[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-647]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: January 12, 1994]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VII
Department of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
National Institute of Standards and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 93110-3310]
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
Technology Administration, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice. (This information is provided for planning purposes
only, and is not a solicitation for proposals)
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SUMMARY: This notice describes three projects to be conducted by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in FY94, under
its Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, to provide
planning and initial implementation assistance for manufacturing
extension programs. These projects correspond to the State Technology
Extension Program (STEP) component of MEP, and are intended to help
states improve the planning, coordination, and implementation of their
technology extension activities. In conjunction with this notice, the
MEP program office will conduct workshops and make MEP staff available
to describe fully the projects in advance of a formal solicitation for
proposals.
The three projects are:
Program Planning: To support the creation of a program plan for a
state-wide, coordinated technology extension system to enhance the
competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers through the
application of technology.
Program Implementation: To support the initial implementation of a
comprehensive state-wide industrial extension program or the pilot
testing of new program and service concepts to help small and medium-
sized manufacturers improve productivity and competitiveness.
Regional Linkages: To support inter-state or multi-state efforts to
expand the scope and enhance the effectiveness of technical assistance
services available regionally to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Program Planning projects are open to all states, regardless of
state size, industrial density/sparseness, or number of existing
industrial assistance programs.
For Program Implementation and Regional Linkages projects, NIST
plans to give priority consideration to projects having the best
potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse distribution of
industry, or low industry density areas that do not lend themselves to
large extension centers as a method of service delivery.
DATES: The following schedule is anticipated but is subject to change:
* January 12, 1994--Program announcement published in the Federal
Register. All potential applicants will have an opportunity for
dialogue with NIST MEP staff and questions will be accepted prior to
notice requesting proposals.
* January 31, 1994--Informational workshop at NIST to address
questions about the MEP program. MEP staff will be available to meet
with representatives from individual states.
*February 28, 1994--Notice requesting proposals published in
Federal Register. Dialogue with MEP staff regarding notice restricted.
*March 31, 1994--Deadline for submission of proposals.
*May 13, 1994--Award announcements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding this
announcement, contact Ms. Gale Morse at (301) 975-3944, or at:
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polymers Building (Bldg. 224),
room B115, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
In accordance with the provisions of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 2781), as amended, NIST will
provide assistance in FY94 to help states develop manufacturing
assistance programs aimed at small- and medium-sized manufacturers and
help bring those state programs to a level of performance where they
can provide the full range of manufacturing extension services required
by their manufacturers. Under the NIST Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (MEP), a cooperative effort to link and strengthen the
nation's manufacturing extension programs and activities, NIST will
make merit-based awards to states to help improve their planning,
coordination, and implementation of their technology extension
activities. This funding will also be available to multi-state
partnerships which seek to expand the scope of technology assistance
related services regionally available to small- and medium-sized
manufacturers. MEP assumes a broad definition of manufacturing, and
recognizes a wide range of technology and concepts, including durable
goods production; chemical, biotechnology and other materials
processing; chemical, biotechnology and other materials processing;
electronic component and system fabrication; and engineering services
associated with manufacturing, as lying within the definition of
manufacturing.
Funding Available
Approximately, $2,500,000 will be available to support cooperative
agreements on a matching funds basis under this program. Funding size
will vary according to the project category and scope of work. For
example, program planning projects have typically averaged less than
$100,000 in past years. Program Planning projects that include pilot
testing of the proposed extension plan will be eligible for NIST
funding up to $150,000. For Program Implementation projects and
Regional Linkage projects, awards will also vary, but NIST funds may
not exceed $250,000 per project. States will be able to submit
proposals for each of the three project categories.
The cooperative agreements entered into under this program will be
available for one year. NIST will have no obligation to provide any
additional future funding to applicants selected for funding under
these projects. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the
period of performance will be at the local discretion of NIST.
Projects
Program Planning Projects
Project Objective
The purpose of Program Planning projects will be to create plans
for state-wide, coordinated, technology extension programs in order to
enhance the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized manufacturers.
