[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 120 (Thursday, June 21, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33233-33237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-15646]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. 000404094-1144-02]
RIN 0648-ZA84


Improved Methods for Ballast Water Treatment and Management and 
Lake Champlain Canal Barrier Demonstration: Request for Proposals for 
FY 2001

AGENCIES: National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce and Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the 
National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) and the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (Service) are entertaining proposals to participate in 
innovative research, outreach, and demonstration projects that address 
the problems of aquatic invasive species in U.S. waters. In FY 2001 
only, Sea Grant expects to make available about $800,000, and the 
Service $300,000, to support projects to improve ballast water 
treatment and management in the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes in 
particular (Sea Grant), and in U.S. coastal and Great Lakes waters in 
general (Service). Also in FY 2001 only, Sea Grant expects to make 
available about $95,000 to support projects to reduce the transport of 
invasive species through the Lake Champlain Canal.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of proposals at the National Sea Grant 
Office (NSGO) is 5 p.m. EDT, July 24, 2001. Note that late-arriving 
applications provided to a delivery service on or before July 23, 2001, 
with delivery guaranteed before 5 p.m. EDT, July 24, 2001, will be 
accepted for review if the applicant can document that the application 
was provided to the delivery service with delivery to the address 
listed below (see ADDRESSES) guaranteed prior to the specified closing 
date and time; and in any event, the proposals are received in the NSGO 
by 5 p.m. EDT, no later than 2 business days following the closing 
date. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of 
proposals will not be accepted. We anticipate that funding decisions 
will be made by August 31, 2001, and that successful applicants will be 
able to initiate projects approximately November 1, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Proposals must be submitted to the National Sea Grant Office 
at: National Sea Grant College Program, R/SG, Attn: Ballast Water 
Competition, Room 11841, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910 (phone number for express mail applications is 301-713-2435).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leon M. Cammen, Invasive Species 
Coordinator, National Sea Grant College Program, R/SG, NOAA, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or Mary Robinson, Secretary, 
National Sea Grant Office, 301-713-2435; facsimile 301-713-0799; or 
Sharon Gross, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 703-358-1718; facsimile 
703-358-2044.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Program Authority

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131.

    Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant Support; 
15.FFA, Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance.

II. Program Description

Background

    Nonindigenous species introductions are increasing in frequency and 
causing substantial damage to the Nation's environment and economy. 
Although the most prominent of these introductions in the aquatic 
environment has been the zebra mussel, many other nonindigenous species 
have been introduced and have truly become a nationwide problem that 
threatens many aquatic ecosystems. While some intentional introductions 
may have had beneficial effects, many other nonindigenous species 
already present in U.S. waters, or with the potential to invade, may 
cause significant damage to coastal resources and the economies that 
depend upon them. In response, the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance 
Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) and the 
National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 4711-4714) 
(collectively, the Acts) established a framework for the Nation to 
address the problems of aquatic nuisance species invasions of coastal 
and Great Lakes ecosystems.
    In addition, the Acts recognized the serious threat posed by 
ballast water discharge in causing new invasions and called for ballast 
water management demonstration programs. A 1996 National Research 
Council study of the ballast water problem, ``Stemming the Tide,'' 
concluded that with the growth of global shipping, and the changes in 
modern shipping practices, introductions of nonindigenous species 
through ballast water discharge were likely to remain a serious 
problem. The study called for the development of improved technology 
for the management of ballast water to eliminate this threat to the 
Nation's ecosystems. Several projects are under way demonstrating the 
usefulness of various technologies, and the possibility that there will 
be a single solution that is acceptable for all modes of shipping 
operations and classes of vessels is unlikely.
    In addition, vessels that declare No Ballast On Board (NOBOB) may 
still pose a potential risk for introducing nonindigenous species by 
reballasting into tanks containing residual ballast (including 
sediments) and subsequently discharging this mixture into the receiving 
waters. Although the concern has been most strongly expressed with 
respect to the Great Lakes, residual water and sediment also represent 
a

[[Page 33234]]

potential problem in other regions of the country.
    In addition to the potential for introductions of nonindigenous 
species from large ships, the spread of existing invasions is a major 
cause for concern. The Champlain Canal, opened just over 80 years ago, 
connects Lake Champlain with the Hudson River. In recent years it has 
served as the probable point of entry to Lake Champlain for several 
invading species, including the sea lamprey, the zebra mussel, the 
white perch, and the water chestnut. Planning has been under way for 
almost 10 years to construct a barrier at the Hudson River end of the 
canal that would prevent invasive species from entering the canal, but 
be harmless to humans.

