54396 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 

1See, e.g., International Bureau Announces a 

Change in the Procedure for Filing Coordination 

Notifications for Earth Stations on Vessels 

Operating in the C-Band, Public Notice, DA 11–132, 

26 FCC Rcd 564 (IB 2011) (requiring coordination 

notification for Earth Stations on Vessels operating 

in the C-band to be filed electronically via the 

International Bureau Filing System (IBFS)); 

Completing the Transition to Electronic Filing, 

Licenses and Authorizations, and Correspondence 

in the Wireless Radio Services, Order, 35 FCC 10781 

(2020) (2020 Wireless Radio Order) (requiring 

electronic filing of certain applications for licenses 

in the Wireless Radio Services); Amendment of 

Certain of the Commission’s Part 1 Rules of Practice 

and Procedure and Part 0 Rules of Commission 

Organization, Order, 29 FCC Rcd 14955 (2014) 

(requiring electronic filing of certain applications 

under sections 214(a) and 251(c)(5) of the 

Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Act)). 

Accordingly, by the authority vested 

in me as the Secretary of Health and 

Human Services, and for the reasons set 

forth in the preamble, 42 Code of 

Federal Regulations part 51c is amended 

as follows: 

PART 51c—GRANTS FOR 

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 51c 

is revised to read as follows: 

Authority: Sec. 330, Public Health Service 

Act, 89 Stat. 342, (42 U.S.C. 254b); sec. 215, 

Public Health Service Act, 58 Stat. 690, (42 

U.S.C. 216). 

§ 51c.303 [Amended] 

■ 2. Amend § 51c.303 by removing 

paragraph (w). 

[FR Doc. 2021–21457 Filed 9–30–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4165–15–P 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION 

45 CFR Part 670 

RIN 3145–AA63 

Conservation of Antarctic Animals and 

Plants; Correction 

AGENCY: National Science Foundation. 

ACTION: Final rule; correction. 

SUMMARY: This document corrects the 

Regulation Identification Number that 

appeared in a final rule published in the 

Federal Register on May 25, 2021, 

regarding changes to changes to Annex 

II to the Protocol on Environmental 

Protection to the Antarctic Treaty 

(Protocol) agreed to by the Antarctic 

Treaty Consultative Parties. 

DATES: This final rule correction is 

effective October 1, 2021. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Bijan Gilanshah, Assistant General 

Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, 

at 703–292–8060, National Science 

Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 

W 18200, Alexandria, VA 22314. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Correction 

In final rule FR Doc. 2021–10807, 

beginning on page 27985 in the issue of 

May 25, 2021, make the following 

correction: On page 27985, in the third 

column, the Regulation Identifier 

Number is corrected to read ‘‘RIN 3145– 

AA63.’’ 

Dated: September 28, 2021. 

Suzanne H. Plimpton, 

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science 

Foundation. 

[FR Doc. 2021–21365 Filed 9–30–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7555–01–P 

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS 

COMMISSION 

47 CFR Parts 25, 63 and 73 

[IB Docket No. 21–265; FCC 21–87; FR ID 

39973] 

Mandatory Electronic Filing of 

Applications and Reports 

Administered by the International 

Bureau 

AGENCY: Federal Communications 

Commission. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: In this document, the 

Commission requires that any remaining 

applications and reports administered 

by the International Bureau and filed on 

paper or through an alternative filing 

process be filed only electronically 

through the Commission’s International 

Bureau Filing System. Specifically, the 

Commission modifies its rules to 

mandate the electronic filings of 

applications for permits to deliver 

programs to foreign stations, 

applications for International High 

Frequency Broadcast Stations, and 

quarterly reports filed by U.S.- 

authorized carriers that are affiliates of 

foreign carriers with market power on 

the foreign end of a U.S.-international 

route, and to remove a duplicate paper 

filing requirement for satellite costrecovery declarations. 

DATES: Effective October 1, 2021. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Jocelyn Jezierny, Telecommunications 

and Analysis Division, International 

Bureau, Jocelyn.Jezierny@fcc.gov, 202– 

418–0272. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a 

summary of the Commission’s Order, 

FCC 21–87, adopted and released on 

July 13, 2021. The full text of this 

document is available at https://

docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC21-87A1.pdf. To request materials in 

accessible formats for people with 

disabilities, send an email to FCC504@

fcc.gov or call the Consumer & 

Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202– 

418–0530 (voice), 202–418–0432 (TTY). 

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Because these rule changes are being 

adopted without notice and comment, 

the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 

601 et seq., does not apply to this Order. 

Paperwork Reduction Act 

This Order does not contain new or 

substantively modified information 

collections subject to the Paperwork 

Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public 

Law 104–13, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. 

Specifically, the changes to existing 

information collections, including 

mandatory electronic filing for Section 

325(c) Applications, IHF Applications, 

and Dominant Carrier Section 63.10(c) 

Quarterly Reports are non-substantive. 

Because these changes are nonsubstantive, there is also no new or 

modified information collection burden 

for small business concerns with fewer 

than 25 employees pursuant to the 

Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 

2002, Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 

3506(c)(4). 

After the adoption and release of this 

Order, the Commission submitted the 

changes to the Office of Management 

and Budget (OMB) and received the 

OMB approvals. The Commission also 

received emergency approval from OMB 

for certain requirements that were 

inadvertently omitted from existing 

information collections. The relevant 

OMB Control numbers are 3060–0678, 

3060–0686, 3060–1035, 3060–1133, and 

3060–1290. 

Congressional Review Act 

The Commission will not send a copy 

of this Order to Congress and the 

Government Accountability Office 

pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A), 

because the adopted rules are rules of 

agency organization, procedure, or 

practice that do not substantially affect 

the rights or obligations of non-agency 

parties. 

Synopsis 

I. Introduction 

1. Over the past decades, the 

Commission has made significant 

progress to upgrade and modernize its 

licensing systems and filing 

procedures.1 Today, we continue these 

efforts and require that any remaining 

applications and reports administered 

by the International Bureau and filed on 

paper or through an alternative filing 

process be filed only electronically 

through the Commission’s International 

Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 54397 

2See Federal Communications Commission, 

International Bureau Filing System (IBFS), http://

licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/ (IBFS Filing System). 

