Notices. Notice of meeting

12,121 words·~55 min read·/register/2008/02/26/08-868

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BILLING CODE 4910-13-M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Executive Committee of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee; Meeting AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee. DATES: The meeting will be on April 8, 2008, at 10 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place at the Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20591, 10th floor, MacCracken Room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerri Robinson, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, telephone

(202)267-9678; fax

(202)267-5075; e-mail *Gerri.Robinson@faa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2), we are giving notice of a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee taking place on April 8, 2008, at the Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20591. The agenda includes: • Introduction of new Assistant Chairs. • Continuous Improvement (Committee Process). • Part 147 Working Group Report. • Issue Area Status Reports from Assistant Chairs. • Remarks from other EXCOM members. Attendance is open to the interested public but limited to the space available. The FAA will arrange teleconference service for individuals wishing to join in by teleconference if we receive notice by April 1. Arrangements to participate by teleconference can be made by contacting the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Callers outside the Washington metropolitan area are responsible for paying long-distance charges. The public must arrange by April 1 to present oral statements at the meeting. The public may present written statements to the executive committee by providing 25 copies to the Executive Director, or by bringing the copies to the meeting. If you are in need of assistance or require a reasonable accommodation for this meeting, please contact the person listed under the heading FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . Issued in Washington, DC, February 13, 2008. Pamela A. Hamilton-Powell, Executive Director, Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee. [FR Doc. E8-3587 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2008-0104] Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of petition for exemption received. SUMMARY: This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition. DATES: Comments on this petition must identify the petition docket number involved and must be received on or before March 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by Docket Number FAA-2008-0104 using any of the following methods: • *Government-wide rulemaking Web site:* Go to *http://www.regulations.gov* and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • *Mail:* Send comments to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. • *Fax:* Fax comments to the Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251. • *Hand Delivery:* Bring comments to the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Privacy:* We will post all comments we receive, without change, to *http://www.regulations.gov,* including any personal information you provide. Using the search function of our docket web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78). *Docket:* To read background documents or comments received, go to *http://www.regulations.gov* at any time or to the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Boylon (425-227-1152), Transport Standards Staff, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356, or Frances Shaver

(202)267-9681, Office of Rulemaking, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. This notice is published pursuant to 14 CFR 11.85. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2008. Pamela Hamilton-Powell, Director, Office of Rulemaking. Petition for Exemption *Docket No.:* FAA-2008-0104. *Petitioner:* BAYSYS Technologies. *Section of 14 CFR Affected:* 25.562(b). *Description of Relief Sought:* To exempt 20 seats in one compartment from the deceleration requirements on an Airbus A340-200 aircraft that is configured for “private, not-for-hire use.” All other passenger seats in the cabin will meet the requirements of § 25.562(b). [FR Doc. E8-3586 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements

(ICRs)for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below. DATES: Comments must be received no later than April 28, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Gina Christodoulou, Office of Support Systems Staff, RAD-43, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, “Comments on OMB control number 2130-__.” Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to

(202)493-6216 or

(202)493-6497, or via e-mail to Mr. Brogan at *robert.brogan@dot.gov* , or to Ms. Christodoulou at: *gina.christodoulou@dot.gov* . Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone:

(202)493-6292) or Ms. Gina Christodoulou, Office of Support Systems Staff, RAD-43, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone:

(202)493-6139). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law No. 104-13, § 2,109 Stat. 163

(1995)(codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for comment on information collection activities before seeking approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information collection activities regarding

(i)whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility;

(ii)the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates;

(iii)ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and

(iv)ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology ( *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses). *See* 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(I)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(I)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives:

(i)Reduce reporting burdens;

(ii)ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a “user friendly” format to improve the use of such information; and

(iii)accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. *See* 44 U.S.C. 3501. Below is a brief summary of the currently approved ICRs that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA: *Title:* Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards and Event Recorder. *OMB Control Number:* 2130-0004. *Abstract:* The Locomotive Inspection requires railroads to inspect, repair, and maintain locomotives and event recorders so that they are safe, free of defects, and can be placed in service without peril to life. Crashworthy locomotive event recorders provide FRA with verifiable factual information about how trains are maintained and operated, and are used by FRA and State inspectors for Part 229 rule enforcement. The information garnered from crashworthy event recorders is also used by railroads to monitor railroad operations and by railroad employees (locomotive engineers, train crews, dispatchers) to improve train handling, and promote the safe and efficient operation of trains throughout the country, based on a surer knowledge of different control inputs. *Affected Public:* Businesses. *Respondent Universe:* 744 Railroads. *Frequency of Submission:* On occasion. *Reporting Burden:* CFR section Respondent universe Total annual responses Average time per response Total annual burden hours Total annual burden cost 229.9—Movement of Non-Complying Locomotives 744 Railroads 21,000 tags 1 minute 350 $12,950 229.17—Accident Reports 744 Railroads 1 report 15 minutes .25 11 229.21—Daily Inspection 744 Railroads 5,655,000 rcds 1 or 3 minutes 189,583 8,341,652 —MU Locomotives: Written Reports 744 Railroads 250 reports 3 minutes 13 572 Form FRA F 6180.49A Locomotive Insp/Repair Rcd 744 Railroads 7,250 forms 2 minutes 242 8,954 210.31—Locomotive Noise Emission Test 744 Railroads 100 tests/remarks 15 minutes 25 925 229.23/229.27/229.29/229.31—Periodic Inspection/Annual Biennial Tests/Main Res. Tests 744 Railroads 87,000 tests 8 hours 696,000 25,752,000 229.33—Out-of Use Credit 744 Railroads 500 notations 5 minutes 42 1,554 229.25(1)—Test: Every Periodic Insp.—Written Copies of Instruction 744 Railroads 200 amendments 15 minutes 50 1,700 229.25(2)—Duty Verification Readout Record 744 Railroads 4,025 records 90 minutes 6,038 181,140 229.25(3)—Pre-Maintenance Test—Failures 744 Railroads 700 notations 30 minutes 350 10,500 229.135(A.)—Removal From Service 744 Railroads 1,000 tags 1 minute 17 629 229.135(B.)—Preserving Accident Data 744 Railroads 2,800 reports 15 minutes 700 23,800 New Requirements 229.27—Annual Tests 744 Railroads 700 test records 90 minutes 1,050 31,500 229.135(b)(1) & (2)—Equipment Rqmnts—Mag Tape Replacements 744 Railroads 850 Cert. Mem Modules 2 hours + 200 hours 1,900 1,500 229.135(b)(3)—Equipment Rqmnts—Lead Locomotives 744 Railroads 600 Cert. Mem Modules 2 hours 1,200 1,500 229.135(b)(4)—Equipment Rqmnts—MU Locomotives 744 Railroads 255 Cert. Mem Modules 2 hours 510 1,500 229.135(b)(5)—Equipment Rqmnts—Other Locomotives 744 Railroads 1,000 Cert. Mem Modules 2 hours 2,000 1,500 *Total Responses:* 5,783,231. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 900,070 hours. *Form(s):* FRA F 6180.49A. *Status:* Regular Review. *Title:* Qualifications For Locomotive Engineers. *OMB Control Number:* 2130-0533. *Abstract:* Section 4 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988 (RSIA), Public Law 100-342, 102 Stat. 624 (June 22, 1988), later amended and re-codified by Public Law 103-272, 108 Stat. 874 (July 5, 1994), required that FRA issue regulations to establish any necessary program for certifying or licensing locomotive engineers. The collection of information is used by FRA to ensure that railroads employ and properly train qualified individuals as locomotive engineers and designated supervisors of locomotive engineers. The collection of information is also used by FRA to verify that railroads have established required certification programs for locomotive engineers and that these programs fully conform to the standards specified in the regulation. *Affected Public:* Businesses. *Respondent Universe:* 744 railroads. *Frequency of Submission:* On occasion; annually; tri-annually. *Reporting Burden:* CFR section Respondent universe Total annual responses Average time per response Total annual burden hours Total annual burden cost 240.9—Waivers 744 railroads 3 waivers 1 hour 3 $114 240.11—Certific. Programs 744 railroads 50 amend. prog 1 hour 50 1,900 New Cert. Prog 20 New railroads 20 cert. programs 40 hours 800 30,400 Final Review 20 railroads 20 reviews 1 hour 20 760 Material Changes to Cert. Program 744 railroads 30 modified programs 45 minutes 23 874 240.105(a)—Selection Criteria for DSLEs—Rpts 744 railroads 5 amendments 1 hour 5 190

