Notices. Notice

11,262 words·~51 min read·/register/2007/12/28/07-6187

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

BILLING CODE 6690-01-M FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority, Comments Requested December 18, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on

(PRA)of 1995 (PRA), Public Law No. 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. Subject to the PRA, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before February 26, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: You may submit all PRA comments by e-mail or U.S. post mail. To submit your comments by e-mail, send them to *PRA@fcc.gov* . To submit your comments by U.S. mail, mark them to the attention of Cathy Williams, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection(s), contact Cathy Williams at

(202)418-2918 or send an e-mail to *PRA@fcc.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0932. *Title:* Application for Authority to Make Changes in a Class A TV Broadcast Station. *Form Number:* FCC Form 301-CA. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit institutions; State, local or tribal government. *Number of Respondents:* 400. *Estimated Time per Response:* 7 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement. *Total annual burden:* 2,800 hours. *Total annual costs:* $2,279,200. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* The FCC 301-CA is to be used in all cases by a Class A television station licensees seeking to make changes in the authorized facilities of such station. The FCC 301-CA requires applicants to certify compliance with certain statutory and regulatory requirements. Detailed instructions provide additional information regarding Commission rules and policies. Class A applicants are also subject to third party disclosure requirement of section 73.3580 which requires local public notice in a newspaper of general circulation of the filing of all applications for major changes in facilities. This notice must be completed within 30 days of the tendering of the application. This notice must be published at least twice a week for two consecutive weeks in a three-week period. A copy of this notice must be placed in the public inspection file along with the application. The FCC 301-CA is designed to track the standards and criteria which the Commission applies to determine compliance and to increase the reliability of applicant certifications. They are not intended to be a substitute for familiarity with the Communications Act and the Commission's regulations, policies, and precedent. *OMB Control Number:* 3060-1001. *Title:* Application for Extension of Time to Construct a Digital Television Broadcast Station. *Form Number:* FCC Form 337. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit institutions. *Number of Respondents:* 300. *Estimated time per response:* 30 minutes to one hour. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement; Recordkeeping requirement. *Total annual burden:* 250 hours. *Total annual cost:* $150,000. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Privacy Impact Assessment(s):* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* The FCC Form 337, Application for Extension of Time to Construct a Digital Television

(DTV)Broadcast Station, is used by all DTV permittees to apply for extension of time within which to construct a commercial or noncommercial educational DTV broadcast station. This form must be filed at least sixty, but not more than ninety, days prior to the applicable construction deadline. Applicants who file this form based on financial hardships must retain documentation fully detailing and supporting their financial representations as well as any steps taken to overcome the circumstances preventing construction. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25215 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Submitted for Review to the Office of Management and Budget, Comments Requested December 18, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Sections 3501-3520. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(PRA)comments should be submitted on or before January 28, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the FCC contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Nicholas A. Fraser, Office of Management and Budget, via e-mail to *Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov* or via fax at

(202)395-5167 and to the Federal Communications Commission via e-mail to *PRA@fcc.gov* or by U.S. mail to Leslie F. Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C216, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 at 202-418-0217. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information contact Leslie F. Smith via e-mail at *PRA@fcc.gov* or call 202-418-0217. To view a copy of this information collection request

(ICR)submitted to OMB:

(1)Go to the Web page *http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain* ,

(2)look for the section of the web page called “Currently Under Review,”

(3)click on the downward-pointing arrow in the “Select Agency” box below the “Currently Under Review” heading,

(4)select “Federal Communications Commission” from the list of agencies presented in the “Select Agency” box,

(5)click the “Submit” button to the right of the “Select Agency” box,

(6)when the list of FCC ICRs currently under review appears, look for the title of the ICR (or its OMB control number, if there is one) and then click on the ICR Reference Number to view detailed information about this ICR. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Control Number: 3060-0741. *Title:* Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, CC Docket No. 96-98, *Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order* , *et al.* *Form Number(s):* N/A. *Type of Review:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 2,166 respondents; 39,303 responses. *Estimated Time per Response:* 0.5—8 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirements; recordkeeping; third party disclosure. *Obligation to Respond:* 47 U.S.C. 251. *Total Annual Burden:* 68,588 hours. *Total Annual Cost:* $0.00. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* There are no impacts under the Privacy Act. *Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:* There is no need for confidentiality. *Needs and Uses:* Section 251 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 251, is designed to accelerate private sector development and deployment of telecommunications technologies and services by spurring competition. These OMB collections are designed to help implement certain provisions of section 251, and to eliminate operational barriers to competition in the telecommunications services market. Specifically, these OMB collections will be used to implement

(1)local exchange carriers' (“LECs”) obligations to provide their competitors with dialing parity and non-discriminatory access to certain services and functionalities;

(2)incumbent local exchange carriers' (“ILECs”) duty to make network information disclosures; and

(3)numbering administration. This collection also is being revised to remove two information collection requirements— *submission of toll dialing parity implementation plans and justification for non-compliance.* The sections containing those expired deadlines, 47 CFR 51.211 (a)—(f) and 47 CFR 51.213(d), (e), have been eliminated. See Biennial Regulatory Review of Regulations Administered by the Wireline Competition Bureau, WC Docket No. 02-313, 21 FCC Rcd 9937, 9942, paras. 20-21

(2006)(WCB Biennial Reg. Review). Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25216 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, Comments Requested December 19, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before February 26, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: You may submit all PRA comments by e-mail or U.S. post mail. To submit your comments by e-mail, send them to *PRA@fcc.gov.* To submit your comments by U.S. mail, mark them to the attention of Cathy Williams, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection(s), contact Cathy Williams at