Funding Availability and Priorities

(1) Ballast Water Treatment and Management
    The National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce (DOC) 
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the 
Interior (DOI) encourage proposals that address one of the following 
three program areas:
    (a) Research to develop workable and effective methods to eliminate 
nonindigenous species introductions from ballast water without imposing 
undue hardships on the shipping industry. Possible approaches include 
(but are not limited to) development and/or demonstration of ship-board 
or on-shore technologies for treatment or management of ballast water. 
Projects that include on-vessel demonstrations of feasibility will be 
given priority.
    (b) Research and/or synthesis of existing information and 
measurements to develop a set of ballast water effluent standards and/
or test methods that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of 
ballast water exchange and other technologies or treatments that may be 
developed, such that by meeting such a standard, any ballast water 
pumped into the environment would not pose an unacceptable risk of 
introduction of nonindigenous species to the receiving waters.
    (c) Research and/or synthesis of information and measurements to 
determine the risk of the introduction of nonindigenous species to the 
receiving waters from vessels carrying residual ballast (also known as 
vessels declaring No Ballast On Board, or NOBOB). Research should 
include consideration of vessels that have reballasted into tanks 
containing residual ballast and subsequently discharged this mixture 
into the receiving waters. Studies that examine the risks of 
introductions by NOBOBs, through analyses of shipping patterns and 
biological components, would be useful in developing preventative 
technology and practices. An approach that compared NOBOB patterns and 
risks in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay would be very useful, as 
the Chesapeake could serve as a model for other U.S. coastal port 
systems.
    The National Sea Grant College Program will support only those 
ballast water projects that clearly target ballast water management 
issues in the Chesapeake Bay and/or the Great Lakes, but investigators 
located outside those regions may participate if all demonstrations are 
carried out in the targeted regions. About $800,000 is available from 
Sea Grant to support these activities in FY 2001. Federal funding is 
limited to a maximum of $350,000 for each individual project; matching 
funds may also be included, but are not required. Proposals are limited 
to 1 year of funding, but activities may extend for up to 2 years; an 
annual report showing satisfactory progress must be submitted at he end 
of the first year. Project activities should include identified 
milestones for each project year. The Department of Commerce will 
reimburse Recipients for the Federal share of the total allocable 
indirect costs of their awards based on the negotiated rate with the 
cognizant Federal agency as established by audit or negotiation.
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will support projects that 
address ballast water management issues anywhere in coastal waters of 
the United States. About $300,000 is available to support these 
activities in FY 2001. The Federal funding requested for individual 
projects may not exceed $150,000; matching funds may also be included, 
but are not required. The indirect cost rate may not exceed 15 percent 
of direct costs. Proposals are limited to 1 year of funding, but 
activities may extend for up to 2 years; an annual report showing 
satisfactory progress must be submitted at the end of the first year. 
Project activities should include identified milestones for each 
project year.
(2) Lake Champlain Canal Barrier Demonstration
    The National Sea Grant College Program encourages proposals that 
address the following program area: Research and engineering studies or 
demonstrations that further the goal of constructing a safe, effective 
barrier to prevent organisms from entering Lake Champlain through the 
Champlain Canal.
    About $95,000 is available from Sea Grant to support these 
activities in FY 2001; matching funds may also be included, but are not 
required. Proposals are limited to 1 year of funding, but activities 
may extend for up to 2 years; an annual report showing satisfactory 
progress must be submitted at the end of the first year. Project 
activities should include identified milestones for each project year. 
The Department of Commerce will reimburse Recipients for the Federal 
share of the total allocable indirect costs of their awards based on 
the negotiated rate with the cognizant Federal agency as established by 
audit or negotiation.

III. Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign 
governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Applications from non-Federal and eligible Federal 
applicants (including NOAA employees) will be competed against each 
other. Proposals selected for funding from non-Federal applicants will 
be funded through a project grant or cooperative agreement under the 
terms of this notice. Federal agencies will be funded through an inter-
agency transfer.