(b)Approval Plan—Amendments 744 railroads 5 amendments 1 hour 5 190 240.109—Candidate's written comments on prior safety data 13,333 candidates 25 responses 60 minutes 25 1,175 240.111/App C—Driver's License Data 13,333 candidates 13,333 requests 15 minutes 3,333 156,651 —NDR Match—notifications and requests for data 744 railroads 133 responses + 133 requests 15 minutes 67 2,848 —Written response from candidate on driver's lic. data 744 railroads 20 cases and comments 15 minutes 5 235 240.111(g)—Notice to RR of Absence of License 40,000 candidates 4 letters 15 minutes 1 47 240.111(h)—Duty to furnish data on prior safety conduct as motor vehicle op 744 railroads 200 phone calls 10 minutes 33 1,551 240.113—Notice to RR Furnishing Data on Prior Safety Conduct—Diff. RR 13,333 candidates 267 requests + 267 responses 15 min./30 min 200 8,203 240.119—Self-referral to EAP re: active substance abuse disorder 40,000 locomotive engineers 50 self-referrals 5 minutes 4 188 240.121—Criteria—Vision/Hearing; Acuity Data—New Railroads 20 railroads 20 copies 15 minutes 5 190 240.121—Criteria—Vision/Hearing; Acuity Data—Cond. Certification 744 railroads 20 reports 1 hour 20 760 240.121—Criteria—Vision/Hearing; Acuity Data—Not Meeting Standards 744 railroads 10 notifications 15 minutes 3 141 240.201/221—List of Certified Loco. Engineers 744 railroads 744 updates 15 minutes 186 7,068 240.201/221—List of Qualified DSLEs 744 railroads 744 updated lists 15 minutes 186 7,068 240.201/223/301—Loco. Engineers Certificate 40,000 candidates 13,333 certificates 5 minutes 1,111 42,218 240.201/223—List of Auth Empl 744 railroads 5 lists 15 minutes 1 38 240.205—Data to EAP Counselor 744 railroads 133 records 5 minutes 11 517 240.207—Medical Certificate 40,000 candidates 13,333 certificates 70 minutes 15,555 1,711,050 —Written determinations waiving use of corrective device 744 railroads 10 determinations 2 hours 20 2,200 240.219—Denial of Certification 13,333 candidates 30 letters +30 responses 1 hour 60 2,550 —Notification 744 railroads 30 notifications 1 hour 30 1,140 240. 229—Requirements For Joint Operations 321 railroads 184 calls 5 minutes 15 705 240.309—RR Oversight Resp.: Poor Safety Conduct—Noted 15 railroads 6 annotations 15 minutes 2 98 Testing Rqmnts 240.209/213—Written Tests 40,000 candidates 13,333 tests 2 hours 26,666 1,013,308 240.211/213—Perf. Test 40,000 candidates 13,333 tests 2 hours 26,666 1,013,308 240.303—Annual operational monitor observation 40,000 candidates 40,000 tests/docs. 2 hours 80,000 3,920,000 240.303—Annual operating rules compliance test 40,000 candidates 40,000 tests 1 hour 40,000 1,960,000 Recordkeeping 240.215—Retaining Info. Supporting Determination 744 railroads 13,333 records 30 minutes 6,667 253,346 240.305—Engineer's Notice of Non-Qualific 40,400 engineers or candidates 100 notifications 5 minutes 8 376 —Relaying Non-qual. Status to other certifying railroad 800 engineers 2 letters 30 minutes 1 47 240.307—Notice to Engineer of Disqualification 744 railroads 650 letters 1 hour 650 24,700 240.309—Railroad Annual Review 28 railroads 28 reviews 40 hours 1,120 71,680 —Report of findings 28 railroads 6 reports 1 hour 6 384 *Total Responses:* 163,997. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 203,568 hours. *Status:* Regular Review. *Title:* Railroad Worker Protection. *OMB Control Number:* 2130-0539. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Railroads. *Abstract:* This rule establishes regulations governing the protection of railroad employees working on or near railroad tracks. The regulation requires that each railroad devise and adopt a program of on-track safety to provide employees working along the railroad with protection from the hazards of being struck by a train or other on-track equipment. Elements of this on-track safety program include an on-track safety manual; a clear delineation of employers' responsibilities, as well as employees' rights and responsibilities thereto; well-defined procedures for communication and protection; and annual on-track safety training. The program adopted by each railroad is subject to review and approval by FRA. CFR section Respondent universe Total annual responses Average time per response Total annual burden hours Total annual burden cost Form FRA F 6180.199—Part 214 Railroad Workplace Safety Violation Report Form 350 Safety Inspectors 200 forms 4 hours 800 $28,800 214.311—Written Procedure of Challenges Made to On-Track Safety Procedures—Program Amendments 744 Railroads 20 amend./584 prog. amend 20 hours/4 hours 2,736 103,968 —Subsequent Years: Safety Programs 5 Railroads 5 safety prog 250 hours 1,250 47,500 214.313—Responsibility of Individual Roadway Workers—Good Faith Challenges 20 Railroads 80 challenges 4 hours 320 11,520 214.315/335—Supervision and Communication Job Briefings 50,000 Roadway Empl 16,350,000 brf 2 minutes 545 19,620,000 214.321—Exclusive Track Occupancy—Working Limits—Written Authorities 85,853 Roadway Workers 700,739 auth 40 seconds 7,786 280,296 214.325—Train Coordination—Communications 50,000 Roadway Workers 36,500 comm 15 seconds 152 55,472 214.327—Inaccessible Track—Establishing Working Limits 50,000 Roadway Workers 50,000 Occurrences 10 minutes 8,333 299,988 214.337—On-Track Safety Procedures for Lone Workers: Train Detection—Written Statements 744 Railroads 2,080,000 stat 30 seconds 17,333 623,988 214.355—Training and Qualification for Operators of Roadway Maintenance Machines 50,000 Roadway Workers 50,000 records 2 minutes 1,667 63,346 214.503—Good Faith Challenges; Procedures for Notification and Resolution 50,000 Roadway Workers 125 notific 10 minutes 21 hours 756 —Resolution Procedures 744 Railroads 10 procedures 2 hours 20 hours 760 214.505—Req'd Environmental Control and Protection Systems For New On-Line Roadway Maintenance Machines with Enclosed Cabs 744 Railroads 9 lists 1 hour 9 hours 342 214.507—Required Safety Equipment for New On-Track Roadway Maint. Machines—Stickers 744 Railroads 1,000 stickers 5 minutes 83 2,988 214.511—Req'd Audible Warning Devices—Roadway Maintenance Machines—I.D 744 Railroads 3,700 devices 5 minutes 308 11,088 214.513—Retrofitting Existing On-track RMM 744 Railroads 2,300 Identific 5 minutes 192 6,912 214.515—Overhead Covers For Existing On-Track Roadway Maintenance Machines