3 47 CFR 73.3545. 

4 47 CFR 73.702; 73.761, 73.3533; 73.3539– 

73.3540. 

5 47 CFR 63.10(c)(2)–(4). 

6 47 CFR 25.111(d). 

7See Mandatory Electronic Filing for 

International Telecommunications Services and 

Other International Filings, Report and Order, 20 

FCC Rcd 9292 (2005) (2005 IBFS Order); 

International Bureau Filing System (IBFS), Order, 

19 FCC Rcd 4575 (2004); 2020 Wireless Radio 

Order. 

8See 47 CFR 1.767(n)(1), 1.768(j), 25.110, 25.111, 

25.113, 25.115, 25.116, 25.119, 25.137, 25.172, 

63.11(j), 63.18(r), 63.19(d), 63.20(a), 63.21(j), 

63.24(h), 63.25(e), 63.701(j). 

9See International Bureau Reminds Interested 

Parties That Section 325(C) Applications for Permit 

to Deliver Programs to Foreign Stations And 

International High Frequency Applications Can Be 

Submitted Electronically as Non-Docketed Filings, 

Public Notice, DA 14–1838 (rel. Dec. 16, 2014) 

(325(c) and IHF Electronic Filing Notice); 

International and Satellite Services Fee Filing 

Guide at 6 (effective September 4, 2018) (2018 IB 

Fee Filing Guide) (‘‘The Bureau offers a choice of 

paper filing and/or modified electronic filing on the 

remaining international telecommunications, 

international high frequency broadcast (IHF), and 

Section 325(c) (325) applications pending the 

availability of OMB approved electronic forms.’’). 

10See 2005 IBFS Order. A list of forms that are 

available for electronic filing can be found on the 

FCC web page and through the IBFS homepage. See 

Federal Communications Commission, Licensing & 

Databases, Forms, https://www.fcc.gov/licensingdatabases/forms; IBFS Filing System; see also 47 

CFR 1.10000–1.10018. 

11 47 U.S.C. 325(c) (‘‘No person shall be permitted 

to locate, use, or maintain a radio broadcast studio 

or other place or apparatus from which or whereby 

sound waves are converted into electrical energy, or 

mechanical or physical reproduction of sound 

waves produced, and caused to be transmitted or 

delivered to a radio station in a foreign country for 

the purpose of being broadcast from any radio 

station there having a power output of sufficient 

intensity and/or being so located geographically 

that its emissions may be received consistently in 

the United States, without first obtaining a permit 

from the Commission upon proper application 

therefore’’); 47 CFR 73.3545. 

12An International Broadcast Station, also known 

as High Frequency Broadcasting (IHF) or Shortwave 

Broadcasting, employs frequencies allocated to the 

Broadcasting Service between 5,950 and 26,100 

kHz. The transmissions of an IHF station, which are 

licensed only to non-governmental entities, are 

intended to be received directly by the general 

public in foreign countries. 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 CFR 

73.701, 73.702. 

13Section 63.10(c) of the Commission’s rules sets 

forth competitive safeguards that the Commission 

applies to U.S.-authorized carriers that are affiliates 

of foreign carriers with market power on the foreign 

end of a U.S.-international route as a condition of 

the U.S. carriers’ section 214 authorization(s) to 

provide U.S.-international service on the route. 47 

CFR 63.10(c)(2)–(4). 

14See 325(c) and IHF Electronic Filing Notice; 

2018 IB Fee Filing Guide; Electronic Comment 

Filing System, Non-Docketed Filing, https://

www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/nodocket. Once the nondocketed ECFS submissions are received, they are 

uploaded into IBFS by the Commission’s staff. 

15 47 CFR 63.10(c)(2)–(4). While similar reporting 

requirements, such as those for cable landing 

licensees affiliated with a carrier with market power 

in a cable’s destination market, mandate the 

electronic filing of those reports, the reporting 

requirements under section 63.10(c) contain no 

such obligation. Compare 47 CFR 1.767(l) with 47 

CFR 63.10(c). 

16 47 CFR 25.111(d). 

17Because these modifications requiring 

mandatory electronic filing are procedural in nature 

and do not substantively change the information 

required to be filed with the Commission, the notice 

and comment requirements of the Administrative 

Procedure Act do not apply. 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(A); 

Promoting Expanded Opportunities for Radio 

Experimentation and Market Trials Under Part 5 of 

the Commission’s Rules and Streamlining Other 

Related Rules; 2006 Biennial Review of 

Telecommunications Regulations—Part 2 

Administered by the Office of Engineering and 

Technology (OET), Report and Order, 28 FCC Rcd 

758, 818, para. 164 (2013) (2013 Radio 

Experimentation Order) (rule change clarifying that 

informal objections to certain applications should 

be filed electronically); Amendment of Part 5 of the 

Commission’s Rules to Require Electronic Filing of 

Applications for Experimental Radio Licenses and 

Authorizations, Order, 18 FCC Rcd 16966, 16967, 

paras. 4, 6 (2003) (2003 Amendment of Part 5 

Order) (adopting requirement to electronically file 

certain applications); JEM Broadcasting Co. Inc. v. 

FCC, 22 F.3d 320, 326 (D.C. Cir. 1994). 

18 2020 Wireless Radio Order, 35 FCC at 10784, 

para. 8; 2005 IBFS Order, 20 FCC Rcd at 9294–95, 

paras. 5–7. 

19 2005 IBFS Order, 20 FCC Rcd at 9294, para. 5. 

Bureau Filing System (IBFS).2

Specifically, we modify our rules to 

mandate the electronic filings of Section 

325(c) Applications,3 applications for 

International High Frequency Broadcast 

(IHF) Stations (IHF Applications),4 and 

Dominant Carrier Section 63.10(c) 

Quarterly Reports,5 and to remove a 

duplicate paper filing requirement for 

satellite cost-recovery declarations.6

These mandatory electronic filing 

requirements will reduce costs and 

administrative burdens, result in greater 

efficiencies, facilitate faster and more 

efficient communications, and improve 

transparency to the public. 