(202)418-2918 or send an e-mail to *PRA@fcc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0311. Title: 47 CFR 76.54, Significantly Viewed Signals, Method to Be Followed for Special Showings. *Form Number:* Not applicable. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 500. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement requirement; Third party disclosure requirement. *Estimated Time per Response:* 1-15 hours. *Total Annual Burden:* 20,610 hours. *Total Annual Costs:* $200,000. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* 47 CFR 76.54(c) is used to notify interested parties, including licensees or permittees of television broadcast stations, about audience surveys that are being conducted by an organization to demonstrate that a particular broadcast station is eligible for significantly viewed status under the Commission's rules. The notifications provide interested parties with an opportunity to review survey methodologies and file objections. 47 CFR 76.54(e) and (f), are used to notify television broadcast stations about the retransmission of significantly viewed signals by a satellite carrier into these stations' local market. *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0960. *Title:* 47 CFR 76.122, Satellite Network Non-duplication Protection Rules; 47 CFR 76.123, Satellite Syndicated Program Exclusivity Rules; 47 CFR 76.124, Requirements for Invocation of Non-duplication and Syndicated Exclusivity Protection; 47 CFR 76.127, Satellite Sports Blackout Rules. *Form Number:* Not applicable. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 1,428. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 0.5 -1 hour. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement; Third party disclosure requirement. *Total Annual Burden:* 12,402 hours. *Total Annual Costs:* None. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* 47 CFR 76.122, 76.123, 76.124 and 76.127 are used to protect exclusive contract rights negotiated between broadcasters, distributors, and rights holders for the transmission of network, syndicated, and sports programming in the broadcasters' recognized market areas. Rule sections 76.122 and 76.123 implement statutory requirements to provide rights for in-market stations to assert non-duplication and exclusivity rights. *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0991. *Title:* AM Measurement Data. *Form Number:* Not applicable. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Businesses or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 1,900. *Estimated Hours per Response:* 0.50-25 hours. *Frequency of Response:* Recordkeeping requirement; Third party disclosure requirement; On occasion reporting requirement. *Total Annual Burden:* 29,225 hours. *Total Annual Cost:* $73,000. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* In order to control interference between stations and assure adequate community coverage, AM stations must conduct various engineering measurements to demonstrate that the antenna system operates as authorized. The following rule sections are included with this collection. 47 CFR 73.54(c) requires that AM licensees file a letter notification with the FCC when determining power by the direct method. In addition, section 73.54(c) requires that background information regarding antenna resistance measurement data for AM stations must be kept on file at the station. 47 CFR 73.54(d) requires AM stations using direct reading power meters to either submit the information required by

(c)or submit a statement indicating that such a meter is being used. 47 CFR 73.61 requires that each AM station using directional antennas make field strength measurement as often as necessary to insure proper directional antenna system operation. Stations not having approved sampling systems make field strength measurements every three months. Stations with approved sampling systems must make field strength measurements as often as necessary. Also, all AM stations using directional antennas must make partial proofs of performance as often as necessary. 47 CFR 73.62(b) requires an AM station with a directional antenna system to measure and log every monitoring point at least once for each mode of directional operation within 24 hours of detection of variance of operating parameters from allowed tolerances. 47 CFR 73.68(b) requires that licensees of existing AM broadcast stations with antenna monitor sampling systems meeting the performance standards specified in the rules may file informal requests for approval of their sampling systems. 47 CFR 73.68(d) requires that a request for modification of the station license be submitted to the FCC on FCC 302-AM when the antenna sampling system is modified or components of the sampling system are replaced. Immediately prior to modification or replacement of components of the sampling system and after a verification that all monitoring point values and operating parameters are within the limits or tolerances, the licensee is required to record certain indications for each radiation pattern. 47 CFR 73.69(c) requires AM station licensees with directional antennas to file an informal request to operate without required monitors with the Media Bureau in Washington, DC, when conditions beyond the control of the licensee prevent the restoration of an antenna monitor to service within a 120 day period. This request is filed in conjunction with section 73.3549. 47 CFR 73.69(d)(1) requires that AM licensees with directional antennas request to obtain temporary authority to operate with parameters at variance with licensed values when an authorized antenna monitor is replaced pending issuance of a modified license specifying new parameters. 47 CFR 73.69(d)(5) requires AM licensees with directional antennas to submit an informal request for modification of license to the FCC within 30 days of the date of antenna monitor replacement. 47 CFR 73.154 requires the result of the most recent partial proof of performance measurements and analysis to be retained in the station records and made available to the FCC upon request. Maps showing new measurement points shall be associated with the partial proof in the station's records and shall be made available to the FCC upon request. 47 CFR 73.158(b) requires a licensee of an AM station using a directional antenna system to file a request for a corrected station license when the description of monitoring point in relation to nearby landmarks as shown on the station license is no longer correct due to road or building construction or other changes. A copy of the monitoring point description must be posted with the existing station license. 47 CFR 73.3538(b) requires a broadcast station to file an informal application to modify or discontinue the obstruction marking or lighting of an antenna supporting structure. 47 CFR 73.3549 requires licensees to file with the FCC requests for extensions of authority to operate without required monitors, transmission system indicating instruments, or encoders and decoders for monitoring and generating the Emergency Alert System codes. Such requests musts contain information as to when and what steps were taken to repair or replace the defective equipment and a brief description of the alternative procedures being used while the equipment is out of service. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25218 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed By the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority, Comments Requested December 18, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a current valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning:

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before February 26, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: You may submit all PRA comments by e-mail or U.S. mail. To submit your comments by e-mail, send them to *PRA@fcc.gov.* To submit your comments by U.S. mail, send them to Leslie F. Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C216, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554, or via the Internet to *PRA@fcc.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection(s), contact Leslie F. Smith via the Internet at *PRA@fcc.gov* or call

