March 31, 2006. ADDRESSES: National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, P.O. Box 12000, Reno, Nevada 89520-0006, Attn: Ramona Delorme; FAX 775-861-6618. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeff Rawson, Group Manager, Wild Horse and Burro Group,

(202)452-0379. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may contact Mr. Rawson at any time by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Nominations will be for the remainder of the vacated term representing the Public Interest category. The term of this position will be from the date of appointment until the expiration date of July 8, 2008. Any individual or organization may nominate one or more persons to serve on the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. Individuals may also nominate themselves for Board membership. All nomination letters/or resumes should include the nominees:

(1)Name, address, phone, and e-mail address if applicable;

(2)present occupation;

(3)explanation of qualifications to represent the public interest

(4)nominating organization, individual or by self; and

(5)list of endorsements by qualified individuals and/or letters of endorsement. As appropriate, certain Board members may be appointed as Special Government Employees. Special Government Employees serve on the board without compensation, and are subject to financial disclosure requirements in the Ethics in Government Act and 5 CFR 2634. Nominations are to be sent to the address listed under ADDRESSES , above. Each nominee will be considered for selection according to their ability to represent their designated constituency, analyze and interpret data and information, evaluate programs, identify problems, work collaboratively in seeking solutions and formulate and recommend corrective actions. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, members of the Board cannot be employed by either Federal or State Government. Members will serve without salary, but will be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses at current rates for Government employees. The Board will meet no less than two times annually. The Director, Bureau of Land Management may call additional meetings in connection with special needs for advice. Dated: January 25, 2006. Ed Shepard, Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning. [FR Doc. E6-2391 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-84-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ES-960-5420-M103] Notice of Application for Recordable Disclaimer of Interest, Louisiana AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: New Way Investments, Inc. has submitted an application for a recordable disclaimer of interest pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1745), and the regulations contained in 43 CFR Part 1864. A recordable disclaimer, if issued, will confirm that the United States has no valid interest in the subject lands. This notice is intended to inform the public of the pending application. DATES: A final decision on the merit of the application will not be made until 90 days after the date of publication of this notice. During the 90-day period, interested parties may submit comments on New Way Investments, Inc.'s application, with a reference to serial No. LAES 53473. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to: Theresa R. Coleman, Deputy State Director, Division of Land Resources, Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States, 7450 Boston Boulevard, Springfield, Virginia 22153. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ida V. Doup, Chief, Branch of Lands and Realty, Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States, 7450 Boston Boulevard, Springfield, Virginia 22153; 703-440-1541. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 5, 2005, New Way Investments, Inc. filed an application for disclaimer of interest for the lands described as follows: Louisiana Meridian, Louisiana beginning at the Southwest corner of Section 47, T. 4 N., R 3 W., Rapides Parish, Louisiana common with the Southeast corner of Section 36, T. 4 N., R. 4 W., Rapides Parish, Louisiana, for the point of beginning and thence proceed along the South line of Section 47, T. 4 N., R.3 W., Rapides Parish, Louisiana, as recognized by Jerry Boswell on plat of survey dated September 30, 1992, South 89 degrees 11 minutes 54 seconds East a distance of 2,206.27 feet to a point and corner; thence proceed South 00 degrees 19 minutes 26 seconds West a distance of 23.90 feet to a point on the North line of Section 6, T. 3 N., R. 3 W., as recognized by Jerry Boswell on plat of survey dated September 30, 1992, thence proceed along the North line of Section 6, T. 3 N., R. 3 W., as recognized by Jerry Boswell on plat of survey dated September 30, 1992, North 89 degrees 23 minutes 26 seconds West a distance of 2,206.31 feet to a point and corner, thence proceed North 00 degrees 28 minutes 51 seconds East a distance of 31.33 feet back to the point of beginning of the 1.40 acres tract shown on the Certificate of Survey by Jessie P. Lachney dated February 3, 2005. Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States' review of the official survey records on file indicates that the line between Townships 3 and 4 North is a line common to both section 6 and section 47. There is no indication of a gap or hiatus. As lands for section 47, Township 4 North, Range 3 West and section 6, Township 3 North, Range 3 West have been patented into private ownership, it is the opinion of this office that the Federal government no longer has an interest in this 1.40-acre parcel. The proposed recordable disclaimer of interest, if issued, will state the United States does not have a valid interest in this land. All persons who wish to present comments, suggestions, or objections, in connection with the pending application and proposed disclaimer may do so by writing to Theresa R. Coleman, Deputy State Director, Division of Land Resources, at the above address. Michael D. Nedd, State Director, Eastern States. [FR Doc. 06-1537 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am]

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