These projects will plan for the development and coordination of
existing and/or newly formed services, such as state industrial
assistance programs; workforce training; university-based industrial
assistance programs; and management assistance programs; into a unified
state-wide program. Plans will include providing access to a wide range
of technology and services, such as technology deployment, worker
skills development, technology transfer and commercialization, or
export and market development.
Applicants may conduct planning activities on a regional basis
within a state, when regions are defined by the state. Regions should
be clearly defined by the proposing organizations and it must be clear
why the program is regionally oriented, versus state-wide, and how the
regions will be integrated into a state-wide plan or interact such that
state-wide coverage is achieved.
Applicants may include pilot testing activities as part of their
planning process. If pilot testing of the proposed extension plan is
included in the project, it should include methods of evaluating the
pilot's success in implementing the proposed extension plan. Any
proposed pilot activity must be consistent with the program plan
developed for the state.
Program Planning Projects Evaluation Criteria
Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel.
Each proposal should address all five selection criteria and selection
criteria 1-3 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 4-5. Selection
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographic
distribution.
1. Target population (25 points): Potential applicants should
specify a methodology for identifying a population of beneficiary
companies (the target population) and their technology assistance-
related needs. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Methodology for defining the size and demographic
characteristics of the target population to be served by the program
plan.
(b) Methodology for determining the target population's assistance
needs, e.g. technology, training, information, quality improvement,
management, etc.
(c) Methodology to ensure that the plan is appropriate for
addressing identified industry needs.
2. Resource identification and assessment (20 points): Applicants
should describe the methodology for collecting information about the
number, size, technical sophistication, type, and relevance of
industrial assistance activities that will be part of the coordination
effort. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Methodology for identifying relevant assistance programs and
other sources of expertise outside applicant's organization.
(b) Methodology for assessing relevance and effectiveness of
resources in addressing identified industry needs.
3. Coordination with existing resources (25 points): Applicants
should set forth a plan for interacting or coordinating with
appropriate existing and/or newly-formed state and local technology-
industrial assistance services, potential industry partners, and
appropriate federal services, to develop a coordinated state-wide
delivery system. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Methodology and adequacy of plans for forming effective
linkages and partnerships necessary to plan for and provide a
coordinated range of services to meet the needs of the target
population.
(b) Safeguards to ensure that planned activity does not duplicate
existing services or resources.
4. Management (15 points): Applicants should specify plans for
proper organization, staffing, and management of the planning process.
Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing
organization to conduct a state-wide (or regional) planning process.
(b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to
conduct a state-wide (or regional) planning process.
(c) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out
the planning activity.
(d) Evidence of significant involvement and support by the state
and by private industry.
5. Financial plan (15 points): Applicants should show the relevance
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total
financial support for the project; and the plan to maintain the program
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be
considered include:
(a) Cost effectiveness of the budget.
(b) Strength of commitment of proposer's cost share.
(c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of budget.
(d) Appropriateness of matching contribution.
(e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative
agreement has expired.
Selection Procedures
The Director of NIST will appoint an impartial evaluation panel to
review and evaluate all qualified proposals in accordance with the
evaluation criteria and values set forth in this notice. From the
qualified proposals a group of finalists will be selected based on this
review. This review process should take approximately 30 days. The
Director of NIST, or her designee, shall select awardees based on the
rank order of total evaluation scores, geographic distribution, and the
availability of funds.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants for these projects are state technology
extension programs operated by state governments, or on behalf of state
governments by private or public non-profit organizations. All states
will be eligible, regardless of state size, industrial density/
sparseness, or number of existing industrial assistance programs.
States that have received previous planning grants remain eligible for
additional Program Planning projects. Applicants will be able to
propose conducting the planning activities themselves or arranging for
some or all of the planning activities to be carried out by a second
party. One proposal for Program Planning will be accepted per state.
Financial Information
A matching contribution from each applicant is required. NIST may
provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the
project, however, the federal share may not exceed $150,000. The
applicant's share of the budget may include dollar contributions from
state, county, industrial or other non-federal sources and in-kind
contributions necessary and reasonable for proper accomplishment of
project objectives.
