Notices. Additions to and deletion from Procurement List

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

BILLING CODE 7555-01-M COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Additions and Deletion AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Additions to and deletion from Procurement List. SUMMARY: This action adds to the Procurement List products and services to be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and delete from the Procurement List a product previously furnished by such agencies.

DATES: *Effective Date:* April 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled, Jefferson Plaza 2, Suite 10800, 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202-3259. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheryl D. Kennerly, Telephone:

(703)603-7740, Fax:

(703)603-0655, or e-mail *SKennerly @jwod.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Additions On January 27, and February 3, 2006, the Committee for Purchase From People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice (71 FR 4567, and 5809) of proposed additions to the Procurement List. After consideration of the material presented to it concerning capability of qualified nonprofit agencies to provide the products and services and impact of the additions on the current or most recent contractors, the Committee has determined that the products and services listed below are suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 46-48c and 41 CFR 51-2.4. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. The action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the products and services to the Government. 2. The action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the products and services to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the products and services proposed for addition to the Procurement List. End of Certification Accordingly, the following products and services are added to the Procurement List: Products *Product/NSNs:* Specimen Container. *NSN:* 6550-00 -NIB-0010— 1/4 turn cap, sterile. *NSN:* 6550-00 -NIB-0011— 1/4 turn cap, non-sterile. *NSN:* 6550-00 -NIB-0013—full turn cap, non-sterile. *NSN:* 6550-00 -NIB-0009— 1/4 turn cap, sterile individually wrapped. *NPA:* Alphapointe Association for the Blind, Kansas City, Missouri. *Contracting Activity:* Veterans Affairs National Acquisition Center, Hines, Illinois. Services *Service Type/Location:* Basewide Custodial Services (Remaining 51%), Naval Submarine Base New London, Box 26, Bldg. 135, Groton, Connecticut. *NPA:* CW Resources, Inc., New Britain, Connecticut. *Contracting Activity:* Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Groton, Connecticut. *Service Type/Location:* Document Destruction. NISH, Vienna, Virginia (PRIME CONTRACTOR). Performance to be allocated to the Nonprofit Agencies identified at the following locations. Internal Revenue Service, 1700 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida; 7410 South U.S. Highway One, Port St. Lucie, Florida. *NPA:* Association for Retarded Citizens of Indian River County, Vero Beach, Florida. Internal Revenue Service, 2891 Center Point Drive, Fort Myers, Florida; 2201 Cantu Court, Sarasota, Florida; 300 Lock Road, Deerfield Beach, Florida; 51 SW. First Avenue, Miami, Florida; 7850 SW. 6th Court, Plantation, Florida; Royal Palm One, Suite 340, 1000 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, Florida. *NPA:* Goodwill Industries of South Florida, Inc., Miami, Florida. *Contracting Activity:* U.S. Treasury, IRS, Chamblee, Georgia. Deletion On January 27, 2006, the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice (71 FR 4567) of proposed deletion to the Procurement List. After consideration of the relevant matter presented, the Committee has determined that the product listed below is no longer suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 46-48c and 41 CFR 51-2.4. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. The action may result in additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities. 2. The action may result in authorizing small entities to furnish the product to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the product deleted from the Procurement List. End of Certification Accordingly, the following product is deleted from the Procurement List: Product *Product/NSN:* Cloth, Abrasive. *NSN:* 5350-00-187-6296—Cloth, Abrasive. *NPA:* Louisiana Association for the Blind, Shreveport, Louisiana. *Contracting Activity:* GSA, Southwest Supply Center, Fort Worth, Texas. G. John Heyer, General Counsel. [FR Doc. E6-4691 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353-01-P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Proposed Deletions AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Proposed Deletions from Procurement List. SUMMARY: The Committee is proposing to delete a product and services previously furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. *Comments Must be Received on or Before:* April 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, Jefferson Plaza 2, Suite 10800, 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia, 22202-3259. *For Further Information or to Submit Comments Contact:* Sheryl D. Kennerly, Telephone:

(703)603-7740, Fax:

(703)603-0655, or e-mail *SKennerly @jwod.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C 47(a)