(202)418-0217. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Control Number: 3060-0149. *Title:* Application and Supplemental Information Requirements—Part 63, Section 214, Sections 63.01-63.601. *Form Number:* N/A. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents and Responses:* 45 respondents. *Estimated Time per Response:* 5 hours. *Obligation to Respond:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirements; third party disclosure. *Total Annual Burden:* 225 hours. *Total Annual Cost:* $0.00. *Privacy Act Impact Assessment:* No impacts. *Nature of Extent of Confidentiality:* The Commission is not requesting that the respondents submit confidential information to the FCC. Respondents may, however, request confidential treatment for information they believe to be confidential under 47 CFR Section 0.459 of the Commission's rules. *Needs and Uses:* Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, requires that the FCC review the establishment, acquisition, operation, line extension, and service discontinuance by interstate common carriers. This OMB collection pertains primarily to 47 CFR Section 63.71 of the Commission's rules, which governs the application process for receiving discontinuance, impairment or reduction in service authority. The Commission will use the information to determine if affected respondents are in compliance with its rules and the requirements of Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25221 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, Comments Requested December 18, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before February 26, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: You may submit all PRA comments by e-mail or U.S. post mail. To submit your comments by e-mail, send them to *PRA@fcc.gov.* To submit your comments by U.S. mail, mark them to the attention of Cathy Williams, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection(s), contact Cathy Williams at

(202)418-2918 or send an e-mail to *PRA@fcc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0888. *Title:* Section 76.7, Petition Procedures; Section 76.9, Confidentiality of Proprietary Information; Section 76.61, Dispute Concerning Carriage; Section 76.914, Revocation of Certification; Section 76.1003, Program Access Proceedings; Section 76.1302, Carriage Agreement Proceedings; Section 76.1513, Open Video Dispute Resolution. *Form Number:* Not applicable. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 500. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement; Third party disclosure requirement. *Estimated Time per Response:* 4—40 hours (average). *Total Annual Burden:* 11,000 hours. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Total Annual Costs:* $200,000. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* 47 CFR 76.7 is used to make determinations on petitions and complaints filed with the Commission. Parties (cable operators and broadcast stations) are permitted to file Section 76.7 petitions (with audience surveys) to demonstrate significantly viewed status under rule Section 76.54. Satellite carriers can also file such Section 76.7 petitions to demonstrate significantly viewed status under Section 340 of the Act. Moreover, authorize parties can file Section 76.7 petitions in order to file a complaint under the Section 340 enforcement provisions. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25224 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority, Comments Requested December 20, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before February 26, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: You may submit all PRA comments by email or U.S. post mail. To submit your comments by e-mail, send them to *PRA@fcc.gov.* To submit your comments by U.S. mail, mark them to the attention of Cathy Williams, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection(s), contact Cathy Williams at

(202)418-2918 or send an e-mail to *PRA@fcc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *OMB Control Number:* 3060-0996. *Title:* AM Auction Section 307(b) Submissions. *Form Number:* Not applicable. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit entities. *Number of Respondents:* 450. *Estimated Hours per Response:* 0.5 to 3 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement. *Total Annual Burden:* 1,100 hours. *Total Annual Costs:* $132,500. *Nature of Response:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *Confidentiality:* No need for confidentiality required. *Privacy Impact Assessment:* No impact(s). *Needs and Uses:* When Congress granted auction authority in the Balanced Budget Act for commercial broadcast and secondary broadcast services, it did not eliminate or revise 47 U.S.C. Section 307(b) of the Communications Act. Section 307(b) requires that the Commission effect a fair, efficient, and equitable distribution of radio stations throughout the United States. Section 307(b) information was previously collected in the framework of comparative hearing proceedings when mutually exclusive AM applications proposing to serve different communities were filed, or when non-mutually exclusive AM applications proposed a change in community of license. Since the comparative hearing process was discontinued as a result of the implementation of competitive bidding, the Commission must now collect the 307(b) information and undertake a Section 307(b) analysis in the context of the auction proceedings. For example, for mutually exclusive AM applications proposing to serve different communities, the process is performed prior to conducting the auction. In order to evaluate Section 307(b) considerations, the Commission requires the submission of supplemental information subsequent to the AM auction filing window application (FCC Form 175 and technical information) submission. Section 307(b) information is not collected in the initial auction filing window application because Section 307(b) considerations are not pertinent to all window filed application—Section 307(b) is relevant only when the mutually exclusive AM application group consists of applications to serve different communities of license, or when a non-mutually exclusive AM application proposes a major modification of facilities, seeking a community of license change. Specifically, where the mutually exclusive group consists of proposals to serve different communities of license, each applicant within the group must submit an amendment containing supplemental information such as the following:

(1)The area and population within the proposed 2 mV/m and 0.5 mV/m contours;

(2)the number of stations licensed to the proposed community of license;

(3)the number of stations providing protected service to the proposed community of license;

(4)the population (according to the latest Census data) of the proposed community of license;

(5)a description of the civic, cultural, religious, social or commercial attributes of the proposed community of license; and

(6)any other information determined relevant. The Commission will dismiss, without further processing, the previously filed AM auction filing window application and technical proposal of any applicant that fails to file an amendment addressing the Section 307(b) criteria, where required. Mutually exclusive AM applicants may not use this as an opportunity to change the technical proposal specified in the AM auction filing window application. The Section 307(b) amendment must be based on the technical proposal as specified in the AM auction filing window application. Non-mutually exclusive applicants proposing a change in community of license must provide Section 307(b) information, demonstrating the merits of locating the station in the new community, as opposed to the former community of license. In addition, certain mutually exclusive application groups containing major modification applications are permitted to resolve their mutual exclusivities through settlement agreements. These agreements must comply with 47 CFR 73.3525, Agreements for Removing Application Conflicts (approved under OMB 3060-0213). To facilitate processing, eligible applicants who intend to settle should promptly notify the Commission in writing that a pre-auction settlement is forthcoming. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25228 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority, Comments Requested December 20, 2007. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning

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

(b)the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Persons wishing to comment on this information collection should submit comments February 26, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Nicholas A. Fraser, Office of Management and Budget (OMB),

(202)395-5887, or via fax at 202-395-5167, or via the Internet at *Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov* and to *Judith-B.Herman@fcc.gov,* Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To submit your comments by email send them to: *PRA@fcc.gov* . If you would like to obtain or view a copy of this information collection after the 60 day comment period, you may do so by visiting the OMB ROCIS Web site at: *http://www.reginfo.gov/public/PRAMain* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection(s) send an e-mail to *PRA@fcc.gov* or contact Judith B. Herman at 202-418-0214. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *OMB Control No.:* 3060-0713. *Title:* Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program

(ABIP)Compliance Notification. *Form No.:* N/A. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Respondents:* Business or other for-profit, and not-for-profit institutions. *Number of Respondents:* 53 respondents; 2,650 responses. *Estimated Time Per Response:* .084 hours (5 minutes). *Frequency of Response:* On occasion reporting requirement and third party disclosure requirement. *Obligation to Respond:* Voluntary. *Total Annual Burden:* 223 hours. *Annual Cost Burden:* N/A. *Privacy Act Impact Assessment:* N/A. *Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:* There is no need for confidentiality. *Needs and Uses:* This collection will be submitted as an extension (no change in reporting or third party disclosure requirements) after this 60 day comment period to Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)in order to obtain the full three year clearance. The total annual burden hours have been adjusted slightly due to a change in the estimated time per response (from .083 to .084 hours). The Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program

(ABIP)is an agreement between the FCC's Enforcement Bureau and an entity, usually a state broadcast association, in which the entity arranges for the inspection of the broadcast station to determine compliance with FCC regulations. The inspections are conducted on a voluntary basis and the entities notify the local FCC District Office or Resident Agent office, in writing via letter of those stations that pass the ABIP inspection and have been granted a Certificate of Compliance. The FCC's Enforcement Bureau

(EB)standardized the existing ABIP in 2003 to establish a specific, uniform arrangement for the inspection of broadcast stations. This information will be used by FCC to determine which broadcast stations are in compliance with FCC rules and will not be subject to routine inspections conducted by the FCC's District Offices. Without this information, the FCC would not be able to determine which stations should be exempt from random inspections. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25239 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [DA 07-4732] Notice of Debarment; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Enforcement Bureau (the “Bureau”) debars Mr. Brown from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (or “E-Rate Program”) for a period of three years based on his conviction of mail fraud in connection with his participation in the program. The Bureau takes this action in order to protect the E-Rate Program from waste, fraud and abuse. DATES: Debarment commences on the date Mr. Richard E. Brown receives the debarment letter or December 28, 2007, whichever date comes first, for a period of three years. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Lee, Federal Communications Commission, Enforcement Bureau, Investigations and Hearings Division, Room 4-C330, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. Diana Lee may be contacted by phone at

(202)418-0843 or e-mail at *diana.lee@fcc.gov.* If Ms. Lee is unavailable, you may contact Ms. Vickie Robinson, Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, by telephone at

(202)418-1420 and by e-mail at *vickie.robinson@fcc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Bureau debarred Mr. Brown from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism for a period of three years pursuant to 47 CFR 54.521 and 47 CFR 0.111(a)(14). Attached is the debarment letter, DA 07-4732, which was mailed to Mr. Brown and released on November 27, 2007. The complete text of the notice of debarment is available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portal II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. In addition, the complete text is available on the FCC's Web site at *http://www.fcc.gov.* The text may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating inspection and copying during regular business hours at the contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., Portal II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B420, Washington, DC 20554, telephone

(202)488-5300 or

(800)378-3160, facsimile

(202)488-5563, or via e-mail at *http://www.bcpiweb.com.* Federal Communications Commission. Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau. The debarment letter, which attached the suspension letter, follows: November 27, 2007 DA 07-4732 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED AND E-MAIL Mr. Richard E. Brown, c/o Douglas McNabb, Esq., McNabb Associates PC., JP Morgan Chase Tower, 600 Travis Street, Suite 7070, Houston, TX 77002. Re: Notice of Debarment, File No. EB-07-IH-5369 Dear Mr. Brown: Pursuant to section 54.521 of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (the “Commission”), by this Notice of Debarment you are debarred from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (or “E-Rate program”) for a period of three years. 1 1 *See* 47 CFR 0.111(a)(14), 54.521. On September 25, 2007, the Enforcement Bureau (the “Bureau”) sent you a Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings (the “Notice of Suspension”). 2 That Notice of Suspension was published in the **Federal Register** on October 10, 2007. 3 The Notice of Suspension suspended you from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism and described the basis for initiation of debarment proceedings against you, the applicable debarment procedures, and the effect of debarment. 4 2 Letter from Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, to Mr. Scott A. Federowicz, Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings, 22 FCC Rcd 17341 (Inv. & Hearings Div., Enf. Bur. 2007) (Attachment 1). 3 72 FR 57574 (October 10, 2007). 4 See Notice of Suspension, 22 FCC Rcd at 17343. Pursuant to the Commission's rules, any opposition to your suspension or its scope or to your proposed debarment or its scope had to be filed with the Commission no later than thirty

