Notices. 60-Day Notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing collection of information: 1651-0027

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BILLING CODE 9111-14-M DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Customs and Border Protection Proposed Collection; Comment Request Record of Vessel Foreign Repair or Equipment Purchase AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day Notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing collection of information: 1651-0027. SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning Record of Vessel Foreign Repair or Equipment Purchase. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 24, 2008, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Information Services Group, Attn.: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn.: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229, Tel.

(202)344-1429. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). The comments should address:

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

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the collection of information; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operations, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. The comments that are submitted will be summarized and included in the CBP request for Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document CBP is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection: *Title:* Record of Vessel Foreign Repair or Equipment Purchase. *OMB Number:* 1651-0027. *Form Number:* Form CBP-226. *Abstract:* This collection of information is necessary to ensure the collection of applicable duties on all equipment, parts, or materials purchased, and repairs made to U.S. Flag vessels outside the United States. *Current Actions:* There are no changes to the information collection. This submission is being submitted to extend the expiration date. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Affected Public:* Businesses, Individuals. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 200. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 7.5 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 1,500. *Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public:* N/A. Dated: January 15, 2008. Tracey Denning, Agency Clearance Officer, Information Services Group. [FR Doc. E8-1034 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Customs and Border Protection Proposed Collection; Comment Request Ship's Stores Declaration AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day Notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing collection of information: 1651-0018. SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning Ship's Stores Declaration. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 24, 2008, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Information Services Group, Attn: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229, Tel.

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

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the collection of information; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and

(OMB)approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document Customs is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection: *Title:* Ship's Stores Declaration. *OMB Number:* 1651-0018. *Form Number:* CBP Form 1303. *Abstract:* This collection is required for audit purposes to ensure that goods used for Ship's Stores can be easily distinguished from other cargo and retain duty-free status. *Current Actions:* There are no changes to the information collection. This submission is being submitted to extend the expiration date. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Affected Public:* Businesses, Institutions. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 8,000. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 3.35 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 26,000. *Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public:* N/A. Dated: January 15, 2008. Tracey Denning, Agency Clearance Officer, Information Services Group. [FR Doc. E8-1038 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Customs and Border Protection Proposed Collection; Comment Request; North American Free Trade Agreement Duty Deferral AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day Notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing collection of information: 1651-0071. SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the North American Free Trade Agreement Duty Deferral. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 24, 2008, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Information Services Group, Attn.: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn.: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229, Tel.

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

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the collection of information;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and

(OMB)approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document CBP is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection: *Title:* North American Free Trade Agreement Duty Deferral. *OMB Number:* 1651-0071. *Form Number:* N/A. *Abstract:* This collection of information is used to insure compliance with the North American Free Trade Agreement Duty Deferral Program with respect to merchandise that is withdrawn from a U.S. duty-deferral program for exportation to another NAFTA country. *Current Actions:* There are no changes to the information collection. This submission is being submitted to extend the expiration date. *Type of Review:* Extension (without change). *Affected Public:* Businesses. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 50. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 5.6 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 280. *Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public:* N/A. Dated: January 17, 2008. Tracey Denning, Agency Clearance Officer, Information Services Group. [FR Doc. E8-1040 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Information Collection Activities: On-Line Allegation Submission AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 30-Day Notice and request for comments; new collection of information. SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: On-line Allegation Submission. This is a new collection of information. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the **Federal Register** (72 FR 63622) on November 9, 2007, allowing for a 60-day comment period. One public comment was received. CBP will respond to this comment. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before February 22, 2008. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/Customs and Border Protection, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to

(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)encourages the general public and affected Federal agencies to submit written comments and suggestions on proposed and/or continuing information collection requests pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 04-13). Your comments should address one of the following four points:

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

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies/components estimate of the burden of The proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses. *Title:* On-Line Allegation Submission. *Form Number:* None. *Abstract:* CBP proposes to develop an On-line Allegation Submission website that will provide a means for concerned members of the trade community to confidentially report violations to CBP. *Current Actions:* This is being submitted to establish a new information collection. *Type of Review:* New information collection. *Affected Public:* Businesses, individuals. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 100. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 15 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 25 hours. If additional information is required contact: Tracey Denning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2.C, Washington, DC 20229, at 202-344-1429. Dated: January 15, 2008. Tracey Denning, Agency Clearance Officer, Information Services Branch. [FR Doc. E8-1048 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Proposed Collection; Comment Request Entry of Articles for Exhibition AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day Notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing collection of information: 1651-0037. SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning Entry of Articles for Exhibition. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 24, 2008, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Information Services Group, Attn.: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, Washington, DC 20229, Tel.

(202)344-1429. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). The comments should address:

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

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the collection of information;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and

(OMB)approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document CBP is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection: *Title:* Entry of Articles for Exhibition. *OMB Number:* 1651-0037. *Form Number:* N/A. *Abstract:* This information is used by CBP to substantiate that the goods imported for exhibit have been approved for entry by the Department of Commerce. *Current Actions:* There are no changes to the information collection. This submission is being submitted to extend the expiration date. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Affected Public:* Businesses, Individuals, Institutions. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 40. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 13.2 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 530. *Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public:* N/A. Dated: January 15, 2008. Tracey Denning, Agency Clearance Officer, Information Services Group. [FR Doc. E8-1049 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5154-N-01] Notice of Funding Availability for the Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant Program AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. ACTION: Notice of funding availability. Overview Information A. *Federal Agency Name:* Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Housing. B. *Funding Opportunity Title:* Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant Program. C. *Announcement Type:* Initial announcement. D. *Funding Opportunity Number:* The OMB approval number for this NOFA is 2502-0267. The **Federal Register** number is FR-5154-N-01. E. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA)Number:* 14.157, Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant Program. F. *Dates:* The application deadline date is: February 27, 2008. All applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline date. Refer to the General Section of the SuperNOFA published on January 18, 2007 (72 FR 2396) (General Section); the Introduction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA published on March 13, 2007 (72 FR 11434) (FY2007 SuperNOFA); the Fiscal Year 2007 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs; Supplementary Information and Technical Corrections published on May 11, 2007 (72 FR 27032) (FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information); and Section IV of this program NOFA for further information about application, submission, and timely receipt requirements. G. *Additional Overview Content Information:* Applicants must be registered to apply online at Grants.gov to submit an application. Private nonprofit organizations and nonprofit consumer cooperatives interested in applying for funding under this program, in addition to this Program Section, should carefully review the General Section, FY2007 SuperNOFA, the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information, and the information detailed in this program NOFA, which covers the registration, submission, timely receipt, and additional requirements for this funding opportunity. Applicants are advised to start the registration process immediately upon publication of this NOFA. Registration can take several weeks to complete. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description A. *Program Description.* The purpose of this Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program is to assist Sponsors of projects that receive Fund Reservation Awards pursuant to the FY2007 SuperNOFA for the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, by providing pre-development grant funding for architectural and engineering work, site control, and other planning-related expenses that are eligible for funding under the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. Subsequent to providing pre-development grant funding to the selected applicants, HUD will assess the impact of the availability of such funding on the ability of project Sponsors to expedite the development processing of projects from Section 202 Fund Reservation to Initial Closing within 18 months. HUD is aware of the complexities of developing Section 202 projects and understands that a lack of pre-development funding may be a contributing factor in many instances where project Sponsors are not able to move their approved projects from Fund Reservation award to Initial Closing within the required 18-month time frame. Funding under this program is not intended to duplicate Section 202 Capital Advance funding, but rather to provide a source of funding for pre-development costs that would otherwise not be reimbursable until Initial Closing or would be payable from eligible funding resources secured outside of Section 202 Capital Advance funding. B. *Authority.* The Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development program is authorized by the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5; approved February 15, 2007). II. Award Information A. *Funding Available.* The Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5; approved February 15, 2007) authorized approximately $19,800,000 for pre-development grants to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives in connection with the development of housing under the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. B. *Funding Process.* HUD will only make offers to fully fund as many applications as possible from the $19,800,000 allocated for Sponsors that receive Section 202 Fund Reservations pursuant to the FY2007 SuperNOFA. Applicants selected for funding under the FY2007 Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly NOFA are not guaranteed funding under this demonstration program. C. *Maximum Grant Award.* The maximum grant amount per single application is $400,000. However, no more than $800,000 may be awarded to a single entity or its affiliated organizations. The amount of funding requested must be within the maximum grant award amounts; otherwise, the application will not receive funding consideration. D. *Reduction of Requested Grant Amount.* HUD may make an award in an amount less than requested, if: 1. HUD determines that any of the proposed pre-development activities are ineligible for funding under the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program; 2. HUD determines that an eligible applicant has not been able to provide sufficient evidence to support the proposed cost of an eligible pre-development item or activity; 3. HUD determines that a reduced grant would prevent duplicative federal funding; or 4. HUD determines that proposed costs for pre-development activities are not based on comparable costs for eligible items and activities in the applicant's community. HUD field office staff will review proposed costs in accordance with customary and reasonable costs for such items within the geographical jurisdiction of the respective Multifamily Hub and/or Multifamily Program Center Office. If requested by HUD, eligible applicants must provide supportable evidence of comparable costs for proposed activities. E. *Term of Funded Activities.* The grant term is 18 months from the date of the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Agreement Letter to Initial Closing. Funds not expended by the end of the grant term are subject to recapture and/or repayment if expended on ineligible activities. Failure to complete the development processing of the Section 202 project by the end of the grant term may result in grant termination, grant reduction, or other action deemed appropriate by HUD. HUD may use past performance in making future funding decisions. III. Eligibility Information A. *Eligible Applicants.* 1. All private nonprofit organizations and nonprofit consumer cooperatives that submitted an application for funding consideration under the FY2007 SuperNOFA for the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program are eligible to apply for funding under this Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program. (Please refer to the Section 202 program NOFA published with the FY2007 SuperNOFA and the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information for a discussion on the eligibility criteria for the Section 202 program.) However, funding awards under this Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program will be restricted to those applicants that are selected for Fund Reservation Awards under the FY2007 SuperNOFA for the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. Funding under this program will not be fair-shared to each HUD office. 2. *Ineligible applicants.* Ineligible applicants include: a. Applicants that failed to submit a request for Fund Reservation under the FY2007 Section 202 Program NOFA. b. Applications from eligible applicants that do not receive a Fund Reservation Award under the FY2007 SuperNOFA for the Section 202 program. c. Applications from applicants that are ineligible under the Section 202 program, including public bodies and instrumentalities of public bodies. d. Applicants submitting proposals involving mixed-financing for additional units. *B. Cost Sharing or Matching.* No match required. *C. Other.* 1. *Requirements and Procedures.* To receive and administer funding under this demonstration program, applicants must fully satisfy the eligibility requirements for participation in the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, as well as comply with the following: a. *Statutory and Regulatory Requirements.* You must comply with all statutory, regulatory, threshold, and public policy requirements listed in the General Section. b. *Allowable Use of Funds.* Pre-development grant funds may be used to cover the cost of pre-development activities relating to the development of supportive housing for the elderly under the Section 202 program, as described in Section IV.E.1. (“Eligible Activities”). However, before a grantee can enter into a contract for professional services, the entity must receive approval under the form HUD-2530 clearance process. Such entities include, but are not limited to, housing consultants (including those instances where eligible sponsors proposed to provide such services), general contractors, and management agents. c. * Organizational Costs.* Eligible organizational expenses and/or costs are limited to those incurred in connection with the organization of an owner entity, pursuant to the requirements of the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. d. *Site Control.* Applicants are required to provide evidence of site control, consistent with the requirements of the Section 202 program, as a condition to being funded under the FY2007 Section 202 NOFA. Applicants who receive funding awards under this NOFA may utilize this funding to extend site control in accordance with the site control requirements under the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. For further discussion, see the Section 202 Program NOFA published as part of the FY2007 SuperNOFA and the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information. e. *Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA).* The requirements for Phase I and II ESAs are the same as those that apply to the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and are contained in the Section 202 Program NOFA published as part of the FY2007 SuperNOFA and the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information. f. *False Statements.* See the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA. g. *Delinquent Federal Debts.* In addition to the requirements in the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA, applicants at the time of award that have federal debt or are in default of an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)will not be funded. Applicants selected for funding have an obligation to report to HUD changes in status of a current IRS agreement covering federal debt. 2. *Program Related Threshold Requirements.* In addition to the threshold requirements in the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA, applicants must adhere to all program-specific threshold requirements, as detailed in this NOFA. HUD will consider an application non-responsive to this NOFA and will not accept it for processing if the applicant: a. Is determined to be ineligible (Please refer to Section III.A. of this NOFA for a more detailed discussion on ineligible applicants); b. Requested more than the maximum grant amount; c. is granted a waiver to submit a paper application, but fails to submit the required original and four copies; or d. Failed to submit the threshold requirements as identified by the asterisk (*) in Section IV.B. of this program NOFA by the deadline date. IV. Application and Submission Information *A. Addresses to Request Application Package.* All information needed for the preparation and submission of this application is included in this Program NOFA and the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA and the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information. Copies of the General Section, this program NOFA, and needed forms are found in the instructions and application downloads, are on the Grants.gov Web site at www.Grants.gov. If you have difficulty accessing the information, you may call the Grants.gov Support Desk toll free at

(800)518-GRANTS or e-mail your questions to *Support@Grants.gov.* The Support Desk staff will assist you in accessing the information. Your application must be transmitted electronically using *http://www.Grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* , unless you request and receive a waiver of the requirement for electronic application submittal. See the General Section, the Introduction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA, and the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information for further information and instructions pertaining to electronic application submission and waiver request requirements. For applicants receiving a waiver to submit a paper application, an original and four copies of the completed application package must be received by the appropriate local HUD Office on or before February 27, 2008. See *http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm* (select “Important Information Related to the SuperNOFA” and then select “Field Offices”) for a complete listing of the Multifamily Hub Offices and Multifamily Program Centers. *B. Content and Form of Application Submission.* You should ensure that your application is complete before transmitting it to the following Web site: *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* . In cases where a waiver of electronic submission requirement is granted, an original and four copies must be submitted to the appropriate HUD office. In addition, all applicable documents must have an original signature. Upon receipt of the applications by HUD staff, HUD will screen all applications to determine if there are any curable deficiencies. See Section V.B.2. of this program NOFA for further discussion. Applicants may submit more than one application to a single field office. However, no more than one application may be submitted per project. Each application must propose a separate project, and the proposed development must be located within the jurisdiction of the appropriate field office. To be eligible for review, all applications must contain the required exhibits that include form SF-424, form HUD-2880, and the narrative discussions. Forms needed for the application may be obtained from *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for grants.jsp* . Threshold items are identified by an asterisk (*). Failure to include threshold items in your initial application submission will render your application non-responsive and it will not be considered for funding by HUD. Applications must contain the required exhibits, as listed below: 1. *Cover Letter.* A brief narrative detailing the project's name; HUD project number; and the name(s), address(es), contact person name(s), and telephone number(s) of the Sponsor(s). The letter must also detail the total grant amount being requested under this Program NOFA. 2. *Standard Form 424—Application for Federal Assistance.* Applicants must enter their legal name in box 8.a. of the SF-424 as it appears in the Central Contractor Register (CCR). See the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA regarding CCR registration. 3. ** Narrative Demonstrating Need for Pre-development Funding.* This exhibit requires applicants to submit form HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (“HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report” on Grants.gov). A disclosure of assistance from other government sources received in connection with the project is required. Applicants must also submit a brief narrative describing the financial circumstances that resulted in your need to apply for funding assistance with pre-development activities and how the lack of such assistance has impacted the organization's previous or current development efforts. 4. ** Proposed Pre-development Activities and Budget.* This exhibit requires applicants to submit a spreadsheet that specifically identifies the proposed activity(ies) and their anticipated cost. The recommended format is as follows: Column 1—Clearly identify each eligible pre-development activity being proposed by the applicant. Column 2—Identify the anticipated cost for each activity. The spreadsheet must identify the total pre-development funding assistance being proposed in the application. 5. **Project Development Schedule.* This exhibit should include a detailed development schedule that identifies the pre-development activities being proposed, their projected start and completion dates, the projected completion date for all pre-development planning activities, and a brief narrative describing the applicant's plan for monitoring this schedule of activities and addressing delays should they occur. All projected development schedules must clearly demonstrate the applicant's ability to move its approved FY2007 Section 202 elderly housing project from Fund Reservation to Initial Closing within 18 months of grant approval and must provide a statement addressing how access to pre-development funding will assist the applicant in moving its FY2007 Section 202 elderly housing project to Initial Closing within 18 months of Fund Reservation approval. The completion of the Logic Model (form HUD-96010) will assist you in responding to this exhibit. 6. *Program Outcome Logic Model (HUD-96010).* The Logic Model is representative of this Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program proposal and it serves as the “executive summary” for this grant request. Applicants must ensure that its Logic Model accurately represents the purpose of the funding request and the expected impact on the development process. 7. *Third-Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal (“Facsimile Transmittal Form” on Grants.gov) (HUD-96011).* This form must be used as part of the electronic application to transmit third-party documents and other information, as described in the General Section of the SuperNOFA (if applicable). 8. *Acknowledgment of Application Receipt (HUD-2993).* This is not required for applications submitted electronically. 9. *Client Comments and Suggestions (HUD-2994).* This is optional. If changes have been made to any of the forms that were submitted under the FY2006 Section 202 NOFA, HUD requires that the updated form(s) be resubmitted under this Demonstration Pre-Development Grant NOFA. 10. *SF-424 Supplement, Survey for Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants* (“Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)” on Grants.gov). 11. *SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,* if applicable. C. *Submission Dates and Times.* Your application must be received and validated electronically by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time by the application deadline date, unless a waiver of the electronic delivery process has been approved by HUD. Please refer to the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA and Section IV.F. below for instructions on applying for a waiver. If a waiver is granted, HUD must receive an original and four copies of your application on February 27, 2008. The notification approving your waiver request will provide submission instructions. Paper applications must be received by the deadline date. *D. Intergovernmental Review.* This funding opportunity is subject to Executive Order

(EO)12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” You must contact your State's Single Point of Contact

(SPOC)to find out about and comply with the state's process under EO 12372. The names and addresses of the SPOCs are listed on the Office of Management and Budget's home page at *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.* If required by the state, the submission to the state needs to occur no later than the application deadline date. HUD recommends that you provide the state with sufficient time to review the application. Therefore, it is important that you consult with the SPOC for state review timeframes and take that into account when submitting the application. *E. Funding Restrictions.* 1. *Eligible Activities.* Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program funds must be used exclusively to facilitate planning, design, and pre-development activities for projects funded under the FY2007 SuperNOFA for the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. Such activities include architectural and engineering work, site control planning, and other planning activities related to the development of a multifamily housing project funded under the FY2007 Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. Grantees may not use funds for land acquisition; leasing; new construction; or property rehabilitation, alteration, demolition, or disposition. a. All expenses related to eligible activities must be limited to those actual costs that are incurred prior to initial closing and be otherwise eligible activities under the Section 202 program. Activities that are eligible for funding include the following:

(1)*Appraisals.* The applicant's cost for obtaining an appraisal to establish the fair market value of the proposed site completed by a qualified and licensed appraiser.

