Notices. Notice

18,859 words·~86 min read·/register/2006/09/19/06-7741

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

BILLING CODE 3125-W6-P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 *et seq.* ) (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR Part 225), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a bank holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a bank or bank holding company and all of the banks and nonbanking companies owned by the bank holding company, including the companies listed below.

The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The application also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 4 of the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1843).

Unless otherwise noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Additional information on all bank holding companies may be obtained from the National Information Center website at *www.ffiec.gov/nic/* . Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than October 13, 2006. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond** (A. Linwood Gill, III, Vice President) 701 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23261-4528: *1.

RBC Centura Banks, Inc.,* , Raleigh, North Carolina, and its parent companies, Royal Bank of Canada, Montreal, Quebec; Royal Bank Holding Inc., Toronto, Ontario; RBC Holdings

(USA)Inc., New York, New York; RBC USA Holdco Corporation, New York, New York; RBC Holdings (Delaware) Inc., Wilmington, Delaware; Prism Financial Corporation, Chicago, Illinois; and FLAG Acquisition Sub, Inc., Rocky Mount, North Carolina; to acquire 100 percent of the voting shares of FLAG Financial Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, and thereby indirectly acquire FLAG Bank, Atlanta, Georgia. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, September 14, 2006. Robert deV. Frierson, Deputy Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E6-15549 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION SES Performance Review Board AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the appointment of members to the FTC Performance Review Board. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgia Koliopoulos, Director of Human Resources, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580,

(202)326-2364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Publication of the Performance Review Board

(PRB)membership is required by 5 U.S.C. 4314(c)(4). The PRB reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior executive's performance by the supervisor, and makes recommendations regarding performance ratings, performance awards, and pay-for-performance pay adjustments to the Chairman. The following individuals have been designated to serve on the Commission's Performance Review Board: Charles H. Schneider, Executive Director, Chairman; Jeffrey Schmidt, Director, Bureau of Competition; Lydia B. Parnes, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection; William Blumenthal, General Counsel; Pauline M. Ippolito, Associate Director, Bureau of Economics. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-15541 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Announcement of Availability of Funds for Cooperative Agreement To Provide Technical Assistance and Support to the Afghan Ministry of Public Health

(MOPH)in Strengthening the Management of the Women's and Children's Hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan AGENCY: Office of Global Health Affairs, Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ACTION: Notice. *Announcement Type:* Single Eligibility—FY 2006 Initial Announcement. *Funding Opportunity Number:* OGHA 06-025. *GSA Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance:* 93.017. KEY DATES: September 19, 2006, Application Availability. September 26, 2006, Optional Letter of Intent due by 5 p.m. e.t. October 4, 2006, Applications due by 5 p.m. e.t. SUMMARY: In partnership with the Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the Office of Global Health Affairs

(OGHA)within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces that up to $1,750,000 in Fiscal Year

(FY)2006 funds is available for ONE

(1)cooperative agreement to provide support as a single-source performance-based cooperative agreement to provide the Afghan MOPH with direct support for the development of a regional network of Maternal-Child Care including community health centers, polyclinics and secondary and tertiary hospitals in Kabul for the purpose of coordinating planning and program development. The primary goal of this project is to improve the quality of care at women's and children's health institutions in Afghanistan. HHS/OGHA anticipates substantial HHS scientific and programmatic involvement in the administration of the quality-improvement program. The project will be for a program period of three

(3)years, and individual budget periods of one

(1)year, for a total of $1,750,000. I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority: Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2006, Title II, Pub. L. No. 109-149, 119 Stat. 2833, 2844

(2005)and section 103(a)(4)(H) of the Afghan Freedom Support Act , 2002, Pub. L. 107-327, 116 Stat. 2797. Purposes of the Agreement HHS, in partnership with other relevant U.S. Government departments and agencies, anticipates involvement in the development, administration and oversight of this program to improve hospital-management capacity within the Afghan MOPH. The program will be for a program period of three

(3)years and individual budget periods of one

(1)year. Approximately a total of $1,750,000 will be available for the three-year program period. This cooperative agreement complements and builds upon the work of the Afghan MOPH Hospital Management Task Force

(HMTF)and its efforts to implement the Essential Package of Hospital Services

(EPHS)and the recommendations of the Joint U. S. Government/Afghan MOPH health-facility management planning team, as outlined above. Implementation and adherence to recognized evidence-based health-care and facility-management standards will be essential elements of a successful proposal. The primary goal of this project is to organize and establish a seamless and sustainable integration system for the delivery of the full range of quality prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum care, including health promotion, prevention, maintenance and professional care for pregnant women and their neonates. While this agreement is focused on Kabul, the Afghan MOPH has the ultimate goal of implementing this model in other Provinces. The integration will promote a two-way referral system to originate and end at the community level in the Comprehensive Health Centers and Polyclinics, with appropriate care provided at the secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals in Afghanistan. This system will ensure the provision of the continuum of care in Kabul, including ambulatory care, acute care, and possibly home care and home visits. A second goal is to ensure that care at the horizontal level is also appropriate, and that a workable and effective linkage exists between the maternity, newborn and pediatric secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals. A third goal is to develop an interface between public central, regional and local health systems and the emerging private-sector health sector. A fourth goal is to develop a mechanism whereby there is a rationalization method that provides for the sharing of care, the consolidation and coordination of clinical care and the joint planning for the future development of maternal, neonate and pediatric care within Kabul City. In consultation with OGHA, the Afghan MOPH will set the vision and direction for the health system, will outline the priorities, will create the policies to achieve the vision, and will play the oversight role in both the public and private sectors. The award recipient will design and implement a formal work plan. This three-year plan will do the following: • Develop a model for specialized tertiary care in maternal, neonate, and infant care that details the clinical, diagnostic interventions to be provided for high-risk and low-risk maternity, neonate and infant patients; • Develop a model for tertiary care for children that details the clinical and diagnostic interventions to be provided for infant and child patients and provides supportive supervision in Kabul; • Identify the administrative and support services; • List and justify the procurement of essential equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals; • Develop a system for equipment management and training; • Examine the feasibility for sharing of support services, including blood bank, pharmacy and laboratory; • Establish a business plan for group-purchasing activities, with projected cost savings; • Assess the clinical and management training needs of personnel to establish and sustain high-quality care; • Assess competency and train community health workers for the provision of basic care and community-awareness activities; • Evaluate the feasibility of cooperative education planning within health-care institutions, and universities and the Institute for Health Sciences in Kabul; • Develop vertical and horizontal referral systems, including protocols and procedures with all appropriate health-care facilities in Kabul to advance the integration of basic, secondary and tertiary specialized care; • Plan the logistical system needed for rapid response, including transport and communication; • Plan for development and implementation of a Regional Health Information System in Afghanistan for ensuring vital records and the data management of routine and non-routine maternal-child monitoring-and-evaluation information; • Identify methods to increase community input into the overall oversight of the hospitals; • Plan for the development and management of a community advocacy program through the media; • Create a monitoring-and-evaluation plan for incorporating and implementing standards of care for best practices at all community health centers, polyclinics and secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals in Kabul; • Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all required elements and conditions, including outcome measures for effectiveness and efficiency; and • Create a 24-hour service for ensuring access to appropriate care in Kabul. The Afghan MOPH will be responsible for preparing any sub-recipient request for application (RFA), conducting the RFA announcement and competition process, awarding the grant(s) and monitoring the grant(s) performance. II. Award Information The administrative and funding instrument for this program will be the cooperative agreement, in which HHS will have substantial scientific and/or programmatic involvement during the performance of the project. Under the cooperative agreement, HHS/OGHA will support and/or stimulate awardee activities by working with them in a non-directive partnership role. HHS staff will be substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine monitoring. Through this cooperative agreement, HHS will collaborate in an advisory capacity with the award recipient, especially during the development and implementation of a mutually agreed-upon work plan. HHS will actively participate in periodic progress reviews, and in a final evaluation of the program. Approximately $1,750,000 in FY 2006 funds is available under the Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2006, Title II, Pub. L. No. 109-149, 119 Stat. 2833, 2844

(2005)to support this agreement. The anticipated start date is September 15, 2006. There will only be one, single award made from this announcement. The project period for this agreement is for three years with individual budget periods of 12 months for a total of $1,750,000. The award recipient must comply with all HHS management requirements for meeting progress against milestones and for financial reporting for this cooperative agreement. (Please see HHS Activities and Program Evaluation Sections below.) *HHS/OGHA activities for this program are as follows:* • Organize an orientation meeting after the award is made with the award recipient to discuss applicable U.S. Government expectations as stated in this RFA, regulations, policies and key management requirements, as well as report formats and contents. • Review and approve the award recipient's work plan and detailed budget. • Review and approve the award recipient's monitoring evaluation plan. • Conference on a monthly basis with the award recipient to assess monthly expenditures in relation to approved work plan, and modify plans, as necessary. • Meet on an annual basis with the award recipient to review the progress report for each U.S. Government Fiscal Year. • Assure experienced HHS or other subject-matter experts from other relevant U.S. Government departments and agencies will participate in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all phases of this project. • Assist in establishing and maintaining U.S. Government, the Afghan MOPH, and non-governmental organizations