(2)and 41 CFR 51-2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. Deletions Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. If approved, the action may result in additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities. 2. If approved, the action may result in authorizing small entities to furnish the product and services to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the product and services proposed for deletion from the Procurement List. End of Certification The following products and services are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Product *PRODUCT/NSN:* Computer Accessories. *NSN:* 7045-01-483-7838—Comfort Wrist Mouse Pad. *NPA:* Wiscraft Inc.—Wisconsin Enterprises for the Blind, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. *Contracting Activity:* Office Supplies & Paper Products Acquisition Center, New York, NY. Services *Service Type/Location:* Base Supply Center, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. *NPA:* San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, San Antonio, Texas. *Contracting Activity:* Department of the Air Force. *Service Type/Location:* Base Supply Center, Defense Supply Service—Washington, Skyline #3, 5109 Leesburg Pike, Alexandria, Virginia. *NPA:* Virginia Industries for the Blind, Charlottesville, Virginia. *Contracting Activity:* Defense Supply Service, Washington DC. *Service Type/Location:* Food Service, U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Military Academy, 90 S 10th Avenue, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. *NPA:* Challenge Unlimited, Inc., Alton, Illinois. *Contracting Activity:* U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for Wisconsin, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. G. John Heyer, General Counsel. [FR Doc. E6-4692 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353-01-P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting of the Montana Advisory Committee Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, that a meeting of the Montana State Advisory Committee will convene at 6 p.m.

(MST)and adjourn at 9 p.m. (MST), Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at the Holiday Inn Parkside, 200 S. Pattee St., Missoula, Montana 59802. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct orientation for new advisory committee members; provide an overview of the USCCR including recent Commission activities and new policies affecting Advisory Committees; facilitate a briefing on regional project “Confronting Discrimination in Reservation Border Town Communities” in Montana; and planning through December 2006. Persons desiring additional information, or planning a presentation to the Committee, should contact John F. Dulles, Director of the Rocky Mountain Regional Office,

(303)866-1040 (TDD 303-866-1049). Hearing-impaired persons who will attend the meeting and require the services of a sign language interpreter should contact the Regional Office at least ten

(10)working days before the scheduled date of the meeting. The meeting will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the Commission. It was not possible to publish this notice 15 days in advance of the meeting date because of internal processing delays. Dated at Washington, DC, March 23, 2006. Ivy L. Davis, Chief, Regional Programs Coordination Unit. [FR Doc. E6-4687 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6335-01-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket No.: 060321082-6082-01] NIST Electron and Optical Physics Division, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology

(CNST)Financial Assistance Program; Availability of Funds AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology

(NIST)announces that the NIST Electron and Optical Physics Division, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology

(CNST)Financial Assistance Program is soliciting applications for financial assistance for FY 2006. The primary program objectives of the financial assistance program in Nanoscale Science and Technology is to develop new measurement methods, instrumentation and standards for nanotechnology and explore new areas of nanoscale science and technology in a variety of areas; to assist and train CNST collaborators and nanofabrication facility users in their research; and to conduct other outreach and educational activities that advance the development of nanotechnology by U.S. university and industrial scientists. DATES: Complete applications, paper and electronic, must be received by 5 p.m., eastern standard time on April 24, 2006. ADDRESSES: One signed original and two paper copies of complete paper applications must be submitted to Barbara Coalmon, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Electron and Optical Physics Division, Mail Stop 8412, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8412. Electronic applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For complete information about this program and instructions for applying by paper or electronically, read the Federal Funding Opportunity Notice

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

(301)975-6328. Technical questions should be addressed to Dr. Robert Celotta at National Institute of Standards and Technology, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Electron and Optical Physics Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8412, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8412, Tel:

(301)975-3710, E-mail: *Robert.Celotta@nist.gov.* The CNST Web site is: *http://www.physics.nist.gov/cnst.* All grants related administration questions concerning this program should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants and Agreements Management Division at