(2)*Architect Services.* The design fees charged by licensed architectural/engineering firms for architectural services regarding the applicant's project.

(3)*Engineering Services.* Actual cost of boundary survey, topographic survey, soil borings, and tests.

(4)*Environmental Site Assessment.* Actual cost incurred for the environmental site assessment, i.e., Phase I and Phase II.

(5)*Consultant Services.* Up to 20 percent of the total amount of the contract between the applicant and its consultant for services related to the development and submission of an approvable Section 202 Fund Reservation Application.

(6)*Cost Analysis.* The cost of the contract between the applicant and a professional with experience in cost estimation, for an independent cost estimate needed to determine the viability of a proposed project, as required for firm commitment processing under the Section 202 program.

(7)*Legal Fees.* The cost for legal services and title binder fees.

(8)*Site Control.* The applicant's cost for extending the time for site control of the original site, including option costs necessary to extend the option agreement for up to 18 months, to the closing target date. The proceeds of this grant may not be used for site acquisition.

(9)*Market Studies.* The applicant's cost for a study completed by a qualified, independent, third-party, market research firm for purposes of examining the need for and verifying the marketability of the proposed project.

(10)*Organizational Expenses.* The actual cost related to the creation of an owner entity for the proposed project, pursuant to Section 202 program regulations.

(11)*Impact Fees.* One-time fees local governments charge Sponsor/Owners to offset the impact such housing will have on the community. (Typical impact fees are traffic, solid waste, sewer, water, electric, gas, police protection, and fire protection.)

(12)*Relocation Expenses.* If the project involves displacement of site occupants who are eligible for relocation assistance, indicate the total estimated cost.

(13)*Building Permits and Variance Fees.* The cost of obtaining building permits and variances. 2. *Ineligible Activities.* No proposed activity that is deemed to be ineligible will be funded from the Demonstration Pre-Development Grant funds. a. Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program funds may not be used for the following:

(1)To acquire sites or other real property; to fund organizational overhead and/or operating expenses, for staff salaries, or to fund any planning activity that is otherwise ineligible for assistance under the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.

(2)To meet Minimum Capital Investment

(MCI)requirements for the Section 202 program.

(3)To meet Performance/Payment Bonds (dual obligee).

(4)To pay taxes and interest.

(5)To pay bond premium, builder's risk, liability insurance, fidelity bond insurance, performance bond insurance, cash bond, and insurance premiums. b. In the event that funding awarded under this program is utilized for activities or purposes that have not been approved by HUD, the Department will seek repayment or any other available remedies. 3. Applicants submitting proposals involving mixed-financing for additional units are not eligible to be considered for pre-development funding under this NOFA. *F. Other Submission Requirements.* *Application Submission and Receipt Procedures.* This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for HUD program applications. Refer to the General Section for specific procedures for additional information on application submission requirements. 1. Electronic Delivery. Demonstration Pre-Development Grant applicants must submit their applications electronically through *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* , unless a waiver is granted. Please be advised that Grants.gov will not accept Microsoft Vista or Microsoft 2007 operating systems. Applicants must use Microsoft Windows XP versions 2003 and below, or your application will not be accepted. a. The *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* Web site offers a simple, unified application process. Submission requires an authenticated signature and registration at Grants.gov. There are five steps to complete the registration process, and information is available at the *www.grants.gov* Web site. Applicants should carefully read HUD's **Federal Register** Notice on Early Registration (71 FR 64070) published October 31, 2006, and start the *Grants.gov* registration process immediately upon publication of this NOFA. The registration process can take several weeks to complete. b. In addition, applicants should carefully read the General Section, the Introduction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA, and the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information. These notices alert applicants to a recent change in the registration process with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). As of August 1, 2006, CCR registrants will not be able to enter or modify their name and address information, because it will be pre-populated using Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)record data. During a new registration or when updating a record, CCR registrants will have a choice to accept or reject the information provided from D&B. If the CCR registrant agrees with the D&B supplied information, the D&B data will be accepted into the CCR registrant record. If the CCR registrant disagrees with the D&B supplied information, the registrant will need to go to the D&B Web site, *http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform,* to modify the information contained in the D&B record before proceeding with its CCR registration. See further details in the above-referenced **Federal Register** Notice. 2. Instructions on how to submit an electronic application to HUD via *grants.gov/Apply* are contained in section IV.F. of the General Section. Also, *Grants.gov* has a full set of instructions on how to apply for funds on its Web site at *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* . In addition, HUD has published a Desktop User Guide for Submitting Electronic Grant Applications, which is available on HUD's Web site at *http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/adm/grants/deskuserguide.pdf.* The guide contains screen shots and detailed instructions. Applicants are encouraged to read all sources of instructions carefully. 3. *Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirement.* HUD will only accept electronic applications submitted through *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* , unless the applicant has received a waiver. Applicants that are unable to submit their application electronically must seek a waiver of the electronic grant submission requirement. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days before the application deadline date. Waiver requests must be submitted by mail or fax. For this program NOFA, e-mail requests will not be considered. Waiver requests submitted by mail or fax should be submitted on the applicant's letterhead, signed by an official with the legal authority to request a waiver from the Department. The request must be addressed to the Assistant Secretary for Housing at the following address: Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 9100, Washington, DC 20410-8000. Waiver requests submitted by fax must be sent to

(202)708-3104. If a waiver is granted, you must submit the required number of copies of your application to the Director of the appropriate local HUD office, and the application must be received no later than that HUD office's close of business on the application deadline date. The waiver approval notification will identify the appropriate HUD office where the application should be submitted and the required number of copies that must be submitted. 4. *Proof of Timely Submission.* Applicants must submit their applications to *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* in time for receipt and validation at *Grants.gov* by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. Validation can take 24 to 48 hours, so applicants should submit with ample time for the process to be completed. Applicants are also advised to submit 72 hours in advance of the deadline so that they have sufficient time to correct any deficiencies that would prevent the acceptance of your application by *Grants.gov.* (Refer to the General Section for specific procedures regarding proof of timely submission of applications.) 5. Address for Submitting Applications. Applications must be submitted electronically through *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp,* unless the applicant receives a waiver from the electronic application submission requirement. See Section IV of the General Section, “Application Submission and Receipt Procedures,” for information on applying online. The applications submitted electronically via *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* will be electronically downloaded and forwarded to the appropriate local HUD office. V. Application Review Information *A. Criteria.* HUD Headquarters will select applications for the Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant based on the HUD Multifamily Program Center's rating of the respective FY2007 Section 202 applications. HUD will award funding under the following process until all available funding has been exhausted. *B. Review and Selection Process.* 1. HUD's application review process will include, but is not limited to, an eligibility review of each pre-development planning activity being proposed by the applicant, the reasonableness of the proposed cost for each activity, the reasonableness of the applicant's proposed budget, and the ability of project Sponsors to expedite the development processing of projects from Section 202 Fund Reservation to Initial Closing within the 18-month time frame. All activities must be related to the development of the Section 202 housing project selected under the FY2007 Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and be otherwise eligible activities under the Section 202 Program. 2. Review for Curable Deficiencies. A curable deficiency is a missing exhibit or portion of an exhibit that will not affect the eligibility of the applicant. The exhibits identified by asterisk (*) as threshold requirements must be dated on or before the application deadline date. Refer to the General Section of the SuperNOFA for additional information regarding procedures for corrections to deficient applications. HUD will screen all applications received by the application submission deadline for curable deficiencies. The HUD office will notify you in writing if your application is missing any of the exhibits or portions of exhibits, as listed in Section IV.B. of this NOFA. You will then be given 14 calendar days from the date of the HUD written notification to submit the information required to cure the noted deficiencies. 3. *Review for Threshold Requirements.* All applications must meet the threshold requirements identified in the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA and in Section IV.B. and Section III.C.2. of this program NOFA. Failure to meet any threshold item will render an application ineligible for funding consideration. Please note that Section III.C.2. of the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA, and the items identified by an asterisk (*) in Section IV.B. and in Section III.C.2. of this NOFA, are also threshold requirements and must be dated on or before the application deadline date. Failure to satisfy all threshold requirements at the time of submission will render the application in question as non-responsive to this NOFA, and the application will be subject to no further review. See the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA for additional procedures for corrections to deficient applications. 4. *Technical Review.* HUD Multifamily Field Office staff will review applications that passed the threshold review for compliance with the eligibility criteria set forth in this NOFA. However, HUD will not reject your application based on technical review without notifying you of that rejection, the reason(s) for the rejection, and providing you with an opportunity to appeal. You will have 14 calendar days from the date of HUD's written notice to appeal a technical rejection to the HUD office. The HUD office will make a determination on an appeal before making its selection of projects to be forwarded to HUD Headquarters. HUD Field Office staff will forward to Headquarters a listing of eligible applications that were received by the deadline date, that met all eligibility criteria, that proposed reasonable costs for eligible activities, and that included all technical corrections by the designated deadline date. 5. HUD Headquarters will select Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development Grant applications based on HUD Multifamily Program Centers' rating of the respective FY2007 Section 202 application, beginning with the highest-rated application nationwide. After this selection, HUD Headquarters will select the next highest-rated application in another Program Center. Only one application will be selected per Multifamily Program Center. However, if there are no approvable applications in other Multifamily Program Centers, the process will begin again with the selection of the next-highest-rated application nationwide. More than one application may be selected per HUD Multifamily Program Center if there are no other approvable applications. This process will continue into a second and subsequent round(s) until all approvable applications are selected using the available remaining funds. HUD Headquarters will fully fund as many applications as allocated funds will allow. HUD Headquarters will review its selection results to ensure that no single entity (including affiliated entities) receives grant funding in excess of $800,000. Once an organization receives its maximum amount of grant funding, no other projects from that organization will be eligible for selection from the succeeding rounds. If there is a tie score between two or more applications, HUD will select the applicant with the highest score in Rating Factor 1 of the FY2007 Section 202 application. If Rating Factor 1 is scored identically, the score in Rating Factors 2, 3, and 4, of the FY2007 Section 202 application will be compared in that order, until one of the applications receives a higher score. If both applications still score the same, then the application that requests the least funding will be selected. 6. *Adjustments to Funding/Reduction of Requested Grant Amount.* See Section II.D. of this program NOFA. VI. Award Administration Information *A. Award Notices.* Following the congressional notification process, HUD will issue a press release announcing the selection of awards. Once such an announcement has been made, successful applicants will receive their selection letters and grant agreement, including an approved Logic Model, via regular or overnight mail. The grant agreement is the legally binding document that establishes a relationship between HUD and the award recipient organization. Once properly executed, funds are obligated, and the disbursement of funds is generally authorized. 1. As a condition of receiving a grant under this Section 202 Demonstration Pre-Development program, Grantees must open a separate, non-interest bearing account for the receipt and handling of these funds. 2. All applicants that were not selected for funding will receive a non-selection letter. 3. You may request a debriefing on your application in accordance with section VI.A. of the General Section of the FY2007 SuperNOFA. The request must be made to the Director of Multifamily Housing in the HUD field office that has jurisdiction over the housing development identified in your application, to which you sent your application. *B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.* The Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5, approved February 15, 2007) requires HUD to obligate all Section 202 funds appropriated for FY2007 by September 30, 2010. Under 31 U.S.C. 1551, no funds can be disbursed from this account after September 30, 2015. Under this demonstration program, obligation of funds occurs upon execution of the Grant Agreement. *C. Reporting.* Grantees must submit quarterly updates of the Program Outcome Logic Model (form HUD-96010), as well as quarterly SF-269, Financial Status Reports. In order for HUD to evaluate the effectiveness of the Demonstration Pre-Development Grant program

(DPG)funding, each Logic Model must indicate the results achieved against the proposed output goal(s) and proposed outcome(s) that were stated in the FY2007 Section 202 DPG program application and agreed upon by HUD. HUD requires that funded recipients collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data. It has adopted OMB's Standards for Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data. In view of these requirements, you should use form HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form (and instructions for its use) found on *http://www.HUDclips.org.* *D. Environmental Requirements.* The provision of assistance under this NOFA is categorically excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) and not subject to compliance action for related environmental authorities under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(1), (3), (5), (8), and (16). *E. Environmental Impact.* This NOFA does not direct, provide for assistance or loan and mortgage insurance for, or otherwise govern or regulate, real property acquisition, disposition, leasing, rehabilitation, alteration, demolition, or new construction, or establish, revise, or provide for standards for construction or construction materials, manufactured housing, or occupancy. Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(1), this NOFA is categorically excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321). VII. Agency Contacts A. For programmatic information, you may contact the appropriate local HUD office, or Brenda M. Butler, at HUD Headquarters at

(202)708-3000, or via the Internet at *Brenda.M.Butler@hud.gov.* Persons with hearing and speech impairments may access the above number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at

(800)877-8339. B. For technical assistance in downloading and submitting an application package through *http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp* , contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at

(800)518-GRANTS, or by sending an e-mail to *support@grants.gov.* VIII. Other Information *A. Section 102 of the HUD Reform Act, Documentation and Public Access Requirements.* Section 102 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3545) (HUD Reform Act) and the regulations codified at 24 CFR part 4, subpart A, contain a number of provisions that are designed to ensure greater accountability and integrity in the provision of certain types of assistance administered by HUD. On January 14, 1992, HUD published a notice that also provides information on the implementation of Section 102 (57 FR 1942). The documentation, public access, and disclosure requirements of Section 102 apply to assistance awarded under this NOFA, as follows: 1. *Documentation.* HUD will ensure that documentation and other information regarding each application submitted pursuant to this NOFA are sufficient to indicate the basis upon which assistance was provided or denied. This material, including any letters of support, will be made available for public inspection for a 5-year period beginning not less than 30 days after the award of the assistance. Material will be made available in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and HUD's implementing regulations (24 CFR part 15). 2. *Disclosures.* HUD will make available to the public for 5 years all applicant disclosure reports (form HUD-2880) submitted in connection with this NOFA. Update reports (also reported on the HUD-2880) will be made available along with the applicant disclosure reports, but in no case for a period of less than 3 years. All reports, both applicant disclosures and updates, will be made available in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and HUD's implementing regulations (24 CFR part 15). 3. *Publication of Recipients of HUD Funding.* HUD will publish a notice in the **Federal Register** to notify the public of all decisions made by HUD to provide: a. Assistance subject to Section 102(a) of the HUD Reform Act; and b. Assistance provided through grants or cooperative agreements on a discretionary (non-formula, non-demand) basis, but that is not provided on the basis of a competition. *B. Section 103 of the HUD Reform Act.* HUD's regulations implementing Section 103 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3537a), codified at 24 CFR part 4, subpart B, apply to this funding competition. The regulations continue to apply until the announcement of the selection of successful applicants. HUD employees involved in the review of applications and in the making of funding decisions are prevented by the regulations from providing advance information to any person (other than an authorized employee of HUD) concerning funding decisions or from otherwise giving any applicant an unfair competitive advantage. Persons who apply for assistance in this competition should confine their inquiries to the subject areas permitted under 24 CFR part 4. Applicants or employees who have ethics-related questions should contact the HUD Ethics Law Division at

(202)708-3815. (This is not a toll-free number.) HUD employees who have specific program questions should contact the appropriate field office counsel or Headquarters counsel for the program to which the question pertains. *C. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement.* The information collection requirements contained in this document are currently approved by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2502-0267. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 4 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, semi-annual reports, and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived. Dated: December 20, 2007. Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner. [FR Doc. E8-1119 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission; Notice of Meeting Notice is hereby given in accordance with section 552b of Title 5, United States Code, that a meeting of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2008. The Commission was established pursuant to Public Law 99-647. The purpose of the Commission is to assist federal, state and local authorities in the development and implementation of an integrated resource management plan for those lands and waters within the Corridor. The meeting will convene on February 28, 2008 at 9 a.m. at the Blackstone Valley Historical Society Northgate Toll House at 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI. 1. Approval of Minutes. 2. Chairman's Report. 3. Executive Director's Report. 4. Financial Budget. 5. Public Input. It is anticipated that about twenty-five people will be able to attend the session in addition to the Commission members. Interested persons may make oral or written presentations to the Commission or file written statements. Such requests should be made prior to the meeting to: Jan H. Reitsma, Executive Director, John H. Chafee, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895, Tel.:

(401)762-0250. Further information concerning this meeting may be obtained from Jan H. Reitsma, Executive Director of the Commission at the aforementioned address. Jan H. Reitsma, Executive Director, BRVNHCC. [FR Doc. E8-978 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-RK-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of 10 Listed Species AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Review; Request for Information. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, initiate 5-year reviews of the endangered Peter's Mountain mallow ( *Iliamna corei)* , Jesup's milk-vetch ( *Astragalus robbinsii* var. *jesupi* ), James spinymussel ( *Pleurobema collina)* , sandplain gerardia ( *Agalinis acuta)* , harperella ( *Ptilimnium nodosum)* , Shenandoah salamander ( *Plethodon shenandoah)* , American chaffseed ( *Schwalbea americana)* , and rough rabbitsfoot ( *Quadrula cylindrica strigillata)* , and the threatened Northeastern beach tiger beetle ( *Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis)* and Virginia spiraea ( *Spiraea virginiana)* under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We request any new information on these species that may have a bearing on their classification as endangered or threatened. Based on the results of these 5-year reviews, we will make a finding on whether these species are properly classified under the Act. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct these reviews, we must receive your information no later than March 24, 2008. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: For instructions on where to submit information and review the information that we receive on these species, see “Public Solicitation of New Information.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mary Parkin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035, 413-253-8617 or 617-876-6173, or via electronic mail at *mary_parkin@fws.gov* . Individuals who are hearing impaired or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8337 for TTY assistance. For species-specific information, contact the appropriate person under “Public Solicitation of New Information.” SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Why Do We Conduct a 5-Year Review? Under the Act we maintain the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plant Species

(List)at 50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12. We amend the List by publishing final rules in the **Federal Register** . Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years. Section 4(c)(2)(B) requires that we determine:

(1)Whether a species no longer meets the definition of threatened or endangered and should be removed from the List (delisted);

(2)whether a species more properly meets the definition of threatened and should be reclassified from endangered to threatened; or

(3)whether a species more properly meets the definition of endangered and should be reclassified from threatened to endangered. Using the best scientific and commercial data available, a species will be considered for delisting if the data substantiate that the species is neither endangered nor threatened for one or more of the following reasons:

(1)The species is considered extinct;

(2)the species is considered to be recovered; and/or

(3)the original data available when the species was listed, or the interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal classification requires a separate rulemaking process. Therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since either the original listing or the most recent status review for these species. Based on the results of these 5-year reviews, we will make the requisite findings under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the Act. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the **Federal Register** announcing those species currently under review. This notice announces initiation of our active review of the species in Table 1. Table 1.—Summary of Listing Information, 4 Wildlife Species and 6 Plant Species in the Northeast Region Common name Scientific name Status Where listed Final listing rule **Animals** James spinymussel *Pleurobema collina* Endangered Entire 53 FR 27689; 07/22/1988 Shenandoah salamander *Plethodon shenandoah* Endangered Entire 54 FR 34464; 08/18/1989 Rough rabbitsfoot *Quadrula cylindrica strigillata* Endangered Entire 62 FR 1647; 01/10/1997 Northeastern beach tiger beetle *Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis* Threatened Entire 55 FR 32088; 08/07/1990 **PLANTS** Peter's Mountain mallow *Iliamna corei* Endangered Entire 51 FR 17343; 05/12/1986 Jesup's milk-vetch *Astragalus robbinsii* var. *jesupi* Endangered Entire 52 FR 21481; 06/05/1987 Sandplain gerardia *Agalinis acuta* Endangered Entire 53 FR 34701; 09/07/1988 Harperella *Ptilimnium nodosum* Endangered Entire 53 FR 37978; 09/28/1988 American chaffseed *Schwalbea americana* Endangered Entire 57 FR 44704; 09/29/1992 Virginia spiraea *Spiraea virginiana* Threatened Entire 55 FR 24241; 06/15/1990 What Information Do We Consider in Our Review? In our 5-year review, we consider all new information available at the time of the review. These reviews will consider the best scientific and commercial data that have become available since the original listing determination or most recent status review of each species, such as:

(A)Species biology, including but not limited to population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics;

(B)habitat conditions, including but not limited to amount, distribution, and suitability;

(C)conservation measures that have been implemented to benefit the species;

(D)threat status and trends (see five factors under heading “How do we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened?”); and

(E)other new information, data, or corrections, including but not limited to taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous information contained in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, and improved analytical methods. Public Solicitation of New Information We request any new information concerning the status of the wildlife species James spinymussel, Shenandoah salamander, rough rabbitsfoot, and northeastern beach tiger beetle, and of the plant species Peter's Mountain mallow, Jesup's milk-vetch, sandplain gerardia, harperella, American chaffseed, and Virginia spiraea. See “What Information Do We Consider in Our Review?” for specific criteria. If you submit information, support it with documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, methods used to gather and analyze the data, and/or copies of any pertinent publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources. We specifically request information regarding data from any systematic surveys, as well as any studies or analysis of data that may show population size or trends; information pertaining to the biology or ecology of the species; information regarding the effects of current land management on population distribution and abundance; information on the current condition of habitat; and recent information regarding conservation measures that have been implemented to benefit the species. Additionally, we specifically request information regarding the current distribution of populations and evaluation of threats faced by the species in relation to the five listing factors (as defined in section 4(a)(1) of the Act) and the species' listed status as judged against the definition of threatened or endangered. Finally, we solicit recommendations pertaining to the development of, or potential updates to recovery plans and additional actions or studies that would benefit these species in the future. Our practice is to make information, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review. Before including your address, phone number, electronic mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Mail, electronic mail, or hand-deliver information on the following species to the corresponding address below. You may also view information we receive in response to this notice, as well as other documentation in our files, at the following locations by appointment, during normal business hours. *Peter's Mountain mallow:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury, MA 01776, Attention: Anne Hecht. You may direct inquiries to Ms. Hecht at 978-443-4325, *anne_hecht@fws.gov.* *Jesup's milk-vetch:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New England Field Office, 70 Commercial St., Suite 300, Concord, NH 03301, Attention: Susi von Oettingen. Direct inquiries to Ms. von Oettingen at 603-223-2541, extension 22, *susi_vonoettingen@fws.gov.* *James spinymussel:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Field Office, 6669 Short Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061, Attention: Cindy Kane. Direct inquiries to Ms. Kane at 804-693-6694, extension 113, *cindy_kane@fws.gov* . *Sandplain gerardia:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Island Field Office, 3 Old Barto Road, Brookhaven, NY 11719, Attention: Steve Sinkevich. Direct inquiries to Mr. Sinkevich at 631-776-1401, *steve_sinkevich@fws.gov* . *Harperella:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241, Attention: Laura Hill. Direct inquiries to Ms. Hill at 304-636-6586, extension 18, *laura_hill@fws.gov* . *Shenandoah salamander:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035, Attention: Mary Parkin. Direct inquiries to Ms. Parkin at 413-253-8617, or 617-876-6173, *mary_parkin@fws.gov* . *American chaffseed:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Field Office, 927 N. Main Street, Bldg D, Pleasantville, NJ 08232, Attention: Annette Scherer. Direct inquiries to Ms. Scherer at 609-383-3938, extension 34, *annette_scherer@fws.gov* . *Rough rabbitsfoot:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Virginia Field Office, 330 Cummings Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, Attention: Shane Hanlon. Direct inquiries to Mr. Hanlon at 276-623-1233, extension 25, *shane_hanlon@fws.gov* . *Northeastern beach tiger beetle:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Field Office, 6669 Short Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061, Attention: Mike Drummond. Direct inquiries to Mr. Drummond at 804-693-6694, extension 114, *mike_drummond@fws.gov* . *Virginia spiraea:* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Field Office, 6669 Short Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061, Attention: William Hester. Direct inquiries to Mr. Hester at 804-693-6694, extension 134, *william_hester@fws.gov* . All electronic information must be submitted in text format or rich text format. Include the following identifier in the subject line of the electronic mail: Information on 5-year review for [name of species], and include your name and return address in the body of your message. How Are These Species Currently Listed? Table 1 provides current listing information. Also, the List, which covers all listed species, is also available on our Internet site at *http://endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html#Species.* Definitions Related to this Notice? To help you submit information about the species we are reviewing, we provide the following definitions: *Species* includes any species or subspecies of fish, wildlife, or plant, and any distinct population segment of any species of vertebrate, which interbreeds when mature; *Endangered species* means any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range; and *Threatened species* means any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. How Do We Determine Whether a Species Is Endangered or Threatened? Section 4(a)(1) of the Act establishes that we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened based on one or more of the five following factors:

(A)The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range;

(B)Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes;

(C)Disease or predation;

(D)The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or

(E)Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Section 4(a)(1) of the Act requires that our determination be made on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available. What Could Happen as a Result of Our Review? For each species under review, if we find new information that indicates a change in classification may be warranted, we may propose a new rule that could do one of the following:

(a)Reclassify the species from threatened to endangered (uplist);

(b)reclassify the species from endangered to threatened (downlist); or

(c)remove the species from the List (delist). If we determine that a change in classification is not warranted, then the species will remain on the List under its current status. Authority: This document is published under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). Dated: December 28, 2007. Wendi Weber, Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region. [FR Doc. E8-1108 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration Project AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), are preparing a joint environmental impact report/environmental impact statement (EIR/EIS) for the Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration Project (Project), located in Sonoma County, California. At this early stage in the planning process, the purpose of the Project is to restore natural estuarine ecosystems on diked baylands, while providing public access and recreational and educational opportunities compatible with ecological and cultural resources protection. This scoping notice advises the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare an EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We encourage the public and other agencies to participate in the NEPA scoping process by sending written suggestions and information on the issues and concerns that should be addressed in the draft EIR/EIS, including the range of suitable alternatives, appropriate mitigation measures, and the nature and extent of potential environmental impacts. Throughout the EIR/EIS process, we will announce additional opportunities for public input. DATES: To ensure that we have adequate time to evaluate and incorporate suggestions and other input, we must receive comments on or before February 28, 2008. ADDRESSES: Send written comments or requests to be added to our mailing list to the following address: Christy Smith, Refuge Manager, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 7715 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA 94954. Alternatively, you may fax written comments to 707-769-8106, or send them by electronic mail to *christy_smith@fws.gov* . Please include the heading “Sears Point NEPA Scoping Comments” in your response. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christy Smith, Refuge Manager, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, at

(707)769-4200, or John Brosnan, Baylands Program Manager, at

(707)526-6930 x 109. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background At this early stage of the planning process, project goals are to restore the maximum feasible extent of tidal marsh and channel habitats. Where full tidal extent cannot be restored, we would seek to maximize diked wetland functions through management, enhancement, and restoration actions while maintaining viable agricultural uses to the extent compatible. In addition, we would provide public access and recreational and educational opportunities that are compatible with ecological and cultural resources protection. The project site is located at Sears Point near the intersection of Lakeville-Reclamation Road and State Route 37 (SR 37) in southern Sonoma County, California. The site is also traversed from east to west by an inactive rail line owned by the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District. The project site is a total of 2,327 acres

(ac)owned by the Sonoma Land Trust and is comprised of two large properties, the North Point Joint Venture

(NPJV)parcel and the Dickson Ranch parcel, which are situated on the edge of San Pablo Bay between the mouth of the Petaluma River and Tolay Creek. The 1,679-ac NPJV parcel extends both north and south of SR 37. It is bounded on the north by the Infineon Raceway property, on the east by Cougar Mountain (north of SR 37) and Paradise Vineyards (south of SR 37), on the south by the SMART rail line, and on the west by Lakeville-Reclamation Road. The 648-ac Dickson Ranch parcel is located entirely south of Highway 37, and is bounded on the north by the SMART rail line, on the west by Tolay Creek, on the south by San Pablo Bay, and on the west by the outboard levee as it veers bayward from the SMART rail line. The entire Dickson Ranch parcel and 858 acres of the North Point Joint Venture parcel are located within the approved acquisition boundary of the San Pablo Bay NWR. Site topography ranges from below mean sea level

(msl)in portions of the subsided diked baylands along the southern project boundary to approximately 400 feet above msl in the rolling uplands north of SR 37. With the exception of a small number of barns, houses, and outbuildings scattered throughout the project site, the area is predominantly undeveloped, comprising a mixture of tidal, seasonal, and riparian wetlands, streams, and upland habitats. The project site contains existing or potential suitable habitat for a number of special status species, including the federally listed endangered salt marsh harvest mouse ( *Reithrodontomys raviventris* ), California clapper rail ( *Rallus longirostris obsoletus* ), and the federally listed threatened California red-legged frog ( *Rana aurora draytonii* ). Two federally listed threatened fish species—the Central Valley and Central California Coast steelhead ( *Oncorhynchus mykiss* ) and green sturgeon ( *Acipenser medirostris* )—may also benefit from the project goals. Other species may be addressed as necessary in the EIR/EIS based on further analysis, new information, agency consultation, and public comment. NEPA Compliance Information gathered through this scoping process will assist us in preparing a reasonable range of alternatives to address the restoration of the project site at Sears Point. These alternatives are likely to include some activity within the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. We will use the EIR/EIS to determine whether to authorize activities within the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge in order to accomplish project goals. A detailed description of the proposed action and alternatives will be included in the EIR/EIS. The EIR/EIS will identify the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the alternatives on biological resources, cultural resources, land use, air quality, water quality, water resources, and other environmental resources. It will also identify appropriate mitigation measures for adverse environmental effects. We will conduct environmental review of the EIR/EIS in accordance with the requirements of NEPA, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ), its implementing regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), other applicable regulations, and our procedures for compliance with those regulations. The environmental document will be prepared to meet both the requirements of NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The California Department of Fish and Game is the CEQA lead agency. We anticipate that the draft EIR/EIS will be available for public review in Spring 2008. We are furnishing this notice in accordance with section 1501.7 of the NEPA implementing regulations to obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in the EIR/EIS. We invite written comments from interested parties to ensure identification of the full range of issues. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: January 16, 2008. Ken McDemond, Acting Regional Director, California Nevada Region. [FR Doc. E8-1069 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CA-169-1220-PG] Notice of Public Meeting, Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee SUMMARY: In accordance with Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 1501.7, 43 CFR 1610.2), the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee will meet as indicated below: DATES: The meeting will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008, at the Carrizo Plain Elementary School, located approximately 2 miles northwest of Soda Lake Road on Highway 58. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m. The meeting will focus on a preliminary preferred alternative for the Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement being developed for the Carrizo Plain National Monument. There will be a public comment period from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be available for $8. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The nine-member Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, on a variety of public land issues associated with the public land management in the Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. At this meeting, Monument staff will present updated information on the progress on the draft Carrizo Plain National Monument Resource Management Plan and the Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS). A preliminary preferred alternative being developed by the Carrizo Managing Partners—BLM, the California Department of Fish and Game and the Nature Conservancy—will be the focus of this meeting. This meeting is open to the public. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment, and the time available, the time allotted for individual oral comments may be limited. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations should contact BLM as indicated below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Land Management, Attention: Johna Hurl, Monument Manager, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA, 93308. Phone at

(661)391-6093 or e-mail: *jhurl@blm.gov.* Dated: January 16, 2007. Johna Hurl, Monument Manager, Carrizo Plain National Monument. [FR Doc. E8-1062 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Inventory Completion: Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL and Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brooksville, FL AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains in the control of the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, and in the physical custody of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brooksville, FL. The human remains were removed from Tatham Mound, Citrus County, FL. This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice. A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the Florida Museum of Natural History professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and Seminole Tribe of Florida (Dania, Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood & Tampa Reservations). In 1986-1987, human remains representing a minimum of 366 individuals were removed from Tatham Mound (8CI203) in Citrus County, FL, as part of a Florida Museum of Natural History research project. No known individuals are identified. No associated funerary objects are included in this notice. Tatham Mound (8CI203) is a Safety Harbor culture mound. Tatham Mound consists of an earlier, pre-Columbian lower mound that contained human remains that are radiocarbon-dated to circa A.D. 1050. An upper mound contained the human remains of some of the individuals, most of whom were bundle burials in an extremely poor state of preservation. At the time of the Hernando de Soto expedition into the region in 1539, people associated with variants of the Safety Harbor culture lived from north Sarasota County to the Cove of the Withlachoochee, extending inland in Citrus County as far as Tatham Mound itself. Narratives associated with the de Soto expedition record the names of two Native American towns called Vicela and Tocaste in the vicinity of the Cove (but not in the locality of Tatham Mound). The Native American town of Vicela is thought to have been near the modern town of Istachatta in northeast Hernando County, approximately 15 miles southwest of Tatham Mound. No archeological site corresponding to Vicela has been found. North of Vicela, the de Soto expedition accounts mention the Native American town of Tocaste, describing it as being on a large lake. After 1539, Vicela and Tocaste disappear from the historical records. The linguistic affiliation of the Tatham Mound people and their Safety Harbor relatives are unknown. No information on their language, other than a few proper names noted in colonial Spanish documents, exists. Archeological and historical research in Citrus County, which is in the Florida Central Gulf Coast region (including Greater Tampa Bay) has shown that the Safety Harbor culture dates to the period circa A.D. 1000-1650. There is no known relationship between the Safety Harbor people and any modern Native American group. Consequently, the human remains are culturally unidentifiable. At the time of excavation, the Tatham Mound site (formerly known as the McGregor-Smith tract) was owned by the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Acting on the advice of the Council's Native American Advisory Committee, the Council mandated that the human remains be reinterred in the mound at the conclusion of reasonable scientific analysis, and that such reinterment would be in accordance with State of Florida regulations. The analysis of the human remains was carried out at first at East Carolina University and then at the University of North Carolina where analysis was completed. Subsequently, the human remains were transferred to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for storage. In late 2004, the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America sold the land on which Tatham Mound is located to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, a State of Florida agency. The site is now joined with the Flying Eagle tract. Ownership of the land by Southwest Florida Water Management District affords legal protection for Tatham Mound and places the stewardship of the site under the Florida Division of Historical Resources. Officials of the Florida Museum of Natural History have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (9-10), the human remains described above represent the physical remains of 366 individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the Florida Museum of Natural History also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), a relationship of shared group relationship cannot reasonably be traced between the Native American human remains and any present-day Indian tribe. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee) is responsible for recommending specific actions for disposition of culturally unidentifiable human remains. In February 2007, the Florida Museum of Natural History requested that the Review Committee recommend reburial of the human remains of 366 culturally unidentifiable individuals at the Tatham Mound site. The Review Committee considered the request at its April 2007 meeting and recommended the reburial of the culturally unidentifiable human remains. In May 2007, a letter from the Designated Federal Official, writing on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, recommended reburial of the physical remains of the 366 culturally unidentifiable individuals contingent on the consent of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and Seminole Tribe of Florida; publication of a Notice of Inventory Completion in the **Federal Register** ; and in accordance with applicable laws. This notice fulfills the requirement of publication. The Florida Museum of Natural History also has received consent from the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and Seminole Tribe of Florida. Artifacts removed from the mound are not being reburied. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains should contact Jerald T. Milanich, Florida Museum of Natural History, Campus PO Box 117800, Gainesville, FL 32611-7800, telephone