(30)calendar days from the earlier date of your receipt of the Notice of Suspension or publication of the Notice of Suspension in the **Federal Register** . 5 The Commission did not receive any such opposition. 5 See 47 CFR 54.521(e)(3) and (4). That date occurred no later than November 9, 2007. See supra note 3. As discussed in the Notice of Suspension, you pled guilty to and were convicted of three counts of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1341, for activities in connection with your participation in the E-Rate program involving telecommunications upgrade projects in four Connecticut school districts. 6 You admitted to participating in schemes to defraud the E-Rate program where fictitious bills for upgrades that were never performed and inflated bills for engineering upgrade projects totaling approximately $956,203 were ultimately submitted to the Universal Service Administrative Company for reimbursement from the E-Rate fund. 7 Such conduct constitutes the basis for your debarment, and your conviction falls within the categories of causes for debarment under section 54.521(c) of the Commission's rules. 8 For the foregoing reasons, you are hereby debarred for a period of three years from the debarment date, i.e., the earlier date of your receipt of this Notice of Debarment or its publication date in the **Federal Register** . 9 Debarment excludes you, for the debarment period, from activities “associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism,” including “the receipt of funds or discounted services through the schools and libraries support mechanism, or consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding the schools and libraries support mechanism.” 10 6 See Notice of Suspension, 22 FCC Rcd at 17342. 7 See id. 8 Id. at 17343; 47 CFR 54.521(c). 9 See Notice of Suspension, 22 FCC Rcd at 17343-44. 10 See 47 CFR 54.521(a)(1), 54.521(a)(5), 54.521(d); Notice of Suspension, 22 FCC Rcd at 17344. Sincerely, Hillary S. DeNigro, *Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau.* cc: Calvin B. Kurimai, Esq., Assistant United States Attorney, Kristy Carroll, Esq., Universal Service Administrative Company (via e-mail) September 25, 2007 DA 07-4036 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED AND E-MAIL Mr. Richard E. Brown, c/o Douglas McNabb, Esq., McNabb Associates PC, JP Morgan Chase Tower, 600 Travis Street, Suite 7070, Houston, TX 77002. Re: Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings, File No. EB-07-IH-5369 Dear Mr. Brown: The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) has received notice of your conviction for mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1341 in connection with your participation in the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (“E-Rate program”). 11 Consequently, pursuant to 47 CFR 54.521, this letter constitutes official notice of your suspension from the E-Rate program. In addition, the Enforcement Bureau (“Bureau”) hereby notifies you that we are commencing debarment proceedings against you. 12 11 Any further reference in this letter to “your conviction” refers to your February 13, 2007 guilty plea and subsequent conviction of three counts of mail fraud. *United States* v. *Richard E. Brown,* Criminal Docket No. 3:07-CR-29 (RNC), Plea Agreement (D.Conn. filed Feb. 13, 2007 and entered Feb. 14, 2007) (“Brown Plea Agreement”); *United States* v. *Richard E. Brown,* 3:07-CR-29 (RNC), Judgment (D.Conn. filed Sept. 6, 2007 and entered Sept. 7, 2007) (“Brown Judgment”). 12 47 CFR 54.521; 47 CFR 0.111(a)(14) (delegating to the Enforcement Bureau authority to resolve universal service suspension and debarment proceedings pursuant to 47 CFR 54.521). I. Notice of Suspension The Commission has established procedures to prevent persons who have “defrauded the government or engaged in similar acts through activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism” from receiving the benefits associated with that program. 13 You pled guilty to three counts of mail fraud for activities in connection with your participation in the E-Rate program involving telecommunications upgrade projects in four Connecticut school districts. 14 While employed at Southwestern Bell Communications (“SBC”), the prime contractor servicing these school districts, you recommended subcontractors to perform telecommunications upgrades in four Connecticut school districts. You also reviewed invoices submitted by the subcontractors to SBC for payment that SBC then submitted to the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) for reimbursement from the E-Rate fund. 15 You admitted to participating in schemes to defraud the E-Rate program where fictitious bills for upgrades that were never performed were submitted to USAC for reimbursement from the E-Rate fund. 16 In another fraudulent scheme in which you admitted to being a participant, engineering services for upgrade projects were billed at inflated rates and the associated invoices were also submitted to USAC for E-Rate reimbursement. 17 In sum, these schemes generated approximately $1,564,768 in fictitious expenses and approximately $956,203 of these expenses ultimately were submitted to the USAC for reimbursement from E-Rate fund. 18 13 See Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 18 FCC Rcd 9202, 9225, ¶ 66