A. Background 

2. Electronic and Paper Filings. The 

Commission has been committed to 

streamlining its processes by mandating 

the electronic filing of applications and 

other filings related to 

telecommunications services over the 

past several decades.7 Today, the 

majority of applications and other 

filings are filed electronically with the 

Commission.8 Applications and other 

filings for which an electronic form is 

not available and/or is not yet required 

to be filed electronically by rule must be 

filed by paper or by modified electronic 

filing.9 Currently, for international 

licenses, authorizations, or other filings 

that are processed by the International 

Bureau, almost all applications must be 

filed electronically through IBFS, 

including all applications for 

international and satellite services for 

which an IBFS form is available.10 The 

exceptions to mandatory electronic 

filing in IBFS, however, remain for 

Section 325(c) Applications,11 IHF 

Applications,12 and Dominant Carrier 

Section 63.10(c) Quarterly Reports.13

Section 325(c) and IHF Applications are 

submitted through a modified electronic 

filing process that involves filing a nondocketed pleading through the 

Commission’s Electronic Comment 

Filing System (ECFS).14 For Dominant 

Carrier Section 63.10(c) Quarterly 

Reports, certain authorization holders 

are required to mail a paper copy to the 

Commission within ninety (90) days 

from the end of each calendar quarter.15

Section 25.111(d) also requires a paper 

copy of satellite cost-recovery 

declarations to be submitted in addition 

to the version filed electronically.16

II. Discussion 

3. Given the well-established benefits 

of electronic filing, in this Order we 

amend our rules to require the 

electronic filing of Section 325(c) 

Applications, IHF Applications, and 

Dominant Carrier Section 63.10(c) 

Quarterly Reports in IBFS, which will 

reduce the overall burden associated 

with these filings and increase 

significantly the efficiency of our 

administrative processes.17 We modify 

our rules involving procedural filing of 

Section 325(c) Applications and IHF 

Applications, and require electronic 

filing of these applications in IBFS and 

remove a duplicate paper filing 

requirement for satellite cost-recovery 

declarations. We also eliminate paper 

filing of Dominant Carrier Section 

63.10(c) Quarterly Reports and require 

their submission in IBFS within ninety 

(90) days after the end of each calendar 

quarter. Finally, we set a process for any 

changes to take effect. 

A. Mandatory Electronic Filing 

4. As part of the Commission’s 

continuing efforts to modernize its IBFS, 

electronic forms will be available for 

Section 325(c) Applications, IHF 

Applications, and Dominant Carrier 

Section 63.10(c) Quarterly Reports. 

Accordingly, we require such filings to 

be submitted to the Commission 

electronically in IBFS, subject to the 

transition period set forth below. We 

have long-recognized the benefits of 

mandatory electronic filing, including 

reducing regulatory burdens and 

environmental waste while streamlining 

the filing process.18 As the Commission 

explained in its 2005 IBFS Order, 

electronic filing eliminates delays from 

mail delivery and does not require 

Commission staff to convert the filings 

into electronic format.19 Electronic 

54398 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 

20 Id. at 9294–95, para 7. 

21 Id. at 9294, para 6. 

22 2020 Wireless Radio Order, 35 FCC Rcd at 

10788, para. 23. 

23 2005 IBFS Order, 20 FCC Rcd at 9294–95, para 

7. 

24 2020 Wireless Radio Order, 35 FCC Rcd at 

10788, para. 23. 

25 47 CFR 73.3533(a)(2), 73.3545. 

26 47 CFR 73.3540(c)–(d), 73.702, 73.713(a), 

73.732, 73.759(c)(2), 73.761, 73.762, 73.3539(a). 

27See Appx. A. 

28 2020 Wireless Radio Order, 25 FCC Rcd at 

10788, para. 23. In 2020, the Commission received 

a total of 73 reports: 20 reports in the first quarter, 

19 reports in the second quarter, 20 reports in the 

third quarter, and 14 reports in the fourth quarter. 

The data derived from these reports continue to be 

important resource for the Commission. 

29These amendments, referring to how the 

quarterly reports should be filed, are procedural 

rules, thus the notice and comment requirements of 

the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply. 5 

U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(A). We also find there is good 

cause to forego a notice-and-comment period in this 

instance given that notice and comment is 

unnecessary and contrary to the public interest to 

make the modifications to section 63.10(d), as 

discussed herein. 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). Here, we 

correct a typographical error with respect to crossreferences contained in the rule paragraph and 

eliminate a requirement that will be rendered 

obsolete by the adoption of an electronic filing 

requirement and find that following a notice and 

comment process would needlessly prolong an 

obvious inaccuracy in the rules, reference an 

obsolete requirement, and fail to yield any of the 

public interest benefits that notice and comment 

procedures are designed to produce. See, e.g., 

Allocation and Service Rules for the 1675–1680 

MHz Band, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and 

Order, 34 FCC Rcd 3552, 3572, para. 55 (2019) 

(finding for good cause that notice and comment 

procedures are unnecessary to correct and update 

incorrect cross-references in various rule 

paragraphs). 