(NGOs)contracts and agreements necessary to carry out the program. *Program Evaluation Criteria:* The application must have a comprehensive evaluation plan consistent with the scope, stated goals and objectives and funding level of the project. The evaluation plan should include both a process evaluation to track the implementation of project activities and outcome evaluation criteria. In addition to conducting internal evaluations, successful applicant must be prepared to participate in external evaluations supported by the Afghan MOPH and HHS. In addition to routine communications with the Afghan MOPH and HHS within 30 days following the end of each quarter, the grantee will submit a written quarterly performance and financial status report of no more than ten pages in length to the Ministry and HHS. At a minimum, quarterly performance reports will include the following: • A concise summary of the most significant achievements and problems encountered during the reporting period, e.g. a comparison of work progress with objectives established for the quarter against the award recipient's implementation schedule. Where the awardee does not meet objectives, the report must include a statement of cause and a summary of corrective actions. • Specific action(s) HHS and/or the Afghan MOPH needs to undertake to alleviate obstacles to progress. • Other pertinent information that will permit overview and evaluation of project operations. Within 90 days following the end of each project period, the awardee must submit a final report that contains all required information and data to MOPH and HHS. At minimum, the report will contain the following: • A summary of the major activities supported under the cooperative agreement, and the major accomplishments that resulted from activities to improve performance. • An analysis of the project, based on the challenges described in the “Background” Section of the RFA performed prior to or during the project period, including a description of the specific objectives stated in the grant application and the accomplishments and failures that resulted from activities during the grant agreement period. Awardees should place emphasis on indicators and measures of operational efficiency and effectiveness. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants This is a single-source, cooperative agreement with the Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The U.S. Government remains committed to supporting efforts to improve the health status of women and children, while assisting in the further development of Afghanistan's overall health-care infrastructure. This proposal builds upon the Afghanistan Year 1384 National Development Budget for Health and Nutrition (NDB), which outlines the Afghan Government's spending priorities for the fiscal year. This cooperative agreement will supplement the NDB's current funding support levels which, thereby continues HHS's prior commitments to improve women's and children's health in Afghanistan. It also builds upon the “contracting out” model currently promoted by the MOPH for future support of their facilities, and supports HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt's 500-Day Plan to support emerging democracies through health diplomacy. Additionally, this cooperative agreement is a contribution by OGHA to support much-needed efforts to rebuild Afghanistan's health care system, which is under the direct control and governance of the Ministry of Public Health. More specifically, this agreement supports Afghanistan's maternal health care system by improving the capacity of the public health services of the Afghanistan government through the Ministry of Public Health. For these reasons, OGHA has committed to working with the Afghan Minister of Health on the tasks stated in this agreement, which therefore makes this requirement a single-eligibility cooperative agreement. With funding from the cooperative agreement, the Afghan MOPH will be able to continue to develop the standards and policies for the tertiary-care component of the system or the acute and specialized hospitals that exist for obstetrical/gynecological, neonatal and sick newborns. This funding will permit the Reproductive Health Task Force within the Afghan MOPH to engage the assistance of expertise to support its present multiple activities in developing a sustainable health-care system and support the capacity-building of the Ministry. Though directed primarily at Kabul City, the development of a vertical integration system will eventually serve as a model to replicate in the remaining Afghan Provinces. 2. Cost-Sharing or Matching Although cost-sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are not a requirement of this agreement, if the applicants receive funding from other sources to underwrite the same or similar activities, or anticipate receiving such funding in the next 12 months, they must detail how the disparate streams of financing complement each other. 3. Other—(If Applicable) N/A. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package This Cooperative Agreement project uses the Application Form HHS Office of Public Health and Science

(OPHS)OPHS-1, Revised 8/2004, enclosed in the application packet. Many different programs funded through the HHS Public Health Service

(PHS)use this generic form. Some parts of it are not required; the applicant need to fill out other sections in a fashion specific to the program. Instructions for filling out HHS/OPHS-1, Revised 8/2004 will come in the application packet. The applicant may also obtain these forms by downloading from the following Internet addresses: *https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov* and clicking on Grant Announcements; or from *http://www.grants.gov/;* or by writing to Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852; or by contacting the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management, at 1-(240) 453-8822. Please specify the HHS/OGHA program(s) for which you are requesting an application kit. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission Application Materials A separate budget page is required for each budget year. The applicant must submit with their proposals a line-item budget (SF 424A) with coinciding justification to support each of the budget years. These forms will represent the full project period of Federal assistance requested. HHS/OGHA will reject proposals submitted without a budget and justification for each budget year requested in the application. The applicant must include in their application a Project Abstract, submitted on 3.5-inch floppy disk. The abstract must be typed, single-spaced, and not exceed two

(2)pages. Reviewers and staff will refer frequently to the information contained in the abstract, and therefore it should contain substantive information about the proposed projects in summary form. A list of suggested keywords and a format sheet for your use in preparing the abstract will accompany the application packet. The applicant must include a Project Narrative in their grant applications. Format requirements are the same as for the “Project Abstract” Section; margins should be one inch at the top and one inch at the bottom and both sides; and typeset must be no smaller than 12 cpi and unreduced. The applicant should type biographical sketches either on the appropriate form or on plain paper and they should not exceed two pages; list only publications directly relevant to this project. Application Format Requirements If an applicant is applying on paper, the entire application may not exceed 80 pages in length, including the abstract, project and budget narratives, face page, attachments, any appendices and letters of commitment and support. The applicant must number pages consecutively. HHS/OGHA will deem non-compliant applications submitted electronically that exceed 80 pages when printed and will return them to the applicant without further consideration. a. Number of Copies. If submitting in hard-copy, please submit one

(1)original and two

(2)unbound copies of the application. Please do not bind or staple the application. Application must be single sided. b. Font. Please use an easily readable serif typeface, such as Times Roman, Courier, or CG Times. The applicant must submit the text and table portions of the application in not less than 12-point and 1.0 line spacing. HHS/OGHA will deem non-compliant applications that do not adhere to the 12-point font requirement. c. Paper Size and Margins. For scanning purposes, please submit the application on 8 1/2 ″ x 11″ white paper. Margins must be at least one

(1)inch at the top, bottom, left and right of the paper. Please left-align text. d. Numbering. Please number the pages of the application sequentially from page one (face page) to the end of the application, including charts, figures, tables, and appendices. e. Names. Please include the name of the applicant on each page. f. Section Headings. Please put all section headings flush left in bold type. Application Format An application for funding must consist of the following documents in the following order: i. Application Face Page HHS/ PHS Application Form OPHS-1, provided with the application package. Prepare this page according to instructions provided in the form itself. DUNS Number All applicant organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)number to apply for a grant from the Federal Government. The DUNS number is a unique, nine-character identification number provided by the commercial company Dun and Bradstreet. There is no charge to obtain a DUNS number. Information about obtaining a DUNS number is available at the following Internet address: *https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html* or by calling 1-866-705-5711. Please include the DUNS number next to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)Approval Number on the application face page. HHS/OGHA will not review applications that do not have a DUNS number. Additionally, the applicant organization must register with the Federal Government's Central Contractor Registry

(CCR)to do electronic business with the Federal Government. Information about registering with the CCR is available at the following Internet address: *http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/ccr.htm.* Finally, the applicant that apply electronically through Grants.gov must register with the Credential Provider for Grants.gov. Information about this requirement is available at.the following Internet address: *http://www.grants.gov/CredentialProvider.* The applicant that are applying electronically through the HHS/OPHS E-Grants System must register with the provider. Information about this requirement is available at the following Internet address: *https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov.* ii. Table of Contents Provide a Table of Contents for the remainder of the application (including appendices), with page numbers. iii. Application Checklist Application Form HHS/OPHS-1, provided with the application package. iv. Budget Application Form HHS/OPHS-1, provided with the application package. v. Budget Justification The applicant must enter the amount of financial support (direct costs) they are requesting from the Federal granting agency for the first year on the Face Sheet of Application Form HHS/PHS 5161-1, Line 15a. The application should include funds for electronic-mail capability, unless access to the Internet is already available. The amount of financial support (direct costs) entered on the SF 424 is the amount an applicant is requesting from the Federal granting agency for the project year *Personnel Costs:* The applicant should explain their personnel costs by listing each staff member supported from Federal funds, name (if possible), position title, percent full-time equivalency, annual salary, and the exact amount requested. *Fringe Benefits:* The applicant must list the components that comprise the fringe benefit rate, for example, health insurance, taxes, unemployment insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement. The fringe benefits should be directly proportional to that portion of personnel costs allocated for the project. *Travel:* The applicant must list travel costs according to local and long distance travel. For local travel the applicant should outline the mileage rate, number of miles, reason for the travel and the staff member/consumers who will be completing the travel. *Equipment:* The applicant must list equipment costs, and provide justification for the need of the equipment to carry out the program's goals. The applicant must provide an extensive justification and a detailed status of current equipment when they request funds for the purchase of computers and furniture items. *Supplies:* The applicant must list the items the project will use. In this category, separate office supplies from medical and educational purchases. “Office supplies” could include paper, pencils, and the like; “medical supplies” are syringes, blood tubes, plastic gloves, etc., and “educational supplies” can be pamphlets and educational videotapes. The applicant must list these categories separately. *Subcontracts:* To the extent possible, the applicant should standardize all subcontract budgets and justifications, and should present contract budgets by using the same object-class categories contained in the Standard Form 424A. The applicant must provide a clear explanation as to the purpose of each contract, how the organization estimated the costs, and the specific contract deliverables. *Other:* The applicant must put all costs that do not fit into any other category into this category, and provide an explanation of each cost in this category. vi. Staffing Plan and Personnel Requirements The applicant must present a staffing plan, and provide a justification for the plan that includes education and experience qualifications and the rationale for the amount of time requested for each staff position. The applicant must include in Appendix B position descriptions that include the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications of proposed project staff. The applicant must include in Appendix C copies of biographical sketches for any key employed personnel assigned to work on the proposed project. vii. Project Abstract The applicant must provide a summary of the application. Because HHS/OHGA often distributes the abstract to provide information to the American public and the U.S. Congress, the applicant should prepare this so it is clear, accurate, concise, and without reference to other parts of the application. It must include a brief description of the proposed grant project, including the needs addressed, the proposed work, and the population group(s) served. *The applicant must place the following at the top of the abstract:* • Project title; • Applicant name; • Address; • Contact phone numbers (voice, fax); • E-mail address; and • Web site address, if applicable. The project abstract must be single-spaced and limited to two pages in length. viii. Program Narrative This section provides a comprehensive framework and description of all aspects of the proposed program. It should be succinct, self-explanatory and well-organized so reviewers can understand the proposed project. The applicant should use the following section headers for the Narrative: • Introduction. This section should briefly describe the purpose of the proposed project. • Work Plan. The applicant should describe the activities or steps to achieve each of the activities proposed in the methodology section and use a time line that includes each activity and identifies responsible staff. • Resolution of Challenges. The applicant should discuss likely challenges designing and implementing the activities described in the Work Plan, and approaches to resolve such challenges. • Evaluation and Technical Support Capacity. The applicant should describe their current, relevant experience, skills, and knowledge, including individuals on staff, materials published, and previous work of a similar nature. • Organizational Information. The applicant should provide information on their current mission and structure, scope of current activities, and an organizational chart, and describe how these all contribute to the ability of the organization to conduct the program requirements and meet program expectations. ix. Appendices The applicant must provide the following items to complete the content of their applications. Please note these are supplementary in nature, and are not a continuation of the project narrative. The applicant should label each appendix.