Required Letters
A letter will be required from the Governor indicating that the
eligible applicant is the lead organization in that state for Program
Planning activities, and acknowledging that there is only one proposal
from that state for a Program Planning project. Where more than one
such otherwise qualified Program Planning proposal per state is
submitted, all such proposals from that state may be disqualified.
Program Implementation Projects
Project Objective
The purpose of Program Implementation projects is to support the
implementation of comprehensive, state-wide industrial extension
programs and/or pilot testing of new program and service concepts, such
as pilot outreach centers and other extension activities, to help small
and medium-sized manufacturers improve productivity and
competitiveness.
For projects that support the implementation of a comprehensive
state-wide industrial extension system, activities must build upon
existing services and be consistent with comprehensive state plans, if
such plans exist. Extension programs should provide access to a range
of services, including but not limited to: technical extension,
training, management assistance, and quality improvement.
Pilot testing of new services and activities will be permitted on a
limited scale where there is an intent to replicate these services on a
larger scale or to move toward full-scale implementation. Accordingly,
pilot testing must include evaluation, analysis and documentation, and
may include some planning activities as necessary.
NIST plans to give priority consideration to projects having the
best potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse distribution of
industry, or low density industry areas that do not lend themselves to
large extension centers as a method of service delivery.
Program Implementation Projects Evaluation Criteria
Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel.
Each proposal should address all six selection criteria and selection
criteria 1-4 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 5-6. Selection
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographic
distribution.
1. Target population (20 points): Potential applicants will be
required to identify a population of beneficiary companies (the target
population) and their technology-related assistance needs in the
proposed service area. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) A clear definition of the target population, its size and
demographic characteristics.
(b) Demonstrated understanding of the target population's
assistance needs, e.g., technology, training, information, quality
improvement, management, etc.
(c) Appropriateness of the size of the target population and the
anticipated impact for the proposed expenditure.
2. Delivery mechanisms (20 points): Applicants will need to specify
the mechanism for delivery of services to the population of beneficiary
companies (the target population). Factors that will be considered
include:
(a) Appropriateness and effectiveness of proposed delivery
mechanism for meeting the identified needs of the target population.
(b) Demonstration of capacity to form effective linkages and
partnerships with other appropriate service providers.
(c) Technical quality of the proposed approach, including knowledge
and use of best industrial modernization practices.
3. Coordination with existing resources (20 points): Applicants
will need to describe how they will coordinate with existing or newly
formed state or local technology/industrial assistance services, and
federal services, to allow for increased economies of scale and to
avoid duplication of services in providing assistance to small and
medium-sized manufacturers. For a comprehensive, state-wide industrial
extension program, the applicant must show the degree to which
activities integrate with and enhance existing or newly formed state,
local, and appropriate federal technology assistance and industrial
modernization activities to present a unified program of assistance.
Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Demonstrated understanding of existing organizations and
resources relevant for providing technology assistance related services
to the target population.
(b) Adequate linkages and partnerships with existing organizations
and clear definition of those organizations' roles in the proposed
activities.
(c) Proposed activity does not duplicate existing services or
resources.
(d) Consistency with comprehensive state plans if such plans exist.
4. Program evaluation (20 points): The applicant should specify
plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed program and
for ensuring continuous improvement of program activities. Factors that
will be considered include:
(a) Thoroughness of evaluation plans, including internal evaluation
for management control, external evaluation for assessing outcomes of
the activity, and ``customer satisfaction'' measures of performance.
(b) In the case of pilot projects, the proposer's plan must include
documentation, analysis of the results, and must show how the results
can be used in program development.
5. Financial plan (10 points): Applicants should show the relevance
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total
financial support for the project; and a plan to maintain the program
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be
considered include:
(a) Reasonableness of the budget, both in income and expenses.
(b) Strength of commitment of the proposer's cost share.
(c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of budget.
(d) Appropriateness of matching contributions.
(e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative
agreement has expired.
6. Management (10 points): Applicants should specify plans for
proper organization, staffing, and management of the implementation
process. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing
organization to conduct the proposed activities.
(b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to
conduct the proposed activity.
(c) Soundness of staffing plans, including recruitment, selection,
training, and continuing professional development.
(d) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out
the proposed activity.
(e) Evidence of significant involvement and support by private
industry.