(352)378-0990, before February 22, 2008. Reburial of the human remains, with the consent of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and Seminole Tribe of Florida may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward. Florida Museum of Natural History is responsible for notifying the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and Seminole Tribe of Florida that this notice has been published. Dated: November 26, 2007 Sherry Hutt, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. E8-1078 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-50-S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM and Southwest Museum of the American Indian, Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA; Correction AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice; correction. Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects in the control of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM and in the possession of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA. The human remains and associated funerary objects were removed from Tularosa Cave, Catron County, NM. This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains and associated funerary objects. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice. This notice supersedes the Notice of Inventory Completion previously published in the **Federal Register** of October 31, 2007 (FR Doc. E7-21379, pages 61674-61675). This notice corrects the controller of the human remains and associated funerary objects, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2(a)(3)(ii), as review of the field records and maps associated with the excavation of the site, indicates that the Tularosa Cave is located on Federal lands that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM. Therefore, the Southwest Museum of American Indian does not have control of the human remains and associated funerary objects. This notice also corrects the consulted tribes and the cultural affiliation of the human remains and associated funerary objects from what had previously been published by the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest professional staff in consultation with the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. In 1905, human remains representing a minimum of one individual were removed from Tularosa Cave in Catron County, NM, by Mr. Peter Goddard Gates (P.G. Gates) as part of the Museum-Gates Expedition, a collaborative excavation funded by the United States National Museum, now the Smithsonian Institution, and amateur archeologist, Mr. Gates. On an unknown date, Mr. Gates transferred the human remains into the possession of the California Institute of Technology as part of the larger P.G. Gates Collection. In 1946, the California Institute of Technology loaned the P.G. Gates Collection to the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. In 2006, the California Institute of Technology transferred possession of the P.G. Gates Collection to the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. No known individual was identified. The four associated funerary objects are one olivella shell bracelet, two mats made of rush, and one fragment of a woven textile of unknown use. Archeological evidence of both material culture and geographic settlement patterns indicate that Tularosa Cave is an Upland Mogollon site that was inhabited between 300 A.D. - 1300 A.D. Abandonment of nearly all Mogollon homeland sites before the protohistoric period suggests a possible population migration into neighboring Puebloan territory. The territory of the Upland Mogollon stretched from south-central Arizona to south-central New Mexico. The Upland Mogollon territories are claimed, currently inhabited, or used by the Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Hopi Tribe of Arizona; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. Villages had pithouses or pueblo-style houses. Most archeological evidence linking Upland Mogollon to present-day tribes rely on ceramics, which suggest the early establishment of brownware producing groups. Based on material culture, architecture, and site organization, the Tularosa Cave has been identified as rock shelter occupied between A.D. 500-1300. Present-day descendents of the Upland Mogollon are the Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Hopi Tribe of Arizona; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation. Oral traditions presented by representatives of the Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico support cultural affiliation. Officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila River National Forest have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (9-10), the human remains described above represent the physical remains of one individual of Native American ancestry. Officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila River National Forest also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the four objects described above are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony. Lastly, officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila River National Forest have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and associated funerary objects and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects should contact Dr. Frank E. Wozniak, NAGPRA Coordinator, Southwestern Region, USDA Forest Service, 333 Broadway Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, telephone

(505)842-3238, before February 22, 2008. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest is responsible for notifying Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Mescalero Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation, New Mexico; Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico (formerly the Pueblo of San Juan); Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico; Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico; Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico; Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico; Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico; Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico; Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico; Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santo Domingo, New Mexico; Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico; Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico that this notice has been published. Dated: November 26, 2007 Sherry Hutt, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. E8-1112 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-50-S INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION Agency Form Submitted for OMB Review AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: In accordance with the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Commission has submitted a request for emergency processing for review and clearance of questionnaires to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Commission has requested OMB approval of this submission by COB February 19, 2008. DATES: *Effective Date:* January 17, 2008. *Purpose of Information Collection:* The forms are for use by the Commission in connection with Inv. Nos. AGOA-002, *Denim Fabric: Use in AGOA Countries During Fiscal Year 2007,* and AGOA-003, *Denim Fabric: Commercial Availability in AGOA Countries During Fiscal Year 2009,* instituted under section 112(c) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 3721(c)). The Commission expects to deliver its reports to the President and the U.S. Trade Representative by July 1, 2008 (Inv. No. AGOA-002) and August 1, 2008 (Inv. No. AGOA-003), respectively. Summary of Proposal

(1)*Number of forms submitted:* Two.

(2)*Title of forms:* U.S. Importers' Questionnaire: Apparel Made from Subject Denim from Beneficiary Sub-Saharan African Countries; and Apparel Manufacturers' Questionnaire-Purchases of Certain Denim from Beneficiary Sub-Saharan African Countries.

(3)*Type of request:* New.

(4)*Frequency of use:* Single data gathering scheduled for 2008.

(5)*Description of respondents:* U.S. importers of apparel from lesser-developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African using certain denim, and certain denim apparel manufacturers located in lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.

(6)*Estimated number of respondents:* 83 (Importers' questionnaires) 45 (Apparel manufacturers' questionnaires).

(7)*Estimated total number of hours for all respondents combined to complete the forms:* 422 hours.

(8)Information obtained from the form that qualifies as confidential business information will be so treated by the Commission and not disclosed in a manner that would reveal the individual operations of a firm. *Additional Information Or Comment:* Copies of the forms and supporting documents may be obtained from the Commission's Web site at *http://www.usitc.gov/ind_econ_ana/research_ana/Ongoing_Inv/index.htm* or for Inv. No. AGOA-002 from Justino De La Cruz, Co-Project Leader (202-205-3252, *Justino.Delacruz@usitc.gov* ) of the Office of Economics or Dawn Heuschel, Co-Project Leader (202-205-2577, *Dawn.Heuschel@usitc.gov* ) of the Office of Industries; for Inv. No. AGOA-003 from Kimberlie Freund, Project Leader (202-708-5402, *Kimberlie.Freund@usitc.gov* ) or Andrea Boron, Deputy Project Leader (202-205-3433, *Andrea.Boron@usitc.gov* ) of the Office of Industries. Comments about the proposals should be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Room 10102 (Docket Library), Washington, DC 20503, ATTENTION: Docket Librarian. All comments should be specific, indicating which part of the questionnaire is objectionable, describing the concern in detail, and including specific suggested revisions or language changes. Copies of any comments should be provided to Robert Rogowsky, Director, Office of Operations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436, who is the Commission's designated Senior Official under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Secretary at 202-205-2000. Hearing impaired individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting our TTD terminal (telephone no. 202-205-1810). General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server ( *http://www.usitc.gov* ). Issued: January 17, 2008. By order of the Commission. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. E8-1138 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration [Docket No. 03-21] Medicine Shoppe-Jonesborough; Denial of Motion for Stay On December 13, 2007, I, the Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, having concluded that the continued registration of the Medicine Shoppe-Jonesborough (Respondent) as a retail pharmacy “is inconsistent with the public interest,” 21 U.S.C. 823(f), ordered that its registration be revoked effective February 1, 2008. 73 FR 363, 388 (2008). Thereafter, on December 28, 2007, Respondent, through its counsel, moved to stay the decision and order to allow it to “appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals.” Motion for Stay at 1. As grounds for the stay, Respondent contends that it “and its owner will suffer irreparable harm by the denial of a stay pending the conclusion of the appeal” because “[t]he store will have to be closed or liquidated and the source of the family's income will be gone.” *Id.* Respondent further contends that granting the stay will not cause irreparable harm to the public because the “matter has been pending now for almost five years.” *Id.* Relatedly, Respondent argues that “[t]here has been no allegation of any wrongdoing during that period.” *Id.* Respondent further contends that it has “a substantial likelihood of success” on the merits of its appeal. *Id.* In this regard, Respondent relies on the Administrative Law Judge's Recommended Decision, which concluded that its continued registration would be consistent with the public interest. Respondent thus argues that the ALJ's “findings of fact certainly indicate that reasonable people can disagree strongly as to whether the respondent was operating in violation of the public interest.” *Id.* at 1-2. In determining whether a stay should be granted, DEA applies the traditional four-factor test used by the courts. The factors are:

(1)Whether the movant has demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits;

(2)whether the movant will be irreparably injured absent a stay;

(3)whether issuance of a stay will substantially injure the other interested parties; and

(4)where the public interest lies. *See, e.g.* , *ACLU* v. *NSA* , 467 F.3d 590 (6th Cir. 2006); *Pearce* v. *DEA* , 836 F.2d 1028, 1029 (6th Cir. 1988). Moreover, as the Sixth Circuit recently explained, “[m]ore than a possibility of success must be shown, and even if a movant demonstrates irreparable harm that decidedly outweighs any potential harm to the nonmoving party if a stay is granted, he is still required to show, at a minimum, `serious questions going to the merits.' ” *ACLU* v. *NSA* , 467 F.3d at 590 (citations omitted in original). Here, Respondent asserts that it will suffer irreparable harm because the revocation of its registration will result in its closure or liquidation. Motion at 1. Respondent, however, offers no evidence that the loss of its registration has also resulted in the loss of its state pharmacy license, and presumably, Respondent retains authority under state law to dispense non-controlled prescription drugs. Moreover, Respondent can also sell drugs approved for over-the-counter marketing and numerous other non-drug products. Accordingly, while the revocation of its registration may cause it to lose some of its business, Respondent has not established that it will suffer irreparable harm to the extent it alleges. Furthermore, even assuming that Respondent has established that it will be irreparably harmed, it has not raised any “serious questions going to the merits.” *ACLU* v. *NSA* , 467 F.3d at 590. While Respondent invokes the factual findings and conclusions of law contained in the ALJ's opinion in support of its contention that it has “a substantial likelihood of success on the merits,” it has not demonstrated that a single factual finding of the Agency is unsupported by substantial evidence. *See* 5 U.S.C. 706(2). Nor has it pointed to any specific error in the Agency's legal conclusions. *Id.* Respondent therefore has not established “a serious question going to the merits of his appeal, much less a substantial likelihood of success” on the merits of its petition for review to warrant the issuance of a stay. 1 *Pearce* , 836 F.2d. at 1029. 1 Respondent further cites the lengthy time it took to resolve this proceeding to argue that the issuance of a stay will not harm the public. Motion at 1. While it is true that this proceeding took entirely too long to resolve, there were multiple causes of the delay including, but not limited to, the lengthy continuance which Respondent was granted to prepare its defense. Having found—based on the extensive evidence that Respondent filled prescriptions in violation of federal law, could not properly account for its controlled substances, and offered no evidence that it had reformed its practices—that Respondent's “continued registration is inconsistent with the public interest,” 73 FR at 388, I further conclude that Respondent has failed to show that the public interest lies with staying the order of revocation. Accordingly, Respondent's motion for a stay of the order of revocation is denied. Dated: January 10, 2008. Michele M. Leonhart, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. E8-1021 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-09-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for High Growth Job Training Initiative Grants for the Energy Industry and Construction and Skilled Trades in the Energy Industry Solicitation for Grant Applications *Announcement Type:* New. Notice of solicitation for grant applications. *Funding Opportunity Number:* SGA/DFA PY 07-07. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFDA Number:* 17.268. *Key Dates:* The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is March 25, 2008. Applications must be received at the address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). A Webinar for prospective applicants will be held for this grant competition on February 1, 2008. Access information for the Webinar will be posted on the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL), Employment and Training Administration

(ETA)Web site at: *http://www.workforce3one.org.* *Summary:* Under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI), DOL/ETA, announces the availability of approximately $10 million in grant funds for high-impact regional approaches to meet the workforce challenges of the energy industry and/or address the shortage of construction and skilled trade workers needed to maintain and expand the energy industry infrastructure. The President's HGJTI is a strategic effort to prepare workers for new and increasing job opportunities in high-growth, high-demand, and economically vital industries and sectors of the American economy. Through the initiative, ETA identifies high-growth, high-demand industries, evaluates the skill needs of those industries, and funds local and national partnership-based demonstration projects that:

(a)Address industry-specific workforce challenges within the context of regional talent and economic development strategies; and

(b)prepare workers for good jobs with career pathways in these rapidly expanding or transforming industries. ETA will broadly disseminate the products, models, and effective approaches that result from HGJTI investments to employers, education and training providers, and the workforce system, building their capacity to respond to employers' workforce needs in high-growth, high-demand industries that are a part of regional economies. Grant funds awarded under this Solicitation for Grant Applications

(SGA)should be used to implement and replicate high-impact, industry-driven training solutions that address identified workforce challenges in the energy industry or in the construction and skilled trade occupations that support the energy industry. Each solution must take place in the context of a regional talent development strategy designed to contribute to a strong regional economy. The solutions must be developed and implemented by a strategic regional partnership, which includes leaders from the workforce investment system, business and industry, and the education and training community, as well as other public and private sector partners that bring critical assets to the joint venture. Proposed solutions should take full advantage of existing workforce development models, promising practices, and tools. Solutions must implement an existing promising solution, model, or approach and take it to scale in the region, or adapt a solution that has been demonstrated to have positive impact on the identified workforce development challenges in another region. Applicants may be public, private for-profit, or private non-profit organizations. It is anticipated that average individual awards will fall within the range of $500,000 to $1 million. *Addresses:* Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention: Ariam Ferro, Grants Management Specialist, Reference SGA/DFA PY-07-07, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants may alternatively apply online through Grants.gov ( *http://www.grants.gov* ) and further information about applying online can be found in Part IV

(3)of this solicitation. Telefacsimile

(FAX)applications will not be accepted. Applicants are advised that U.S. Postal Service mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received at the above address. *Supplementary Information:* This solicitation consists of eight parts: • Part I provides the funding opportunity description: It contains background information on the HGJTI and workforce challenges facing the energy sector, including the shortage of construction and skilled trade workers; describes ETA's approach to talent development in the context of regional economies; and provides a description of the critical elements for this solicitation. • Part II describes the award amount and performance period of the award. • Part III describes eligible applicants and other grant specifications. • Part IV provides information on the application and submission process and various funding restrictions. • Part V describes the criteria against which applications will be reviewed and explains the proposal review and selection process. • Part VI provides award administration information. • Part VII contains ETA agency contact information. • Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to applicants and other information. Part I. Funding Opportunity Description *1. The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative:* *Investing in Regional Sector-Based Talent Development Strategies To Support Strong Regional Economies* In the 21st Century global economy, talent development is a key factor in our nation's economic competitiveness. While global competition is typically seen as a national challenge, regions are where companies, workers, researchers, entrepreneurs and governments partner and leverage resources to create the competitive advantages required in the global marketplace. Those advantages stem from the ability to transform new ideas and new knowledge into advanced, high quality products or services. Regions that are successful in creating a competitive advantage demonstrate the ability to organize people, institutions, capital and infrastructure in a way that generates growth and prosperity in the region's economy. In the new global economy, a region's ability to develop, attract, and retain a well-educated and skilled workforce is a key factor in our nation's economic competitiveness. This understanding of the role of talent in regional economies is helping to shape new models of workforce development in which the workforce system acts as a strategic partner in regional economic development. To maximize the impact of talent development activities requires strong strategic partnerships composed of individuals and organizations that act in concert to transform the regional economy, including: The workforce investment system; employers; educators and training providers; economic development entities; local, regional, and state government; the philanthropic community; faith-based and community organizations; research institutions; and other civic leaders with a stake in economic growth and talent development. These strategic partnerships should focus on systemic solutions that address short-term challenges while contributing to long-term talent development and economic growth. A regional approach to talent development brings together all the key players in a region to leverage their collective public and private sector assets and resources, and to devise strategies that focus on infrastructure, investment, and talent development. It incorporates demand-driven skills development into the region's larger economic development, and education efforts into a comprehensive system that is both flexible and responsive to the needs of business and workers. ETA has modeled the role of strategic partnerships in demand-driven workforce investment through the HGJTI. Through the HGJTI, ETA identifies high-growth, high-demand industries; evaluates their skill needs; and funds local and national partnership-based demonstration projects that provide workforce solutions to ensure that individuals can gain the skills to get good jobs with career pathways in rapidly expanding or transforming industries. Many early HGJTI investments focused on individual solutions in the context of small local partnerships. Over time, ETA has expanded that model in several ways. Through the Community-Based Job Training Grants, ETA is building the capacity of the nation's community college system to play a critical role in talent development. Through the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative, ETA supports broad regional partnerships as they expand employment and advancement opportunities for American workers and catalyze the creation of high-skill and high-wage opportunities in the regional economies. Based on lessons learned in all three of these funding initiatives, ETA is using this funding opportunity to build on individual solutions developed for the energy industry and related skilled trades sector and connecting those solutions to regional economies. ETA's WIRED initiative is currently modeling this approach to regional talent development, through a strategic framework that provides step by step instructions to regions. More information and tools to help implement your project using the WIRED strategic framework can be found at: *http://www.doleta.gov/WIRED.* 2. Meeting the Demand for a Skilled Workforce in the Energy Industry The energy industry comprises 4 percent of total Gross Domestic Product