(1)*Appendix A:* Tables, Charts, etc. To give further details about the proposal.

(2)*Appendix B:* Job Descriptions for Key Personnel. The applicant should keep each to one page in length as much as possible. Item 6 in the “Program Narrative” section of the HHS/PHS 5161-1 Form provides some guidance on items to include in a job description.

(3)*Appendix C:* Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel. The applicant should include biographical sketches for persons who are occupying the key positions described in Appendix B, not to exceed two pages in length. In the event an applicant includes a biographical sketch for an identified individual not yet hired, it must include a letter of commitment from that person with the biographical sketch.

(4)*Appendix D:* Letters of Agreement and/or Description(s) of Proposed/Existing Contracts (project specific). The applicant must provide any documents that describe working relationships between the applicant agency and other agencies and programs cited in the proposal. Documents that confirm actual or pending contractual agreements should clearly describe the roles of the subcontractors and any deliverable. Letters of Agreement must be dated.

(5)*Appendix E:* Organizational Chart for the Project. The applicant must provide a one-page figure that depicts the organizational structure of the project, including subcontractors and other significant collaborators.

(6)*Appendix F:* Other Relevant Documents. Include here any other documents relevant to the application, including letters of support. Letters of support must be dated. 3. Submission Dates and Times Application Submission HHS/OPHS provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of applications, as described in the following sections. The applicant will receive notification via mail from the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management to confirm the receipt of applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. The HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management will not accept for review applications submitted after the deadlines described below. HHS/OPHS will not accept for review applications that do not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement, and return them to the applicant. The applicant may only submit electronically via the electronic submission mechanisms specified below. HHS will not accept for review any applications submitted via any other means of electronic communication, including facsimile or electronic mail. While HHS will accept applications in hard-copy, we encourage the use of the electronic application submission capabilities provided by the HHS/OPHS eGrants system or the Grants.gov Web site Portal. *Electronic Submissions via the Grants.gov Web site Portal.* The Grants.gov Web site Portal provides organizations with the ability to submit applications for HHS/OPHS grant opportunities. Organizations must successfully complete the necessary registration processes to submit an application. Information about this system is available on the Grants.gov Web site at the following Internet address: *http://www.grants.gov.* In addition to electronically submitted materials, The applicant may be required to submit hard-copy signatures for certain Program-related forms, or original material as required by the announcement. The applicant must review both the grant announcement, and the application guidance provided within the Grants.gov application package, to determine such requirements. The applicant must submit any required hard copy materials, or documents that require a signature, separately via mail to the OPHS Office of Grants Management, which, if required, must contain the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. Electronic applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site Portal must contain all completed online forms required by the application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or exhibits. HHS must receive all required mail-in items by the due date requirements specified above. Mail-in items may only include publications, résumés, or organizational documentation. Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission via the Grants.gov Web site Portal, the applicant will receive a confirmation page from Grants.gov to indicate the date and time (eastern time) of the electronic application submission, as well as a Grants.gov Receipt Number. The applicant must print and retain this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the entire application package. Grants.gov will validate all applications submitted via the Grants.gov Web site Portal. Any applications deemed “Invalid” by the Grants.gov Web site Portal will pass on the HHS/OPHS eGrants system, and HHS/OPHS has no responsibility for any application not validated and transferred to HHS/OPHS from the Grants.gov Web site Portal. Grants.gov will notify the applicant regarding the application validation status. Once the Grants.gov Web site Portal has successfully validated an application, the applicant should immediately mail all required hard-copy materials to the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management by the deadlines specified above. The applicant must clearly identify their organizations name and Grants.gov Application Receipt Number on all hard-copy materials. Once Grants.gov has validated an application, it will electronically transferred proceed to the HHS/OPHS eGrants system for processing. Upon receipt of both the electronic application from the Grants.gov Web site Portal, and the required hard-copy mail-in items, the applicant will receive notification via mail from the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management to confirm the receipt of the application submitted by the Grants.gov Web site Portal. The applicant should contact Grants.gov regarding any questions or concerns regarding the electronic application process conducted through the Grants.gov Web site Portal. *Electronic Submissions via the HHS/OPHS eGrants System.* The HHS/OPHS electronic grants-management system, eGrants, provides for the electronic submission of applications. Information about this system is available on the HHS/OPHS eGrants Web site at the following Internet address: *https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov;* or from the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management at 1-(240) 453-8822. When submitting applications via the HHS/OPHS eGrants system, the applicant must submit a hard-copy of the application face page (Standard Form 424) with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and assume the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If required, the applicant will also need to submit a hard copy of the Standard Form LLL and/or certain Program-related forms ( *e.g.* , Program Certifications) with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency. Electronic applications submitted via the HHS/OPHS eGrants system must contain all completed online forms required by the application kit, the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative and any appendices or exhibits. The applicant may identify specific mail-in items to send to the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management separate from the electronic submission; however the applicant must enter these mail-in items on the eGrants Application Checklist at the time of electronic submission, and HHS must receive them by the due date requirements specified above. Mail-In items may only include publications, résumés, or organizational documentation. Upon completion of a successful electronic application submission, the HHS/OPHS eGrants system will provide the applicant with a confirmation page to indicate the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission. This confirmation page will also provide a listing of all items that constitute the final application submission, including all electronic application components, required hard-copy original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing address of the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management to which the applicant must submit all required hard-copy materials. As the HHS/OPHS Office of Grants Management receives items, the electronic application status will be updated to reflect the receipt of mail-in items. We recommend the applicant monitor the status of their applications in the HHS/OPHS eGrants system to ensure the receipt of all signatures and mail-in items. *Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard-Copy Applications.* The applicant who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-delivered) must submit an original and two copies of the application. An individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award must sign the original application. HHS will consider mailed or hand-delivered applications as having met the deadline if the HHS/OPHS Office of Grant Management receives them on or before 5 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date specified in the DATES section of the announcement. The application deadline date requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the instructions in the HHS/OPHS-1. HHS will return unread applications that do not meet the deadline. The applicant should submit their applications to the following address: Director, Office of Grants Management, Office of Public Health and Science, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootten Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. 4. Intergovernmental Review This program is not subject to the review requirements of Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. 5. Funding Restrictions Allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and necessity of direct costs the applicant may charge appear in the following documents: OMB-21 (Institutes of Higher Education); OMB Circular A-122 (Nonprofit Organizations) and 45 CFR Part 74, Appendix E (Hospitals). Copies of these circulars are available on the Internet at the following Internet address: *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb.* No pre-award costs are allowed. 6. Other Submission Requirements N/A. V. Application Review Information 1. Criteria HHS/OGHA staff will screen the application for completeness and for responsiveness to the program guidance. The applicant should pay strict attention to addressing these criteria, as they are the basis upon which HHS/OGHA will judge the application. HHS/OGHA will return to the applicant without review any application judged non-responsive or incomplete. An application that is complete and responsive to the guidance will undergo an evaluation for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer-review group specifically convened for this solicitation, and in accordance with HHS policies and procedures. The panel may contain both Federal and non-Federal representatives. As part of the initial merit review, the application will receive a written critique. The ad hoc peer-review group will discuss fully an application recommended for approval and will receive a priority score for funding. HHS/OGHA will assess the eligible application according to the following criteria:

(1)*Technical Approach (40 points):* • The applicant's presentation of a sound and practical technical approach for executing the requirements with adequate explanation, substantiation and justification of the methods for handling the projected needs of the Afghan Ministry of Public Health. • The successful applicant must demonstrate a clear understanding of the scope and objectives of the cooperative agreement, recognition of potential difficulties that may arise in performing the work required, presentation of adequate solutions, and understanding of the close coordination necessary between the HHS/OGHA, the Afghan Ministry of Public Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other organizations, such as the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund. • The applicant must submit a strategic plan that outlines the schedule of activities and expected products of the Group's work with benchmarks at months six, 12. The strategic plan should specifically address the expected progress of the program to improve quality of care.

(2)*Personnel Qualifications and Experience (20 points):* • Project Leadership—For the technical and administrative leadership of the project requirements, the successful applicant must demonstrate documented training, expertise, relevant experiences, leadership/management skills, and availability of a suitable overall project manager and surrounding management structure to successfully plan and manage the project. The successful applicant will provide documented history of leadership in the establishment and management of training programs that involve the training of health-care professionals in countries other than the United States. Expertise in maternal and child health-care, including documented training, expertise, relevant experience, local-language skills, leadership skills, and medical expertise specific to maternal and child health. The applicant must show the managerial ability to achieve delivery or performance requirements, as demonstrated by the proposed use of management and other personnel resources and to manage the project successfully, including subcontractor and/or consultant efforts, if applicable, as evidenced by the management plan and demonstrated by previous relevant experience. • Partner Institutions and other Personnel—The applicant should provide documented evidence of availability, training, qualifications, local-language skills, expertise, relevant experience, education and competence of the scientific, clinical, analytical, technical and administrative staff and any other proposed personnel (including partner institutions, subcontractors and consultants), to perform the requirements of the work activities, as evidenced by re sume s, endorsements and explanations of previous efforts. • Staffing Plan—The applicant should submit a staffing plan for the conduct of the project, including the appropriateness of the time commitment of all staff and partner institutions, the clarity and appropriateness of assigned roles, and lines of authority. The applicant should also provide an organizational chart for each partner institution named in the application to show relationships among the key personnel. • Administrative and Organizational Framework—The applicant should demonstrate the adequacy of the administrative and organizational framework, with their lines of authority and responsibility clearly demonstrated, and the adequacy of the project plan, with a proposed time schedule for achieving objectives and maintaining quality control over the implementation and operation of the project. The applicant should show the adequacy of back-up staffing and the evidence they will be able to function as a team. The framework should identify the institution that will assume legal and financial responsibility and accountability for the use and disposition of funds awarded on the basis of this RFA.