(RMM)744 Railroads 500 requests + 500 responses 10 min. + 20 min 250 9,334 214.517—Retrofitting of Existing On-Track RMM Manufactured After 1991 744 Railroads 6,000 stencils 5 minutes 500 18,000 214.518—Safe and secure positions for riders 744 Railroads 7,500 markings 5 minutes 625 22,500 214.523—Hi-Rail Vehicles—Inspections—Rcds 744 Railroads 2,000 recds 60 minutes 2,000 72,000 —Non-Complying Conditions—Tags + Reports 744 Railroads 500 tags + 500 reports 10 min. + 15 min 208 7,488 214.527—On-Track RMM; Inspection for Compliance; Repair Schedules—Tags + Reports 744 Railroads 550 tags + 550 reports 5 min. + 15 min 184 6,624 214.533—Schedule of Repairs; Subject to Availability of Parts—Records 744 Railroads 250 records 15 minutes 63 2,394 *Total Responses:* 19,294,122 *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 589,840 hours. *Form(s):* FRA F 6180.119. *Status:* Regular Review. *Title:* Locomotive Cab Sanitation Standards. *OMB Control Number:* 2130-0552. *Abstract:* The collection of information is used by FRA to promote rail safety and the health of railroad workers by ensuring that all locomotive crew members have access to toilet/sanitary facilities—on as needed basis—which are functioning and hygienic. Also, the collection of information is used by FRA to ensure that railroads repair defective locomotive toilet/sanitary facilities within 10 calendar days of the date on which these units becomes defective. *Affected Public:* Businesses. *Respondent Universe:* Railroads. *Reporting Burden:* CFR section Respondent universe Total annual responses Average time per response Total annual burden hours Total annual burden cost 229.137(d)—Sanitation—Locomotive Defective or Unsanitary Toilet Facility Placed in Trailing Service—Clear Markings: Unavailable For Use 744 Railroads 7,800 notices 90 seconds 195 $6,435 229.137(e)—Sanitation—Locomotive Defective Toilet Facility—Clear Markings: Unavailable For Use 744 Railroads 5,200 notices 90 seconds 130 4,290 229.139(d)—Servicing—Locomotive Used in Transfer or Switching Service with Defective Toilet Facility—Date Defective 744 Railroads 93,600 notations 30 seconds 780 25,740 *Total Responses:* 106,600. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 1,105 hours. *Status:* Regular Review. *Title:* Positive Train Control. *OMB Control Number:* 2130-0553. *Abstract:* The collection of information is used by FRA to ensure that new or novel signal and train control technologies, essentially electronic or processor-based systems, meet the “performance standard” stipulated in FRA's final rule and work as intended in the U.S. rail environment. These new signal and train control technologies are known as “Positive Train Control” (PTC). *Affected Public:* Businesses. *Respondent Universe:* Railroads. *Reporting Burden:* CFR section Respondent universe Total annual responses Average time per response Total annual burden hours Total annual burden cost 234.275—Processor-Based Systems—Deviations from Product Safety Plan (PSP)—Letters 85 Railroads 25 letters 4 hours 100 $3,800 236.18—Software Management Control Plan 85 Railroads 45 plans 100 hours 4,500 297,000 236.905—Railroad Safety Program Plan

(RSPP)85 Railroads 15 plans 250 hours 3,750 153,000 —Response to FRA Request For Add'l Information 85 Railroads 2 documents 8 hours 16 608 —FRA Approval of RSPP Modifications 85 Railroads 5 amendments 60 hours 300 13,080 236.907—Product Safety Plan (PSP)—Development 85 Railroads 30 plans 240 hours 7,200 900,000 236.909—Minimum Performance Standard 85 Railroads 7 petitions 8 hours 56 3,696 —Petitions For Review and Approval —Performance of Full Risk Assessment 85 Railroads 5 assessments 3,000 hours 15,000 1,875,000 —Subsequent Years—Full Risk Assessment 85 Railroads 7 assessments 1,200 hours 8,400 1,050,000 —Abbreviated Risk Assessment 85 Railroads 25 assessments 240 hours 6,000 750,000 —Subsequent Years—Abbrev. Risk Assessment 85 Railroads 10 assessments 60 hours 600 75,000 Alternative Risk Assessment 85 Railroads 5 assessments 3,000 hours 15,000 1,875,000 236.911—Exclusions—Notification to FRA 85 Railroads 20 notifications 80 hours 1,600 60,800 —Election to Have Excluded Products Covered By Submitting a Product Safety Plan

(PSP)85 Railroads 2 plans 240 hours 480 18,240 236.913—Notification/Submission to FRA of Joint Product Safety Plan 85 Railroads 5 notices/plans 240 hours 1,200 45,600 —Petitions For Approval/Informational Filings 85 Railroads 32 petitions 40 hours 1,280 48,640 —Responses to FRA Request for Further Info. After Informational Filing 85 Railroads 20 documents 40 hours 800 30,400 —Responses to FRA Request for Further Info. After Agency Receipt of Notice of Product Development—Technical Consultations 85 Railroads 5 consultations 120 hours 600 75,000 —Petitions for Final Approval 85 Railroads 20 petitions 40 hours 800 30,400 —FRA Receipt of Petition & Request For Info 85 Railroads 10 documents 80 hours 800 30,400 —Agency Consultations To Decide on Petition 85 Railroads 10 consultations 40 hours 400 15,200 —Other Petitions for Approval 85 Railroads 5 petitions 60 hours 300 11,400 —FRA acknowledges receipt of petitions 85 Railroads 10 documents 40 hours 400 15,200 236.913 Petitions for Approval/Informational Filings—Comments Public/RR Community 10 comments 8 hours 80 2,960 Product Safety Plan (PSP)—3rd Party Assessment 85 Railroads 3 assessments 4,000 hours 12,000 1,500,000 Product Safety Plan—Amendments 85 Railroads 15 amendments 40 hours 600 22,200 236.917—Retention of Records 85 Railroads 22 documents 40 hours 880 33,440 Report of Inconsistencies with PSP to FRA 85 Railroads 40 reports 20 hours 800 30,400 236.919—Operations & Maintenance Manual 85 Railroads 30 manuals 120 hours 3,600 136,800 —Plans For Proper Maintenance, Repair, Inspection of Safety-Critical Products 85 Railroads 30 plans 200 hours 6,000 228,000 —Hardware/Software/Firmware Revisions 85 Railroads 5 revisions 40 hours 200 7,600 —Identification of Safety-Critical Components 85 Railroads 10,000 markings 10 minutes 1,667 51,667 236.921—Training 85 Railroads 30 Training Prog 400 hours 12,000 456,000 —Training of Signalmen & Dispatchers 85 Railroads 220 sessions 40 hours/20 hrs 8,400 1,050,000 236.923—Task Analysis/Basic Reqmnts—Recds 85 Railroads 4,400 records 10 minutes 733 27,854 *Total Responses:* 15,145. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 117,342 hours. *Status:* Regular Review. *Title:* Post-Traumatic Stress in Train Crew Members After a Critical Incident. *OMB Control Number:* 2130-0567. *Abstract:* Nearly 1,000 fatalities occur every year in this country from trains striking motor vehicles at grade crossings and individual trespassers along the track. These events can be very traumatic to train crew members, who invariably are powerless to prevent such collisions. Exposure of train crews to such work-related traumas can cause extreme stress and result in safety-impairing behaviors, such as are seen in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Acute Stress Disorder. Most railroads have Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