(2003)(“Second Report and Order”). The Commission's debarment rules define a “person” as “[a]ny individual, group of individuals, corporation, partnership, association, unit of government or legal entity, however, organized.” 47 CFR 54.521(a)(6). 14 See generally *United States* v. *Richard E. Brown,* Criminal Docket No. 3:07-CR-29 (RNC), Information (D.Conn. filed and entered Jul. 28, 2006) (“Information”); Brown Plea Agreement at 1; Brown Judgment at 1. 15 See Information at 2-3. 16 See Information at 1-8. 17 See Information at 8-10. 18 See Information at 3, 5, 8; *http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct/Press2007/20070829-3.html* (Department of Justice Press Release dated August 29, 2007) (last accessed September 12, 2007) (“DOJ August 29 Press Release”). See also Letter from Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, to Scott A. Federowicz, c/o Paul H.D. Stoughton, Conway & Stoughton, LLP, Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings, File No. EB-07-IH-5171, (rel. June 27, 2007) (“Federowicz Suspension Letter”); 72 FR 39425 (Jul. 18, 2007). Pursuant to section 54.521(a)(4) of the Commission's rules, 19 your conviction requires the Bureau to suspend you from participating in any activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries fund mechanism, including the receipt of funds or discounted services through the schools and libraries fund mechanism, or consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding the schools and libraries support mechanism. 20 Your suspension becomes effective upon the earlier of your receipt of this letter or publication of notice in the **Federal Register** . 21 19 47 CFR 54.521(a)(4). See Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9225-9227, ¶¶ 67-74 (2003). 20 Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9225, ¶ 67; 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 54.502-54.503; 47 CFR 54.521(a)(4). 21 Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ¶ 69; 47 CFR 54.521(e)(1). Suspension is immediate pending the Bureau's final debarment determination. In accordance with the Commission's debarment rules, you may contest this suspension or the scope of this suspension by filing arguments in opposition to the suspension, with any relevant documentation. Your request must be received within 30 days after you receive this letter or after notice is published in the **Federal Register** , whichever comes first. 22 Such requests, however, will not ordinarily be granted. 23 The Bureau may reverse or limit the scope of suspension only upon a finding of extraordinary circumstances. 24 Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Bureau will decide any request for reversal or modification of suspension within 90 days of its receipt of such request. 25 22 Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ¶ 70; 47 CFR 54.521(e)(4). 23 Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ¶ 70. 24 47 CFR 54.521(e)(5). 25 See Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ¶ 70; 47 CFR 54.521(e)(5), 54.521(f). II. Initiation of Debarment Proceedings Your guilty plea to criminal conduct in connection with the E-Rate program, in addition to serving as a basis for immediate suspension from the program, also serves as a basis for the initiation of debarment proceedings against you. Your conviction falls within the categories of causes for debarment defined in section 54.521(c) of the Commission's rules. 26 Therefore, pursuant to section 54.521(a)(4) of the Commission's rules, your conviction requires the Bureau to commence debarment proceedings against you. 26 “Causes for suspension and debarment are the conviction of or civil judgment for attempt or commission of criminal fraud, theft, embezzlement, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, receiving stolen property, making false claims, obstruction of justice and other fraud or criminal offense arising out of activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism.” 47 CFR 54.521(c). Such activities “include the receipt of funds or discounted services through the schools and libraries support mechanism, or consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding schools and libraries support mechanism described in this section ([47 CFR] 54.500 et seq.).” 47 CFR 54.521(a)(1). As with your suspension, you may contest debarment or the scope of the proposed debarment by filing arguments and any relevant documentation within 30 calendar days of the earlier of the receipt of this letter or of publication in the **Federal Register** . 27 Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Bureau will debar you. 28 Within 90 days of receipt of any opposition to your suspension and proposed debarment, the Bureau, in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, will provide you with notice of its decision to debar. 29 If the Bureau decides to debar you, its decision will become effective upon the earlier of your receipt of a debarment notice or publication of the decision in the **Federal Register** . 30 27 See Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ¶ 70; 47 CFR 54.521(e)(2)(i), 54.521(e)(3). 28 Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9227, ¶ 74. 29 See id., 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ¶ 70; 47 CFR 54.521(e)(5). 30 Id. The Commission may reverse a debarment, or may limit the scope or period of debarment upon a finding of extraordinary circumstances, following the filing of a petition by you or an interested party or upon motion by the Commission. 47 CFR 54.521(f). If and when your debarment becomes effective, you will be prohibited from participating in activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism for three years from the date of debarment. 31 The Bureau may, if necessary to protect the public interest, extend the debarment period. 32 31 Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9225, ¶ 67; 47 CFR §§ 54.521(d), 54.521(g). 32 Id. Please direct any response, if by messenger or hand delivery, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 236 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002, to the attention of Diana Lee, Attorney Advisor, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Room 4-C330, with a copy to Vickie Robinson, Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Room 4-C330, Federal Communications Commission. If sent by commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail), the response should be sent to the Federal Communications Commission, 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743. If sent by first-class, Express, or Priority mail, the response should be sent to Diana Lee, Attorney Advisor, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Room 4-C330, Washington, DC 20554, with a copy to Vickie Robinson, Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Room 4-C330, Washington, DC 20554. You shall also transmit a copy of the response via e-mail to *diana.lee@fcc.gov* and to *vickie.robinson@fcc.gov.* If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Lee via mail, by telephone at

(202)418-1420 or by e-mail at *diana.lee@fcc.gov.* If Ms. Lee is unavailable, you may contact Ms. Vickie Robinson, Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, by telephone at

(202)418-1420 and by e-mail *at vickie.robinson@fcc.gov.* Sincerely yours, Hillary S. DeNigro, *Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau.* cc: Calvin B. Kurimai, Esq., Assistant United States Attorney Kristy Carroll, Esq., Universal Service Administrative Company (via e-mail) [FR Doc. E7-25133 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). ACTION: Final agency policy statement (amended). SUMMARY: On October 13, 2006, Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act was modified to address institution-affiliated parties participating in the affairs of Bank Holding Companies and Savings and Loan Holding Companies. The FDIC is introducing a footnote to its Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“SOP”) that will provide the public with a better understanding of the FDIC's scope given the Federal Reserve System's and Office of Thrift Supervision's new authority under Section 19. The FDIC is not seeking comment on the footnote clarifying the SOP, and the change is effective upon publication in the **Federal Register** . DATES: The change to the policy statement is effective December 28, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin P. Thompson, Review Examiner

(202)898-6767, or John P. Henrie, Field Supervisor,

(678)916-2220 in the Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection; or Michael P. Condon, Counsel,