(3)*Experience and Capabilities of the Organization (30 Points):* • The applicant should submit documented relevant experience of the organization in managing projects of similar complexity and scope of the activities in Afghanistan. • The applicant should demonstrate the clarity and appropriateness of lines of communication and authority for coordination and management of the project, and the adequacy and feasibility of plans to ensure successful coordination of a multiple-partner collaboration. • The applicant should document the experience in recruiting qualified medical personnel for projects of similar complexity and scope of activities in Afghanistan.

(4)*Facilities and Resources (10 Points):* The applicant must document the availability and adequacy of facilities, equipment and resources necessary to carry out the activities specified under the “Program Requirements” Section of this announcement. 2. Review and Selection Process The application will be reviewed by a panel of peer reviewers. Each of the above criteria will be addressed and considered by the reviewers in assigning the overall score. The Final award will be made by the Deputy Director, Asia and Pacific Division of the Office of Global Health Affairs on the basis of score, program relevance and, availability of funds. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices OGHA/HHS does not release information about individual applications during the review process until final funding decisions have been made. When these decisions have been made, the applicant will be notified by letter regarding the outcome of their applications. The official document notifying an applicant that an application has been approved and funded is the Notice of Award, which specifies to the awardee the amount of money awarded, the purpose of the agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement, and the amount of funding, if any, to be contributed by the awardee to the project costs. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements The regulations set out at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 are the Department of Health and Human Services

(HHS)rules and requirements that govern the administration of grants. Part 74 is applicable to all recipients except those covered by part 92, which governs awards to state and local governments. The applicant funded under this announcement must be aware of and comply with these regulations. The CFR volume that includes parts 74 and 92 may be downloaded from *http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/45cfrv1_03.html.* 3. Reporting The project is required to have an evaluation plan, consistent with the scope of the proposed project and funding level that conforms to the project's stated goals and objectives. The evaluation plan should include both a process evaluation to track the implementation of project activities and an outcome evaluation to measure changes in knowledge and skills that can be attributed to the project. Project funds may be used to support evaluation activities. In addition to conducting their own evaluation of projects, the successful applicant must be prepared to participate in an external evaluation, to be supported by OGHA/HHS and conducted by an independent entity, to assess efficiency and effectiveness for the project funded under this announcement. Within 30 days following the end of each quarter, submit a performance report no more than ten pages in length and must be submitted to OGHA/HHS. A sample monthly performance report will be provided at the time of notification of award. At a minimum, monthly performance reports should include: • Concise summary of the most significant achievements and problems encountered during the reporting period, e.g. number of training courses held and number of trainees. • A comparison of work progress with objectives established for the quarter using the grantee's implementation schedule, and where such objectives were not met, a statement of why they were not met. • Specific action(s) that the grantee would like the OGHA/HHS to undertake to alleviate a problem. • Other pertinent information that will permit monitoring and overview of project operations. • A quarterly financial report describing the current financial status of the funds used under this award. The awardee and OGHA will agree at the time of award for the format of this portion of the report. Within 90 days following the end of the project period a final report containing information and data of interest to the Department of Health and Human Services, Congress, and other countries must be submitted to OGHA/HHS. The specifics as to the format and content of the final report and the summary will be sent to the successful applicant. At minimum, the report should contain: • A summary of the major activities supported under the agreement and the major accomplishments resulting from activities to improve mortality in partner country. • An analysis of the project based on the problem(s) described in the application and needs assessments, performed prior to or during the project period, including a description of the specific objectives stated in the grant application and the accomplishments and failures resulting from activities during the grant period. Quarterly performance reports and annual reports may be submitted to: Mr. DeWayne Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants Management, OPHS, HHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, phone

(240)453-8822. A Financial Status Report

(FSR)SF-269 is due 90 days after the close of each 12-month budget period and submitted to OPHS—Office of Grants Management. VII. Agency Contacts For assistance on administrative and budgetary requirements, please contact: Mr. DeWayne Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants Management, OPHS, HHS, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, phone

(240)453-8822. For assistance with questions regarding program requirements, please contact: Dr. Amar Bhat, Office of Global Health Affairs, Asia-Pacific Division, Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 18-101, Rockville, MD 20857, phone:

(301)443-1410. VIII. Tips for Writing a Strong Application *Include DUNS Number.* You must include a DUNS Number to have your application reviewed. An application will not be reviewed without a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, access *http://www.dunandbradstreet.com* or call 1-866-705-5711. Please include the DUNS number next to the OMB Approval Number on the application face page. *Keep your audience in mind.* Reviewers will use only the information contained in the application to assess the application. Be sure the application and responses to the program requirements and expectations are complete and clearly written. Do not assume that reviewers are familiar with the applicant organization. Keep the review criteria in mind when writing the application. *Start preparing the application early.* Allow plenty of time to gather required information from various sources. *Follow the instructions in this guidance carefully.* Place all information in the order requested in the guidance. If the information is not placed in the requested order, you may receive a lower score. *Be brief, concise, and clear.* Make your points understandable. Provide accurate and honest information, including candid accounts of problems and realistic plans to address them. If any required information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with the proposal narrative and information in other tables. *Be organized and logical.* Many applications fail to receive a high score because the reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the applicant or because parts of the application do not fit together. *Be careful in the use of appendices.* Do not use the appendices for information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure to cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the appendices to the appropriate text in the application. *Carefully proofread the application.* Misspellings and grammatical errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure pages are numbered (including appendices) and that page limits are followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each one at its first use and periodically throughout application. Dated: September 12, 2006. Sandra R. Manning, Deputy Director for Operations and Management, Office of Global Health Affairs. [FR Doc. E6-15503 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-38-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30Day-06-0199] Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC)publishes a list of information collection requests under review by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer at

(404)639-5960 or send an e-mail to *omb@cdc.gov* . Send written comments to CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC or by fax to

(202)395-6974. Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice. Proposed Project Importation of Etiologic Agents, Hosts, and Vectors of Human Disease (42 CFR 71.54)—(OMB Control No. 0920-0199)—Revision—Office of the Director (OD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Background and Brief Description The Foreign Quarantine Regulations (42 CFR Part 71) set forth provisions to prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of communicable disease from foreign countries into the United States. Subpart F—Importations—contains provisions for importation of etiologic agents, hosts, and vectors (42 CFR 71.54), requiring persons that import or distribute after importation of these materials to obtain a permit issued by the CDC. This request is for the information collection requirements contained in 42 CFR 71.54 for issuance of permits by CDC to importers or distributors after importation of etiologic agents, hosts, or vectors of human disease. CDC is requesting continued OMB approval to collect this information through the use of two separate forms. These forms are:

(1)Application for Permit to Import or Transport Etiologic Agents, Hosts, or Vectors of Human Disease and

(2)Application for Permit to Import or Transport Live Bats. The Application for Permit to Import or Transport Etiologic Agents, Hosts, or Vectors of Human Disease will be used by laboratory facilities, such as those operated by government agencies, universities, research institutions, and zoologic exhibitions, and also by importers of nonhuman primate trophy materials, such as hunters or taxidermists, to request permits for the importation and subsequent distribution after importation of etiologic agents, hosts, or vectors of human disease. The Application for Permit to Import or Transport Etiologic Agents, Hosts, or Vectors of Human Disease requests applicant and sender contact information; description of material for importation; facility isolation and containment information; and personnel qualifications. Estimated average time to complete this form is 20 minutes. The Application for Permit to Import or Transport Live Bats will be used by laboratory facilities such as those operated by government agencies, universities, research institutions, and zoologic exhibitions entities to request importation and subsequent distribution after importation of live bats. The Application for Permit to Import or Transport Live Bats requests applicant and sender contact information; a description and intended use of bats to be imported; facility isolation and containment information; and personnel qualifications. There is no cost to the respondents other than their time. The total annualized burden is 766 hours. Estimate of Annualized Burden Hours CFR section Number of respondents Responses per respondent Average hourly burden 71.54 Application for Permit 2,300 1 20/60 Dated: September 12, 2006. Joan F. Karr, Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E6-15504 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration Strategy To Support Health Information Technology Among HRSA's Safety Net Providers AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS. ACTION: Solicitation of comments. SUMMARY: HRSA is requesting comments on the future direction and strategy regarding investments in health information technology

(HIT)for section 330 grantees and other HRSA safety-net providers through its Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT). OHIT will evaluate all comments received during the public comment period to inform OHIT's policy direction. DATES: To be considered, comments must be received by October 10, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Achampong, Division of Health Information Technology State and Community Assistance, Office of Health Information Technology, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, 7C-22, Rockville, Maryland 20857; *aachampong@hrsa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with Public Health Service Act, Title III, section 330(e)(1)(C), and 330(c)(1)(B) and 330(c)(1)(C). Background The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. Comprising five bureaus and 12 offices, HRSA provides leadership and financial support to health care providers in every State and U.S. territory. HRSA grantees provide health care to uninsured people, people living with HIV/AIDS, and pregnant women, mothers and children. They train health professionals and improve systems of care in rural communities. HRSA is the Nation's access agency—improving health and saving lives by making sure the right services are available in the right places at the right time. The Office of Health Information Technology

(OHIT)serves as the HRSA Administrator's principal advisor for promoting the adoption of HIT in the service of the medically uninsured, underserved and other vulnerable populations, and ensuring that key issues affecting the public and private adoption of HIT are addressed. The mission of OHIT is to promote quality of care and improvements in patient health outcomes through the adoption and effective use of health information technology

(HIT)in the safety-net community. OHIT is also responsible for administering the Telehealth and Health Center Controlled Network