30 47 CFR 25.111(d); see also Comprehensive 

Review of Licensing and Operating Rules for 

Satellite Services, Report and Order, 28 FCC Rcd 

12403, 12425–26, paras. 61–65, 12479–80, Appx. B 

(2013); Implementation of ITU Cost Recovery 

Charges for Satellite Network Filings, Public Notice, 

16 FCC Rcd 18732 (IB 2001). 

31See generally ITU Council Decision 482 

(modified 2020) at 4, decides 9 (providing that the 

invoice for ITU cost-recovery charges will be sent 

to the notifying administration or, at the request of 

that administration, to the satellite network 

operator in question), https://www.itu.int/md/S20- 

CL-C-0070/en. 

filing also reduces time needed to 

process applications and can allow the 

Commission to more quickly place 

applications on public notice.20 Filers 

also benefit from electronic filing 

because an electronic filing system can 

automatically notify users of critical 

errors or omissions in their filings,21

and electronic filing creates a digital 

record of users’ submissions to the 

Commission and establishes proof of 

delivery.22 The Commission benefits 

from a reduced workload because the 

data fields on electronic forms are 

automatically populated.23 Other 

interested parties benefit as well 

because electronic filings are 

transmitted nearly instantaneously, 

making the filings available to the other 

interested parties around the same time 

that they become available to the 

Commission.24

5. For Section 325(c) Applications 

and IHF Applications, we eliminate the 

paper mailing and modified electronic 

filing requirements through ECFS and 

require applicants to file electronically 

in IBFS when the electronic forms are 

available.25 The changes we adopt 

herein will improve the filing process 

and expedite review of the applications 

in an orderly manner as IBFS will 

automatically identify initial filing 

deficiencies in the electronic forms and 

route the filed applications to 

appropriate Commission staff without 

delay, thereby facilitating timely review. 

Additionally, any properly filed 

amendments, renewals, transfers, 

assignments, surrenders, notifications of 

limitation or discontinuance of 

operations, notifications of broadcast 

service resumption, equipment tests, 

program tests, post-season reports, preseason operation notifications, or 

modifications, will be linked to other 

relevant applications or filings and 

similarly routed to the relevant 

Commission staff, decreasing processing 

time and administrative cost serving the 

public interest.26

6. For Dominant Carrier Section 

63.10(c) Quarterly Reports, we eliminate 

the paper filing option and require 

carriers to submit these reports 

electronically in IBFS within ninety (90) 

days after the end of each calendar 

quarter.27 This change will provide a 

number of benefits to carriers and 

Commission staff, including cost 

savings, convenience, and speed. As the 

Commission noted in the 2020 Wireless 

Radio Order, ‘‘[e]lectronic filing reduces 

paper, printing, and delivery expenses,’’ 

and is more convenient as users can 

submit their filings ‘‘nearly 24 hours a 

day, 7 days a week . . . .’’ 28 Further, 

the electronic filing of Dominant Carrier 

Section 63.10(c) Quarterly Reports will 

eliminate the delay of waiting for these 

filings to be delivered to the 

Commission, processed, and provided 

to the relevant Commission staff. 

Carriers will receive confirmation of 

their filing from the system, and 

Commission staff will no longer need to 

manually digitize these quarterly 

reports, reducing burdens and 

decreasing costs to carriers and the 

Commission. 

7. With the actions taken herein, we 

take another key step to modernize our 

filings processes, enable cost savings, 

increase convenience, and decrease 

processing time and complete the 

process of mandating that all 

International Bureau forms and filings 

must be submitted electronically in 

IBFS. 

B. Conforming Amendments 

8. Section 63.10. Section 63.10(d) 

specifies the number of copies and 

where to file each quarterly report. 

However, it misstates the relevant 

provisions of section 63.10(c)(2)–(4) 

identifying these quarterly reports. To 

correct the error, we revise paragraph 

(d) to remove the erroneous reference to 

section 63.10(c)(3)–(5) and replace this 

portion of the rule with the correct 

reference to section 63.10(c)(2)–(4), as 

well as to reflect the new electronic 

filing requirement for these reports.29

C. Paper Copies of Satellite ITU CostRecovery Declarations 

9. The Commission’s part 25 rules 

governing satellite services contain one 

paper filing requirement. Before the 

Commission will submit a satellite 

network filing to the International 

Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 

party requesting the filing must submit 

a signed declaration of unconditional 

acceptance of all consequent ITU costrecovery responsibility.30 This costrecovery declaration ensures that the 

ITU filing charges are paid by the 

operator, not the United States as 

notifying administration.31 The costrecovery declaration must be filed 

electronically in IBFS. A paper copy 

must also be mailed to the Satellite 

Division of the International Bureau. 

Our experience has shown that this 

duplicate, paper copy is unnecessary to 

ensure that cost-recovery responsibility 

is properly assumed by the requesting 

party. We therefore modify our rules 

and remove the paper filing 

requirement. 

D. Transition and Other Issues 

10. We direct the International Bureau 

to release any relevant public notices 

announcing the availability of electronic 

filing for Section 325(c) Applications, 

IHF Applications, and Dominant Carrier 

Section 63.10(c) Quarterly Reports as 

the rules and forms become effective 

and available in IBFS. Until the 

International Bureau announces the 

availability of electronic filing, the 

current filing processes will continue to 

apply. 

11. Waiver Requests. There may be 

limited instances where electronic filing 

rather than paper filing may be unduly 

burdensome or create a hardship for 

some potential applicants. For such 

cases, we will permit applicants and 

filers to file a request for waiver of our 

Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 54399 

32 47 CFR 1.3. 

33The Commission may waive its policies or 

rules upon a showing of good cause and may take 

into account, on an individual basis, considerations 

of hardship, equity, or more effective 

implementation of overall policy. See WAIT Radio 

v. FCC, 418 F.2d 1153, 1159 (D.C. Cir. 1969); see 

also Ne. Cellular Tel. Co. v. FCC, 897 F.2d 1164, 

1166 (D.C. Cir. 1990). Waiver of the Commission’s 

policies or rules is appropriate only if both: (i) 

Special circumstances warrant a deviation from the 

general rule; and (ii) such deviation will serve the 

public interest. See Network IP, LLC v. FCC, 548 

F.3d 116, 127 (D.C. Cir. 2008). 

34 47 CFR 0.459. 

35See 5 U.S.C. 601(2) (definition of ‘‘rule’’), 

604(a) (requiring a final regulatory flexibility 

analysis when an agency promulgates a final rule 

‘‘after being required . . . to publish a general 

notice of proposed rulemaking’’). 