(301)975-6328 or *joyce.brigham@nist.gov.* For assistance with using *Grants.gov contact support@grants.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name And Number:* Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards—11.609 *Program Description:* The primary program objectives of the financial assistance program in Nanoscale Science and Technology are to develop new measurement methods, instrumentation and standards for nanotechnology and explore new areas of nanoscale science and technology in a variety of areas including nanofabrication, nanomagnetics, theory and modeling, post-complementary metal oxide semiconductor electronics, nano-electro mechanical systems, nanomotion and nanomanipulation, merging length scales, 2-D and 3-D structural and chemical imaging, electrical and magnetic dynamical response of nanostructures, electrical characterization of nanostructures, nanoscale properties of soft matter, neutron scattering determination of nanoscale properties, nanobiology, and nanomedicine; to assist and train CNST collaborators and nanofabrication facility users in their research; and to conduct other outreach and educational activities that advance the development of nanotechnology by U.S. university and industrial scientists. This will entail collaborative research among the selected financial assistance recipients and CNST staff scientists and visiting scientists to advance these objectives, primarily at CNST's Nanofab, a national user facility for nanoscale science and technology that is described on the Web site cnst.nist.gov. Applicants and team members must possess the education, experience, and training, to pursue and advance the field of Nanoscale Science and Technology efficiently. In addition, the applicant and team members must possess a demonstrated record of excellence in the development of measurement methods, instrumentation or standards for nanotechnology and in nanotechnology research. Additional information on the CNST can be found at: *http://www.physics.nist.gov/cnst.* *Funding Availability:* Proposals will be considered for cooperative agreements with durations of up to five years, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and the continuing relevance to the objectives of the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology of the Electron and Optical Physics Division. The anticipated level of funding is up to $1,500,000 per year and one or more awards may be approved. Between one and five awards are likely. NIST will give preference to full-scope proposals. However applicants may choose to submit proposals that are limited to specific program objectives and request an appropriate portion of the total amount available. NIST will determine whether to fund one award for the full amount; to divide available funds into multiple awards of any size, and negotiate scopes of work and budgets as appropriate; or not to select any proposal for funding, upon completing the selection process described in this notice. Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c). *Eligibility:* The CNST Financial Assistance Program is open to U.S. institutions of higher education. *Cost Sharing:* There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for the program. *Review and Selection Process:* All applications received in response to this announcement will be reviewed to determine whether or not they are complete and responsive to the scope of the stated program objectives. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will not be reviewed for technical merit. The Program will retain one copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. Responsive proposals will be reviewed by at least four independent, objective individuals who are knowledgeable about nanoscale science and technology research, nanofabrication, and nanotechnology measurement and instrumentation. These individuals will conduct a technical review of proposals based on the evaluation criteria listed below. If non-Federal reviewers are used, any advice provided will be on an individual basis, not as a consensus. The Physics Laboratory Deputy Director, serving as the Selection Official, will make the award selection. In making the award selection, the Physics Laboratory Deputy Director will take into consideration the reviewers' technical evaluations. The Physics Laboratory Deputy Director, as the selecting official, may choose a proposal out of rank order based upon one or more of the following factors:

(1)Availability of funds,

(2)Redundancy,

(3)Balance/distribution of funds by research areas described above in the Program description of this Notice,

(4)Program objectives described above in the Program Description section of this Notice,