(202)898-6536, or Richard Bogue, Counsel,

(202)898-3726, in the Legal Division. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1829, prohibits, without the prior written consent of the FDIC, a person convicted of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust or money laundering, or who has agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion or similar program in connection with a prosecution for such offense, from becoming or continuing as an institution-affiliated party (“IAP”), owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, an insured depository institution (“insured institution”), or otherwise participating, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the affairs of the insured institution. In addition, the law forbids an insured institution from permitting such a person to engage in any conduct or to continue any relationship prohibited by Section 19. The FDIC's SOP was enacted in November 1998 to provide the public with guidance relating to Section 19, and the application thereof. The Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006 1 modified Section 19 to address IAPs affiliated with Bank Holding Companies and Savings and Loan Holding Companies. The FDIC has amended the SOP to introduce a technical change that will provide the public with a better understanding of the FDIC's scope given the FRS' and OTS' new authority under Section 19. 1 This Statement of Policy applies only to insured depository institutions and their institution-affiliated parties. In addition to the requirement to file an application with the FDIC, such individuals may also need to comply with any filing requirements established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under 12 U.S.C. § 1829(d), in the case of a bank holding company, or with the Office of Thrift Supervision under 12 U.S.C. § 1829(e), in the case of a savings and loan holding company. II. Clarifying Amendment to the Statement of Policy FDIC Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the FDI Act 1. The first sentence of the first paragraph of subsection A is amended by adding footnote number 1. A. Scope of Section 19 Section 19 covers institution-affiliated parties, as defined by 12 U.S.C. 1813(u), and others who are participants in the conduct of the affairs of an insured institution. 1 * * * By Order of the Board of Directors. Dated at Washington, DC, the 19th day of December 2007. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Valerie J. Best, Assistant Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25128 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6714-01-P FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD [No. 2007-N-14] Notice of Annual Adjustment of the Cap on Average Total Assets That Defines Community Financial Institutions Notice of Annual Adjustment of the Limits on Annual Compensation for Federal Home Loan Bank Directors AGENCY: Federal Housing Finance Board. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Federal Housing Finance Board (Finance Board) has adjusted the cap on average total assets that defines a “Community Financial Institution” and the limits on annual compensation for Federal Home Loan Bank

(Bank)directors based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) as published by the Department of Labor (DOL). These changes take effect on January 1, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia L. Sweeney, Office of Supervision, by telephone at 202-408-2872, by electronic mail at sweeneyp@fhfb.gov, or by regular mail at the Federal Housing Finance Board, 1625 Eye Street NW., Washington DC 20006-4001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Statutory and Regulatory Background Section 2(13) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (Bank Act) and § 925.1 of the Finance Board regulations define a Bank member that is a “Community Financial Institution”

(CFI)by the member's total asset size. See 12 U.S.C. 1422(13)(A) and 12 CFR 925.1. The Bank Act requires the Finance Board annually to adjust the CFI asset cap to reflect any percentage increase in the preceding year's CPI-U as published by the DOL. See 12 U.S.C. 1422(13)(B). Section 7(i)(2)(B) of the Bank Act and § 918.3(a)(1) of the Finance Board regulations require the Finance Board to make similar annual adjustments to the annual compensation limits for members of the boards of directors of the Banks. See 12 U.S.C. 1427(i)(2) and 12 CFR 918.3(a). B. Calculating the Annual Adjustments The annual adjustments to the CFI asset cap and Bank director compensation limits reflect the percentage by which the CPI-U published for November of the preceding calendar year exceeds the CPI-U published for November of the year before the preceding calendar year (if at all). Thus, the adjustments that take effect on January 1, 2008, are based on the percentage increase in the CPI-U from November 2006 to November 2007. The Finance Board uses November data to provide notice of the changes to the annual limits before the January 1st effective date. This practice is consistent with that of other federal agencies. The DOL encourages use of CPI-U data that have not been seasonally adjusted in “escalation agreements” because seasonal factors are updated annually and seasonally adjusted data are subject to revision for up to 5 years following the original release. Unadjusted data are not routinely subject to revision, and previously published unadjusted data are only corrected when significant calculation errors are discovered. Accordingly, the Finance Board is using data that have not been seasonally adjusted. The unadjusted CPI-U was 4.3 percent higher in November 2007 than in November 2006. Based on this change, the Finance Board made the following adjustments, which take effect on January 1, 2008: *CFI Asset Cap:* The CFI Asset Cap, which was $599 million for 2007, is $625 million in 2008. The Finance Board arrived at the adjusted limit of $625 million by rounding to the nearest million. *Annual Compensation Limits:* The annual compensation limits for the Banks' boards of directors in 2008 are as follows: for a chairperson—$31,232; for a vice-chairperson—$24,986; for members of a board of directors—$18,739. The Finance Board arrived at the adjusted annual compensation limits by rounding to the nearest dollar. Dated: December 19, 2007. By the Federal Housing Finance Board. Ronald A. Rosenfeld, Chairman. [FR Doc. E7-25156 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6725-01-P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Applicants Notice is hereby given that the following applicants have filed with the Federal Maritime Commission an application for license as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and Ocean Freight Forwarder—Ocean Transportation Intermediary pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended (46 U.S.C. Chapter 409 and 46 CFR part 515). Persons knowing of any reason why the following applicants should not receive a license are requested to contact the Office of Transportation Intermediaries, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier Ocean Transportation Intermediary Applicant CEC International, 17800 Castleton Street, Ste. 418, City of Industry, CA 91748. *Officer:* Jenny Tsao, CFO, (Qualifying Individual). Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and Ocean Freight Forwarder Transportation Intermediary Applicants AAC Perishable Logistics, Inc., 6300 N.W. 97th Ave., Miami, FL 33178. *Officer:* Carlos Del Corral, President, (Qualifying Individual). Access International Services, Corp., 8008 N.W. 68 Street, Miami, FL 33166. Gustavo A. Lopez, Vice President, (Qualifying Individual), Maria J. Rivas, President. USTC America, Inc., 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1020, Los Angeles, CA 90010. *Officer:* Jong Soo Park, President, (Qualifying Individual). Thunderbolt Global Logistics, LLC, 2200 Broening Highway, Ste. 241, Baltimore, MD 21224. *Officers:* James Simon Shapiro, Member, (Qualifying Individual), Stuart M. Tobin, Managing Member. Ocean Freight Forwarder—Ocean Transportation Intermediary Applicant Shipping Logistics LLC, 15550 Vickery Drive, Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77032. *Officer:* Mary K. Francis, Owner, (Qualifying Individual). Dated: December 21, 2007. Karen V. Gregory, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25238 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730-01-P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisition of Shares of Bank or Bank Holding Companies The notificants listed below have applied under the Change in Bank Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and § 225.41 of the Board’s Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.41) to acquire a bank or bank holding company. The factors that are considered in acting on the notices are set forth in paragraph 7 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(7)). The notices are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The notices also will be available for inspection at the office of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing to the Reserve Bank indicated for that notice or to the offices of the Board of Governors. Comments must be received not later than January 9, 2008. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City** (Todd Offenbacker, Assistant Vice President) 925 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64198-0001: *1. Russell H. Loewenstein* , Orleans, Nebraska, individually and as a member of the Loewenstein group; and Karl Randecker, Jr., Cozad, Nebraska, individually and as a member of the Randecker group; to acquire control of Stamford Banco, Inc., Stamford, Nebraska, and thereby indirectly acquire control of Community Bank, Alma, Nebraska. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, December 21, 2007. Robert deV. Frierson, Deputy Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E7-25158 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S 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 January 18, 2008. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of New York** (Anne MacEwen, Bank Applications Officer) 33 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10045-0001: *1. National Australia Bank Limited* , Melbourne, Australia; to become a bank holding company, by acquiring 100 percent of the voting shares of Great Western Bancorporation, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska, and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of Great Western Bank, Watertown, South Dakota. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, December 21, 2007. Robert deV. Frierson, Deputy Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E7-25157 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