36After the adoption and release of this Order, the 

Commission submitted the changes to the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) and received the 

OMB approvals. The Commission also received 

emergency approval from OMB for certain 

requirements that were inadvertently omitted from 

existing information collections. The relevant OMB 

Control numbers are 3060–0678, 3060–0686, 3060– 

1035, 3060–1133, and 3060–1290. 

37See 5 U.S.C. 804(3)(C). 

38The rule changes adopted in this Order and 

contained in Appendix A constitute procedural 

rules and are not subject to the effective date 

provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. 47 

CFR 1.427(b) (rules of procedure may be made 

effective without regard to the 30-day Federal 

Register publication requirement). The 

Administrative Procedure Act’s requirement that 

rules must be published in the Federal Register at 

least 30 days before their effective date, subject to 

certain exceptions, applies only to ‘‘substantive 

rules.’’ See 5 U.S.C. 553(d). 

electronic filing requirements under 

limited circumstances for good cause 

shown, pursuant to section 1.3 of our 

rules.32 To qualify for a waiver, the 

applicant must plead with particularity 

the facts and circumstances warranting 

relief.33 For example, the applicant must 

set forth the specific reasons why 

electronic filing would constitute an 

unreasonable burden or expense, 

including the special circumstances at 

hand that justify a waiver and how a 

waiver would serve the public interest. 

We expect the number of waiver 

requests to be small, and we will not 

routinely grant waivers of our 

mandatory filing requirement. 

12. Confidential Filings. Applicants or 

other filers that seek to file 

confidentially or to preserve the 

confidentiality of a piece of information 

in a filing may request such treatment 

under section 0.459 of the Commission’s 

rules.34

III. Procedural Matters 

13. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. 

Because these rule changes are being 

adopted without notice and comment, 

the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 

601 et seq., does not apply.35

14. Paperwork Reduction Act. This 

Order does not contain new or 

substantively modified information 

collections subject to the Paperwork 

Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public 

Law 104–13 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). 

Specifically, the changes to existing 

information collections, including 

mandatory electronic filing for Section 

325(c) Applications, IHF Applications, 

and Dominant Carrier Section 63.10(c) 

Quarterly Reports are non-substantive.36

Because these changes are nonsubstantive, there is also no new or 

modified information collection burden 

for small business concerns with fewer 

than 25 employees pursuant to the 

Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 

2002, Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 

3506(c)(4). 

15. Congressional Review Act. The 

Commission will not send a copy of this 

Order to Congress and the Government 

Accountability Office pursuant to 5 

U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A), because the adopted 

rules are rules of agency organization, 

procedure, or practice that do not 

substantially affect the rights or 

obligations of non-agency parties.37

IV. Ordering Clauses 

13. Accordingly, it is ordered that 

pursuant to Sections 1, 4(i), 214, 218, 

301, 303, 307, 308(b), and 325(c) of the 

Communications Act of 1934, as 

amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 214, 

218, 301, 303, 307, 308(b), 325(c), this 

Order is hereby adopted. 

14. It is further ordered that pursuant 

to Sections 1, 4(i), 214, 218, 301, 303, 

307, 308(b) and 325(c) of the 

Communications Act of 1934, as 

amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 214, 

218, 301, 303, 307, 308(b), 325(c), the 

rules discussed herein are adopted and 

Parts 63 and 73 of the Commission’s 

rules, 47 CFR 63 and 73 are amended 

as set forth in Appendix A. 

15. It is further ordered that this 

Order, including the revisions to Title 

47 of the Code of Federal Regulations 

shown in Appendix A, shall be effective 

upon publication in the Federal 

Register.38

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Parts 25, 63, 

and 73 

Broadcast Stations, Communications, 

Communications common carriers, 

Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 

requirements, Satellites, 

Telecommunications. 

Federal Communications Commission. 

Marlene Dortch, 

Secretary. 

Final Rules 

For the reasons discussed in the 

preamble, the Federal Communications 

Commission amends 47 CFR parts 25, 

63 and 73 as follows: 

PART 25—SATELLITE 

COMMUNICATIONS 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 25 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 

307, 309, 310, 319, 332, 605, and 721, unless 

otherwise noted. 

■ 2. Amend § 25.111 by revising the 

second sentence of paragraph (d) to read 

as follows: 

§ 25.111 Additional information, ITU 

filings, and ITU cost recovery. 

* * * * * 

(d) * * * Applicants and licensees 

must file the declaration electronically 

in the application file in the 

International Bureau Filing System 

(IBFS). * * * 

* * * * * 

PART 63—EXTENSION OF LINES, NEW 

LINES, AND DISCONTINUANCE, 

REDUCTION, OUTAGE AND 

IMPAIRMENT OF SERVICE BY 

COMMON CARRIERS; AND GRANTS 

OF RECOGNIZED PRIVATE 

OPERATING AGENCY STATUS 

■ 3. The authority citation for part 63 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 

160, 201–205, 214, 218, 403, 571, unless 

otherwise noted. 

■ 4. Amend § 63.10 by revising 

paragraph (d) to read as follows: 

§ 63.10 Regulatory classification of U.S. 

international carriers. 

* * * * * 

(d) A carrier classified as dominant 

under this section shall file 

electronically each report required by 

paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of 

this section in the International Bureau 

Filing System (IBFS). Each report filed 

in IBFS shall clearly identify the report 

as responsive to the appropriate 

paragraph of § 63.10(c). 

* * * * * 

PART 73—RADIO BROADCAST 

SERVICES 

■ 5. The authority citation for part 73 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 155, 301, 303, 

307, 309, 310, 334, 336, 339. 

* * * * * 

Subpart F—International Broadcast 

Stations 

■ 6. Amend § 73.702 by revising 

paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (h)(2), (i) 

54400 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 

introductory text, Note 4 to paragraph 

(i), (j), and (m) to read as follows: 

§ 73.702 Assignment and use of 

frequencies. 