    Please Note: A Federal applicant will be considered eligible 
only if it can demonstrate that it has legal authority to receive 
funds from another Federal agency in excess of its appropriation. 
The Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) will not be considered as legal 
authority to transfer funds since awards issued under this 
announcement will not constitute a purchase of goods or services by 
DOC or DOI.

IV. Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria for proposals submitted for support under 
this announcement are as follows:
    (1) Impact of Proposed Project (60% for ``Ballast Water Treatment 
and Management''; 70% for ``Lake Champlain Barrier Demonstration''): 
The effect this activity will have on reducing the impact of invasive 
species on the environment and/or the economy, or the need for this 
activity as a necessary step toward such a reduction in impact; and the 
degree to which potential users of the results of the proposed activity 
have been involved in planning the activity and will be involved in the 
execution of the activity appropriate, including provision of matching 
funds.
    (2) Scientific or Professional Merit (25% for ``Ballast Water 
Treatment and

[[Page 33235]]

Management''; 30% for ``Lake Champlain Barrier Demonstration''): Degree 
to which the activity will advance the state of the science or 
discipline through synthesis of existing information and use and 
extension of cutting edge as well as state-of-the-art methods; degree 
to which new approaches to solving problems and exploiting 
opportunities in resource management or development, or in public 
outreach on such issues will be employed; degree to which investigators 
are qualified by education, training, and/or experience to execute the 
proposed activity; and record of achievement with previous funding.
    (3) On-Vessel Demonstration (15% for ``Ballast Water Treatment and 
Management'' only): Inclusion of field-scale ship-aboard demonstration 
for projects proposing to develop ballast water treatment technologies 
or practices.

V. Selection Procedures

    Proposals will be subjected to peer review and ranked in accordance 
with the assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria by an 
independent panel consisting of government, academic, and industry 
experts. Panel members will provide individual evaluations on each 
proposal; there will be no consensus advice. Their recommendations and 
evaluations will be considered by the Federal Program Officers for Sea 
Grant and the Service who will: (a) Ascertain which proposals best meet 
the program priorities, as described in Section II under Funding 
Availability and Priorities, giving consideration to geographic 
distribution and representation, maintaining a balanced program of 
research, and not substantially duplicating other projects that are 
currently funded or are approved for funded by NOAA, DOI, and other 
State and Federal agencies (hence, awards may not necessarily be made 
to the highest-scored proposal); (b) select the proposals to be funded; 
(c) determine which components of the selected projects will be funded; 
(d) determine the total duration of funding for each proposal; and (e) 
determine the amount of funds available for each proposal. 
Investigators may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets 
prior to final approval of the award. Subsequent grant administration 
procedures will be in accordance with current DOC or DOI grants 
procedures. A summary statement of the scientific review by the peer 
panel will be provided to each applicant.