(CISD)intervention programs designed to mitigate problems caused by exposure to these traumas. However, they are quite varied in their approach, and it is not certain which components of these programs are most effective. The purpose of this collection of information is to identify “best practices” for CISD programs in the railroad industry. By means of written and subsequent oral interviews with train crew members that will each take approximately 45 minutes, the approved study aims to accomplish the following:

(1)Benchmark rail industry best practices of CISD programs;

(2)Establish the extent of traumatic stress disorders due to grade crossing and trespasser incidents in the rail industry (not by region or railroad) and identify at-risk populations; and

(3)Evaluate the effectiveness of individual components of CISD programs. It should be noted that only the components of CISD programs will be evaluated, not an individual railroad's overall intervention program. *Affected Public:* Train Crew Members. *Respondent Universe:* 2,000 Train Crew Members. *Frequency of Submission:* On Occasion. *Form(s):* FRA F 6180.120; FRA F 6180.121; FRA F 6180.122. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 3,000 hours. *Status:* Regular Review. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. Issued in Washington, DC on February 20, 2008. D.J. Stadtler, Director, Office of Financial Management, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. E8-3606 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration National Rural Transportation Assistance Program Request for Proposals

(RFP)AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice; request for proposals. SUMMARY: This solicitation is for proposals from not-for-profit entities with rural transit and technical assistance expertise for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement a National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP). The entity or entities selected will manage a National technical assistance program that improves and enhances the coordination of Federal resources for rural transportation. The major goal of the National RTAP is to assist States and local communities in the expansion and provision of rural public transportation. The Federal Transit Administration

(FTA)will award one or more five-year agreement(s), funded annually. Year one of the cooperative agreement(s) is for $1.212 million dollars as authorized in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and appropriated in FY2007. Funding for subsequent years will be based on annual appropriations, as well as annual performance reviews. However, years 2010 and 2011 are subject to the next reauthorization. DATES: Proposals must be submitted electronically by April 11, 2008. ADDRESSES: Proposals shall be submitted electronically to *http://www.grants.gov.* Grants.Gov allows organizations to find and apply for funding opportunities electronically from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.Gov is the single access point for over 1,000 cooperative agreement programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. Proposals can also be submitted in hard copy accompanied by an electronic version to Pamela Brown, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, E43-465, Washington, DC 20590, or by electronic mail to *Pamela.brown@dot.gov* . FOR FURTHER PROGRAM INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Brown at 202-493-2503; FAX: 202-366-7951; or via e-mail: *pamela.brown@dot.gov.* I. Funding Opportunity Description FTA is soliciting proposals for a cooperative agreement (or agreements) to implement the National RTAP. FTA will award one or more five-year cooperative agreements, which will be funded annually at $1.2 to $1.5 million (subject to the availability of appropriations). The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to develop and implement an RTAP. The major goal of the National RTAP is to assist States in the service provision of rural public transportation at both the State and local levels. RTAP funds may be used for training, technical assistance, research, and related support services. The National RTAP includes the following tasks:

(1)To promote the delivery of safe and effective public transportation in non-urbanized areas;

(2)To make more effective use of public and private resources in the provision of rural public transportation;

(3)To support the coordination of public and human service transportation;

(4)To foster the development of State and local capacity for addressing the training and technical assistance needs of the rural transportation community;

(5)To facilitate peer-to-peer self-help through networks of transit professionals;

(6)To improve the quality of information and technical assistance available through the development of training and technical assistance resource materials;

(7)To disseminate information and resources efficiently to those who need them;

(8)To conduct research and analysis about rural transit;

(9)Maintain Mechanism for User Input and Feedback; and

(10)Project Management and Administration. The National RTAP will pursue the following strategies in its development and delivery of technical assistance services targeted to enhance rural public transportation: building partnerships, leadership development, knowledge management and customer-focused service in order to facilitate capacity building at the State and local levels, and the provision of technical expertise for research and analysis, either through staff resources or contracts. RTAP personnel will engage early and often with Technical Assistance

(TA)recipients to ensure knowledge is transferred and relationships are developed. The RTAP will develop an information and referral system as a key focal point to disseminate models, and identify useful practices for innovations in rural public transportation and systems. The RTAP also will build coordination with and referrals to other TA centers focused in targeted areas related to rural public transportation to build capacity (for example, the National Resource Center for Coordination, the National Senior Transportation Center, JOBLINKS, and Project ACTION). The National RTAP program will create and maintain collaborative public and private partnerships at all levels—local, tribal, State and Federal, including a broad range of stakeholders interested in facilitating rural public transportation access to employment, health, education, recreation and other community services for elderly individuals, individuals with disabilities, low income individuals and the general public in rural and small urban areas. II. Background From Fiscal Years

(FY)1988-2005, the RTAP was funded at approximately $5 million each FY, with approximately $500-750,000 each year devoted to a National project. RTAP consists of two components, the State program and the national program. The RTAP program is currently funded as a two percent takedown from the Section 5311 program. 85 percent of the takedown is used to fund the State RTAP program and the remaining 15 percent is for the National RTAP program. FTA implements the national program through a cooperative agreement with a private nonprofit organization demonstrating a commitment to serving rural, small urban, and specialized transit providers. The nonprofit organization which FTA selects through a competitive process may receive assistance under cooperative agreements for up to five consecutive years before FTA conducts a new competitive selection. RTAP is FTA's major funding mechanism for rural training, technical assistance and research initiatives. The objectives of the National RTAP are: 1. To promote the delivery of safe and effective public transportation in nonurbanized areas; 2. To make more effective use of public and private resources in the provision of rural transportation; 3. To support the coordination of public and human service transportation; 4. To foster the development of state and local capacity for addressing the training and technical assistance needs of the rural transportation community; 5. To facilitate peer-to-peer self help through networks of transit professionals; 6. To improve the quality of information and technical assistance available through the development of training and technical assistance resource materials; 7. To disseminate information and resources efficiently to those who need them; and 8. To conduct research, including analysis of data reported to FTA's National Transit Database (NTD), and to maintain current profiles of the characteristics of rural transit and the inventory of providers of rural and specialized transportation providers. III. Objective The objective of this project is to provide technical support through a cooperative agreement with a nonprofit entity currently demonstrating an independent commitment to serving the ultimate beneficiaries of FTA's National RTAP. IV. Scope of Work The recipient will provide technical assistance that will be useful to beneficiaries of the FTA National RTAP. Under this arrangement: • The recipient will have the lead responsibility for overall management of the National RTAP, which includes: planning and preparing the annual work program; supporting and assisting the entities administering the state RTAP activities; developing and promoting training materials; conducting outreach and coordination with other organizations involved in rural public transportation; convening national and regional meetings on rural topics; and monitoring the success of the RTAP programs through user input and feedback. • The recipient will also have the lead responsibility for operation of the RTAP Rural Resource Center, which shall include: providing toll-free telephone assistance; disseminating information electronically; distributing resource materials; collecting and maintaining available information resources; regularly updating a catalog of relevant training materials; developing timely information briefs; performing research as required; and maintaining information about the characteristics and status of rural transit and inventory of specialized transportation providers. Task I: Project Planning and Coordination The recipient will assume primary responsibility for administration and management of the National RTAP. Subtasks include: • Submitting to the FTA project manager, prior to the award of the cooperative agreement each year, for approval;