(5)Logistical concerns, and

(6)Preference for full-scope proposals. If an award is made to an applicant that deviates from the scores of the reviewers, the Physics Laboratory Deputy Director shall justify the selection in writing based on selection factors described above. The Physics Laboratory Deputy Director may select all, none, or some of the applications for funding. The final approval of selected applications and award of financial assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The award decision of the Grants Officer is final. Applicants should allow up to 90 days processing time. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The Program will retain one copy of each unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. Evaluation Criteria: For the Electron and Optical Physics Division—CNST Financial Assistance Program, the technical reviewers will use the following criteria to evaluate the proposals: 1. Qualifications and experience of the Principal Investigator in nanotechnology research, as demonstrated by extensive publications and invited lectures in condensed matter physics, chemistry, material science, macromolecular science or related fields. (25%). 2. Qualifications and experience of the proposed university staff in nanotechnology research or in related scientific or engineering areas that are key to the activities contained in the proposal, as demonstrated by resumes of staff proposed for this program. (10%). 3. Quality of the proposed research and development plan and its potential impact on nanoscale science and technology. (20%). 4. Quality of the plan in terms of providing research assistance to U.S. nanotechnology researchers using the CNST facilities, including related training, education, and outreach. (30%). 5. Quality of the plan to integrate university staff effectively into the activities of the CNST facility, including establishing robust communications between the university and the CNST. (10%). 6. Cost effectiveness of the plan. (5%). *Additional Information:* *The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements:* The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389). On the form SF-424, the applicant's 9-digit Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)number must be entered in the Applicant Identifier block (68 FR 38402). *Collaborations with NIST Employees:* All applications should include a description of any work proposed to be performed by an entity other than the applicant, and the cost of such work should ordinarily be included in the budget. If an applicant proposes collaboration with NIST, the statement of work should include a statement of this intention, a description of the collaboration, and prominently identify the NIST employee(s) involved, if known. Any collaboration by a NIST employee must be approved by appropriate NIST management and is at the sole discretion of NIST. Prior to beginning the merit review process, NIST will verify the approval of the proposed collaboration. Any unapproved collaboration will be stricken from the proposal prior to the merit review. *Use of NIST Intellectual Property:* If the applicant anticipates using any NIST-owned intellectual property to carry out the work proposed, the applicant should identify such intellectual property. This information will be used to ensure that no NIST employee involved in the development of the intellectual property will participate in the review process for that competition. In addition, if the applicant intends to use NIST-owned intellectual property, the applicant must comply with all statutes and regulations governing the licensing of Federal government patents and inventions, described at 35 U.S.C. sec. 200-212, 37 CFR part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in section 20 of the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements, published on December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389). Questions about these requirements may be directed to the Counsel for NIST, 301-975-2803. Any use of NIST-owned intellectual property by a proposer is at the sole discretion of NIST and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis if a project is deemed meritorious. The applicant should indicate within the statement of work whether it already has a license to use such intellectual property or whether it intends to seek one. If any inventions made in whole or in part by a NIST employee arise in the course of an award made pursuant to this notice, the United States government may retain its ownership rights in any such invention. Licensing or other disposition of NIST's rights in such inventions will be determined solely by NIST, and include the possibility of NIST putting the intellectual property into the public domain. *Initial Screening of all Applications:* All applications received in response to this announcement will be reviewed to determine whether or not they are complete and responsive to the scope of the stated objectives for each program. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will not be reviewed for technical merit. The Program will retain one copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. *Paperwork Reduction Act:* The standard forms in the application kit involve a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)under the respective Control Numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. *Research Projects Involving Human Subjects, Human Tissue, Data or Recordings Involving Human Subjects:* Any proposal that includes research involving human subjects, human tissue, data or recordings involving human subjects must meet the requirements of the Common Rule for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified for the Department of Commerce at 15 CFR part 27. In addition, any proposal that includes research on these topics must be in compliance with any statutory requirements imposed upon the Department of Health and Human Services

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

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

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

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

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

(2)the embryo from which the stem cell line was derived no longer had the possibility of development as a human being. NIST will follow guidance issued by the National Institutes of Health at *http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/humansubjects/guidance/stemcell.pdf* for funding such research. *Research Projects Involving Vertebrate Animals:* Any proposal that includes research involving vertebrate animals must be in compliance with the National Research Council's “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” which can be obtained from National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20055. In addition, such proposals must meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 *et seq.* ), 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3, and if appropriate, 21 CFR part 58. These regulations do not apply to proposed research using pre-existing images of animals or to research plans that do not include live animals that are being cared for, euthanized, or used by the project participants to accomplish research goals, teaching, or testing. These regulations also do not apply to obtaining animal materials from commercial processors of animal products or to animal cell lines or tissues from tissue banks. *Limitation of Liability:* In no event will the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige the agency to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. *Executive Order 12866:* This funding notice was determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. *Executive Order 13132 (Federalism):* It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. *Executive Order 12372:* Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” *Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act:* Notice and comment are not required under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) or any other law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553 (a)). Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. Dated: March 23, 2006. Hratch G. Semerjian, Deputy Director. [FR Doc. E6-4723 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-13-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket No. 050601149-5323-02] Announcing Approval of Federal Information Processing Standard

(FIPS)200, Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information and Information Systems AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the Secretary of Commerce's approval of Federal Information Processing Standard

(FIPS)200, Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information and Information Systems. The use of FIPS 200 is compulsory and binding on federal agencies for:

(i)All information within the federal government other than that information that has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 12958, as amended by Executive Order 13292, or any predecessor order, or by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, to require protection against unauthorized disclosure and is marked to indicate its classified status; and

(ii)all federal information systems other than those information systems designated as national security systems as defined in 44 United States Code Section 3542(b)(2). FIPS 200 was developed to complement similar standards for national security systems. DATES: This standard is effective March 31, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Ron Ross, Computer Security Division, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930, telephone

(301)975-5390, e-mail: *ron.ross@nist.gov.* A copy of FIPS 200 is available electronically from the NIST Web site at: *http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requires all federal agencies to develop, document and implement agency-wide information security programs and to provide information security for the information and information systems that support the operations and assets of the agency, including those systems provided or managed by another agency, contractor, or other source. To support agencies conducting their information security program, the FISMA called for NIST to develop federal standards for the security categorization of federal information and information systems according to risk levels, and four minimum security requirements for information and information systems in each security category. FIPS 199, Standards for the Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems, issued in February 2004, was the first standard that was specified by the FISMA. FIPS 199 requires agencies to categorize their information and information systems as low-impact, moderate-impact, or high impact for the security objectives of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. FIPS 200, which is the second standard that was specified by the FISMA, is an integral part of the risk management framework that NIST has developed to assist federal agencies in providing appropriate levels of information security based on levels of risk. In applying the provisions of FIPS 200, agencies will categorize their systems as required by FIPS 199, and then select an appropriate set of security controls from NIST Special Publication 800-53, Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems, to satisfy their minimum security requirements. On July 15, 2005, a notice was published in the **Federal Register** (Volume 70, Number 135, 40983-40984) announcing proposed FIPS 200 and soliciting comments on the proposed standard from the public, research communities, manufacturers, voluntary standards organizations, and federal, state, and local government organizations. In addition to being published in the **Federal Register** , the notice was posted on the NIST web pages. Information was provided about the submission of electronic comments. Comments, responses, and questions were received from 13 private sector organizations, groups, or individuals and from 14 federal government organizations. Most of the comments that were received recommended editorial changes; suggested the addition of references; provided general comments concerning the standard and its implementation; and asked questions concerning the implementation of the standard and the use of waivers. Some of the comments expressed concurrence with the standard as proposed, supported the intent, goals, and presentation of the standard, and complimented NIST on the document. No comments opposed the adoption of the standard. The primary interests and issues that were raised in the comments included: Time needed for implementation; inclusion of waiver provisions; inclusion of additional references; rearrangement and indexing of the text; addition of text and implementation details already available in other NIST publications; and expansion of definitions. All of the editorial suggestions and recommendations were carefully reviewed, and changes were made to the standard where appropriate. The text of the standard, the terms and definitions listed in the standard, the references and the footnotes were modified as needed. Following is an analysis of the major editorial, implementation and related comments that were received. *Comment:* Some comments recommended changing the requirement that federal agencies must be in compliance with the standard not later than one year from its effective date. The recommendations received suggested both lengthening the time for compliance because of concerns about the cost of implementing the standard within budget constraints, and shortening the time for compliance to achieve improved security. *Response:* NIST believes that the requirement for compliance not later than one year from effective date of the standard is reasonable, and that no changes are needed to either prolong or shorten the time for compliance with the standard. *Comment:* A federal agency recommended that a provision be added to the standard to enable federal agencies to waive the standard when they lack sufficient resources to comply by the deadline. *Response:* The Federal Information Security Management Act contains no provisions for agency waivers to standards. The FISMA states that information security standards, which provide minimum information security requirements and which are needed to improve the security of federal information and information systems, are required mandatory standards. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to make information security standards compulsory and binding, and these standards may not be waived. *Comment:* Comments were received about regrouping or indexing the seventeen security areas covered by the standard. FIPS 200 specifies minimum security requirements for federal information and information systems in seventeen security-related areas. *Response:* NIST believes that indexing would be confusing and would add unnecessary complexity to the standard. The seventeen areas that are defined in the standard represent a broad-based, balanced information security program. The areas, which address the management, operational, and technical aspects of protecting federal information and information systems, are concise and do not require indexing. *Comment:* One federal agency recommended that the standard specify a time period for retaining audit records. *Response:* NIST believes that requirements about retention of audit records should be defined by agencies, and should not be specified in the standard. *Comment:* Several comments suggested additions and changes to the standard concerning risk management procedures, audit controls, baseline security controls, and risks introduced by new technologies. *Response:* A section of the proposed FIPS 200 covering these topics has been removed from the final version of the standard, and these comments will be considered when NIST Special Publication