VI. Application Format

    Although investigators are not required to submit more than 3 
copies of each proposal, the normal review process requires 10 copies. 
Investigators are encouraged to submit sufficient copies for the full 
review process, if it does not cause a financial hardship, if they wish 
all reviewers to receive color, unusually sized (not 8.5" x 11"), or 
otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. Only 
three copies of the Federally required forms are needed. Facsimile 
transmissions and electronic mail submission of proposals will not be 
accepted.
    All pages should be single- or double-spaced, typewritten in at 
least a 10-point font, and printed on metric A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) or 
8.5" x 11" paper. Brevity will assist reviewers and program staff in 
dealing effectively with proposals. Therefore, the Project Description 
may not exceed 15 pages. Tables and visual materials, including 
figures, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, and other pictorial 
presentations, are included in the 15-page limitation for the Project 
Description; letters of support, if any, are not included in the 15-
page limitation. Conformance to the 15-page limitation will be strictly 
enforced. All information needed for review of the proposal should be 
included in the main text; no appendices, other than support letters, 
if any, are permitted. Failure to adhere to the above limitations will 
result in the proposal being rejected without review.
    (1) Signed Title Page: The title page should be signed by the 
Principal Investigator and the institutional representative. The 
Principal Investigators and collaborators and the institutional 
representative should be identified by affiliation and contact 
information. The total amount of Federal funds being requested should 
be listed for each budget period; for projects involving multiple 
institutions, the total should include all subrecipient budgets.
    (2) Project Summary: This information is very important. Prior to 
attending the peer review panel meetings, some of the panelists may 
read only the project summary. Therefore, it is critical that the 
project summary accurately describes the research being proposed and 
conveys all essential elements of the research. Applicants are 
encouraged to use the Sea Grant Project Summary Form 90-2, but may use 
their own form as long as it provides the following information: 1. 
Title: Use the exact title as it appears in the rest of the 
application. 2. Investigators: List the names and affiliations of each 
investigator who will significantly contribute to the project. Start 
with the Principal Investigator. 3. Funding: Funding request for each 
year of the project, including matching funds if appropriate. 4. 
Project Period: Start and completion dates. Proposals should request a 
start date of November 1, 2001, or later. 5. Project Summary: This 
should be a brief statement of the rationale for the project, the 
scientific or technical objectives and/or hypotheses to be tested, and 
a summary of work to be completed.
    (3) Project Description (15-page limit): (a) Introduction/
Background/Justification: Subjects that the investigator(s) may wish to 
include in this section are: (i) Current state of knowledge; (ii) 
contributions that the study will make to the particular discipline or 
subject area; (iii) contributions and impacts the study will make 
toward reducing the problem of aquatic invasive species; and (iv) as 
appropriate, contributions of investigator's previously funded research 
results to current proposal.
    (b) Research or Technical Plan: (i) Objectives to be achieved, 
hypotheses to be tested; (ii) plan of work--discuss how stated project 
objectives will be achieved; and (iii) role of project personnel.
    (c) Results/Output: Describe the project results/output and impacts 
that will enhance the Nation's ability to reduce the impacts of aquatic 
invasive species.
    (d) Coordination with other Program Elements: Describe any 
coordination with other agency programs or ongoing research efforts. 
Describe any other proposals that are essential to the success of this 
proposal.
    (e) Vessel Selection (if appropriate): Applications proposing on-
board demonstrations of ballast water management should address the 
requirements and priorities listed in the National Invasive Species Act 
of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 4711-4714) for selecting vessels for demonstration 
projects. These requirements are available through the Sea Grant web 
site (www.nsgo.seagrant.org/research/nonindigenous/RFP01.html) or from 
Dr. Leon Cammen at the National Sea Grant Office (phone: 301-713-2435 
x136 or e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c40494342024f4d414149426c42434d4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="620e070d0c4c01030f0f070c220c0d03034c050d14">[email protected]</span></a>).
    (4) Literature Cited
    (5) Budget and Budget Justification: There should be a separate 
budget for each year of the project as well as a cumulative annual 
budget for the entire project. Applicants are encouraged to use the Sea 
Grant Budget Form 90-4, but may use their own form as long as

[[Page 33236]]

it provides the same information as the Sea Grant form. Subcontracts 
should have a separate budget page. Matching funds must be indicated if 
provided. Applicants should provide justification for all budget items 
in sufficient detail to enable the reviewers to evaluate the 
appropriateness of the funding requested. For those applications to be 
supported by the Service, the indirect cost rate may not exceed 15 
percent of direct costs. For those applications to be supported by Sea 
Grant, the Department of Commerce will reimburse Recipients for the 
Federal share of the total allocable indirect costs of their awards 
based on the negotiated rate with the cognizant Federal agency as 
established by audit or negotiation.
    (6) Current and Pending Support: Applicants must provide 
information on all current and pending Federal support for ongoing 
projects and proposals, including subsequent funding in the case of 
continuing grants. The proposed project and all other projects or 
activities using Federal assistance and requiring a portion of time of 
the principal investigator or other senior personnel should be 
included. The relationship between the proposed project and these other 
projects should be described, and the number of person-months per year 
to be devoted to the projects must be stated. Similar information must 
be provided for all proposals already submitted or submitted 
concurrently to other possible sponsors, including those within the 
Departments of Commerce and the Interior.
    (7) Vitae (2 pages maximum per investigator).
    (8) Standard Application Forms: Applicants may obtain all required 
application forms through the Sea Grant web site: 
(www.nsgo.seagrant.org/research/rfp/index.html#3) or from Dr. Leon M. 
Cammen at the National Sea Grant Office (phone: 301-713-2435 x136 or e-
mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3bfb6bcbdfdb0b2bebeb6bd93bdbcb2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="224e474d4c0c41434f4f474c624c4d43430c454d54">[email protected]</span></a>).
    (a) Standard Forms 424, Application for Federal Assistance, and 
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs, (Rev 4-88). Please note 
that both the Principal Investigator and an administrative contact 
should be identified in Section 5 of the SF424. For Section 10, 
applicants should enter either ``11.417'' for the CFDA Number and ``Sea 
Grant Support'' for the title or ``15.FFA'' for the CFDA Number and 
``Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance'' for the title depending on 
the agency that will be supporting the project. The form must contain 
the original signature of an authorized representative of the applying 
institution.
    (b) Primary Applicant Certifications. 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:
    (i) Non-Procurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 105) are subject to 
15 CFR Part 26, ``Non-Procurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the 
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    (ii) Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, 
Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Government-
wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related 
section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    (iii) 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; and
    (iv) 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.
    (c) Lower Tier Certifications. Recipients shall require applicants/
bidders for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier 
covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if 
applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications 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.