(a) Frequencies will be assigned by 

the Commission prior to the start of 

each season to authorized international 

broadcasting stations for use during the 

season at specified hours and for 

transmission to specified zones or areas 

of reception, with specified power and 

antenna bearing. Six months prior to the 

start of each season, licensees and 

permittees shall by informal written 

request, submitted to the Commission 

electronically in the International 

Bureau Filing System (IBFS), indicate 

for the season the frequency or 

frequencies desired for transmission to 

each zone or area of reception specified 

in the license or permit, the specific 

hours during which it desires to 

transmit to such zones or areas on each 

frequency, and the power, antenna gain, 

and antenna bearing it desires to use. 

Requests will be honored to the extent 

that interference and propagation 

conditions permit and that they are 

otherwise in accordance with the 

provisions of this section. 

(b) After necessary processing of the 

requests required by paragraph (a) of 

this section, the Commission will notify 

each licensee and permittee of the 

frequencies, hours of use thereof to 

specified zones or areas of reception, 

power, and antenna bearing which it 

intends to authorize for the season in 

question. After receipt of such 

notification, the licensee or permittee 

shall, in writing, not later than two 

months before the start of the season in 

question, electronically inform the 

Commission in IBFS either that it plans 

to operate in accordance with the 

authorization which the Commission 

intends to issue, or that it plans to 

operate in another manner. If the 

licensee or permittee indicates that it 

plans to operate in another manner, it 

shall furnish explanatory details. 

(c) If after submitting the request 

required under the provisions of 

paragraph (a) of this section, but before 

receipt of the Commission’s notification 

referred to in paragraph (b) of this 

section, the licensee or permittee 

submits a request for changes of its 

original request electronically in IBFS 

such requests will be accepted for 

consideration only if accompanied by 

statements showing good cause therefor 

and will be honored only if conditions 

permit. If the information required to be 

submitted by the licensee or permittee 

under the provisions of paragraph (b) of 

this section indicates that operation in 

another manner is contemplated, and 

the explanatory details contain a request 

for change in the originally proposed 

manner of operation, such requests will 

be accepted for consideration only if 

accompanied by statements showing 

good cause therefor and will be honored 

only if conditions permit. If after the 

licensee or permittee submits the 

information required under the 

provisions of paragraph (b) of this 

section, but before the start of the season 

in question, the licensee or permittee 

submits electronically in IBFS a request 

for changes in its manner of operation 

for the season in question, the request 

will be accepted for consideration only 

if accompanied by statements showing 

good cause therefor and will be honored 

only if conditions permit. If after the 

start of a season the licensee or 

permittee submits a request for changes 

in the manner of operation as 

authorized, the request will be 

considered only if accompanied by 

statements showing good cause therefor, 

and will be honored only if conditions 

permit. 

(d) The provisions of paragraphs (a), 

(b), and (c) of the section shall apply to 

licensees, to permittees operating under 

program test authority, and to 

permittees who anticipate applying for 

and receiving program test authority for 

operation during the specified season. 

Note: Permittees who during the process of 

construction wish to engage in equipment 

tests shall by informal written request, 

submitted to the Commission electronically 

in IBFS not less than 30 days before they 

desire to begin such testing, indicate the 

frequencies they desire to use for testing and 

the hours they desire to use those 

frequencies. No equipment testing shall 

occur until the Commission has authorized 

frequencies and hours for such testing. Such 

authorizations shall be only for one season, 

and if it is desired to continue equipment 

testing in a following season, new requests 

for frequencies and hours must be submitted 

at least 30 days before it is desired to begin 

testing in the following season. 

(e) Within 14 days after the end of 

each season, a report shall be filed with 

the Commission electronically in IBFS 

by each licensee or permittee operating 

under program test authority who has 

been issued a seasonal schedule for that 

season. The report shall state whether 

the licensee or permittee has operated 

the number of frequency-hours 

authorized by the seasonal schedule to 

each of the zones or areas of reception 

specified in the schedule. If such 

operation has not occurred, a detailed 

explanation of that fact shall also be 

submitted which includes specific 

dates, frequency-hours not used, and 

reasons for the failure to operate as 

authorized. The report shall also contain 

information that has been received by 

the licensee or permittee as to reception 

or interference, and conclusions with 

regard to propagation characteristics of 

frequencies that were assigned for the 

season in question. 

* * * * * 

(h) * * * 

(2) During the hours of 0800–1600 

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) 

antenna gain with reference to an 

isotropic radiator in any easterly 

direction that would intersect any area 

in Region 2 shall not exceed 2.15 dBi, 

except in the case where a transmitter 

power of less than 100 kW is used. In 

this case, antenna gain on restricted 

azimuths shall not exceed that which is 

determined in accordance with equation 

below. Stations desiring to operate in 

this band must submit sufficient 

antenna performance information 

electronically in IBFS to ensure 

compliance with these restrictions. 

Permitted gain for transmitter powers 

less than 100 kW: 

Where: 

Gi = maximum gain permitted with reference 

to an isotropic radiator. Pa = Transmitter 

power employed in kW. 

(i) Frequencies requested for 

assignment must be as near as 

practicable to the optimum working 

frequency (unless otherwise justified) 

for the zone or area of reception for the 

period and path of transmission, and 

should be chosen so that a given 

frequency will provide the largest 

period of reliable transmission to the 

selected zone or area of reception. 

Moreover, at the zone or area of 

reception frequencies shall provide 

protection to the transmissions of other 

broadcasting stations which, in the 

opinion of the Commission, have 

priority of assignment. 

* * * * * 

Note 4: Seasonal requests for frequencyhours will be only for transmissions to zones 

or areas of reception specified in the basic 

instrument of authorization. Changes in such 

zones or areas will be made only on separate 

application for modification of such 

instruments made electronically in IBFS. 

(j) Not more than one frequency will be 

assigned for use at any one time for any one 

program transmission except in instances 

where a program is intended for reception in 

more than one zone or area of reception and 

the intended zones or areas cannot be served 

by a single frequency: Provided, however, 

That on a showing of good cause made 

electronically in IBFS a licensee may be 

authorized to operate on more than one 

frequency at any one time to transmit any 


ER01OC21.001</GPH>
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 54401 

one program to a single zone or area of 

reception. 