(1)A Work Plan, which specifies how the stated objectives of project will be met;

(2)a Management Plan, which sets forth how the project will be managed and who will be the key personnel involved; and

(3)a Budget Plan, which specifies what will be the costs associated with the project. • Submitting a progress report after each project quarter, and a final project report at the end of the project year; • Ensuring the integration of all projects tasks; • Coordinating and implementing a comprehensive set of activities designed to encourage use of National RTAP program products and services. Special goals will be the preparation on a regular basis of “press release” type articles that can be used by state and other national organizations to promote National RTAP products, and maintenance of appropriate promotional materials that can be distributed at state and national conferences. Task II: Development and Promotion of Training Materials The recipient will develop and disseminate training materials designed for use by rural transit providers. Subtasks include: • Developing, field testing, and disseminating to the state RTAP's training packages or courses designed for use by rural transit providers. Selection of topics shall be guided by and consistent with the identified training needs of rural transit providers and the state RTAP activities. Prior to beginning developmental work on any training package, the recipient shall submit to FTA for its approval a plan for the development of the package. The plan shall include an overview for each of the component parts to be produced as part of training package, a time line for development and final production and a budget. This task may include development of courses for delivery by the National Transit Institute

(NTI)or other organizations (e.g. Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)). • Identifying and reviewing training materials that are being developed outside of the National RTAP, especially by states under the RTAP state program and by private vendors. Maintain information on new and currently available materials in a regularly updated catalogue of existing training materials, made available to state DOTs and others through appropriate means, including electronic dissemination. • Promoting the RTAP training packages. Activities include preparing articles for use in state and national publications to announce the package for distribution through the RTAP state program and at national, regional and state meetings; and conducting demonstration workshops at selected national and regional meetings to build the capacity of state and system level personnel to facilitate the sound delivery of the training packages. Task III: Support for State Administration of RTAP The recipient will establish a liaison relationship with the state RTAP managers to ensure that the products developed and activities undertaken through the National RTAP are useful to and supportive of the state programs, promote information exchange at all levels, and encourage coordination of state efforts. Specific subtasks include: • Provide a forum for networking with state RTAP managers while establishing communication for information dissemination (i.e., newsletter or bulletin). The recipient will report on national and state program accomplishments and activities. • Promoting and participating in three or four RTAP regional meetings annually, to share information about RTAP products and other relevant FTA initiatives. • Assisting state DOTs to evaluate the benefits of their state RTAP activities. This effort will provide information to FTA on how well the RTAP program is working to meet the program goals and objectives. • Providing individualized technical assistance to state RTAP managers as requested by the state or by FTA. In undertaking these subtasks, the recipient will work to assure that activities are complementary and not duplicative. Task IV: Outreach and Coordination With other Organizations Involved with Rural Transit The recipient will coordinate with other organizations involved with rural public transportation and related interests to avoid duplication of efforts and to draw on these organizations' networks to promote National RTAP products and services. Specific subtasks that will be undertaken by the recipient will include: • Participating in conferences, workshops, and meetings of other national and regional organizations both to learn about their activities and to promote FTA RTAP. • Staying informed about other national rural transportation assistance activities within and outside FTA. • Participating in the Transportation Research Board

(TRB)biennial National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation. • Coordinating activities with the FHWA Local Area Technical Assistance Program (LTAP and TTAP). • Coordinating with other FTA-funded technical assistance centers, and participating in the National Consortium on Human Service Coordination (National Consortium) and the National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination (NRC). The recipient will consult with the FTA project manager as to the appropriate form of support for each of these activities. Task V: RTAP Rural Resource Center The recipient will maintain a national clearinghouse for rural public transportation technology sharing and information dissemination, a central collection of products and services that are useful to rural transit professionals. The recipient will promote and monitor usage of the RTAP rural resource center. Specific activities under this task include: • Collecting and maintaining relevant information resources, training and technical assistance materials, and contacts and referrals, and developing expertise about issues of concern to the rural transit community; • Operating a telephone hotline information service, which provides timely response to questions and requests for information; • Developing and providing electronic access to information resources maintained at the center; • Disseminating information on new rural public transportation technical assistance and training materials and updated databases; • Collecting and disseminating materials created by the state RTAP's; • Monitoring rural transit-related legislation and regulations and preparing timely summaries for dissemination; • Researching and preparing information and technical assistance briefs to fill identified gaps in available information resources in response to time-sensitive issues and areas of common interest; • Promoting and monitoring the effectiveness of the resource center's products and services through regular reports of center use statistics; promotion in publications widely read by the target audience; participation in national, regional and state meetings; dissemination of materials about the center; and telephone surveys of operators or other feedback mechanisms such as postage-paid comment cards included with center mailings. Task VI: Rural Transit Database The recipient is responsible for maintaining the database of FTA-funded rural and specialized systems. Subtasks include: • Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory of subrecipients under FTA's Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program (Section 5310) in coordination with the National Senior Transportation Center. • Preparing profiles and analyses based upon the data submitted to the FTA rural NTD, and creating resource materials based on the data. Task VII: Peer-to-Peer Networking The recipient will develop and implement a national self-help technical assistance network that facilitates the exchange of technologies and techniques among rural transit operators on a peer-to-peer basis. Specific subtasks include: • Identifying expert peers in areas of current interest on a continuing basis; • Setting up technical assistance workshops to utilize a peer-to-peer network efficiently, in coordination with regularly scheduled meetings of national, state, and regional groups; • Matching peers with those needing assistance on a one-to-one basis; • Encouraging and facilitating peer-to-peer exchange and providing support services to promote peer assistance. Task VIII: Research and Technical Support The recipient will provide a research and technical support capacity to FTA to address issues of immediate concern to the rural transit programs. Examples of specific subtasks to be performed at the request of the FTA project manager could include, but are not limited to: • Preparing issue papers or reports in response to FTA requests; • Convening a focus group or small meeting on a specific topic; • Compiling data. Task IX: Maintain Mechanism for User Input and Feedback The recipient will maintain a mechanism for user input and feedback such as the program review board. Historically, the review board has functioned as the mechanism for providing the national program with guidance on priority needs in the areas of training materials development, information dissemination, and technical assistance. If project funding is insufficient to support the review board, an alternative mechanism should be developed. Specific subtasks include: • Convening no more than two

(2)official meetings of the board each year of the project. One official meeting must be held in Washington, DC. The second meeting may be held at the TRB Biennial National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation or another national meeting. All official review board meetings will be approved by the FTA project manager. The board, or alternative mechanism, will function to: • Provide the national program with guidance on priority needs in the areas of training material development, information dissemination, and technical assistance. • Oversee the quality of national program products and services. • Promote the national program to States and operators. The following principles have been developed to guide the review board: • The review board will be limited to 15 or fewer members—roughly half transit providers and half State DOT representatives. In the event that a board member is no longer employed by a nonurbanized transit provider or State transit agency (including Tribal rural operators), there shall be an automatic vacancy for that individual's position on the board. • Review board membership shall be of limited duration and regular rotations shall occur, so that continuity is maintained. • The recipient shall conduct an appropriate orientation for new board members, including an introduction to the project's history, goals and objectives and current status, and provide relevant materials including summaries of past board-meetings, information on board-member roles and responsibilities, and other relevant information. Task X. Project Management and Administration a. The recipient shall meet with the Project Officer and task order monitor within ten