VII. Other Requirements

    (1) Federal Policies and Procedures--Recipients and subrecipients 
and subject to all Federal laws and Federal, DOC, and DOI policies, 
regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance 
awards.
    (2) Past Performance--Unsatisfactory performance under prior 
Federal awards may result in an application not being considered for 
funding.
    (3) Pre-Award Activities--If applicants incur any costs prior to an 
award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being 
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written 
assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of DOC or DOI to cover pre-award costs.
    (4) No Obligation for Future Funding--If an application is selected 
for funding, DOC and DOI have no obligation to provide any additional 
future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to 
increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total 
discretion of DOC or DOI.
    (5) Delinquent Federal Debts--No award of Federal funds shall be 
made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt 
until either:
    (a) The delinquent account is paid in full,
    (b) A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received or
    (c) Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC or DOI are made.
    (6) 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 that significantly reflect on the 
applicant's management honesty or financial integrity.
    (7) 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.
    (8) Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products--Applicants 
are hereby notified that they will be encouraged, to the greatest 
extent practicable, to purchase American-made equipment and products 
with funding provided under this program.
    (9) Pursuant to Executive Orders 12876, 12900, and 13021, DOC/NOAA 
is strongly committed to broadening the participation of Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions 
(HSI), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) in its educational 
and research programs. The DOC/NOA vision,

[[Page 33237]]

mission, and goals are to achieve full participation by Minority 
Serving Institutions (MSI) in order to advance the development of human 
potential, to strengthen the Nation's capacity to provide high-quality 
education, and to increase opportunities for MSIs to participate in and 
benefit from Federal Financial Assistance programs. DOC/NOAA encourages 
all applicants to include meaningful participation of MSIs. 
Institutions eligible to be considered HBCU/MSIs are listed at the 
following Internet website: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OCR/99minin.html.
    (10) For awards receiving funding for the collection or production 
of geospatial data (e.g., GIS data layers), the recipient will comply 
to the maximum extent practicable with E.O. 12906, Coordinating 
Geographic Data Acquisition and Access, The National Spatial Data 
Infrastructure, 59 FR 17671 (April 11, 1994). The award recipient must 
document all new geospatial data collected or produced using the 
standard developed by the Federal Geographic Data Center and make that 
standardized documentation electronically accessible. The standard can 
be found at the following Internet website: (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/standards/html).

Classification

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not 
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this 
notice concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (See 5 U.S.C. 
553(a)(2)). Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq.
    This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866.
    This notice contains collection-of-information requirements subject 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Sea Grant Budget Form, 90-4, and 
Sea Grant Summary Form, 90-2, have been approved under Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) control number 0648-0362, with estimated 
times per response of 20 and 15 minutes respectively. The use of 
Standard Forms 424, 424b, and SF-LLL have been approved by OMB under 
the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0040, and 0348-0046. The 
response time estimates above include the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Send comments on these estimates or any 
other aspect of these collections to the National Sea Grant College 
Program, R/SG, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 
(Attention: Francis M. Schuler). Notwithstanding any other provision of 
the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be 
subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of 
information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 
unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
Control Number.

    Dated: June 18, 2001.
Louisa Koch,
Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    Dated: June 11, 2001.
Cathleen Short,
Assistant Director--Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, Fish and 
Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 01-15646 Filed 6-20-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KA-M


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