* * * * * 

(m) The total maximum number of 

frequency-hours which will be 

authorized to all licensees of 

international broadcasting stations 

during any one day for any season is 

100. The number of frequency-hours 

allocated to any licensee will depend on 

past usage, availability, and need. If for 

a forthcoming season the total of the 

requests for daily frequency-hours of all 

licensees exceeds 100, all licensees will 

be notified and each licensee that makes 

an adequate showing electronically in 

IBFS that good cause exists for not 

having its requested number of 

frequency-hours reduced and that 

operation of its station without such 

reduction would be consistent with the 

public interest may be authorized the 

frequency-hours requested. 

■ 7. Amend § 73.713 by revising 

paragraph (a) to read as follows: 

§ 73.713 Program Tests. 

(a) Upon completion of construction 

of an international broadcasting station 

in accordance with the terms of the 

construction permit, the technical 

provisions of the application therefor, 

and the rules and regulations and the 

applicable engineering standards, and 

when an application for station license 

has been filed showing the station to be 

in satisfactory operating condition, the 

permittee may request authority to 

conduct program tests. Such request 

shall be electronically filed with the 

FCC in the International Bureau Filing 

System (IBFS) at least 10 days prior to 

the date on which it is desired to begin 

such operation. All data necessary to 

show compliance with the terms and 

conditions of the construction permit 

must be filed with the license 

application. 

* * * * * 

■ 8. Revise § 73.732 to read as follows: 

§ 73.732 Authorizations. 

Authorizations issued to international 

broadcasting stations by the 

Commission will be authorizations to 

permit the construction or use of a 

particular transmitting equipment 

combination and related antenna 

systems for international broadcasting, 

and to permit broadcasting to zones or 

areas of reception specified on the 

instrument of authorization. The 

authorizations will not specify the 

frequencies to be used or the hours of 

use. Requests for frequencies and hours 

of use will be made by electronic filing 

in the International Bureau Filing 

System (IBFS) as provided in § 73.702. 

Seasonal schedules, when issued 

pursuant to the provisions of § 73.702, 

will become attachments to and part of 

the instrument of authorization, 

replacing any such prior attachments. 

■ 9. Amend § 73.759 by revising 

paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows: 

§ 73.759 Auxiliary transmitters. 

* * * * * 

(c) * * * 

(2) The transmission of regular 

programs during maintenance or 

modification work on the main 

transmitter, necessitating 

discontinuance of its operation for a 

period not to exceed 5 days. (This 

includes the equipment changes which 

may be made without authority as set 

forth elsewhere in the rules and 

regulations or as authorized by the 

Commission by letter or by construction 

permit. Where such operation is 

required for periods in excess of 5 days, 

request therefor shall be made 

electronically in the International 

Bureau Filing System (IBFS) in 

accordance with § 73.3542 of this 

chapter.) 

* * * * * 

■ 10. Revise § 73.761 to read as follows: 

§ 73.761 Modification of transmission 

systems. 

Specific authority, upon electronic 

filing of a formal application (FCC Form 

309) therefor in the International Bureau 

Filing System (IBFS), is required for any 

of the following changes: 

(a) Change involving an increase or 

decrease in the power rating of the 

transmitters. 

(b) A replacement of the transmitters 

as a whole. 

(c) Change in the location of the 

transmitting antenna. 

(d) Change in the power delivered to 

the antenna. 

(e) Change in frequency control and/ 

or modulation system. 

(f) Change in direction or gain of 

antenna system. 

(g) Other changes, not specified above 

in this section, may be made at any time 

without the authority of the 

Commission: Provided, That the 

Commission shall be immediately 

notified electronically in IBFS thereof 

and such changes shall be shown in the 

next application for renewal of license. 

■ 11. Amend § 73.762 by revising 

paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows: 

§ 73.762 Time of operation. 

* * * * * 

(b) In the event that causes beyond a 

licensee’s control make it impossible to 

adhere to the seasonal schedule or to 

continue operating, the station may 

limit or discontinue operation for a 

period of not more than 10 days, 

without further authority from the FCC. 

However, in such cases, the FCC shall 

be immediately notified by electronic 

filing in the International Bureau Filing 

System (IBFS) of such limitation or 

discontinuance of operation and shall 

subsequently be notified by electronic 

filing in IBFS when the station resumes 

regular operation. 

(c) In the event that causes beyond a 

licensee’s control make it impossible to 

adhere to the seasonal schedule or to 

continue operating for a temporary 

period of more than 10 days, the station 

may not limit or discontinue operation 

until it requests and receives specific 

authority to do so from the FCC by 

electronic filing in IBFS. When the 

station subsequently resumes regular 

operation after such limited operation or 

discontinuance of operation, it shall 

notify the FCC in Washington, DC by 

electronic filing in IBFS. The license of 

a broadcasting station that fails to 

transmit broadcast signals for any 

consecutive 12-month period expires as 

a matter of law at the end of that period, 

notwithstanding any provision, term, or 

condition of the license to the contrary. 

Subpart H—Rules Applicable to All 

Broadcast Stations 

■ 12. Amend § 73.3533 by revising 

paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows: 

§ 73.3533 Application for construction 

permit or modification of construction 

permit. 

(a) * * * 

(2) FCC Form 309, ‘‘Application for 

Authority to Construct or Make Changes 

in an Existing International or 

Experimental Broadcast Stations.’’ For 

International Broadcast Stations, 

applications shall be filed electronically 

in the International Bureau Filing 

System (IBFS). 

* * * * * 

■ 13. Amend § 73.3539 by revising 

paragraph (a) to read as follows: 

§ 73.3539 Application for renewal of 

license. 

(a) Unless otherwise directed by the 

FCC, an application for renewal of 

license shall be filed not later than the 

first day of the fourth full calendar 

month prior to the expiration date of the 

license sought to be renewed, except 

that applications for renewal of license 

of an experimental broadcast station 

shall be filed not later than the first day 

of the second full calendar month prior 

to the expiration date of the license 

sought to be renewed. If any deadline 

prescribed in this paragraph falls on a 

54402 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 188 / Friday, October 1, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 

nonbusiness day, the cutoff shall be the 

close of business of the first full 

business day thereafter. For 

International Broadcast Stations, 

applications shall be filed electronically 

in the International Bureau Filing 

System (IBFS). 