Selection Procedures
The Director of NIST will appoint an impartial evaluation panel to
review and evaluate all qualified proposals in accordance with the
evaluation criteria and values set forth in this notice. From the
qualified proposals a group of finalists will be selected based on this
review. This review process should take approximately 30 days. The
Director of NIST, or her designee, shall select awardees based on the
rank order of total evaluation scores, geographic distribution, and the
availability of funds.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants for these projects are state technology
extension programs operated by state governments, or on behalf of state
governments by private or public non-profit organizations. States that
have received previous implementation grants remain eligible for
additional Program Implementation projects. Applicants will be able to
propose providing services directly or arranging for the provision of
some or all of the proposed services by a second party. More than one
proposal may be accepted from each state.
Financial Information
A matching contribution from each applicant will be required. NIST
may provide financial support up to 50 percent of the total budget for
the project; however, the federal share may not exceed $250,000. One
half of the applicant's required match (i.e. 25% of the total) must be
non-federal cash. Cash may include dollar contributions from state,
county, industrial or other non-federal sources. The applicant's share
of the budget may include in-kind contributions necessary and
reasonable for proper accomplishment of project objectives.
Required Letters
All proposals for Program Implementation projects must contain a
letter from the Governor indicating that the applicant is the lead
organization in that state for conducting the proposed activities.
Where linkages to other organizations are proposed, applicants are
advised to include a letter of support and commitment from the linking
organization.
Regional Linkages Projects
Project Objective
The purpose of Regional Linkage projects is to support inter-state
or multi-state partnerships that will expand the scope and enhance the
effectiveness of technical assistance services regionally available to
small and medium-sized manufacturers. Project may be assistance
service-led, or industry-led partnerships to provide assistance
services that cross institutional and political boundaries. Assistance
service-led partnerships, for example, can include shared assistance
services that cross state boundaries, or electronic networking.
Industry-led partnerships can include linkage activities between
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, creating a
multi-state network of suppliers, program planning for multi-state
assistance delivery, or other activities that improve the interactions
between manufacturers.
Regional Projects Evaluation Criteria
Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel.
Each proposal should address all six selection criteria and selection
criteria 1-4 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 5-6. Selection
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographical
distribution.
1. Target population (20 points): Potential applicants will be
required to identify a population of beneficiary companies (the target
population) and their technology-related assistance needs in the
proposed service area. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) A clear definition of the target population, its size and
demographic characteristics.
(b) Demonstrated understanding of the target population's
assistance needs, eg. technology, training, information, quality
improvement, management, etc.
(c) Appropriateness of the size of the target population and the
anticipated impact for the proposed expenditures.
2. Delivery mechanisms (20 points): Applicants will need to specify
the mechanism for delivery of services to the population of beneficiary
companies (the target population). Facts that will be considered
include:
(a) Appropriateness and effectiveness of proposed delivery
mechanism for meeting the identified needs of the target population.
(b) Demonstration of capacity to form effective linkages and
partnerships with other appropriate service providers.
(c) Technical quality of the proposed approach, including knowledge
and use of best industrial modernization practices.
3. Coordination with existing resources (20 points): Applicants
will need to describe how they will coordinate with existing or newly-
formed technology/industrial assistance services and resources that
will allow for increased economies of scale and complementary
capabilities, and will avoid duplication of efforts in providing
assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers. It will be
important to show how the proposed approach can reach across political
or institutional boundaries to provide access to services. Factors that
will be considered include:
(a) Demonstrated understanding of existing organizations and
resources relevant for providing technology assistance related services
to the target population.
(b) Strength of plans to establish and maintain linkages and
partnerships with existing organizations (particularly across state
boundaries), and a clear definition of those organizations' roles in
the proposed activities.
(c) Proposed activity does not duplicate existing services or
resources.
(d) Consistency with comprehensive state plans if such plans exist.
4. Program evaluation (20 points): The applicant should specify
plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed program and
for ensuring continuous improvement of program activities. Factors that
will be considered include:
(a) Thoroughness of evaluation plans, including internal evaluation
for management control, external evaluation for assessing outcomes of
the activity, and ``customer satisfaction'' measures of performance.