(GDP)and employs over one million workers nationwide. ETA has identified the energy industry as a high growth industry on the basis of projected demand for workers, the vital role it plays in the U.S. economy, and because rapid technological change requires workers to have increasingly sophisticated skills. Businesses involved in the energy industry are among the most ubiquitous in our economy. They obtain the resources necessary to create energy, process or use it as necessary, and deliver energy to all of us, whether it is fuel for our vehicles or power to light our homes and workplaces. The energy industry's share of U.S. GDP is only the beginning of its influence on the U.S. economy. Without access to sufficient supplies of affordable energy, every other sector of the U.S. economy would grind to a halt. Therefore, a well-trained energy workforce is not an energy-industry specific problem only, but it is also vital to the nation's economic security. The workforce dynamics within the energy industry vary by sector. Industry representatives typically speak of four broad sectors within the energy industry:

(1)Oil and natural gas;

(2)mining;

(3)electric; and

(4)renewable energy. Although renewable energy can be considered an independent sector, renewable energy technologies are becoming prevalent in most sectors of the energy industry as well as in other industries such as manufacturing and construction. Likewise, nuclear energy is often classified as a fifth sector by itself because the regulatory framework within which it operates, among several other factors, distinguishes it from the rest of the electric power industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS)takes a slightly different view of the energy industry, and differentiates utilities, mining, and oil and gas extraction as independent industries. For the purposes of this SGA, the term energy industry refers to all five of the sectors described above. The energy industry faces significant hiring and training challenges. Impending incumbent worker retirements and other attrition, coupled with inadequate numbers of new workers entering occupations in the industry, necessitate the development and implementation of effective strategies for recruiting and training new workers, and upgrading the skills of existing workers. To understand the workforce challenges facing the energy industry and construction and skilled trades in the energy industry, ETA convened a series of meetings over the past three years, working closely with energy representatives, construction companies, education, the public workforce system, labor management organizations, and other Federal and state agencies. Through a series of Executive Forums, key energy industry stakeholders identified workforce challenges in five categories:

(1)Pipeline development;

(2)career awareness and outreach;

(3)availability and capacity of education and training programs;

(4)entry-level skill development; and

(5)incumbent workers skill development. The following challenges were identified as the most critical by industry leaders: • Employers expect that up to half of their current workers will retire over the next 5 to 10 years. • Misperception of energy careers as unstable, dirty, and low-skilled causes qualified workers, especially youth, to be unaware of the many highly skilled, good-paying career opportunities. • Many training programs were scaled back or closed due to a downturn in the industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Programs have not ramped up at the same rate as the industry's need has rebounded. • Employers in all sectors of the industry need workers who are more proficient in math, science, and, especially, technology than workers in the past. • Creative solutions are necessary to help experienced workers, who will be retiring, transfer their knowledge and skills to their replacements and to help new workers gain necessary skills as quickly as possible. • Few industry-defined, portable credentials have been developed in the energy industry. Additionally, there is a need to develop career ladders that clearly demonstrate the career growth potential within the industry. Based on solutions identified during several Executive and Workforce Forums, ETA awarded a series of grants under the HGJTI that addressed the above challenges through unique and innovative industry-driven skills training, certification and career ladder development programs. A full description of these investments, as well as a report detailing ETA's engagement with the energy sector, is available at: *http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/Indprof/Energy.cfm.* These initial investments resulted in curricula, outreach materials, and other products, models, and best practices that are now publicly available on the Web at: *http://www.workforce3one.org.* Growth within the energy industry is further constrained by a shortage of construction and skilled trade workers who build new infrastructure, install equipment, operate facilities, and make repairs. A number of occupations and job titles are impacted by this shortage, including the following: boilermaker, carpenter, chemistry technician, electrician, heavy equipment operator, lineworker, millwright, pipefitter, quality control technician, and welder. To help improve the pipeline of construction and skilled trade workers in the energy industry, ETA convened an Energy Skilled Trades Summit in August, 2007. Held in conjunction with industry associations, the summit was designed to address the workforce shortages projected specifically for the southeastern United States over the next twenty years. The objectives of the Summit were to:

(1)Raise awareness about the looming skilled craft shortage and its impact on the energy industry's infrastructure improvement efforts;

(2)increase synergy among the private sector and the workforce development, economic development, and education systems; and

(3)strengthen U.S. national economic and energy security by identifying strategies to ensure American workers have the skills necessary to build and maintain the next generation of energy infrastructure. State teams attended the Summit and worked to develop action plans to address the workforce challenges facing the industry and achieve the following: • Raise awareness about the looming construction labor shortage and its impact on the energy industry's infrastructure improvement efforts; • Elevate the image of skilled crafts careers; • Implement performance-based education and training programs for skilled craft workers in high schools, post-secondary schools, and the public workforce system; • Recruit from untapped labor pools to educate and train for construction and energy workforce needs; • Align investments and workforce development initiatives to ensure collaboration in the development of a national skilled trades workforce; and • Build state partnership teams that promote talent and economic development based on asset and resource mapping strategies. More information about the Energy Skilled Trades Summit, including extensive resources on workforce challenges facing the construction and skilled trades in the energy industry, as well as a draft competency model for the energy industry, is available at: *http://www.workforce3one.org/content/public/esummit.cfm.* This SGA is designed to help regions address workforce challenges facing the energy industry and the construction and skilled trades in the energy industry as discussed in this section. ETA is seeking to fund proposals that build on demonstrated models and promising practices and make use of existing products, models, and curricula to meet the specific needs of regional economies through training and other activities. 3. Critical Elements of High Growth Grants for the Energy Industry and Related Skilled Trades Grants funded under this Solicitation are expected to contain at least six critical elements. These elements consist of:

(A)Strategic regional partnerships;

(B)systemic solutions to industry-identified workforce challenges;

(C)connections to regional economic and talent development strategies;

(D)shared and leveraged resources;

(E)clear and specific outcomes; and

(F)clear strategies for sustainability beyond the Federal investment. Each of these characteristics will be reflected in the ratings criteria in Part V and is described in further detail below. A. Strategic Regional Partnerships Experience has shown—through ETA's work in WIRED regions—that workforce development strategies are most robust when developed in the context of a strategic partnership comprised of a strong team of regional leaders that have access to a range of resources and assets suited to the proposed strategy. For the purposes of this SGA, one or more representative of the workforce system (i.e., state and/or local workforce boards and One-Stop Career Centers), employers, and education and training providers are required partners. In addition to the required entities, the partnership should think beyond geographical and physical boundaries to ensure that the full range of assets, resources, knowledge, and leadership are engaged in the project, and that the partnership includes entities that can act as levers of change to identify and address barriers to success. The basis of partnership engagement and activity should be a data-driven analysis of workforce development challenges and the regional assets available for solutions. While the activities proposed under this Solicitation may be an important component of the partnership's work, the partnership should have a broader focus on the workforce challenges facing the energy industry and related skilled trades sector, and should be working collaboratively to identify and implement a wide range of solutions. Partners should have a demonstrated record of close collaboration and coordination. If a high level of collaboration or coordination does not exist, applicants must demonstrate their capacity to quickly establish these links and discuss strategies for strengthening the partnership. Applicants are advised that grant funds may not be used for partnership development. In order to further support regions that are seeking to transform their economies and enhance their global competitiveness through talent development, these partnerships need to be substantial and sustainable. ETA encourages partners to plan for the partnership's sustainability beyond the HGJTI investment period to enable ongoing assessment of industry workforce needs and collaborative development of solutions on a continual basis. Within the context of the broader strategic partnership and as it relates to the HGJTI, each collaborative partner should have clearly defined roles. The exact nature of these roles may vary depending on the issue areas being addressed and the scope and nature of the activities undertaken. However, ETA expects that each collaborative partner will, at minimum, significantly contribute to one or more aspects of the project. For example, employers must be actively engaged in the project and may contribute to many aspects of grant activities such as defining the program strategy and goals, identifying needed skills and competencies, and, where appropriate, hiring qualified training graduates. Education and training providers from the continuum of education (including K-12, community and technical colleges, four year colleges and universities, apprenticeship, and other training entities) should assist in developing industry-driven workforce education strategies in partnership with employers including competency models, curricula, and new learning methodologies. The workforce investment system may play a number of roles, including identifying and assessing candidates for training, providing wrap-around support services and training funds for qualified individuals, where appropriate, and connecting qualified training graduates to employers that have existing job openings. Partnerships with faith-based and community organizations are also encouraged. Grantees may elect to sub-award funds to faith-based and community organizations to perform a variety of grant services such as case management, mentoring, and English language programs, among others. Faith-based and community organizations can also provide wrap-around holistic and comprehensive support services, where appropriate. Please note, however, that identifying an organization as a partner does not waive applicable source selection requirements (See Part VI. B, NOTE). B. Systemic Solutions to Industry Identified Workforce Challenges Grants funded under this SGA should demonstrate how a demand-driven workforce system can more effectively meet the regional workforce needs of energy and skilled trade employers while at the same time helping workers find quality jobs with promising career pathways. Proposed solutions should be focused and integrated, and should be driven by an accurate and comprehensive understanding of regional, industry-identified workforce challenges and the educational, workforce, and other assets available to support solutions. Applicants should note that grants under this SGA are not intended to support the development of entirely new solutions for workforce challenges in the energy industry and/or related skilled trade sector. Rather, these grants are intended to support partnerships that either:

(a)Take an existing promising solution, model, or approach to scale in the region; and/or

(b)adapt a solution, model, or approach that has been demonstrated to have positive impact on the identified workforce challenges in another region or context. Many public and private partners have been developing solutions to workforce challenges and grants funded under this SGA should demonstrate an understanding of that growing body of knowledge. Models or promising practices proposed to be implemented must be evidence-based and supported by data-driven results. Applicants are not limited in the strategies and approaches they may use to implement solutions provided the strategy is well developed, addresses industry-defined regional workforce challenges, and includes training to prepare entry level and/or incumbent workers for the energy industry or construction and skilled trades in the energy industry. To the extent possible, applicants are encouraged to design training activities that:

(a)Occur within the context of workforce education that supports long-term career growth, such as an articulated career ladder and lattice; and

(b)result in credentials that are industry-recognized and indicate a level of mastery and competence in a given field or function. Please note that ETA is particularly interested in projects that focus on the workforce challenges described in Part 1.2. While a range of solutions will be considered for funding, ETA encourages applicants to develop solutions that address one or more of the following areas: • *Career Awareness and Outreach:* Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that integrate career awareness and outreach into education and training programs, including job-readiness opportunities, job shadowing and information sessions, and field trips. Career awareness and outreach components should clearly address image-related issues associated with the industry (e.g. working conditions, pay, and opportunities for advancement) and leverage existing industry marketing and campaign efforts, including the development of Web sites, videos, podcasts, print and multimedia materials, television ads, and other promotional materials. • *Building Education and Training Capacity:* Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that enhance the capacity and/or capability of secondary schools, community colleges, proprietary training providers, labor-management organizations, and/or other education and training providers that serve the skilled trade occupations related to energy and/or the energy industry. To the greatest extent possible, applicants should leverage existing curricula and training or certification programs that have demonstrated results. If existing curricula do not meet regional needs, applicants should clearly explain why. Applicants are also encouraged to submit projects that include strategies for facilitating knowledge transfer among incumbent workers or increasing their technical skills or soft skills, and result in demonstrated career ladder progression during the term of the grant. Applicants are also encouraged to utilize technology-based and distance learning models in their education and training programs. Technology-Based Learning

(TBL)is transforming the way people learn and can increase the geographic reach of training. TBL can be defined as the learning of content via all electronic technology, including the Internet, intranets, satellite broadcasts, audio and video tape, video and audio conference, Internet conferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, Web casts, computer-based instruction and CD-ROM. It encompasses related terms, such as online learning, Web-based learning, computer-based learning and e-learning. For example, a college may convert industry-specific curricula typically offered in traditional classroom settings to technology-based learning (e-learning or online) or develop technology-based learning training programs so that dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and/or new job entrants can access training at any time. • *Untapped Pools of Labor:* Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that address the recruitment of non-traditional labor pools and include both outreach and preparation strategies, partnerships with community or faith-based organizations or other experienced providers with expertise in working with non-traditional labor pools, and mentorships or other types of support services. Examples of non-traditional labor pools include dislocated workers, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans, military spouses, ex-offenders, new Americans, and out-of-school and at-risk youth who are eligible to work. Projects that serve youth should align with ETA's Youth Vision, where appropriate. Information on ETA's Youth Vision can be found in the Training and Employment Guidance Letter

(TEGL)No. 28-05 ( *http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2224* ). C. Connections to Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies Proposed solutions should not be developed in isolation. Rather, to the greatest extent possible, partnership activities and proposed solutions should be aligned with and integrated into the region's broader talent development and economic development strategies and applications will be evaluated on the extent to which such integration is demonstrated. Applicants should clearly indicate alignment and integration, and indicate how the regional strategic partnership working to design and implement the proposed solution is connected to the broader regional strategic talent and economic growth agenda for the region. D. Shared and Leveraged Resources HGJTI investments leverage funds and resources from key entities in the strategic partnership. Leveraging resources in the context of strategic partnerships accomplishes three goals:

(1)It allows for the pursuit of resources driven by the strategy;

(2)it increases stakeholder investment in the project at all levels including design and implementation phases; and

(3)it broadens the impact of the project itself. Applications will be scored based on the quality and the degree to which the source and use of leveraged funds are clearly explained and the extent to which they are integrated into the project in support of grant outcomes. Detailed information about the evaluation criteria are found in Part V, 1F. Leveraged resources include both Federal and non-federal funds and may come from many sources. Businesses, faith-based and community organizations, economic development entities, education systems, and philanthropic foundations often invest resources to support workforce development. In addition, other Federal, state, and local government programs may have resources available that can be integrated into the proposed project. Examples of such programs include other DOL programs such as registered apprenticeship and Job Corps, as well as One-Stop partner programs funded by other Federal agencies, such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Adult Education. ETA encourages HGJTI grantees and their partners to be entrepreneurial as they seek out, utilize, and sustain these resources when creating effective solutions to the workforce challenges identified by the industry. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that leverage existing investments. These investments may be active within the region, such as those from ETA funding sources, including WIRED regional funding, Community-Based Job Training Grants and HGJTI funds, or Workforce Investment Act formula funds, or may come from other government, private sector, or philanthropic sources. Applicants are also encouraged to leverage existing investments in products, models, or tools that may be of use in the regional strategy. E. Clear and Specific Outcomes HGJTI grants are fundamentally results-oriented and grantees are expected to demonstrate clear and specific outcomes that indicate progress towards addressing the workforce challenges identified by the partnership and that are appropriate to the nature of the solution and the size and scope of the project. Since HGJTI grants result in customized strategies to address local workforce challenges and skill shortages, ETA recognizes that specific outcomes will vary from project to project based on the specific activities proposed by applicants. HGJTI applicants should demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed activities by creating appropriate benchmarks and measuring against them on a regular basis. • *Training Outcomes:* Training outcomes will include quarterly and cumulative reports on the projected outcomes that include, but are not limited to: enrollment, number completed training, number of certificates awarded, ETA's Common Measures, number entered into employment related to training; and number receiving wage gains and promotions. ETA's Common Measures, which are uniform evaluation metrics for job training and employment programs and are an integral part of ETA's performance accountability system. The Common Measures for adults include:

(1)Entered employment,

(2)job retention, and

(3)average earnings increase. For youth, the Common Measures include:

(1)Placement in employment or education,

(2)attainment of a degree or certificate, and

(3)measurable literacy and numeracy gains. The value of implementing Common Measures is the ability to describe the core performance of the workforce system and its partners: how many people found jobs; did they stay employed; and what did they earn. In the recent past, multiple sets of performance measures have burdened states and grantees, as they have required the reporting of performance outcomes based on varying definitions and methodologies. By minimizing the different reporting and performance requirements, common performance measures can facilitate the integration of service delivery, reduce barriers to cooperation among programs, and enhance the ability to assess the effectiveness and impact of the workforce investment system across programs. A detailed description of ETA's policy on the Common Measures can be found in the Training and Employment Guidance Letter