(10)working days after issuance of the task order to discuss the objectives of the cooperative agreement and any related projects. b. The Project Coordinator of the RTAP shall submit quarterly progress reports to the FTA project manager. The reports shall include the following items and provide information relevant for the particular period: Sample Format for Progress Report Goal: Objective: • Objective's Total Budget • Expenditures this quarter, this objective • Total expenditures, this objective. (The expenditures reported on the account, shall match the progress of the project.) Status as of : (end date of reporting period) *Activity Planned (Relative to Project Task Elements, Indicators and Milestone Activities):* *Actual Activity (Relative to Project Task Elements, Indicators and Milestone Activities):* *Difficulties Encountered: (as applicable, should include information on specific reasons why goals and objectives or milestones were not met, and analysis and explanations of costs overruns)* • Goal/Objective or Milestone Not Met: • Problem(s): • Resolution/corrective action plan and schedule: *Activity anticipated for next reporting period:* Budget Expended Q1 Expended Q2 Expended Q3 Expended Q4 Balance Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Task 6 Staff Travel Consultant Services—Ambassadors Salaries, fringe, indirect, direct administrative costs Total *Contact Information:* All documentation for the project, financial and administrative, shall be forwarded to: Pamela Brown, Project Manager, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, 4th Floor, Room E43-465, Washington, DC 20590, 202-493-2503, *Pamela.Brown@dot.gov.* V. Evaluation Criteria The following evaluation criteria will be used to rate all proposals responding to this announcement, listed in descending order of relative importance: 1. Technical approach. 2. Qualifications and experience of the organization and its personnel. 3. Program management capability. 4. Application review information. Award of this cooperative agreement will be determined by the proposal that offers to provide the greatest value to the beneficiaries of the FTA RTAP in terms of performance rather than the proposal offering the lowest price. Applicants may propose to provide some or all of the services listed in the tasks described in the Scope of Work above. FTA reserves the right to award one or more cooperative agreements. 1. Technical Approach The overall technical approach to the requirements of the statement of work will be examined. Particular attention will be given to the proposer's understanding of the objectives of the National RTAP and how those objectives will be met by their proposal. The proposal should respond to the specific requirements of the statement of work and clearly explain how those requirements will be accomplished. 2. Qualifications and Experience of the Organization and Its Personnel The nonprofit organization must demonstrate that it has a broad based constituency and purpose relevant to rural public transportation interests. The individual qualifications and work experience of proposed project personnel will be carefully examined. The organization must show that it will be able to assign employees with a variety of skills and knowledge which include: Familiarity with rural operational issues facing both public and private transportation operators; experience in dealing with innovative solutions to rural transportation needs; knowledge of current Federal policy initiatives; demonstrated ability to develop and implement a broad program of rural technical assistance; knowledge of information dissemination techniques and training and technical assistance methodology; and organizational skills to coordinate the diverse individuals and organizations involved in such a program. FTA is particularly interested in proposals for this cooperative agreement from national non-profit organizations with demonstrated capacity in State and community transportation and rural public transportation services. A strong applicant has the following characteristics: • Demonstrated track record for managing large scale projects. • Exhibits strong analytical skills. • Performance based organization with an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. • Ability to breathe new life into a program by creating something new or revamping an existing structure. 3. Program Management Capability The proposal should indicate a strong capability for managing an active and varied rural technical assistance program. Experience in working with rural transportation professionals from local, city, county, state, and Federal government, public and private operators and volunteer organizations is an important requirement. The organization should also demonstrate coalition building and organizational development skills. In addition, the proposal should indicate experience in managing and monitoring subrecipients and contractors, if any are included in the proposal. The recipient selected must be an eligible recipient of a cooperative agreement with FTA and be able to sign the required certifications and assurances and cooperative agreement. 4. Application Review Information An FTA review panel will be convened to review each proposal. Project proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria and scoring system: 1. Staff qualifications, which includes experience in delivering technical assistance and training, knowledge of human service transportation, demonstrated process skills in assessment, strategic planning, facilitation, and other key areas associated with identified tasks. The entity shall also address a plan for knowledge retention. (15%). 2. Capacity of the organization, which includes clearinghouse functions, Web development and maintenance, technical assistance, training, long distance and on-site intervention strategies, and other, identified tasks. (15%). 3. Understanding and reasonability of proposed goals, objectives, methodologies, activities, timelines, deliverables, and budget. (40%). 4. Plan to collaborate with stakeholders and establish effective partnerships to implement tasks. (20%). 5. Plan for evaluation and data collection. (10%). 6. FTA may elect to meet in person two or three of the most qualified applicants. This meeting will be held at the Department of Transportation, in Washington, DC. The applicants will be notified of a date and time during which they will be asked to present their proposal to the FTA review panel. If an entity proposes to perform an individual task or tasks less than the full project, the proposal will be evaluated accordingly on its merits. If selected, the proposer may be asked to form a consortium with the applicant chosen to manage the larger project VI. Proposal Content Proposals shall be submitted in double-spaced format using Times New Roman 12 point font. The application must contain the following components: 1. Cover sheet (1 page): Includes entity submitting proposal, principal investigator, title, and contact information ( *e.g.* , address, phone, fax, and E-mail). Name and contact information for the entity, key point of contact for all cooperative activities (if different from principle investigators). 2. Abstract (2 pages): Abstract shall include background, purpose, methodology, intended outcomes, and plan for evaluation. 3. Detailed budget proposal and budget narrative. 4. Project narrative (not to exceed 75 pages): Project narrative shall include the following information: a. Staff qualifications, include experience in providing technical assistance and implementing the other tasks outlined in the solicitation. The proposal shall also include the proposed staff members' knowledge of issues related to human service transportation. One page biographical sketches for staff members shall be included in the appendices section of the proposal; b. Existing and future capacity of organization to address the issues outlined in the proposal and ability to implement tasks I-X outlined under Section IV. (Scope of Work) in this solicitation; c. Methodology for addressing tasks I-X outlined under Section IV. in this solicitation. The proposal shall also include objectives, activities, deliverables, milestones, timeline and intended outcomes for achieving the goals outlined in the scope for the first year; d. Plan to work with stakeholders and build partnerships at the national, State, and local levels; 5. Project Management Plan that includes well defined objectives, tasks, activities, timelines, deliverables, indicators, and outcomes. 6. Plan for evaluation of RTAP activities and data collection. 7. Supplemental materials and letters of support can be included in an appendices section that is beyond the 75 page limit. In addition to the full proposal, entities have the option to submit supplemental material such as: Brochures, publications, products, etc. These materials shall be delivered to Pamela Brown, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 4th Floor—East Building, Room E43-465, Washington, DC 20590. VII. Instructions 1. Submit five copies of proposal to the following address: Federal Transit Administration, TPM-5, Office of Program Management, United We Ride Office, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 4th Floor—East Building, Room E43-465, Washington, DC 20590, Attn: Pamela Brown; or apply through Grants.Gov. 2. Proposals must be received no later than 5:30 p.m., EDT, April 28, 2008 3. Technical questions and requests for clarifications may be addressed to Lorna R. Wilson at 202-366-2053. 4. The recipient will be selected and the candidates notified approximately two months after the application deadline. 5. The recipient selected will be asked to submit an application for a cooperative agreement by July 1, 2008, with funding of $1,212,000 for the first year anticipated to be awarded before October 30, 2008. VIII. Award Information FTA reserves the right to fund one or more cooperative agreements for a five year award. Year one of the cooperative agreement is for $1.212 million. The anticipated notification date is the Spring of 2008, with an anticipated starting date for the successful applicant of July, 2008. Subsequent annual funding will be based on annual appropriations. FTA recipients with existing FTA projects are eligible to complete for this cooperative agreement. The FTA will participate in activities by attending review meetings, commenting on technical reports, maintaining frequent contact with the project manager, approving key decisions/activities and negotiating any redirecting activities if needed. IX. Award Administration Information The anticipated notification date for the award of this cooperative agreement is Spring of 2008, with an anticipated start date for the successful applicant by late Spring. FTA will notify the successful entity. Following receipt of the FTA Administrator's notification letter, the successful entity will be required to submit its proposal through the FTA Transportation Electronic Award Management