(SP)800-53, Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems, is updated. FIPS 200 specifies that federal agencies use SP 800-53 to select security controls that meet the minimum security requirements in the seventeen security-related areas. The security controls in SP 800-53 represent the current state-of-the-practice safeguards and countermeasures for information systems. NIST plans to review these security controls at least annually and to propose any changes needed to respond to experience gained from using the controls, changing security requirements within federal agencies, and new security technologies. Any changes or additions to the minimum security controls and the security control baselines described in SP 800-53 will be made available for public review before any modifications are made. Federal agencies will have up to one year from the date of the final publication to comply with the changes. *Comment:* Some comments suggested the inclusion of expanded definitions for terms such as systems, major applications, and general support systems. *Response:* NIST is adhering to the definition of system used in the Federal Information Security Management Act, and believes that attempts to further define these terms and to make distinctions between systems and applications may be confusing. *Comment:* One federal agency asked about the security issues related to the use of computerized medical devices. Another commenter asked about inclusion of information on training and certification of information technology professionals. *Response:* The issue of computerized medical devices may need to be addressed, but FIPS 200 is not the appropriate document. The issues of training information and the certification of information technology professionals are also outside the scope of FIPS 200. Authority: Federal Information Processing Standards

(FIPS)are issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology after approval by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Section 5131 of the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-106) and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-347). E.O. 12866: This notice has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of E.O. 12866. Dated: March 23, 2006. William Jeffrey, Director. [FR Doc. E6-4720 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-CN-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology RIN 0693-AB56 [Docket No. 050825229-5308-02] Announcing Approval of Federal Information Processing Standard

(FIPS)Publication 201-1, Standard for Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the Secretary of Commerce's approval of Federal Information Processing Standard

(FIPS)Publication 201-1, Standard for Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors. The changes to Section 2.2, PIV Identify Proofing and Registration Requirements, Section 4.3, Cryptographic Specifications, Section 5.2, PIV Identity Proofing and Registration Requirements, and to Section 5.3.1, PIV Card Issuance, clarify the identity proofing and registration process that departments and agencies should follow when issuing identity credentials. These changes are needed to make FIPS 201-1 consistent with the Memorandum for All Departments and Agencies (M-05-24), issued by the Office of Management and Budget on August 5, 2005, Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive

(HSPD)12—Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors. DATES: The approved changes are effective as of March 31, 2006. ADDRESSES: The approved changes to FIPS Publication 201-1 are available electronically from the NIST Web site at: *http://csrc.nist.gov/piv-program/.* Comments that were received on the proposed changes will also be published electronically at *http://csrc.nist.gov/piv-program/.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: W. Curtis Barker,

(301)975-8443, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, STOP 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930, e-mail: *wbarker@nist.gov.* Information about FIPS 201-1 and the PIV program is available on the NIST Web pages: *http://csrc.nist.gov/piv-program/.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A **Federal Register** notice (70 FR 17975-78) on April 8, 2005, announced that the Secretary of Commerce had approved FIPS Publication 201, Standard for Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors. HSPD 12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, dated August 27, 2004, directed the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate, by February 27, 2005, a Government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification to be issued to Federal government employees and contractors (including contractor employees). FIPS 201 was effective on February 25, 2005, and was made compulsory and binding on Federal agencies for use in issuing a secure and reliable form of personal identification to employees and contractors. The standard does not apply to personal identification associated with national security systems as defined by 44 U.S.C. 3542(b)(2). A notice was published in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 53346-47) on September 8, 2005, announcing the proposed changes to FIPS 201. The primary goal for the changes are to make FIPS 201-1 consistent with the Memorandum for All Departments and Agencies (M-05-24), issued by the Office of Management and Budget on August 5, 2005, Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive

(HSPD)12—Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors. The **Federal Register** notice solicited comments on the draft standard from the public, research communities, manufacturers, voluntary standards organizations, and Federal, State, and local government organizations. In addition to being published in the **Federal Register** , the notice was posted on the NIST Web pages. Information was provided about the submission of electronic comments and an electronic template for the submission of comments was made available. Comments, responses, and questions were received from private sector organizations, groups, or individuals, and Federal government organizations. These comments have all been made available by NIST at *http://csrc.nist.gov/piv-program/.* Following is an analysis of the comments received, including the interests, concerns, recommendations, and issues considered in the development of FIPS 201-1. *Comment:* The requirement to include electronically distinguishable NACI indicator in the identity credential should apply to PIV-II only. *Response:* NIST agrees that the NACI indicator does not apply to PIV-1. Moved this requirement to Section 5.2 of FIPS 201-1. *Comment:* The exact nature of the electronically distinguishable feature must be defined to ensure adequate interoperability. *Response:* NIST specified implementation of the NACI Interim Indicator in the PIV Authentication certificate and updated Section 4.3, Section 5.4.2.1, and the PIV Certificate definition Appendix. Specifically, the Interim Indicator shall be implemented as a non-critical private extension in the PIV Authentication certificate. *Comment:* Agencies do not support 5-day waiting period for the completion of the NAC. Agencies strongly disagree with the requirement for the NAC completion prior to an employee or contractor receiving a credential or access to federally controlled facilities or logical access to federally controlled information system. Moreover, agencies believed that the NAC results will not be received within five days in a majority of the cases. In that regard, the agency leadership must delay the hiring process for five additional days with no concomitant security benefit. *Response:* NIST removed specific waiting period and NAC without written inquiries as a qualifier in Section 2.2 of FIPS 201-1. The five-day waiting period did introduce artificial delay in the routine card issuance. As a result, pending receipt of the results of the NACI, an agency may issue an identity credential based on the FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check). *Comment:* Agencies do not support the inclusion of a NACI indicator within the identity credential. Agencies believe this requirement will be costly to implement because the requirement would require facilities to alter or replace the identity credential when the NAC is complete. They recommend further analysis regarding the intended use, CONOPS, and benefits for this distinguishable element within the identity credential is required before their acceptance. *Response:* This requirement is imposed to be consistent with the OMB memorandum M-05-24. The NACI indicator relays the rigor of identity proofing completed on the PIV cardholder when the card was issued. The relying parties, such as federal agencies, may require NACI completion to allow access to their resources. The NACI indicator will enable agencies to make an informed decision about the cardholders binding to the identity credentials. Authority: In accordance with the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-106) and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-347), the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to approve Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Homeland Security Presidential Directive

(HSPD)12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, dated August 27, 2004, directed the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate, by February 27, 2005, a Government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification to be issued to Federal government employees and contractors. E.O. 12866: This notice has been determined to be significant for the purposes of E.O. 12866. Dated: March 23, 2006. William Jeffrey, Director. [FR Doc. E6-4722 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-CN-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 032306B] International Whaling Commission; 58 th Annual Meeting; Announcement of Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces the date and location of the public meeting being held prior to the 58 th annual International Whaling Commission