(HCCN)grant programs. OHIT's goal is to represent the HIT needs of the safety-net community providers to ensure that a digital divide does not separate care for patients of HRSA grantees and those receiving care in other sectors. OHIT's goal is also to provide leadership across the Federal agencies in HIT adoption in the safety-net community. HCCNs are the potential foundation for a HRSA strategy on HIT adoption and use by section 330 grantees. The HCCN grant program was developed in 1994 to support the creation, development, and operation of networks, controlled by health centers, to ensure access to health care for the medically underserved populations through the enhancement of health center operations. The HCCNs routinely perform core business functions across their marketplace, State, or region. The core business functions range from electronic health records, credentialing and privileging programs, utilization review and management, and clinical quality improvement. They provide these functions at or below marketplace cost to their members to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve health care quality for underserved and uninsured populations. As such, the HCCNs are vital to achieving the President's goal of assuring that every American in the Nation will have an Electronic Health Record

(EHR)by 2014. HRSA'S Quality Initiative In May 2006, HRSA reconfirmed its goal to improve the quality of health service and health outcomes for all the patients served by HRSA grantees including the 14.5 million patients served by health centers, and announced a commitment to develop new reporting requirements to measure and document clinical outcomes. It is expected that further development of the HIT infrastructure used by health centers and other HRSA grantees will take place in the context of HRSA's quality initiative. As such, HRSA's goal is not simply to collect data; it is also important that the data be used to track individual and population health outcomes and improve patient care. The long-term vision of HRSA and OHIT is to transform systems of care for safety-net populations through the effective use of HIT. HIT is an important tool in measuring and improving patient care. For example, the data available in EHRs can be used to better manage the treatment of chronic diseases, inform clinical and operational processes, and target community-oriented primary care resources. As the lessons of the HRSA Health Disparities Collaborative have shown, collecting and using data to drive system change is a fundamental part of improving patient care and related health outcomes. Goals for OHIT Network Activities Given that the HCCN grants are administered by OHIT and that they have a proven track record in promoting HIT adoption, OHIT is considering possible ways to modify the HCCN grant program to further promote effective adoption and implementation of HIT initiatives, including EHRs, which result in improved quality of care and patient outcomes. HRSA plans to utilize the authorities cited above to fund HCCNs. Although only entities receiving section 330 funding are eligible to be the applicant/lead grantee, an HCCN may include organizations in addition to section 330 grantees that are community based and have similar goals and missions such as Federally Qualified Health Center Look-A likes, locally funded clinics, etc. The purpose of developing and implementing new strategies and changing the direction of HRSA's network activities is to take the lessons learned from the previous HRSA grant programs, continue to build on these successes, and create more network solutions for promoting HIT adoption by 330 grantees and other safety-net providers. HRSA is considering restructuring the HCCN grant program to focus solely on projects that promote HIT adoption. These HIT-focused projects could be funded in two phases:

(1)Planning and implementation and

(2)innovation and sustainability. This possible move to an HIT-focused grant program would advance the President's goals related to HIT and the adoption of EHRs. The intent would be to fund HIT-focused projects that will result in improvements in patient outcomes and quality. To be considered successful, these HIT initiatives must result in measurable increases in EHR adoption by health centers, and in clinical and operational improvements in quality and patient health outcomes. Request for Comments The Office of Health Information Technology is requesting comments on the future direction of investments and strategy in HIT using the HCCN model. Respondents should take into account the likelihood that HRSA programs may not grow substantially in the near future and that we may face budget limitations. The following areas provide guidance for the type of feedback we are requesting: 1. Challenges and opportunities in restructuring the HCCN grant program. Other approaches to consider in promoting quality of care and improvements in patient outcomes through HIT adoption for minority and underserved populations. 2. Key considerations that should be taken into account when designing the new funding opportunities to reach the ultimate goal of using HIT via the HCCN approach to increase EHR adoption and to improve quality of care and health outcomes. 3. Types of HIT investments, other than EHRs, that HRSA should consider investing in, to improve quality of care and health outcomes. 4. Benefits of funding networks to provide HIT support to health centers and other safety net providers. Types of incentives, if any, to encourage health centers, and other HRSA grantees to join networks. 5. Capacity needed for a network to promote HIT among a group of health centers and other HRSA grantees, such as number of health centers and/or number of patients included. 6. If and/or how HRSA should consider retaining the HCCN administrative, financial and clinical core services in the proposed funding opportunities as they relate to promoting HIT adoption? 7. Model practices in other parts of the safety net or private industry to build key HIT capacities in under-resourced environments. 8. Quality and safety issues that could be addressed with the appropriate use of HIT in the safety net organizations. 9. The role of Telehealth in the overall HIT strategy. 10. Linking quality of care and improvement of patient outcomes to these strategies to ensure that the ultimate goal of improving care is met. 11. Performance measures (process and/or outcome) to indicate progress/success of HRSA-funded HIT initiatives. 12. Expectations for networks around sustainability, including long-term sources of funding. 13. Collaboration between Primary Care Associations

(PCAs)and HCCNs in the adoption of effective HIT by safety-net providers and the use of HIT to improve quality and patient outcomes. 14. Approaches to include State Medicaid agencies, public health departments, other HRSA grantees, and other providers and stakeholders in HIT adoption. Approaches to a coordinated approach in a State or community for health information technology/exchange use and support. 15. Any other comments related to OHIT's policy direction related to networks and the use of HIT to expand EHR adoption and improve quality and patient outcomes. *Collection.* All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: September 7, 2006. Elizabeth M. Duke, Administrator. 1 [FR Doc. E6-15489 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4165-15-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [USCG-2006-25800] Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget: OMB Control Number 1625-0012 AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request

(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)to request a revision for the following collection of information: 1625-0012, Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners. Before submitting the ICR to OMB, the Coast Guard is inviting comments on it as described below. DATES: Comments must reach the Coast Guard on or before November 20, 2006. ADDRESSES: To make sure that your comments and related material do not enter the docket [USCG-2006-25800] more than once, please submit them by only one of the following means:

(1)By mail to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

(2)By delivery to room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

(3)By fax to the Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251.

(4)Electronically through the Web Site for the Docket Management System at *http://dms.dot.gov.* The Docket Management Facility maintains the public docket for this notice. Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this docket on the Internet at *http://dms.dot.gov. * Copies of the complete ICR are available through this docket on the Internet at *http://dms.dot.gov,* and also from Commandant (CG-611), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, room 6106 (Attn: Ms. Barbara Davis), 2100 2nd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001. The telephone number is 202-475-3523. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Barbara Davis, Office of Information Management, telephone 202-475-3523, or fax 202-475-3929, for questions on these documents; or telephone Ms. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 202-493-0402, for questions on the docket. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to respond to this request for comments by submitting comments and related materials. We will post all comments received, without change, to *http://dms.dot.gov;* they will include any personal information you have provided. We have an agreement with DOT to use the Docket Management Facility. Please see the paragraph on DOT's “Privacy Act Policy” below. *Submitting comments:* If you submit a comment, please include your name and address, identify the docket number [USCG-2006-25800], indicate the specific section of the document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. You may submit your comments and material by electronic means, mail, fax, or delivery to the Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES ; but please submit them by only one means. If you submit them by mail or delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change the documents supporting this collection of information or even the underlying requirements in view of them. *Viewing comments and documents:* To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time and conduct a simple search using the docket number. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Privacy Act:* Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received in dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Privacy Act Statement of DOT in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Information Collection Request *Title:* Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners. *OMB Control Number:* 1625-0012. *Summary:* Under 46, U. S. C. 10311, the Coast Guard prescribes the form of the Certificate of Discharge for Merchant Mariners. The Certificate provides merchant mariners with evidence of sea service to determine eligibility for various benefits, such as medical and retirement. The information collected is also used to show eligibility for an original, renewed, upgraded license or merchant mariner document, to develop maritime sea service statistics, and to provide information to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) on the availability of mariners in a time of national emergency. The Coast Guard's Sea Service database captures the information from the Certificates of Discharge and is used by the Coast Guard's Regional Examination Centers to evaluate the qualifications of mariners who apply for originals, renewals, upgrades to their license or merchant mariners documents. The information from the database is compiled annually by MARAD to prepare Congressionally mandated reports on mariner availability. Currently, the CG Form 718A is only available in booklet format utilizing carbon copies. The Coast Guard is revising this form so that it may be provided to the maritime community for downloading via the internet. The new version still requires vessel master and discharged mariner signatures. This effort is intended to alleviate issues regarding form availability. *Need:* The information is used primarily, on an as-needed basis, by mariners and the Coast Guard to establish sea service time and qualifications for issuing original, renewals or upgraded merchant mariner credentials; in claims against employers; in medical claims; and in qualifying for retirement benefits or insurance benefits. *Respondents:* Masters or mates of shipping companies and merchant mariners. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Burden Estimate:* The estimated burden has decreased from 4,500 hours to 1,800 hours a year. Dated: September 13, 2006. R. T. Hewitt, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Information Technology. [FR Doc. E6-15494 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-4922-N-21] Privacy Act of 1974; Amendment to Existing Privacy Act Systems, Employee Identification Files, HUD/Dept-71 AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notification of an amendment to an existing System of Records, Employee Identification Files, HUD/Dept-71. SUMMARY: HUD is completely revising HUD/Dept-71 to implement Homeland Security Presidential Direction 12 (HSPD-12) policy for a common identification standard for Federal employees and contractors. All of the sections including the system name are revised to reflect the current information requirements for individuals and contractors who require ongoing access to HUD's facilities and information technology systems. DATES: *Effective Date:* This proposal shall become effective without further notice October 19, 2006 unless comments are received during or before this period which would result in a contrary determination. *Comments Due Date:* October 19, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this notice to the Rules Docket Clerk, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Communications should refer to the above docket number and title. Facsimile

(FAX)comments are not acceptable. A copy of each communication submitted will be available for public inspection and copying between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanette Smith, Departmental Privacy Act Officer, telephone number

(202)708-2374. [This is not a toll-free number.] A telecommunications device for hearing and speech-impaired persons

(TTY)is available at

(800)877-8339 (Federal Information Relay Services). [This is a toll-free number.] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary purposes of the system of records are:

(a)To ensure the safety and security of HUD facilities, systems, or information, and our occupants and users;

(b)To verify that all persons entering Federal facilities or using Federal information resources are authorized to do so;

(c)To track and control Personal Identity Verification

(PIV)cards issued to persons entering and exiting the facilities, or using information systems. Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, notice is given that HUD proposes to amend an existing Privacy System of Records, Employee Identification Files HUD/Dept-71. Title 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and

(PIV)system, as well as the physical security office(s) or computer security offices of those locations. Security Classification: Most identity records are not classified. However, in some cases, records of a few individuals, or portions of some records, may potentially be classified in the interest of national security. Categories Of Individuals Covered By The System: Individuals (employees or contractors) who require regular, ongoing access to agency facilities, information technology systems, or information classified in the interest of national security, including applicants for employment or contracts, Federal employees, contractors, students, interns, volunteers, affiliates, and individuals formerly in any of these positions. The system also includes individuals authorized to perform or use services provided in HUD facilities ( *e.g.,* Credit Union, Fitness Center, etc.). The system does not apply to occasional visitors or short-term guests to whom HUD will issue temporary identification and credentials. Categories Of Records In The System: Records maintained on individuals issued credentials by HUD include the following data fields: Full name, Social Security number; date of birth; signature; image (photograph); fingerprints; hair color; eye color; height; weight; organization/office of assignment; company name (for contractors); telephone number; copy of background investigation form (Standard Form 85 or 85P or 86); PIV card issue and expiration dates; personal identification number

(PIN)for the PIV Card; results of background investigation; PIV request form; PIV registrar approval signature; PIV card serial number; emergency responder designation; copies of documents used to verify identification or information derived from those documents (such as document title, document issuing authority, document number, document expiration date, document other information); level of national security clearance and expiration date; computer system user name; user access and permission rights, authentication certificates; and digital signature information. Records maintained on PIV card holders entering HUD facilities or using HUD systems may include: Full name; PIV Card serial number; date, time, and location of entry; company name (for contractors); card expiration date; digital signature information; and computer networks/applications/data accessed. Authority For Maintenance Of The System: 5 U.S.C. 301; Federal Information Security Act (Pub. L. 104-106, sec. 5113); Electronic Government Act (Pub. L. 104-347, sec. 203); the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501); Government Paperwork Elimination Act (Pub. L. 105-277, 44 U.S.C. 3504); Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, August 27, 2004; and Federal Property and Administrative Act of 1949, as amended. Purpose: The primary purposes of the system of records are:

(a)To ensure the safety and security of HUD facilities, systems, or information, and our occupants and users;

(b)to verify that all persons entering Federal facilities or using Federal information resources are authorized to do so;

(c)to track and control PIV cards issued to persons entering and exiting the facilities, or using information systems. Routine Uses Of Records Maintained In The System Including Categories Of Users And The Purposes Of Such Uses: Information about covered individuals may be disclosed without consent as permitted by the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a(b), and:

(1)To the Department of Justice when:

(a)The agency or any component thereof; or

(b)Any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity;

(c)Any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where agency or the Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or

(2)To a court or adjudicative body in a proceeding when:

(a)The agency or any component thereof;

(b)Any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity;

(c)Any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where agency or the Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or

(3)Except as noted on Forms SF 85, 85-P, and 86, when a record on its face, or in conjunction with other records, indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, and whether arising by general statute or particular program statute, or by regulation, rule, or order issued pursuant thereto, disclosure may be made to the appropriate public authority, whether Federal, foreign, State, local, or tribal, or otherwise, responsible for enforcing, investigating or prosecuting such violation or charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, or rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto, if the information disclosed is relevant to any enforcement, regulatory, investigative or prosecutorial responsibility of the receiving entity.

(4)To a Member of Congress or to a Congressional staff member in response to an inquiry of the Congressional office made at the written request of the constituent about whom the record is maintained.

(5)To the National Archives and Records Administration or to the General Services Administration for records management inspections conducted under 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906.

(6)To HUD contractors, grantees, or volunteers who have been engaged to assist the agency in the performance of a contract service, grant, cooperative agreement, or other activity related to this system of records and who need to have access to the records in order to perform their activity. Recipients shall be required to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a.

(7)To a Federal, State, local, foreign, or tribal or other public authority the fact that this system of records contains information relevant to the retention of an employee, the retention of a security clearance, the letting of a contract, or the issuance or retention of a license, grant, or other benefit. The other agency or licensing organization may then make a request supported by the written consent of the individual for the entire record if it so chooses. No disclosure will be made unless the information has been determined to be sufficiently reliable to support a referral to another office within the agency or to another Federal agency for criminal, civil, administrative personnel or regulatory action.

(8)To the Office of Management and Budget when necessary to the review of private relief legislation pursuant to OMB Circular No. A-19.

(9)To a Federal, State, or local agency, or other appropriate entities or individuals, or through established liaison channels to selected foreign governments, in order to enable an intelligence agency to carry out its responsibilities under the National Security Act of 1947 as amended, the CIA Act of 1949 as amended, Executive Order 12333 or any successor order, applicable national security directives, or classified implementing procedures approved by the Attorney General and promulgated pursuant to such statutes, orders or directives.

(10)To notify another Federal agency when, or verify whether, a PIV card is no longer valid.

(11)To the news media or the general public, factual information the disclosure of which would be in the public interest and which would not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, consistent with Freedom of Information Act standards. Policies And Practices For Storing, Retrieving, Accessing, Retaining, And Disposing Of Records In The System: Storage: Records are stored in electronic media and in paper files. Paper files are kept in file folders or card files. Automated records are maintained in HUD's Security Control Access Tracking System (SCATS), and the DSX card access control system for HUD Headquarters. Retrievability: Records are retrievable by last name, Social Security number, other ID number, PIV card serial number, image (photograph), or fingerprint. Safeguards: Paper records are kept in locked cabinets in secure facilities. Access to them is restricted to individuals whose role requires use of the records. The computer servers in which records are stored are located in facilities that are secured by alarm systems and off-master key access. The computer servers themselves are password-protected. Access to individuals working at guard stations is password-protected; each person granted access to the system at guard stations must be individually authorized to use the system. A Privacy Act Warning Notice appears on the monitor screen when records containing information on individuals are first displayed. Data exchanged between the servers and the client PCs at the guard stations and badging office will be encrypted when HUD upgrades to a PIV-II compliant system in 2007. Backup tapes are stored in a locked and controlled room in a secure, off-site location. An audit trail is maintained and reviewed periodically to identify unauthorized access. Persons given roles in the PIV process must complete training specific to their roles to ensure they are knowledgeable about how to protect individually identifiable information. Retention And Disposal: Records relating to persons' access covered by this system are retained in accordance with HUD Handbook 2228.2, General Records Schedule 18, Item 17, approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Unless retained for specific, ongoing security investigations, records of access are maintained for five years and then destroyed. For other facilities, records are maintained for two years and then destroyed. All other records relating to individuals are retained and disposed of in accordance with General Records Schedule 18, item 22a, approved by NARA. Records are destroyed upon notification of death or not later than five years after separation or transfer of employee, whichever is applicable. In accordance with HSPD-12, PIV Cards are deactivated within 18 hours of cardholder separation, loss of card, or expiration. The information on PIV Cards is maintained in accordance with General Records Schedule 11, Item 4. PIV Cards are destroyed by cross-cut shredding *no later than* 90 days after deactivation. System Manager(S) And Address: Director, Physical Security Division, Office of Security and Emergency Planning, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. Phone:

(202)708-2914. Notification Procedures: An individual can determine if this system contains a record pertaining to him/her by sending a request in writing, signed, to Director, Physical Security Division, Office of Security and Emergency Planning, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. Phone:

(202)708-2914. When requesting notification of or access to records covered by this Notice, an individual should provide his/her full name, date of birth, agency name, and work location. An individual requesting notification of records in person must provide identity documents sufficient to satisfy the custodian of the records that the requester is entitled to access, such as a government-issued photo ID. Individuals requesting notification via mail or telephone must furnish, at minimum, full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and home address in order to establish identity. Records Access Procedures: Same as notification procedures. Requesters should also reasonably specify the record contents being sought. Rules regarding access to Privacy Act records appear in 24 CFR part 16. If additional information or assistance is required, contact HUD's Privacy Act Officer in the Office of the Chief Information Officer, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. Phone:

(202)708-2374. Contesting Record Procedures: Same as notification procedures. Requesters should also reasonably identify the record, specify the information they are contesting, state the corrective action sought and the reasons for the correction along with supporting justification showing why the record is not accurate, timely, relevant, or complete. Rules regarding amendment of Privacy Act records appear in 24 CFR part 16. If additional information or assistance is required, contact HUD's Privacy Appeals Officer in the Office of the General Counsel, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. Record Source Categories: Employee, contractor, or applicant; sponsoring agency; former sponsoring agency; other Federal agencies; contract employer; former employer. Exemptions Claimed For The System: None. [FR Doc. E6-15491 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-4922-N-22] Privacy Act of 1974; New System of Records, Personnel Security Files AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notification of a new Privacy Act System of Records, Personnel Security Files. SUMMARY: HUD is creating a new Privacy Act System of Records, Personnel Security Files. The records in this system of records are used to document and support decisions regarding clearance for access to classified information, the suitability, eligibility, and fitness for service of applicants for federal employment and contract positions, including students, interns, or volunteers to the extent their duties require access to federal facilities, information, systems, or applications. The records may be used to document security violations and supervisory actions taken. DATES: *Effective Date:* This proposal shall become effective without further notice in 30 calendar days, October 19, 2006, unless comments are received during or before this period which would result in a contrary determination. *Comments Due Date:* October 19, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this notice to the Rules Docket Clerk, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Communications should refer to the above docket number and title. Facsimile

(202)708-2374. [This is not a toll-free number.] A telecommunications device for hearing and speech-impaired persons

(TTY)is available at

(800)877-8339 (Federal Information Relay Services). [This is a toll-free number.] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, notice is given that HUD proposes to create a new Privacy Act System of Records, Personnel Security Files. Title 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and