(TEGL)No. 17-05 ( *http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL17-05.pdf* ). A basic list of Common Measures is provided as attachment A to TEGL No. 17-05, ( *http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL17-05_AttachA.pdf* ). ETA is in the process of developing a standard set of reporting requirements for the HGJTI. Upon issuance, ETA will require grantees to submit standardized quarterly reports summarizing the number and types of participants served by grantees, the number of exiters, the number of participants engaged in training activities, and some participant outcomes including common measures. To calculate the common measures for each grantee and for the program as a whole, ETA will require grantees to submit quarterly participant records for exiters that contain the minimum number of elements needed to calculate the common measures. By matching these records wage record information through the Wage Record Interchange System (WRIS), ETA will compute results for common measures on behalf of grantees. These reports and records will help ETA gauge the effectiveness of the HGJTI, identify grantees that could serve as useful models, and target technical assistance appropriately. A copy of the full proposed reporting package can be viewed at: *http://www.doleta.gov/OMBCN/OMB_1205-0NEW_20070530.cfm* . Please note that the Common Measures provide only part of the information necessary to oversee HGJTI grants effectively. In addition to Common Measures, grantees will be required to report the number and types of credentials awarded to trainees, if appropriate. HGJTI grant recipients may also have additional outcome measures appropriate to their project. *• Capacity Building Outcomes:* Grantees will be required to report on the status of all capacity building activities under the grant, if applicable; how the activity is linked to the specific training supported under the grant; and, if appropriate, the impact of the capacity building activity, including the exact methodology with operational parameters of how the impact measure is calculated. An example of a capacity building activity where it is appropriate to report impact is for teacher professional development/train-the-trainer activities, in which there are no employment related outcomes for those being trained but grant activities affect other individuals. For example, a grantee uses grant funds to train 10 teachers to work as instructors at a youth summer camp. Then, through the summer, those 10 teachers provide instruction to 100 students. The impact of this teacher professional development capacity building activity is 100, representing the 100 students impacted by the 10 teachers. Another area where it is appropriate to report impact is career awareness activities. For example, a grantee uses grant funds to develop a Web site to let youth and job changers know about careers in the energy industry as well as its training program. This Web site has 100 unique user visits each month over a three month period. The impact of the Web site for this three month period is 300, based on the total number of unique visits to the Web site. Grantees can use a similar methodology to calculate the impact of other types of career awareness activities, such as the impact of a recruiting seminar attended by job seekers and the impact of brochures distributed at an industry-related career awareness program for youth. Please note that capacity building outcomes and impacts of the proposed project should satisfactorily address the industry-identified workforce need and the capacity constraint identified by the applicant. Applicants must clearly describe all products, models, curricula, etc. that will be customized or acquired with federal funds through the grant and indicate the impact of the capacity building activity ( *e.g.* the number of participants or entities who will benefit from the proposed activities). ETA will continue to collect from HGJTI grantees data on spending, program activities, participants, and outcomes that are necessary for program management to convey the full and accurate information on the performance of this program to policy makers and stakeholders. F. Clear Strategies for Sustainability Beyond the Federal Investment The HGJTI investment should be considered seed funding. Therefore, HGJTI grantees should develop strategies to sustain the project or related partnership activities after the Federal investment ends. Financial resources are an important part of any sustainability strategy; however, they are not the only component. Sustainability is also strengthened by the partnerships formed before and during the grant term; systems, strategies, and processes put in place during the grant period; and the experience gained through implementing a HGJTI grant. All of these may provide the foundation for developing long-term systemic solutions to workforce challenges in high-growth, high-demand industries. 4. Use of Funds/Allowable Activities Grants funded under this SGA will be funded by H-1B fees as authorized under Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-277, title IV) as amended by Public Law 108-447 (codified at 29 U.S.C. 2916a). These funds are focused on the development of the workforce and may be used to provide job training and related activities to workers to assist them in gaining the skills and competencies needed to obtain and upgrade career ladder employment in the energy industry and/or construction and skilled trades related to the energy industry. Funds available under this Solicitation may only be used for projects that provide training in the occupations and industries for which employers use H-1B visas that generate these funds and the related activities limited to those necessary to support training in such occupations and industries. The training investments under the SGA must focus on high skilled occupations or occupations requiring significant science, engineering, technology, and math skills. Funds may also be used to enhance the provision of job training services and information as authorized in 29 U.S.C. 2916(a)(2)(B). Part II. Award Information 1. Award Amount ETA intends to fund to projects ranging from $500,000 to $1 million; however, this does not preclude funding grants at either a lower or higher amount, or funding a smaller or larger number of projects, based on the type and the number of quality submissions. Applicants are encouraged to submit budgets for quality projects at whatever funding level is appropriate to the project. Nevertheless, applicants should recognize that the funds available through this solicitation are designed to complement additional leveraged resources rather than be the sole source of funds for the proposal. Applicants should note that selection of an organization as a grantee does not constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before the actual grant is awarded, DOL may enter into negotiations about such items as program components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative systems in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations do not result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the application. 2. Period of Performance The period of grant performance will be up to 36 months from the date of execution of the grant documents. This performance period shall include all necessary implementation and start-up activities as well as participant follow-up for performance outcomes and grant close-out activities. A timeline clearly detailing these required grant activities and their expected completion dates must be included in the grant application. If applied for, and with significant justification, ETA may elect to exercise its option to award no-cost extensions to these grants for an additional period at its own discretion, based on the success of the program and other relevant factors. Part III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants Applicants may be public, private for-profit, or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. The application must clearly identify the applicant and describe its capacity to administer the HGJTI grant, in terms of both organizational capacity and data management capabilities. Please note that the applicant and fiscal agent must be the same organization. Applications to supplement existing projects are eligible for consideration under this SGA; however, applications for renewal of existing projects will not be considered. For example, a renewal of an existing project would continue the activities and outcomes from a prior grant with no changes. Supplementing an existing or previous project would add substantive new activity components and outcomes. 2. Cost Sharing Cost sharing or matching funds are not required as a condition for application, but leveraged resources are strongly encouraged and failure to commit and integrate leveraged resources into the project may have a significant impact on an applicant's ability to successfully compete for grant funds. Applications will be scored based on the quality and the degree to which the source and use of leveraged funds are clearly explained, and the extent to which they are integrated into the project in support of grant outcomes. As described in Part V.1., up to 10 points are available for this criterion. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements A. Demonstrated Partnerships To be considered for funding under this SGA, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed project will be implemented by a robust strategic partnership that is regional in nature, as defined by the applicant, and that leveraged resources of the full partnership are in support of the proposed strategy. The partnership must include at least one entity from each of three categories:

(1)The workforce investment system, which may include state and local workforce investment boards, state workforce agencies, and One-Stop Career Centers and their partners;

(2)the education and training community, which includes the continuum of education from K-12 to community and technical colleges, four year colleges and universities, apprenticeship, and other training entities; and

(3)employers and industry-related organizations such as trade associations and labor-management organizations. Additional partners that reflect the character and resources of the region are strongly encouraged. B. Proposed Solutions There are two requirements associated with solutions that will be funded under this solicitation. *• Building on Existing Models and Promising Practices.* This SGA is intended to support workforce development strategies targeting the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy that take full advantage of existing solutions, models, promising practices, and tools while meeting the specific needs and circumstances of the identified region. Therefore applicants must demonstrate that proposed solutions meet at least one of two criteria:

(a)The applicant proposes to take an existing promising solution, model, or approach to scale in the region, or

(b)the applicant is implementing a solution, model or approach that has been demonstrated to have positive impact on the identified development challenges in another location. To the greatest extent possible, applicants are also encouraged to integrate existing tools and curricula into their proposed grant activities. Applicants should produce outcome information that demonstrates that the approach or model will meet the needs of industry as described in the statement of need. *• Training Workers for Employment in High-Growth Industries.* All grants funded under this solicitation must include the direct provision of training to individual participants. Applicants are not limited in the strategies and approaches they may employ to implement training activities; however, the training must:

(a)Target skills and competencies demanded by the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy;

(b)support participants' long term career growth along a defined career pathway such as an articulated career ladder and lattice; and

(c)result in an industry-recognized certificate, degree, or license that indicates a level of mastery and competence in a given field or function. The credential awarded to participants should be based on the type of training provided through the grant and the requirements of the targeted occupation, and should be selected based on consultations with industry partners. For example: • Customized and short-term training should result in a performance-based certification or certificate. This certification may be developed jointly by employers and the project partners, based on defined knowledge and skill requirements for specific high-growth occupations. Performance-based certifications may also be based on industry recognized curriculum and standards. • Training in fields with established professional standards and examinations should result in an industry recognized credential or certification. • In states where licensure is required for the specific occupation targeted by the training, the credentialing requirement should be set accordingly. • In some instances, training provided under the HGJTI grant may lead to a degree. In these instances, the credential will be the degree itself or the successful completion of coursework required for the degree. In addition to the required training strategies, applicants may, but are not required to, propose strategies that build capacity to educate and train workers for jobs within the energy and skilled trades sectors. These proposed capacity building efforts must be directly linked to the specific training supported under the grant, and are expected to address significant barriers that impede the ability of the partnership to meet the energy or skilled trade occupations related to energy industry's demand for workforce training. These strategies should not simply address isolated deficits, but rather provide a comprehensive solution to identified capacity challenges as they relate to the energy industry and the skilled trade occupations related to energy. C. Replication ETA is currently pursuing an aggressive national dissemination strategy that focuses on widely and publicly distributing grantee products through a network of stakeholders including education and industry partners, and the public workforce system. The products developed through the HGJTI include but are not limited to curriculum, competency models and career ladders, distance learning tools, career awareness and outreach materials, case studies, program management and implementation tools, reports and databases, creation of industry skill centers, and Web sites. HGJTI grantees are required to submit to ETA products developed with grant funding; these products will be included in ETA's dissemination strategy. For example, CDs with available products will be developed and distributed to appropriate education, workforce, and business and industry association partners. In addition, all of these products will be available online at *http://www.workforce3one.org.* Workforce3 One offers the public workforce system, employers, economic development professionals, and education professionals an innovative knowledge network designed to create and support demand-driven communities; one that responds directly to business needs and prepares workers for good jobs in the fastest growing careers. By supporting replicable projects that can be implemented in multiple areas and industries, ETA is able to maximize its investment by expanding the grant's impact beyond the initial grant site and helping additional businesses and workers in other regions. D. Participants Eligible To Receive HGJTI Training Generally, the scope of potential trainees is very broad. Training may be targeted to a wide variety of populations, including unemployed individuals and incumbent workers. The identification of targeted and qualified trainees should be part of the larger project planning process by the required partnership and should relate to the workforce issue that is being addressed by the training. E. Veterans Priority The Jobs for Veterans Act (Pub. L. 107-288) provides priority of service to veterans and spouses of certain veterans for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services in any job training program directly funded, in whole or in part, by DOL. In circumstances where a grant recipient must choose between two equally qualified candidates for training, one of whom is a veteran, the Jobs for Veterans Act requires that grant recipients give the veteran priority of service by admitting him or her into the program. Please note that to obtain priority of service a veteran must meet the program's eligibility requirements. ETA Training and Employment Guidance Letter

(TEGL)No. 5-03 (September 16, 2003) provides general guidance on the scope of the Job for Veterans Act and its effect on current employment and training programs. TEGL No. 5-03, along with additional guidance, is available at the “Jobs for Veterans Priority of Service” Web site: *http://www.doleta.gov/programs/vets.* Part IV. Address To Request Application Forms 1. Address To Request Application Package This SGA contains all of the information and links to forms needed to apply for grant funding. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission The proposal must consist of two

(2)separate and distinct parts: Part I, the Cost Proposal and Part II, the Technical Proposal. Applications that fail to adhere to the instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and may not be given further consideration. Please note that it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the funding amount requested is consistent across all parts and sub-parts of the application. Part I of the proposal is the Cost Proposal and must include the following two items: • The Standard Form

(SF)424, “Application for Federal Assistance” available at: *http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm.* • Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant shall be considered the Authorized Representative of the applicant. All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet

(DUNS)number. For more information about the DUNS number, see OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants must supply their DUNS number on the SF 424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access this Web site: *http://www.dunandbradstreet.com* or call 1-866-705-5711. • The Standard Form

(SF)424A Budget Information Form (available at *http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm* ). In preparing the Budget Information Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to support the request. The budget narrative should break down the budget and corresponding leveraged resources by deliverable, making clear distinctions between training and (if any) capacity building costs, and should discuss precisely how the administrative costs support the project goals. All applicants should indicate training costs-per-participant by dividing the total amount of the budget designated for training by the number of participants trained. Please note that applicants that fail to provide an SF 424, SF 424A and a budget narrative will be removed from consideration prior to the technical review process. If the proposal calls for integrating WIA or other Federal funds or includes other leveraged resources, these funds should not be listed on the SF 424 or SF 424A Budget Information Form, but should be described in the budget narrative and in Part II of the proposal. The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of performance (up to 36 months) should be shown together on the SF 424 and SF 424A Budget Information Form. Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to submit the OMB Survey No. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, which can be found at: *http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm. * Part II of the application is the Technical Proposal, which demonstrates the applicant's capabilities to plan and implement the HGJTI grant project in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation, and includes a project description as described in the Criteria section of this solicitation. The project description is limited to twenty

(20)double-spaced, single-sided, 8.5 inch x 11 inch pages with 12 point text font and one-inch margins. Any pages over the 20 page limit will not be reviewed. The applicant may provide additional information, such as resumes, a staffing pattern, statistical information, general letters of support and related material in attachments, which may not exceed fifteen

(15)pages. Any additional information in attachments beyond the 15 page limit will not be reviewed. The required letters of commitment from partners help demonstrate a firm commitment to the project through the provision of expertise and/or resources and must be submitted as attachments. These letters of commitment will not count against the allowable maximum page totals. Please note that applicants should not send letters of commitment or support separately to ETA because letters are tracked through a separate system and will not be attached to the application for review. The applicant must clearly reference any partners in the text of the Technical Proposal. Except for the discussion of any leveraged resources to address the evaluation criteria, no cost data or reference to prices should be included in the Technical Proposal. The following information is required: • A one-to-two page abstract summarizing the proposed project and applicant profile information including: • Applicant name; • Industry focus (energy and the skilled trade occupations related to energy); • A brief description of the workforce challenges addressed (100 words); • A brief description of the proposed solution and how it will be different from the original model (approximately 150 words); • Key partners; • Funding amount requested; • Amount of leveraged resources; and • Number of people trained and other key grant outcomes. • A table of contents listing the application sections. • A one-to-two page timeline outlining project activities, including expected start-up, implementation, participant follow-up for performance outcomes, grant close-out and other activities. Please note that the abstract, table of contents, and timeline are not included in either of the page limits mentioned above. Applicants that do not provide Part II of the application will be removed from consideration prior to the technical review process. Applications may be submitted electronically on Grants.gov or in hardcopy via mail or hand delivery. These processes are described in further detail in Part IV(C). Applicants submitting proposals in hard-copy must submit an original signed application (including the SF 424) and one

(1)”copy-ready” version free of bindings, staples or protruding tabs to ease in the reproduction of the proposal by DOL. Applicants submitting proposals in hard-copy are also requested, though not required, to provide an identical electronic copy of the proposal on CD-ROM. 3. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is March 25, 2008. Applications must be received at the address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile

(FAX)will not be accepted. Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice will not be honored. No exceptions to the mailing and delivery requirements set forth in this notice will be granted. Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention: Ariam Ferro, Reference SGA/DFA, PY-07-07, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand-delivered proposals will be received at the above address. All overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by the specified closing date and time. Applicants may apply online through Grants.gov ( *http://www.grants.gov* ). Any application received after the deadline will not be accepted. It is strongly recommended that before the applicant begins to write the proposal, applicants immediately review the grants.gov Web site to include all frequently asked questions, and initiate and complete the ”Get Started” registration steps at *http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted.* These steps may take multiple days to complete, and this time should be factored into plans for electronic application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that could result in the rejection of an application as untimely. If submitting electronically through Grants.gov, the application must be submitted as either .doc, .pdf, or .xls files. *Late Applications:* Any application received after the exact date and time specified for receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be considered, unless it is received before awards are made, it was properly addressed, and it was:

(a)Sent by U.S. Postal Service mail, postmarked not later than the fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an application required to be received by the 20th of the month must be postmarked by the 15th of that month); or

(b)sent by professional overnight delivery service or properly submitted and accepted by Grants.gov to the addressee not later than one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of applications. It is highly recommended that online submissions be completed at least one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of applications to ensure that the applicant still has the option to submit by overnight delivery service in the event of any electronic submission problems. Applicants take a significant risk by waiting to the last day to submit by grants.gov. ”Postmarked” means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable, without further action, as having been supplied or affixed on the date of mailing by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation ”bull's eye” postmark on both the receipt and the package. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of non-responsiveness. Evidence of timely submission by a professional overnight delivery service must be demonstrated by equally reliable evidence created by the delivery service provider indicating the time and place of receipt. 4. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” 5. Funding Restrictions Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles. Disallowed costs are those charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative determines not to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles or other conditions contained in the grant. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will not be entitled to reimbursement of pre-award costs. *A. Indirect Costs.* As specified in OMB circular Cost Principles, indirect costs are those that have been incurred, for common or joint objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular final cost objective. In order to utilize grant funds for indirect costs incurred, the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with its Federal cognizant agency either before or shortly after grant award. *B. Administrative Costs.* Under the HGJTI, an entity that receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be direct or indirect costs, and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from program costs on the SF 424A Budget Information Form. They should be discussed in the budget narrative and tracked through the grantee's accounting system. To claim any administrative costs that are also indirect costs, the applicant must obtain an indirect cost rate agreement from its Federal cognizant agency. *C. ETA Distribution Rights.* Applicants should note that grantees must agree to provide DOL/ETA a paid-up, non-exclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes all products developed or for which ownership was purchased under an award, including but not limited to, curricula, training models, technical assistance products, and any related materials, and to authorize them to do so. Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means, electronically or otherwise. *D. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by Organizations That Receive Federal Financial Assistance.* The government is generally prohibited from providing direct financial assistance for inherently religious activities. See 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D. These grants may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing or other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the selection of sub-recipients. *E. Use of Funds for Supportive Services.* Use of grant funds for supportive services, such as transportation and childcare, is not an allowable cost under this SGA, including funds provided through stipends for such purposes. *F. Salary and Bonus Limitations.* In compliance with Public Law 109-234 and Public Law 110-5, none of the funds appropriated in Public Law 109-149, Public Law 110-5, or prior Acts under the heading “Employment and Training” that are available for expenditure on or after June 15, 2006, shall be used by a recipient or sub-recipient of such funds to pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or indirect costs, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II, except as provided for under section 101 of Public Law 109-149. This limitation shall not apply to vendors providing goods and services as defined in OMB Circular A-133. See Training and Employment Guidance Letter number 5-06 for further clarification: *http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262 * 6. Other Submission Requirements Withdrawal of Applications Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before an award is made. Part V. Application Review Information 1. Evaluation Criteria This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be used to evaluate the HGJTI grant proposals. These criteria and point values are: Criterion Points A. Statement of Need 10 B. Strength of Regional Partnerships 20 C. Strategies and Solutions for Addressing Industry-Identified Workforce Challenges 25 D. Integration with Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies 5 E. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact 20 F. Leveraged Resources 10 G. Program Management and Organization Capacity 10 A. Statement of Need (10 points) Applicants must fully demonstrate a clear and specific need for the Federal investment in the proposed activities by:

(a)Describing the role of the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy within the regional economy;

(b)describing the workforce challenges facing the industry and their impact on specific local or regional economic and workforce conditions; and

(c)describing the resource analysis and mapping that has been conducted to date that demonstrates that local or regional resources are not sufficient to address the workforce challenges. If the applicant intends to include capacity building activities as part of the proposal, this section must also include a detailed discussion of the capacity challenges the community or region faces that limit its ability to provide sufficient quantity or quality of training to meet the identified workforce needs. In addition, applicants should provide evidence that the workforce challenges to be addressed by the grant were identified in the context of the regional talent development strategy in support of economic growth. Applicants may draw from a variety of resources for supporting data, including: Traditional labor market information, such as projections; industry data; trade associations or direct information from the regional industry; and information on the regional economy and other transactional data, such as job vacancies, that are available. Applicants may also include information collected directly from energy industry employers and representatives. Discussion should include, but is not limited to, the following: • Demonstrated knowledge of the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to the energy industry in the regional area, including the impact of the industry on the local or regional economy. • Demonstrated through data the existence of identified workforce challenges and, if capacity building activities are proposed, demonstrated existence of a capacity constraint in addressing those challenges, in the area in which the grant activity will take place. • Discussion of how the industry workforce challenges affect the specific employer partners contained in the proposal. • Description of the economic analysis and resource mapping used to demonstrate need for the Federal investment in identified region and identification of the sources of data used in analyses. B. Strength of Regional Partnerships (20 points) The applicant must fully demonstrate that the proposed grant activities were developed and will be implemented by a strategic partnership comprised of a strong team of regional leaders. The partnership must be representative of the entire region as defined by the applicant and have the authority to drive the proposed investment strategy. The proposed partnership must include at least one entity from each of three categories:

(1)The workforce investment system;

(2)education and training providers such as community colleges; and

(3)employers and industry representatives. Applicants must also demonstrate that additional partners have been brought to the table to ensure that the full range of assets, resources, knowledge, and leadership are engaged in the project, and that the partnership includes entities that can act as levers of change to identify and address barriers to success. Points for this criterion will be awarded based on the following factors: • *Comprehensiveness of the Partnership (15 points)* . The applicant must identify the partners and explain the meaningful role each partner will play in the project. Points for this factor will be awarded based on: • A comprehensive list of strategic partners that will be included in the project and the articulation of each partner's role in the project within an overall project governance structure. Please note that in order to receive full points applicants must fully demonstrate that each required partner will play a well-developed and committed role in the project. (6 points) • Demonstration that the partnership includes the key regional assets and institutions necessary to address the identified workforce challenges. If key regional assets and institutions are not currently engaged in the partnership, then the applicant must clearly identify how appropriate organizations or individuals will be brought into the partnership quickly. (9 points) • *Partnership Management (5 points).* Points for this factor will be awarded based on evidence that the applicant has the capacity to lead the regional partnership in implementing the initiative. Discussion should include, but is not limited to, the applicant's leadership and staff capacity and experience implementing initiatives of this caliber. C. Strategies and Solutions for Addressing Industry-Identified Workforce Challenges (25 points) The applicant must describe the proposed workforce development solution strategy in full, including all solution elements and implementation strategies, how the solutions address the workforce challenges described in the statement of need, and how the proposed solution complements or enhances existing ETA investments in the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy, and other activities undertaken by the partnership. Points for this criterion will be awarded for the following factors: • *Strategy (15 points).* Applicants may earn up to 15 points based on evidence that the applicant has developed an effective solution that will address the following objectives: • The proposed project will address one or more workforce challenges identified by the energy industry and/or skilled trade occupations related to energy through the HGJTI, as discussed in Part I.a of this SGA (2 points). • The solution models and workforce development approaches that guide the proposed activities have been clearly explained, and their source identified. The applicant explains how the partnership has drawn upon existing tools and approaches in building its solution (2 points). • The proposed strategy is cohesive in nature and includes training activities that target skills and competencies demanded by the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy and support participants' long-term career growth along a defined career pathway such as an articulated career ladder and lattice. The proposed training activities should lead to an appropriate credential. Where there is no standardized industry credential in place, part of the proposed activity may include working to create such a credential. If the credential targeted by the training project is a certificate or performance-based certification, applicants have either:

(a)Demonstrated employer engagement in the curriculum development process; or

(b)indicated that the certification will translate into concrete job opportunities with an employer. If there are proposed capacity building activities, the applicant has demonstrated that these activities are broad based, and are clearly integrated with training activities (8 points). • The applicant has a robust strategy to sustain proposed activities beyond the Federal investment. The approach to sustainability includes strategies for ensuring that:

(a)Partnerships will be institutionalized or otherwise continue to be operational after the grant period ends;

(b)the systems, strategies, and solutions created and implemented through the grant will be utilized after the grant period ends; and

(c)the project or related partnership activities are integrated into broader state and/or local workforce development and/or economic development activities, if appropriate. To receive full points for this sub-element, the applicant must include a discussion of financial resources beyond the Federal investment that will be used to support sustained activities once the grant expires (3 points). • *Implementation Strategy (10 points).* Applicants can earn up to 10 points based on evidence that the applicant has a clear understanding of the tasks required to successfully meet the objectives of the grant. Factors considered in evaluating this evidence include:

(1)The existence of a strategy that is responsive to the applicant's statement of need and includes specific goals, objectives, activities, and a timeline;

(2)the demonstrated feasibility and reasonableness of the timeline for accomplishing all necessary implementation activities, including start-up, capacity building (if applicable) and training activities, participant follow-up for performance outcomes, and grant close-out activities;

(3)demonstration that the budget line items are tied to strategy objectives; and

(4)the extent to which the budget is justified with respect to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested and must be demonstrated throughout the technical proposal. D. Integration With Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies (5 points) Scoring on this criterion will be based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate that their HGJTI project is aligned with and integrated into their region's talent development and economic development strategy. Points for this criterion will be awarded for the following factors: • Summarizing the region's strategic vision and workforce education strategies in support of talent development and economic growth; and • Either describing how their capacity building and training solution is part of or complements existing approaches under regional talent development and economic development plans and initiatives; or describing how their proposed project is a catalyst for bringing partners together to begin the analysis and strategic planning in their region. E. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact (20 points) Applicants must demonstrate a results-oriented approach to managing and operating the HGJTI project by fully describing the proposed outcome measures relevant to measuring the success or impact of the project. Scoring on this criterion will be based on the following factors: • *Outcomes (10 points).* Applicants may earn up to 10 points for indicating that appropriate outcomes will be tracked as detailed below. Additionally, the description of outcomes must include:

(1)Baseline numbers for tracking progress;

(2)benchmark outcome goals; and

(3)the methods proposed to collect and validate outcome data in a timely and accurate manner. • *Training.* Applicants must track training outcome measures that include ETA's Common Measures, such as employment placement numbers and/or earnings gains and retention. Other outcome measures that should be tracked include the number of individuals awarded credentials or degrees, and any other outcome measures specific to the proposed training project. Applications must also identify the type of credential that participants will earn as a result of the proposed training, and the employer-, industry-, vendor-, or state-defined standards associated with the credential. • *Capacity Building* . Applicants that have capacity building components in their projects must clearly describe all products, models, curricula, etc., that will be developed or acquired with Federal funds through the grant and indicate the number of participants or entities who will benefit in either the short and/or long term, from the proposed activities. Applicants must describe the data measures that will be used to measure how the proposed capacity building activities impact the ability of entities to train workers for skills in demand by the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy. • *Appropriateness of Outcomes (10 points).* Applicants may earn up to 10 points based on three factors:

(1)The extent to which the expected project outcomes are clearly identified and measurable, realistic, and consistent with the objectives of the project;

(2)the ability of the applicant to achieve the stated outcomes within the timeframe of the grant; and

(3)the appropriateness of the outcomes with respect to both the extent of the workforce challenge described in the statement of need and the requested level of funding. F. Leveraged Resources (10 points) Applicants must clearly describe any funds and resources leveraged in support of grant activities and demonstrate how these funds will be used to contribute to the goals of the project. This applies to funds leveraged from businesses, faith-based and community organizations, economic development entities, education systems, philanthropic foundations, and/or Federal, state, and local government programs, including WIA, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and Wagner-Peyser. Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent to which the applicant fully describes the amount, commitment, nature, and quality of leveraged resources. Important elements of the explanation include: • Evidence, such as letters of commitment or memorandums of understanding (MOUs), that key partners have expressed a clear commitment to provide the resource; • The nature and quality of the leveraged resources and a description of how each contribution will support the proposed grant activities; and • The strategic value of the leveraged resources and how well these resources support the proposed grant activities and the goal of this grant solicitation to demonstrate how a demand-driven workforce system can more effectively meet the regional workforce needs of energy and skilled trade employers while at the same time helping workers find quality jobs with promising career pathways. G. Program Management and Organization Capacity (10 points) To satisfy this criterion, applicants must describe their proposed project management structure including, where appropriate, the identification of a proposed project manager, discussion of the proposed staffing pattern, and the qualifications and experience of key staff members. Applicants must also show evidence of the use of data systems to track outcomes in a timely and accurate manner. The applicant must include a description of organizational capacity and the organization's track record in projects similar to that described in the proposal and/or related activities of the primary partners. Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which applicants provide evidence of the following: • The time commitment of the proposed staff is sufficient to ensure proper direction, management, and timely completion of the project; • The roles and contribution of staff, consultants, and collaborative organizations are clearly defined and linked to specific objects and tasks; • The background, experience, and other qualifications of the staff are sufficient to carry out their designated roles; and • The applicant organization has significant capacity to accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project, including the ability to collect and manage data in a way that allows consistent, accurate, and expedient reporting. 2. Review and Selection Process Applications for the HGJTI grants under this solicitation will be accepted after the publication of this announcement until the closing date. A technical review panel will make careful evaluation of applications against the criteria. These criteria are based on the policy goals, priorities, and emphases set forth in this SGA. Up to 100 points may be awarded to an application, based on the required information described in Part V(1.). The ranked scores will serve as the primary basis for selection of applications for funding, in conjunction with other factors such as urban, rural, and geographic balance; balance across industry sub-sectors; the availability of funds; and which proposals are most advantageous to the government. The panel results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer, and the Grant Officer may consider any information that comes to his/her attention. The government may elect to award the grant(s) with or without discussions with the applicants. Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the award will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which constitutes a binding offer by the applicant including electronic signature via E-Authentication on *www.grants.gov.* Part VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Homepage ( *http://www.doleta.gov* ). Applicants selected for award will be contacted directly before the grant's execution and non-selected applicants will be notified by mail. Note: Selection of an organization as a grantee does not constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before the actual grant is awarded, DOL/ETA may enter into negotiations about such items as program components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative systems in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations do not result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the application. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 1. Administrative Program Requirements All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and the applicable OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA will be subject to the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable: a. Workforce Investment Act—20 Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR)part 667. (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules). b. Non-Profit Organizations—OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements). c. Educational Institutions—OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements). d. State and Local Governments—OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR part 97 (Administrative Requirements). e. Profit Making Commercial Firms—Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)—48 CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements). f. All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 93 and 98, and, where applicable, 29 CFR parts 96 and 99. g. The following administrative standards and provisions may also be applicable: i. 29 CFR part 2, subpart D—Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries; ii. 29 CFR part 30—Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; iii. 29 CFR part 31—Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Labor—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; iv. 29 CFR part 32—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial Assistance; v. 29 CFR part 33—Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Labor; vi. 29 CFR part 35—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department of Labor; vii. 29 CFR part 36—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance; and/or vii. 29 CFR part 37—Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-65) (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities incorporated under Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c)

(4)that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds and grants. Note: Except as specifically provided in this SGA, DOL/ETA's acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any programs(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or procedures. For example, the OMB Circulars require that an entity's procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement transactions are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open and free competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the justification or basis to sole source the procurement, *i.e.* , avoid competition, unless the activity is regarded as the primary work of an official partner to the application. 2. Special Program Requirements *Evaluation.* DOL may require that the program or project participate in an evaluation of overall HGJTI grant performance. To measure the impact of grants funded under the HGJTI, ETA may arrange for or conduct an independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the projects. Grantees must agree to make records on participants, employers, and funding available and to provide access to program operating personnel and to participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the direction of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant. C. Reporting The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed below: *Quarterly Financial Reports.* A Quarterly Financial Status Report

(9130)is required until such time as all funds have been expended or the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 45 days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use ETA's On-Line Electronic Reporting System. *Quarterly Progress Reports.* The grantee must submit a quarterly progress report to the designated Federal Project Officer within 45 days after the end of each quarter. Two copies are to be submitted providing a detailed account of activities undertaken during that quarter. DOL may require additional data elements to be collected and reported on either a regular basis or special request basis. Grantees must agree to meet all DOL reporting requirements. The quarterly progress report should be in narrative form and should include: 1. General grant information, including a summary of grant activities and a status and update on leveraged resources and strategic partner activities. 2. A grant timeline that includes the progress of grant activities, the key deliverables for each quarter, and the products available each quarter. 3. Grant outcomes, including information on all capacity building, training, employer, and grant deliverable outcomes as well as the anticipated impact of these outcomes on the education, industry, workforce system or broader community/region; and dissemination activities and events for grant deliverables. Training outcomes will include quarterly and cumulative reports on the projected outcomes that include, but are not limited to: enrollment, number completed training, number of certificates awarded, ETA's Common Measures (which are entered employment, employment retention, and average earnings increase), number entered into employment related to training; and number receiving wage gains and promotions. 4. Highlights of promising approaches and success stories. 5. Description of technical assistance needs. *Final Report.* A draft final report must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the grant. This report must summarize project activities, employment outcomes, and related results of the training project, and should thoroughly document the solution approach. After responding to DOL questions and comments on the draft report, three copies of the final report must be submitted no later than the grant expiration date. Grantees must agree to use a designated format specified by DOL for preparing the final report. VII. Agency Contacts For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Ariam Ferro, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at

(202)693-3968 (This is not a toll-free number). Applicants should fax all technical questions to

(202)693-2705 and must specifically address the fax to the attention of Ariam Ferro and should include SGA/DFA PY 07-07, a contact name, fax and phone number. This announcement is being made available on the ETA Web site at *http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm* and at *http://www.grants.gov.* Part VIII. Resources and Other Information *Resources for the Applicant.* DOL maintains a number of web-based resources that may be of assistance to applicants. The webpage for the ETA's Business Relations Group ( *http://www.doleta.gov/BRG* ) is a valuable source of background on the HGJTI. America's Service Locator ( *http://www.servicelocator.org* ) provides a directory of our nation's One-Stop Career Centers. Applicants are encouraged to review “Understanding the Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant Applications and How to Write an Effective Proposal” ( *http://www/dol.gov/cfbci/sgabrochure.htm* ). For a basic understanding of the grants process and basic responsibilities of receiving Federal grant support, please see “Guidance for Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government ( *http://www.fbci.gov* ). Other Information OMB Information Collection No. 1205-0458 Expires September 30, 2009 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, the OMB Desk Officer for ETA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Please do not return the completed application to the Omb. Send it to the sponsoring agency as specified in this solicitation. This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a grant. The information collected through this SGA will be used by DOL to ensure that grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant. Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement, information submitted in the respondent's application is not considered to be confidential. Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of January, 2008. Eric D. Luetkenhaus, Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration. [FR Doc. E8-1061 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Bureau of Labor Statistics Proposed Collection, Comment Request ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c) (2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS)is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension without change of a currently approved collection for the “Producer Price Index” survey. A copy of the proposed information collection request

(ICR)can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the Addresses section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the Addresses section of this notice on or before March 24, 2008. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212, 202-691-7628. (This is not a toll free number.) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, 202-691-7628. (See ADDRESSES section.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Producer Price Index (PPI), one of the Nation's leading economic indicators, is used as a measure of price movements, as an indicator of inflationary trends, for inventory valuation, and as a measure of purchasing power of the dollar at the primary-market level. It also is used for market and economic research and as a basis for escalation in long-term contracts and purchase agreements. Producer Price Index data provide a description of the magnitude and composition of price change within the economy, and serve a wide range of governmental needs. This family of indexes are closely followed, monthly statistics which are viewed as sensitive indicators of the economic environment. Price data are vital in helping both the President and Congress set fiscal-spending targets. Producer prices are monitored by the Federal Reserve Board Open Market Committee to help decide monetary policy. Federal policy-makers at the Department of Treasury and the Council of Economic Advisors utilize these statistics to help form and evaluate monetary and fiscal measures and to help interpret the general business environment. In addition, it is common to find one or more PPIs, alone or in combination with other measures, used to escalate the delivered price of goods for government purchases. In addition to governmental uses, PPI data are regularly put to use by the private sector. Private industry uses PPI data for contract escalation. For one particular method of tax-related Last-In-First-Out