(TEAM)system Web site. FTA will manage the cooperative agreement through the TEAM system Web site. Before FTA may award Federal financial assistance through a Federal cooperative agreement, the entity must submit all certifications and assurances pertaining to itself and its project as required by Federal laws and regulations. Since Federal FY 1995, FTA has been consolidating the various certifications and assurances that may be required of its awardees and the projects into a single document published in the **Federal Register** . The FY 2008 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances for FTA Cooperative Agreements and Cooperative Agreements and Guidelines will be published in the **Federal Register** and posted on the FTA Web site at *http://www.fta.dot.gov.* Issued in Washington, DC, this 21st day of February, 2008. James S. Simpson, Administrator. [FR Doc. E8-3604 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-57-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. MC-F-21025] Fenway Partners Capital Fund III, L.P., and Coach America Holdings, Inc.—Control—Lakefront Lines, Inc., and Hopkins Airport Limousine Service, Inc. AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. ACTION: Notice Tentatively Approving Finance Transaction. SUMMARY: On February 1, 2008, Fenway Partners Capital Fund III, L.P. (Fenway), a noncarrier, and Coach America Holdings, Inc. (Coach America) (collectively, applicants), a noncarrier, have filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 14303 to acquire control of Lakefront Lines, Inc. (Lakefront), and Hopkins Airport Limousine Service, Inc. (Hopkins), both of which are federally regulated motor carriers of passengers. Persons wishing to oppose this application must follow the rules at 49 CFR 1182.5 and 1182.8. The Board has tentatively approved the transaction, and, if no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action. DATES: Comments must be filed by April 11, 2008. Applicants may file a reply by April 28, 2008. If no comments are filed by April 11, 2008, this notice is effective on that date. 1 1 In their application, Applicants request expedited handling of the application, and request that the Board publish the notice within 25 days to enable the parties to minimize the risk of further credit market disruption, reduce uncertainty felt by workers, and to ensure the benefits of the transaction, including enhanced customer service levels. ADDRESSES: Send an original and 10 copies of any comments referring to STB Docket No. MC-F-21025 to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to the applicants' representatives: Charles A. Spitulnik and Allison I. Fultz, KAPLAN KIRSCH & ROCKWELL LLP, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 905, Washington, DC 20036. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia M. Farr,

(202)245-0359 [Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fenway is a Delaware limited partnership associated with Fenway Partners, Inc. (Fenway Partners), a private equity firm that invests in numerous different businesses, including other transportation-related entities, through various limited partnerships and other investment entities. Fenway Partners has $2.1 billion under management. Fenway owns over 70% of the stock of Coach America. Coach America, a noncarrier Delaware corporation, controls 29 motor carriers of passengers through its subsidiaries, Coach America Group, Inc., and KBUS Holdings, LLC. 2 2 Fenway and Coach America have also filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 14303 to acquire control of Renzenberger, Inc., a Kansas corporation and a federally regulated motor carrier of passengers, in *Fenway Partners Capital Fund III, L.P., and Coach America Holdings, Inc.—Control—Renzenberger, Inc.,* STB Docket No. MC-F-21024. Lakefront, an Ohio corporation, is a federally regulated motor carrier (USDOT Number 120685 and ICC MC/MX 121599) that provides interstate and intrastate passenger transportation service. All of the issued and outstanding stock of Lakefront is owned by Jack Goebel, Mike Goebel, and Thomas Goebel, with a small number of preferred non-voting shares owned by other Goebel family members. Hopkins, an Ohio corporation, is also a federally regulated motor carrier (USDOT Number 1213222) that provides interstate and intrastate passenger transportation service. Hopkins is a sister company of Lakefront and is also owned by the Goebel family Coach America will establish Lfrnt Acq Corp. (Lfrnt), a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Coach America. Lfrnt will purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Lakefront and Hopkins. Lfrnt will manage the newly acquired companies. No operating authorities will be transferred as a result of the transaction. Lakefront and Hopkins had gross operating revenues for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2007, greater than the $2 million threshold required for Board jurisdiction (combined gross revenues of approximately $34 million in 2007). Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a transaction found to be consistent with the public interest, taking into consideration at least:

(1)The effect of the transaction on the adequacy of transportation to the public;

(2)the total fixed charges that result; and

(3)the interest of affected carrier employees. Applicants have submitted information, as required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including the information to demonstrate that the proposed transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b). They state that the proposed transaction will have no impact on the adequacy of transportation services available to the public, that the proposed transaction will not have an adverse effect on total fixed charges, and that there will be no material adverse impact on the employees of the Coach America-controlled carriers. Additional information, including a copy of the application, may be obtained from the applicants' representative. On the basis of the application, we find that the proposed acquisition of control is consistent with the public interest and should be authorized. If any opposing comments are timely filed, this finding will be deemed vacated, and unless a final decision can be made on the record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the application. *See* 49 CFR 1182.6(c). If no opposing comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect automatically and will be the final Board action. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at: *http://www.stb.dot.gov.* This decision will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources. *It is ordered:* 1. The proposed finance transaction is approved and authorized, subject to the filing of opposing comments. 2. If timely opposing comments are filed, the findings made in this notice will be deemed as having been vacated. 3. This notice will be effective April 11, 2008, unless timely opposing comments are filed. 4. A copy of this notice will be served on:

(1)The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room 8214, Washington, DC 20590;