* * * * * 

■ 14. Amend § 73.3540 by revising 

paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows: 

§ 73.3540 Application for voluntary 

assignment or transfer of control. 

* * * * * 

(c) Application for consent to the 

assignment of construction permit or 

license must be filed on FCC Form 314 

‘‘Assignment of license’’ or FCC Form 

316 ‘‘Short form’’ (See paragraph (f) of 

this section). For International 

Broadcast Stations, the application shall 

be filed electronically in the 

International Bureau Filing System 

(IBFS). 

(d) Application for consent to the 

transfer of control of a corporation 

holding a construction permit or license 

must be filed on FCC Form 315 

‘‘Transfer of Control’’ or FCC Form 316 

‘‘Short form’’ (see paragraph (f) of this 

section). For International Broadcast 

Stations, applications shall be filed 

electronically in IBFS. 

* * * * * 

■ 15. Revise § 73.3545 to read as 

follows: 

§ 73.3545 Application for permit to deliver 

programs to foreign stations. 

Application under section 325(c) of 

the Communications Act for authority to 

locate, use, or maintain a broadcast 

studio in connection with a foreign 

station consistently received in the 

United States, should be made on FCC 

Form 308, ‘‘Application for Permit to 

Deliver Programs to Foreign Broadcast 

Stations.’’ An informal application may 

be used by applicants holding an AM, 

FM or TV broadcast station license or 

construction permit. Informal 

applications must, however, contain a 

description of the nature and character 

of the programming proposed, together 

with other information requested on 

Page 4 of Form 308. All applications 

must be filed electronically in the 

International Bureau Filing System 

(IBFS). 

[FR Doc. 2021–17394 Filed 9–30–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6712–01–P 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 

AFFAIRS 

48 CFR Parts 802, 852, and 853 

RIN 2900–AR30 

VA Acquisition Regulation: Definitions, 

Solicitation Provisions and Contract 

Clauses, and Forms 

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: This final rule amends the 

Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation 

(VAAR) to provide needed editorial 

changes. VA is publishing a technical 

amendment to make minor 

administrative corrections in the 

definitions, clauses, provisions and 

forms, and to remove duplicate or 

outdated definitions associated with the 

previously published rules. 

DATES: This rule is effective on 

November 1, 2021. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. 

Rafael N. Taylor, Senior Procurement 

Analyst, Procurement Policy and 

Warrant Management Services, 003A2A, 

425 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 

(202) 382–2787. (This is not a toll-free 

number.) 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

The purpose of this rule is to make 

minor final revisions and edits to three 

completed parts that are necessary to 

conform with FAR writing style, 

standard Government publication 

formats and drafting standards. VA is 

updating these parts to ensure 

standardization in titles with FAR 

drafting principles, as well as to update 

any VA organizational changes 

subsequent to the final rules. In 

particular, this rulemaking makes 

technical administrative amendments to 

part 802, Definitions; part 852, 

Solicitation Provisions and Contract 

Clauses; and part 853, Forms. 

The three parts addressed in this 

action have been reviewed and revised 

as affected parts during the course of the 

VAAR rewrite project. This is, therefore, 

a technical, non-substantive change to 

the texts of these three parts to ensure 

conformity with those standards. 

Discussion and Analysis 

Technical corrections include the 

following: 

a. For part 802: 

(1) Section 802.101 is amended to 

revise the definition for the Chief 

Acquisition Officer; the definition for 

COTR has been removed; the definition 

for COR has been added to reflect the 

current use of COR; the definitions for 

HCA and SPE have been revised to 

reflect the current organization structure 

of VA, and to update the website listed 

for Vendor Information Pages (VIP) has 

been updated. 

(2) Section 802.101 is also amended to 

delete the following definitions: Deputy 

Senior Procurement Executive (DSPE) 

and Resident Engineer. The DSPE role is 

currently inactive at the VA and the 

current definition for ‘‘Resident 

Engineer’’ is inaccurate and 

unnecessary. 

b. For part 852: 

(1) Section 852.101 is redesignated as 

section 852.101–70 to conform with the 

VAAR numbering convention. 

(2) Section 852.102 is amended to 

correct the word ‘‘chapter’’ because it 

was misspelled and to update website 

addresses in paragraphs (e) and (f) that 

have since changed. 

(3) Subpart 852.2 is amended to 

capitalize all the major words in the 

section titles of the provisions and 

clauses. 

(4) Section 852.216–75 is amended to 

delete the word ‘‘clause’’ in the title and 

to capitalize the major words in the title 

of the clause. 

c. For part 853: 

(1) Subpart 853.2 is amended to 

remove section 853.201 and section 

853.201–1 as they include references to 

the ‘‘VA Contracting Officer 

Certification Program’’ which no longer 

exists. 

(2) Subpart 853.2 is amended to 

remove section 853.215 and section 

853.215–70 as they are no longer 

referenced within the VAAR. 

(3) Amend Section 853.236 as well as 

sections 853.236–70, 853.236–71, and 

853.236–72 to standardize the format 

and style convention. 

(4) Amend subpart 853.2 to remove 

sections 853.271–1 and 853.271–2 as 

this coverage is no longer needed in the 

VAAR as the authority to perform the 

functions outlined in these sections are 

established by other provisions of law. 

Notice and Comment 

This rule makes administrative 

changes that do not require notice and 

comment procedures, consistent with 41 

U.S.C. 1707, 48 CFR 1.301, and related 

authority. The changes will not have a 

significant effect on any party and will 

not have a significant cost or 

administrative impact on contractors or 

offerors. 

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 

Executive Order 12866—Regulatory 

Planning and Review directs agencies to 

assess the costs and benefits of available 

regulatory alternatives and, if regulation