(LIFO)inventory accounting, the Internal Revenue Service suggests that firms use PPI data for making calculations. Private businesses make extensive use of industrial price data for planning and operation. Price trends are used to assess the condition of markets. Firms commonly compare the prices they pay for material inputs as well as prices they receive for products that they make and sell with changes in similar PPIs. Economic researchers and forecasters also put the PPI to regular use. PPIs are widely used to probe and measure the interaction of market forces. Some examples of research topics that require extensive price data include: The identification of varying price elasticities and the degree of cost pass-through in the economy, the identification of potential lead and lag structures among price changes, and the identification of prices which exert major impacts throughout market structures. II. Current Action Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for the Producer Price Index survey. The PPI collection is not a one-time project with an end date. The purpose of the PPI collection is to accumulate data for the ongoing, monthly publication of the PPI family of indexes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics must continue collecting data for the PPI since both policy and business planning are affected by the completeness of the description of price trends. Dollar-denominated measures of economic performance, such as Gross Domestic Product, require accurate price data in order to convert nominal to constant-dollar values. Inflation-free national income accounting figures are vital to fiscal and monetary policy-makers when setting objectives and targets. It is conservatively estimated that hundreds-of-billions of dollars worth of contracts and purchase agreements employ PPIs as part of price-adjustment clauses. Failure to calculate data would tend to extend the time frame required for accurate recognition of and appropriate adaptation to economic events. III. Desired Focus of Comments The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility. • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submissions of responses. *Type of Review:* Extension without change of a currently approved collection. *Agency:* Bureau of Labor Statistics. *Title:* Producer Price Index Survey *OMB Number:* 1220-0008. *Affected Public:* Private Sector. Form Total respondents Frequency Total responses Average time per response

(min)Estimated total burden (hours) BLS 1810A, A1, B, C, C1, and E 6,294 once 6,294 120 12,588 BLS 473P 26,250 monthly 1,260,000 18 378,000 Totals 32,544 1,266,294 390,588 *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* $0. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance):* $0. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they also will become a matter of public record. Signed at Washington, DC, this 16th day of January 2008. Cathy Kazanowski, Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [FR Doc. E8-1063 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-24-P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice 08-008] NASA Advisory Council; Meeting AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announces a meeting of the NASA Advisory Council. The agenda for the meeting includes updates from each of the Council committees, including discussion and deliberation of potential recommendations. The Council Committees address NASA interests in the following areas: Aeronautics, Audit and Finance, Space Exploration, Human Capital, Science, and Space Operations. DATES: Thursday, February 7, 2008, 9:15 a.m.-5 p.m. ADDRESSES: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 300 E Street, SW., Rooms 3P44/3P50, James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium (overflow room), NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul A. Iademarco, Designated Federal Official, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC 20546, 202/358-1318. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting will be open to the public up to the seating capacity of the rooms with additional seating capacity in the James E. Webb Auditorium. It is imperative that the meeting be held on this date to accommodate the scheduling priorities of the key participants. Attendees will be required to sign a register and to comply with NASA security requirements, including the presentation of a valid picture ID, before receiving an access badge. All attendees will need to provide the following information to receive an access badge: Full name; gender; date/place of birth; citizenship; employer/affiliation information (name of institution, address, county, phone) and title/position. Foreign Nationals will need to provide the following additional information; visa/green card information (number, type, expiration date). To expedite admittance, attendees can provide their identifying information in advance by contacting Ms. Marla K. King via e-mail at *marla.k.king@nasa.gov* or by telephone at

(202)358-1148. Persons with disabilities who require assistance should indicate this. Dated:January 15, 2008. P. Diane Rausch, Advisory Committee Management Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration [FR Doc. E8-1070 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7510-13-P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice (08-007)] NASA Advisory Committee; Renewal of NASA's International Space Station Advisory Committee Charter AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Notice of renewal and amendment of the Charter of the International Space Station Advisory Committee. SUMMARY: Pursuant to sections 14(b)(1) and 9(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), and after consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has determined that a renewal of the International Space Station Advisory Committee is in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on NASA by law. The renewed Charter is identical to the original Charter in all respects except that the Charter renewal is for nine months, rather than two years, and the minimum number of voting committee members has been reduced from ten to eight. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Glen R. Asner, Office of External Relations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC 20546,

(202)358-0903. P. Diane Rausch, Advisory Committee Management Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [FR Doc. E8-1067 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7510-13-P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice 08-006] National Environmental Policy Act; Constellation Program AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(NASA)ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Constellation Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement

(PEIS)SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended

(NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321 *et. seq.* ), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), NASA's NEPA policy and procedures (14 CFR Part 1216, subpart 1216.3), and Executive Order 12114, NASA has prepared and issued the Final PEIS for the proposed Constellation Program to assist in the NASA decision making process. The Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) is to continue preparations for and to implement the Constellation Program. The focus of the Constellation Program is the development of the flight systems and Earth-based ground infrastructure required to enable the United States to have continued access to space and to enable future human missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Constellation Program also would be responsible for developing and testing flight hardware, and performing mission operations once the infrastructure is sufficiently developed. The only alternative to the Proposed Action discussed in detail is the No Action Alternative where NASA would not continue preparations for nor implement the Constellation Program and therefore, would forego the opportunity for human exploration of space using U.S. space vehicles. DATES: NASA will issue a Record of Decision

(ROD)for the proposed Constellation Program based on the Final PEIS no sooner than February 18, 2008, or 30 days from the date of publication in the **Federal Register** of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's notice of availability of the Final PEIS, whichever is later. ADDRESSES: The Final PEIS may be examined at the following locations:

(a)NASA Headquarters, Library, Room 1J20, 300 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20546-0001 (202-358-0168)

(b)NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035 (650-604-3273)

(c)NASA, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA 93523 (661-276-2704)

(d)NASA, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812 (256-544-1837)

(e)NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771 (301-286-4721)

(f)NASA, John C. Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 (228-688-2118)

(g)NASA, John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 (321-867-2745)

(h)NASA, John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field, Cleveland, OH 44135 (866-404-3642)

(i)NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058 (281-483-8612)

(j)NASA, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681 (757-864-2497)

(k)Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 91109 (818-393-6779). Limited hard copies of the Final PEIS are available, on a first request basis, by contacting Kathleen Callister, NASA HQ, Environmental Management Division, 300E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20546, telephone 1-202-358-1953, or electronic mail at *Kathleen.E.Callister@nasa.gov* . The Final PEIS also is available on the internet in Adobe® portable document format at *http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/main/peis.html* . NASA's ROD will be made available, once issued, on the same Web site as above and by request to the contact information provided above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ZA/Environmental Manager, Constellation Program, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, Texas 77058, telephone (toll free) 1-866-662-7243, or electronic mail at *nasa-cxeis@mail.nasa.gov* . Additional Constellation Program information can also be found on the internet at *http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/main/index.html* . Information specific to the Constellation Program NEPA process can be found at *http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/main/eis.html* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Final PEIS addresses the environmental impacts associated with continuing preparations for and implementing the Constellation Program. The Constellation Program would build a new crew vehicle called the Orion and two new launch vehicles, Ares I to transport crew and Ares V to transport cargo (for lunar or Mars missions). The environmental impacts of principal concern are those that would result from fabrication, testing, and launch of the Orion spacecraft and the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles. The Constellation Program would be an extremely large and complex program spanning decades and requiring the efforts of a broad spectrum of talent located throughout NASA and many commercial entities. Under NASA's Proposed Action, Constellation Program activities would be expected to occur at the following NASA sites: —John F. Kennedy Space Center, Brevard County, Florida —John C. Stennis Space Center, Hancock County, Mississippi —Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, Louisiana —Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas —George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama —John H. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio —Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California —Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia —Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility (and the U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range), Las Cruces, New Mexico —Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California —Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland —Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California. Activities associated with the Constellation Program also would occur at two Alliant Techsystems-Launch Systems Group locations in Promontory and Clearfield, Utah and at various other commercial facilities throughout the United States. Organizationally, the Constellation Program would consist of a single Program Office at NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center which would have overall responsibility for management of the Constellation Program, and multiple Project Offices including Project Orion, Project Ares, the Ground Operations Project, the Mission Operations Project, the Lunar Lander Project, and the Extravehicular Activities Systems Project. Each Project Office would focus on specific technology and systems development and operational capabilities for the Constellation Program. As additional mission requirements are developed, additional Project Offices would be established with the responsibility to develop the systems to meet such requirements ( *e.g.* , Lunar Surface Systems and Mars Surface Systems). Collectively, these Project Offices would develop the mission systems ( *i.e.* , crew vehicles, launch vehicles, and mission hardware) and the infrastructure needed to support crewed missions to the International Space Station and human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. NASA published a Notice of Availability

(NOA)of the *Draft Constellation Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement* on August 17, 2007 (72 FR 46218). NASA mailed over 300 hard copies and/or compact disks

(CDs)of the Draft PEIS to potentially interested Federal, State, and local agencies; organizations; and individuals. In addition, the Draft PEIS was made publicly available in electronic format on NASA's Web site. NASA also sent electronic mail (e-mail) notifications to potentially interested individuals who had submitted scoping comments via e-mail but who had not provided a mailing address. The public review and comment period for the Draft PEIS closed on September 30, 2007. NASA received a total of 21 submissions (letters and e-mails) from Federal, State, and local agencies; organizations; and individuals, of which, 14 submissions contained comments regarding the Constellation Program. Seven submissions only requested to be added to the mailing list to receive a copy of the Final PEIS. The comments are addressed in the Final PEIS in Appendix B. No alternatives to the Proposed Action were raised during the public review of the Draft PEIS. Jeffrey A. Parker, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Infrastructure and Administration. [FR Doc. E8-1066 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7510-13-P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice 08-005] Notice of Intent To Grant an Exclusive License AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ACTION: Notice of Intent to Grant an Exclusive License. SUMMARY: This notice is issued in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209(e) and 37 CFR 404.7(a)(1)(i). NASA hereby gives notice of its intent to grant an exclusive license in the United States to promote the utilization by the public of the inventions described and claimed in the following U.S. Patent Applications by, inter alia, engaging in marketing activities: “System And Method For Deriving A Process-Based Specification” Application Serial No. 10/789,028 NASA Case No. GSC 14,389-1; “Systems, Methods & Apparatus For Implementation Of Formal Specifications Derived From Informal Requirements” Application Serial No. 11/203,590 NASA Case No. GSC 14,941-1; “Systems, Methods And Apparatus For Verification Of Knowledge-Based Systems” Application Serial No. 11/203,586 NASA Case No. GSC 14,942-1; “System And Method For Managing Autonomous Entities Through Apoptosis” Application Serial No. 11/251,538 NASA Case No. GSC 14,968-1; “System And Method Of Self-Properties For An Autonomous And Autonomic Computer Environment” Application Serial No. 11/426,853 NASA Case No. GSC 15,038-1; “Systems, Methods And Apparatus For Procedure Development And Verification” Application Serial No. 11/461,669 NASA Case No. GSC 15,043-1; “Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Generation and Verification of Policies in Autonomic Computing Systems” Application Serial No. 11/532,800 NASA Case No. GSC 15,079-1; “Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Pattern Matching in Procedure Development and Verification” Application Serial No. 11/533,837 NASA Case No. GSC 15,080-1; “Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Automat Learning in Generation of Scenario-Based Requirements in System Development” Application Serial No. 11/536,132 NASA Case No. GSC 15, 148-1; “Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Quiesence of Autonomic System” Application Serial No. 11/533,855 NASA Case No. GSC-15176-1; “Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Developing and Maintaining Evolving Systems With Software Product Lines” Application Serial No. 11/536,378 NASA Case No. GSC 15,177-1; “Systems, Methods, and Apparatus For Modeling, Specifying and Deploying Policies In Autonomous and Autonomic Systems Using Agent-Oriented Software Engineering” Application Serial No. 11/536,969 NASA Case No. GSC-15178-1;“Systems, Methods And Apparatus For Autonomic Safety Devices” Application Serial No. 11/533,895 NASA Case No. GSC-15179-1;“Systems, Methods, and Apparatus For Flash Drive” Application Serial No. 11/536,895 NASA Case No. GSC-15186-1; “Otoacoustic Protection In Biologically-Inspired Systems” Application Serial No. 11/836,352 NASA Case No. GSC-15206-1; “Flash Drive Memory Apparatus And Method” Application Serial No. 11/935,572 NASA Case No. GSC-15301-1; “A Double-Heated USB Drive” Application Serial No. 11/935,572 NASA Case No. GSC 15,302-1; “Information Capturing Method” Application Serial No. 11/937,777 NASA Case No. GSC-15303-1; “Digital Memory Storage Hub” Application Serial No. 11/935,821 NASA Case No. GSC-15304-1; “Driven Shielding Capacitive Proximity Sensor” Application Serial No. 07/710,845 NASA Case No. GSC 13,377-1; “Driven Shielding Capacitive Proximity Sensor” Application Serial No. 08/999,976 NASA Case No. GSC 13,377-2; “Phase Discriminating Capacitive Array Sensor System” Application Serial No. 07/889,577 NASA Case No. GSC 13,460-1; “Double-Driven Shield Capacitive Type Proximity Sensor” Application Serial No. 08/008,426 NASA Case No. GSC 13,541-1; “Capaciflector Camera” Application Serial No. 08/090,230 NASA Case No. GSC 13,564-1; “Capaciflector-Guided Mechanisms” Application Serial No. 08/346,593 GSC-13614-1; “3-D Capaciflector” Application Serial No. 08/613,802 GSC-13701-1; “3-D Interactive Display” Application Serial No. 09/804,645 GSC-14339-1; “Virtual Feel Capaciflectors” Application Serial No. 11/250,701 GSC-14955-1; “Systems And Method For Delivery Of Information” Application Serial No. 11/561,337 GSC 14,927-1; “Empirical Mode Decomposition Method And Hilbert Spectral Analysis Algorithms” Application Serial No. 08/872,586 GSC 13,817-1; “Computer Implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition Method Apparatus and Article of Manufacture Utilizing Curvature Extrema” Application Serial No. 09/082,523 GSC 13,817-2; “Empirical Mode Decomposition Apparatus, Method, And Article Of Manufacture For Analyzing Biological Signals And Performing Curve Fitting” Application Serial No. 09/282,424 GSC 13,817-3; “ Empirical Mode Decomposition For Analyzing Acoustical Signals” Application Serial No. 10/073,957 GSC 13,817-4; “Empirical Mode Decomposition Apparatus, Method And Article Of Manufacture For Analyzing Biological Signals And Performing Curve Fitting” Application Serial No. 10/011,206 GSC 13,817-5; “Computer Implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition Method, Apparatus, And Article Of Manufacture For Two-Dimensional Signals” Application Serial No. 09/150,671 GSC 13,909-1; “Three Dimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition Analysis Apparatus And Method” Application Serial No. 09/729,138 GSC 14,302-1; “Computing Frequency By Using Generalized Zero-Crossing Applied To Intrinsic Mode Functions” Application Serial No. 10/729,579 GSC 14,608-1; “Computing Instantaneous Frequency By Normalizing Hilbert Transform” Application Serial No. 10/615,365 GSC 14,673-1; “Analyzing Nonstationary Financial Time Series Via Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT)” Application Serial No. 10/963,470 GSC 14,807-1; “Systems And Method Of Analyzing Vibrations And Identifying Failure Signatures In The Vibrations” Application Serial No. 11/251,004 GSC 14,833-1; “GPS Compound Eye Attitude And Navigation Sensor And Method” Application Serial No. 09/574,986 GSC 13,966-1; “Spaceborne Global Positioning System For Spacecraft” Application Serial No. 09/348,876 GSC 13,991-1; Global Positioning System Satellite Selection Method” Application Serial No. 09/348,875 GSC 13,991-2; “Using The Global Positioning Satellite System To Determine Attitude Rates Using Doppler Effects” Application Serial No. 09/928,700 GSC 14,087-1; “Minimum Cycle Slip Airborne Differential Carrier Phase GPS Antenna” Application Serial No. 10/615,364 GSC 14,436-1; “Autonomous Navigation System Based On GPS And Magnetometer Data” Application Serial No. 10/178,546 GSC 14,463-1; “Radiation Hardened Fast Acquisition/Weak Signal Tracking System And Method” Application Serial No. 11/239,458 GSC 14,793-1 To Ocean Tomo Federal Services having its principal place of business in Bethesda, MD. The patent rights in this invention have been assigned to the United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The exclusive license will comply with the terms and conditions of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. DATES: The prospective exclusive license may be granted unless, within fifteen

(15)days from the date of this published notice, NASA receives written objections including evidence and argument that establish that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. Competing applications completed and received by NASA within fifteen

(15)days of the date of this published notice will also be treated as objections to the grant of the contemplated exclusive license. Objections submitted in response to this notice will not be made available to the public for inspection and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be released under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. ADDRESSES: Objections relating to the prospective license may be submitted to Mr. Bryan A. Geurts, Chief Patent Counsel/140.1, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771,

(301)286-7351. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darryl Mitchell, Technology Transfer Program Office/504, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771

(301)286-5810. Information about other NASA inventions available for licensing can be found online at *http://techtracs.nasa.gov/.* Dated: January 11, 2008. Keith T. Sefton, Deputy General Counsel, Administration and Management. [FR Doc. E8-1064 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7510-13-P NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION Meeting; Sunshine Act TIME AND DATE: 10 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2008. PLACE: Board Room, 7th Floor, Room 7047, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428. STATUS: Open. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: 1. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Parts 708a and 708b of NCUA's Rules and Regulations—Mergers, Conversion from Credit Union Charter, and Account Insurance Termination. 2. Interest Rate Ceiling Determination under Section 107(5) of the Federal Credit Union Act. RECESS: 11 a.m. TIME AND DATE: 11:15 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2008. PLACE: Board Room, 7th Floor, Room 7047, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428. STATUS: Closed. Matters To Be Considered: 1. One

(1)Administrative Action under Sections 205, 207, and 208 of the Federal Credit Union Act. Closed pursuant to Exemptions (8), (9)(A)(ii), and (9)(B). 2. One

(1)Administrative Action under Section 206 of the Federal Credit Union Act. Closed pursuant to Exemptions (6), (7), and (9)(B). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Rupp, Secretary of the Board, Telephone: 703-518-6304. Mary Rupp, Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. 08-235 Filed 1-18-08; 10:48 am]

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