(b) Plans for the documentation, analysis for the results, and how
the results can be used in program development.
5. Financial plan (10 points): Applicants should show that
relevance and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the
objectives of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's
total financial support for the project; and the plan to maintain the
program after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will
be considered include:
(a) Reasonableness of the budget, both in income and expenses.
(b) Strength of commitment of the proposer's cost share.
(c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of the budget.
(d) Appropriateness of matching contributions.
(e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative
agreement has expired.
6. Management (10 points): Applicants should specify plans for
proper organization, staffing, and management of the implementation
process. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing
organization to conduct the proposed inter-state or multi-state
activities.
(b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to
conduct the proposed activity.
(c) Soundness of staffing plans, including recruitment, selection,
training, and continuing professional development.
(d) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out
the proposed activity.
(e) Evidence of significant involvement and support by private
industry.
Selection Procedures
The Director of NIST will appoint an impartial evaluation panel to
review and evaluate all qualified proposals in accordance with the
evaluation criteria and values set forth in this notice. From the
qualified proposals a group of finalists will be selected based on this
review. This review process should take approximately 30 days. The
Director of NIST, or her designee, shall select awardees based on the
rank order of total evaluation scores, geographic distribution, and the
availability of funds.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants for these projects will be state and local
governments, representing either themselves or a consortium of states,
and appropriate private or public non-profit organizations, operating
on behalf of a consortium of states or as a representative of states.
Applicants will be able to propose providing services directly or
arranging for the provision of any or all of the proposed services by a
second party. At least one state represented in the partnership or
consortium must be characterized by relatively sparse distribution of
industry or as having lower industrial densities.
Financial Information
A matching contribution from each applicant will be required. NIST
may provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the
project, however, the federal share may not exceed $250,000. The
applicant's share of the budget may include dollar contributions from
state, county, industrial or other non-federal sources and in-kind
contributions necessary and reasonable for proper accomplishment of
project objectives.
Additional Requirements
Federal Policies and Procedures
Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all Federal laws and
Federal and DOC policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to
Federal financial assistance awards.
Past Performance
Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in
an application not being considered for funding.
Preaward Activities
If applicants incur any cost prior to an award being made, they do
so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government.
Notwithstanding any verbal assurance that may have been received, there
is no obligation on the part of DOC to cover pre-award costs.
Delinquent Federal Debts
No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
1. The delinquent account is paid in full;
2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one
payment is received; or
3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
Name Check Review
All non-profit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name
check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key
individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are
presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or
other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's management
honesty or financial integrity.
Primary Applicant Certification
All primary applicants must submit a completed Form CD-511,
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other
Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and
Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby provided.
1. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension
Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section
105) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and
Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form
prescribed above applies;
2. Drug Free Workplace
Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 605) are subject to
15 CFR part 26, subpart F, ``Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section of the certification form
prescribed above applies;
3. Anti-Lobbying
Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, section 105) are subject to
the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of
appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and
financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification
form prescribed above applies to applications/bids for grants,
cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans
and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family
maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater; and
4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures
Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any
funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as
required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B.
Lower Tier Certifications
Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants,
contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transaction at any
tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a complete Form CD-512,
``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and
Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and
disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities;'' Form
CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be
transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or
subrecipient should be submitted to DOC in accordance with the
instructions contained in the award document.
False Statements
A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or
termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The catalog number for the award of State Technology Extension
Program funds in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is 11613.
Executive Order 12372 ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
Is applicable to the extent permitted by law.
Classification
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is being carried out under
the authority of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, as
amended 15 U.S.C. 2781. This notice relating to public property, loans,
grants, benefits, or contracts is exempt from all requirements of
section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2))
including notice and opportunity for comment. Therefore, a Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis is not required and was not prepared for this
notice for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5) U.S.C. 603
and 604). The program is not a major Federal action requiring an
environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act.
This notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications
sufficient to warrant preparation of a Federalism assessment under
Executive Order 12612. This notice contains collection of information
requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act which have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Control Number
0693-0010).
Dated: January 6, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-647 Filed 1-11-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M