(11)provide that the public be afforded a 30-day period in which to comment on the new record system. The new system report was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, and the House Committee on Governmental Reform pursuant to paragraph 4c of Appendix 1 to OMB Circular No. A-130, “Federal Responsibilities for Maintaining Records About Individuals,” July 25, 1994 (59 FR 37914). Accordingly, this notice creates a new system of records for the Office of Administration and accompanying routine uses to be submitted and accessed in the management of the Personnel Security Files. Dated: September 12, 2006. Ed Dorris, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Systems Integration and Efficiency. HUD/ADMIN-6 System Name: Personnel Security Files. System Location: HUD Headquarters. Security Classification: Most personnel identity verification records are not classified. However, in some cases, records of certain individuals, or portions of some records, may be classified in the interest of national security. Categories Of Individuals Covered By The System: Individuals who require regular, ongoing access to federal facilities, information technology systems, or information classified in the interest of national security, including applicants for employment or contracts, federal employees, contractors, students, interns, volunteers, affiliates, individuals authorized to perform or use services provided in HUD facilities ( *e.g.,* Credit Union, Fitness Center, etc.), and individuals formerly in any of these positions. The system also includes individuals accused of security violations or found in violation. Categories Of Records In The System: Name, former names, birth date, birth place, Social Security number, home address, phone numbers, employment history, residential history, education and degrees earned, names of associates and references and their contact information, citizenship, names of relatives, birthdates and birth places of relatives, citizenship of relatives, names of relatives who work for the Federal government, criminal history, mental health history, drug use, financial information, fingerprints, summary report of investigation, results of suitability decisions, level of security clearance, date of issuance of security clearance, requests for appeal, witness statements, investigator's notes, tax return information, credit reports, security violations, circumstances of violation, and agency action taken. Authority For Maintenance Of The System: Depending upon the purpose of your investigation, the U.S. government is authorized to ask for this information under Executive Orders 10450, 10865, 12333, and 12356; sections 3301 and 9101 of title 5, U.S. Code; sections 2165 and 2201 of title 42, U.S. Code; sections 781 to 887 of title 50, U.S. Code; parts 5, 732, and 736 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and Homeland Security Presidential Directive

(HSPD)12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, August 21, 2004. Forms: SF-85, SF-85P, SF-86, SF-87. Purpose(S): The records in this system of records are used to document and support decisions regarding the suitability, eligibility, and fitness for service of applicants for federal employment and contract positions, including long-term students, interns, or volunteers to the extent their duties require access to federal facilities, information, systems, or applications. For some positions, the records may also be used to document and support decisions regarding National Security Clearance for access to classified information. The records may be used to document security violations and supervisory actions taken. Routine Uses Of Records Maintained In The System, Including Categories Of Users And The Purposes Of Such Uses: 1. To the Department of Justice when:

(a)The agency or any component thereof; or

(b)Any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity;

(c)Any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where agency or the Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or

(a)The agency or any component thereof;

(b)Any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity;

(c)Any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where agency or the Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or

(d)The United States Government, is a party to litigation or has an interest in such litigation, and by careful review, the agency determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and the use of such records is therefore deemed by the agency to be for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose for which the agency collected the records. 3. Except as noted on Forms SF-85, 85-P, and 86, when a record on its face, or in conjunction with other records, indicates a violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, and whether arising by general statute or particular program statute, or by regulation, rule, or order issued pursuant thereto, disclosure may be made to the appropriate public authority, whether Federal, foreign, State, local, or tribal, or otherwise, enforcing or implementing the statute, or rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto, if the information disclosed is relevant to any enforcement, regulatory, investigative or prosecutorial responsibility of the receiving entity. 4. To a Member of Congress or to a Congressional staff member in response to an inquiry of the Congressional office made at the written request of the constituent about whom the record is maintained. 5. To the National Archives and Records Administration or to the General Services Administration for records management inspections conducted under 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906. 6. To HUD contractors, grantees, or volunteers who have been engaged to assist the agency in the performance of a contract service, grant, cooperative agreement, or other activity related to this system of records and who need to have access to the records in order to perform their activity. Recipients shall be required to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a. 7. To any source or potential source from which information is requested in the course of an investigation concerning the retention of an employee or other personnel action (other than hiring), or the retention of a security clearance, contract, grant, license, or other benefit, to the extent necessary to identify the individual, inform the source of the nature and purpose of the investigation, and to identify the type of information requested. 8. To a Federal, State, local, foreign, or tribal or other public authority the fact that this system of records contains information relevant to the retention of an employee, the retention of a security clearance, the letting of a contract, or the issuance or retention of a license, grant, or other benefit. The other agency or licensing organization may then make a request supported by the written consent of the individual for the entire record if it so chooses. No disclosure will be made unless the information has been determined to be sufficiently reliable to support a referral to another office within the agency or to another Federal agency for criminal, civil, administrative personnel or regulatory action. 9. To the news media or the general public, factual information the disclosure of which would be in the public interest and which would not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, consistent with Freedom of Information Act standards. 10. To a Federal, State, or local agency, or other appropriate entities or individuals, or through established liaison channels to selected foreign governments, in order to enable an intelligence agency to carry out its responsibilities under the National Security Act of 1947 as amended, the CIA Act of 1949 as amended, Executive Order 12333 or any successor order, applicable national security directives, or classified implementing procedures approved by the Attorney General and promulgated pursuant to such statutes, orders or directives. 11. To the Office of Management and Budget when necessary to the review of private relief legislation pursuant to OMB Circular No. A-19. Policies And Practice For Storing, Retrieving, Accessing, Retaining And Disposing Of Records In The System: Storage: Records are stored on paper and electronically in a secure location. Retrievability: Background investigation files are retrieved by name, Social Security number (SSN), or fingerprint. Safeguards: *For paper records:* Comprehensive paper records are kept in locked metal file cabinets in locked rooms in HUD Headquarters, in the Office of Security and Emergency Planning, which is the office responsible for suitability determinations. Some paper records (limited in number and scope) are kept in the HUD's Regional Human Resources in locked metal file cabinets in locked rooms. Access to the records is limited to those employees who have a need for them in the performance of their official duties. *For electronic records:* Comprehensive electronic records are kept in the Office of Security and Emergency Planning. Access to the records is restricted to those with specific role in the PIV process that requires access to background investigation forms to perform their duties, and who have been given a password to access that part of the system including background investigation records. An audit trail is maintained and reviewed periodically to identify unauthorized access. Persons given roles in the PIV process must complete training specific to their roles to ensure they are knowledgeable about how to protect individually identifiable information. Retention And Disposal: These records are retained and disposed of in accordance with General Records Schedule 18, item 22a, approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The records are disposed in accordance with HUD's disposal policies. Records are destroyed upon notification of death, or not later than five years after separation or transfer of employee to another agency or department, whichever is applicable. System Manager(S) And Address: Director, Office of Security and Emergency Planning, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. Notification And Record Access Procedures: Individuals seeking to determine whether this system of records contains information about them, or those seeking access to such records, should address inquiries to the Director, Office of Security and Emergency Planning, 451 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20410. Written requests must include the full name, current address, and telephone number of the individual making the request, including a description of the requester's relationship to the information in question. The System Manager will accept inquiries from individuals seeking notification of whether the system contains records pertaining to them. Contesting Record Procedures: The procedures for requesting amendment or correction of records appear in 24 CFR 16. If additional information or assistance is required, contact the Privacy Act Appeals Officer, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410 Record Source Categories: Depending on the level of background investigation being conducted, information may be obtained from a variety of sources, including the employee, contractor, or applicant via use of the SF-85, SF-85P, or SF-86, as well as personal interviews; employers' and former employers' records; FBI criminal history records and other databases; financial institutions and credit reports; medical records and health care providers; educational institutions; interviews of witnesses such as neighbors, friends, co-workers, business associates, teachers, landlords, or family members; tax records; and other public records. Security violation information is obtained from a variety of sources, such as guard reports, security inspections, witnesses, supervisor's reports, audit reports. Systems Exempted From Certain Provisions Of The Privacy Act: Upon publication of a final rule in the **Federal Register,** this system of records will be exempt in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5). Information will be withheld to the extent it identifies witnesses promised confidentiality as a condition of providing information during the course of the background investigation. [FR Doc. E6-15492 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Including Blackwater, Martin and Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuges) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Final comprehensive conservation plan and finding of no significant impact. SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan

(CCP)is available for Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge

(NWR)Complex (including Blackwater, Martin and Susquehanna NWRs). This CCP is required pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668 dd *et seq.* ), and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The CCP describes how the Service intends to manage the complex over the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: Copies of the CCP are available on compact diskette or in hard copy, and may be obtained by writing Bill Perry, Refuge Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035, or by electronic mail at *northeastplanning@fws.gov.* These documents may also be accessed at the Web address *http://library.fws.gov/ccps.htm.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Perry, Refuge Planner at the above address, 413-253-8371, or electronic mail at *Bill_Perry@fws.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife science, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and habitats, a CCP identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The CCP will be reviewed and updated at least every 15 years. Established in 1933, Blackwater NWR is the oldest and largest in the complex. It encompasses 23,686 acres and consists of extensive marshes, moist-soil impoundments, and croplands that form a mosaic of habitats important to migrating and wintering waterfowl. The forests of Blackwater NWR provide unique and important habitats for a variety of migratory songbirds, the bald eagle, and the largest remaining population of the Federal-listed endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. Martin NWR was established in 1954. It consists of 4,569 acres and is closed to the public. Tidal marsh, coves and creeks and vegetated ridges form a habitat complex important to thousands of migratory waterfowl and nesting songbirds. Susquehanna NWR was established in 1942 and consists of a 4-acre island with scattered trees mixed in with grass and shrubs. Eastern Neck NWR is a 2,286-acre refuge that was established in 1962. This refuge is not included in this CCP, and will undergo the planning process for a CCP at a later date. Our final CCP includes management direction for each of the three refuges, and includes habitat management and public use goals and objectives based on the vision for the refuge that has been developed as a part of the CCP process. Our adopted management direction represents adaptive management based on the results of scientific survey and monitoring programs. It focuses on restoring, enhancing, and maintaining ecological processes and natural biological communities and biodiversity. It emphasizes managing the complex for the benefit of all migratory bird species, maintaining and recovering endangered or threatened species, restoring submerged aquatic vegetation and wetlands, reducing or eliminating invasive plant and animal species, and adding research and inventories, including those for butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and fish. The final CCP includes the decision to expand the boundary of Blackwater NWR, primarily through partnerships and easements, in two areas: 15,300 acres surrounding the refuge, and 16,000 acres east of the refuge along the Nanticoke River. All of that acreage contains low-lying forest and marsh habitats. Finally, the CCP improves our ability to provide opportunities for compatible, wildlife-dependent recreation. This includes a new, accessible fishing pier and parking area at Key Wallace Bridge, new hiking and canoe trails, a canoe access ramp and wetland observation deck, rebuilding the wildlife observation tower, remodeling and expanding the visitor center, updating the exhibits at the center, enhancing signage, providing new hunting opportunities for turkey, resident Canada geese, and waterfowl, and providing many more outreach and environmental education programs. The Service solicited comments on the draft CCP/EA for Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex from May 3 through July 15, 2005. We developed a list of substantive comments that required responses. Editorial suggestions and notes of concurrence with, or opposition to, certain proposals were noted and included in the decision making process, but did not receive formal responses. The final CCP includes responses to all substantive comments. Comments are considered substantive if they: • Question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of the information in the document, • Question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of the environmental analysis, • Present reasonable alternatives other than those presented in the EA, • Cause changes or revisions in the CCP, • Provide new or additional information relevant to the analysis. Based upon the comments we received, we chose management alternative B to develop into the final CCP, with the following modifications: • *Land Protection:* We received a mixed response to the proposed boundary expansion. While there was a degree of support, a number of comments expressed concern about the scope of the Land Protection Plan

(LPP)and proposed boundary expansion. Some comments indicated a concern about the potential for condemnation of land by the Service. We revised the LPP to include protection measures other than fee-title acquisition for the Nanticoke Division of Blackwater NWR. The use of easements and management agreements, for example, is authorized for this division. Fee-title acquisition is authorized only for the boundary expansion contiguous to the existing Blackwater NWR. • *Marshbird Habitat Improvement:* We received comments that the CCP should recognize the distinctness and conservation value of the brackish marsh bird community and plan for its long term management. We have added a new objective to Goal 1 to capture the significance of the brackish marsh bird community and future management strategies, including the need to adaptively manage fire in marsh ecosystems. Dated: August 7, 2006. Richard O. Bennett, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, Massachusetts. [FR Doc. E6-15507 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for Camissonia benitensis (San Benito evening-primrose) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Recovery Plan for *Camissonia benitensis* (San Benito evening-primrose). This plant species is found primarily in the Clear Creek Management Area

(CCMA)in San Benito County, California; the CCMA is managed by the Hollister Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. ADDRESSES: Printed copies of this recovery plan will be available in 4 to 6 weeks by request from the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, California 93003 (phone: 805/644-1766). An electronic copy of this recovery plan is now available on the World Wide Web at *http://endangered.fws.gov/recovery/index.html#plans.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Connie Rutherford, botanist, at 805/644-1766. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Restoring endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program. The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* )

(Act)requires the development of recovery plans for listed species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. Recovery plans help guide the recovery effort by describing actions considered necessary for the conservation of the species, establishing criteria for downlisting or delisting listed species, and estimating time and cost for implementing the measures needed for recovery. Section 4(f) of the Act requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment be provided during recovery plan development. In fulfillment of this requirement, information presented during the public comment period and comments from peer reviewers have been considered in the preparation of this final recovery plan, and are summarized in Appendix D to the recovery plan. We will forward substantive comments regarding recovery plan implementation to appropriate Federal or other entities so they can take these comments into account during the course of implementing recovery actions. *Camissonia benitensis* was listed as threatened in 1985 and is associated with serpentine-derived soils within the San Benito serpentine body in the southern Coast Ranges of California. Populations of *Camissonia benitensis* are usually found on small streamside terraces that have formed at the base of slopes within watersheds that flow off of San Benito Mountain, which, at 5,247 feet (2,000 meters), is the highest point in this stretch of the Coast Ranges. The entire range of the species spans an area about 20 miles long and 5 miles wide. *Camissonia benitensis* is an ephemeral annual species whose numbers of individuals can fluctuate drastically from year to year. While favorable climatic conditions in an occasional year may result in tens of thousands of individuals, more often populations are small in numbers of individuals and in the amount of acreage they occupy. The primary threat to *Camissonia benitensis* is off-highway vehicle recreation activity in the CCMA. Although most terrace sites that support occupied or suitable habitat for the species have been administratively closed and either wholly or partially fenced by the Bureau, off-highway vehicles continue to access a certain number of these sites and cause direct damage to plants and their habitat. Other forms of recreation such as rock collecting, hunting, and nature hiking are comparatively minor threats. In addition, the natural erosion rate of the serpentine slopes above the terraces is exacerbated by human recreational activities that contribute to deposition on top of the terraces as well as erosion of the terraces due to sediment loading of streams and subsequent flooding. The objective of a recovery plan is to provide a framework for the recovery of the species so that protection by the Act is no longer necessary. Actions necessary to accomplish this objective include:

(1)Protecting existing populations and suitable habitat,

(2)reducing or eliminating soil erosion and stream sedimentation in the watersheds that support habitat for the species,

(3)developing a species management plan that includes needed research and monitoring,

(4)establishing an *ex situ* seed collection, and

(5)developing and implementing a public outreach program. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). Steve Thompson, Manager, California-Nevada Operations Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E6-15508 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Recovery Plan for the Nosa Luta or Rota Bridled White-eye (Zosterops rotensis) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability for review and comment. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Nosa Luta or Rota Bridled White-eye ( *Zosterops rotensis* ), for public review and comment. DATES: Comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or before November 20, 2006. ADDRESSES: Copies of the draft recovery plan are available by request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-122, Box 50088, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (phone: 808/792-9400). Written comments and materials regarding this draft recovery plan should be addressed to the Field Supervisor at the above Honolulu address. An electronic copy of the draft recovery plan is also available at *http://endangered.fws.gov/recovery/index.html#plans.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Amidon, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, at the above Honolulu address. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Restoring endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program. The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* )

(ESA)requires the development of recovery plans for listed species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. Recovery plans help guide the recovery effort by describing actions considered necessary for the conservation of the species, establishing criteria for downlisting or delisting listed species, and estimating time and cost for implementing the measures needed for recovery. Section 4(f) of the ESA requires that public notice, and an opportunity for public review and comment, be provided during recovery plan development. We will consider all information presented during the public comment period prior to approval of each new or revised recovery plan. Substantive comments on the recovery needs of the species or other aspects of recovery plan development may result in changes to the recovery plan. Substantive comments regarding recovery plan implementation may not necessarily result in changes to the recovery plan, but will be forwarded to appropriate Federal or other entities so that they can take these comments into account during the course of implementing recovery actions. Individual responses to comments will not be provided. The Rota bridled white-eye, known as nosa Luta in Chamorro, is a bird endemic to the island of Rota in the Mariana archipelago and was federally listed as endangered in 2004 (January 22, 2004, 69 FR 3022). In 1999, the population was estimated to be approximately 1,000 individuals, representing a 90 percent decline since 1982, and the species' core range consisted of approximately 628 acres (254 hectares) of forest above 490 feet (150 meters) elevation. Available information indicates that habitat loss and degradation and predation by introduced rats ( *Rattus* spp.) and black drongos ( *Dicrurus macrocercus* ) are having some impact on the nosa Luta population. Due to its restricted range and small population size, the species is also highly susceptible to random catastrophic events such as typhoons and the accidental introduction of new predators such as the brown treesnake ( *Boiga irregularis* ), and avian diseases such as West Nile virus. The draft recovery plan for the nosa Luta focuses on the following actions:

(1)Protecting and enhancing forests in the species' range;

(2)determining the specific habitat requirements of the nosa Luta to manage areas for the species' conservation;

(3)assessing the impact of predation by black drongos and rats, and controlling these species as appropriate;

(4)preventing the introduction of new predators and avian diseases; and

(5)developing techniques to safeguard the species from extinction due to random catastrophic events. The immediate goals of the draft recovery plan are to stop further declines in the range and composition of the nosa Luta population, develop safeguards to prevent the species from going extinct, and restore the population to at least the abundance levels estimated in 1982 (10,000 individuals). In addition to suggesting actions to address the immediate threats to the species, the draft recovery plan calls for research to determine the specific habitat requirements and life history parameters of the nosa Luta to inform long-term management decisions for the effective recovery of the species. Public Comments Solicited We solicit written comments on the draft recovery plan described. All comments received by the date specified above will be considered prior to approval of this plan. Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home addresses from the record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. There also may be circumstances in which we would withhold from the record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment, but you should be aware that we may be required to disclose your name and address pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. However, we will not consider anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533 (f). Dated: June 6, 2006. Carolyn A. Bohan, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E6-15510 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) Advisory Committee AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: Pursuant to Public Law 106-148, the NCGMP Advisory Committee will meet in Room 3B457 of the John Wesley Powell Building, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA. The Advisory Committee, composed of scientists from Federal Agencies, State Agencies, academic institutions, and private companies, will advise the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey on planning and implementation of the geologic mapping program. At this meeting, the Advisory Committee will participate in the following efforts: • An external review of the NCGMP by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. • Discussion with the Program Coordinator on the progress of the USGS National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. DATES: October 11-12, 2006 commencing at 9 a.m. on October 11 and adjourning by early afternoon on October 12. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randall Orndorff, U.S. Geological Survey, 908 National Center, Reston, Virginia 20192,

(703)648-4316. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meetings of the National Cooperative Geological Mapping Program Advisory Committee are open to the Pubic. Dated: September 13, 2006. Peter T. Lyttle, Acting Associate Director for Geology. [FR Doc. 06-7741 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am]

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U.S. Code