(2)the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20530; and

(3)the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Decided: February 20, 2008. By the Board, Chairman Nottingham, Vice Chairman Mulvey, and Commissioner Buttrey. Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8-3580 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. MC-F-21024] Fenway Partners Capital Fund III, L.P. and Coach America Holdings, Inc.-Control-Renzenberger, Inc. AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. ACTION: Notice Tentatively Approving Finance Transaction. SUMMARY: On February 1, 2008, Fenway Partners Capital Fund III, L.P. (Fenway), and its subsidiary, Coach America Holdings, Inc. (Coach America) 1 (collectively, Applicants), both noncarriers, filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 14303 to acquire control of Renzenberger, Inc. (Renzenberger) (MC-170517). Applicants propose to acquire control via a stock purchase by RZB Acq Corp. (Acquisition Corp.), a corporation formed by Coach America (and thus a wholly owned subsidiary of Coach America). Acquisition Corp. will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Renzenberger. Renzenberger will continue to operate as a separate entity. Persons wishing to oppose this application must follow the rules at 49 CFR 1182.5 and 1182.8. The Board has tentatively approved the transaction, and, if no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action. 1 Fenway owns 70% of the stock of Coach America. Coach America currently controls through intermediate subsidiaries the following federally regulated motor carriers of passengers: America Charters Ltd.; American Coach Lines of Atlanta, Inc.; American Coach Lines of Jacksonville, Inc.; American Coach Lines of Miami, Inc.; American Coach Lines of Orlando, Inc.; CUSA, LLC; CUSA ASL, LLC d/b/a Arrow Stage Lines; CUSA AT, LLC d/b/a Americoach Tours; CUSA AWC, LLC d/b/a All West Coachlines; CUSA BCCAE, LLC d/b/a Blackhawk-Central City Ace Express; CUSA CC, LLC d/b/a Coach USA Los Angeles; CUSA CSS, LLC d/b/a Crew Shuttle Services; CUSA EE, LLC d/b/a El Expreso; CUSA ELKO, LLC d/b/a K-T Contract Services Elko; CUSA ES, LLC d/b/a Express Shuttle; CUSA FL, LLC d/b/a Franciscan Lines; CUSA GCBS, LLC d/b/a Goodall's Charter Bus Service; CUSA GCT, LLC d/b/a Gulf Coast Transportation; CUSA KBC, LLC d/b/a Kerrville Bus Company; CUSA K-TCS, LLC d/b/a Coach USA and d/b/a Gray Line Airport Shuttle; CUSA K-TCS, LLC d/b/a Arizona Charters; CUSA PCSTC, LLC d/b/a Pacific Coast Sightseeing Tours & Charters; CUSA PRTS, LLC d/b/a Powder River Transportation Services; CUSA RAZ, LLC d/b/a Raz Transportation Company; Dillon's Bus Service, Inc.; Florida Cruise Connection, Inc. d/b/a Cruise Connection; Midnight Sun Tours, Inc.; Southern Coach Company; and Southern Tours, Inc. DATES: Comments must be filed by April 11, 2008. Applicants may file a reply by April 28, 2008. If no comments are filed by April 11, 2008, this notice is effective on that date. 2 2 In their application, Applicants request expedited handling of the application, and request that the Board publish the notice within 25 days to enable the parties to minimize the risk of further credit market disruption, reduce uncertainty felt by workers, and to ensure the benefits of the transaction, including enhanced customer service levels. ADDRESSES: Send an original and 10 copies of any comments referring to STB Docket No. MC-F-21024 to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to Applicants' representative: David H. Coburn, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, 1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20036-1795. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia Farr

(202)245-0359 [Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fenway is a noncarrier Delaware limited partnership. Fenway is affiliated with Fenway Partners, Inc., a private equity firm with $2.1 billion under management. Fenway Partners, Inc., invests in numerous different businesses, including other transportation-related entities, through various limited partnerships and other investment entities. Fenway controls carriers through its subsidiary, Coach America. Coach America, a noncarrier Delaware corporation, controls 29 federally regulated motor carriers through its subsidiaries Coach America Group, Inc., and KBUS Holdings, LLC. 3 3 Fenway and Coach America have also filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 14303 to acquire control of Lakefront Lines, Inc., and Hopkins Airport Limousine Service, Inc., Ohio corporations and federally regulated motor carriers of passengers, in *Fenway Partners Capital Fund III, L.P., and Coach America Holdings, Inc.-Control-Lakefront Lines, Inc., and Hopkins Airport Limousine Service, Inc.* , STB Docket No. MC-F-21025. Renzenberger is a Kansas corporation and a federally regulated motor carrier of passengers. It has operating authority to transport passengers in:

(1)Contract carriage with rail carriers for their crews;

(2)nationwide common carrier charter and special operations; and

(3)common carrier service over specified regular routes in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, and Kansas. Renzenberger operates more than 1,500 vehicles in more than 20 states. 4 The gross revenue of Applicants' carriers and Renzenberger exceed the $2 million jurisdictional threshold of 49 U.S.C. 14303(g). 4 Renzenberger holds intrastate operating authority in 23 states. To consummate the transaction, Coach America will establish Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Coach America. Acquisition Corp. will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Renzenberger. Renzenberger will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Coach America and will therefore be under the control of Fenway. No operating authorities will be transferred as a result of the transaction. Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a transaction found to be consistent with the public interest, taking into consideration at least:

(1)The effect of the transaction on the adequacy of transportation to the public;

(2)the total fixed charges that result; and

(3)the interest of affected carrier employees. Applicants have submitted information, as required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including the information to demonstrate that the proposed transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b). Applicants state that the proposed transaction will not impact the adequacy of transportation services available to the public, that the proposed transaction will not adversely impact fixed charges, and that the interests of employees of Renzenberger will not be adversely impacted. Additional information, including a copy of the application, may be obtained from the Applicants' representative. On the basis of the application, we find that the proposed acquisition is consistent with the public interest and should be authorized. If any opposing comments are timely filed, this finding will be deemed vacated, and unless a final decision can be made on the record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the application. *See* 49 CFR 1182.6(c). If no opposing comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect automatically and will be the final Board action. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *http://www.stb.dot.gov* . This decision will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources. *It is ordered:* 1. The proposed finance transaction is approved and authorized, subject to the filing of opposing comments. 2. If timely opposing comments are filed, the findings made in this notice will be deemed as having been vacated. 3. This notice will be effective on April 11, 2008, unless timely opposing comments are filed. 4. A copy of this notice will be served on:

(1)The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590;

(2)the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20530; and

(202)245-0333. [Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339.] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Additional information is contained in the Board's decision, which is available on our Web site *www.stb.dot.gov* . To purchase a copy of the full decision, write to, e-mail or call the Board's contractor, ASAP Document Solutions; 9332 Annapolis Rd., Suite 103, Lanham, MD 20706; e-mail *asapdc@verizon.net* ; phone

(202)306-4004. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through FIRS: 1-800-877-8339.] This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or energy conservation. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), we conclude that our action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Decided: February 20, 2008. By the Board, Chairman Nottingham, Vice Chairman Mulvey, and Commissioner Buttrey. Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8-3584 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0154] Proposed Information Collection (Application for VA Education Benefits) Activity; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to this notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to determine a claimant's eligibility for educational benefits. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through *http://www.Regulations.gov* or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail to *nancy.kessinger@va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0154” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System

(FDMS)at: *http://www.Regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at

(202)461-9769 or Fax

(202)275-5947. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on:

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

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

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

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Titles:* a. Application for VA Education Benefits, VA Form 22-1990. b. National Call to Service, VA Form 22-1990E. c. Transfer of Entitlement VA Form 22-1990N. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0154. *Type of Review:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* a. Claimants complete VA Form 22-1990 to apply for education assistance allowance. b. Claimants who signed an enlistment contract with the Department of Defense for the National Call to Service program and elected one of the two education incentives complete VA Form 22-1990E. c. VA Form 22-1990N is completed by claimants who wish to transfer his or her Montgomery GI Bill entitlement their dependents. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 49,399 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 20 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* One-time. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 179,631. Dated: February 12, 2008. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E8-3535 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P 73 38 Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Presidential Documents Title 3— The President Presidential Determination No. 2008-11 of February 11, 2008 Implementation of Sections 603 and 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) Memorandum for the Secretary of State Consistent with the authority contained in section 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228)(the “Act”), and with reference to the determinations set out in the report to be transmitted to the Congress pursuant to section 603 of that Act regarding noncompliance by the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority with certain commitments, I hereby impose the sanction set out in section 604(a)(2), “Downgrade in Status of the PLO Office in the United States.” This sanction is imposed for a period of 180 days from the date hereof or until such time as the next report required by section 603 of the Act is transmitted to the Congress, whichever is later. You are authorized and directed to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the report described in section 603 of the Act. Furthermore, I hereby determine that it is in the national security interest of the United States to waive that sanction, pursuant to section 604(c) of the Act. This waiver shall be effective for a period of 180 days from the date hereof or until such time as the next report required by section 603 of the Act is transmitted to the Congress, whichever is later. You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress and to publish it in the **Federal Register** . GWBOLD.EPS THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 11, 2008. [FR Doc. 08-868 Filed 2-25-08; 8:45 am]

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