(IWC)meeting. DATES: The public meeting will be held May 5, 2006, at 10 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the NOAA Science Center Room, 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri McCarty, 301-713-9090, extension 183. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary of Commerce is charged with the responsibility of discharging the obligations of the United States under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, 1946. The U.S. Commissioner has primary responsibility for the preparation and negotiation of U.S. positions on international issues concerning whaling and for all matters involving the IWC. He is staffed by the Department of Commerce and assisted by the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, Marine Mammal Commission, and by other agencies. Once the draft agenda for the annual IWC meeting is completed, it will be posted on the IWC Secretariat's Web site at *http://www.iwcoffice.org* . Each year NOAA holds a meeting prior to the annual IWC meeting to discuss the tentative U.S. positions for the upcoming IWC meeting. Because the meeting discusses U.S. positions, the substance of the meeting must be kept confidential. Any U.S. citizen with an identifiable interest in U.S. whale conservation policy may participate, but NOAA reserves the authority to inquire about the interests of any person who appears at a meeting and to determine the appropriateness of that person's participation. Persons who represent foreign interests may not attend. These stringent measures are necessary to protect the confidentiality of U.S. negotiating positions and are a necessary basis for the relatively open process of preparing for IWC meetings. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the NOAA Science Center Room, 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Photo identification is required to enter the building. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Cheri McCarty, 301-713-9090 by April 28, 2006. Dated: March 27, 2006. William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-4719 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 032406C] Endangered Species; File No. 1540 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for modification of a scientific research permit. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Marine Resources Division, P.O. Box 12559, Charleston, S.C. 29422-2559, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1540. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before May 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: The modification request and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713-2289; fax (301)427-2521; and Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727)824-5312; fax (727)824-5309. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this request should be submitted to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this particular modification request would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301)427-2521, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for providing email comments is *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov* . Include in the subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: File No. 1540. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Swails or Patrick Opay, (301)713-2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject modification to Permit No. 1540, issued on February 6, 2006 (71 FR 7019) is requested under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ) and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226). Permit No. 1540 currently authorizes the permit holder to study loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley ( *Lepidochelys kempii* ), green ( *Chelonia mydas* ), leatherback ( *Dermochelys coriacea* ), and hawksbill ( *Eretmochelys imbricata* ) sea turtles. The purpose of the research is to continue to document in-water relative abundances, size distributions, sex ratios, genetic contributions, and the health of sea turtles in coastal waters in the southeastern U.S. SCDNR is authorized to capture 146 loggerhead, 48 Kemp's ridley, 15 green, 1 leatherback, and 3 hawksbill sea turtles, during the first year of the permit's five- year period. The permit authorizes research on up to 346 loggerhead, 48 Kemp's ridley, 15 green, 1 leatherback, and 3 hawksbill sea turtles annually for the remaining four-years. Turtles are captured by trawls, handled, blood sampled, measured, flipper and PIT tagged, photographed, and released. A subsample of animals have barnacles and keratin removed from their shell, have cloacal samples taken, have laparoscopic and ultrasound exams, and have satellite transmitters attached. Up to 7 loggerhead and 1 leatherback may potentially be taken as accidental mortalities over the course of the entire permit. Additionally, up to 5 Kemp's ridley, green, or hawksbill sea turtles (combined total but no more than two of any given species) may potentially be taken as accidental mortalities over the course of the entire permit. The permit is issued for 5 years. The permit holder requests a modification to the permit that would allow skin biopsy sampling of 125 loggerhead sea turtles. Fifty adult male sea turtles would be sampled offshore of Cape Canaveral, FL and 75 sub-adult sea turtles would be sampled off Charleston, SC. The goal of the additional research would be to assess the potential diversity of diets and foraging habits of loggerheads in the Southeastern United States. Dated: March 27, 2006. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-4729 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [OMB Control No. 9000-0130] Federal Acquisition Regulation;Submission for OMB Review; Buy American Act—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Notice of request for an extension to an existing OMB clearance (9000-0130). SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR)Secretariat has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning Buy American Act—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate. A request for public comments was published in the **Federal Register** at 71 FR 3826 on January 24, 2006. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Submit comments on or before May 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: FAR Desk Officer, OMB, Room 10102, NEOB, Washington, DC 20503, and a copy to the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (VIR), 1800 F Street, NW, Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mr. William Clark, Contract Policy Division, GSA,

(202)219-1813. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Purpose Under the Free Trade Agreements Act of 1979, unless specifically exempted by statute or regulation, agencies are required to evaluate offers over a certain dollar limitation to supply an eligible product without regard to the restrictions of the Buy American Act or the Balance of Payments program. Offerors identify excluded end products and FTA end products on this certificate. The contracting officer uses the information to identify the offered items which are domestic and FTA country end products so as to give these products a preference during the evaluation of offers. Items having components of unknown origin are considered to have been mined, produced, or manufactured outside the United States. B. Annual Reporting Burden *Respondents:* 1,140. *Responses Per Respondent:* 5. *Annual Responses:* 5,700. *Hours Per Response:* .117. *Total Burden Hours:* 666. *OBTAINING COPIES OF PROPOSALS:* Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (VIR), Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405, telephone

(202)501-4755. Please cite OMB Control Number 9000-0130, Buy American Act—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate, in all correspondence. Dated: March 28, 2006. Gerald Zaffos, Director, Contract Policy Division. [FR Doc. 06-3112 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am]

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