(AHRQ)to request that the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)approve the proposed information collection project: “Evaluation of the Effectiveness of AHRQ's Grant-Supported Research on Healthcare Costs, Productivity, and Market Forces.” In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 26, 2008. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to: Doris Lefkowitz, Reports Clearance Officer, AHRQ, by E-mail at *doris.lefkowitz@ahrq.hhs.gov.* Copies of the proposed collection plans, data collection instruments, and specific details on the estimated burden can be obtained from the AHRQ Reports Clearance Officer. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Lefkowitz, AHRQ Reports Clearance Officer,

(301)427-1477 or by E-mail at *doris.lefkowitz@ahrq.hhs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed Project “Evaluation of the Effectiveness of AHRQ's Grant-Supported Research on Healthcare Costs, Productivity, and Market Forces” The proposed information collection will support AHRQ's efforts to systematically review the effectiveness of its grant-supported research on healthcare costs, productivity, and market forces since the late 1990s. In the first phase of its ongoing evaluation, AHRQ determined it had funded 149 grants in the area of cost, productivity, organization and market forces since the late 1990s (Krissik, Lake and Gold, 2007). Prior to this proposed information collection, no evaluation of these grants and their effects has been conducted. Collecting such information through a survey of the 149 grantees will assist AHRQ in its mission of supporting the synthesis and dissemination of available scientific evidence for use by patients, consumers, practitioners, providers, purchasers, policymakers, and educators. The survey will provide information on grant activities that is not currently available, including up-to-date information on grantee dissemination activities and feedback on AHRQ's role in supporting research and dissemination. A survey of the universe of grantees who were funded to carry out the above-described health services research work offers a rational and scientific approach to collecting data on the impact of AHRQ's research in this area that is otherwise not currently available. The survey will be an integral part of AHRQ's overall evaluation, which attempts to describe the research and the pathways through which research findings that it has supported are disseminated and used. The survey interviews principal investigators about their grant research projects and will capture data that systematically track grant outcomes, providing information on:

(1)The main substantive findings from the work and the ways they have been communicated;

(2)known impacts of the work to date;

(3)linkage of work to other research in the field;

(4)grantee ratings of the support that AHRQ provided before, during, and after award and how AHRQ services for grantees could be improved; and,

(5)grantee perceptions of AHRQ's role in research funding in this area and how sponsor interest influences the topics that are addressed. Method of Collection A web-based questionnaire will be used to conduct the survey with AHRQ grantees. A self-administered mode was selected for this survey because respondents may need to look up information in order to answer some questions. A self-administered mode allows respondents to complete the survey at their own pace and schedule. If requested, a hardcopy of the questionnaire will be mailed to the respondent. Estimated Annual Respondent Burden Form Name Number of respondents Number of responses per respondent Hours per response Total burden hours AHRQ Grantee Survey 149 1 2 298 Total 149 na na 298 Estimated Annualized Respondent Cost Burden Form Name Number of respondents Total burden hours Average hourly wage rate* Total cost burden AHRQ Grantee Survey 149 298 $42.98 $12,808 Total 149 298 na $12,808 *Based upon the mean of the average wages for teachers (college and university), National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages in the United States 2005, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Estimated Annual Costs to the Federal Government The proposed information collection is part of a larger evaluation of the effectiveness of AHRQ's grant-supported research on healthcare costs, productivity, and market forces, which includes a systematic review of the research that AHRQ has funded, in-depth interviews with grantees and grant document review, case studies to assess the effects and dissemination pathways of market forces research, and preparation of reports and briefings. The cost to conduct the survey of identified grantees is $38,962. Request for Comments In accordance with the above-cited Paperwork Reduction Act legislation, comments on the AHRQ information collection proposal are requested with regard to any of the following:

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

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

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval of the proposed information collection. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: December 17, 2007. Carolyn M. Clancy, Director. [FR Doc. 07-6187 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am]

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